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Scientists enlist supercomputers, machine learning to automatically identify brain tumors
Last updated Oct 5, 2017
Credit: Andreas Mang, Sameer Tharakan, Amir Gholami, Naveen Himthani, Shashank Subramanian, James Levitt, Muneeza Azmat, Klaudius Scheufele, Miriam Mehl, Christos Davatzikos, Bill Barth and George Biros
Primary brain tumors encompass a wide range of tumors depending on the cell type, the aggressiveness, and stage of tumor. Quickly and accurately characterizing the tumor is a critical aspect of treatment planning. It is a task currently reserved for trained radiologists, but in the future, computing, and in particular high-performance computing, will play a supportive role.
George Biros, professor of mechanical engineering and leader of the ICES Parallel Algorithms for Data Analysis and Simulation Group at The University of Texas at Austin, has worked for nearly a decade to create accurate and efficient computing algorithms that can characterize gliomas, the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor.
At the 20th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI 2017), Biros and collaborators from the University of Pennsylvania (led by Professor Christos Davatzikos), University of Houston (led by Professor Andreas Mang) and University of Stuttgart (led by Professor Miriam Mehl), presented results of a new, fully automatic method that combines biophysical models of tumor growth with machine learning algorithms for the analysis of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging data of glioma patients. All the components of the new method were enabled by supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC).
Biros' team tested their new method in the Multimodal Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge 2017 (BRaTS'17), an annual competition where research groups from around the world present methods and results for computer-aided identification and classification of brain tumors, as well as different types of cancerous regions, using pre-operative MR scans.
Their system scored in the top 25 percent in the challenge and were near the top for whole tumor segmentation.
"The competition is related to the characterization of abnormal tissue on patients who suffer from glioma tumors, the most prevalent form of primary brain tumor," Biros said. "Our goal is to take an image and delineate it automatically and identify different types of abnormal tissue – edema, enhancing tumor (areas with very aggressive tumors), and necrotic tissue. It's similar to taking a picture of one's family and doing facial recognition to identify each member, but here you do tissue recognition, and all this has to be done automatically."
TRAINING AND TESTING THE PREDICTION PIPELINE
For the challenge, Biros and his team of more than a dozen students and researchers, were provided in advance with 300 sets of brain images on which all teams calibrated their methods (what is called "training" in machine learning parlance).
In the final part of the challenge, groups were given data from 140 patients and had to identify the location of tumors and segment them into different tissue types over the course of just two days.
"In that 48-hour window, we needed all the processing power we could get," Biros explained.
The image processing, analysis and prediction pipeline that Biros and his team used has two main steps: a supervised machine learning step where the computer creates a probability map for the target classes ("whole tumor," "edema," "tumor core"); and a second step where they combine these probabilities with a biophysical model that represents how tumors grow in mathematical terms, which imposes limits on the analyses and helps find correlations.
TACC computing resources enabled Biros' team to use large-scale nearest neighbor classifiers (a machine learning method). For every voxel, or three-dimensional pixel, in a MR brain image, the system tries to find all the similar voxels in the brains it has already seen to determine if the area represents a tumor or a non-tumor.
With 1.5 million voxels per brain and 300 brains to assess, that means the computer must look at half billion voxels for every new voxel of the 140 unknown brains that it analyzes, deciding for each whether the voxel represents a tumor or healthy tissue.
"We used fast algorithms and approximations to make this possible, but we still needed supercomputers," Biros said.
Each of the several steps in the analysis pipeline used separate TACC computing systems. The nearest neighbor machine learning classification component simultaneously used 60 nodes (each consisting of 68 processors) on Stampede2, TACC's latest supercomputer and one of the most powerful systems in the world. (Biros was among the first researchers to gain access to the Stampede2 supercomputer in the spring and was able to test and tune his algorithm for the new processors there.) They used Lonestar 5 to run the biophysical models and Maverick to combine the segmentations.
Most teams had to limit the amount of training data they used or apply more simplified classifier algorithms on the whole training set, but priority access to TACC's ecosystem of supercomputers meant Biros' team could explore more complex methods.
"George came to us before the BRaTS Challenge and asked if they could get priority access to Stampede2, Lonestar5, and Maverick to ensure that their jobs got through in time to complete the challenge," said Bill Barth, TACC's Director of High Performance Computing. "We decided that just increasing their priority probably wouldn't cut it, so we decided to give them a reservation on each system to cover their needs for the 48 hours of the challenge."
As it turned out, Biros and his team were able to run their analysis pipeline on 140 brains in less than 4 hours and correctly characterized the testing data with nearly 90 percent accuracy, with is comparable to human radiologists.
Their method is fully automatic, Biros said, and needed only a small number of initial algorithmic parameters to assess the image data and classify tumors without any hands-on effort.
INTEGRATING DIVERSE RESEARCH
The team's scalable, biophysics-based image analysis system was the culmination of 10 years of research into a variety of computational problems, according to Biros.
"In our group and our collaborators' groups, we have multiple research threads on image analysis, scalable machine learning and numerical algorithms," he explained. "But this was the first time we put everything together for an application to make our method work for a really challenging problem. It's not easy, but it's very fulfilling."
The BRaTS competition thus represents a turning point in his research, Biros said.
"We have all the tools and basic ideas, now we polish it and see how we can improve it."
The image segmentation classifier is set to be deployed at the University of Pennsylvania by the end of the year in partnership with his collaborator, Christos Davatzikos, director of the Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics and a professor of Radiology there. It won't be a substitute for radiologists and surgeons, but it will improve the reproducibility of assessments and potentially speed up diagnoses.
The methods that the team developed go beyond brain tumor identification. They are applicable to many problems in medicine as well as in physics, including semiconductor design and plasma dynamics.
Said Biros: "Having access to TACC supercomputers makes our life infinitely easier, makes us more productive and is a real advantage."
Aaron Dubrow
@TACC
http://www.tacc.utexas.edu/
https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/-/scientists-enlist-supercomputers-machine-learning-to-automatically-identify-brain-tumors
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Стокгольмський інститут дослідження проблем миру (, SIPRI) — міжнародний аналітичний центр, що спеціалізується на дослідженні збройних конфліктів, озброєнь, контролю за озброєнням та процесами роззброєння. Заснований у 1966 році у Стокгольмі (Швеція).

SIPRI надає дані, власний аналіз та рекомендації, засновані на відкритих джерелах.

У 2014 році SIPRI потрапив до переліку 3 найкращих аналітичних центрів, що знаходяться поза США, у звіті Пенсильванського університету. У 2016 році цей університет зазначив SIPRI у топ-28 аналітичних центрів у світі.

Див. також
 Королівський Об'єднаний інститут оборонних досліджень
 Міжнародний інститут стратегічних досліджень

