She Loves Me’s Zachary Levi Congratulates the Stars of Tomorrow at the Eighth Annual Jimmy Awards
Best Actress winner Amina Faye, Zachary Levi & Best Actor winner Josh Strobl(Photo: Emilio Madrid-Kuser) The Jimmy Awards celebrate the talent and love for the theater that can develop during a student’s time in high school. Sixty-two students from across America competed for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards for Best Performance by an Actor and Actress at the eighth annual presentation of the Jimmy Awards, with the talent showcase featuring both ensemble and solo performances. Amina Faye from Charlotte, North Carolina took home the award for Best Actress; her performance as Sarah in Ragtime made her stand out as a finalist for the competition. Los Angeles native Josh Strobl, who played Link Larkin in his high school’s production of Hairspray, received the Best Actor Award. She Loves Me Tony nominee Zachary Levi hosted the ceremony on June 27 at the Minskoff Theatre. As you can tell below, the Jimmy Awards are a very serious occasion. Congratulations to all the up-and-coming performers who remind audiences where enthusiasm for the arts begins! View Comments
When I first started running many years ago the amount of information out there for the sport was some what lacking but sufficient. The internet was not yet at full tilt and runners mainly relied on just a few running periodicals and their local running specialty store for advice and knowledge. Today almost everything you want to know or may not need to know is just a click away. There are so many opinions on everything from footwear to how to avoid running injuries, that it can be quite overwhelming whom to believe.We still have the same running periodicals out there but more and more runners are moving from print to electronic media to get their running information it seems. On the surface it seems having more information for our sport is a good thing but it also can be quite confusing as to what is best for each one of us. There seems to be something new everyday that will transform you into the next Olympic A standard marathoner. Whether it is running shoes, running form, injury prevention, hydration, dietary supplements, or training plans, there is always something new and touted that will kick your competition’s butt. Every runner wants that magic bullet and we often go to extremes when we hear of something new and promising. A one size fits all “cookie cutter” mentality is not a healthy approach. Running is a simple sport where we can basically just put on some running shoes and head out the door. However if you crave more and are not careful this carefree sport can bite you back quickly and you’ll be watching from the sidelines.A prime example is running shoes. What shoe is best for you? We now have more choices than ever and we are in the midst of a minimalist revolution. Shoes that are lightweight, low profile, low heel counter and more responsive so we can connect with the earth like our ancestors is quite popular. I enjoy these types of shoes but it has taken a few years to convert from my heavier more supportive trainers. Are lightweight, minimalist footwear for every runner? I do think a lot of runners can benefit from the minimalist footwear while others have no business trying to run 20 miles in 6 ounce running shoes. What is minimalist to one runner may seem like running with weights on your ankles to the next. Everybody is different, do what works for you and if you do switch to a more minimalist shoe, transition slowly. This approach will sometimes take some trial and error but there is a shoe out there for everybody. Get properly fitted at a running specialty store and you’ll enjoy running much more. 1 2
We may take winters off, but nature doesn’t. You haven’t seen anything until you crawl out of your sleeping bag as the sun rises over a fresh layer of snow. The leaves are gone, offering more scenic exposure through the winter-bared trees. You want to experience true quiet? Hike into a wilderness area after a fresh snow—the woods dampened by the white blanket of insulation. You want solitude? Go backpacking in the dead of winter, while everyone else is inside sipping cocoa.Here are four favorite winter backpacking trips, from overnighters to full blown three-day excursions, that take advantage of some of the most under-appreciated long trails in the Southeast.The Bartram Trail: Georgia/North CarolinaThis 100-mile National Recreation trail traces William Bartram’s steps through North Georgia and Western North Carolina, crossing a number of