INTRO: Almaty Railway and West Kazakstan Railway are acquiring 32 repowering kits from Erie to upgrade unreliable dieselsAgeing Type 2TE10 locomotives in Kazakstan are suffering poor availability, mainly due to engine and associated parts performance. General Electric of Erie, Pennsylvania, is providing 32 kits of 7FDL12 engines, plus traction alternator, rectifiers, and all auxiliaries associated with the engine and alternator. The existing DC traction motors will continue in use.The first locomotive was sent to Erie for development of the kit installation process, and complete testing of the modernised unit (above). A railway team from both customers was present during installation and test, and will manage the installation and test process at each site in Kazakstan. GE will continue to assist on site as necessary.The engine, alternator and connected parts are assembled and mounted on a sub-frame which includes an air distribution duct (below). This is ready to be inserted into the locomotive on site. Other components such as the radiator, radiator fan and compressor are included in the kit for separate mounting.The modernisation process will greatly improve reliability and availability, reduce the repair resources needed, improve fuel efficiency, and cut environmental pollution. o
Omnibus II ‘disadvantages’ real estate over other asset classes
The true average volatility level for real estate across Europe is no more than 15%, he said.According to the agreed text of the directive, the standard model charge can be substituted by an internal model based on the actual volatility of an insurer’s property portfolio after approval by national regulators.But in practice, devising this tailored solvency requirement is a very expensive option only open for big insurers, according to Rupp.“Large companies can do that to avoid the 25%, but smaller companies find that quite hard to do, and the cost is a deal breaker,” he said.However, negotiators from the European Parliament, member states and the European Commission did strike a compromise that provides some flexibility in calculating how much capital insurers must hold to protect against market swings, INREV said.The final agreement included a 65% across-the-board volatility dampener that takes account of the cash insurers need to set aside to meet their liquidity needs in case their portfolio value decreases.The cash needed for the whole portfolio is calculated and then multiplied by 65%.This dampener effectively reduces the 25% standard model charge for real estate, but Rupp pointed out it would also apply to other asset classes.“At the end of the day, real estate is still in a relatively disadvantaged position,” he said.John Forbes, an independent consultant specialising in real estate, said following the tripartite agreement on Omnibus II, there were still significant areas of uncertainty to be resolved in the Solvency II regime.The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) now has the task of finalising the level 2 regulations that will implement Solvency II, he said.“Apart from the uncertainty in the regulation itself, the real estate industry faces a lack of clarity as to how individual insurance companies will implement the changes necessary,” Forbes said. Investment managers now also need to establish what information their insurance clients need for their capital charge modelling, he said, adding that insurers were only just beginning to work out the answer to this question.Melville Rodrigues, partner at CMS Cameron McKenna, said there were elements of the announcements that real estate fund managers would not welcome, and they should continue to monitor Solvency II developments.“For instance, managers may need to adjust their reporting practices and comply with the look-through principle,” he said. Real estate has been disadvantaged compared with other asset classes in the Omnibus II agreement reached by EU institutions on Wednesday night because the solvency capital charge for insurers on property holdings is too high, according to INREV.The Omnibus II directive, which updates and makes changes to the EU’s Solvency II risk-based regulatory regime for the union’s insurers, retains the standard model 25% charge for real estate holdings, said INREV, the European Association for Investors in Non-Listed Real Estate Vehicles.Jeff Rupp, director of public affairs at INREV, said: “The bad news is the 25% standard change, which is supposed to reflect the volatility of portfolios across Europe – but which, research has shown, overstates it.”The association has argued that the data used to come up with the figure of 25% to represent the volatility of real estate – the IPD UK monthly index – does not include data from Continental Europe or residential property, and so overstates the volatility of the asset class for Europe as a whole.
Investors bullish on real estate in 2014 – global study
European investors were also positive on real estate, with 48.9% expecting to increase allocations, compared with 26.9% of North American investors.INREV, the real estate fund association for Europe, has been carrying out its Investment Intentions survey since 2007, but has teamed up with ANREV and PREA – its counterparts in Asia and the US, respectively – to provide a more global perspective.The results were revealed at the INREV Winter Seminar in London on Wednesday evening, where delegates heard that Germany was the top target market in Europe when including domestic investors, and the UK was the most popular market for international investors.UK offices was the most popular country-sector combination, preferred by 45% of investors, followed by French offices (44%) and German offices (43%).It was also revealed that ‘investment style’ preferences in European real estate funds remained consistent with 12 months ago, with approximately half of investors preferring core investments, around 42% preferring value-added strategies and roughly 7% preferring opportunistic investments.But Hesp revealed that the numbers for value-added and opportunistic would be lower if not for North American investors, which typically look for higher returns when investing outside their domestic market.The majority (70%) of Americans prefer value-add and the remaining 30% prefer opportunistic, while 66.7% of Asian investors prefer core and the remaining 33.3% are split evenly between value-add and opportunistic.Most European investors prefer core, especially Dutch (76.5%) and Swiss (75%) investors, although the majority of German investors (66.7%) also showed a preference for value-add strategies.Matthias Thomas, chief executive at INREV, said: “The global ‘Investment Intentions Survey’ reflects a generally positive sentiment across the industry as we enter 2014.“And while we see some familiar anticipated behaviours – such as European investors adopting a mostly defensive strategy and their US and Asian counterparts being more opportunistic – in Europe, there are also interesting shifts in attitude with a growing appetite for risk.” Institutional investors across the globe are increasing their allocations to real estate and intend to plough €35bn into the asset class in 2014, according to research by INREV, ANREV and PREA.The Investment Intentions Survey, a joint project between the three associations, surveyed 142 investors and found that, on average, they intend to increase their allocations from 9.5% to 10.3%.According to Casper Hesp, director of research and market information at INREV, greater confidence among investors, a more stable economic picture and perceived diversification benefits were the main factors behind the trend.Investors from Asia-Pacific were responsible for much of the growth, with 53.8% of those surveyed expecting to increase their allocations over the next two years.
Merseyside appoints transition managers for asset allocation review
The Merseyside Pension Fund has appointed four transition managers as it looks to implement a drastic overhall of its asset allocation – and managers – over the next four years.The £5bn (€6bn) fund, one of the largest local government funds in the UK, announced its intention to appoint a raft of transition managers late last year.It has since appointed BlackRock, State Street, Citigroup Global Markets and Japanese bank Nomura.The managers have been appointed on a four-year contract, running under a framework agreement to be utilised as and when the fund requires transition services. Merseyside said it would be reviewing its investment arrangements and expects to make amendments to its asset allocation and investment managers over the next four years.It added that, because its asset allocation contains a diverse range of assets and asset managers, it will require different transition managers for differing situations.The four appointed transition managers, chosen from a compeititve tender of eight, will now be subject to a “mini-competition exercise” whenever the fund requires transition services.The appointment will come as a boost to State Street in particular, given recent turmoil at the bank over its transition management services.Its transition management arm was recently handed a £23m fine from the UK financial regulator over “significant failings” in the business.State Street had been deliberately overcharging six institutions – to the tune of £20m in revenue – the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said, as it criticised the bank’s internal controls.Further to this, a long-standing client, the National Pension Reserve Fund (NPRF) of Ireland, terminated all of its contracts in the aftermath of the fine.The NPRF, one of the clients to be overcharged by State Street’s UK transition management business, had previously reclaimed €2.65m in non-contractual fees imposed by the bank.
Dutch transport scheme returns 1.6% in April, aided by hedge portfolios
During the first quarter, when interest rates also decreased, the pension fund’s holdings of fixed income and interest swaps, delivered more than 3%, it said.Equity (26.7%), property (2.5%) and infrastructure (0.9%) returned 0.71%, 0.67% and 2% respectively during the first three months.Vervoer noted that its funding at March-end would have been 109.3% without applying the three-month average, which has been the official discount rate during the past few years.The transport scheme manages the pensions of 624,000 participants in total. The €15.8bn Dutch transport pension fund, Vervoer, returned 1.6% in April, following a 6% yield during the first quarter of 2014. In the wake of a further drop in interest rates in April, the scheme’s 64.3% fixed income portfolio contributed 0.4 percentage points to the monthly result, the scheme said.Its hedge of the interest risk on its liabilities and currency added 1 percentage point and 0.2 percentage points to the April return.As the fall of interest rates caused an increase of liabilities, Vervoer’s coverage ratio dropped 0.4 percentage points to 112.3% in April.
Board-expertise regulations force liquidation of Dutch pension fund
The €125m pension fund of fashion chain Peek & Cloppenburg has decided to liquidate itself to join the €12bn industry-wide scheme for the Dutch retail sector, Detailhandel. Chairman Jos van Noort told IPE that demands from regulator De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) to increase the level of expertise among its trustees had also been a factor in its decision, adding that the pension fund felt the DNB’s demands could jeopardise its “continuity”.Currently, the Pensioenfonds Peek & Cloppenburg boasts a funding ratio of 120% – although Van Noort acknowledged this was partly due to savings on admin costs following its decision to merge.He added that any funding surplus at the P&C scheme at the time of the merger – scheduled for 1 January 2015 – would be added to the pension rights of “his” participants and pensioners. As of the end of August, Detailhandel reported a funding ratio of 119.6%. Van Noort said the P&C scheme had refrained from placing its pensions arrangements with an insurer largely due to the risk that “insurers can go bust”.This would hit younger participants in particular, according to the board.The chairman also said the consolidation had come at the request of the employer.The liquidation of the P&C scheme – and its subsequent merger with Detailhandel – is still subject to DNB approval, according to Van Noort, who also said arrangements still needed to be fleshed out with the industry-wide scheme.The Pensioenfonds Peek & Cloppenburg has approximately 3,000 participants, of which 600 are active. In January, it granted its participants an 0.5% indexation.It increased the annual pensions accrual from 1.47% to 1.62% last year.
Sweden’s AP2 loses head of external equity to State Street think tank
A spokeswoman for AP2 confirmed that the buffer fund had filled the vacancy with an internal appointment but declined to name the replacement.The fund has more than SEK280bn (€30.5bn) in assets and employs external managers for global equity and credit strategies, emerging market sovereign debt and some of its alternative mandates – including its holdings in Chinese A shares.In 2014, it overhauled the way in which it manages its emerging market holdings, bringing a majority of the mandates in-house.CAR, which was established in 2011, conducts primary and secondary search projects spanning several years.It has partnerships with the Boston University Center for Finance, Law & Policy and Tufts University, which is home to the Fletcher Network for Sovereign Wealth and Global Capital.Read about how AP2 and other leading investors are lowering the carbon footprint of their portfolios The head of external equity managers at AP2 has departed the Swedish buffer fund for a US-based think tank.Mimmi Kheddache-Jendeby joined the Center for Applied Research (CAR), State Street’s think tank, earlier this month and will be vice-president and senior research strategist. She graduated from the University of Gothenburg in 2003 with a masters in industrial and financial economics and was hired immediately by AP2, only leaving in early January.Kheddache-Jendeby spent several years at the fund as portfolio manager for external mandates and was most recently head of equity for external managers.
Global pension assets top $36trn, rising 6% in 2014 – Towers Watson
Assets at the end of 2014 accounted for 84% of global GDP, compared with just 54% six years earlier.Global investment director at Towers Watson, Roger Urwin, said the 84% figure still showed poor value for pensioner populations.“While there has been a significant improvement in various pension balance sheets around the world since the financial crisis, many DB pension funds are still in very weak solvency positions,” he said.“The acid test for national pension systems should be to get assets to at least 150% of GDP. If that were combined with an improving recognition of good governance as a return driver and sustainable investing as genuinely value adding, it would put the pensions world in much better shape.”Only the Netherlands (166%) surpassed the 150% figured cited by Urwin, with the US, Switzerland, the UK and Australia joining the Dutch in surpassing the 100% mark.Towers Watson also said the seven largest pensions markets tinkered with asset allocation over the course of 2014, with 42.3% in equities, 30.6% in bonds and 24.8% in alternatives.Allocations to bonds increased over the year, alternatives decreased and equities remained level.Last year’s report highlighted the UK’s overtaking Japan as the second-largest pensions market. Pensions assets across the globe surpassed $36trn (€32trn) in 2014 after a strong surge in Australia, Mexico and Hong Kong offset slower growth in Europe.The average growth rate of pension assets in the 16 largest markets was 8% on an annualised basis between 2004 and 2014, research from Towers Watson showed.Its annual ‘Global Pensions Assets Study’ showed a 6.1% rise in global pension assets, in US dollar terms, with the US, the UK and Japan still accounting for more than 75% of that figure.Rising assets in Mexico (19%), South Africa (13%) and Hong Kong (10%) supported the growth of the overall industry, calculated on an annualised basis in local currency between 2004 and 2014. Source: Towers WatsonPension asset growth over one, five and 10-year periods in local currency terms
Australia, the world’s fourth-largest pensions market, had 11.2% growth.The UK saw 9% growth, the Netherlands 8.2% and Germany 7.4%, while pension assets in Switzerland, France and Ireland grew by 3.1%, 2.5% and 5.6%, respectively, over the 10-year period.Towers Watson said the Netherlands led the way over the course of the year, with more than 20% growth in assets, closely followed by France, Germany and Ireland.Switzerland and the UK both saw more than 10% growth in assets, with Brazil the only major pensions country to experience a fall, with close to negative 5%.#*#*Show Fullscreen*#*#
Swiss pension funds put on brave face over negative interest rates
“But pension funds are reacting – they are looking at plan design and de-risking adjustments and choosing more conservative technical parameters.”One example of this is the PKSBB, the pension fund for Switzerland’s federal railways, which announced in recent months that it would lower its discount and conversion rates and shift to generation tables for its longevity calculations.But Markus Hübscher, managing director at PKSBB, warned that interest rates were “falling faster than we can adjust our technical parameters”.He added that the PKSBB had rejected plans to increase investment risk or risk budget, as the company feared it might have to pay more money into the scheme. However, the SBB has decided to buffer losses suffered by members through cuts in the conversion rate and will help the Pensionskasse to top up pension payouts.This way, pensions will be kept at the level promised under the 5.8% conversion rate, despite the rate’s being cut to 5.22%.Hübscher said the current debate on negative interest rates and the difficult market environment in Switzerland had helped make plain these measures to members.“Before, many members did not understand the link between low interest rates and low expected returns of a pension fund,” he said.“But, with a negative interest rate, now they understand.”Peter Zanella, managing director at Towers Watson Switzerland, speculated that the debate might actually help sway public opinion on a number of contentious changes planned under the Altersvorsorge 2020 reform proposal.In 2010, the voters rejected a cut in the conversion rate to 6.4%, but now the proposed cut to 6% might be “easier to achieve”, he said.And Lukas Riesen, a partner at PPCmetrics, said the situation regarding pension payouts was actually better than expected, because, at the time the payout levels were guaranteed, providers had actually factored inflation into their calculations, which has not occurred.“The system in itself remains good,” he said. “It just needs to be adjusted to reality.” Swiss pension funds are trying to look on the bright side of their new-found situation, brought about after the issuance of 10-year government bonds with negative interest rates.Christoph Ryter, president at the Swiss pension fund association ASIP, said a number of changes to technical parameters had already been accounted for, particularly at pension funds managing above-mandatory assets, which is currently the majority.“I do not see vultures circling over the Pensionskassen yet,” he said. “They can adapt to the situation.”Responding to media reports warning of possible funding problems in the Swiss second pillar, Olivier Vaccaro, a consulting partner at Aon Hewitt, said: “Of course, if the current environment remains the same, there will be a big problem. 
Norway’s oil fund criticises bundled board member voting
The cost of doing this was negligible, NBIM said, countering arguments that cost was a reason for gathering board candidates into just one voting item.“In cases were votes are effectively bundled, we may need to vote against the board slate if we have serious concerns with individual board candidates,” NBIM said.Although this ran contrary to usual practice in certain markets, the asset manager said proper recording and reporting of shareholder votes in board elections would support the integrity of the board election process. It outlined many different ways that boards are elected and votes counted across different markets, including the practice of votes being given by show of hands, which allows no vote count by share.“We encourage all stakeholders in the proxy voting chain, including companies and regulators, to contribute to an individual-vote count market standard,” it said.It said that its conclusion was backed by the trend to move away from bundling and towards individual votes in markets such as France, Germany and Spain.Sweden and Finland were among the few remaining advanced markets that had bundled board elections, it said.Bundled elections are also usual practice in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Luxembourg and Turkey, and are common in Greece, Italy, Mexico and South Korea, according to NBIM.The manager has recently changed its approach to engagement, and will now disclose select voting positions ahead of AGMs. Norway’s NOK6.9trn (€812bn) sovereign wealth fund has spoken out against shareholder voting practices that stop asset owners from being able to single out individual company directors when they are unhappy with them.In a paper on the issue, Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), which manages the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), warned it may vote against whole boards if the system means it cannot express dissatisfaction with an individual member of that board.NBIM said: “We find that the balance of arguments are clearly in favour of a policy requiring each board candidate to be a separate voting item, with individual count at the shareholder meeting and subsequent disclosure of vote statistics.”Board elections were a mechanism for making boards accountable to shareholders, and having an individual vote count of each board member seemed to work well in markets where this was the normal practice, it said.
Berkshire fund abandons property subsidiary over Scottish devolution risk
“Accordingly,” the document states, “the Council were advised that the fund would not be requesting them to set up a Scottish Limited Partnership to hold its private rented residential investments.”The Scottish parliament currently has limited tax-raising powers and is able to vary the rate of income tax charged by 3 percentage points.Under legislation currently being debated, the devolved assembly would be granted more significant powers, including over income tax rates and air passenger duties.The decision has not halted Berkshire’s acquisition of PRS assets.Greenwood confirmed in the same report that the fund bought a 70% stake in an apartment block in the town of Wokingham for £5.7m.Greenwood’s report said the building consisted of 40 flats, all of which were rented, and that the fund was expecting to yield 4% from its investment by next year. The fund was recently involved in talks with two neighbouring boroughs that would have seen the merger of the three local government pension funds (LGPS).However, Berkshire’s most recent business plan said it still hoped to reduce costs through “co-operative working with other LGPS funds” over the course of 2015-16. The Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund has shelved plans for a wholly owned property subsidiary over the devolution of greater tax powers to Scotland.The £1.6bn (€1.9bn) local authority fund was previously considering the launch of a Scottish Limited Partnership to hold its private rented sector (PRS) housing assets as it built up a portfolio, but it abandoned the idea earlier this month.Nick Greenwood, pension fund manager for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, said the limited partnership idea was dropped after the UK government promised the Scottish parliament greater tax-raising powers in the wake of 2014’s unsuccessful independence referendum.In a document tabled at the fund’s most recent pensions committee, Greenwood said representatives for the pension fund and the council’s head of finance agreed that the “small risk” of loss of tax transparency for the limited partnership – “the possibility the income received in a Scottish Limited Partnership would be taxed in Scotland” – outweighed any benefits Berkshire might gain from setting up the company.
Pension fund for Dutch agricultural sector takes in four new schemes
Bpf Landbouw, the €15bn industry-wide scheme for agricultural workers in the Netherlands, has taken in four pension funds with combined assets of €880m last year.The pension fund now covers a broad spectrum of industries, including horticulturists and agricultural contractors.Last year, the pension funds of Givaudan, a fragrance and food-flavouring specialist, and Dairy Trading, a dairy producer, joined Landbouw after they were liquidated and transferred their pension assets.Groenten en Fruit, the sector scheme for the vegetables and fruit processing industry, and the company pension fund of Heinz also merged with Landbouw in 2015. Merging with the pension funds raised the total number of participants in Landbouw by more than 19,000 to approximately 620,000.Because Landbouw outsourced its pensions provision to Aegon subsidiary TKP, the pension funds of Givaudan and Dairy Trading terminated contracts in place with Aon Hewitt.Groenten en Fruit and the Heinz scheme had to leave Syntrus Achmea and NN subsidiary AZL, respectively.Bpf Landbouw has outsourced its asset management to Achmea Investment Management.As a result of the four pension funds joining the agricultural scheme, the asset managers BMO (Groenten en Fruit), Robeco (Heinz), SEI Investments (Givaudan) and Aegon Asset Management (Dairy Trading) lost clients.Because all joining schemes had a higher funding than Landbouw, they could benefit from the surplus assets through one-off increases of pension rights, with the participants of Dairy Trading and Groenten en Fruit receiving improvements of 7% and 12%, respectively.At November-end, Bpf Landbouw’s policy funding ratio – the criterion for rights cuts and indexation – stood at 100.9%.
Switzerland roundup: Mercer formalises pension fund advice partnership
In a statement he said: “Mercer’s broad range of services enables us to provide a holistic approach to serving our clients, giving us and our clients access to an international network of specialists.” Vontobel restructuringVontobel Asset Management has combined its multi-asset class and Vescore businesses to form a single CHF40bn (€35bn) multi-asset boutique.Christophe Bernard, chief strategist and head of the existing multi-asset business, is departing in connection with the move, with Daniel Seiler, Vescore’s chief investment officer, set to lead the combined team.Bernard had decided to leave Vontobel after the transfer of responsibilities was complete, according to a statement from the manager.Investors could now choose between systematic, fundamental or combined strategies “based on a state-of-the-art risk management setup”, it added.Systematic solutions would continue to be offered under the Vescore brand, while more fundamental solutions would be offered under the Vontobel Asset Management brand.“Markets change all the time, so investors and we must adapt continuously,” said Seiler. “By combining skill-based and systematic expertise in one platform, Vontobel can access a wider range of alpha sources.”compenswiss legal status switchGovernment ministers have approved the final arrangements for compenswiss to become a federal institution with its own legal status with effect from 1 January.The three social security funds whose assets (totalling €30.9bn) it manages will be transferred to the new entity. They were previously legally independent.Christophe Schaer, the funds’ chief investment strategist, talked to IPE about the benefits of the new arrangement earlier this year. Mercer’s Swiss business has officially partnered with independent domestic pension fund consultancy CMP Egliada after a year-long pilot phase.The organisations said they wanted to deepen their collaboration in the long term.“We have seen that the collaboration works well and our customers are very satisfied,” said Samuel Lisse, CEO for Mercer Switzerland.Three-person consulting company CMP Egliada was founded in September 2017. The word ‘egliada’, according to the company, means overview, perspective or insight, as well as far-sighted in Switzerland’s Romansch language. The ‘CMP’ stands for the names of the founding partners: Livio Cathomen, Ursula May, and Matthias Pfiffner, Cathomen told IPE.