Примітки

Посилання
 Щорічник СІПРІ // Центр Разумкова

Аналітичні центри
Дослідження безпеки

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Team Millar
Riding With Team Millar
Ian Millar
Ian Millar is an icon in international show jumping. The most decorated equestrian in Canadian history, his record-breaking career has set the bar for its numerous achievements and unparalleled longevity.
A national treasure, Ian was awarded the Order of Canada in 1986, Ontario's Athlete of the Year in 1989, and an honorary doctorate by the University of Guelph in 2005. Together with Big Ben, he was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Big Ben was only the second horse to receive the honor; the first being distinguished Canadian-bred race horse, Northern Dancer. Both have been inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame, as well—Big Ben in 2006 and Ian in 2012. In 2016, Ian added the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame to that growing list. A statue of Big Ben and Ian Millar currently sits on the outskirts of Big Ben Park in their hometown of Perth, Ontario.
What Ian is perhaps best known for, is his unprecedented Olympic record. He has competed in more Olympic Games than any athlete in history, in any sport. As of the 2012 Games in London, he set a new World Record for number of Olympic starts—10 in total—and recorded his best individual result to date, finishing ninth overall. Ian's Olympic attendance record from 1972 to 2012 is blighted only by the 1980 Games, which Canada boycotted. That year, he rode for Canada at the Alternate Olympics in Rotterdam in which Canada won the Team Gold.
Ironically, the year that proved most devastating in his personal life was his most triumphant on the Olympic stage. Ian earned his first Olympic Medal in 2008 at age 61, setting a record for the oldest show jumper to stand on the podium at the Olympics. With only a three-member squad riding in the nail-biting final round of team competition, Ian came through with a clutch clear round forcing a jump off with the United States. Canada won the Silver medal. It was the nation's first team show jumping medal in 40 years. Just months earlier, Ian lost his wife and business partner of 39 years, Lynn Millar, to cancer. Ian dedicated the medal to her memory, saying: "I had an angel riding with me."
If Ian's Olympic record is impressive for its longevity, his Pan American Games is equally so for its medal count. Ian has earned nine medals in nine Pan American Games—more than any other show jumper. He has twice been the Pan American Games Individual Gold medalist, first in 1987 with Big Ben and in 1999 with Ivar. At the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadelajhara, Mexico, Ian was on track to add to his medal count when his Olympic mount Star Power had a catastrophic stumble on course. Miraculously, the pair still produced a clean round and were in fifth position going into the final round of individual competition. Ian opted not to compete out of concern for his horse's welfare.
A staple on the Nation's Cup team, Ian has represented Canada in every Nations Cup event held at a show he has attended since he was first named to the team in 1971. He has donned the red coat for Canada at six World Championships, where he has been a member of three, top-five placed teams and has finished in the top 10 individually twice. Equally impressive is Ian's national record; he is a record 12-time Canadian Champion.
Another proud moment for Ian, came in August of 2016, when he watched daughter Amy make her Olympic debut in Rio. Although not competing himself in what would've been his 11th Olympic appearance, Ian travelled with the team to Brazil and witnessed Canada finish in the overall fourth place position in the team event.
Following the Rio Olympic Games, the Millar's logged yet another impressive family performance in November of 2016 where Ian won the first round of competition in the $100,000 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship aboard Susan and Ariel Grange's Dixson on opening night of the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON. Following close behind, were the Millar children with Amy coming in second and Jonathon in third. That Saturday, Ian went on to clinch his record 12th Greenhawk Canadian Championship title. Ian retired from international competition in 2019, although he continues to compete and develop young horses.
Ian Millar continues to accrue top placings in the show ring while working alongside his son, Jonathon, daughter, Amy, and daughter-in-law, Kelly, at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario. Together, they have been dubbed "Team Millar."
Rider Stats
Birthdate: January, 6th, 1947
Hometown: Perth, Ontario
View Full FEI Results at this link
Ian Millar has competed in more Olympic Games than any athlete in history, in any sport.
The 2012 Olympics in London marked his 10th Games a new World Record.
Ian won his first Olympic medal at age 61-Team Silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Ian became the first rider in show jumping to win back-to-back World Cup Finals: 1988 in Gothenburg and 1989 in Tampa, both aboard Big Ben.
Ian has earned nine medals (including two individual Golds) in nine Pan American Games, more than any other show jumper in history.
Twelve-time Canadian National Champion.
Three-time winner of the $1 Million CN International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows.
Silver: 2008 Beijing-Team Jumping
Gold: 1987 Indianapolis-Individual Jumping
Gold: 1987 Indianapolis-Team Jumping
Gold: 1999-Winnipeg-Individual Jumping
Gold: 2015-Toronto-Team Jumping
Silver: 1979 San Juan-Team Jumping
Silver: 1983 Caracas-Team Jumping
Silver: 1991 Havana-Team Jumping
Silver: 2007 Rio de Janeiro-Team Jumping
Bronze: 1979 San Juan-Individual Jumping
Bronze: 1999 Winnipeg-Team Jumping
Record In Major International Championships
Olympic Games-10 starts, 4 Top 20 individual placings, 3 Top 5 team placings
Year Horse Individual Placing Team Placing Location
2012 Star Power 9th 5th London
2008 In Style 23rd T Silver Medal Hong Kong / Beijing
2004 Promise Me 24th DNC Athens
2000 Dorincord 13th 9th Sydney
1996 Play It Again 47th 16th Atlanta
1992 Big Ben 54th 9th Barcelona
1988 Big Ben 15th 4th Seoul
1984 Big Ben 14th 4th Los Angeles
1976 Countdown DNC 5th Montreal
1972 Shoeman DNC 6th Munich
Pan American Games-9 starts, 5 Top 5 individual placings (3 medals), 6 Top 3 team placings (6 medals)
2012 Star Power DNF 4th Guadalajara
2003 Promise Me 7th 6th Santo Domingo
2007 In Style 4th Silver Medal Rio de Janeiro
1999 Ivar Gold Medal Bronze Medal Winnipeg
1995 Mistral 26th 7th Mar del Plata
1991 Future Vision 22nd Silver Medal Havana
1987 Big Ben Gold Medal Gold Medal Indianapolis
1983 Foresight 5th Silver Medal Caracas
1979 Brother Sam Bronze Medal Silver Medal San Juan
World Championships-6 starts, 2 Top 10 individual placings, 3 Top 5 team placings
2006 In Style 88th 13th Rio de Janeiro
1998 Mont Cenis 38th 10th Santo Domingo
1994 Future Vision 27th 7th Winnipeg
1986 Big Ben 10th 4th Mar del Plata
1982 Wunderbar 49th 5th Havana
1978 Brother Sam 9th 4th Indianapolis
World Cup Finals-14 starts, 5 Top 8 placings
Year Horse Placing Location
2009 In Style 14th T Las Vegas
2000 Ivar 30th T Las Vegas
1997 My Girl 28th Gothenburg
1993 Future Vison 37th Gothenburg
1992 Big Ben 40th Del Mar
1991 Czar 15th Gothenburg
1990 Czar 12th T Dortmund
1989 Big Ben 1st Tampa
1988 Big Ben 1st Gothenburg
1987 Big Ben 5th Paris
1986 Big Ben 2nd Gothenburg
1985 Big Ben 8th Berlin
1984 Wotan 18th Gothenburg
1980 Brother Sam 14th Baltimore
Amy Millar was born into show jumping but it was hard work and raw talent that has propelled her to the top level of the sport.
With more than 25 grand prix career wins to date, she's a fierce competitor, accomplished trainer, and doting mother. As the youngest child of 10-time Olympian Ian Millar and his late wife Lynn, you could say Amy has horses in her blood. Growing up, Amy learned the ins and outs of the business from the ground up and began riding before she could even walk.
"My mom, Lynn, had a strict 'you ride, you feed' policy," says Amy. "She didn't have a horse growing up, so she was always very aware of the privilege. She tried to make sure we understood that, too."
Training alongside her famous father, Ian, and older brother, Jonathon, Amy proved early on, that talent doesn't fall far from the tree. After a brief, and what she calls "sporadically successful," stint in the hunter and equitation rings, she followed her father's footsteps into the jumper divisions and found her niche.
"Amy has always been very competitive," says Ian Millar. "Whether it was the pony hunters or the Grand Prix, she's never aiming for less than first place."
At 19, Amy entered the Grand Prix ranks aboard the Danish Warmblood gelding Zagal. The pair had a highly successful season capped by an Individual Silver medal at the North American Young Riders' Championship. The impressive result earned them a spot on the 1997 Short List for the Canadian Equestrian Team and one of two Firestone Development Scholarships. Two months later, they logged their first international victory, winning the 1997 Desert Circuit Six-Bar challenge in Indio, California. Zagal made Amy a Grand Prix rider, but it was with the Oldenburg gelding Mont Cenis that she became an international success.
Taking over the ride from her father, Amy recorded a slew of top five finishes with the black gelding in 1999. She was officially named to the Nations Cup Team that fall, tapped to ride for Canada at the Washington International Horse Show. Unfortunately, a week before the event, the gelding suffered a hoof abscess. Amy competed on a borrowed mount, narrowly missing a berth on that year's Pan American Games team.
In 2000, her star power continued to rise with the quirky gelding Manhattan. Amy won the inaugural Jaguar Triple Crown Series that summer, narrowly beating her father, Ian Millar for the coveted car. She again earned a spot on the Canadian Nations Cup team, this time riding with her father, brother, and Jill Henselwood at the prestigious Spruce Meadows Masters tournament in Calgary, Alberta. In what would become a record of firsts, the Millars made history that day as the only Canadian Nations Cup team to include three-members from the same family.
The following year, Team Millar broke new ground again as Amy, Jonathon, and Ian found themselves the only three members of a first-place tie-breaker in a $100,000 grand prix in Ocala, Florida. Jonathon won, followed by his father, then followed by Amy. Lynn Millar called it, "the most exciting moment of my career."
Between 1997 and 2000, Amy juggled a degree in Business Administration at Ryerson University and an increasingly competitive show jumping career. Upon graduating, she moved to the United States for two years to work for Kinloch Farm and later, Sam Edelman. She was selected as a member of the inaugural Developing Riders' Tour that competed in several Nations' Cup events in Europe in 2001 and 2002.
In 2003, she returned to the family's Millar Brooke Farm full time. It was then that she found the partner she is best known for today: Costa Rica Z.
Together, Amy and the charismatic grey mare collected more than 60, top 10 Grand Prix finishes, including seven victories and numerous awards and titles. They won the Kubota Cup Series Eastern Conference in 2007 and competed for Canada on several Nations Cup teams. Amy twice finished the year on top of the national Jump Canada series both in 2007 and 2008 based primarily on results she earned with Costa Rica.
Out of competition for the first half of 2010 on maternity leave, Amy gave birth to a daughter, Lily Evelyn Millar Jukosky, in May. Two months later, she returned to competition, recording the most consistent season of her career. In January 2012, she achieved a career best on the Rolex World Rankings as the fourth ranked rider in Canada.
In 2015, Amy began competing with her current equine partner, the 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Heros. The pair were Canada's top performers at the 2016 Nations Cup in Ocala, Florida as well as members of the third-place finishing BMO Nations Cup team during the Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament in September.
One month earlier in August, Amy followed in her father's footsteps making her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where she and Heros were part of Canada's fourth place finish in the team event, in a jump-off for bronze against Germany. In 2017, Amy was crowned the Canadian Show Jumping Champion at the Royal Winter Fair. Throughout 2018 and 2019 Amy has collected numerous Grand Prix podium finishes and has continued to represent Canada in Nations Cup competition.
Today, Amy works alongside her father, brother, and sister-in-law at the family's Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, Ontario where she trains her own mounts and coaches the many students that form Team Millar.
Birthdate: February 14th, 1977
Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario
View Full FEI Results at this link.
Two-time Jump Canada National Series Winner
Jaguar Triple Crown Series Winner
Kubota Cup Series Eastern Conference Winner
Short-listed member of the Canadian Equestrian Team
Amy made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games
2017 Canadian Show Jumping Champion
Jonathon Millar
Jonathon Millar has been a member of the Canadian Show Jumping Team for 20 years. The firstborn child of Canada's most decorated equestrian, Ian Millar, and his late wife Lynn, Jon grew up on the horse show circuit but he only began competing seriously himself at age 16.
Within a year, Jonathon shot to the top of the junior ranks, earning a spot in the FEI North American Junior and Young Riders (NAJYR) Finals. Aboard the Thoroughbred Simon Says, a horse he started riding just two months earlier, he helped secure the Team Gold for Canada and placed fourth in the Individual Finals, narrowly missing a podium finish. The following year in 1993, Jonathon took home the Team Silver at the NAJYR Finals with the Belgium Warmblood, Emir.
At 19, Jonathon made his Canadian Equestrian Team debut. With Emir, he was one of four horse and rider combinations to represent Canada in the Nations Cup at the Washington International in DC. (He had the dubious distinction of wrecking the team car en route to the 5:00am morning school.)
Over the next three years Jonathon and Emir went on to record a slew of top-three Grand Prix finishes. Their consistent results earned him a berth on the Canadian Developing Riders Team in 1997. Travelling to Europe with the Team, Jonathon remained abroad, taking a riding position with renowned horseman Emile Hendrix, of Stal Hendrix, in the Netherlands.
It was at Stal Hendrix that Jonathon started the Millar Brooke-bred gelding Aftershock and the Dutch Warmblood stallion Fine Line—the two horses that would thrust him into the international spotlight.
In 2000, he returned to Canada to contest the Olympic Selection Trials, this time accepting a position with US team stalwart Laura Kraut in Middleburg, Virginia. Jonathon was named second alternate to the Canadian Olympic Team. He and Fine Line moved up to first alternate prior to the Games in Sydney.
That same year, Jonathon rode for Canada on two Nations Cup teams. Together with his father Ian, sister Amy, and Canadian team veteran Jill Henselwood, he and Fine Line contested the prestigious Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament in Calgary. It was the first time three members of the same family have competed on the same team. One month later, he donned the red coat for Canada again at the Washington International in DC with Aftershock.
In 2001, Jonathon recorded his first Grand Prix victory. In the final week of Florida's HITS Ocala winter circuit, Jonathon claimed Friday's $15,000 Grand Prix with Aftershock. Two days later, he and Fine Line won the $100,000 Grand Prix in a nail-biting, three-way jump off against his father and sister. Ian would later place second and Amy, in third. In 2007, Jonathon made sports history again when he finished second to his legendary father, by mere fractions of a second, in the Canadian Championship with the grey mare Fancy Hill. It was one of 15, top-five finishes he recorded with the lightning fast mare.
Jonathon was a winner's circle regular with Fancy Hill, but it was the gentle giant Contino 14 that made him a Canadian team staple. The well-matched pair made Nations Cup appearances at the 2009 Promotional League Final in Barcelona, Spain, the 2010 Spruce Meadows 'Masters' Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, and the 2011 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Canada recorded top three finishes in each.
Contino 14 and Jonathon also represented Canada at the 2010 World Show Jumping Championships. The Team's clutch fifth-place finish was the nation's best result in nearly 25 years and secured Canada's berth for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. By 2011, Jonathon was the third ranked rider in Canada, eclipsing his famous father for the first time on the Short List for the national show jumping team.
Today, Jonathon continues to be a force in the Grand Prix ring with his international mount, Calvin Klein. Alongside his father, Jonathon and Calvin Klein were part of the first-place Nations Cup effort in Mexico that qualified Canada for the 2014 Furusiyya Nations CupTM Finals. As of mid-August, the pair had recorded 13 top 10 placings in 2014, including a third-place finish in the $100,000 Synoil Energy Services Cup at Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in Ontario.