high elevation balds and gorge-cutting rivers along the way.The Plan: A three-day, 30-mile trek from Wayah Bald to Cheoah Bald.Highlights: Three balds, mile-high ridgeline section, river camping. The views from the ridgeline will be enhanced during the winter by the leafless trees.Day One: Start your hike at Wayah Bald (elevation 5,385 feet) and soak up the views without climbing the fire tower—which is currently in rehabilitation, then enjoy the two-mile ridgeline hike that hovers above 5,000 feet before hitting the 5,440 foot Winespring Bald. Then drop 2,000 feet, from the bald to Nantahala Lake. It’s a steep downhill that gets steeper the closer it gets to the manmade reservoir. Skirt the edge of the lake and look for a campsite farther down the trail along the river. Miles: 7.5Day Two: Roll out of your sleeping bag and follow the Bartram as it parallels the Nantahala River for several miles. Climb over Rattlesnake Knob then drop back down to the river as it heads into the Nantahala Gorge. You’ll put in a lot of miles, but most of the hiking is level. Try to stay dry during the copious creek crossings. Find a primitive campsite along the river again. Miles: 16.5Day Three: Wake early—you have a legitimate summit ahead of you. Your final destination, Cheoah Bald, awaits you at the end of this gruesome day. Hikers have called Cheoah the “Grandstand of the Atlantic” because there simply aren’t enough superlatives to describe the view from its grassy peak. But you’ve got to climb 3,000 feet in under five miles to enjoy that view, so get cracking. And be forewarned, there’s no road access to Cheoah, so be prepared to backtrack to the Nantahala. That’s the price you pay for solitude.Miles: 13
The Cumberland Trail: TennesseeThe entire 300+ mile Cumberland Trail (CT) is still in development, but will eventually traverse the Cumberland Plateau from Cumberland Gap National Historic Park in Kentucky to Chickamauga National Military Park on the edge of Chattanooga.The Plan: For a two-day trip, head to the southern terminus and hike a 23-mile lollipop loop that connects the CT with a diverse loop trail in Prentice Cooper State Forest. Designated primitive campsites are scattered throughout this loop, making it possible to reduce the number of miles you hike each day.Highlights: Views of the Tennessee River Gorge, crazy rock formations, boulder hopping, and creek-side camping. This area receives a lot of attention during the warmer months, but crowds thin during winter.Day One: The hike starts at the CT’s southern terminus at Signal Point (note: no overnight parking; arrange for a shuttle that will drop you off at Signal Point and pick you up on Tower Drive: outdoorchattanooga.com). Follow the rim of the Tennessee River Gorge to Edwards Point, a massive rock overlook of the river 1,000 feet below. After the overlook, you’ll trade the gorge views for high bluff hiking and, eventually, Mushroom Rock, a formation that seems to defy gravity. Cross the North Suck Creek on the 200-foot-long swinging bridge, then keep following the CT into Prentice Cooper State Forest and camp at the designated Popular Spring Campsite.Miles: 12Day Two: Wake early and follow the CT until it intersects Mullins Cove Loop at the Indian Rock House, a narrow rock chasm and archeological site. After the rock house, follow Mullins Cove along the rim of the Tennessee River Gorge to Snooper’s Rock, another natural overlook, then take the trail across Tower Drive. The trail follows the bluff beside Mullins Creek and undulates through skinny valleys cut by feeder streams. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll boulder hop along the side of Mullins (warning: slick rocks) before finishing at the Cumberland Trail parking area on Tower Drive. Miles: 11The Massanutten Trail: VirginiaThe Massanutten Trail traverses some of the most rugged and scenic ridges in the Shenandoah Valley. Nearby is the Tuscarora Trail—an “alternate” route along the Appalachian Trail that traverses even wilder terrain.The Plan: A 19-mile mini-loop that combines pieces of the Massanutten Trail with the Tuscarora Trail for a two-day highlight reel of the area.Highlights: Views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains, technical rock scrambling, ridgeline hiking, creek side camping. The winter-bared ridge offers breathtaking views of the valley.Day One: Park at the Signal Knob lot on FR 678 and head north on the orange-blazed Massanutten Trail, where you’ll start climbing to the Buzzard Rock overlook. Soak in the big views to the east. Two more miles of ridgeline hiking leads you to