Latest news with #Henson
Vancouver Sun
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
The Hastings Racecourse numbers guy who's behind how you'll place your bet
Anyone who enjoys confounding themselves with mental tests such as Sudoku, or Wordle, should head to Hastings Racecourse this weekend. There they will find another dozen fiendishly difficult four-legged puzzles to solve. Fortunately, solving them won't be easy and that's good news for the sport. After all, the more difficult the puzzle, the more betting revenue is usually produced, and that means more resources for the entire industry. At Hastings, the responsibility for making sure each race is as competitive and difficult to solve as possible falls to the track's racing secretary, Scott Henson. It's an unenviable role in many ways. This season, Henson must offer races to suit enough of the horses stabled at Hastings to fill 45 days of racing. There are hundreds of horses and each has its own needs when it comes to criteria such as age, ability and preferred race distance. Added to which, trainers quickly lose their sense of humour if they can't find a race for their horse. It can get tetchy. 'It's weird, because your enemy, or someone complaining about not being able to find a race for their horse one week, is then your best friend the following week,' Henson said. Fortunately, Henson, nephew of trainer Steve Henson, relishes the challenge of setting enough puzzles to satisfy both trainer and bettor and freely admits to being a 'numbers guy.' 'I've always enjoyed the stats,' he said. 'I used to follow the number of horses and put race condition books together even before I became racing secretary. 'We've created a database that basically has every horse on the ground, what category they ran in last and what claiming price they ran for. That gives me a general idea of where they fit in and, on paper, we can start pencilling it all in.' Henson took on the role immediately following the COVID pandemic, a critical time for the sport, and he has faced huge challenges to keep the racing as competitive as possible following the deaths of several prominent B.C. owners and breeders over the past few years. 'Every weekend is like a new puzzle,' he said. 'And, as the season progresses, the puzzle gets harder and the days get longer.' Henson, along with colleague Ananth (A.K.) Kantamneni, have little down time during the season and, once the weekend's entries are completed, they immediately start preparing for the following week. 'Being a smaller track, both A.K. and myself are responsible for so much else, like the payroll and equipment, or new hires,' Henson said. 'But, on the racing side of things, as soon as entries are done, I immediately start into the next week.' When it comes to setting weekly puzzles, there's no rest for the quizmaster. Saturday, Race 1: Weekendindelmar had two of today's rival behind her when runner-up on her season debut. That effort should have blown the cobwebs away and she looks like the one to beat in what looks to be a competitive heat. Saturday, Race 5 Rockliffe showed smart acceleration to catch a couple of tearaway leaders recently and, despite eventually losing by just a nose to today's rival, What's Shakin, can turn the tables in a difficult puzzle the racing secretary can be proud of.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taraji P. Henson Is A Mom On A Mission In Tyler Perry's ‘STRAW'
Taraji P. Henson steps into the role of a mom with a quest to provide for her daughter by any means necessary in her latest role. In the trailer for Tyler Perry's STRAW, released by Netflix on Wednesday (May 14), the actress takes the lead in the dramatic film. 'I didn't mean to do this, something inside of me broke,' exclaimed the actress in character as Janiya Wiltkinson in the dramatic trailer. 'I told them I need my money to get my daughter's medicine. She's sick. I just need to cash my check. That's all.' The clip continues to detail that the struggling mother and daughter faced eviction as the boiling conflict erupted. Alongside Henson, the film enlisted the talents of Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, Ashley Versher, Mike Merrill, and Glynn Turman. Tyler Perry's STRAW was written and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker and produced by Perry, Tony L. Strickland, and Angi Bones. The official logline reads as follows: 'A single mother's world unravels in chaos as her day goes from bad to worse to catastrophic as she struggles to care for her ill daughter. Pushed to the brink by a world that seems indifferent to her existence, she's forced to confront impossible choices in a society that offers her no safety net.' The movie is set to debut on the streamer on June 6, 2025. Tyler Perry's STRAW is a part of a handful of projects from the 55-year-old set for Netflix due this year, including Madea's Destination Wedding and She The People. 'She's just trying to survive, just trying to be a great mother to her daughter, and then the circumstances in her life cause her to be in this situation,' Perry described of Henson's character, per Netflix. 'I think that a lot of people around the world, no matter if you're a Black woman or not, will be able to relate to that feeling of, 'I'm at my last straw.' Watch the trailer for Tyler Perry's STRAW above. More from Maleah Joi Moon, Tony Winner, Cast As Lead In 'A Different World' Spinoff Pilot Lil Wayne To Perform At 2025 BET Awards Tyler Perry's 'Madea's Destination Wedding' Movie Gets Release Date
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Kermit the Frog inspires with uni commencement speech
