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Horizon Sports & Experiences Announces Inaugural Pickleball Slam

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The group is in partnership with InsideOut Sports & Entertainment and Hard Rock, to present an event featuring tennis legends Agassi, Chang, McEnroe, and Roddick

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E), an innovative agency combining sports, experiential marketing and media capabilities, announced the Inaugural Pickleball Slam featuring tennis legends Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick competing for a $1 million purse. Created and produced by HS&E and InsideOut Sports & Entertainment (ISE), the 2023 event will be held at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday, April 2 and will be televised live exclusively on ESPN at 12:00 PM Eastern, immediately ahead of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship.

First-of-its-kind competition to be televised live on ESPN

“Pickleball is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon – experiencing a meteoric rise across genders, age groups, geographies, and income levels. The Slam, a multi-year partnership with the Hard Rock, represents the convergence of culture and sport, giving brands an opportunity to engage with passionate fans and amateur players, as pickleball continues to gain popularity,” said David Levy, Co-CEO, HS&E. “We look forward to bringing together four of America’s most iconic tennis legends for this groundbreaking competition, which heralds a new milestone for the fastest growing sport in America.”

The Slam marks the start of a five-event partnership with Hard Rock, HS&E, and ISE, and showcases HS&E’s innovation, creativity, and engagement strategies that drive brand and business growth for sponsors. Future Pickleball Slams will be held at various Hard Rock locations. The inaugural Slam will feature two legends’ singles matches pitting Roddick versus Chang, followed by McEnroe versus Agassi in the second match. The final match of the day will be a doubles match with McEnroe and Chang competing against Roddick and Agassi. The final match will determine the split of the $1 million purse.

“We are tremendously excited to be bringing the Inaugural Pickleball Slam to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. “Hard Rock Live has become synonymous with big events, and to have four of the biggest names in American tennis battling for the largest purse in pickleball history on a national live broadcast will only serve to bolster this reputation. We are honored to partner with HS&E to debut The Slam at The Guitar Hotel.”

Four of America’s greatest tennis champions competing for $1 million

The 2023 Pickleball Slam includes an amateur challenge, which will be played on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1. It will include 96 doubles teams, entering on a first-come-first-in basis, vying for a $10,000 team prize, and a chance to compete against two of the tennis-turned-pickleball legends prior to the televised event on Sunday, April 2. The weekend also includes a Saturday night banquet featuring a Q&A with the tennis legends.

For more information and to register for the Slam Amateur Challenge, visit www.thepickleballslam.com.  Tickets to the Slam go on sale February 10.

Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E)

Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) is an affiliate of Horizon Media, the largest U.S. media agency according to AdAge Data Center 2022, and provides a unique and complementary combination of sports, experiential marketing, and media capabilities. HS&E has a core focus on IP creation and monetization, strategic advisory and consulting, media rights, sponsorship, sales, and experiential, Metaverse, and Web3.0 strategy and activation. HS&E is led by co-CEOs David Levy and Chris Weil.

Horizon Media

Horizon Media, Inc, the largest U.S. media agency according to AdAge Data Center 2022, delivers data-driven business outcomes for some of the most innovative and ambitious brands. Founded in 1989, headquartered in New York, and with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto, the company employs 2,400 people and has media investments of more than $9 billion. Horizon Media’s fundamental belief is that business is personal, which drives its approach to connecting brands with their customers and engaging with its own employees resulting in industry-leading workplace satisfaction levels (Glassdoor). The company is consistently recognized by independent media outlets for its client excellence and has earned several “Best Workplaces” awards reflecting its commitment to DEI and the life and well-being of everyone at Horizon Media.