Swiss lawmakers reject variable pension payouts
Swiss pension providers are unlikely to be permitted to alter pension payouts to retirees after a committee of MPs rejected a proposal to allow flexibility around existing payments.The group of 22 politicians – known as the SGK-NR commission – narrowly voted down the proposal, making it unlikely that parliament would approve it.The motion was put forward by Green Party MP Thomas Weibel in December 2017 to help ease the mounting pressure on Pensionskassen from fixed pension payouts. The pressure has increased due to high conversion rates and low interest rates.In Switzerland pension levels are promised when a contract with a Pensionskasse is signed, meaning adding variable elements to existing pension promises is almost unprecedented. In their reasoning, the committee argued that variable pension payments would “bring great uncertainty” to members of Pensionskassen.Additionally, the committee said that introducing such a fundamental change to the second pillar could interfere with other pension reforms currently under discussion.Those who voted in favour of the motion cited the “unfair” use of active members’ accrued assets to pay existing pensioners’ benefits, as was the case with a number of Pensionskassen in Switzerland.A small number of companies have introduced a form of top-up element that can vary with time, while 1e plans for high earners also have variability for payouts – but in most cases this only applies to new members.Overall, the concept – even for new contracts – is regarded with scepticism by the Swiss pensions industry. Variable pension payments were the subject of a heated debate at a conference in Zurich organised by regional supervisor BVS. Pension funds welcome decisionAfter the vote, the Swiss pension fund association Asip welcomed the commission’s decision.“Without a minimum guarantee the reliability of the occupational pension system and people’s trust in it would be strained,” Asip warned.Rather than introducing a variable element to existing pensions, the lobby group called on Pensionskassen to “issue much more cautiously defined guarantees today to allow for possible surpluses to be shared with pensioners in the future”.Under current regulations, inflation-linked pension increases have to be granted by individual funds and do not happen automatically. Payouts can be increased but cannot be cut, even when a pension fund is in financial trouble.Lower levels of guarantees in future contracts could still prove insufficient to help Pensionskassen that are struggling with keeping promises made when interest rates were higher.Weibel has brought forward several motions over the past few years to reform the occupational pension sector, including one aimed at making infrastructure investments more attractive for Pensionskassen.This was approved by both chambers of parliament last year but has yet to make it into legislation.
Dollar, yen appreciation behind Philips scheme’s 2.4% investment loss
The Philips fund also reduced the strategic allocation of its combined equity and property holdings to 35-45%, following an asset-liability management study. Its fixed income allocation was to range from 55% to 65%, the scheme said.At year-end, the pension fund held 42.5% in equity and property, and 57.5% in fixed income.The pension fund said its passively managed government bond portfolio gained 2.9% “following high demand as a result of worries about the economy”. Source: PhilipsPhilips’ Dutch pension fund lost 2.4% in 2018Mortgages delivered 0.3% as a result of a new valuation method, based on individual housing loans and an interest rate based on consumer tariffs. Without these changes, the gain would have been 2.7%.It lost 1.6% on its holdings of emerging market debt. Of this, the majority was due to “strong volatility of government bonds of Turkey and Argentina”, the Philips scheme said.High-yield credit delivered 2.4% – an outperformance of 40 basis points – due to a defensive position aimed at a higher creditworthiness, it said.The Philips Pensioenfonds credited high returns from property funds for its 3.1% overall gain from real estate. This was 1.7 percentage points short of its benchmark, Philips said, but its portfolio was still under construction and in part invested in cash. The pension fund planned to fill the allocation with indirect non-listed property investments.Roel Wijmenga, the scheme’s chairman, said the board was concerned about the costs of a transition from average pensions accrual to degressive accrual, planned as part of wide-ranging Dutch pension reforms.He estimated that costs for his pension fund would be “hundreds of millions”, and urged the government to thoroughly look into the effects of the change in case “the remedy turns out to be worse than the problem”.Wijmenga said that the Philips Pensioenfonds was soon to begin the selection process for a pensions administrator to take over from PGGM, its current provider, from 2022. The provider would also have to ensure the scheme was optimally prepared for the introduction of a new pensions system.He added that PGGM would also participate in the selection process and that a decision should be finalised before the end of 2019. The €18.5bn Dutch pension fund of electronics giant Philips said its 2.4% loss last year was entirely due to its currency hedge.In its annual report for 2018, the scheme said that the US dollar and the Japanese yen had both appreciated relative to the euro, but its hedge was positioned for depreciation.Despite the negative contribution to its overall result, the pension fund insisted that it was sensible to keep on hedging currency risk given that its liabilities were in euros. In addition, it said research had shown that running currency risk didn’t pay off in the long term.However, the scheme said it had decided to halve the full currency hedge in its equity portfolio “for strategic reasons”.
Amundi teams up with Asian infrastructure bank for $1bn climate bond fund
Europe’s largest asset manager has launched a $500m (€453m) climate bond fund in partnership with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).The organisations are aiming to raise an additional $500m from other institutional investors for the Asia Climate Bond Portfolio before starting to deploy capital from January 2020, according to a press release published today.Amundi and AIIB have developed an analysis framework for securities aimed at assessing “issuers’ ability to cope with climate change”, taking into account each company’s “green business”, climate mitigation efforts and resilience to the effects of climate change.Using this framework, Amundi’s global emerging market debt team will allocate to “labelled green bonds and unlabelled climate bonds” and engage with issuers to improve their resilience to climate change. The investors also said they wanted to engage with companies to “support the emergence of climate champions” in sectors such as infrastructure. NN IP claimed the fund was in a position to save 547,505 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, based on the impact of its investments in environmental assets.In addition, NN IP reported that the funded had outperformed its benchmark – the Bloomberg Barclays MSCI Euro Green Bond index – by 63 basis points a year since launch, before deducting fees.Bram Bos, lead portfolio manager for green bonds at NN IP, said the fund’s focus on “dark green” assets meant investors were able to reduce their carbon footprints and protect against climate risk “without sacrificing liquidity and returns”.“Dark green” bonds, according to NN IP, are linked to projects making a “measurable positive contribution” to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on “climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.“In addition, we observe that these bonds offer better governance and greater transparency due to a higher level of engagement with issuers and stricter reporting requirements,” Bos addedThe global green bond market was worth €440bn at the end of June 2019, according to NN IP.
Credit: Peggy and Marco Lachmann-Anke Air pollution in Shanghai, ChinaLord Nicholas Stern – an economist and professor at the London School of Economics who also sits on AIIB’s advisory board – said the fund would “help support the emergence of green leaders in Asia” and mobilise “very large amounts of money for climate action and the energy transition in critical regions of the world”.He added: “We should expect strong performance – more responsible investment and more modern techniques offer better returns.”DJ Pandian, the AIIB’s chief investment officer, said: “We expect this investment will demonstrate how international financial institutions can approach development finance differently to support the Paris Agreement and adoption of climate finance principles.”The investors said a portion of investment proceeds would be allocated to “market education, engagement and issuer support”.AXA IM launches impact fundAXA Investment Managers plans to launch an impact investing fund targeting companies serving consumers in Latin America, Asia and southern Africa.The French investment house is aiming to raise $300-$400m to allocate to private companies operating in sectors such as healthcare and finance.In a statement announcing the launch, AXA IM specifically highlighted companies seeking to improve access to drugs and vaccines, and those seeking to improve financial coverage to new groups of people.Earlier this year, the asset manager launched an impact fund focused on climate and biodiversity, raising $175m. AXA IM’s impact investing team runs $600m in total.NN IP green bond fund hits €1bnDutch asset manager NN Investment Partners’ (NN IP) green bond fund has reached €1bn in assets under management in three years since its launch in 2016.
Netherlands roundup: Smurfit to pay €2.4m for transfer to single pension plan
Packaging material manufacturer Smurfit Kappa and the unions have reached an agreement on the firm’s plan to place pensions accrual for its Dutch staff with a single pension fund.The employer will pay an additional contribution of €2.4m to its €772m pension fund.In addition, the 300 active participants of the €142m Pensioenfonds Smurfit Nederland, who are to join the larger scheme, will now pay the same premium as their Smurfit Kappa colleague members and will join the same pension plan.Under the initial plan, the transferring participants would have to pay a higher contribution, while their accrued pension – reinsured by Nationale Nederlanden – would no longer be raised for inflation compensation. The parties have agreed that the €2.4m would be paid into a separate deposit, to be managed by the remaining pension fund for all (former) participants of Pensioenfonds Smurfit Nederland, which is to be liquidated.The employer had already promised to pay €550,000 in total for the transfer of defined contribution plans to Smurfit Kappa pension fund, as well as the transfer of defined benefit pensions to Nationale Nederlanden.Any assets remaining after the liquidation of the Pensioenfonds Smurfit Nederland would be used for a one-off indexation of pension rights at the insurer, according to the parties.At the end of November, the funding ratio at Smurfit Kappa stood at 101.4%.Van Lanschot scheme closes to new entrantsThe €1.1bn pension fund of Dutch boutique investor Van Lanschot Kempen has closed to new entrants as of 1 January.On its website, it said it was assessing possible scenarios for its future, while highlighting that it was able to continue independently for the time being.It announced it had sufficient financial means to pay for pensions provision without affecting its funding ratio, and that its governance was up-to-date.According to the pension fund, 2020 was a “logical moment” to look at new pension arrangements, as the contract for pensions provision between the employer and the scheme expired at the end of 2019.Currently, the pension fund implements a defined benefit plan for employees with a salary up to €52,807, and defined contribution arrangements for any surplus salary.A spokesman for the company said new pensions accrual – in a DC plan – was placed with ASR, adding that the employer intended to collectively transfer the accrued DC capital for the salary part exceeding €52,807 to ASR.At the end of November, the scheme’s coverage ratio stood at 107.8%. The pension fund has approximately 1,120 active participants, 2,355 deferred members and 795 pensioners.
Consultants unravel coronavirus implications for Dutch schemes
It said the return on emerging market equities was -3.4% in January, to which the firm alsp blames the virus for.As interest rates dropped considerably, the 30-year swap rate – Dutch schemes’ main standard for discounting liabilities – fell by 29bps to 0.34%, both firms said.As a consequence, pension funds’ liabilities rose by approximately 5% under the official discount rate, which is boosted by the application of an ultimate forward rate (UFR), according to Mercer.Were the pure market rate to be used, liabilities had risen even higher, by 6%, it added.Aon warned that Dutch pension funds remain vulnerable because of the sector’s widely shared expectation of lower returns in the coming years.It said that investment results ranging from 3-4%, including volatility, threatens to limit pension funds’ recovery potential.Although social affairs’ minister Wouter Koolmees has granted a temporary reprieve last November from the minimum funding requirements, the minimum required coverage ratio will be back from 90% to the official level of 104.3% at year-end.‘Stay calm’Aaron Costello, regional head for Asia, at Cambridge Associates, said: “Investors should stay calm.” While the Wuhan coronavirus is still spreading, the virus remains less deadly and more contained than the SARS outbreak of 2002–03.“Looking at other epidemics, history suggests that after an initial sharp hit, economies and markets typically recover quickly,” he added.He said the economic and human impact of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak is still increasing, and markets may decline further in the coming weeks.However, investors should not overreact. “Indeed, further downside in Asian and Chinese equities may provide a compelling buying opportunity once the fear subsides,” he said.StyleAnalytics, a factor analysis expert company, said the biggest economic risk at this point is fear of a Chinese market collapse and a drop in Chinese productivity/supply chain to the rest of the world.It agrees that investors “shouldn’t worry much about factor tilts if the virus remains contained to China”.But it suggests that if the contagion results in a fear-scenario, investors might want to tilt towards low-volatility and away from small-cap equity.It said: ”Since the biggest impact of this virus will almost certainly be to the Chinese economy, the protection that low-vol and yield provided during the last [2015] Chinese equity crisis suggests a defensive strategy for factor investors as the world watches this latest crises unfold.” The negative economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China last month has slightly affected the funding positions of Dutch pension funds, undoing the improvement achieved in December, Aon said.Aon, as well as Mercer, said Dutch schemes’ coverage ratio dropped to 101% on average in January. This is a decrease of two percentage points according to Aon, and three percentage points according to Mercer. Both consultants use slightly different calculation methods.Aon said the coverage ratio had increased in December to 103%. According to both firms, the average policy funding ratio at the end of January for Dutch pension funds was 102%.Due to global fears of the coronavirus, equity returns declined and there was a flight to safe investments, which lowered interest rates, Aon explained.
Largest trade union finally agrees to Dutch DC pensions switch
After having agreed to the text of the pensions accord, the parliament members’ voted in favour of a motion requiring the trade union to devote maximum efforts to speeding up the transition to the new DC arrangements, which the FNV board agreed to.Many union members fear pensions cuts during the so-called transition phase to the new system, which is supposed to last until 2026. During this period, current rules on required minimum funding ratios will remain in place.A second motion by the parliament called for additional indexation for pensioners to make up for the many years of lost indexation for most Dutch pensioners since the geat financial crisis.In response, the trade union board said it will pay attention to the “justified demand” for balanced indexation for all generations during the transition phase.Happy ministerReacting to the FNV decision to agree with the pensions accord, Social Affairs Minister Wouter Koolmees spoke of a “huge step towards a more personal and more transparent pensions system.”“It’s great there is now broad support among both employers and employees. There’s a very happy minister standing in front of you,” he told journalists in The Hague.Dutch parliament’s Second Chamber, the country’s main legislative body, will debate the pensions accord on 14 July and will then design a new pensions law which is supposed to come into force in January 2021. Pension funds will then have until 2026 to implement the changes.Mr Koolmees said pension funds do not need to wait till next year to make a start on this, however. “They can already start preparing for the transition, for example by modernising their pensions arrangements and IT structure,” he said.To read the digital edition of IPE’s latest magazine click here. The members of parliament for the largest Dutch trade union, FNV, have at last agreed to the pensions accord cementing a switch to defined contribution (DC) arrangements. On Saturday, the 105-member parliament voted to endorse the accord by a 62% majority.The FNV was supposed to have given its approval two weeks ago, but postponed the vote to 4 July because of strong opposition to an online meeting among members, many of whom refused to log on to the online meeting in June so it could not be held.Since 1 July, physical meetings have been once again allowed in the Netherlands provided social distancing is being observed.The meeting dragged on almost the entire day because of fierce opposition to the pension plans from some radical union members. Technical issues also caused delays, as some members took part by video link.
Bad press drives Danish FSA board member to quit after five days
“I have therefore informed the Ministry of Trade and Industry that I am resigning from the board,” said Ørting, who is currently chair of the advisory board of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity.Ørting’s appointment was one of four Danish FSA board hires announced last week, which filled a number of vacancies.Following the appointment, citing unnamed sources Danish financial news service FinansWatch reported that during the time between 2015 and 2018 when Ørting was employed as head of security at Barclays, he had been a key figure in a hunt for a whistleblower.Looking for IPE’s latest magazine? Read the digital edition here. One of the Danish FSA’s four new board members appointed last Wednesday, Troels Ørting Jørgensen, has already quit following news reports about his role in a whistleblower scandal at UK bank Barclays, according to a statement from the authority (Finanstilsynet).The FSA announced today: “Troels Ørting has notified the Ministry of Business Affairs that he is resigning from the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority’s board.”In the statement, Ørting (also spelled as Oerting) is quoted as saying: “I have taken note of the latest mention in the press.“Although there is no substance for the criticism that is being raised, I have come to the conclusion that this should not stand in the way of the important work of the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority in the coming years,” he said.
Brisbane’s hottest auctions on this weekend
The backyard has loads of room to run.Place Bulimba lead agent Matthew Hackett said the home would be well suited to a young family.“It’s a very low maintenance home and it’s got five big bedrooms,” Mr Hackett said.“There’s a big rumpus room upstairs, open-plan living downstairs, as well as a great backyard.The residence will go under the hammer at 11am on Saturday. Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 10:02Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -10:02 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD432p432p270p270p180p180pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenJune, 2018: Liz Tilley talks prestige property10:02 The alfresco dining area at 34 Childs St.There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms across the two levels, and the house is on a 607sq m block.There is also something for the wine lovers, with a wine cellar capable of housing about 250 bottles of wine. One of the bedrooms at 172 Morehead Ave.Downstairs is tiled, while the upstairs hallway and rumpus room has polished timber floorboards. The gas fireplace will keep you toasty through the colder months.The fireplace is gas, and attached is a chimney which extends above the two floors of the home on the outside. The Hamptons style home at 36 Morley St, Chelmer, will go under the hammer on Saturday.YOU would be forgiven for thinking this hamptons estate-style home at Chelmer was decades old.In fact, it was only built three years ago but was done so with the old feel of the suburb in mind. This home also has a fireplace.Ray White Ascot sales and marketing consultant Ian Cuneo said the home was turnkey, but if someone wanted to make improvements in the future, it would be a good investment.“It’s not a cookie cutter product if you’re looking for something a little bit different, but you would have confidence to do improvements in the future,” Mr Cuneo said. A tuscan home at 34 Childs St, Clayfield, will go under the hammer.Built in the 1930s the 34 Childs St home has maintained its character while gaining a modern kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen opens through bi-fold doors to an alfresco entertaining area.Adcock Prestige riverfront specialist Jason Adcock said the 36 Morley St residence, which is going to auction on Saturday, was one of the best hamptons homes he had seen in his career.“It’s only a three-year-old home which is very rare in that area with most being 70 to 100 years old but it has been so well finished that it doesn’t look out of place,” “It’s probably one of the best hamptons style homes I’ve seen in more than 20 years of selling real estate.”
There is an inground swimming pool.It is in exposed brick and was built by family run business Warwick Brick Works.The home will go to auction at 11am, June 16.More from newsNew apartments released at idyllic retirement community Samford Grove Presented by Parks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus18 hours agoIn Clayfield a tuscan inspired property named Del-Rio is set to go under the hammer. The home has open plan living.Imagine entertaining outside in the alfresco dining area, which has a kitchenette, complete with a in-built barbecue, sink, stainless steel bench and a bar fridge. Arched french doors surrounded by brick are a feature of the home.French doors to the entry of the home and out to the an alfresco dining area are set in large arches, surrounded by brick features. The kitchen has an extra-large marble island bench.The home has polished timber floors, 5m ceilings, and the kitchen has an extra-large marble topped island bench.There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms over two levels, and the drawcard of the property is the fireplace. One of the bedrooms at 34 Childs St, Clayfield.The property will go to auction at 11am on June 16. The house at 172 Morehead Ave, Norman Park, is set to go to auction.On the south side of the river, a modern Norman Park home will go to auction.The two-level home at 172 Morehead Ave has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as multiple living areas.
Brisbane executive snaps up luxurious Ascot trophy home
The Russos sold their home at 1 Leopard St, Kangaroo Point, for a record $18.48m.Their new pad isn’t bad either.The brand new Hamptons style home on 810 sqm has five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a double lockup garage, set among manicured gardens behind a private front gate. GOVERNMENT’S $8M LAND WINDFALL Inside the house at 22-24 Ascot Street, Ascot.Inside is adorned with the highest quality finishes such as French oak flooring, French doors and sandstone walls. OVERSEAS BUYER SAYS ‘I DO’ TO WHITSUNDAYS WEDDING VENUE Angelo and Sandra Russo have bought a home in Ascot. The open plan living and dining area in the house at 22-24 Ascot Street, Ascot The formal sitting room in the house at 22-24 Ascot Street, Ascot.Features include a study, a full security system, an inground pool, two outdoor entertaining zones, an additional powder room and room for a wine cellar. This house at 22-24 Ascot Street, Ascot, has sold for $4.25m.Angelos and Sandra Russo last made headlines when they sold a clifftop house at Kangaroo Point for $18.48 million in early 2017.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus17 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market17 hours agoThe sale of the 1445sq m split-level house with five bedrooms and six bathrooms at 1 Leopard Street set a new record for a Brisbane residential property. MILLION-DOLLAR BREAKTHROUGH A STEAL Angelo and Sandra Russo. Picture: Adam Smith.THE buyer of a luxurious, trophy home in Ascot’s dress circle has been revealed as City Motor Auction Group boss Angelos Russo and wife Sandra.Records show the five-bedroom property in Ascot Street sold for $4.25 million. GET THE LATEST REAL ESTATE NEWS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX HERE 
Low-maintenance renovated beauty at Mount Gravatt East hits the market
The facade of 40 Oakfield St, Mount Gravatt East, is picturesque.A WEATHERBOARD house lies behind a white fence in a picture perfect scene at Mount Gravatt East.The 40 Oakfield St residence has been home to Rachelle Donaldson and her two daughters for the past five years. The kitchen is modern and tidy.Ms Donaldson was drawn to the low maintenance lifestyle the property offered, as well as the potential for some additions.“There was potential for me to do a few things to make it more suitable for me,” Ms Donaldson said.“I added a carport on the front and added the ensuite … as well as a bit of landscaping.“The house has been fully painted and in one of the girls’ rooms I’ve added a study nook and a robe.” The backyard is low-maintenance and the shed on the left has been converted into living spaces.“Every weekend we walk up to a little coffee shop, Badminton Brew, which is about 500m away in the backstreets,” she said.“One of the girls’ requirements was that we were still near the coffee shop.“One of them always gets a raspberry and white chocolate muffin, while the other gets a bacon and egg muffin.“The community is also amazing, everyone knows everybody.”Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:51Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:51 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD576p576p432p432p270p270pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenStarting your hunt for a dream home00:51 One of the bedrooms in the house.In the back yard is a shed which had been converted into three multipurpose living spaces, and there is another powder room.Ms Donaldson said the area provided a number of great schooling options, and she would not be moving far as she had fallen in love with the location. More from newsDigital inspection tool proves a property boon for REA website3 Apr 2020The Camira homestead where kids roamed free28 May 2019There are polished timber floorboards and a fireplace.The entry to the home is off a small front deck and into an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room.All three bedrooms run down the left side of the house, along with the bathrooms and walk-in wardrobe.Behind the kitchen is a separate toilet, and laundry.