Over the past two years, Jonathon has continued to develop his partnership with Calvin Klein and with the 2006 KWPN gelding Bonzay, owned by Isotropic Networks Inc. Jonathon piloted Bonzay to third place in a class that quickly became a family affair, the first round of the $100,000 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship at the Royal Horse Show. Jonathon and Bonzay finished behind his sister Amy in second, and his father Ian in first. In 2018, Jonathon piloted Daveau to a double-clear performance in the Nations' Cup in Coapexpan, Mexico, which ultimately helped Canada secure the win. Jonathon and Daveau were the only combination to jump double clear in the 2019 $134,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix – securing the win in front of a home crowd in Ottawa.
Jonathon Millar lives with his wife, Kelly Soleau-Millar, and their three dogs on Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, where he works alongside with father and sister.
Birthdate: September 25th, 1974
Short-listed member of the Canadian Equestrian Team since 1994.
First alternate for the Olympic Show Jumping Team since 2000.
Eight Nations Cup appearances.
Member of the 5th place team at the 2010 World Championships.
2000 Fine Line 1st Alternate 1st Alternate Sydney
2010 Contino 14 50th 5th Lexington
World Cup Finals
1997 Emir Göteborg
Kelly Soleau-Millar
A quintessential horse-crazy kid, they were all Kelly Soleau-Millar could talk about from an early age. It took determination but, after visiting more farms than they could count, Kelly's mom finally found an instructor willing to take on a two-year-old! Her first pony, Sweet Dreams, was purchased when Kelly was three and, despite being told that the pony would only walk and trot, she persevered and found a way to make him canter.
Her mother spent her weekends taking Kelly and Sweet Dreams to various horse shows where they started out in the leadline classes before advancing to the walk-trot and short-stirrup divisions. By the time Kelly was nine, she had qualified for the prestigious Washington International Horse Show where she and Farnley Beeware were the only pony entry competing in the Children's Hunter division.
When Kelly was ready for the Children's Jumper division, they imported a horse from Switzerland, naming it Vonderheyde in tribute to her father's family heritage. Together, Kelly and Vonderheyde claimed the 1998 Marshall & Sterling League national championship title. She also qualified for the major Equitation Finals for three years with Heart's On Fire, who did double-duty with Kelly in the Junior Hunter divisions.
Kelly represented U.S. Zone 1 at the North American Junior and Young Riders' Championship on five occasions. For her first appearance, she leased Kinders Lucky Charm for the week and won the Junior division Farewell competition. In 2003, she enjoyed a top 10 finish individually in the Young Riders' division with Master Man, her partner of 11 seasons and the horse she credits as being the biggest part of her career to date. Starting out in the Low Junior Jumper division, Master Man carried Kelly to her first World Cup Grand Prix as well as her debut in the International Ring at Calgary's iconic Spruce Meadows.
With another special mount, Centre Ice, Kelly celebrated victory in the $20,000 RAM Equestrian Grand Prix in 2014 in at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON. Kelly and her now-husband, Jonathon Millar riding his father's 2012 Olympic mount, Star Power, were the only two people to qualify for the jump-off. Having previously part-owned Centre Ice, Kelly's father had purchased the horse for her outright shortly before his passing, making their grand prix win together both memorable and bittersweet.
Kelly's current top mount is Cacharel, owned by Donna Vanderwoude-Dyment in partnership with Bridge Brook Arms. Kelly and Cacharel began competing together during the 2017 season and, based on impressive results at the international level, were named to the United States Equestrian Team for the €250,000 CSIO5* Longines Nations' Cup in Coapexpan, Mexico, marking Kelly's Nations' Cup debut.
Competing as a professional, Kelly works full-time as a rider, trainer, and the manager of Millar Brooke Farm. She continues to ride for her family's farm, Bridge Brook Arms, based in Wellington, FL, and founded by her parents, Mary Christine and Robert Soleau. In December of 2015, Kelly married Millar in Key West, Florida. A true animal lover, Kelly is rarely seen without her pack of Welsh corgis in tow. In addition to a regular pilates regime, Kelly enjoys interior design and renovating both houses and barns.
Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut
Hometown: Wellington, Florida
Occupation: Full-time athlete
Stable: Bridge Brook Arms
Coach: Ian, Jonathon and Amy Millar
Cacharel 2007 grey Dutch Warmblood mare by Vingino x Clinton
Owner: Donna Vanderwoude-Dyment and Bridge Brook Arms
8th $100,000 RAM Grand Prix, CSI3* Classic @ Palgrave Phase II, ON Cacharel
7th $36,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round VI, CSI3* WEF VI, Wellington, FL Cacharel
7th $35,000 1.50m Qualifier, CSI4* ESP Holiday & Horses, Wellington, FL Cacharel
1st $35,500 Open Welcome, CSI2* Caledon National, ON Itty Bitty
2nd €250,000 Longines Nations' Cup, CSIO5* Coapexpan II, MEX Cacharel
10th $35,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round X, CSI3* WEF X, Wellington, FL Cacharel
8th (tie) $35,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round VI, CSI3* WEF VI, Wellington, FL Cacharel
10th $10,000 1.40m Open Stake, ESP New Years, Wellington, FL Itty Bitty
7th $86,000 Caledon Cup – Phase III, CSI2* Canadian SJ Tournament, ON Itty Bitty
9th $35,000 Caledon Cup – Phase II, CSI2* Canadian SJ Tournament, ON Cacharel
2nd $25,000 RAM Equestrian Grand Prix, Autumn Classic, Palgrave, ON Itty Bitty
9th $25,000 RAM Equestrian Grand Prix, Autumn Classic, Palgrave, ON Cacharel
2nd $36,000 1.45m Sunday Classic, CSI3* Angelstone The Champions, ON Itty Bitty
6th $86,600 1.60m Grand Prix, CSI3* Angelstone The Champions, ON Cacharel
5th $40,000 Open Welcome, CSI3* Angelstone The Champions, ON Itty Bitty
3rd $15,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Caledon Premier II, ON Centre Ice
5th $35,000 Open Welcome, CSI2* Caledon Premier II, ON Cacharel
10th $35,000 Open Welcome, CSI2* Caledon Premier II, ON Itty Bitty
7th $35,000 AECON Jumper Classic, CSI3* Ottawa International, ON Itty Bitty
7th $50,000 Brookstreet Hotel Grand Prix, Ottawa National, ON Itty Bitty
9th $20,000 Open Welcome, Ottawa National, ON Cacharel
5th $20,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Classic @ Palgrave Phase II, ON Centre Ice
6th $20,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Classic @ Palgrave Phase II, ON Itty Bitty
9th $15,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Caledon National, ON Cacharel
1st $10,000 1.30m Jumper Classic, CSI3*-W Palm Beach Masters, FL Hoolie Hoo
10th $40,000 Groupby Grand Prix, CSI2* Angelstone The International, ON Itty Bitty
8th $35,000 Open Welcome, CSI2* Summer Festival, Palgrave, ON Itty Bitty
10th $35,000 Open Welcome, CSI2* Ottawa International, ON Itty Bitty
3rd $20,000 Open Welcome, Ottawa National, ON Itty Bitty
5th $56,000 Grand Prix, CSI2* Orangeville, ON Itty Bitty
9th $10,000 1.45m Premier Marine Open Welcome, CSI2* Orangeville, ON Itty Bitty
6th $50,000 Grand Prix, Vermont Summer Celebration, VT Itty Bitty
1st $10,000 Welcome Stake, Vermont Summer Celebration, VT Itty Bitty
7th $34,000 Open Welcome, CSI2* Angelstone Headwaters Cup, ON Itty Bitty
9th $34,000 Open Welcome, CSI2* Angelstone Headwaters Cup, ON Centre Ice
3rd $46,000 Grand Prix, CSI2* Angelstone Erin Welcome, ON Itty Bitty
5th $10,000 Open Welcome, CSI2* Angelstone Erin Welcome, ON Centre Ice
8th $35,000 Brookstreet Grand Prix, Ottawa International, Ottawa, ON Centre Ice
5th $10,000 Karson Open Welcome, Ottawa International, Ottawa, ON Centre Ice
9th $10,000 Karson Open Welcome, Ottawa International, Ottawa, ON Itty Bitty
4th $35,000 RAM Grand Prix, CSI1* Classic @ Palgrave Phase II, ON Centre Ice
9th $35,000 RAM Grand Prix, CSI1* Classic @ Palgrave Phase II, ON Itty Bitty
9th $15,000 Omega Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Caledon National, ON Centre Ice
10th $30,000 Grand Prix, ESP Spring III, Wellington, FL Itty Bitty
5th $10,000 1.45 Friday Prix, CSIO4* HITS Ocala V, FL Centre Ice
9th $10,000 1.45 Friday Prix, CSIO4* HITS Ocala V, FL Itty Bitty
4th $33,500 Open Welcome, CSI3*-W Angelstone International, ON Itty Bitty
3rd $35,000 Caledon Cup I, CSI2*-W Canadian SJ Tournament, ON Itty Bitty
7th $50,000 Zucarlos Grand Prix, CSI2* Orangeville, ON Centre Ice
9th $50,000 Zucarlos Grand Prix, CSI2* Orangeville, ON Itty Bitty
1st $20,000 RAM Equestrian Grand Prix, Equestrian Festival, Palgrave, ON Centre Ice
5th $20,000 RAM Equestrian Grand Prix, Equestrian Festival, Palgrave, ON Itty Bitty
5th $10,000 Open Welcome, Equestrian Festival, Palgrave, ON Itty Bitty
8th $10,000 Open Welcome, Equestrian Festival, Palgrave, ON Centre Ice
5th $20,000 Clark Builders Grand Prix, CSI5* S.M. North American, AB Centre Ice
6th $20,000 Clark Builders Grand Prix, CSI5* S.M. North American, AB Itty Bitty
2nd $10,000 1.40m Jr./Am. Jumper, CSI5* Spruce Meadows National, AB Itty Bitty
7th $10,000 1.40m ConocoPhillips, CSI5* Spruce Meadows National, AB Centre Ice
8th $10,000 1.40m Jr./Am. Jumper, CSI5* Spruce Meadows National, AB Centre Ice
3rd $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Caledon National, ON Itty Bitty
6th $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Caledon National, ON Centre Ice
8th $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Classic @ Palgrave Phase I, ON Centre Ice
9th $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI5* WEF XII, Wellington, FL Itty Bitty
3rd $10,000 Canadian Hunter Derby Final, CSI2*-W Angelstone Int'l, ON Vianco v/d Rampaarden
9th $10,000 Jr./Amateur Hunter Classic, CSI4*-W Hampton Classic, NY Vianco v/d Rampaarden
8th $10,000 Jr./Amateur Welcome Stake, CSI4*-W Hampton Classic, NY Itty Bitty
4th $15,000 Jr./Am. Jumper, CSI5* Spruce Meadows Pan American, AB Itty Bitty
8th $20,000 Jr./Am. Grand Prix, CSI5* S. Meadows North American, AB Centre Ice
9th $10,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, Kentucky Spring Classic, KY Itty Bitty
9th $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI4* WEF XI, Wellington, FL Centre Ice
10th $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI3* WEF X, Wellington, FL Itty Bitty
9th $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI2* WEF V, Wellington, FL Centre Ice
1st $10,000 Medium Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI2* WEF IV, FL Itty Bitty
9th $50,000 Grand Prix, Angelstone National III, Rockwood, ON Centre Ice
6th $25,000 Royal Lepage Grand Prix, Angelstone National II, ON Centre Ice
5th $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, Orangeville, ON Centre Ice
7th $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI3* WEF X, Wellington, FL Centre Ice
9th $10,000 Medium Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI3*-W WEF V, FL Itty Bitty
9th $10,000 Low Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI3*-W WEF V, Wellington, FL Master Man
10th $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, HITS Ocala January II, Ocala, FL Centre Ice
3rd $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, HITS Ocala January I, Ocala, FL Centre Ice
6th $15,000 Open Mini Prix, HITS Ocala January I, Ocala, FL Centre Ice
9th $10,000 Modified Grand Prix, CSI2* Summer Festival, ON Centre Ice
2nd $15,000 Jr./Am. Cup, CSI5* Spruce Meadows North American, AB Vianco v/d Rampaarden
8th $10,000 Low Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI5* WEF XI, Wellington, FL Master Man
3rd $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, CSI2* WEF IV, Wellington, FL Centre Ice
6th $10,000 Medium Amateur-Owner Classic, WEF I, Wellington, FL Vianco v/d Rampaarden
Reserve Five-Year-Old National Champion, Palgrave, ON Itty Bitty
9th (tie) $60,000 World Cup Grand Prix, CSI2*-W Blainville II, QC Master Man
5th $32,000 Open Welcome, CSI2*-W Blainville II, QC Master Man
9th $10,000 Open Welcome, National Capital Open, Ottawa, ON Master Man
10th $35,000 Kubota Cup, CSI3*-W Bromont International, QC Master Man
9th $15,000 1.50m, CSI3*-W Bromont International, QC Master Man
8th $25,000 Grand Prix, Beaulieu Summer Classic I, Hudson, QC Vianco v/d Rampaarden
7th $25,000 Grand Prix of St. Lazare, St. Lazare Horse Show, QC Master Man
5th $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic, Wellington, FL Vianco v/d Rampaarden
4th Team, North American Young Riders' Championship, Wadsworth, IL Master Man
24th Individual, North American Young Riders' Championship, Wadsworth, IL Master Man
9th Individual, North American Young Riders' Championship, Bromont, QC Master Man
Alexander Grayton
Alexander's entry into the horse world came at an early age when he and his older sister began taking riding lessons at a local stable in Calgary – Teesdale Riding School.
Over the course of his childhood, Alexander participated in many other sports and activities, especially hockey and tennis, before ultimately turning his focus towards show jumping near the end of his high school years.
After graduating from the University of Calgary with a B.Sc in Oil & Gas Engineering in 2006, Alexander began his education in show jumping. He trained with celebrated Alberta horseman Frank Selinger for several years as he gained experience training young horses and riding his first Grand Prix classes.
Alexander spent a year training with top American rider Kyle King before immersing in the Millar Brooke Farm system riding with Canadian legend Ian Millar for another year. During his time with Ian, the focus on training and preparation was solidified as a major component of Alexander's philosophy. It was also through Ian that Alexander met Emile and Paul Hendrix – world renowned Dutch horsemen – who continue to be partners and mentors to Alexander. Most recently Alexander has trained with legendary horseman and coach George Morris since 2016.
Over the past several years, Alexander has developed horses into elite horses for sport, including a National Talent Squad Finals title, National Young Horse Champion, Hunter champions and numerous Grand Prix and International victories.
Alexander has trained riders of all levels – from entering their first horse show to winning Talent Squad Finals, FEI Children's Finals, International Grand Prix and every spot in between.
Alexander's competitive aspirations include representing Team Canada in Nations Cup and Championship competitions as well as continuing to develop and produce high performance horses.
Alexander has also written several articles:
The importance of Planning Backwards
You need more canter
Connection: How to be quiet, calm and smooth
How I met GHM (George Morris)
Accordion Gymnastic
Mid Season Gymnastic
Lunging as a training tool
In Defense of a System
The Farm Story
It started with a rundown property on the outskirts of a small town. Millar Brooke Farm was founded in 1972 on a small budget, big dreams, and boundless determination.
Newlyweds, Ian and Lynn Millar purchased the 500-acre parcel of land in the picturesque town of Perth, Ontario, located just 45 minutes outside Ottawa. Banked by a marsh, the Tay River, and a neighbouring cow farm, the modest property held a crumbling, 125-year-old brick house and a large rundown barn. The house had a leaky roof and no indoor plumbing; the barn housed cattle.
"There was a large tree in the field next to the house. A friend of ours attached a large light to it and Lynn would teach lessons in the snow underneath that light, every weeknight from four 'til nine," recalls Ian Millar. "It wasn't unusual to find the neighbour's cows in the yard either. They had a bull that would breakthrough the fence on a regular basis and there'd be cows everywhere."
Within months of taking ownership, Ian and Lynn sold some 200 acres of untenable marshland to the local Conservation Authority. The savvy move ensured no development would threaten to encroach on the farm in the future and effectively paid off the initial mortgage.
Together, over 40-odd years, they transformed the rustic, rural property into a world-class training facility, adding riding rings, stables and fences. The Millars eventually purchased the surrounding properties, including the cow farm, to build an exceptionally private, self-sustaining 600-acre farm.
Today, Millar Brooke Farm boasts three barns, each fitted with individual wash and grooming stalls, separate feed and tackrooms, and oversized stalls. The property is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including a covered six-horse walker and treadmill, as well as an outdoor sand track, dozens of large grass and sand paddocks, and several kilometres of manicured trails.
"From day one, Lynn and I were always making improvements to the farm, sometimes I just didn't know about them in advance. I'd go away to a show and come back a few weeks later to find various parts of the property dug up," recalls Ian. "One year, we came home to find she'd ordered five kilometres of decorative fencing and 1500 trees!"
The crown jewel of the property is undoubtedly the stunning six-acre Grand Prix field. Complete with open water, devil's dyke, tabletop and bank, the ring is outfitted by an extensive jump collection that includes replicas of the most challenging obstacles found in international competition. These include the famed Bicycle jump and the CN Planks, commonly featured in the $1M CN International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows. The farm also lays claim to a newly refinished 300' x 110' outdoor sand ring and a massive 260' x 60' heated indoor arena with private viewing gallery.
Today, the entire Millar clan calls Millar Brooke Farm home—Ian, Jonathon, and Amy all have houses on the extensive property. The flagship farm of their international training program, it remains, as always, an ever evolving work-in-progress.
Photography by ©Meghan Basco
(c) 2017 Millar Brooke Farm. All rights reserved.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