Kermit the Frog knows it's not easy being green — or graduating from college and entering the real world, especially during a time of economic uncertainty and political turmoil. Members of the University of Maryland's class of 2025 received their diplomas on Thursday evening with sage advice from the amphibious Muppet ringing in their ears. "As you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here's a little advice — if you're willing to listen to a frog," the beloved Muppet said. "Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together." The university announced in March that Kermit, who was created in 1955 and became the centrepiece of the Muppets franchise, would be this year's commencement speaker. He is also no stranger to the school. Muppets creator Jim Henson graduated from Maryland in 1960. A home economics major, he fashioned the original frog puppet from one of his mother's coats and a Ping-Pong ball cut in half, according to a statement from the university. Henson died in 1990. A bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench is a well-known feature of the College Park campus. In a video announcing the speaker pick, Kermit is described as an environmental advocate, a bestselling author, an international superstar and a champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible. His speaker bio calls him "a star of stage, screen and swamp" whose simple mission is to "sing and dance and make people happy". "I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives," university President Darryll J. Pines said in a statement. Kermit the Frog knows it's not easy being green — or graduating from college and entering the real world, especially during a time of economic uncertainty and political turmoil. Members of the University of Maryland's class of 2025 received their diplomas on Thursday evening with sage advice from the amphibious Muppet ringing in their ears. "As you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here's a little advice — if you're willing to listen to a frog," the beloved Muppet said. "Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together." The university announced in March that Kermit, who was created in 1955 and became the centrepiece of the Muppets franchise, would be this year's commencement speaker. He is also no stranger to the school. Muppets creator Jim Henson graduated from Maryland in 1960. A home economics major, he fashioned the original frog puppet from one of his mother's coats and a Ping-Pong ball cut in half, according to a statement from the university. Henson died in 1990. A bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench is a well-known feature of the College Park campus. In a video announcing the speaker pick, Kermit is described as an environmental advocate, a bestselling author, an international superstar and a champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible. His speaker bio calls him "a star of stage, screen and swamp" whose simple mission is to "sing and dance and make people happy". "I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives," university President Darryll J. Pines said in a statement. Kermit the Frog knows it's not easy being green — or graduating from college and entering the real world, especially during a time of economic uncertainty and political turmoil. Members of the University of Maryland's class of 2025 received their diplomas on Thursday evening with sage advice from the amphibious Muppet ringing in their ears. "As you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here's a little advice — if you're willing to listen to a frog," the beloved Muppet said. "Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together." The university announced in March that Kermit, who was created in 1955 and became the centrepiece of the Muppets franchise, would be this year's commencement speaker. He is also no stranger to the school. Muppets creator Jim Henson graduated from Maryland in 1960. A home economics major, he fashioned the original frog puppet from one of his mother's coats and a Ping-Pong ball cut in half, according to a statement from the university. Henson died in 1990. A bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench is a well-known feature of the College Park campus. In a video announcing the speaker pick, Kermit is described as an environmental advocate, a bestselling author, an international superstar and a champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible. His speaker bio calls him "a star of stage, screen and swamp" whose simple mission is to "sing and dance and make people happy". "I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives," university President Darryll J. Pines said in a statement. Kermit the Frog knows it's not easy being green — or graduating from college and entering the real world, especially during a time of economic uncertainty and political turmoil. Members of the University of Maryland's class of 2025 received their diplomas on Thursday evening with sage advice from the amphibious Muppet ringing in their ears. "As you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here's a little advice — if you're willing to listen to a frog," the beloved Muppet said. "Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together." The university announced in March that Kermit, who was created in 1955 and became the centrepiece of the Muppets franchise, would be this year's commencement speaker. He is also no stranger to the school. Muppets creator Jim Henson graduated from Maryland in 1960. A home economics major, he fashioned the original frog puppet from one of his mother's coats and a Ping-Pong ball cut in half, according to a statement from the university. Henson died in 1990. A bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench is a well-known feature of the College Park campus. In a video announcing the speaker pick, Kermit is described as an environmental advocate, a bestselling author, an international superstar and a champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible. His speaker bio calls him "a star of stage, screen and swamp" whose simple mission is to "sing and dance and make people happy". "I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives," university President Darryll J. Pines said in a statement.