Gold Coast skyhomes among Queensland’s top apartment sales for 2018
It’s the highest priced notched for an apartment on the Gold Coast. Kollosche director Michael Kollosche said a couple from Paradise Waters secured the keys, and the sale was the highest price paid for an apartment on the Gold Coast. “Luxury penthouses and boutique prestige apartments have become highly sought after,” Mr Kollosche said. More from news02:37International architect Desmond Brooks selling luxury beach villa12 hours ago02:37Gold Coast property: Sovereign Islands mega mansion hits market with $16m price tag2 days ago“There’s not a lot that would compare to it at the moment, but it doesn’t mean we won’t see something of that calibre built in the near term.” Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 1:58Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -1:58 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD576p576p360p360p216p216pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenWhy location is everything in real estate01:59 It sold for $9.5 million. A palatial Surfers Paradise penthouse at 3250/23 Ferny Ave fetched the highest sale, selling for $9.5 million in March.It was sold by property development company owner Ron Bakir. MORE NEWS: Luxury Gold Coast penthouse sells for $4.45 million The penthouse shell at Soul in Surfers Paradise sold for $6.5 million. Taking fourth place was the $6.5 million sale of one of Australia’s largest and highest penthouses, owned by Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung. Atop the beachfront Soul building, 7001/4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, was a concrete shell sold at a loss by Mr Fung who purchased it for $7 million in 2015. It’s neighbour, No. 6 sold for $5.6 million in March. An apartment within an exclusive Main Beach seaside development was another of the Gold Coast’s top sales. Lot 6/3533 Main Beach Pde sold for $5.6 million in March but isn’t the development’s priciest, with the penthouse on the market for $8.95 million.Two further sales above the $5 million mark in Main Beach and one in Mermaid Beach also featured on the highest sales list. 1.3250/23 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise $9.5m2.11/37 Hastings St, Noosa Heads $7.2m3.5/81 Moray St, New Farm $6.5m4.7001/4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise $6.5m5. 4/63 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba $5.85m6. Lot 6/3533 Main Beach Pde, Main Beach $5.6m7.3/63 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba $5.58m8. 4/3565 Main Beach Pde, Main Beach $5.5m9.150/59 Pacific St, Main Beach $5.3m10.702/252 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach $5.25mSource: CoreLogic The four-bedroom apartment spanned the 39th and 40th floors of the Towers of Chevron Renaissance and featured five bathrooms, 20 car spaces, a gym, bar, steam room, home cinema and panoramic beach views. MORE NEWS: Champion hurdler Sally Pearson sells Gold Coast home The Penthouse at 3533 Main Beach Pde, Main Beach, is currently on the market for $8.95 million. Queensland’s top 10 apartment sales in 2018 Six Gold Coast pads were among Queensland’s top 10 apartment sales from 2018. The Glitter Strip’s lavish skyhomes have dominated Queensland’s top apartment sales, with buyers willing to splash millions on residences that offer a slice of the high life.Six Gold Coast pads were among the state’s top 10 apartment sales last year. A palatial penthouse at 3250/23 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, was the state’s priciest apartment sale. 
Brand-new home appeals to buyers in inner-city suburb
More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus13 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market13 hours agoWith $36.5 million in sales and completion due in a matter of months, buyers are snapping up Di Carlo Property Group’s TriBeCa Terraces in Bulimba. Photo: SuppliedFeaturing large living and kitchen areas, multiple balconies, generous third bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, ground-floor courtyards, double garages, extensive landscaping and recreation areas, the development has proven popular with families.Among the recent purchasers are Skye and Simon Whyte who are eagerly awaiting their move to TriBeCa Terraces with their daughter Chelsea. The family purchased a three-storey, three-bedroom terrace featuring three bathrooms with a powder room.Mrs Whyte said they had not been house hunting long when they came across TriBeCa Terraces. Skye and Simon Whyte with daughter Chelsea. A lifestyle of convenience is proving a hit with families buying apartments at TriBeCa Terraces, Bulimba.With $36.5 million in sales and completion due within months, buyers have snapped up 38 of the 53 terraces by Di Carlo Property Group in the tightly held inner city suburb.Di Carlo Property Group director Joshua Di Carlo said buyers in the first stage could expect to be living in their new homes by June while the second stage is due for completion in August.“We’ve certainly garnered a lot of interest from buyers who are excited at the prospect of moving into a brand-new home so quickly,” Mr Di Carlo said.“The terraces are in a prime position giving homeowners access to a range of different amenities which is set to be enhanced with the Bulimba Barracks redevelopment offering an entertainment precinct with riverfront restaurants and parks within walking distance.“TriBeCa Terraces really offers a well-rounded lifestyle where buyers can secure a modern, well-appointed home in a sought-after location and the market has had a strong response to this,” he said. It had immediate appeal because of its location, build quality, high-end specifications and design layout.“Having lived in Bulimba and the surrounding area for the past six years we have become very familiar with the area and the lifestyle it offers which is second to none in our opinion, so being able to buy locally was a major drawcard,” Mrs Whyte said.“Working busy corporate jobs means the time we have at home is minimal, so we wanted a lifestyle of convenience.“We love that we’re only a short ferry ride to Teneriffe or Portside and it’s a very relaxing way to travel to work. A lot is to be said for the calmness that commuting to work via the river brings into your life,” she said.Mrs Whyte said the freehold aspect of the terraces which had given them the unique opportunity to own the land that their terrace home sits on, together with the quality of the terraces, was also a selling point.“The architecturally designed terraces offering an exclusive and high-end finish was the exact product that we were looking for,” she said. “Having the third bedroom located on the ground floor instead of the first has really maximised the living and dining space. “Also knowing a high percentage of other local owner-occupiers had purchased into the development really solidified our decision.’’
Gold Coast staycation one to remember, with two young kids
One of the new display homes currently under construction at Sanctuary Point — the latest residential stage at Sanctuary Cove.It would not have been the first destination to come to mind for a family holiday.With two young kids, our holidays tend to be to places with hardy, washable walls, a playground of some sort and an extensive kids menu.So when I was asked if I wanted to take my family on a staycation to Sanctuary Cove, my immediate thought was, where is the magic eraser?We checked into the Queenslander Suite at the Intercontinental Hotel on April 12. It had a flashy foyer and reception area, and lots of sparkly things that made my nerves jangle as Miss 2 moved around the space pretending she could fly.But the staff quickly allayed my fears of total toddler destruction, handing the two cherubs a kids pack full of goodies. Phew, I thought, they have done this before.After checking in, a lovely chap in a golf buggy transported us to our suite, with Master 8 asking, “so how fast do these things really go?”The room itself was spacious, with a king bed for the adults, a sofa bed for Master 8 and a cot for Miss 2. Meanwhile, five new display homes are currently under construction at Sanctuary Point — the latest residential stage at Sanctuary Cove.Now 30 years old, the development is home to more than 3000 residents, with only five more releases expected before its completion in the next five to 10 years.To help home buyers see the vast options available, developer Mulpha Group has enlisted several prestige builders to construct and complete the display homes by mid-year.Those builders include Ausview Constructions Group, Kalka Homes, Gallery Homes and HomeCorp Constructions.The Ausview display home will be located on a 367sq m with marina views, and will features a gatehous, buggy parking, zen-style courtyard and a spa in the backyard.The Kalka Homes house will be a Hamptons-inspired, two-storey residence on a 420sq m marina-frontage allotment.Gallery Homes will showcase a single-level house, while HomeCorp Constructions will focus on indoor and outdoor living on its 782sq m lot.Lots in the current stage range in price from $525,000 to $2.6 million. Sanctuary Cove is home to a number of celebrities, and hosted some of Hollywood’s biggest names. It is currently home to real estate TV personality Andrew Winter, golfer Adam Scott and V8 Supercars champion, Jamie Whincup.Self-proclaimed billionaire and controversial political candidate Cliev Palmer also has homes in the exclusive gated community, which features the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, the Sanctuary Cove Country Club and two championship golf courses. For hubby and I, it was the signature Black Angus eye fillet steak cooked on a hot rock and the braised beef cheeks with cauliflower puree, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes and duck-fat potatoes. You know a meal is good when two adults and two boisterous kids are completely silent at the dinner table.We followed this up with dessert, which for me was a heavenly espresso martini.The following day started with breakfast at The Grange, a buffet of goodness that saw Master 8 put away four man-sized helpings. This was followed by an exclusive tour of Marine Village and Sanctuary Cove development, a haven for southeast celebs and well-heeled business types.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus13 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market13 hours agoAgain, Master 8 was suitably impressed by the number of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and other flash cars, so much so he queried why we drove standard automobiles.That turned into a great life lesson — stay in school, work hard and maybe, just maybe, you can buy your own Lambo!Lunch for the day was courtesy of Anchor Buoy Cafe and Bar. Still stuffed from breakfast, we ordered a range of tapas and they were delicious, if only there was room for more.That afternoon, we were free to roam the resort, with the kids frothing at the chance to get wet. So it was off to the pool for a few hours of water wrestling, ball games and then a dip in the heated spa. There was also a few competitive games of oversized chess.Dinner that night was at The Verandah Restaurant and Bar, which was good but better suited to couples. Full to the brim with food, we retired to our suite, checking out the next morning after another hearty breakfast.Overall, the Intercontinental Hotel and the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village surprised me. Given its location and luxury homes, it could be easy to assume that this is not a place for families with boisterous and energetic kids, but we had a ball.The staff were fantastic, the location spectacular, the food delicious, and the amenities and natural setting offered a great opportunity to switch off from technology and enjoy some family time.So much so Master 8 remarked: “So are we going to buy a house here?” Maybe one day, mate. The kangaroos chilling on site. Five new display homes are currently under construction at Sanctuary Point — the latest residential stage at Sanctuary Cove. The balcony overlooked the parklands, the canal and the pool area, which includes a pool house, spa, an oversized chess board and a mob of kangaroos that like to sunbake and occasionally mow (chew) the lawn.That night, we were transported by buggy to the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village where we dined at the Black Angus Bar and Grill.Located on the water overlooking multimillion dollar yachts, we were seated at a table with a paper tablecloth and crayons. Hallelujah!The kids had pasta and hubby and I were treated to a menu chosen by the chef, Jun.That pasta! Master 8 demolished it faster than a footy team doing carb loading ahead of a big game. The signature Black Angus eye fillet steak cooked on a hot rock,
Private family home with beautiful bushland views
The patio overlooks the inground swimming pool. Picture: supplied.There are also formal lounge and dining spaces, a balcony, a laundry and two bedrooms, with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite to the master bedroom, on this level. Downstairs there is a family bathroom and two more bedrooms with built-in wardrobes to both and a balcony to one. The property has a double garage, a storage room, a water tank and airconditioning. The open-plan living space flows out to the outdoor entertaining areas. Picture: supplied.“During the summer our children are always in the pool and we’re out on the back patio, entertaining and enjoying meals,” he said. On the main level of the home there is an open-plan kitchen, meals and living area flowing out to the poolside patio through sliding doors. The kitchen has stone benchtops, a breakfast bar, a servery window and an electric cooktop.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus12 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market12 hours ago The home at 32 Banksia Pl, Mount Gravatt East. Picture: Supplied.THIS spacious, split-level home is tucked away on a large block at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Owners Jimmy Chow and Cindy Chan have called the four-bedroom property home at 32 Banksia Pl, Mount Gravatt East for the past 10 years, along with their two children. Mr Chow said the patio and inground swimming pool were the family’s favourite parts of the home, especially during the warmer months.
The balcony has bushland views. Picture: supplied.Sitting on an elevated 1,019sq m block, the home is tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac and backs onto bushland. “The home is in a good location and the neighbourhood is friendly,” Mr Chow said. “All the properties in this little pocket of Mount Gravatt East are sought after and you don’t see many houses for sale.“Also every block on the street is about 1,000sq m so the houses aren’t close together.” The home is close to schools, major shopping centres and university campuses. The property is on the market through Will Torres and Amir Shamsi of Torres Property.
$4.7m cash offer keeps mansion off the market
“They just wanted it off the market,” Mr Adcock said. “They put down a cash, unconditional offer, waiving the cooling off period.“It was sold within three days and hadn’t even hit the official market yet. It was just two hours off being listed online.” Mr Adcock said the sale of the renovated and extended, 1950s Hamptons-style residence, was a “good one” for Tennyson.He said the suburb was attracting buyers as it was “flood-free”, and one of only two stretches of the Brisbane River that was north-facing and has both city and golf course views. Mr Adcock said riverfront properties in Brisbane were proving to be a hot commodity.“I have sold three in two and a half weeks, with the other two north of $3 million,” he said.“At the moment we have far more buyers than riverfront properties listed for sale.”He said those buyers were roughly “70 per cent locals, 30 per cent interstate or overseas”.“There is still a strong Chinese component,” he said. “We are seeing a lot of interest coming from Hong Kong-based expats and Chinese looking to buy here.”Hong Kong has been the scene of ongoing mass demonstrations and unrest since earlier this year.The protests began over plans — since shelved — to allow extradition from Hong Kong to China, but have now morphed in to wider demands for reform. First-home buyers have the upper hand There is also a guest/nanny bedroom with ensuite, bathroom and laundry, while outside there are landscaped gardens, a private pontoon with an undercover boat shed, an undercover entertainment pavilion with outdoor kitchen, fridge, 10 person dining space and TV, and a children’s playground. Where to find southeast’s most affordable land “The couple who bought it had been renting in the area and had been looking for awhile,” he said. More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus11 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market11 hours ago“They loved it as soon as they saw it.”This luxurious north-facing family homesits on a 1154sq m block with 20m of river frontage. It has five bedrooms including a master retreat with floor-to-ceiling to capture the views, a dressing room with its own chandelier and an ensuite.There are multiple living areas located on the ground level and an additional rumpus/bedroom.The open plan kitchen and living room overlooks the pool outside and connects directly to the outdoor entertaining area, while the kitchen features quality appliances, a central island bench, breakfast bar, and a side door to the pool area.In the living room there is a fireplace, and there is a home officeat the front of the home. Brisbane’s million-dollar suburb boom Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 1:27Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -1:27 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD540p540p360p360p270p270pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenWhy Spring 2019 is a good time to sell01:27A LOCAL family was so desperate to get their hands on a riverfront property that they put down an immediate unconditional cash offer of $4.7 million to keep it off the market.They spotted the property at 23 King Arthur Terrace at Tennyson, which was being marketed by Jason Adcock of Adcock Prestige, on a database, and the sold sticker went up just three days after that first post. MORE NEWS: Brisbane best place to invest $500k
Tax cuts, not rate cuts, necessary
Housing Industry Association senior economist, Geordan Murray, said there had been market improvements lately which has not yet transferred to new housing.“The recent uptick in the market for established homes should allay concerns that further falls in home prices and the housing wealth effect could continue to apply a brake on household spending.”This as CBA Economics predicted RBA would cut again by 25 basis points in February 2020, if not sooner if unemployment figures did not pick up, to an unprecedented 0.5 per cent.“Any desire for monetary stimulus beyond that point would require a much worse economic outlook and probably manifest itself through unconventional policies and QE.” FOLLOW SOPHIE FOSTER ON FACEBOOK Economists warn the only thing rising is dwelling prices, again.CBA Economics chief economist Michael Blythe said “certainly some economic commentators and business leaders question the effectiveness of rate cuts in the current environment”.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus11 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market11 hours ago“Our view for a while now has been that interest rate cuts are of limited use: households tend to leave their home loan repayments unchanged, so little additional spending power is unleashed; the potential boost from a lower AUD is limited by still high commodity prices and the move to a current account surplus; and the negative impact on business and consumer confidence. Income tax cuts are a better response to the pressures in the household sector and the weakness in consumer spending.” RBA Governor Philip Lowe has indicated that the RBA board is prepared to cut again. Picture: Amos Aikman/The AustralianPressure is mounting for the Federal Government to step up with income tax handouts for families as economists warn the RBA racing to the bottom on interest rates will only increase dwelling prices, not jump-start spending. Number of homes sold for profit set to rise Beach house hits market with jawdropping price MORE: Housing set for fresh record highs Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:58Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:58 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD432p432p216p216p180p180pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenHow much do I need to retire?00:58 The RBA board yesterday cut its policy rate to a historic low 0.75 per cent, with Governor Philip Lowe confirming they were prepared to cut further “if needed”.RBA’s hand was forced by a global trend to lower interest rates, and its desire to support employment, income growth and keep the dollar steady.CBA Economics warned “debate about the desirability of the move has heated up”, with one area — dwelling prices — getting a boost especially in Sydney and Melbourne. Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 1:40Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -1:40 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD540p540p360p360p270p270pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenQuestions for Millennial home buyers01:41
Life inside this absolute beachfront home is a rare luxury
Imagine waking up to this view every morning.Mr Fasalavu, who shares the home with family, says you can’t truly appreciate the gift of beachfront living until you’re there.“I’ve lived on the Gold Coast my whole life, minutes away from the beaches, but it’s not until the beach is right there that my gratitude has gone to a whole new level,” he said.“I’m down on the beach in the mornings and back there again after work in the afternoons.“When it’s right on your doorstep, you appreciate it a whole lot more.” Step straight onto the beach at 165 Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach.Watching the sun rise over the ocean is arguably the biggest perk of living on one of the Gold Coast’s premier beachfront streets.So much so that Mason Fasalavu has only missed one sunrise since moving into the three-storey residence at 165 Jefferson Lane — and only then because he wasn’t at home.“Being able to wake up early and see the sun crack over the horizon line is really breathtaking,” he said.“It’s definitely a huge highlight of living in this house.” The rooftop retreat is an ideal place to sit and think… about which Palm Beach restaurant to choose for dinner.But for the ultimate breezes and first class views, the enclosed rooftop terrace – complete with barbecue, kitchenette and powder room – is the place to be. “It’s an amazing space to sit and enjoy the view, uninterrupted,” Mr Fasalavu said. “All you can see is the ocean and the waves rolling in. It’s almost hypnotic and a great place to sit and think.“We’ve sat up there to watch storms rolling in over the ocean. It’s brilliant.”Four bedrooms occupy the second floor including a luxury master retreat with walk-in robe, ensuite and a beachfront balcony.More from news02:37International architect Desmond Brooks selling luxury beach villa7 hours ago02:37Gold Coast property: Sovereign Islands mega mansion hits market with $16m price tag1 day ago Bi-fold doors open to allow those sea breezes to flow right on through.Beachfront living is a rare treat on the Gold Coast with Jefferson Lane one of only a few streets that are absolute beachfront. Built in 2018, the as-new house features light timbers, a cool colour palette and a spacious open plan design which maximises the oceanfront position. “The sliding doors at the back allow you to open up the kitchen area and the living space to the backyard,” said Mr Fasalavu.“Even though you’ve got the fans and ducted airconditioning, you really don’t need it because the sea breezes are so good.” Jump into the jacuzzi at the end of a long day. Even the bathroom boasts a eye-popping ocean vista.A private jacuzzi deck adds a touch of luxury as does the freestanding tub in the main bathroom where a well-placed window opens up another ocean vista. When you’re not soaking in the tub or swimming at the beach, the uber popular Palm Beach restaurant strip has plenty to tempt you a short distance away. “The social elements in the area are incredible,” Mr Fasalavu said.“Being so close to so many amazing restaurants and bars is ideal – we spend almost as much time out as we do at home.“There’s a real sense of community among those who live in Palm Beach too.”Katrina Walsh, Harcourts Coastal – Broadbeach is marketing the 371sq m property which is scheduled for auction on Wednesday 3 June at 11am. Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:58Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:58 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD432p432p216p216p180p180pAutoA, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenHow much do I need to retire?00:58
Tritech Welcomes New Member to Its Team
Tritech International, a Moog Inc. company, has welcomed Gordon Nelson to its team.Gordon will be based in the company’s Edinburgh office, Tritech informed through social media.Gordon, who holds a University of Glasgow Bachelor’s Degree, Avionics, and Bachelor of Science with Merit, has experience in sonar technology.His experience is well suited with the company’s business which is dedicated to providing the reliable imaging and ancillary equipment for use in underwater applications.Tritech also provides sensors and tools for ROVs and AUVs.The company has three UK sites; in Ulverston, Cumbria, Westhill, Aberdeenshire and Edinburgh, Scotland and an office in Katy, Texas, USA.
Dudgeon OWF Set for Inauguration
Statoil, Masdar and Statkraft are ready to officially open their Dudgeon offshore wind farm in the UK tomorrow, 22 November.Image source: Ole Jørgen Bratland/Statoil.The 402MW project, located some 32 kilometres off the coast of Norfolk, saw the last of its 67 Siemens 6MW wind turbines being installed in early September, with the entire wind farm producing electricity shortly after.Following the testing of the last turbines, the Dudgeon wind farm was fully commissioned and started delivering power to the grid in October. On 4 October, Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC) announced that the final phase of the offshore wind farm had passed all of its Operational Conditions Precedent and started to receive Contracts for Difference (CfD) payments.The Dudgeon offshore wind farm was completed below the budget of GBP 1.5 billion that was set when the investment decision was made in 2014.Statoil and Masdar each hold a 35% share in the Dudgeon wind farm, with the remaining 30% being owned by Statkraft. This summer, Statktraft commenced the formal divestment processes for its share in the offshore wind farm, with the aim to complete the transaction early next year.Offshore WIND Staff
IEA: Coal Demand to Remain Flat to 2022
Calm seas seem to be ahead for coal carrier owners in the upcoming five years as global demand for coal should remain nearly flat between 2017 and 2022, according to the International Energy Agency’s annual coal market report.By 2022, global coal demand is expected to reach 5,530 Mtce, the same as the average of the last five-year period, and meaning that coal use will have had a decade-long period of stagnation, IEA said.Global coal consumption fell 1.9 percent to 5,357 million tonnes of coal equivalent (Mtce) last year, the second year of decline, because of lower gas prices, a surge in renewables and improvements in energy efficiency, according to Coal 2017.Coal demand is down 4.2 percent over the last two years, nearly matching the two-year decline in the early 1990s, which remains the biggest recorded drop since the IEA started compiling statistics more than 40 years ago.The share of coal in the global energy mix is forecast to decline to 26 percent in 2022, from 27 percent in 2016 because of sluggish demand compared with other fuels. Although coal-fired power generation increases by 1.2 percent per year through 2016-22, its share of the power mix falls to just below 36 percent by 2022, which would be the lowest level since IEA statistics began.“The energy system is evolving at a rapid pace all around us, with a more diversifying fuel mix, and the cost of technologies going down,” said Keisuke Sadamori, IEA’s director for energy markets and security. “But while everything else is changing, global coal demand remains the same.”Coal demand dropped in China, the United States and the European Union in 2016, but increased in India and across many parts of Southeast Asia, and shows no signs of slowing down.For instance, despite the rapid growth in renewables, Indian coal-fired power generation is expected to grow almost 4 pct a year through 2022.While India will be increasingly important to global coal markets, China will remain the key driver, according to the IEA.“The potential for coal demand growth in China is limited, but the country’s supply-side reforms will be critical factors for coal prices in the coming years. Meanwhile, the European Union, accounting today for just 6 pct of global demand, is set to become an increasingly marginal player,” the agency said.