views from Signal Knob of Great North Mountain on the West Virginia border. At 2,100 feet, Signal Knob is the high point of your trek. From there, you’ll descend past the junction with the Tuscarora Trail into a small creek valley. Look for a campsite in a meadow near the creek along the Massanutten Trail. Miles: 8.5Day Two: Follow the Massanutten Trail for another mile, where it intersects again with the Tuscarora. Take a right on the blue-blazed Tuscarora and climb steeply to the ridge of Three Top Mountain. You’ll hike for 3.5 miles, traversing the ridgeline via boulders and rock scree. Huge views of the Shenandoah Valley will accompany you the majority of the way. Stay on the Tuscarora as it crosses the Massanutten Trail again and continue following the blue blazes for 5.5 miles back to FR 678 and your car.Miles: 10Benton Mackaye Trail: GeorgiaOne of the most freshly minted long trails in the Southeast, the Benton Mackaye Trail travels 300 miles through wilderness areas in Georgia and Tennessee, and primitive backcountry in Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina. The BMT offers a more rugged, less crowded alternative to the AT through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, though only a select few have thru-hiked the entire trail.The Plan: A masochistic three-day backpack is made by joining the Benton Mackaye with the Duncan Ridge Trail. It’s a 31-mile point to point (visit BMTA.org for shuttles) that traverses what many say is the toughest terrain in Georgia.Highlights: Waterfalls, solitude, high elevation balds, swinging bridge, expansive views. Long Creek Falls is often frozen, and the views from the mountain tops are especially spectacular in winter.Day One: Start in section two of the Benton Mackaye at Three Forks, where Stover, Chester, and Long Creeks meet. Less than a mile from the start, take the side trail to Long Creek Falls, a 30-foot vertical drop. You’ll hike for two miles, eventually climbing 700 feet to “The Bald,” a former helicopter landing pad that’s been expanded by the U.S. Forest Service. The trail undulates for miles, rising to peaks, then dropping to gaps, through one of the most remote sections of the BMT. When you hit the Toccoa River Bridge, look for a good campsite along the bank of the river.Miles: 8.5Day Two: Climb Toonowee Mountain for the first 1.5 miles, then continue the roller-coaster hike from ridge to gap. You’ll pass through a hemlock grove before crossing state road 60, then climb a series of mountains until summiting Rhode Mountain, where you’ll break from the BMT and follow the blue-blazed Duncan Ridge Trail. There’s a good campsite at the summit of Rhode, but water is scarce. Miles: 8Day Three: Wake early because the bulk of your hiking will be done on this third day. Follow the Duncan Ridge Trail as it drops quickly from Rhodes Mountain and then rolls endlessly from peak to gap. Switchbacks are scarce, so the elevation change is quick and sometimes painful. The highlight of this section is Coosa Bald. During the summer, the views are obstructed, but the winter offers massive views from the 4,271-foot peak. Drop off the bald and continue on the D.R.T. The trail ends at the base of Blood Mountain near Hwy 180.Miles: 15
Sign up for our COVID-19 newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York Another wintry mess may be headed our way. Forecasters said a “long duration winter weather event” is likely from late Sunday into Monday evening, bringing freezing rain along with minor snow accumulation. The wintry mix could cause significant travel problems, mostly during the evening commute. The National Weather Service in Upton is forecasting snow and freezing rain beginning Sunday evening. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent, forecasters said. Ice accumulation of less than a tenth of an inch is expected. The wintry mix will continue into Monday, with rain, snow, and freezing rain falling at different periods until 3 p.m., forecasters said. The precipitation will transition into rain and snow in the late afternoon. Only half an inch or less of snow is expected to fall, forecasters said. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Saturday should be relatively calm, but there’s a slight chance of snow after 3 p.m., forecasters said. The temperature will hover above freezing, but wind chill values will make it feel like 25 degrees or less. There’s slight chance of rain and snow after 9 p.m. Saturday night. Sunday should be cloudy, with the mercury topping off at 38 degrees. There’s a slight chance of rain Sunday during the day.