See Winx go for her 28th-consecutive win, racing in the Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes!
If you could see a potential future Lexus Melbourne Cup winner run an exhilarating 2000m spring race, you'd jump at the chance. TAB Turnbull Stakes Day is the ultimate preview of all of the Melbourne Cup Carnival stars. On this day, you will be treated to some of the finest thoroughbred racing in Australia, featuring an all-black type race schedule boasting more than $1.88 million in prize money.
Long considered a solid guide for predicting future Melbourne Cup Carnival champions, the Group 1 TAB Turnbull Stakes boasts $502,500 in prizemoney and is the first feature 2000m race of the spring. Who could forgot last year's edition, captured by the mighty mare Winx in her first ever race appearance at Flemington?
Supporting races include the $201,500 Blazer Stakes, $202,000 TAB Edward Manifold Stakes and $201,500 Gilgai Stakes, all at Group 2 level, while the $302,500 Group 3 The Bart Cummings offers valuable ballot exemption for this year's Lexus Melbourne Cup. The all-black type race schedule confirms TAB Turnbull Stakes Day as one of the finest on the Australian racing calendar.
This sets the scene for an exciting 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
WINX is back for the last time at Flemington, competing in the TAB Turnbull Stakes at 3pm. WINX will be going for her 28 consecutive win - read the latest on who she is up against!
Support JDRF by purchasing a Pin, and you could win this Melbourne Cup Carnival! Look out for volunteers selling pins on course today.
Following the success of Spring Salon on Sofitel Girls' Day Out, Saintly Place West will once again come alive on Turnbull Stakes Day as The Lounge. Located in one of the best spots at Flemington, The Lounge looks across the Front Lawn to the Winning Post. Take in every finish from the comfort of indoors or head outside to witness the final pulsating moments up close. Once the action stops on the racetrack, relax on lounge seating to the tunes of DJ Goldie.
Champions of the turf, Might and Power & Paris Lane, will be joining us at Flemington this Saturday! Come out to celebrate Might and Power's 25th birthday; he and Paris Lane will be parading around the Mounting Yard and hanging out in the horse stalls throughout the day.
The much-loved Lawn Bar re-opens for spring! Spend your day enjoying drinks, live music and up-close racing action at the Lawn Bar!
The Flemington Family Lawn is back at the east end of the lawn, just near the Makybe Diva statue. Kids of all ages can enjoy various outdoor lawn games, pony rides, face painting, balloon artists and a soft play area for the little ones.
The Club Stand is opening it's doors to Members under trial conditions, which you and your guests can participate in.
Sit back, relax and enjoy complementary hair and make-up touch-ups from 12pm – 5pm in The Atrium.
Soak up the sunshine on Flemington's famous front lawn. You'll also have easy access to The Club Stands seating decks with brilliant track views.
Trains will depart Southern Cross - Platform 8 from 10:44am and then frequently until 1:50pm. All trains will stop only at North Melbourne Station and then run express to Flemington Racecourse (platform 1).
Trains will depart Flemington Racecourse - Platform 1 from 4:40pm and then frequently until 7:25pm, stopping only at North Melbourne Station and Southern Cross Station.
Limited parking available, enter off Epsom Road onto Flemington Drive and follow the directions of event staff.
Fly to Victoria's most exciting racing event, with Microflight, Victoria's premier helicopter company.
For more information, contact our exclusive helicopter provider Microflight on 03 8587 9700 or enquiry@microflight.com.au.
VRC Members have a strong tradition of dressing smartly and appropriately, taking into consideration true racing style. We are proud of this history and therefore have strict dress regulations within the Members Enclosure to maintain this high standard.
Ladies are expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity of the Members Enclosure. Younger children accompanied by an adult must be suitably attired. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country.
As a VRC Member, you have a responsibility to ensure that your guests introduced into the Members Enclosure are dressed appropriately, in line with the required dress standard.