ALE loads out Yuri Korchagin satelite platform topside
Heavy-lift specialist ALE has completed the load-out of satellite platform (SP) topside for Lukoil’s Yuri Korchagin oil field in the Caspian Sea.ALE said on Friday that it was contracted to perform the engineering, weighing, jacking, load-out, and offshore pulling operations of the satellite platform topside, as well as the mooring and ballast supervision for the project in Astrakhan.The first stage of the project started in November 2017 and involved jacking of the topside to 1.5m, and weighing of the topside so the client could integrate skid beams in between the topside and the desk-support frame underneath. The company said that the topside was weighed at 3,200 tonnes.In December, ALE performed the mooring and pulling operations using four SJ600 strand jacks and two 300t capacity breakout jacks to load-out the topside onto the transport barge in just one day.David Le Masurier, project engineer for ALE Offshore Services, said: “As the desk-support frame had to incorporate the offshore skidways, leading to a large transverse center of gravity, it made the structure more challenging to control during the ballasting operations. By utilizing our in-house-designed strand jack monitoring software and the barge’s internal ballast monitoring, we were able to overcome and correct any deviation of the structure.”ALE said that the next phase would involve the offshore skidding of the topside on the substructure during the floatover operations in the Caspian Sea, expected to start in 2018.The Yuri Korchagin field is an offshore oil field located 180 kilometers from Astrakhan and 240 kilometers from Makhachkala at a sea depth of 11–13 meters.In 1999, Lukoil started exploratory drilling at the field using the Astra jack-up rig. Production at the field was launched in April 2010. Yuri Korchagin and Vladimir Filanovsky fields in the Caspian Sea, both operated by Lukoil, hit 10 million tonnes of combined produced oil in June this year.
Partrac Steps Into US Market
Scottish-based marine survey and coastal consultancy company Partrac has launched its US subsidiary Partrac GeoMarine Inc.Based in Houston, Texas, Partrac GeoMarine offers the full range of services and products as its parent company in Europe, including services and consultancy for engineering and environmental projects in challenging marine environments around the world, the company said.“Houston is the ideal US hub for Partrac GeoMarine,” said Partrac Co-Founder Sam Athey. “We wanted a city with a highly skilled workforce that reflects the wide range of market sectors that Partrac operates in and is within easy reach of both the Gulf and East coasts of the United States. We see these as having the biggest growth potential for our services and products.”Partrac has a number of unique technologies it wants to bring to the US to help solve some of the problems and answer some of the questions, Athey said, emphasizing that the company’s sediment tracing and benthic flume technologies have been used to help with scour around offshore monopiles, as well as free spanning of pipes and cables.“Our experience gained over the last 15 years collecting MetOcean data and working on wind farm installations in European waters – including the world’s first floating wind farm – puts us in a great position to assist the growing offshore renewables market in the US.”Partrac has worked on a number of offshore wind projects in Europe, the most recent being the Hywind Scotland floating wind farm, as well as the Kincardine floating wind project.
Container Shipping in the Arctic: Why (Not) Now?
A.P. Moller Maersk has always been an industry front runner when speaking about the exploration and adoption of innovative technologies and trends.Therefore, it is safe to say that the Danish shipping major has dared to go places where others haven’t, which is definitely the case with its latest test run through the Northern Sea Route.Venta Maersk Starts Historic Arctic VoyageEven though the trip is of exploratory nature, if a company like Maersk is exploring the commercial viability of the route, this could indicate a pick up in the route’s attractiveness for container shipping, as Arctic waters have so far been used mostly by tankers and, most recently, by passenger ships.Taking into account that container shipping is currently looking into the ways of boosting profitability and cutting costs especially for fuel, the lane would be very attractive as it shortens the duration of the trip from Northeast Europe to Asia, by around 24 percent, when compared to the Suez Canal.Hence, container shipping companies would be able to save time and money, assuming they had already invested in ice-class ships.Nevertheless, there are numerous constraints to consider, including the shipping lane’s availability and capacity.The melting of the ice in the Arctic Sea makes the Northern Sea Route, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, partly free of ice during the summer months. Even though the frozen ice sheet is absent, there will still be broken off ice sheets in various sizes in the Arctic Sea during the ice-free periods. Therefore, ships using the Northern Sea Route require ice breaker support, which might prove to be costly.Maersk’s ship will also be escorted by an ice-breaker through the route.However, various projections indicate that the ice-free periods are likely to increase in the upcoming years making the area longer available for commercial shipping. In the long-term, it could be something worth looking into for container shipping companies.Capacity-wise, the route can be no alternative to the Suez Canal, as it can accommodate ships of up to 4,500 TEU, while the Suez Canal can accommodate much larger vessels, including ultra large container vessels.As such, the industry agrees that for the time being the lane is more of a seasonal complement rather than a replacement to the Suez Canal.Commercial drivers aside, the environmental aspect of the route is very important to consider, due to the lack of available infrastructure in the area because of its remoteness to deal with a potential oil spill and shipping incidents.To that end, in April 2018, the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee agreed to move forward on consideration of a Arctic ban on heavy fuel oil.The meeting directed a sub-committee (PPR6) – which will meet in early 2019 – to develop a ban on heavy fuel oil use and carriage for use by ships in the Arctic, “on the basis of an assessment of the impacts” and “on an appropriate timescale”.In view of the above, Maersk said it would use ultra-low sulphur fuel throughout the voyage.“With this week’s news that the Arctic’s strongest sea ice has broken up twice this year, for the first time on record, using heavy fuel oil to power shipping in the Arctic not only increases the risk of oil spills, but also generates emissions of black carbon, which exacerbate the melting of both sea and glacier ice in the Arctic region. By taking the lead in the Arctic, Maersk could lead a vanguard of companies shipping commercial goods that move towards clean and renewable forms of propulsion for shipping worldwide,” Clean Arctic Alliance Lead Advisor Sian Prior said.Maersk’s ice-class ship Venta Maersk departed Vladivostok earlier today heading for the Northern Sea Route. Maersk said earlier that the ship’s trip would last for over a month. The ship is expected to pass the Bering Strait on or around September 1, 2018 and its planned arrival in Saint Petersburg is set for the end September.World Maritime News Staff; Image Courtesy: Illustration/ U.S. Geological Survey under public domain license
Kiasma Group Raises the Bar, Developing New KSB and KSDB
Image source: KiasmaKiasma Group, an Italian manufacturer of HDPE pipes, floats and systems specialized for the dredging sector, is continuing with process of progress and development of technologies and products, in a research and development way, capable to produce innovation in a form of improved technology.Working in collaboration with highly specialized engineers from the marine sector, in synergy with the universities, researchers, petrochemical laboratories producers of high technological value polymers, Kiasma has implemented an application of floats utilization that – once applied to HDPE pipes – constitutes a safety barrier (KSB) and a defense safety barrier (KSDB).The KSB and KSDB safety barriers consist of a several floats coupled together, mounted on HDPE pipes that allow a free rotation of 360°.Image source: KiasmaThe floats are connected to and from a safety barrier with any desired length.According to Kiasma, the anchor points are established at intervals of about 50 meters.The floats are supplied with a corrugated external surface highly resistant to loads and (or) equipped with a series of shaped tips to adapt to the particular threat.The floats that compose the barrier are filled with closed cell polyurethane foam making the barrier unsinkable, even if perforated by physical damage such as bullet holes or impacts caused by boats.Since the floats are rotating and the tips are made of stainless steel, intruders are not given the opportunity to climb over them.The KSB and KSDB barriers may resist impacts of 25/28 tons, said Kiasma.All the materials that compose it have a long-term lifetime in sea water.The KSB and KSDB barriers can be applied in:Navy industry;Terminal development industry;Military Bases;Nuclear Power Plants;Dams;Maritime work-site protection.Image source: Kiasma
ABS, Partners to Introduce Space Technology to LNG Shipping
Classification society ABS, OceanFinance and Scorpius Space Launch Company (SSLC) are joining forces to adapt composite technologies developed for the space industry to LNG shipping.Under the SPACE TECH4SEA project, which is attracting more than EUR 1 million grant funding from the European Commission, the parties aim to apply composite technology, which is lighter and more cost-effective, as a competitive alternative in LNG as marine fuel designs, principally for short sea shipping.“Existing LNG tank technology can make adoption of the fuel prohibitively expensive. This composite technology has proven itself in other industries; we are committed to learning how to safely apply those lessons to benefit the maritime industries,” said Patrick Janssens, ABS Vice President for Global Gas Solutions.The three-year development project will adapt SSLC’S PRESSURMAXX composite tanks for marine applications based on its current use in a range of industries and more than 200 clients including NASA. The joint team’s goal is creating tanks which will attract new buildings and LNG as a marine fuel retrofits by cutting costs, reducing weight and increasing vessels’ cargo capacity.The technology, which offers weight savings up to 80 percent over existing equivalent LNG tank designs and is not affected by corrosion, also introduces space technology safety standards to marine operations.While the tanks are currently made by hand, the project aims to adopt a highly automated production line to ensure a competitive pricing level, the companies informed.
Maersk Supply vessels to support Chevron’s Gorgon drilling program
Offshore support vessel operator Maersk Supply Service has been awarded a contract with Chevron which will see two of its newbuild anchor handling tug supply vessels support the Gorgon Stage Two drilling program in Australia. MSS said on Wednesday that the Maersk Mariner and Maersk Master would provide towing, anchor handling, supply, and WROV services for the program in the Northwest Shelf of Western Australia.According to the vessel owner, the Gorgon Stage Two drilling program is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2019.David Lofthouse, head of commercial for Asia Pacific at MSS, said: “We are proud to have the opportunity to utilize the advanced capabilities of these new vessels to deliver superior service and contribute to the offshore development of this important project for the region.”Maersk Mariner and Maersk Master have been working in Western Australia since September 2017 and March 2018 respectively, where they will remain until the contract begins.Throughout the program, both vessels will be operated by local crews and supported from Maersk Supply Service’s Perth base.As for the vessels, the Maersk Mariner and Maersk Master are the first two vessels of Maersk Supply Service’s Starfish newbuilding series, designed to minimize fuel consumption while maximizing reliability and onboard safety.Following their delivery in 2017, three more vessels of the series have joined the fleet, with the final scheduled for delivery in early 2019.In related news, Neptune Survey was recently awarded a five-year rig positioning contract by Chevron, starting in January 2019, for the Gorgon Stage Two drilling campaign.Per the contract, Neptune will provide Global Navigational Satellite System precise point positioning, mooring chain catenary monitoring, and accurate subsea positioning using long baseline acoustic arrays.Gorgon map; Source: Chevron
3. Maj Secures Its First Order in Four Years
3. Maj Shipyard, part of the Croatian financially-troubled Uljanik Group, has won a contract for the construction of a new vessel, which is said to be the shipyard’s first order in the past four years.On December 20, 2019, the shipbuilder signed an agreement to build a hull and partially equip a polar cruise vessel for Malta-based PEC Limited, a company affiliated with the Australian group Scenic.As informed, the new unit would be a sister ship to Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht operated by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours which was delivered by Uljanik earlier this year.The newbuild is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2021, 3. Maj said in a stock exchange filing on Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE).The keel laying for the cruise ship is planned for Q2 2020, Edi Kučan, Director of 3. Maj, was cited by local media as saying.Glenn Moroney, the owner of Scenic, reportedly plans to build four more vessels of this type, opening up business possibilities for 3. Maj.World Maritime News StaffRead more:Creditor Seeks 3 Maj Shipyard’s BankruptcyCroatia Gives 3. Maj Guarantees for up to USD 22.5 Mn LoanAlgoma Confirms Self-Unloader Contract with 3. Maj3. Maj to Restore Production as It Renews Contract with Algoma
Serica intends to use Awilco rig for Rhum ops
Offshore drilling contractor Awilco Drilling has signed a letter of intent with Serica Energy for the provision of WilPhoenix rig for a one-well workover on the Rhum field offshore the UK. The program has an estimated duration of 45 to 70 days and will start between September 1 and October 30, 2020, Awilco said on Tuesday.The contract value is estimated between $7.8 million to $11.9 million.WilPhoenix is one of Awilco Drilling’s two enhanced pacesetter semi-submersibles and is equipped for drilling in water depths up to 1,200 ft.Awilco Drilling also has two new build rigs on order of Moss CS60 ECO MW design equipped for drilling in harsh environments, and independent options for additional two rigs of the same design.In late January 2020, Awilco also signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed operator for the provision of WilPhoenix in support of a three well plug & abandonment program.The program, with an estimated duration of 100 days, is expected to start in early May 2020.In related news, Serica in late January halted production on its Bruce, Keith, and Rhum fields due to issues on the Bruce platform in the UK North Sea.Also on Tuesday, Awilco posted revenues of $8.3 million for 4Q 2019, a decrease from revenues of $10.2 million in the same period of 2018. The company’s net loss deepened to $27 million from a loss of $24.2 million in 4Q 2018.
France’s GTT bags German FSRU contract
The floating storage and regasification vessel will be fitted with GTT’s N096 membrane containment system, the French company said in a statement. Daewoo expects to deliver the vessel with a capacity of 263,000 cubic meters in 2023. LTW, a unit of Uniper, is the project developer and operator behind the potential terminal at the deep-sea port. French LNG containment specialist GTT has won a contract from South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering for the Wilhelmshaven FSRU. The vessel will serve a planned liquefied natural gas import terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany on the North Sea.
Image courtesy of LTW GTT did not reveal financial details of the contract. To remind, Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Germany’s Uniper signed a build and charter deal for the FSRU last month.
Bullied kids should hit back, says US expert
NZ Herald 21 Nov 2011Bully victims should fight back with their fists – and parents should not be so over-protective, says an overseas expert. And while American human behavioural specialist Dr John Demartini’s views have been decried in Australia, a New Zealand parenting guru agrees with him. Ian Grant, the co-founder of Parents Inc, said a generation of Kiwi children were being raised as “Peter Pans” who were easy targets for bullies. Mr Grant said although violence should be treated as an absolute last resort, in a very few cases it could put an end to bullying. “What’s happened in our modern world is that we have welded words. So if you say violence, people think it’s cruel and evil. “But sometimes you’ve got to stand up for yourself, and if that means hitting somebody else, I don’t have any issue with that.” Australian anti-bullying experts have condemned the similar message being promoted by Dr Demartini. The doctor, who is on a lecture tour to promote his book Benefits of the Bully, has told Australian audiences a bullied child was “a by-product of over-support”. “You have to teach the child the truth. If you teach them a fantasy world where we are all meant to be nice and get along, they will not appreciate how life really is,” Dr Demartini told news.com.au.http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10767538
St Andrew’s to defy ban on conducting gay weddings
Stuff co.nz 8 October 2014A Wellington church says a national directive from its highest body banning ministers from conducting same-sex marriages is appalling and disturbing and it will defy the order.St Andrew’s on The Terrace opposes the decision by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.The General Assembly – which sets the policy and the direction of the church and approves the various regulations – spent the past four days deliberating in Auckland and announced its decision yesterday.In the eyes of the assembly, it was acceptable for gay and lesbian people to be in the congregation but not to be married by the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.Marriage was the loving and faithful union of a man and a woman, the assembly said.St Andrew’s Parish convener Sonia Groes-Petrie said the ban was disturbing and deeply disappointing.“We strongly dissent from it,” she said. “The Presbyterian tradition is for ministers to have freedom to make decisions about whom they will marry.“There is a range of opinions on same-sex marriage within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and today’s decision does not reflect that diversity.”Interim minister Jim Cunningham said he was appalled by the decision. “We see sexual orientation and gender identity as irrelevant in the celebration of a couple’s union. It is the quality of the relationship, the love and commitment that matters,” he said.http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/10591576/St-Andrews-to-defy-ban-on-conducting-gay-weddings
Britons leave Tunisia amid new terror threats
Britain’s Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Tunisia and is asking all its citizens to leave the North African country.This follows warnings that further terrorist attacks were highly likely there.A total of 38 people among them 30 Britons were killed when a lone gunman, identified as Saif Rezgui, opened fire on holidaymakers at a sea front resort in the town of Sousse two weeks ago.In March, two gunmen killed 24 people dead, 21 of them foreign tourists, in an attack at the Bardo museum in the Tunisian capital Tunis.British authorities say they don’t believe that the security measures put in place in Tunisia were sufficient to keep holidaymakers safe.UK secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs Philip Hammond said in a video statement that while the office doesn’t have any information about a specific or imminent threat, its intelligence suggests another terrorist attack is “highly likely.”According to Hammond, there are approximately 3,000 British tourists currently in the country, and a few hundred British residents. The overwhelming majority of them are on organized tours, which have agreed to work with the British government to bring them back on short notice.Thomas Cook, a UK-based tourist agency, said that it will bring all of its customers currently in Tunisia back to the UK as soon as possible, via 10 flights booked over the weekend with third-party carriers.The agency tweeted that it will be canceling bookings to Tunisia through Oct. 31: People join hands as they observe a minute’s silence in memory of those killed in a recent attack by an Islamist gunman, at a beach in Sousse
Dengue fever outbreak in Bahamas could be approaching end
Share Share Sharing is caring! Share NASSAU, Bahamas — The dengue fever threat in The Bahamas could be over in just under two months as the summer rains begin to subside, the deputy chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health Delon Brennen told The Nassau Guardian.He added during a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, that while dengue hemorrhagic fever has symptoms of bleeding associated with it, one strain of the disease can also cause a drop in a person’s platelet count, which can also induce bleeding.“What we have been trying to explain is that during the natural course of [the] dengue disease, people will have a drop in their platelet counts, and so you can have some minor bleeding that goes along with that,” he said.“We have had episodes where people, because of their lowered platelet counts, will have blood like when they brush their teeth. If you have a minor injury you will see a little more bleeding then, but we haven’t had the true classic definition for dengue hemorrhagic fever.”Brennen added that they are continuing to test for other mosquito borne illnesses such as malaria in order to be certain that the dengue symptoms are not masking other illnesses.“We will continue to test those cases to ensure that we don’t have something else the dengue is covering up,” he said.“We continue to do rapid testing for malaria in the country because we did have malaria in the past in one of our islands and we have had to be very vigilant about making sure that we don’t reintroduce malaria into the populace.”One man who visited Nigeria recently tested positive for malaria and was hospitalized and treated upon his return to New Providence. Brennen said the man survived his ordeal.He added that there have been no fatal cases of malaria in The Bahamas recently.Brennen insisted that Bahamians in general, along with the Department of Environmental Health Services’ vector control team, have been doing their part to keep the mosquito population at bay during this summer’s dengue outbreak.“The lucky thing is even without the rains going away we are optimistic that the declines we are seeing are because of the public,” he said.He confirmed that the reported cases of dengue in New Providence have been decreasing and assured that as The Bahamas moves out of the summer rainy season at the end of October, mosquito breeding sites will decrease, minimizing the dengue threat.Brennen also confirmed on Tuesday that there have been some reported cases of dengue that appear to have the symptoms of the deadly hemorrhagic strain, though there have been no confirmed deaths from that particular strain of the disease. He said the number of hemorrhagic-like infections is less than ten.By Chester RobardsNassau Guardian Staff Reporter
HealthLifestyle Dengue fever outbreak in Bahamas could be approaching end by: – September 10, 2011 56 Views no discussions Tweet
Tainted IV fluid ‘kills 13 pregnant women’ in India
Sharing is caring! 30 Views no discussions Share BBC News Tweet Tens of thousands of women die in India annually during pregnancyHealth authorities in India’s Rajasthan state are investigating allegations that 13 pregnant women died after they were given infected intravenous (IV) fluids at a government hospital.All the deaths were reported in Jodhpur city over the past 10 days.Laboratory tests had confirmed that IV fluids supplied by a local company were “tainted”, officials said.A police case has been registered and an investigation has begun, they said.“The women died after severe haemorrhaging and we believe the most likely cause might be an infection after they were administered tainted IV fluids,” Umaid Hospital administrator Narendra told the BBC.“During lab tests, we found three batches of glucose which were tainted. We have lodged a complaint with the police and strict action will be taken against the manufacturers,” he said.India accounts for the highest number of maternal deaths in the world with tens of thousands of women dying every year due to pregnancy-related problems.Campaigners say most of the deaths are needless and could easily be prevented if more care and attention was paid to their treatment. Share News Tainted IV fluid ‘kills 13 pregnant women’ in India by: – February 25, 2011 Share
DSC holds Parents Day today
EducationLocalNewsSecondary DSC holds Parents Day today by: – September 1, 2011 Share 27 Views no discussions Sharing is caring! Share
Share Tweet Heads of Faculty of the Dominica State CollegeThe Dominica State College (DSC) is today hosting its first edition of its Annual Parents Day.According to the DSC, most new students are high school graduates, between the ages of sixteen and twenty years of whom are still under parental control.Therefore, the parent is an important constituent to the DSC and this explains why this year we have set aside a day for parents dubbed “Parents’ Day”.The DSC says “Parents Day” offers opportunities for the parents of students to interact with the Administration, Faculty and Staff of the DSC, learn more about the workings of the DSC, as well as acquire invaluable information that will assist them in helping make the student transition from high school to college.This year Parents’ day featured a keynote address by Ms. Christine Burton a parent whose children attended the Dominica State College and also excelled at the DSC.Other speakers include Mrs. Helen Royer who addressed parents on the importance of Health and Wellness to their children’s performance and Pastor Marcus Francis who will deal with the importance of Spirituality.The college’s Registrar and Bursar also made presentations to the parents. Dr. Donald .C. Peters President of DSC will also address parents.Dominica Vibes News
Dominica preparing to host Caribbean Week of Agriculture in October