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The NHP Foundation and Henson Development Company Open the Doors to Park Heights Senior Apartments
Development is first phase of $400M Neighborhood Revitalization Plan BALTIMORE, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The NHP Foundation (NHPF), a national not-for-profit provider of affordable housing, partnered with The Henson Development Company (Henson), the City of Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Park Heights Renaissance Community Development Corporation (CDC) to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of The Terraces at Park Heights—a $52 million development delivering 100 affordable one- and two-bedroom homes for seniors in Northwest Baltimore. This milestone marks the first phase of a sweeping transformation of the 17.3-acre Park Heights Master Redevelopment Area (MRA), designed to revitalize a historically under-invested community into a vibrant, mixed-income, multi-generational neighborhood. The master redevelopment plan includes NHPF and Henson's 90-unit single-family home community, affordable multifamily building and new green spaces. This is expected to further support the neighborhood revitalization efforts which include the new Enoch Pratt Free Library as well as an overhaul of Pimlico Racecourse. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady of Maryland Dawn Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, and First Lady of Baltimore City Hana Scott, Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton, Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy, Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, Senator Antonio Hayes, Park Heights Renaissance CEO Yolanda Jiggetts, and Elizabeth Tatum, Acting Director, Mayor's Office of Recovery Programs, and Delegates Malcolm Ruff and Sean Stinnett. "Since taking office, we've invested more than $75 million into Park Heights to create jobs, grow the economy, and open pathways to work, wages, and wealth for Baltimoreans," said Gov. Wes Moore. "This project marks the next chapter in our work, and it will transform the city by ensuring seniors have access to affordable housing and a safe, vibrant community. When we say this is Maryland's decade and Baltimore's time, it's partnerships like this one that show us what that looks like." Major Announcements Unveiled at the Event: The overall master-planned community will be called Cloverbrook Green. Cloverbrook was the first horse to win the Preakness Stakes that had been bred and trained in Maryland. The community will offer an array of "green" features including solar-powered common areas and energy-efficient appliances. 90+ single-family homes with a targeted construction start of 2026. A 59-unit affordable multifamily rental building will be named The Anderson, commemorating George "Spider" Anderson's legacy. A new sculpture of Anderson—one of only two African American jockeys to win the Preakness in its 150-year history—was unveiled along with other outdoor artwork created by Art with a Heart, a local organization dedicated to using art to enrich lives, bridge divides, and forge the leaders of tomorrow. George "Spider" Anderson was the first African American to win the Preakness Stakes on May 10, 1889 and May 10th, 2025, the date of the Ribbon cutting was the 136th anniversary of his win. A mural by Baltimore based multi-hyphenate artist LaToya Peoples that honors the history of people of color in the racing industry and celebrates Baltimore's heritage. "We see this as a unique opportunity to merge Baltimore's rich history with innovative, forward-thinking development that will reestablish this area as a cornerstone of economic and social activity," said Dana Henson, Vice President, Principal, The Henson Development Company, Inc. "There's a story here waiting to be retold, and we're excited to craft a narrative that blends the area's historic vibrancy with new opportunities for growth, connection, and celebration." The event featured citations from both the Mayor's office and Senator Chris Van Hollen and representatives from the many vendors responsible for the project's completion: Southway Builders, Torti Gallas & Partners, STV Inc., D.W. Kozera, and Environmental Health Consultants. The celebration aligned with the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes and the 4th Annual George "Spider" Anderson Music & Arts Festival, reinforcing the neighborhood's cultural ties to Baltimore's racing history. "You can see my family's home from the Terraces, so this groundbreaking is especially meaningful to me," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "For many years, folks thought a project like this one, in Park Heights, was impossible. But here we are. This is the story of a neighborhood that never gave up, that stayed