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment (ISE)

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment (ISE) is a Los Angeles based independent event producer founded in 2004 by former world No.1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. InsideOut owns and operates numerous proprietary events and promotions including the Champions Series, the Legendary Night Series of exhibitions, and numerous customized private and public outings. To date, InsideOut has produced over 300 events in 44 states and 12 countries and is committed to a strong charity tie-in with every public event it owns or produces. Since inception, InsideOut events have contributed over $5 million to various charitable causes.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship-integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury guestrooms. Amenities include a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon; an 18-acre recreational water experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,700 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. Hard Rock Live, ranked No. 5 worldwide in 2022 gross revenue for both Pollstar Magazine and Billboard in its respective categories, highlights A-list entertainers and performers, sporting events and live broadcast productions in an intimate 7,000-person capacity setting. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441). For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com call (800) 937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

ABOUT ESPN

ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment brand, featuring an unmatched portfolio of sports assets. It is comprised of eight U.S. 24-hour television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, Longhorn Network, SEC Network and the ACC Network; five with HD simulcast services – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS and ESPN Deportes). Other businesses include direct-to-consumer video service ESPN+, ESPN Audio (broadcast, satellite, digital, podcasts), an array of digital services (ESPN.com and many other sites, ESPN App, fantasy games and more), multi-screen ESPN3, endeavors on every continent around the world across media including more than 40 networks, espnW, consumer products and ESPN Events. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Hearst holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

SOURCE Horizon Media

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Breaking Barriers: XB-1 Demonstrator Soars into the Future of Supersonic Travel

XB-1’s first flight paves the way for supersonic travel, marking a milestone in aviation history. #Boom #XB1 #SupersonicFlight

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"XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft taking flight, marking a major milestone in aviation history"

Image Credit: Boom Supersonic


The aviation industry is on the brink of a revolution with the recent successful inaugural flight of Boom’s supersonic demonstrator aircraft, XB-1. This groundbreaking achievement brings us one step closer to the return of supersonic travel. Designed as a technology demonstrator, XB-1 aims to pave the way for the development of Overture, Boom’s commercial supersonic plane. With extensive ground testing and meticulous flight testing, the maiden flight of an aircraft is a crucial milestone that encompasses various elements. Let’s delve into the intriguing world of what happens during an aircraft’s first flight.


The Importance of Ground Testing and Taxi Tests
Before an aircraft takes to the skies, rigorous ground testing is conducted to ensure safety and operational requirements are met. These tests encompass a series of checks, including engine runs and comprehensive evaluations of each onboard system. Moreover, taxi tests are crucial in assessing the aircraft’s performance, handling, and maneuverability on the ground. By gradually increasing speeds, the team can gather valuable data that aids in a safe takeoff, landing, and efficient ground operations. These tests provide important insights into the overall functionality and readiness of the aircraft for flight testing.

The Maiden Flight: A Leap into the Unknown
The maiden flight of an aircraft is a momentous occasion that often varies in terms of speed, altitude, and duration. Throughout history, we have witnessed significant milestones, from the historic Wright Brothers’ 12-second flight to the remarkable achievements of modern-day aviation. During a maiden flight, safety and risk mitigation are paramount. The flight envelope, which outlines the operational limits of the aircraft, expands gradually over a series of test flights as performance data is analyzed.

In the case of XB-1’s inaugural flight, Chief Test Pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker assumed control, while Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg monitored the aircraft from a T-38 chase plane. Climbing to a maximum altitude of 7,120 feet and a speed of 238 knots (273 mph) during the 12-minute flight, XB-1 successfully met all test objectives. The ground team, led by Vice President of XB-1 Jeff Mabry, played a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing the flight’s various aspects.

Evaluating Performance and Assessing Safety
During a maiden flight, meticulous observations are made to analyze the aircraft’s handling qualities, airspeed, and stability. An augmented reality vision system equips the pilot with improved runway visibility and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, without compromising weight and complexity. This innovative system assists the pilot during critical phases such as landing, providing real-time data on attitude and flight path indications.

Safety measures during the maiden flight often include keeping the landing gear down. This ensures that the primary focus remains on evaluating other aspects of the aircraft’s performance during takeoff and landing. Should an emergency landing be necessary, testing the landing gear in subsequent flights allows for additional verification and validation.

XB-1’s successful first flight demonstrated the effectiveness of the team’s coordinated efforts. The pilots flew while ground engineers observed from the control room, providing insights into the various systems they had designed and tested for the past two years. The collaboration between the pilot, augmented reality vision system, and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) ensured a safe landing by optimizing the aircraft’s final approach and flight path.