40 Views one comment LocalNews Dominica preparing to host Caribbean Week of Agriculture in October by: – September 7, 2011 Share Sharing is caring! Tweet
Share Share Banner of the 10th Annual Caribbean Week of Agriculture.Dominica is preparing to host almost three hundred regional delegates between October 9th and 15th for the 10th Annual Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) where issues focusing on the challenges facing regional agriculture will be discussed.The week of activities will focus seek to identify new opportunities and policies which could be adopted in the region for the benefit of the sector.At the official media launch for the CWA this morning, Coordinator Mr Edward Registe noted that the conference is very essential as it will highlight and discuss several issues affecting farmers like climate change and droughts, but that farmers will be exposed to various opportunities in the agricultural sector which can assist them.According to Mr Registe, several stakeholders in the service sector particularly the hotels, guest houses, taxi operators and caters are set to benefit from this week of conferences.Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Mr Samuel Carrette while addressing the media launch said that the CWA will assist in the development of a fully diversified acclimatized agricultural sector.“The context within which Caribbean Week of Agriculture is going to take place in Dominica is one that speaks to efforts by Government and of course the various stakeholders in agriculture to build a sector that is more demand driven, climate resilient, a fully diversified agricultural sector and informed largely by science and technology and the transfer and the application of knowledge and that for us is very important,” he said.In related news, Minister for Agriculture Honourable Matthew Walter issued a call to the general public to ensure that guests are treated well, that farmers are engaged in this conference to ensure that desired objectives of CWA are realized, and that farms meet the required sanitary standards.Several regional and international dignitaries are expected here for the week including CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRoque who will be returning home for the first time since his recent appointment.The Caribbean Week of Agriculture is being hosted under the aegis of the regional alliance made up of various agencies including CARICOM, IICA, CARDI, CTA and FAO who all have vested interest in the development of the regional Agricultural sector.The theme for this year’s conference is “Caribbean Food and Nutrition Security in a changing climate – The Nature Island Experience.”A major trade show which will showcase agricultural products and produce will be on display at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium for three days, a farmers forum and buyers conference are all activities which will form part of the Caribbean Agricultural Week.A website was also launched at this morning ceremony; www.CWADominica.dm, where all the programmes, schedule of events, registration information, accommodation, tours and press releases will be made available.Dominica Vibes News
CARICOM to boost entrepreneurial culture among youth
LocalNews CARICOM to boost entrepreneurial culture among youth by: – October 29, 2011 Share Sharing is caring! Share Share
Tweet 11 Views no discussions BASSETERRE, St Kitts (SKNIS) — Youth and adult experts involved in entrepreneurial development, anti-gang activity, education and youth work throughout the region are in St Kitts and Nevis to craft the CARICOM Secretariat’s “first formal intervention in the area of youth entrepreneurial development.” Representatives from the Barbados and Dominica Youth Business Trusts, Junior Achievement Bahamas, and other agencies have joined with Secretariat organizers as well as officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the National Entrepreneurial Development Division (NEDD) in St Kitts for the October 26-29 workshop.CARICOM’s deputy programme manager responsible for youth affairs, Dr Heather Johnson said that the sessions are designed to develop a short, practical and hands on training module to equip “at risk” or vulnerable youth with entrepreneurial norms, values and basic business skills.As such, participants are establishing the regional context for youth risk and vulnerability and for youth entrepreneurial development; and reviewing existing training materials. This task is considered extremely important given the findings of the 2010 Report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development (CCYD), which noted that youth unemployment levels throughout the region are among the highest in the world.In accepting the report, heads of government declared that youth entrepreneurial development is critical in countering youth unemployment, mitigating drug abuse, crime and violence and fostering economic resilience.“The Community sees its role as institutional strengthening and capacity development, with particular emphasis on forming strategic private/public sector and civil society partnerships as well as facilitating Regional policy coordination and programme harmonization,” Johnson revealed. She thanked the participants for their hard work over the past few days and explained that the module and collaborative process will foster a culture of entrepreneurship as more young people prepare to capitalize on the opportunities of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).The CARICOM Youth Entrepreneurship Material Development Workshop is a follow up activity to a Second Chance project that was piloted in the Bahamas, Jamaica and St Kitts and Nevis last year. This project included a skills training and alternative dispute resolution component and was implemented by the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme.Caribbean News Now
Police confirms robbery at Whitchurch IGA Supermarket in Portsmouth
Tweet LocalNews Police confirms robbery at Whitchurch IGA Supermarket in Portsmouth by: – November 21, 2011 39 Views no discussions Share Share
Share Sharing is caring! Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Kenth Matthew.Two masked men armed with what appeared to be pistols robbed H.H.V Whitchurch in Portsmouth last Thursday, making good their escape with an undetermined sum of money.Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Kenth said “at about 8:45 on November 17th at the Portsmouth department of Whitchurch IGA when two masked men entered the building and robbed the attendant of an undetermined sum of money. The men appeared to have had pistols with them and they made good their escape without any interception. We do not know if the pistols were authentic,” he reported. He said police however got some leads on the pistols and their investigations will continue.A series of robberies have hit the island in recent times. Just last month, the McMillan Gas Station, Josephine Gabriel and Company Ltd and J E Nassief were robbed in a similar fashion.Dominica Vibes News
Focus on culture for Commonwealth Day celebrations 2012
Sharing is caring! Tweet 21 Views no discussions Share Roseau, Dominica – March 8th, 2012…Various schools will on Monday participate in a showcase of cultures to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2012 under the theme “Connecting Cultures”.Photo credit: thecommonwealth.orgCommonwealth Day is observed every year on the second Monday in March by 54 countries in celebration of the links shared as members of one diverse and dynamic global family.According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, this year’s theme presents an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Commonwealth and “what this enrichment means to us as individuals.”Dominica will mark the occasion with an ecumenical service from 9:00 a.m. at the Arawak House of Culture. His Excellency the President Dr. Nicholas J.O Liverpool will deliver the Commonwealth Day message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Hon. Speaker of the House of Assembly Mrs. Alix Boyd Knights, the Hon. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the Hon. Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Petter Saint Jean and other government ministers will also participate.Following the service, representatives of various schools will display the national costumes of the Commonwealth nations and make presentations in dance, music and drama.As part of Commonwealth Day celebrations a youth parliament featuring representatives of all secondary schools and the Dominica State College will debate on a motion to allocate more resources for cultural activities.The student parliamentarians will argue that investment in culture will ‘further the development and economic advancement of the people of Dominica.’ By: Dionne DurandPublic Relations Specialist, Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development
LocalNews Focus on culture for Commonwealth Day celebrations 2012 by: – March 8, 2012 Share Share
Results from the Roseau Valley Basketball League playoffs
Share On Thursday 12th, the Laudat Spartans defeated the Fond Canie Rebels by a final score of 106-100 pts, after over-time, as a result of the game being tied at 87 pts each, at the end of normal regulation time. Coming into this best-of-3 quarterfinal game 2, the rebels, leading 1-0, after an 11 pt. win in game 1, looked to close of the series and secure a place in the semi-finals next week, while the Spartans tried to ensure that there would be a game 3 on Saturday night, with a win for their team. Both teams had their full squads available, as they were both missing key players from game 1. The game began, with both teams taking their time and settling into the game, as it was vital for either one, to get the win. The Spartans, though, got the upper hand in the opening quarter of the game, converting baskets on the offensive end, and taking away, defensively. They built an early lead of up to 10 pts in the opening 7 minutes, but the rebels fought back hard, and brought the lead down to 3 at the close of the 1st period. The 2nd quarter began, with the game still being evenly contested, and you could sense that it would only be a matter of time, until it got heated up. The numbers in the crowd started to go rapidly, and both teams had their full support, with the numbers leading a bit more towards the Spartans. Baskets continued to be traded on either side of the court, and with this, the Spartans lead by only 1 pt at the half. By the beginning of the 3rd quarter, things started to get interesting. This quarter belonged to only two players. Ronald Bruno for the rebels and Jamal Serrant for the Spartans. Offensively, they could not be stopped by either defense. The totally did what they wanted, whenever they pleased. In this quarter, Bruno contributed 19 pts, out of his teams 31, while Serrant dropped 14 pts, out of his teams 21. The other players from both teams, played they bit/part role, but nothing compared to Bruno & Serrant. They game had changed completely, and now, the rebels had over turned the 1 pt half time lead by the Spartans, and were now leading by 9 pts, 69-60.And, again, more wood for the fire. The Spartans opened 4th quarter, on an 8-0 run, to be down only 1 pt, in the opening 3 minutes. With this, players for the rebels stepped up their game, with Joel Mc’Intyre, Peter Ricketts, & Shane Guiste along with Bruno, starting to show their dominance. But they may have forgotten that the Spartans, too, had their own power house, with Yheudi John, Shaun Reid and twin brothers, Jamal & Jervon Serrant, matching them stride for stride. The game continued to be in the balance and with seconds to go, and the rebels up by 2, and it seemed to be all over, Jervon Serrant picked up a lose ball and put it in, to tie the game at 87 and send it to overtime.In overtime, the rebels opened an 8 pt lead, but this got to become complacent, and not play defence, and allowed back to back 3 pointers from Jervon Serrant, to get the Spartans back into the game. Things went from bad to worse, as two technical fouls in the closing minutes ended a hard thought night for the rebels. There was a lot of confusion and argument, with players from both teams complaining about referees, but particularly the rebels, who felt they had done nothing absolutely nothing wrong, to be deserving of technical. The Spartans closed off the game and winning by the final score of 106- 100… Series tied 1-1.Top performers for Rebels were; Ronald Bruno – 37 pts, 7 reb, Joel Mc’Intyre – 29 pts, 3 reb, 9 asts, 2 stls, Shane Guiste – 13 pts, 2 reb, 8 asts and Peter Ricketts – 12 pts, 6 reb, 2blks.Top performers for Spartans were; Jamal Serrant – 43 pts, 4 reb, 5 asts, Jervon Serrant – 24 pts, 6 reb, 8 asts, Shaun Reid – 15 pts, 11 reb and Yheudi John – 12 pts, 3 astsNext game: Friday 13th – R.C Bullets vs. Lily Valley Sharks – 7:30 p.m; Saturday 14th – Fond Canie Rebels vs. Laudat Spartans – 7:30 p.m.By: Edgar George Sharing is caring! 16 Views no discussions Tweet
Share Share NewsSports Results from the Roseau Valley Basketball League playoffs by: – April 13, 2012
Mourinho feels ‘depressed’ about Kane’s injury
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has said he feels “depressed” when talking about Harry Kane’s hamstring injury.Advertisement Read Also:Tottenham star claims EPL Goal of the Month awardSpurs host Liverpool on Saturday and Mourinho said he knew Jurgen Klopp’s side would win the league back in October.“When I was working with you [Sky Sports], I told you Liverpool would be champions and this was three months ago,” he added.“For me the situation they are at is no surprise — they are the best team in our competition It is a big challenge and we would prefer to play against them with everybody available but that is the way it is.”FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 The Spurs captain has been ruled out until April after sustaining the injury in Spurs’ 1-0 defeat against Southampton on New Year’s Day. Promoted ContentBest & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever MadeTop 7 Best Car Manufacturers Of All Time5 Of The World’s Most Unique Theme Parks7 Black Hole Facts That Will Change Your View Of The UniverseWhat Happens When You Eat Eggs Every Single Day?11 Most Immersive Game To Play On Your Table TopThe Biggest Cities In The World So FarThe Very Last Bitcoin Will Be Mined Around 2140. Read MoreWho Is The Most Powerful Woman On Earth?5 Of The World’s Most Unique Theme Parks6 Interesting Ways To Make Money With A Drone10 Phones That Can Work For Weeks Without Recharging
Loading… Kane is set to have surgery on his left hamstring but Mourinho is not too optimistic about the club’s chances of signing a striker during the January transfer window.“Harry is important and irreplaceable, no player can replace Harry Kane,” he told a news conference ahead of the Premier League clash against runaway leaders Liverpool.“I know you [the reporters] want to speak about Harry, I don’t want to speak because if I speak too much I get a bit depressed and then you are going to say I am miserable and depressed and in a bad mood so it’s better to speak about things that make me laugh.“The reality is that I came here two months ago, I knew the situation. I didn’t know I would lose Harry and Moussa Sissoko for so long.“But the situation was to get the best out of the players that we have. That doesn’t change.”
Inter prepare to raise offer for top transfer target to €18m
Inter management are set to meet with Tottenham Hotspur, who continue to demand €20 million, tomorrow afternoon and it is during this meeting that the Nerazzurri will raise their current €15 million offer up to €18 million.Eriksen is in the Tottenham Hotspur squad for tonight’s Premier League match with Norwich City and he is likely to play.Despite this, his mind remains set, he wants to move to Inter as soon as possible.The 27-year-old Danish international, who has been with the north London club since a 2013 move from Ajax, has been near ever present for Spurs this season.Inter Set To Raise Offer For Top Target Eriksen To €18m https://t.co/UqL86RYttb pic.twitter.com/CJa7ItdDAl— Totenham Hostpur News (@News2019Thfc) January 22, 2020Read Also: Mourinho downplays training ground bust-up with England starEriksen, who will reportedly sign a four and a half year deal with Inter once the clubs agree a fee, has made 27 appearances across all competitions.In 1562 minutes on the park, he has scored three goals and assisted just as many. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Loading… Inter will soon raise their offer for Christian Eriksen according to a report in today’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport.https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_WLGdAZKm/Advertisement
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Barcelona boss Setie desperate for Messi to remain at Camp Nou
Read Also: Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti snubbed Arsenal switchSetien’s era has been criticised for a surprising lack of cutting edge, with Barcelona falling to a limp defeat against Valencia, but the new manager is adamant the club will cope without the sidelined Luis Suarez.He said: ‘We can play with no pure striker, with [Antoine] Griezmann or we will figure out something.’The reigning champions are currently second in LaLiga, and trail table toppers Real Madrid by three points.FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Barcelona boss Quique Setien hopes Lionel Messi will choose to remain at the club, and plans to make the talisman ‘so happy’ to avoid him contemplating leaving.Advertisement The Argentine scored the first goal of the new manager’s tenure and also netted a brace in the Copa del Rey victory against Leganes on Thursday.And ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Levante, Setien revealed he is desperate for Messi to commit his future to the Catalan giants.Setien told Spanish newspaper SPORT: ‘I hope we make Messi so happy that he wants to stay.’The 61-year-old tactician penned a two-and-a-half year contract with the Nou Camp outfit after Barcelona’s negotiations with club legend Xavi failed to reach an agreement.But after Valverde’s sacking, Setien was handed the reins instead and the former Real Betis coach believes that Barcelona steered away from their typical style of play under his predecessor.‘I do believe Barca’s play was going away from the original idea,’ Setien added.‘I want to win all the games and my dream is to leave a good memory.’ Promoted ContentThe Best Cars Of All TimeWhich Country Is The Most Romantic In The World?Fantastic-Looking (and Probably Delicious) Bread Art2020 Tattoo Trends: Here’s What You’ll See This Year7 Black Hole Facts That Will Change Your View Of The UniverseThe Very Last Bitcoin Will Be Mined Around 2140. Read More8 Superfoods For Growing Hair Back And Stimulating Its Growth7 Universities Where Getting An Education Costs A Hefty Penny7 Of The Wealthiest Universities In The WorldBest Car Manufacturers In The WorldCan You Imagine Quitting A Role Because Of Dislike For W. Smith?You’ve Only Seen Such Colorful Hairdos In A Handful Of Anime
Loading… Setien, who was hired as Ernesto Valverde’s successor last month, has relied heavily on Messi’s heroics during his opening four games in charge.
Chelsea encouraged to push for Napoli striker Mertens
Loading… Mertens wants €7.5million (£6.3m) per year for two seasons, but Napoli’s current proposal is stuck at €4m (£3.3m) plus another €1m (£845,000) in performance-related bonuses. Mertens was reportedly not keen on a move to Chelsea in January as he wanted to stay at Napoli and break the club’s scoring record, currently held by Marek Hamsik. Read Also:Chelsea to continue Mertens hunt after initial bid was rejected He is currently three short of breaking Hamsik’s club-record 121 – and Lampard and Chelsea will no doubt be willing him on to eclipse that mark so he can move on in the summer. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Mertens will be able to move for free this summer as his contract with Napoli expires at the end of the season – and he could be set for a move to the Premier League. Chelsea reportedly had a £6million bid for Mertens rejected in the January transfer window as manager Frank Lampard searched for a centre-forward to provide cover and competition for Tammy Abraham. Gazzetta dello Sport talks between Napoli and Mertens to extend the player’s contract are not going well, and he looks increasingly likely to leave the Serie A club at the end of June.Advertisement Promoted ContentWhich Country Is The Most Romantic In The World?Who Is The Most Powerful Woman On Earth?Best & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever MadeEver Thought Of Sleeping Next To Celebs? This Guy Will Show You8 Ways Drones Will Automate Our Future7 Universities Where Getting An Education Costs A Hefty Penny2020 Tattoo Trends: Here’s What You’ll See This YearCouples Who Celebrated Their Union In A Unique, Unforgettable Way9 Facts You Should Know Before Getting A TattooWho Earns More Than Ronaldo?8 Fascinating Facts About Coffee7 Mind-Boggling Facts About Black Holes Chelsea have been encouraged in their interest for Napoli striker Dries Mertens.
Rohr: Forget about my contract, let’s focus on Super Eagles
Loading… The former Franco-German’s current deal with the Nigeria Football Federation expires in July and there has been no talk for an extension so far. Although the 66-year-old has made it clear that he wants to continue with the team, but he’s adamant that he won’t run after the Federation for a new deal.Advertisement Promoted Content17 Mind-Blowing Makeovers By Makeup Artist Vanessa Davis14 Hilarious Comics Made By Women You Need To Follow Right NowSuperhero Castings That People Hated But Were AmazingThe Very Last Bitcoin Will Be Mined Around 2140. Read More6 Ridiculous Health Myths That Are Actually TrueUnusual And Unique Beauty Of Indian WomenCan Playing Too Many Video Games Hurt Your Body?7 Thailand’s Most Exquisite Architectural WondersThis Guy Photoshopped Himself Into Celeb Pics And It’s HystericalBest & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever MadeCouples Who Celebrated Their Union In A Unique, Unforgettable Way7 Facts About Black Holes That Will Blow Your Mind “I will not ask the NFF what is going on with my contract renewal (with just over three months left on his present deal). It’s for the NFF to approach me. I am still waiting,” BBC’s Osas Obayiuwana quoted Rohr on Twitter. “My job is to focus on the Super Eagles, as long as I am the coach of this team. And I am going to do just that.”Right now, my concern is that our players in Europe stay physically fit, even when they are not playing, because of the coronavirus situation.” Rohr signed with the Nigeria Football Federation back in 2016 and has to the Super to two major tournaments. Read Also:AFCON: Ex-Super Eagles midfielder lauds Rohr’s list against Sierra LeoneHe led the team to the 2018 world cup, where they failed to make it out of the group staga and also third-place finish at the 2019 Afcon tournament in Egypt. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, has said he was focusing on his job with the National team and not his contract situation with the NFF.
Duterte urges Western countries to stop dumping trash in Asia
“When I was told that this garbage has been sent to us by some countries, I ordered immediately that they’d be shipped out on the first ship going to the North American continent. And I told them that if they do not accept their garbage, then you just drop the container near their ports,” Duterte said./PN The President suggested that regular meetings should be conducted to discourage Western countries from shipping their garbage to Asia. President Rodrigo Duterte urges Western countries to cease from shipping their garbage to developing Asian countries. He says the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have become dumping grounds for hazardous trash from Western countries. CBC.COM MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Western countries to cease from shippingtheir garbage to developing Asian countries. “If we are talking about improving the ecology of the place, the environment, then we must take into account what we dump,” Duterte said during the Special Lunch on Sustainable Development at the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Thailand on Monday. “I think, Mr. Chair, this is as good as any other time and any place to tell the other countries, the Western countries, to be more circumspect,” he added. Earlier this year, Duterte forced Canada to take back 69 containers of trash exported to the country during the previous administration ending the years-long diplomatic row with the Canadians. According to Duterte, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have become dumping grounds for hazardous trash from Western countries. In December 2018, South Korea agreed that it will shoulder the shipping cost to take back 6,500 tons of waste that it had originally dumped in the Philippines.
Surveillance leads to drug suspect’s arrest
Demaisip – resident of BarangaySinikway, Lapuz district – yielded six more sachets of suspected illegal drugsduring her arrest around 7 a.m. on Monday. The 44-year-old Stephanie Demaisip wasnabbed in Barangay Lopez Jaena Norte, La Paz district. An undercover police officer initiallybought from Demaisip a sachet of suspected shabu for P1,000. She was detained in the lockup cell ofthe La Paz police station, facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165,or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN ILOILO City – After days ofsurveillance, the police decided to subject a drug suspect to a buy-bustoperation. It was successful.
P60-K ‘shabu’ siezed
Antidrug officers inspect items confiscated from Hernan De Asis in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 27 on Monday. POLICE STATION 4/ BCPO The suspect was detained in the lockup cell of Police Station 4, facingcharges for Violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive DangerousDrugs Act of 2002./PN The 38-year-old Hernan De Asis yielded the suspected illegal drugs,police said. De Asis was caught after he allegedly sold a sachet of shabu to anundercover officer around 12:25 a.m. on Monday. BACOLOD CITY – Suspected shabu weighingabout four grams valued at around P60,000 was seized in a buy-bust operation inBarangay 27.
Lawmakers favor POGO shut down
“Based sa aming computation, [sa]dapat na P62 billion, ang binabayaran lang ng POGO is more orless P11 billion, so ang nawawala saating gobyerno in terms of taxes is about P50 billion,” he explained. MANILA – Some lawmakers are in favor ofshutting down Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) in the country due totax evasion. According to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, thecountry lost billions in unpaid taxes since POGO firms began operating in 2016. “Saakin, wala tayong nakukuhang malaking benepisyo sa POGO. Sa tingin ko dapat nang itigil kung hindinatin ma-enforce ang tamang buwis,hindi natin mabantayan ang airports dahilcorrupted na ang ating immigration,”he added. Some congressmen also called for a banon POGOs during a hearing in the lower chamber.