committed, and that came together to do the impossible. I couldn't be prouder to be a son of Park Heights—especially today—and I'm grateful to each and every member of the community who helped make this a reality." Funding partners for the development include: $8.7M – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) $22.5M – Tax credit equity from R4 Capital and Aetna, a CVS Health Company $13.3M – City of Baltimore $5.4M – Maryland CDA $2.1M – Deferred developer fees Additionally, through community quarterback Park Heights Renaissance, Governor Moore's Office of Children funded the ENOUGH Grant Program which contributed $300,000 toward a new onsite maker space, providing hands-on creative programming for residents and the surrounding community. "In partnership with our state, city and local partners, we are helping to restore Park Heights' position as one of the most prominent and sought after neighborhoods in the City," said Mansur Abdul-Malik, Senior Vice President, NHPF. "The new maker space reflects our commitment to investing in people and places which we feel are the two most important ingredients for any neighborhood revitalization effort." Community-Driven, Sustainable Design The Terraces at Park Heights incorporates rooftop, carport, and gazebo-mounted solar panels, battery backup power, and meet the National Green Building Standards. Amenities include a fitness center, library, computer lab, coffee bar, and lounge areas, along with original artwork and photography celebrating the neighborhood's horseracing legacy. Resident services will be provided onsite by Operation Pathways, NHPF's dedicated resident services subsidiary. "Housing is the foundation of strong communities. We are committed to building public-private partnerships that drive long-term change," said Eric Price, President and CEO of NHPF, "Though the road hasn't always been easy, we have remained true to our commitment—to the City and to the residents of Park Heights—to help make this a place where people want to live, grow, and thrive." About The NHP Foundation (NHPF)The NHP Foundation (NHPF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit real estate corporation founded in 1989. With over three decades of experience in affordable housing acquisition, investment, development and construction, NHPF's team brings together deep knowledge of real estate fundamentals, attention to changing resident and community needs, and the expertise required to make sound investment decisions. We are also committed to providing equitable, tailored resident services programs, powered by our subsidiary, Operation Pathways, which offers Family-Centered Coaching to families facing poverty and hardship. Through strategic partnerships with financial institutions, the public sector, faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits, NHPF currently owns and operates 63 properties across 16 states and the District of Columbia serving over 25,000 residents. For more information, please visit About The Henson Development CompanyTHE HENSON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC. (THC), a 100% family owned and operated minority-owned business enterprise, is a fully integrated real estate developer, consultant and program manager based in Baltimore, Maryland. The president and founder of THC is Dan Henson, a successful developer who has a distinguished private and public sector career in housing. Founded in 2000, the company is committed to providing full service real estate development services in urban and progressive communities. THC has had particularly detailed experience with re-energizing former public housing developments into mixed-income, mixed-use communities for more sustainable and stable communities, offering a comprehensive vehicle to revitalize neighborhoods that nurture and support an improved quality of life for the families who reside there. THC has worked on or is currently working on real estate development projects totaling over $600 Million – 3,000 units in Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Additionally, THC serves as a consultant on numerous assignments across the country. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NHP Foundation
Boston Globe
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Kermit the Frog to deliver commencement address at the University of Maryland graduation
Muppets creator Jim Henson graduated from Maryland in 1960. A home economics major, he fashioned the original frog puppet from one of his mother's coats and a ping-pong ball cut in half, according to a statement from the university. Henson died in 1990. Advertisement A bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench is a well-known feature of the College Park campus. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up In a video announcing the speaker pick, Kermit is described as an environmental advocate, a best-selling author, an international superstar and a champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible. His speaker bio calls him 'a star of stage, screen and swamp' whose simple mission is to 'sing and dance and make people happy.' 'I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit the Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives,' university President Darryll J. Pines said in a statement. The statement also quoted the beloved frog himself: 'Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland. I just know the class of 2025 is going to leap into the world and make it a better place, so if a few encouraging words from a frog can help, then I'll be there!' Advertisement