Skift’s analysis of the name “Skift Megatrends 2020” is a set of forecasts for the fastest growing travel trends in 2020. In this article, we will briefly go through all the most important trends covered in the above analysis. A new approach to conferences and events in 2020. You can download the complete survey HERE. Consumer brands that recognize the passion of travelers are jumping into the industry. They become hotel owners to attract the attention of millennials, and experience travel as a way of life. More and more retailers are expected to enter the catering space. Wellness trips are no longer just for young people. Companies consider aging a great opportunity, relying on transformational journeys with a focus on mind and spirit. More and more people in their old age have a desire to work on it, and they see this opportunity in such travels. A new competitive advantage of tourism – preservation, not just promotion of destinations The future of hotel loyalty: more than just staying The rise of ultra long flights is changing the way we travel New startups are putting pressure on corporate travel. This heralds a bright future for the average business traveler and investor in travel technology. Global payment technology is changing rapidly, driven by cutting-edge Asian innovations that make life easier for consumers. Travel companies are finally taking action to stay competitive. Responding to the burden that tourism brings requires more than implementing the ideas of managing the management of tourist boards; it requires a paradigm shift in destination modes. Generation Z is proving to be the next big opportunity for the travel industry Private renters in the lead Source / photo: Skift Overpayments on travel are new frontiers of loyalty Google offers innovative products that enable companies to collect unimaginable amounts of personal information. This makes it much easier for them to prosper above other competitors in the travel sector. Expanded hospitality is changing the way we experience cities The data drives the future of travel advertising Consumer brands are jumping into the travel industry with a combination of catering services As new concepts of urban living evolve, and cities become even more attractive destinations for both business and private travel, hospitality brands will need to rethink their role, both for visitors and residents. The short-term rental ecosystem is getting bigger, which means many private individuals will come out as winners. Further professionalization of brands, more external investments and consolidation of suppliers are expected. Millennials have been at the forefront of the collective mind of the tourism industry for years. But with the start of 2020, Generation Z is coming of age. The travel industry should adapt to this group so that it can be one step ahead. Comprehensive software not only simplifies the event planning process. It transforms the way planners track and learn from events. The development of these comprehensive tools is beginning to shape the future of the conferencing industry. The world is overwhelmed with data, but as consumer skepticism toward the world’s leading technology companies grows, tourism brands need to rethink the way they use information to create hyper-relevant offerings. Guessing the right combination of usefulness and importance, which develops beyond personalization itself, will create even deeper and more meaningful relationships with consumers. There is no return in the transformation of low-budget hotels from the “uncategorized” class into a legitimate segment of the global hotel industry. The future technology and growth of Generation Z passengers will further stimulate innovation in the design of cost-effective accommodation, especially in Asia. The innovations of urban living will drive the future of travel As event planners transform into experience designers, destination selection will be an advantage in providing better conferences and events in 2020. Innovation, collaboration and sustainability are key trends; a forward-thinking destination will be an important partner to meet the growing expectations of participants. Cities have always been incubators of innovation, but with two-thirds of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, new upgrades, implemented daily, will ensure that such population density serves the travel industry in a positive way. Importance of data for events Smart design is no longer limited to luxury travel Connecting all over the world with non-stop flights is becoming more and more attractive to passengers. But the growing popularity of one-day flights is disrupting airline economies. Adjustment will be crucial as demand from the travel industry grows. Fighting for corporate travel Payments when traveling become completely painless Google takes the lead Wellness travel makes aging aspirational Hotel loyalty is no longer just earning points for staying in hotels. Today, advanced brands like Hyatt are expanding loyalty beyond the stay itself through a clever mix of strategic alliances, unique experiences and new earning opportunities from everyday consumption. Attracting consumer loyalty means more than just the rewards themselves. Subscriptions and memberships are an attractive way for travel companies to build lasting relationships with consumers.