A casino dealer collects chips at a roulette table in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. REUTERS/ERIK DE CASTRO Sen. Risa Hontiveros earlier exposed an alleged “pastillas” scheme within the Bureau of Immigration that allows the seamless entry of Chinese nationals into the country for a fee starting at P10,000. “‘Pay or go home. ‘Pag hindi nagbayad, uwi na lang sila,” House Committee on Games andAmusement chairman Eric Yap said. (GMANews/PN)
Italy COVID-19 deaths near 200 after biggest daily jump
Mannequins wearing protective masks stand in a shop display window in Rome, Italy on March 6. REUTERS/ REMO CASILLI Italy is currently reporting more deathsper day from the virus than any other country in the world and the governmentthis week ordered the closure of schools, universities, cinemas and theatersaround the country to try to stem the infections. ROME – The death toll from an outbreakof the coronavirus disease 2019 in Italy has risen by 49 to 197, the CivilProtection Agency said on Friday, the largest daily increase in fatalitiessince the contagion was uncovered two weeks ago. The cumulative number of cases in thecountry, which has been the hardest hit in Europe by the epidemic, totaled4,636 compared with 3,858 on Thursday. The Vatican, an independent state thatsits in the heart of Rome, registered its first case on Friday.(Reuters)
Search for missing Caluya cop ends
SAN JOSE, Antique – After six days, authorities terminated their search and rescue (SAR) operation for the missing 33-year-old policeman onboard a motorboat that capsized between the waters of Sibato and Sibolo Islands in Caluya, Antique. M/B Habana was part of the convoy of mayor Lim bringing relief goods to the island barangay of Sibolo. “We regret to inform you that the SAR operation for Police Corporal Mark Anthony Alejandro terminates today. All agencies involved in the operation retreated to their respective points of origin after having completed the protocol operations,” Caluya mayor Rigil Kent Lim said in a statement yesterday. Alejandro was onboard the M/B Habana vessel with four others – two police officers and two PCG members – when the incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on May 8 due to rough seas. “We keep on praying for the possible retrieval of his body, taking into consideration the welfare of his family. His children are too young to be away from their father. We commit our utmost support to whatever possible assistance we can extend to his family,” Lim added. The SAR team was composed of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the technical divers from Far East Scuba.
Train added that the boat is believed to have sunk to about 215 meters depth./PN “We continue to acknowledge the contributions of Alejandro in maintaining public order and safety in the municipality. His persistent implementation of the Municipal Traffic Ordinance, which lessens motorcycle accidents and protection of minors, is one of his greatest contributions for Caluya. He was popularly known as a strict policeman, and the local government unit had recognized such contribution for he serves as an epitome of a true police officer,” said Lim.For his part, Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Broderick Train said the SAR team found the cap of Alejandro floating near Barangay Semirara, Caluya on May 10 – about two to three kilometers away from the area where the convoy motorboat capsized. Search and rescue (SAR) team attempt to find 33-year-old Police Corporal Mark Anthony Alejandro who went missing after his ridden motorboat capsized in the waters of Caluya, Antique on May 8. The SAR operation ended yesterday. DEN DRAPIZA AND JULIO ABULKAYER S COLARINA VII The two PCG personnel and two policemen were immediately rescued.
3 face raps for Negros wildlife poaching
They were arrested in Barangay Alijis here on Friday afternoon last week. “We will file it this week once the supporting documents are completed,” Gocotano said. An Asian palm civet, two Negros forest dragons, sailfin lizard and anglehead lizard were already dead upon retrieval. They were properly buried at the City Environment and Natural Resources Office-Bago grounds. Chief Master Sergeant Ramiro Gocotano, officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bacolod, said they are collating more documents from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources local office for the filing of charges against the suspects. Ramil Cabale, 45; Dexter Belleza, 36; and Ruzzel Taghoy, 36, all residents of Barangay Minoyan in Murcia town, face charges for violation of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. Investigators believed the wild animals recovered from the suspects were collected from Mount Kanlaon Natural Park. The surviving animals were released back to an undisclosed protected area in the province on Saturday. (With a report from PNA/PN)
Among the wildlife recovered were Philippine orange tarantula, Orphnaecus sp., assorted centipedes and millipedes, juvenile Philippine sailfin lizards, Negros forest dragon (gecko), Bornean anglehead lizards, and north Philippine temple pit vipers. BACOLOD City – Charges are being readied against three residents of Negros Occidental who yielded over 300 wild animals during an entrapment operation in Barangay Alijis here. Over the weekend, the three were released from detention after the 12-hour reglementary period lapsed. BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA Gocotano said the suspects agreed to pay P150,000 for all the animals – supposedly the asking price of the dealer for all the wildlife. 
Dengue cases in Antique drop due to COVID cleanup activities – IPHO
Beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) cash for work program in Caluya, Antique cleans the surrounding of a town facility in this undated photo. Integrated Provincial Health Office information officer Irene Dulduco attributed the decrease of dengue cases in the province to the implementation of DOLE’s program. PESO-CALUYA,ANTIQUE DOLE’s TUPAD#BKBK program in this province was implemented in two batches. There were 400 beneficiaries in the first (April 8-17) while 2,800 recipients took part in the second (April 29-May 8.) The TUPAD#BKBK is a 10-day program in which beneficiaries carry out works such as disinfection and cleaning of their own homes and doing backyard gardening while staying at home due to the threat of COVID-19. SAN JOSE, Antique – The cash-for-work program initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a response measure amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has likewise led to the decline of dengue cases in this province.Dr. Leoncio Abiera, Jr., officer-in-charge of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said Thursday this province has only recorded 206 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to June 20 this year – 240 cases lower than the same period last year. According to her, the decline of dengue cases in Antique started during the 13th morbidity week covering the March 29 to April 4 period with only five cases while three cases were recorded on the 14th morbidity week from April 5 to 11.
IPHO information officer Irene Dulduco, for her part, attributed the decrease of cases to the implementation of the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced#Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko (TUPAD#BKBK) program. “The most number of dengue cases, which is 33, was monitored on January 1 to 7 – first morbidity week,” Dulduco said. The agency’s project provided emergency livelihood to displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers. The beneficiaries received a daily wage of P395./(With a report from PNA/
Sipalay City drug users finish rehab program
Lizares said the goal is to make all 17 barangays drug-cleared by the end of 2022. The CBRP is being implemented by the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council together with the Sipalay City Police Station, Department of the Interior and Local Government-Sipalay City, City Health Office, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Still, the mayor remains hopeful that the PDEA-Western Visayas will be able to conduct the validation of the two remaining villages by the end of the year. These 112 PWUDs hailed from barangays 1, 3, 4, Cabadiangan, Camindangan, Canturay, Cartagena, Mambaroto, Manlucahoc, and Nauhang. The three batches all came from 12 villages, therefore only the PWUDs from the five remaining barangays need to undergo the program. The latest 32 PWUDs, part of the third batch, are residents of Barangays 2 and Cayhagan. In a report on Monday, the city government said the latest group included 32 participants who completed the five-day program earlier this month.Mayor Maria Gina Lizares, who witnessed the graduation of the recent batch on July 17, said the rehabilitation program aims to prevent the PWUDs from returning to substance abuse. “We were supposed to hold on-site validation of the latest two barangays, but the pandemic has affected the schedules of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and our stakeholders,” she added. The city’s partners include the PDEA-Negros Occidental, Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office and the Negros Occidental Drug Rehabilitation Foundation Inc. (With a report from PNA/PN) Thirty-two persons who used drugs (PWUDs) complete their five-day Community-Based Rehabilitation Program in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental earlier this month. According to Mayor Maria Gina Lizares, the rehabilitation program aims to prevent the PWUDs from returning to substance abuse. NEGROS DAILY BULLETIN BACOLOD City – Some 144 persons who used drugs (PWUDs) have completed the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental since the second half of 2019. Lizares said the restrictions brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic have brought negative effects to the city’s anti-drug abuse campaign. The first batch of 24 graduates completed the CBRP late last year while the remaining 88 comprised the second batch who attended and finished the sessions in the first quarter of this year.
Some State Parks Closing Temporarily For Deer Reductions
Some area state parks will close temporarily to allow for controlled deer reductions in the coming weeks.The dates for the temporary closings are Nov. 18 and 19, and Dec. 2 and 3.Local state parks affected are Versailles, Clifty Falls, and Whitewater Memorial. The state parks will close to the general public the evening before each of the two efforts and reopen the morning after each two-day reduction.Only individuals drawn last September and those listed on their applications may participate in the reductions. There will be no standby drawings at those parks.Other state parks affected include Brown County, Chain O’ Lakes, Charlestown, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormicks Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, and Tippecanoe.DNR Biologists evaluate which parks require a reduction each year based on habitat recovery and previous harvest rates at each park. The reductions help control browsing by deer to a level that helps maintain habitat throughout the sate parks for all plants and animals.Information on next year’s state park deer reductions, including online applications, will be available next summer at the DNR website. The application deadline is usually the end of August.
Purdue Mourns Shooting Of Teaching Assistant
Purdue senior Andrew Boldt, 21, of West Bend, Wis., died Tuesday. Police arrested senior 23-year-old Cody Cousins on a preliminary charge of murder.Investigators say the shooting occurred in a basement classroom of Purdue’s Electrical Engineering building in West Lafayette. Police believe Boldt was targeted by Cousins.The shooting prompted mourning on the campus and beyond. Purdue, known nationally for its engineering and agricultural programs, has produced many graduates that reside in southeastern Indiana.Some took to social media following the shocking news: –Joey Harmeyer 51 minutes ago near Oldenburg, IN –“Prayers to the Purdue community and the Boldt family after yesterday’s tragedy. Stay strong and Boiler Up!” Zack Dwenger 16 hours ago near West Lafayette, IN ·–“Thank you to all who text and checked up on me today-means a lot that you all care! Still questioning Purdue’s lockdown policy with non-locking doors but what matters right now is that most people are safe and can move on. #prayforpurdue” A routine day on campus was abruptly interrupted when a senior at Purdue University shot and killed a teaching assistant, police said. Andrew Weigel 9 hours ago via mobile —“This one hit a little too close to home. Prayers for Purdue and the Boldt family. #BoilerStrong”
St. Louis 5th & 6th Grade Boys Basketball Teams Get Wins
The 5th grade SLS Cardinals won a “Barn Burner” beating St. Mary’s of North Vernon 29-28. The Cardinals fell behind at the start and trailed St. Mary’s by as many as 12 points early in the game.Adam Vogelsang and Cayden Pohlman turned the game by applying defensive pressure which resulted in steal after steal. With nine seconds remaining, St. Mary’s missed two free throws and Thomas Raver drove the length of the floor and was fouled with one second left on the clock. Thomas sank both free throws to take the only lead, 29-28, the Cardinals enjoyed all night.The 5th grade SLS Cardinals upped their record to 2-0 on the season.The St Louis 6th Grade basketball team traveled to North Vernon on Monday and came home victorious with a win over St Mary’s by the score of 33-12.The team turned in another solid defensive performance as led by Karson Macke and Michael Wanstrath. The offensive attack was led by Jack Forbeck and Andrew Oesterling with 10 points each. Max Giesting poured in 9 and Tyler Kuntz and Riley Schebler both had 2 points.The Cardinals play their 1st home game of the season this Wednesday at the St. Louis Activity Center with a rematch against St. Mary’s.Courtesy of STL Coaches Dale Amrhein and Jim Oesterling.
Lorraine L. Foster
The family of Lorraine L. Foster are mourning the loss of their very beloved mother and grandmother who was called from this life on March 20, 2016 at the age of 87. She was comforted and surrounded by her family at Arbor Grove Village of Greensburg, Indiana, as she passed away from this life into the next. She was born December 27, 1928 in Batesville, Indiana to the late Albert and Emma Lampe Goldsmith. Lorraine married Stanley Edward Foster on June 21, 1947. They began their life together first living at the Old Central House in Napoleon, Indiana, but shortly thereafter, Stanley along with his brothers built their home in Napoleon where they lived the rest of their lives together, raising their eleven children. Stanley preceded her in death on July 12, 1993. A devout Catholic, she loved her church, St. Maurice of Napoleon. She loved music and was blessed with a beautiful voice! For approximately fifty five years, she served as a cantor singing songs of praises to the Lord. She also sang at weddings and funerals. Her family stated that she loved to hear Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley sing. She could do a good rendition of “I’m All Shook Up”! Asked what her occupation was, she would answer, “Raising my children.” Her family and grandchildren had been her life! She will be so sadly missed. SURVIVORS: Sons: (7) Dennis (Janice) Foster of Nogales, AZ ; Timothy (Janet) Foster of Batesville, IN; James (Cheryl) Foster of Batesville; Doug (Pam) Foster of Greensburg, IN; Terry “Mick” Foster of Greensburg; John Paul (Lynnis) Foster of Osgood; Larry Mark (Phyllis) Foster of Greensburg. Daughters: (4) Diane Huening of Greensburg; Rita Foster of Greensburg;Peggy (Duane Sizemore) Murray of Osgood; Laurie Foster of NapoleonGrandchildren: 23; Great Grandchildren: 47; Great Great Grandchildren: 5She was preceded in death by six brothers (Ralph, Albert, Bob, Clifford, Paul and Earl Goldsmith) and four sisters (Dorothy Oswald, Mildred Scheney, Rita Maple and Katie Fichtner).SERVICES:Visitation: Tuesday, March 22, 2016/ Neal’s Funeral Home/ 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Funeral: Wednesday, March 23, 2016/ St. Maurice Catholic Church of Napoleon, IN/ 10:00 a.m.Burial: Church Cemetery, Napoleon; Memorials: Donor’s ChoiceArrangements by Neal’s Funeral Home www.nealsfuneralhome.net
DePauw – HSR Qualifiers and Champions Grimes & Hampton – Pirates Track and Field
http://iatccc.org/hsr/?page_id=48Courtesy of Pirates Coaches Mile Myers and Katina Tekulve. A selection of the Boys Track and Field team traveled to DePauw University Friday evening for an Hoosier State Relays Indoor qualifying meet. Overall the Pirates had a successful evening competing against solid competition.The top performance of the night was the 4x800m Relay squad of Reid McClintic, Kevin Johnson, Hunter Butz and Jared Hasslebring running an 8:51.81 for a 4th place finish.I was pleased to watch our athletes compete and beat many teams from central and southwestern Indiana.Some athletes will be in action again at DePauw next Friday and those that qualify for HSR will compete at IU on March 25.Link to 1A-3A qualifying marks for HSR.The Lady Pirates Track and Field members were highly competitive at the DePauw HSR Qualifier meet Friday night in Greencastle.Shot Put Champion, Lily Grimes, won her event out of 29 contenders with a throw of 37′ 9.75″. High Jump Champion, Arie Hampton, jumped a new indoor PR at 5’3 to win her event out of 20 competitors. Rylie Smith also ran an indoor PR in 60m hurdles advancing to the finals and placing 6th overall with a 10.18 sprint.The Girls team will compete again at Depauw this Friday and hopefully qualify and advance to the Hoosier State Relays on Saturday, March 25.
‘Diabetes Dinner’ presented by Margaret Mary Health
Batesville, In. — Margaret Mary Health will welcome medical oncologist Howard Cooper and dietician Sarah Heffron to the Big Four Café Wednesday, November 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The public is welcome to participate in a conversation about controlling diabetes, preventing cancer, eating healthy and maintaining optimal health.The cost for the Diabetes Dinner is $10 per person. For more information please call 812-933-5000.
March 15, 2018 Police Blotter
March 15, 2018 Police Blotter031518 Decatur County EMS Report031518 Decatur County Jail Report031518 Decatur County Fire Report031518 Decatur County Law Report031518 Batesville Police Blotter
Joe Robinson – Laurel
Joseph “Joe” Robinson, of Laurel, was born on January 21, 1951 in Corbin, Kentucky the son of Lenzy and Edna Cox Robinson. He served his country with the United States Marines, and then worked and retired from Sperry Rubber after 29 years of service. Joe enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to supervise all of the family activities – usually from his lawn chair. On Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at the age of 67, he passed away at his residence. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, June 18, 2018 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors provided by the Brookville American Legion Bernard Hurst Post #77 will follow in Laurel North Cemetery. Those surviving who will cherish Joe’s memory include his children; sons, Joseph (Laura) Robinson and Jason Robinson, both of Laurel; daughters, Nancy (Kenny) Peters of Laurel, Jennifer (Steve) Thompson of Lake View, and Becky Thompson (Troy Wolf) of Connersville. He is also survived by one sister, Carol Noble of Loveland, OH; 11 grandchildren, Richinda (Christopher) Banks, Hank McNally (fiancé T.J. Watkins), Christopher McNally, Isaiah Peters, Heather (Eric) Aldworth, Stephanie Thompson, Kiley Robinson, Emily Robinson, Justin Robinson, Kristen Peters, and Andrew Peters, and 10 great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the Brookville American Legion Bernard Hurst Post #77 or to the Brookville VFW Wilbur Dennison Post #2014. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Joe Robinson.
Part-time EMT’s, Paramedics sought in Batesville
Batesville, In. — Batesville Fire & Rescue is accepting applications for part-time EMT’s and Paramedics.Applications are available at the fire department or online here.Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be an Indiana Licensed Paramedic or Certified EMT.Applicants will be required to perform background checks, physical fitness testing, written aptitude testing, an interview process, and other testing that may be deemed appropriate.Resumes will be accepted only if accompanied by an application. Deadline for all applications and resumes is Wednesday, August 22.Requirements:• Must be a resident citizen of the United States.• Must be 18 years old to apply.• Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.• Cannot have a felony conviction.• Cannot have a misdemeanor conviction involving domestic violence.• Must possess a valid driver’s license.• Cannot have been dishonorably discharged from the military.Must be Indiana Licensed Paramedic or Certified EMT.• Must pass a mandatory drug screening test.
October Is Here
This is the beginning of a hectic month in high school sports. Almost every fall sport will begin and/or finish their state playoff series this month. Girls golf is the only one that is nearly finished. All the rest are just beginning. Please go out and support your local high school teams as they try to reach the state level.At the pro level, the post season is beginning for baseball. This will last the entire month!Most college football teams will have their Homecomings. For basketball fans, the season is just around the corner. You won’t have long to wait.
East Central FFA member to compete in national competition
Dearborn County, In. – A member from the East Central FFA Chapter will be competing for national recognition in a career development event at the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Oct. 25-28.Kayla Miles, a sophomore at East Central High School will vie for national honors with nearly 50 FFA members from across the United States in the FFA Creed speaking CDE. The National FFA Foundation and The National FFA Organization sponsor the event. Kayla is the daughter of Tim and Paula Miles of Sunman.Creed speaking is one of 25 career/leadership development event areas, covering jobs skills in everything from communications to mechanics. The Creed Speaking CDE is designed solely for members who qualified while in the seventh, eighth or ninth grade. The outstanding FFA members are recognized for their ability to memorize and present the FFA Creed then answer questions on the meaning and purpose of the Creed. CDEs and LDEs help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market.The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 649,355 student members who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.
Fundraiser creates windfall for soup kitchen, search for 2019 land donor on
Letts, In. — The numbers are in and “Farmers Feeding the Flock” grossed $17,328.53, that will be a net donation to Greensburg Bread of Life of about $6,000.Local farmer Merril Smith developed the idea and presented to the Evans family near Letts, and the project was in full gear. The Evans family donated the use of 40-acres this year for a soybean crop. Stewart Seeds, Kova Fertilizer, Best Equipment and Lowes Feed and Grain all made significant donations to the project.Smith says the fundraiser is a way to help feed less fortunate people, teach young people about agriculture and try to inform the public about the sacrifices made by farmers, both physically and financially.There is a search for a land donor to continue the effort next year. If you would like to help out click here.
Alumni Game
I enjoyed attending the Batesville Boys Basketball Alumni game last Friday afternoon. A very even, entertaining game was enjoyed by those in attendance. The game itself was played mainly by the alumni who graduated after 2010. These young men are still very active and fit.In the early days of this game, Coach Garrett divided the players into recent graduates and old-timers. Two separate games were played. It was very entertaining to watch the old-timers attempt to regain their youth, but I think after a few injuries among the older group it was decided to play just one game with the younger guys. There were a few older alumni in the crowd, including myself.This alumni game is a nice way to kick off another boys’ basketball season.