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Canada's Rogers committed to Bills, NFL in Toronto
By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer
TORONTO —
Despite difficulties getting Toronto sports fans to warm up to the Buffalo Bills, Rogers Communications is committed to extending the team's five-year series in the city beyond 2012.
"We're there for the long haul in one way or another," Rogers vice chairman Phil Lind told The Associated Press on Friday. "We believe in this."
Lind said there have been no formal talks with the Bills, and is awaiting for "the conditions to be right" to discuss extending the series, which began in 2008. Under the deal, Rogers agreed to pay the Bills $78 million to play eight games - including five annual regular season games - in Canada's largest city and financial capital.
Lind reiterated his desire to have the Bills play additional games in Toronto, particularly if the NFL goes ahead with its proposal to expand its regular season schedule beyond 16 games. Lind then acknowledged there has been public discussion about having Toronto evenly split home games with Buffalo.
"I'm not saying whether I foresee it or not, but it's certainly possible," Lind said, referring to what he's heard from fans and read in the media. "It's certainly one of the things that is being mooted around."
But, Lind stressed, that talk is not coming from him.
"When I say splitting, I wouldn't even go near that," he said. "It could mean two and eight games. But splitting doesn't mean 50-50."
Lind is a senior Rogers executive, who spearheaded negotiating the series that put Toronto on the NFL map and made the Bills the league's first team to play annual games outside the United States.
He spoke as the Bills (0-7) prepare to play the third regular-season game of the series on Sunday, when they host Chicago (4-3) at the city's downtown Rogers Centre.
Bills officials were not available for comment and have previously declined to discuss the future of the series beyond 2012. "It's premature to go down that road," chief executive officer Russ Brandon said in August, prior to Buffalo's preseason game against Indianapolis in Toronto.
The Toronto series had been a financial windfall for the small-market Bills, who are getting nearly $10 million a game - more than double what they have been projected to make at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The series has also provided them a foothold in Canada's most populated region, which features about 5 million people.
The payoff has been mixed for Rogers in its bid to showcase Toronto, the continent's fifth-largest market, as a city capable of hosting a permanent NFL franchise.
The communications giant has been criticized for overpaying for the right to host a perennial loser - the Bills are the NFL's only remaining winless team this season, and in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for an 11th straight season. Making the Bills an even tougher sell were the high-priced tickets - averaging nearly $200 - fans were asked to pay when the series first opened.
Rogers responded by making more than 14,000 - up from about 4,700 in the first year - available at under $100 at the 54,000-seat stadium this year.
That still didn't make Sunday's game a sellout.
Bills players have noted that playing games in Toronto doesn't match the raucous atmosphere at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It doesn't help that the Rogers Center is a cavernous, domed facility where fans are far more removed from the field than at Orchard Park, N.Y.
Lind acknowledged the troubles in noting the series hasn't lived up to the high expectations company founder, the late Ted Rogers, expressed in announcing the deal in February 2008. That's when Rogers, who died the following December, envisioned full houses and fans lining up for blocks to buy tickets.
"I think that, when we first announced it, Mr. Rogers was perhaps a bit over-enthusiastic," Lind said. "That's the way he was in everything."
Overall, Lind said, "we're very happy with the series," and noted it has met the objective of establishing Toronto as a potential NFL market.
Attending NFL meetings, Lind said owners are interested in the Toronto market as a potential host for a permanent franchise.
"If you polled the owners of the teams, you would find increasingly, a realization that Toronto is one of the next moves," Lind said. "Increasing, they're all saying, 'Why not?'"
Lind said Rogers would be committed to playing a key role in luring a franchise, while understanding that NFL rules don't allow corporations to own franchises.
"Rogers would certainly play a role, whether that's putting the pieces together or actually doing it itself with the Rogers family," Lind said. "I'm uncertain at this moment, but there's no question that the people in the Rogers organization would be intimately involved in assembling a package."