The Path to the Future: Overture and the Return of Supersonic Travel
The inaugural flight of XB-1 represents a significant step towards the return of supersonic travel. As a technology demonstrator, XB-1 has laid the foundations for the design and development of Overture, Boom’s commercial supersonic plane. Overture, capable of carrying 64-80 passengers at Mach 1.7, aims to revolutionize air travel by reducing the time taken for long-haul journeys. Moreover, sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Overture’s design, with the aim of utilizing up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

The maiden flight of an aircraft like XB-1 marks a defining moment in the development of supersonic aviation technology. Meticulous ground testing, followed by a successful first flight, brings us closer to the realization of supersonic travel. XB-1’s flight serves as a testament to the dedication, expertise, and collaborative efforts of the team involved. With Overture on the horizon, the return of supersonic travel is becoming an exciting reality. The aviation industry is poised to break more barriers in the pursuit of safer, faster, and more sustainable air travel.

https://boomsupersonic.com/flyby/inaugural-first-flight-xb1-supersonic-demonstrator

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Ready for Liftoff: Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Prepares to Soar

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft overcomes safety hurdles for May launch to the ISS, marking their first crewed trip. Exciting times ahead! 🚀✨ #SpaceExploration #StarlinerLaunch

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"Boeing's Starliner spacecraft ready for liftoff to the International Space Station"
Boeing Starliner – Image Credit: NASA

After encountering numerous delays and setbacks, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is finally on the brink of liftoff, targeting a launch date in May. The journey to this point has been filled with challenges for Boeing’s crew vehicle, with the most recent obstacles relating to two major safety concerns. However, during a press briefing, representatives from the company expressed confidence in the resolved issues, particularly regarding the parachutes and protective tape. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of the Starliner as it prepares to carry NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

Throughout its development, Boeing’s Starliner faced a series of unfortunate delays. Notably, the most recent delay was due to the discovery of two significant safety hazards on the spacecraft. The first concern involved the load capacity of the parachutes, which are crucial for the safe landing of the crew vehicle. Extensive investigation revealed that the failure load limit of the fabric sections on the parachutes was lower than expected, necessitating rectification to ensure redundancy and safety. The second concern centered around flammable protective tape used to cover wiring harnesses within the Starliner. To mitigate this risk, Boeing carefully removed the tape and implemented necessary barriers or found areas where the tape posed no threat.

Boeing’s priority has always been the safety and reliability of their crew vehicle. In response to the safety concerns, Boeing developed a new parachute system that meets NASA’s meticulous safety standards. The achievement of closing the necessary paperwork for these modifications reaffirms their dedication to providing a secure mode of transportation for astronauts. Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program, expressed readiness and confidence during the press briefing, highlighting the extensive efforts made to eliminate risks.

The upcoming launch of the Starliner spacecraft to the ISS will mark Boeing’s first crewed mission. This historic flight follows the anomaly encountered during an uncrewed test flight in May 2022 when a thruster used for orbital maneuvering unexpectedly failed. The Starliner’s inaugural uncrewed test in 2019 also faced challenges, resulting in further tests and troubleshooting to ensure the spacecraft’s reliability and performance.

"Boeing's Starliner spacecraft ready for liftoff to the International Space Station"
The crew access arm is seen as it swings into position for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 ahead of the Orbital Flight Test-2 mission, Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test-2 will be Starliner’s second uncrewed flight test and will dock to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The mission, currently targeted for launch on 6:54 p.m. ET on May 19, will serve as an end-to-end test of the system’s capabilities. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Boeing’s successful Starliner mission to the ISS will establish them as NASA’s concurrent commercial partner, joining SpaceX in providing transportation to and from the International Space Station. NASA has been primarily relying on SpaceX for crewed trips, reducing dependence on Russia’s Soyuz crew ship. This diversification of transportation options increases redundancy, safety, and autonomy for NASA. While Russia’s recent launch abort highlighted the ongoing importance of multiple commercial partners, Boeing’s readiness and ability to fulfill its role in this context positions NASA to rely on both companies for future orbital trips.