Facebook said Monday it was donating $100 million to support news organizations globally hurting from the coronavirus pandemic, citing the need for reliable information about the crisis.”The news industry is working under extraordinary conditions to keep people informed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Facebook’s news partnerships director, Campbell Brown.”At a time when journalism is needed more than ever, ad revenues are declining due to the economic impact of the virus. Local journalists are being hit especially hard, even as people turn to them for critical information to keep their friends, families and communities safe.” The new funding includes $25 million in emergency grants for local news through the Facebook Journalism Project, and $75 million for additional marketing efforts “to move money over to news organizations around the world,” according to a statement.Facebook said it will offer grants “to publishers most in need in the hardest hit countries.”The move comes amid growing concerns of cutbacks and closures of news organizations hit by lockdowns and a massive slump in advertising resulting from the health crisis.In recent months Facebook and Google have stepped up efforts to help news organizations, following criticism that their dominance of online advertising has made it difficult for media to profit from digital operations.Facebook has also supported fact-checking operations with AFP and other media companies, including Reuters and the Associated Press, under which content rated false is downgraded in news feeds so that fewer people see it. Topics :
Governor Wolf Announces New Business Investments, Supporting 78 Jobs for Small Businesses SHARE Email Facebook Twitter April 05, 2017
Economy, Press Release Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced today that new statewide investments through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program will help spur development in the commonwealth and will create and retain 78 jobs.“It is critical that we continue to provide capital to our small businesses, and the loans approved today will do just that,” said Governor Wolf. “Today’s loans not only invest in those businesses, they invest in the communities in which they are located in helping to support the vitality and overall well-being.”In 2017, PIDA has approved $14.3 million in low-interest loans that have resulted in $23.8 million in private investment and supported 425 created and retained full-time jobs.Over the last month, PIDA approved more than $1.1 million in low-interest loans for four projects in Elk, Lebanon, Monroe, and Westmoreland counties that will generate more than $3.2 million in additional private investments.The following loans were approved during the last month:Elk County The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission was awarded a $63,500, 10-year loan at 4 percent on behalf of J.I.T. Tool & Die, Inc., a manufacturer of compaction tooling and precision machine components for the powdered metal, crabon/graphite, carbide and plastics industries, to assist with the purchase of equipment for its manufacturing facility at 7294 Route 219, Brockport. The total project cost is estimated at $127,000, and will retain 32 existing positions.Lebanon CountyThe Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation was awarded a $400,000, 15-year loan at 3 percent for the first seven years on behalf of Matthew and Louise Nolt to acquire the 92-acre farm located at 131 Krumstown Road, Myerstown, where they have a dairy operation as well as two broiler houses that are contracted through Farmers Pride. In addition, the loan will also assist with the construction of a broiler house. The total project cost is estimated at $1.7 million.Monroe CountyPocono Mountain Industries, Inc. was approved for two loans at the April meeting. A $350,000, 15-year loan at 3 percent, and a $165,437, 10-year loan at 3 percent were approved on behalf of Ailya Chemical Corporation to renovate the company’s new facility at 463 Industrial Park Drive, Mount Pocono. Ailya Chemical Corporation, a manufacturer of liquid inks and dyes, recently relocated to Pennsylvania from New Jersey. The total project cost is estimated at $1,057,201, and will create 16 new jobs and retain two existing positions.Westmoreland County The Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation was awarded a $147,137, 5-year loan at 4 percent on behalf of Excel Glass Company, Inc. to assist with the purchase of a new water jet and saw machine to be located at their manufacturing facility at 103 Jayhawk Drive, Jeannette. The total project cost is estimated to be $318,483, and will create three new jobs and retain 25 existing positions.PIDA is an independent authority staffed and regulated through the Department of Community and Economic Development. The Authority provides capital for building acquisition, construction and renovation work, machinery and equipment loans along with working capital line of credit loans, primarily for manufacturers, industrial developers, research and development firms, agricultural processors and employers looking to establish national or regional headquarters in Pennsylvania.Qualified applicants are eligible to select either a reset rate of 4.00 percent for the first seven years or a fixed rate of 2.25 percent for real estate financing, 4.00 percent fixed rate for equipment loans, 4 percent fixed rate loans for a 12-month period for working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit, and 2 percent fixed rate for pollution prevention and energy efficient loans. Rates will be in effect for loan applications received through June 30, 2017.For more information about the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, and other DCED initiatives, visit dced.pa.gov.