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Masco confirms it will sell cabinetry and window divisions
By Robert Dalheim June 20, 2019 | 12:44 pm EDT
LIVONIA, Mich. - The parent of Kraftmaid, Merillat, Masco Cabinetry, and Cardell Cabinetry, Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS), confirmed it would sell its cabinetry and window businesses. The company announced it was considering selling the divisions in March.
"Since we announced the strategic review of our cabinetry and windows businesses in March, we have worked with our external advisors, our cabinetry and windows business units, and our Board of Directors to evaluate alternatives to best deliver long-term value for our shareholders," said Keith Allman, Masco's president and CEO. "We have determined that pursuing the sale of Masco Cabinetry, Milgard Windows and UK Window Group in three separate transactions is the most appropriate path forward to accomplish this value creation. We expect that the sales of these businesses will be concluded in approximately six to nine months, assuming that each of these transactions can be completed on acceptable terms and conditions."
The businesses on the block totaled $1.7 billion in revenue last year. For 2018, Masco reported net sales of its Cabinetry Products segment of $950 million, and operating profit of $86 million. The company is the third biggest cabinetmaker on the FDMC 300.
Masco said its decision results from wanting to minimize its exposure to the new construction market. The company hopes to zero in on its "less cyclical" plumbing and decorative architectural products businesses, Allman said.
Masco Cabinetry, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, manufactures and sells semi-custom, stock and value-priced assembled cabinetry for kitchen, bath, storage, home office and home entertainment applications in a broad range of styles and price points to address consumer preferences. Masco Cabinetry's Kraftmaid and Cardell products are sold primarily to dealers and home center retailers, and its Merillat and Quality Cabinets products are sold primarily to dealers and homebuilders for both home improvement and new home construction.
Masco's two window businesses are Milgard Windows and Doors, headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, and UK Window Group, headquartered in Wales in the United Kingdom. Milgard manufactures and sells vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum windows and patio doors under the MILGARD brand name for home improvement and new home construction, principally in the western United States.
The UK Window Group manufactures and sells vinyl windows, composite doors, related products and components under several brand names, including Duraflex and Griffin. For 2018, Masco reported net sales of its Windows and Other Specialty Products segment of $755 million, operating profit of $34 million.
Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Masco Corp. is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded home improvement and building products. Its portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Behr paint; Delta and Hansgrohe faucets, bath and shower fixtures; KraftMaid and Merillat cabinets; Milgard windows and doors; Kichler decorative and outdoor lighting; and HotSpring spas. www.masco.com.
masco cabinetry
FDMC 300 2018
SCM's Luigi De Vito is new Acimall president
COVID crisis crashes Concepts in Millwork's 40th anniversary party
Amazon will offer major discounts on furniture on upcoming Prime Day
Robert Dalheim
Robert Dalheim is an editor at the Woodworking Network. Along with publishing online news articles, he writes feature stories for the FDMC print publication. He can be reached at robert.dalheim@woodworkingnetwork.com.


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Is Ed Sheeran's Song "Shape of You" Coincidentally Similar to a Song by Grime Artist Sami Chokri?
ByLuna Mike
A recent lawsuit has claimed that Ed Sheeran's song "Shape of You" is too similar to a previous song by Grime artist Sami Chokri. The court has dismissed the lawsuit and ordered the singer to pay the co-writers of the original song. But the dispute has also created a frenzy in the music world. According to a report by The Guardian, the authors of "Oh Why" and the composer of "Shape Of You" have not been compensated for their efforts.
Despite the similarities, Mr Ricigliano, an expert in music, said the songs were not identical. However, they were both published by Billboard on the global 200 chart. The two artists are also listed on the Greek digital song sales charts. The Hungarian single Top 40 list was released on 9 April 2017. And Mr Chokri's lawyers say the track sounds almost identical in a chanted manner.
Nevertheless, the similarities are not so apparent at a superficial level. In addition to the similarities in the song, Sheeran's name is German, and the hit has reached the global 200 chart. In the UK, 'Shape Of You' is on the top 40 charts in both the UK and France, and the French version topped the list in December 2016.
Also Read: Ryan Reynolds faces his biggest challenge yet
In the US, the song "Shape of You" has been accused of being a copycat of Sami Chokri's song "Oh Why." The similarities are subtle, but noticeable, and the two songs have different genres. American forensic musicologist Anthony Ricigliano concluded that it was unlikely that the similarities were the result of copyright. Another expert, Christian Siddell, found the similarities to be striking.
The similarities are too close to be coincidence to be true. Despite this, the similarities are still too close to be ignored. The hit song was also similar to another song by a German rapper. The songwriter, Sami Switch, claimed that he copied the song. The British copyright law isn't binding on him to copy the song.
The pop star denies copyright, despite the similarities between the two songs. Despite the similarities, the songs are very different in their compositions. The original version of the song was written by Sami Chokri and Sami Switch and the second was by Sheeran. Apparently, "Shape of You" is a derivative of the song by both artists.
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CRAIG DRENNEN
Merchant, Mistress, and T
39 Lispenard St
November 18th - January 14, 2023
Opening Reception: Friday, November 18th, 6-8 PM
Freight+Volume presents Merchant, Mistress, and T, an exhibition of recent works by Craig Drennen.
The exhibition will be on view at 39 Lispenard St. Tribeca, New York, 10013 from November 18th - January 14, 2023
Mistress, Merchant, and T has recently been selected by Dialogues The David Zwirner Podcast.
T stands for Timon—the protagonist of Shakespeare's least influential, and arguably worst play. But against the backdrop of this ill-fated work, Craig Drennen has discovered a way to stage original works that mirror our world more than Shakespeare's.
Drennen's paintings are possessed by an autonomous agency. As cultural signifiers, they allude back to the tragedy of Timon, as much as they recreate the story of our own times. Items of cultural debris—such as campaign buttons, vinyl records, and Christmas ornaments—all come to be viewed through a fish-eyed lens which enframes our world as tragedy and farce equally.
Merchant, Mistress, and T leans less on the legacy of Timon as a Shakespearean figure than on Shakespeare's proclivity to reimagine history. In Drennen's series of T paintings, such as T16, the content of the work is, on one level, the fictional protagonist of Timon. On the other, as it rests against the wall, this T-figure almost resembles a crucifix. The gory, visceral paint adorning T16 is neither crimson, wine-dark, or vermillion. It's fluorescent orange, which introduces a novel color variant into the annals of art history.
Another work, Convoy LeFreak, looks back to (among other things) the symbolism underlying the transference of value. A round quarter, for instance, goes into the jukebox, setting off the circular motion of the record player, which is then loaded with a vinyl disc from which music emanates. Underlying all this is the mythos of a circle; only in Convoy LeFreak this mythos comes to encompass the campaign button of a small town political candidate, along with actual records and clocks—all of which suggest a kind of axial rhythm cutting through our awareness of synchronicity, repetition, and allusion.
The barrage of information and multi-tiered allusions Drennen's paintings capture are less about Timon of Athens than the way different planes of experience can seem connected by some subordinating process. It's as though there's a hidden recess of experience, perpetually displaced by the butterfly effect, where Timon of Athens, a play reviled even in Shakespeare's time, becomes a mythopoetic key that unlocks the welter of absurd power plays which underpin our contemporary moment. On another level, the world simply is as it is. Drennen's paintings can unpack both ways: as metaphoric tragedies and as literal farce.
Craig Drennen - CV
Craig Drennen - "Merchant, Mistress, and T" Press Release
CRAIG DRENNEN*
Craig Drennen on Best of 2022 | With Helen Molesworth David Zwirner Podcast
December 14, 2022 View More
I'll Be Your Mirror... On Craig Drennen's Merchants by Steve Locke Freight and Volume
December 10, 2022 Download PDF
Craig Drennen | Merchant, Mistress, and T
November 18 - December 30, 2022