Ligue 1: Osimhen, Simon, Kalu to undergo medical checkups from May 11
The LFP has also indicated its preferred option remains a “resumption of leagues in mid-June subject to knowing the terms of easing confinement measures which will be presented by the government in the coming days”.France is currently under a nationwide lockdown until May 11.The LFP also reached an agreement with broadcasters Canal Plus and beIN Sports on Friday over disputed payments.The two television companies withheld money due after the league was suspended indefinitely. A statement from the LFP said they had agreed to pay an amount relative to the number of matches already broadcast.French sports daily L’Equipe reported the sum from Canal Plus to be around 37 million euros ($40 million).Meanwhile, French football federation president Noel Le Graet hopes both the French Cup and League Cup finals can be played before the league season restarts. Read Also: UEFA open to seasons ending early due to COVID-19Paris Saint-Germain are due to meet Saint-Etienne in the French Cup, while Thomas Tuchel’s side are scheduled to face Lyon in the League Cup.Football in Europe has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. France has recorded almost 22,000 deaths linked to the virus according to Friday’s latest figures.FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 The LFP board met to review the main points of a draft document on medical and health protocols presented by the league’s representative for club doctors, it said in a statement.The document “foresees a return of players to training centres the week of May 11 to carry out full medical checkups, as well as swab tests, followed by daily monitoring, which will be detailed … between now and the end of April,” it said. The move is one of the mandatory requirement towards restarting Ligue 1 in June pending government clearance, the French league (LFP) said Friday. Super Eagles stars – Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu are expected to join other footballers plying their trade in France’s top flight to undergo “full medical checkups” starting May 11.Advertisement Loading… Promoted ContentThis Guy Photoshopped Himself Into Celeb Pics And It’s Hysterical8 Superfoods For Growing Hair Back And Stimulating Its Growth6 Most Overpowered Live Action Disney CharactersBest & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever Made8 Things That Will Happen If An Asteroid Hits Earth7 Black Hole Facts That Will Change Your View Of The UniverseThe Very Last Bitcoin Will Be Mined Around 2140. Read MoreMind-Bending Technology That Was Predicted Before It AppearedTop 10 Female Disney Villains You’ll Definitely Fall In Love WithWho Is The Most Powerful Woman On Earth?14 Hilarious Comics Made By Women You Need To Follow Right NowYou’ve Only Seen Such Colorful Hairdos In A Handful Of Anime
Uzoho: Messi Made My Best Day In Football
Uzoho’s inclusion in Nigeria’s squad to the football fiesta was a massive surprise to many. The young shot-stopper was part of the victorious Nigeria squad at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, albeit without playing a single minute at the tournament. But Uzoho moved to Deportivo La Coruna from Qatar’s Aspire Academy in January 2017 and, later that year, became the youngest foreign goalkeeper to ever play in La Liga, marking his memorable Deportivo debut with a clean sheet. His form in Spain caught the attention of Gernot Rohr, who had been looking for solutions to the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping problems caused by the premature retirement of Carl Ikeme. Then only 19, Uzoho made his Super Eagles debut against Argentina in a November 2017 friendly, a game Messi missed, and Nigerian won by a 4-2 scoreline. Despite his relative inexperience, Uzoho was elevated as the first-choice keeper ahead of the experienced duo of Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, heading to the World Cup.Advertisement Loading… He was in goal when Rohr’s men lost to Croatia, defeated Iceland, and succumbed to a late 2-1 loss to Argentina, with Messi netting a fine opener. Despite the Super Eagles losing that encounter, Uzoho feels privileged sharing the same pitch with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. “Playing at the World Cup for the first time as a first choice goalkeeper came as a grace to me,” the Omonia Nicosia keeper said, as quoted by the media. read also:Uzoho: Why I married at 20 “In fact, the day Nigeria played against Argentina was my best day in the game because I stood on the same field with Messi and Higuain, players I respect a lot. “I had to control my excitement as a professional keeper to give my best in the game.” FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Francis Uzoho has picked the Super Eagles last group match against Messi’s Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as the best day of his football career. Promoted ContentA Hurricane Can Be As Powerful As 10 Atomic Bombs7 Theories About The Death Of Our UniverseThe Best Cars Of All TimeBest Car Manufacturers In The WorldTop Tastiest Foods From All Over The WorldThe Most Beautiful Middle Eastern Actresses9 Facts You Should Know Before Getting A TattooHow Good The CGI Effects In Those Movies Were!This Guy Photoshopped Himself Into Celeb Pics And It’s Hysterical6 Incredibly Strange Facts About HurricanesYou’ve Only Seen Such Colorful Hairdos In A Handful Of Anime6 Ridiculous Health Myths That Are Actually True
Messi snogs stunning wife Antonela but leaves fans ‘disturbed’
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has left fans feeling “disturbed” after he locked lips with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo for a music video. The 32-year-old and his partner showed their passion for one another in Puerto Rican musician Residente’s video showing 113 kisses from around the world during the coronavirus crisis. Messi’s Argentinian compatriot Paulo Dybala – fresh from recovering Covid-19 after testing positive four times – also enjoyed a steamy snog with his girlfriend Oriana Sabatini. And Hollywood actor Ben Affleck was another high-profile celebrity to feature as he and his new 007 girlfriend Ana de Armas went public with their love for each other. But it was Messi’s affection for his wife that left fans shocked, with supporters of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner not used to the Blaugrana ace showing his affection. As Messi and Roccuzzo share a kiss during the song titled ‘Antes Que El Mundo Se Acabe’ – which in English translates as ‘Before the World Ends’ – the lyrics go: “I know the future is uncertain but even if they close borders they can’t close the sea. We’ll soon get out.”Advertisement Loading… read also:‘Ronaldo was the best’ – Carlos, dismisses Messi, CR7 comparison Fans immediately took to social to comment on their uneasiness, as one said: “I feel like throwing up after that Messi kiss video.” Another commented: “Who filmed this Mateo or Thiago. I’m sick it’s like watching my own parents kiss I’m so disturbed Messi wtf.” Another simply stated: “Can you stop posting that Messi kiss video please.” Other celebrities featured in Residente’s video include Ricky Martin smooching his husband Jwan Yosef and rapper Bad Bunny and girlfriend Gabriela Berlingeri. Residente, real name Rene Perez Joglar, was a founding member of Puerto Rican rap fusion band Calle 13 before initiating a solo career in 2015. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Promoted ContentHere Are The 10 Most Famous Female Racers Of All TimeBirds Enjoy Living In A Gallery Space Created For Them9 Facts You Should Know Before Getting A TattooDid You Notice How Natural Simba’s Movements Looked In The Movie?Who Is The Most Powerful Woman On Earth?Mind-Bending Technology That Was Predicted Before It AppearedWhich Country Is The Most Romantic In The World?Best & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever MadeTop 10 Most Iconic Characters On TV11 Most Immersive Game To Play On Your Table TopGeeky And Hilarious Shower Curtains For Adults10 Celebrity Dads Who Have A Bad Relationship With Their Kids
EPL: Liverpool fan holds title parade after getting bored waiting for restart
A Liverpool fan has taken matters into his own hands and held an open-top title parade to celebrate their very likely Premier League glory. The three trucks cost 10 million baht, which is around £256,000. When asked about the parade, Kongkiat explained he had planned the celebrations for when Liverpool physically lifted the title. “I had planned to bring the trucks out for a parade with the other Liverpool supporters when the team lifted the trophy,” Kongkia stated per The Mirror. “However, due to the pandemic the league has been postponed so I decided to do the celebration in advance. Read Also: Arsenal eye Real Madrid star as possible Aubameyang replacement The league will not be disclosing any information on the individuals or clubs in question but stated they would be required to self-isolate for a week. Coronavirus tests will be carried out twice per week on players, in addition to temperature checks and questionnaires being filled out prior to every session. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Loading… Jurgen Klopp’s side are 25 points clear at the top of the table and were on track to claim their first ever Premier League title – until the coronavirus pandemic postponed the season. The Premier League hasn’t held a game since March and businessman Kongkiat Inthraseesangwon decided he couldn’t wait for the return any longer. Kongkiat purchased a truck for the open-top parade in Phayao, Thailand and painted it red to match the club’s traditional colours, while also slapping on the club’s crest and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ motto. “I think the money has been well spent because if we win, it will be the first time in more than 30 years that we have won the league. I think the fans deserve to have their celebration. “Moreover, after the celebration, the truck will be used in my business so it’s definitely not a waste of money.” The Premier League is looking to return to action in mid-June with sides resuming training in the coming weeks. It was revealed yesterday that six people across three Premier League sides had tested positive for COVID-19. 19 clubs have completed tests and received results, while one club waited until Monday to conduct their tests and so their results are currently unknown. Promoted ContentGorgeous Asian Actresses All Men Are Crazy About10 Phones That Can Easily Fit In The Smallest Pocket7 Truly Incredible Facts About Black Holes5 Of The World’s Most Unique Theme Parks7 Mind-Boggling Facts About Black HolesThe Models Of Paintings Whom The Artists Were Madly In Love WithWho Is The Most Powerful Woman On Earth?14 Hilarious Comics Made By Women You Need To Follow Right Now8 Things To Expect If An Asteroid Hits Our Planet7 Ways To Understand Your Girlfriend BetterPlus-Size Girls Who Set The Catwalk On Fire10 Inventions That Make Our Lives Much Easier
La Liga to return to English TV next month with all matches free
Lionel Messi and Co are set to draw in massive audiences after Spanish top-flight football was given the green light to return next month. La Liga and its broadcast partner Premier Sports will announce this week that all live matches will be made available for Sky TV customers. It follows the Bundesliga proving to be a big hit on BT Sport with football fans craving the return of live-action after the coronavirus lockdown. La Liga games are set to be shown every day of the week with late afternoon and evening kick-offs as well as night matches at weekends. Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently locked in a title race while La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed the Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis will be the first game back from the week of June 8. The opening fixture could be on Thursday, June 11.Advertisement It means Spanish football is likely to be back on English TV screens before the Premier League which is also due to return next month. Sky subscribers – or anyone with a Skybox – will be able to sign up for free during June with the subscription price normally £5.99. Non-Sky subscribers are also to be offered free games in June via the Premier Player app. read also:Osimhen snubs interest from Serie A club, targets Premier League or LaLiga It is designed to be part of a TV bonanza for armchair viewers with the hope they will stick with the channel with 11 games left for each team. La Liga has also announced that a new magazine show featuring former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will be on air from June 1. Talking Football series will be hosted by Guillem Balagué who will interview Pochettino and there will be more regular programming around the games. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Loading… La Liga is making a spectacular return for English TV viewers – with all games being shown for free in June. Promoted ContentWhat Happens To Your Brain When You Play Too Much Video Games?9 Facts You Should Know Before Getting A TattooBest Car Manufacturers In The WorldCan Playing Too Many Video Games Hurt Your Body?Which Country Is The Most Romantic In The World?Top 10 Iconic Personalities On TV NowCouples Who Celebrated Their Union In A Unique, Unforgettable Way7 African Actresses With Thick Skin Who Got Famous In HollywoodBirds Enjoy Living In A Gallery Space Created For Them6 Product That Have Wild Origin Stories6 Interesting Ways To Make Money With A Drone7 Worst Things To Do To Your Phone
Chelsea ready to off-load Fikayo Tomori
Loading… read also:French side Rennes in desperate quest for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori Despite being a regular under Frank Lampard while he was on loan at Derby County, Tomori struggled to nail down a starting spot last season. He is now expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Chelsea are prepared to sell Fikayo Tomori this summer. L’Equipe says Chelsea’s transfer chief Marina Granovskaia is encouraging competition for his signature. Tomori, 22, has attracted interest from Ligue 1 side Rennes, though they face a difficult task to get a deal over the line.Advertisement
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Maguire’s brother ‘also charged over Mykonos brawl
Joe has joined Harry and their sister Daisy for a week of partying in Mykonos. But Utd captain Maguire was taunted by rival fans during a three-day drinking session that ended with his sister being stabbed with a metal straw. The brawl erupted outside a swanky nightclub when a man — described by sources as “gangster types” — had started chatting up the star’s younger sister. And when she turned him down, she was jabbed in the arm – drawing blood and causing her to faint. Harry then stepped in before a fight broke out. When plain-clothed police came to break it up, the Utd captain was allegedly “verbally abusive to an officer and then hit him”. read also:Man Utd captain Maguire regains freedom after assault hearing Maguire is now understood to have travelled back to the UK ahead of another hearing in court tomorrow, which he does not have to attend. But the case could be thrown into jeopardy after staff in the building tested positive for coronavirus. Sheffield-born Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when he signed for Utd from Leicester City for £85million in August last year. He was named captain in January this year following Ashley Young’s departure to Inter Milan. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Loading… Harry Maguire’s footballer brother is also expected to go on trial for allegedly brawling on Mykonos, The Sun can reveal. Joe Maguire, 28, was arrested with his famous sibling and it is understood he will be named as a co-defendant along with another British pal this afternoon. Local officials confirmed he had been detained for the fight but stopped short of announcing his court appearance officially due to strict data protection rules. But it is understood his name will be appear on a court list later today. All three will be represented by the same high-flying lawyer flown in from Athens for the case. The trio spent two nights in a cell before appearing before a court on Saturday in Syros. They are accused of bodily harm and “serial insult”. Maguire and a pal are have also been charged with serial bribery and violence against officials. They deny all the charges against them. Dad-of-two Joe is also a footballer and played for Scunthorpe United, Nuneaton Town and Boston United before signing for Gainsborough Trinity in 2018. But he recently left the Northern Premier League club in search of first-team football.
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Yaya Toure apologises for ‘inappropriate joke’
“It was meant as a joke however I lacked thorough consideration for the feelings of all the other participants. “That being said I deleted the jokes within minutes and I immediately apologised to all inside the group.” Toure said he wanted to “take full responsibility” for his mistake. “We gather for a good cause and this deviates the focus of the game which is to bring everyone together to help children around the world,” he wrote. “It’s sad to see an inappropriate joke I made attract the attention which should be fully devoted to the beauty of the charity game. “Regardless of the circumstances, I want to take full responsibility. I am a grown man who should not be engaged in such jokes. “I am very sorry for my mistake and wish everyone all the best with Soccer Aid on Sunday in raising awareness and funds for important causes.” Toure sparked a string of complaints from his appalled team-mates, who included several female players as well as celebrities. They called on Soccer Aid and ITV bosses to axe Toure from the game, held annually in support of children’s charity Unicef. Toure, who has three children with wife Gina, deleted the messages and issued an apology but got the boot from Sunday’s game. An insider said: “Everyone at Soccer Aid was disgusted by Yaya’s messages. “There is a WhatsApp group for his team, the World XI, and everyone had been chatting in it. “Without being prompted, Yaya posted a video of a naked woman in a bath. Yaya Toure has apologised for an “inappropriate joke” after offering to hire sex workers for his Soccer Aid team. Married dad Toure, 37, boasted in a WhatsApp group chat that he could bring 19 girls to the side’s five-star hotel in Cheshire, and also posted a pornographic video showing a naked woman in a bath. He was axed from this weekend’s event, and tweeted an apology. “I would like to apologise to everyone involved in Soccer Aid for an inappropriate joke I deeply regret,” he wrote. read also:Yaya Toure axed after offering to hire sex workers for teammates “She was acting in a lewd manner and it was highly inappropriate. “He went on to say he could get 19 women like the one in the video to come to the hotel to the pleasure of those playing the match. “It was absolutely disgraceful and caused a huge amount of distress to some of the people who received the messages. “Soccer Aid is a charity game and is raising money for children. “So to have one of the players, especially one who is supposed to be a professional, making such lewd and gross suggestions is despicable.” Midfielder Yaya, who left Manchester City in 2018, sent the X-rated messages on Thursday night. The WhatsApp group was made up of his team-mates from his World XI side – including ex-Man United star Patrice Evra and female players Julie Fleeting, Lianne Sanderson and Chelcee Grimes. Players and coaches from their England XI opponents were also in the group. A string of complaints were then made to Soccer Aid and ITV, which is broadcasting the match live. The insider added: “The messages turned the stomachs of the women, along with the men. “The atmosphere among both teams had been so good and spirits were high. These messages have really soured the mood. “Julie, Lianne and Chelcee made their feelings clear about how wrong they thought his messages were. They called for Toure to be taken off the team.” After bosses at Unicef and ITV were notified of the content, Yaya was told to delete them. He was then forced to apologise to everyone who received the messages and was warned his place in the squad was in jeopardy. However, feelings were running high during breakfast at the hotel this morning, with many feeling he should get the boot. A source explained: “Within a few minutes his messages had been deleted and Yaya got a mouthful from the bosses. “He repeatedly apologised to them and also said he was sincerely sorry for what he had posted to those in the group. FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail分享 Promoted Content5 Of The World’s Most Unique Theme ParksThe Adorable Model For Simba In The Lion King Remake8 Weird Facts About Coffee That Will Surprise YouTop 10 Female Stars Everyone Had A Crush On In The 90s8 Superfoods For Growing Hair Back And Stimulating Its GrowthBest & Worst Celebrity Endorsed Games Ever Made7 Mind-Boggling Facts About Black HolesThis Muslim Woman Belongs To World’s 10 Strongest Women10 Disney Characters Who Would Make Great Role ModelsWho Earns More Than Ronaldo?8 Addictive And Fun Coffee FactsIs This The Most Delicious Food In The World? Loading… 
Virginia Sprint Series checkers fly for Linkenhoker
By Jim HainesSHENANDOAH, Va. (May 9) – Anthony Linkenhoker used his smooth style to move up front and take his career first Virginia Sprint Series win Saturday at Shenandoah Speedway.The third different winner in as many IMCA Eagle Motorsports RaceSaver tour events this season, Linkenhoker took the landmark checkers ahead of Chris Ware and Charlie Ware.Chris Ware and Bill Rice paced the field to green with Ware out first by a nose but Rice came back to lead the lap as problems hit in turn one. Brian Lawson pushed up in to Tom Humphries, blocking the track and taking French Grimes with them.On the restart, Rice lead with Ware in second as Linkenhoker followed. Linkenhoker went around Ware and was off after Rice. On lap 10, Linkenhoker went under Rice and to the lead where he stayed for his first win at Shenandoah as Ware stayed close.Next it’s back to the dirt at Eastside Speedway in Waynesboro on Saturday, May 16.Feature results – 1. Anthony Linkenhoker; 2. Chris Ware; 3. Charlie Ware; 4. Jerald Harris; 5. Ron Moyers; 6. Andrew Wrotten; 7. Bill Rice; 8. Brian Lawson; 9. Tom Humphries; 10. French Grimes; 11. Tony Harris.
New sponsor Motorsports Warehouse has prime location for Super Nationals customers
BOONE, Iowa – Recipients of contingency awards from the newest IMCA marketing partner won’t have to walk very far to redeem them.Motorsports Warehouse Distributors is currently relocating from Ames to the former JR Motorsports building just off Highway 30 and adjacent to the Boone Speedway grounds.Manufacturers’ Row at the upcoming IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s will literally be in the company’s parking lot.“IMCA has a very large customer base. It makes sense to cater to that market in our backyard,” said Brent Antill of Motorsports Warehouse. “We have a lot to offer IMCA drivers.”Motorsports Warehouse will award $50 gift certificates to all last-chance qualifiers at Super Nationals. Those certificates will be good toward purchases from a complete line of racing products and safety equipment.Gift certificates with the same value will be awarded to a top five driver at each event in the Deery Brothers Summer Series and the Hawkeye Dirt Tour beginning next season.Antill’s grandfather started Hap’s Auto Supply in the mid-1960’s and built engines for drivers who competed across the Midwest. The business later became Hap’s Racing, operated by his father, in Ames. Hap’s serviced Boone Speedway with a parts trailer in the 1980’s and 1990’s.“Hap’s was a long-time supporter of IMCA and I’m proud to continue that family tradition into the future with Motorsports Warehouse,” said Antill, IMCA’s national Sprint Car rookie of the year in 1990, a long-time veteran of the winged division and recent inductee into the Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame.He worked at Hap’s Racing and JR Motorsports, and built engines at his own shop before opening Motorsports Warehouse in 2014. The company offers a wide variety of products for the winged class as well.More information about products available from Motorsports Warehouse is available by calling 855 599-7223.“We’re really excited about being part of IMCA,” Antill said. “This sponsorship program will be a good deal for everyone involved.”“With the recent leasing of the building on the grounds of Boone Speedway, it was natural to develop a partnership with Motorsports Warehouse that involved them supporting not only the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, but IMCA series events on a regional level,” noted Kevin Yoder, marketing director for the sanctioning body. “We’ve appreciated their desire to work with us as we make plans for America’s Racin’ Vacation and look forward to building a relationship that lasts well into the future.”
Riley rules Raceway Park’s Jim Johnson Memorial
By Bob ConeyJEFFERSON, S.D. (May 15) – Dave Riley got the best of a stellar field of IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks, at Raceway Park’s Jim Johnson Memorial.Riley matched the highest-paying wins of his career with the $1,000 Sunday night checkers.Front row starter Tony Fetterman had shot to the lead and held off various challengers throughout three restarts. Following the fourth caution, Riley made his move on the outside in turns three and four to take over up front.A late caution resulted in a green, white, checkered finish and Riley denied a final charge by Fetterman to take the victory, his third this season at Jefferson including opening night of the South Dakota Spring Nationals.Behind the lead duo, “B” feature winner David Miller completed a charge through the field for third ahead of Damon Richards and Matt BakerThirty-two drivers checked in and sought shares of a Hobby Stock purse topping $3,000.Other feature winners were Justin Zeitner in the Xtreme Motor Sports IMCA Modifieds, Les Lundquist in the IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, Karl Brewer in the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods and Cody Thompson in the Mach-1 Sport Compacts.Feature results – 1. Dave Riley; 2. Tony Fetterman; 3. David Miller; 4. Damon Richards; 5. Matt Baker; 6. Aaron Shearn; 7. Kevin Bruck; 8. Jon Androy; 9. Craig Clift; 10. Dustin Gulbrandson; 11. Justin Frederick; 12. Gavin Gilbertson; 13. Lucas Phillips; 14. Zach Bales; 15. Kyle Davis; 16. Ryan Leedom; 17. Lenny Tucker; 18. Andy Hoffman; 19. Stephanie Kiraly; 20. Brody Spreng.
Marriott’s IMCA Modified ‘A’ game is good for second Hawkeye Dirt Tour win in three nights
Hunter Marriott scored his second Hawkeye Dirt Tour victory in three nights, topping Wednesday’s main event for Xtreme Motor Sports IMCA Modifieds at Buena Vista Raceway. (Photo by Jim Steffens)ALTA, Iowa (Aug. 10) – Hunter Marriott brought his Xtreme Motor Sports IMCA Modified ‘A’ game to Buena Vista Raceway on Wednesday.The result was his second Hawkeye Dirt Tour feature win in three nights.Marriott restarted inside row one after frontrunners Chris Abelson and Kyle Strickler got together to bring out a lap six caution, then led the last 25 times around the track to top the $1,500-to-win feature at Alta.He pulled away from Joel Rust – ironically the Tuesday winner at Hamilton County Speedway when Abelson and Kelly Shryock tangled while battling for the lead on the last lap of the Harris Clash – before taking his second Iowa Modified Speedweek checkers.“It kind of felt that way,” Marriott said, acknowledging the lap six sense of déjà vu, “but there were a lot of laps left. Kyle and Chris both had very fast cars. It’s unfortunate that it happened and they both had to go to the tail.”Abelson changed a flat tire, and made a late bid for the top five before getting sideways with two laps left to bring out another caution. He clinched the tour title despite finishing 18th.Mike Mullen caught Joel Rust for second on the final circuit. ‘B’ winner Kelly Shryock was fourth and Cody Laney was fifth.“We were able to stretch the lead out quite a ways. My crew gave me a good car and I was able to keep hitting my marks,” said Marriott, the $5,000 tour winner Monday at Clay County Fair Speedway. “These are the races the good drivers win. I was hoping to win one or two this week and I’m excited to see what the next three nights (at Hancock County Speedway) bring for us.”Strickler was first across the line on laps one and two. Once he got in front, Marriott was pursued by Laney and then by Rust.Mullen made his move around Rust following the last restart; Shryock had started 13th.Already on the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot, Marriott became the fourth driver to win two HDT features this season; the Wednesday victory was his tour career third.Devin Smith broke away late from Donavon Smith and Brian Blessington to take the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car checkers at Alta while Doug Smith dominated the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod feature. Craig Brotherton topped a field of 18 IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks to score the victory. Jay DeVries held off Cory Flanigan at the line to win the Mach-1 Sport Compact feature. Modified Results Feature – 1. Hunter Marriott, Brookfield, Mo.; 2. Mike Mullen, Suamico, Wis.; 3. Joel Rust, Grundy Center; 4. Kelly Shryock, Fertile; 5. Cody Laney, Torrance, Calif.; 6. Mike Mashl, De Pere, Wis.; 7. Ricky Stephan, South Sioux City, Neb.; 8. Stacey Mills, Webb; 9. Billy Vogel, West Fargo, N.D.; 10. Jesse Hoeft, Forest City; 11. Ethan Dotson, Bakersfield, Calif.; 12. Clayton Christensen, Spencer; 13. Corey Dripps, Reinbeck; 14. Mark Elliott, Webster City; 15. Jason Briese, Cleghorn; 16. Justin Sackett, Pierson; 17. Ryan Topf, Charter Oak; 18. Chris Abelson, Sioux City; 19. Jim Mathieson, Sioux City; 20. Sean Barragan, Sergeant Bluff; 21. Jason Mickelson, Storm Lake; 22. Travis Hatcher, Honey Creek; 23. Mike Hansen, Dickinson, N.D.; 24. Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, N.C.; 25. Lance Mari, Imperial, Calif. First heat (top three) – 1. Mari; 2. Laney; 3. Barragan; 4. Shryock; 5. Stephan; 6. Vogel; 7. Trey Kline, Schleswig; 8. Corey Bosma, Ocheyedan.Second heat – 1. Rust; 2. Topf; 3. Strickler; 4. Elliott; 5. Briese; 6. Sackett; 7. Mickelson; 8. Hatcher. Third heat – 1. Marriott; 2. Christensen; 3. Hoeft; 4. Mashl; 5. Dotson; 6. Chase Conway, Westhope, N.D.; 7. Darin Miller, Dakota Dunes, S.D. Fourth heat – 1. Abelson; 2. Mullen; 3. Mills; 4. Hansen; 5. Dripps; 6. Mathieson; 7. Ashley Schaaf, Lincoln, Neb.First “B” feature (top five) – 1. Shryock; 2. Mashl; 3. Stephan; 4. Dotson; 5. Vogel; 6. Conway; 7. Bosma; 8. Miller; 9. Kline. Second “B” feature – 1. Dripps; 2. Hansen; 3. Elliott; 4. Sackett; 5. Hatcher; 6. Bries; 7. Mathiesen; 8. Mickelson; 9. Schaaf.