Weekend Area Girls Basketball ScoresSaturday (11-16)Jac-Cen-Del 54 South Ripley 29North Decatur 48 Batesville 36 East Central 45 Richmond 36Franklin County 82 Centerville 31SW-Shelby 37 Oldenburg 29Morristown 49 South Decatur 22Rushville 90 South Dearborn 33Switzerland County 46 Henryville 44Mt. Vernon 63 Connersville 13Trinity Lutheran 77 Hauser 41SW-Hanover 49 West Washington 46 (OT)Friday (11-15)Union County 51 Batesville 32Northeastern 57 Franklin County 37Franklin 55 Greensburg 44SW-Hanover 39 Oldenburg 37South Decatur 44 Rising Sun 36Lawrenceburg 56 Scottsburg 40Madison 68 Switzerland County 50SW-Shelby 57 Waldron 34Edinburgh 54 Shelbyville 38
AUSTRALIA’S vice-captain answered critics in emphatic fashion with his eighth career ton and passed the 3 000-run milestone along the wayDavid Warner has become the second-fastest Australian to score 3 000 one-day international runs after a blistering assault on South Africa’s new-ball bowlers in Durban.Warner, in his 81st ODI, entered the match 16 runs short of the milestone. He made quick work of that in a stunning assault against South Africa spearhead Dale Steyn.Warner opened his account with a boundary against Steyn’s third ball, but didn’t add any more as Steyn beat the bat twice.However, in the next over Warner cut loose, smashing the feared Proteas veteran for 17 runs.Warner thundered his way to a half-century from 41 balls as he and Aaron Finch added 88 runs in the opening 10-over powerplay as each passed fifty.Warner’s 81 innings to pass 3 000 ODI runs bettered the record of Victorian Dean Jones and former Australia opener Geoff Marsh, who each reached the milestone in 82 innings.But Michael Bevan still holds the record for the fastest Australian to 3 000. The original finisher did it in 80 innings in January 1999 when he scored an unbeaten 56 against England.Warner’s knock came after Australia’s top order had come in for criticism for some below-par performances in the opening two one-day internationals against South Africa.Former World Cup-winning wicketkeeper Brad Haddin took to the airwaves to declare “fifties aren’t going to cut it” from the Australian top order.“We need guys like Davey to get a start and go on and get some big scores,” Haddin told the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme.“At the end of the (second) game I heard Davey and Steve Smith talking about how our bowlers need to step up a little bit … but we had a couple of guys on debut.“I think the batters need to have a bit of a look at themselves. We’ve got all our senior bats there, we’re not missing anyone from that end.”Warner wasn’t the only one to answer the challenge in emphatic fashion, as Aaron Finch made the most of his licence to thrill, smashing his way to a 32-ball fifty.And skipper Smith also made a timely return to form as he too put South Africa’s bowlers under the pump with his highest score of the series, reaching triple figures for Australia’s second century of the innings.Smith’s 108 took him to 2 623 career ODI runs after 71 innings. Still 377 from the landmark, he has eight innings to better Bevan’s landmark and, with a career average of 43, could topple Bevan from top spot.Hashim Amla, recalled by South Africa for last night’s third ODI, is the all-time fastest man to 3 000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in 57 innings.Fastest Australians to 3 000 ODI runsMichael Bevan 80 inningsDavid Warner 81Dean Jones 82Geoff Marsh 82Matthew Hayden 84Michael Hussey 86Ricky Ponting 87
THREE former members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) recently made respective donations towards the Club’s 2017 list of activities.Dominic Rikhi, Moonish Singh and Renwick Batson handed over donations to club executive and First Division captain Shawn Perreira.Rikhi and Singh contributed financially towards the club’s ‘Say No/Say Yes Campaign’ while Batson donated 20 pairs of coloured uniform worth close to US$1 000.Rikhi, who handed over the donations, stated that the former members of the club are grateful to the RHTY&SC for the role it played in their development on and off the cricket field.The RHTY&SC, he stated, is the only organisation in Guyana where membership is free and where members are provided with everything free of cost to fulfil their potentials on the cricket field.Additionally, less fortunate members are also assisted as necessary, so that they can complete their educational careers, while the club executives provide the necessary mentoring to enable players to stay away from a life of crime, drugs and alcohol.Singh served as the Office Manager of the RHTY&SC, for over a decade and represented the club at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Second Division levels.Rikhi, a former Berbice and Guyana Under-15 and Under-19 player, represented the RHTY&SC at all levels.He also captained Berbice at the Under-21 level.Batson served as the vice-president and Bank Trustee and also represented Berbice and Guyana at the Under-19 level.Batson, who has the most runs and centuries in the history of the club, is also a former Berbice opening batsman.