Africa is being transformed by a new generation of political leaders and entrepreneurs often with European or US education and business experience.
Over the last decade sub Saharan Africa has been the fastest growing world region at 5.7% per annum and we expect to see this trend continuing over the next decade. This has been driven principally by the worldwide demand for its natural resources and consequent massive investment and development of this sector. However, as African populations steadily increase by 2% per annum and urban clusters grow to an expected 50% by 2030, we are seeing significant development of the financial, agricultural, manufacturing, housing and service sectors. Furthermore, increasing democracy and improving fiscal controls and business climate provide the cornerstones for growing access to international capital.
The geo-political map is also changing: much of the African continent was in a situation of conflict thirty years ago, now that is only the case for a small minority. A more peaceful context for many Sub-Saharan countries has led to increasing consumer demand not only for basic needs, but also for greater choice of products and services led by the emerging middle-class.
The Harland Capital Group has an office in Mauritius. Mauritius is now a substantial independent financial centre in its own right and has become the jurisdiction of choice for companies operating in Africa. It is efficient and cost effective and its geographic location and enabling tax environment have created a "holding point" for flows of Asian and worldwide capital into Africa.


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Urgent repair service, i.e. water line, electric failure etc.


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If what I've said is true, we should be able to see plenty of evidence that Kojima is "camoflauging" with the times in order to redeem MGS in the eyes of the fans. After all, that is the requirement of the "mission". So let's look at some conspicuous examples, and what they tell us.
Video clip: Opening theme song
The first example I think of is this opening theme song, which perfectly embodies the tone of the game from here on out. Over-the-top spy action, a la classic James Bond, with wacky villains and a sultry double agent for a love interest. It may have gotten off to a slow start with the Virtuous Mission, but once we see the theme song we know that the fun is about to begin.
Now, don't get me wrong: I'm not saying that Kojima hated making the game, as he later did with MGS4, or that the theme song is evidence of that. He's obviously a huge fan of James Bond, as the various radio conversations demonstrate, and feels that going back to the Cold War has a lot to offer. Things have changed since the '60s, and Kojima wants to share a piece of his childhood era with the younger generation. It also gives him the opportunity to explore the distant past of the series' storyline itself, and gives him more freedom to explore what "espionage" truly means. These things are all good.
Metababble in camoflauge?
What it does mean is that this is game is throwing real depth out the window in favor of feel-good thrills. This is sad news for those who preferred the postmodernism of MGS2, but perfect for those who felt that the series just needed to stop taking itself seriously and have fun.
Paramedic — despite her horrible voice actress' tendancy to suck the life out of every line of dialogue — is supposed to embody the movie-lover, with seemingly endless amounts of cheeky references to movies that have influenced Kojima and Snake Eater. After saving for the first time she talks about Godzilla with a suspicious amount of potential doublespeak, for example.
The game is so confident in its execution that it really is difficult to realize just how far of a departure it is from the previous games, or what it could entail, but another great example is the game's gun fetish, which I've noted several times before in previous articles.
Video clip: Fascination
In this scene, EVA has been trying to seduce Snake by unzipping her coveralls, making sultry hints, and otherwise flirting with him; but Snake isn't interested in the slightest. Despite the previous R1 ability to peer at her chest from first person view, or the grin on his face when doing so, he now looks away from her, changes the topic, and seems to have his mind elsewhere.
This disinterest vanishes, however, as soon as he sees the .45 she's carrying. For a whole minute, he needlessly pours over every detail of the weapon, with the controller literally palpitating as he speaks. That's what you call a fetish. It's Kojima's way of acknowledging the ridiculous amount of demand for "more guns" by fans and critics, and anticipating that this is the kind of stuff they'd want to see. Kojima has always prided himself on using real-world weapons and their information, but Solid Snake was never a gun nut.
MGS3 is the first game to include a "Viewer" for those who want to examine guns and items from close up — something that seems very un-Metal Gear to old school fans of sneaking and story, and a third example of matching the demands of the times. The other games never had a library of guns like this. A dozen firearms, and eight explosives? It may not seem like much after MGS4's gun extravaganza, but that's the point: it's significant because of the direction in which it inevitably leads.
Look at how Naked Snake lectures the young Ocelot about his weapon choice and experimental loading techniques during their first encounter; a lecture which is continues the next time they meet. Sure, this is awesome because it helps us understand why Ocelot eventually becomes such a specific kind of gun nut by the time of MGS1, but considering that Kojima could just as easily have thought of a different explanation that didn't involve Big Boss's apparent weapon fetish it becomes a self-serving plot point that kills two birds with one stone: answering questions, as well as pleasing Metal Gear gun nuts.
Likewise, Kojima makes Eva's 'muzzle jump to create a horizontal sweep' trick into both an indicator that she has surprisingly suave combat skills for a supposed NSA codebreaker, but also to rile up the action fanatics.
Doing a backflip off of somebody's face with a motorcycle? Welcome to Metal Gear Solid 3.
Boosting the thrills is pretty much Eva's role. You could almost say that if Naked Snake is supposed to double as a metaphor for Kojima's reluctant, serious struggle to choose between being a patriot and rebel, perhaps Eva represents the opposite: his over-the-top, carefree joy of playing the role of a double-agent. Eva does, after all, disguise herself as the modest Tatyana when she isn't shoving her implants into Snake's face or throttling her bike; and she is also a protege of The Boss. Perhaps Eva is the part of Kojima that throws caution to the wind and simply embraces the newfound liscence to be as zany as he likes, while poorly pretending to be modest in front of critics.
Without overanalyzing the actual details of how their relationship unfolds, and how this would translate into a metastory about Kojima's inner conflicts of interest, I think it would be fair to say that Eva is a symbol of the game's abnormally carefree spirit, and Snake is a symbol of the Kojima's serious task as the leader of the Metal Gear series in those dangerous times, and that her involvement is another great example of how Snake Eater deliberately departs from the previous title's in order to give it a wider, less intellectual appeal.
Is everything in Snake Eater worthy of analysis? Absolutely not. It doesn't try to be postmodern, or nearly as challenging as MGS2, because it has to keep its metababble hidden. But it's not as shallow as most people, including myself, have traditionally thought, either. The real legacy of MGS3 is that, like Big Boss, he managed to complete his mission without giving up his independence; meeting the demands of the times without completely sacrificing his artistic integrity.
Unfortunately, like Big Boss he also wasn't satisfied with it in the end, feeling used and betrayed. He did what he had to do, and was praised for it, but in the process he lost his idealism and loyalty. With the creation of the fan-serving Subsistence and, later, MGS4, he would become more and more jaded by what was being asked of him, and long for a day when he could have freedom again.


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As we raced through the aisles of the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, Betty's gourds slowed us to a crawl. We were famished and in search of lunch, so promised ourselves a trip back to her booth. I'm so glad we went back.
Can you believe she sculpted these as they grew? I love the cat's casual pose and expressive eyes.
Here's another kitty. She has some amazing horse sculptures on her site as well.
I wish I had a better shot of the artist, but you can see several of her photos on her website linked below. People were clamoring for a closer look.
If you don't play chess, this is certainly a good excuse to start.
Betty uses a variety of techniques to encourage the unusual growth of these gourds. I found her website after the show and learned a bit more about the technique. I grew a few birdhouse gourds several years ago, so can attest to how fun they are to grow. I'm still waiting for a mama bird and her family to move in.
an avid gardener and specializes in experimenting with hand-trained, manipulated and molded gourds. This interest is what led her to meet with master gourd trainer, Jim Story of Pendleton Indiana from whom she learned the art of growing gourds in knots, spirals and flat wood molds.
You can read more about her growing technique and inspiration on her site.
If you're as fascinated as I am, be sure to check out Finch Gourds. She's written a book on the subject as well.
This entry was posted in Community and tagged 2015 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, artistic gourds, betty finch, birdhouse gourds, finchgourd, Gourd Art. Bookmark the permalink.
The human mind never ceases to amaze me with it's potential to create wonder from the most ordinary of objects. These are amazing!!! I'll have to pop over to her website soon. Hugs.
You have the best way of looking at things.
Fascinating… completely bonkers, but fascinating!
My wife constantly amazes me.She has brought much beauty into my life through her art and flowers.
Ken, such lovely words. You sound like a great team. Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, this is both amazing and fascinating! I am not even sure if I love it…or not. Definitely belongs to the weird and wonderful!
That chess set is extraordinary! What an amazing mind to think about making such wacky things into chess pieces.
Isn't that something? I love the way different artists work.