As the Starliner’s launch date approaches, the anticipation around this long-awaited mission grows. Boeing’s dedication to safety and addressing the challenges they encountered paves the way for future advancements in crewed space missions. With the commercial space industry evolving rapidly, NASA’s collaboration with multiple partners ensures reliability, innovation, and continuous progress towards exploring the mysteries of space. The imminent liftoff of the Starliner spacecraft signifies a significant milestone for Boeing, NASA, and the future of human space exploration.

What is the Starliner spacecraft?

The first of two operational Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, known as Boeing Starliner Spacecraft 2, was developed and constructed as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Initially planned for its inaugural flight during Boe-CFT, the first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft, it was later rescheduled to perform the Boe-OFT-2 mission due to the partial failure of another CST-100 in Boe-OFT. Additionally, the spacecraft was reassigned to fly Starliner-1 after being originally assigned to the CFT mission.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Starliner_Spacecraft_2

https://gizmodo.com/boeing-starliner-astronaut-flight-flammable-tape-nasa-1851359764

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Exploring the Subtle Beauty of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Embrace the subtle beauty of the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 24-25, 2024, as light and shadow converge in the celestial dance above.

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As the celestial dance continues, the night sky is poised to offer us a mesmerizing astronomical event—the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 24-25, 2024. This eclipse, though subtle in its appearance, bears a unique charm that captivates skywatchers worldwide.

A subtle shading on the moon during the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
Girl looking at lunar eclipse through a telescope. My astronomy work.

Commencing at 4:53 UTC on March 25, 2024, this penumbral eclipse will reach its peak at 7:12 UTC, showcasing a penumbral magnitude of 0.9577. During this crescendo, the moon will be enveloped in Earth’s outer penumbral shadow, creating a delicate darkened shading across its surface. This phenomenon, while lacking the stark contrast of a total or partial eclipse, promises a sight of understated elegance.

Lasting 279.9 minutes, this eclipse invites us to ponder the intricate interplay of celestial bodies. The moon’s journey through Earth’s penumbral shadow unveils a spectacle where light and shadow merge in a subtle embrace, highlighting the beauty of cosmic alignments.

Despite its gentle nature, the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse holds a special allure for avid sky gazers. The question of its visibility remains a topic of intrigue—some may detect the shadow upon the moon’s immersion in 2/3 of the penumbral shadow, while others may perceive it instantaneously. The experience is shaped by atmospheric conditions, visual acuity, and observational acumen, adding a layer of mystery to this celestial event.

In the grand tapestry of celestial phenomena, the March 25 eclipse stands as a testament to the harmonious movements of the cosmos. Positioned in the constellation of Virgo the Maiden, the moon gracefully traverses Earth’s penumbral shadow, painting a picture of celestial elegance for those who pause to observe.

As we marvel at this lunar spectacle, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of celestial events. The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, forms part of a larger eclipse season, underscoring the cyclical nature of astronomical occurrences. The juxtaposition of these eclipses offers a glimpse into the intricate rhythms of the cosmos, inviting us to witness the celestial ballet unfolding above.

A subtle shading on the moon during the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
Girl looking at lunar eclipse through a telescope.

As we await the next eclipse season in September-October 2024, featuring a partial lunar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse, let us cherish the fleeting moments of cosmic alignment. Each eclipse, whether grand or subtle, serves as a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the universe, beckoning us to gaze skyward and marvel at the wonders above.

In the stillness of the night, under the watchful gaze of the moon, let us embrace the subtlety and grace of the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, a celestial spectacle that invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the mysteries of the cosmos.

What is a Penumbral lunar eclipse?

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when part or all of the Moon passes into the Earth’s penumbra.[5] No part of the moon is in the Earth’s umbra during this event. The penumbra causes a subtle dimming of the lunar surface, which is only visible to the naked eye when about 70% of the Moon’s diameter has immersed into Earth’s penumbra.[6] A special type of penumbral eclipse is a total penumbral lunar eclipse, during which the entire Moon lies exclusively within Earth’s penumbra. Total penumbral eclipses are rare, and when these occur, the portion of the Moon closest to the umbra may appear slightly darker than the rest of the lunar disk. (wikipedia)

https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/penumbral-lunar-eclipse-march-24-25-2024/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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