Schrader scores opener at Springfield
Schrader took the win by approximately five car lengths. With Schrader out in front on the Delaware Double File restart, Bowers elected to go to the top and close some ground. During the run, Schrader moved about a lane up and found some extra bite, forcing Bowers to forgo his thought of keeping to the extreme top side. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (May 30) – Kenny Schrader took the early lead and then schooled the IMCA Modified field following a late restart Saturday at The Quick Quarter of the Springfield Raceway. Out in front, Schrader opened a half-a-track lead until a late caution bunched the field as fast moving Steven Bowers Jr. was getting the chance to try and steal the thunder at Jerry Hoffman’s high banked racy oval. For Schrader, the opening night win marked a special moment as the very popular driver celebrated to the date his first-ever race and first-ever win 49 years ago. He’d also celebrated his 65th birthday just a day earlier. IMCA Modified action continues this Saturday with racing at 7 p.m. Schrader, in his Federated Auto Parts Modified, took the early lead from Derek Watson after starting third in the 20-lap Bad Boy Mowers feature. 
Argonauts Participate in Spring Tournament
PENSACOLA, Fla. – After advancing to the semifinals of the NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament last year, the West Florida volleyball team prepared for the 2007 season this past weekend.On Saturday, West Florida hosted the UWF Spring Invitational. The Argonauts won seven of eight individual match games at the UWF Field House. West Florida won two games from NCAA Division I opponents Nicholls State and South Alabama as well as St. John’s River Community College. West Florida also split two games with NAIA University of Mobile.West Florida will open the 2007 season by hosting the UWF Comfort Inn-vitational at the UWF Field House. Print Friendly Version Share Argonauts Participate in Spring Tournament
April closure planned for State Road 148
Aurora, In. — In April, workers plan to close State Road 148 for up to 45 days to correct a landslide about one-half mile west of U.S. 50.On April 15 Paul H. Rohe Company will remove the existing drainage structure and replace it with a 30-inch pipe that will be 53 feet long. The contract is valued at $367,940.A detour using State Road 48 and U.S. 50 will be posted. State Road 148 has a traffic count of 3,020 vehicles per day.
Tickets on sale now for ‘Kids Kick Drugs’ at the YMCA
Batesville, In. — The Southeastern Indiana YMCA will host the “Kids Kick Drugs” program Saturday, May 11 from 9:00-11:30 AM. The event will feature activities that demonstrate the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse.Senior Master George Dwenger, the Mayor’s Youth Council and the Drug Coalition for a Drug Free Batesville have brought several guest speakers including retired Indiana State Police Trooper and self-defense instructor Tami Watson.The cost is $5-per person, not exceed $10-per family and can be purchased by calling 812-934-6006. In order to ensure there is adequate food and refreshments RSVPs are encouraged. A T-shirt is included with any Ticket purchase before May 2.Parents of children 7-years-old and younger are recommended to stay for the event.For more information click here.
Lady Raiders Lose Hard Battle Against 1A #3 Lady Shiners
1A No. 3 Rising Sun 5, South Ripley 1Mady Tompkins- 3 for 3Ellie Waldron- 2 for 3 w/RBIMaddie Hamrick- 1 for 3Pitching LossMady Tompkins- 6 IP, 5 Runs, 4 ER, 11 Hits, 10 K, 3 BB“I don’t believe in moral losses or accept losing, but I’m so proud of the effort and play of our girls tonight. We gave the third-ranked team in 1A a run for their money all night and had a 1-1 tie heading into the bottom of the fifth. We had only one error tonight. Unlike our other losses we didn’t beat ourselves. We made a great team beat us. Tonight showed just how good we can be and the potential our young group has.” Raiders Coach Rob Lafary.SR is now 11-7, 5-6 ORVC. SR hosts Shawe on Wednesday night.
Conservation districts awarded $900,000 to improve water quality
Versailles, In. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the State Soil Conservation Board awarded more than $900,000 in matching grant funds to Indiana’s 92 Soil and Water Conservation Districts.Each district will receive approximately $10,000, which will be used to support their local conservation efforts.“Improving water quality takes considerable time, energy, but, especially, resources,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I applaud the State Soil Conservation Board for making this funding available, as well as Indiana’s conservation districts for the work they’re doing to conserve our natural resources.”The funds were awarded through the Clean Water Indiana program, which is administered by the state’s conservation board. The program provides financial assistance to landowners and conservation groups that are working to reduce runoff from non-point sources of water pollution, whether it’s on agricultural land, urban areas or eroding streambanks.Once received, districts can use the funds to partner with other counties or address specific needs within their jurisdiction. Some examples may include participating in a cost share program, hiring staff, or providing technical assistance, education and training.“Each district and region has its own set of challenges, when it comes to the natural resource concerns they’re facing,” said Bruce Kettler, ISDA director. “This funding will allow them to expand their efforts, as they develop locally-driven solutions to address these problems.”Clean Water Indiana is managed by ISDA’s Division of Soil Conservation and funded by a portion of the state’s cigarette tax
Greensburg 13th Annual Women’s Conference set for June 13
Greensburg, In. — The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce will hold the 13th Annual Women’s Conference, “Power and Purpose” June 13 at the Greensburg Elementary School from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.For registration information click here.
Batesville CYO Deanery Scores
Games at St. Louis starting at 1:00, 2:15, 3:30 St. Louis #1 vs St. Mary’s #1St. Louis #2 vs St. Mary’s #2Holy Family vs St. Maurice/Immaculate Conception Next games are Sunday, January 5th Holy Family 41 – All Saints #2 40St. Mary’s #1 (Greensburg) 48 – St. Maurice’s/Immaculate Conception 39St. Mary’s #2 (Greensburg) 52 – St. Catherine’s of Siennas 29 St. Louis #2 51 – St. Mike’s (Brookville) 35Leading the way for St. Louis was Kurt Seifert with 21, and Jack Abplanalp and Luke Wilson with 12. Leading the way for St. Mike’s was Strotz with 20 and day with 7.
Batesville CYO Deanery ScoresSunday (12-15)All Saints #1 77 – St. Louis #1 58Leading scores for St. Louis were Seth Gausman with 16, Jon Thompson with 15, Adam Cox with 9, and Evan Vogelsang with 8. Leading scores for All Saints #1 was Griffin Werner with 26, Brady Spangler with 16, and JJ Stenger with 13. Games at St. Joseph’s (East Central) at 1:00 and 2:15All Saints #1 vs St. Michael’sAll Saints #2 vs St. Catherine’s of SiennasCourtesy of Bruins Coach Fuzz Springmeyer.
Heidrun Eva Hill
Heidrun “Heide” Eva Hill, 82, of Connersville died on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at her residence.Heidrun was born on March 1, 1938 in Germany to Karl and Anna Schaffert Lutz. Heidrun “Heide” Lutz married Robert Hill while he was stationed in Germany and they enjoyed over 57 years of marriage before he died on February 2, 2016. Heidrun was a homemaker, had attended Scipio Baptist Church, and enjoyed crocheting, watching TV, and spending time with her family.She is survived by four sons and their spouses: Mark Hill of Cedar Grove, Greg Hill and Debbie of Everton, Tony Hill and Michele of Shandon, OH and Jeff Hill and Angela of Colerain, OH; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters in Germany. Heidrun was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, and a daughter, Terry Leah Hill.Cremation has been chosen and there are no services. Burial will be at a later date in West Virginia, in the family cemetery. For more information or to send condolences or memories, go to www.cookrosenberger.com. The Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home Staff assisted with the arrangements and were honored to serve Heidrun’s family.
BAAC present local Armchair Artist series
Batesville, IN—Armchair Artists is a new 3-week Batesville Area Arts Council series where local musicians will share their talents with you in the comfort of your own home. Since everyone is spending more time than usual at home, the BAAC has asked five local artists to put on a Livestream performance to share with our community.Starting this evening, Morgan Kramer will perform live on the BAAC Facebook page starting at 7 pm and Derek Foster will perform this Saturday, May 2. So check it out on the BAAC Facebook page at 7 pm, grab a seat on the back porch or living room, and enjoy the many talented musicians in our community.
243 lives saved with area blood donation
Batesville, IN—WRBI and Hoxworth Blood Center held a Blood Drive on Tuesday. The goal for the event was 69 blood units, and Hoxworth was able to collect 81 units, which is the highest amount collected. There were a total of 87 volunteers to try to donate, including 5 first time donors.With the units collected, 243 lives will be saved!Hoxworth appreciates the WRBI community’s commitment to saving lives. The donors who participated in the blood drive have helped ensure that there is an adequate blood supply for the patients in our community.
APC approves rezoning on property with future landfill potential
Greensburg, IN —The Decatur County Area Plan Commission voted 7-1 in favor of re-zoning close to 94 acres from A-1 zoning to an I-2 zoning for Property owned by BEX Farms, a subsidiary of Best Way Disposal. Paul Stone, President of the Area Plan Commission, made it clear to the audience the petition on which the Commission was to vote, was to be on the rezoning of property and not on a landfill. Stone stated that if it should pass, the discussion on a landfill would be at the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. During the last meeting in March petitioners were asked three questions to bring back to the Commission: what is the smallest amount of land that is necessary for rezoning, what is the life expectancy of the landfill currently and if additional space is approved, and can something be done to help with the odor issues. Kurt Pueblo, speaking on behalf of BEX Farms stated that they were reducing their petition from 150 acres to 93.98 acres to be rezoned and that approximately 48 of those acres would be used for a future landfill. Pueblo stated that the current life expectancy of the landfill is between 10-12 years and adding the additional land would increase this by 20-30 additional years. As both audience members and AP Commissioner Sheila Kirchhoff addressed continuing odor issues, Pueblo stated that work has been done to contain the smell including increasing soil cover and maintenance to newly installed gas pipes. After hearing from several members of the community that were all opposed to the potential landfill, the commission voted in favor. The vote now moves to the County Board of Zoning Appeals for a vote on the petition for a conditional use as a landfill.
Zenith Bank League: First Bank, Army maintain unbeaten runs
RelatedPosts ‘Army Officer’ in EFCC net for alleged multiple fraud Nigerian Army loses Colonel to Boko Haram attack Nigerian Army and ‘Fatal Arrogance’, by Yushau A. Shuaib Action continued in the 2019 Zenith Bank-sponsored Women’s Basketball League as teams battle for places in the national conference phase. On Day One of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, defending champions, First Bank of Lagos, pummeled less fancied Ogun Babes 110-30 points at the South West Conference in Ibadan. Dolphins also showed their superiority over Oluyole Babes 104-31 points. Day two results saw First Bank hammer Oluyole Babes 95-23 points to maintain their unbeaten run in the league, while Dolphins won Ogun Babes 90-40 points. In Akure, MFM under Aderemi Adewunmi defeated DeepWater 73-36 points.It was a close battle between Sunshine Angels and IGP Queens.At the end of the duel, the Nigerian team won 40-37 points. Day three results saw Delta Force inflicting another loss on Sunshine Angels 58-49 points.MFM beat IGP Queens 66-30 points. In the North Central Zone, holding in Abuja, Air Warriors beat Black Gold 94-45 points, FCT Wings overpowered Nassarawa Amazons 56-37 points, Plateau Rocks outscored Kanemi Queens 61-32 points while Nigeria Customs walked over Benue Princesses 20-0. On day two in the North Central, Plateau Rocks beat FCT Wings 74-63 points, Nigerian Customs, with a more equipped arsenal, defeated Nasarawa Amazons 101- 29 points. Blackgold recorded their first win of the second phase by beating hapless Kanem Queens 72-25 points. Air Warriors defeated Plateau Rocks 56-25 points as FCT Wings performed another walkover ceremony over Benue Princesses. In other results on day three, Plateau Rocks defeated Benue Princesses 20-0, Nasarawa Amazons beat Kanem Queens 55- 34, FCT wings lost 40-83 to Air Warriors and Black gold were beaten 63-29 by Nigeria Customs. Plateau Rocks whipped Nasarawa Amazons 63- 17, while Amazons defeated Benue Princesses 20-0. Seven teams are currently sweating it out at the Indoor Gymnasium of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with the Nigerian Army Amazons leading the zone ahead of GT 2000 and Kaduna. Others are Taraba Hurricanes, Adamawa Flames, Zamfara Flames, Kebbi Equity Queens and Exousia Angels of Adamawa. GT 2000 defeated Kebbi 59-34 points. Adamawa dug deep to defeat Zamfara Angels 69-43 points, while 20 points were awarded to Nigerian Army after performing a walk over ceremony over Exousia who failed to show up. Day two matches saw Zamfara defeating Kebbi Equity 50-28 points, GT 2000 lost 40-52 points to sizzling hot Nigerian Army while Taraba defeated Exousia Angels 56-50 points. So far, Nigerian Army has recorded three wins out of three games, while Kebbi Equity Queens lost all their three games.Tags: First BankNational conference phaseNigerian ArmyOgun BabesZenith Ban League
Newcastle takeover excites Ameobi
RelatedPosts EPL: Newcastle set to extend winning streak Saudi may have enough uranium deposits to make nuclear fuel – Reports Saudi Arabia sets date to lift some international flight restrictions Newcastle United loans chief Shola Ameobi has said that there’s a lot of excitement inside the club amid takeover talk.While communication from the top of the club has been limited, he admits he and other staff at the club are getting excited by talk of the £300 million takeover getting closer. It was reported that the Saudi Arabia-backed deal was close and could be complete within the next seven days.“We’re excited about all the noises that we’re hearing,” Ameobi said on Sky Sports’ The Football Show.“But at the moment Im at home with the kids, homeschooling the kids, and just trying to stay safe.”When asked about what he’d heard from inside the club, Ameobi, who played for the first team for 14 years until 2014, admitted information had been thin on the ground.“I think the one thing over the last six weeks while we’ve been on furlough, there’s not really been any communication, we’re not allowed to do our day to day job, so communication hasn’t been there,” he said. “Lee Charnley has sent a couple of emails over this time to reassure us about what steps they’re trying to take but like you can imagine everything is silent.“Mike likes to do things discreetly and in his own way, and as employees we don’t get to know any of that, so we’re the same as you guys, just waiting and seeing what comes.”Tags: Newcastle UnitedSaudi ArabiaShola Ameobi
Chelsea capture £50m Chilwell
RelatedPosts Gundogan tests positive for coronavirus Leicester City want offers for Iheanacho EPL: Harry Kane double dents Leicester’s top-four hope Chelsea have confirmed the £50 million signing of Ben Chilwell from Leicester.The England defender has signed a five-year deal worth up to £190,000-per-week after passing a medical and also having checks on the heel injury that ruled him out of the end of last season. Chilwell, 23, becomes manager Frank Lampard’s third major signing, taking his summer spending to around £136 million following the previous captures of Hakim Ziyech for just under £37 million from Ajax and forward Timo Werner for £49 million from RB Leipzig.Chilwell said: “I am delighted to be joining Chelsea at this very exciting time for the club.“I’m looking forward to being a part of this young, dynamic squad led by Frank Lampard as we challenge for honours next season.“I can’t wait to get started and hopefully it won’t be long before we’re playing in front of the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge.”Signing a new left-back, and Chilwell in particular, was a big transfer window priority for Lampard. He has long been Lampard’s No.1 choice for the position and, as revealed by Sportsmail in October, Chelsea had emerged as frontrunners for his signature following previous interest from Manchester City.Chilwell’s move to Stamford Bridge ends his 11-year association with Leicester.He joined the club in 2009, came through the ranks and has made 123 appearances for Leicester, scoring four times.Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are very pleased to have completed our third addition to our exciting squad for the coming season.“Ben brings plenty of top-level experience playing in the Premier League, Champions League and at international level, despite his young age. “We are confident Ben will adapt very quickly to being a Chelsea player and with the fixture programme for 2020/21 especially busy, he is a fantastic addition to the squad needed to challenge for honours.”Chelsea is backing Lampard in the transfer market as they bid to cut the gap to runaway champions Liverpool and runners up Manchester City, after finishing fourth last season.Tags: Ben ChiwellChelsea director Marina GranovskaiaEngland defenderLampardLeicester
Mullins aims for World domination
The list is headed by Nick Williams’ Reve De Sivola and the Nicky Henderson-trained Oscar Whisky, while the latter’s stablemate Oscara Dara could also take part. Paul Nicholls is favouring the race for Coral Cup favourite Wonderful Charm, who was a hugely impressive winner on his British debut in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow in October. Speaking in his Betfair column, the trainer said: “We have given it a lot of thought and if the ground stays dry from Monday onwards, it is now highly likely – but not definite – that Wonderful Charm will take his chance in the World Hurdle. “I think the horse could just be up to running a big race. We just don’t know how good he is, as he hasn’t been able to tell us on the racecourse yet. My instincts tell me he is very good.” Eleven horses have stood their ground for the Ryanair Chase and they include Sizing Europe, although Henry de Bromhead has an alternative in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant is another potentially strong contender from Ireland, if he takes up the engagement instead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The home team is headed by Cue Card, who is heading for the race as Colin Tizzard in keen to avoid Sprinter Sacre. The trainer said: “He’s in brilliant form. He’ll stay in the Champion Chase in case something went wrong with Sprinter Sacre.” Willie Mullins has five horses among 18 confirmed for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham next week. Ireland’s champion trainer has left in Back In Focus, Fiveforthree, So Young, Zaidpour and Quevega, although the latter is on course to tackle the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle earlier in the week. Also among the confirmations are the Charles Byrnes-trained Solwhit and Tony Martin’s smart nine-year-old Bog Warrior. 
Press Association
Di Canio: We make life difficult
Paolo Di Canio labelled his Sunderland side “a masochistic team” after they came from behind with 10 men to secure a potentially crucial 1-1 draw with Stoke. He added: “The first corner kick we conceded we give a goal away. Then you saw Craig’s bad challenge. We have to be careful and to handle our aggression. We have to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes otherwise we are in real trouble.” There was no disputing the legitimacy of Gardner’s red card, with his studs-up challenge on Charlie Adam coming right in front of referee Lee Mason. Di Canio refused to be overly critical of his player but revealed he had no time to talk to him in the aftermath. He added: “I love Craig because he has heart, passion, dedication. He is an amazing professional but now we have to be careful because there are two games to go and we do not have the time to recover from these mistakes. “As I told you with Sessegnon, I don’t want to speak about him because he is out. “At half-time Craig was out and he can’t play anymore. What am I going to tell him? There will be a moment but I had to be focused on my players and the players on the bench to see if I could change something. “He was down, very sad and at the end of the game he said sorry. I’d like to see my players walk inside the dressing and not have to say sorry. It’s another mistake and it can happen but we need to improve this.” Press Association
The Black Cats looked to be on the way to a defeat that would have left them in serious relegation trouble when Craig Gardner was sent off for a reckless challenge in the 34th minute. They had already slipped behind to a 10th-minute Jonathan Walters strike and left themselves a mountain to climb. A second-half display full of drive and commitment yielded a point courtesy of John O’Shea’s 64th-minute leveller, but said: “In some way we are a masochistic team. It is a massive point for us but it wasn’t easy. After 10 minutes we gave an easy goal away even if we knew before kick-off that they had five or six who are giants compared to our physical presence.” 
Wachman sights set on Limerick
Press Association Burren Trail was unplaced in two starts last term and will be making her seasonal return here while Mansion House, who represents the Coolmore team, makes his racecourse bow in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. Goddess Of Love goes for Wachman in the Croom House Stud EBF Fillies Maiden and this 170,000-euro daughter of Galileo is sure to attract plenty of support having made a most encouraging beginning to her career at Roscommon. Tuesday’s Sligo winner Vasoni makes a quick reappearance in the Ballyduane Stud Handicap but she will have to defy a 5lb penalty this time. Despite her extra burden, she is still 4lb better off with Legal Lyric, who beat her by a length and a half over this course and distance just last week. Legal Lyric’s trainer Willie Mullins saddles useful hurdler Drive Time in the Nathan Carter 25th July (QR) Race and he crosses swords with several other accomplished jumpers, including Shop DJ and Caim Hill. Killourney Empress was another to strike at Sligo earlier in the week and tries to repeat the feat in the Greenmount Apprentice Handicap. Tarrsille has occupied the runner-up position in a couple of hotly-contested handicaps and attempts to go one better in the limerickraces.ie Handicap, although he is 5lb worse off with Fastidious for finishing less than a length ahead of him at Naas. While Wachman’s runners have plenty to live up to in stablemate Duntle, all four could be promising prospects at this early stage. Athenaire and Burren Trail kick things off in the opening 7th July All American Day Maiden, with the first-named having made a satisfactory introduction at Navan last month. 
David Wachman enjoyed a Royal Ascot winner on Wednesday and he looks to have some good chances much closer to home at Limerick.