Alex Fitch talks to two directors about their projects which capture visions of childhood and how that progresses into adulthood. In a Q & A recorded at SCI-FI-LONDON: EAST, Alex chats to Cory McAbee, creator of SF musicals The American Astronaut and Stingray Sam, about his latest film Crazy and Thief – a semi improvised drama which documents the director's children as they journey across New York looking for stars and come across characters inspired by The Odyssey – again scored by his band, 'The Billy Nayer Show'. Cory discusses his change in direction for this project, the difficulties of directing children and performs a song from the soundtrack.
Also, Alex discusses 56Up with Michael Apted, the latest instalment of his 7Up series which has charted the lives of 14 children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds since the age of 7, with new episodes every 7 years; as well as exploring the history of this series, Alex and Michael discuss the latter's involvement with another serial that's reached its 50th anniversary as the director recalls his experience of directing the Bond movie, The World is not Enough.
Celebrate Hunt Emerson & Kevin Jackson's graphic adaptation of this diabolical literary classic!
Join Kaite Welsh, Juliet McKenna, Una McCormack, Iona Sharma, Elizabeth Bolton-Gabrielson and Laura Simpson unravelling time at Forbidden Planet London on Wednesday 5th December from 6 – 7pm!
Chicks Unravel Time is the sister book to the 2011 Hugo Award-winning Chicks Dig Time Lords and features a host of award-winning female writers, media professionals and scientists, examining each season of new and classic Doctor Who from their unique perspectives.
Join our guests as they celebrate female writers and all things Doctor Who. They'll be free to talk about their writing, their love for science and for the show. This an evening to celebrate everything that chicks dig about Time Lords – and about Time itself!
From the Larson shelf you can have Gray Horses, her first book after the web-syndicated Salamander Dream (which is sadly unavailable), Chiggers, and its spiritual successor Mercury. Her latest book is a comics adaptaion of Madeline L'Engle's 1962 science-fiction novel, A Wrinkle in Time.
And from O'Malley you can have Lost at Sea, a road trip story from 2003, and all six Scott Pilgrim volumes. And! If you already own all the Scott Pilgrim volumes you might also be tempted at the last minute when you see the new colour hardcover editions — volumes 1 and 2 for £18.99 a pop.
This entry was posted in Electric Sheep Magazine podcast, I'm Ready for my Closeup on November 30, 2012 by alexfitch.


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7 Nonlinear Controller Design for Active Front Steering System
Authors: Iman Mousavinejad, Reza Kazemi, , Mohsen Bayani Khaknejad
Active Front Steering system (AFS) provides an electronically controlled superposition of an angle to the steering wheel angle. This additional degree of freedom enables a continuous and driving-situation dependent on adaptation of the steering characteristics. In an active steering system, there needs be no fixed relationship between the steering wheel and the angle of the road wheels. Not only can the effective steering ratio be varied with speed, for example, but also the road wheel angles can be controlled by a combination of driver and computer inputs. Features like steering comfort, effort and steering dynamics are optimized and stabilizing steering interventions can be performed. In contrast to the conventional stability control, the yaw rate was fed back to AFS controller and the stability performance was optimized with Sliding Mode control (SMC) method. In addition, tire uncertainties have been taken into account in SM controller to provide the control robustness. In this paper, 3-DOF nonlinear model is used to design the AFS controller and 8-DOF nonlinear model is used to model the controlled vehicle.
Keywords: Robustness, Vehicle Stability, Active Front Steering (AFS), Sliding Mode Control method (SMC), Yaw rate
6 A Comprehensive model for developing of Steer-By-Wire System
Authors: Reza Kazemi , Iman Mousavinejad
Steer-By-Wire ( SBW ) has several advantages of packaging flexibility , advanced vehicle control system ,and superior performance . SBW has no mechanical linkage between the steering gear and the steering column. It is possible to control the steering wheel and the front-wheel steering independently. SBW system is composed of two motors controlled by ECU. One motor in the steering wheel is to improve the driver's steering feel and the other motor in the steering linkage is to improve the vehicle maneuverability and stability. This paper shows a new approach at modeling of SBW system by Bond Graph theory. The mechanical parts , the steering wheel motor and the front wheel motor will be modeled by this theory. The work in the paper will help to guide further researches on control algorithm of the SBW system .
Keywords: Modeling, Steer-By-Wire ( SBW ), Bond Graph theory, Electronic-Control-Unit ( ECU )
5 Linear Programming Application in Unit Commitment of Wind Farms with Considering Uncertainties
Authors: M. Esmaeeli Shahrakht, A. Kazemi
Due to uncertainty of wind velocity, wind power generators don't have deterministic output power. Utilizing wind power generation and thermal power plants together create new concerns for operation engineers of power systems. In this paper, a model is presented to implement the uncertainty of load and generated wind power which can be utilized in power system operation planning. Stochastic behavior of parameters is simulated by generating scenarios that can be solved by deterministic method. A mixed-integer linear programming method is used for solving deterministic generation scheduling problem. The proposed approach is applied to a 12-unit test system including 10 thermal units and 2 wind farms. The results show affectivity of piecewise linear model in unit commitment problems. Also using linear programming causes a considerable reduction in calculation times and guarantees convergence to the global optimum. Neglecting the uncertainty of wind velocity causes higher cost assessment of generation scheduling.
Keywords: Linear Programming, Wind Farm, unit commitment, Load uncertainty, scenario generation
4 Improved Hill Climbing and Simulated Annealing Algorithms for Size Optimization of Trusses
Authors: Morteza Kazemi Torbaghan, Seyed Mehran Kazemi, Rahele Zhiani, Fakhriye Hamed
Truss optimization problem has been vastly studied during the past 30 years and many different methods have been proposed for this problem. Even though most of these methods assume that the design variables are continuously valued, in reality, the design variables of optimization problems such as cross-sectional areas are discretely valued. In this paper, an improved hill climbing and an improved simulated annealing algorithm have been proposed to solve the truss optimization problem with discrete values for crosssectional areas. Obtained results have been compared to other methods in the literature and the comparison represents that the proposed methods can be used more efficiently than other proposed methods
Keywords: simulated annealing, hill climbing, Size Optimization of Trusses
3 Compressed Adobe Technology Analyses as Local Sustainable Materials for Retrofitting against Earthquake Approaching India Experiences
Authors: Leila Kazemi, Akram Pourmohammad, Zargham OstadiAsl, Maryam Jahandideh, Ahadollah Azami
Due to its geographical location, Iran is considered one of the earthquake-prone areas where the best way to decrease earthquake effects is supposed to be strengthening the buildings. Even though, one idea suggests that the use of adobe in constructing buildings be prohibited for its weak function especially in earthquake-prone areas, however, regarding ecological considerations, sustainability and other local skills, another idea pays special attention to adobe as one of the construction technologies which is popular among people. From the architectural and technological point of view, as strong sustainable building construction materials, compressed adobe construction materials make most of the construction in urban or rural areas ranging from small to big industrial buildings used to replace common earth blocks in traditional systems and strengthen traditional adobe buildings especially against earthquake. Mentioning efficient construction using compressed adobe system as a reliable replacement for traditional soil construction materials , this article focuses on the experiences of India in the fields of sustainable development of compressed adobe systems in the form of system in which the compressed soil is combined with cement, load bearing building with brick/solid concrete block system, brick system using rat trap bond, metal system with adobe infill and finally emphasizes on the use of these systems in the earthquake-struck city of Bam in Iran.
Keywords: Sustainable Construction, retrofitting, Local Materials, compressed earth blocks
2 Optimal Sizing of a Hybrid Wind/PV Plant Considering Reliability Indices
Authors: S. Dehghan, B. Kiani, A. Kazemi, A. Parizad
The utilization of renewable energy sources in electric power systems is increasing quickly because of public apprehensions for unpleasant environmental impacts and increase in the energy costs involved with the use of conventional energy sources. Despite the application of these energy sources can considerably diminish the system fuel costs, they can also have significant influence on the system reliability. Therefore an appropriate combination of the system reliability indices level and capital investment costs of system is vital. This paper presents a hybrid wind/photovoltaic plant, with the aim of supplying IEEE reliability test system load pattern while the plant capital investment costs is minimized by applying a hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) / harmony search (HS) approach, and the system fulfills the appropriate level of reliability.
Keywords: Reliability, Distributed Generation, Fuel Cell, Photovoltaic, PSO, Hybrid Power Plant
1 Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Used for TNEP Considering Network Adequacy Restriction
Authors: H. Shayeghi, M. Mahdavi, A. Kazemi
Transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) is a basic part of power system planning that determines where, when and how many new transmission lines should be added to the network. Up till now, various methods have been presented to solve the static transmission network expansion planning (STNEP) problem. But in all of these methods, transmission expansion planning considering network adequacy restriction has not been investigated. Thus, in this paper, STNEP problem is being studied considering network adequacy restriction using discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO) algorithm. The goal of this paper is obtaining a configuration for network expansion with lowest expansion cost and a specific adequacy. The proposed idea has been tested on the Garvers network and compared with the decimal codification genetic algorithm (DCGA). The results show that the network will possess maximum efficiency economically. Also, it is shown that precision and convergence speed of the proposed DPSO based method for the solution of the STNEP problem is more than DCGA approach.
Keywords: DPSO algorithm, Adequacy restriction, STNEP