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Shares of Chip equipment maker KLA Tencor (KLAC) are down $3.74, or almost 6%, at $64, after the company this afternoon reported fiscal Q3 revenue and earnings per share that beat analysts’ expectations, but forecast this quarter’s results well below consensus as it said its customers are grappling with technical challenges trying to make the latest chip technologies.
Revenue in the three months ended in March rose to $832 million, yielding EPS of $1.23.
Analysts had been modeling $823 million and $1.11 per share.
On a conference call following the release, the company said that as some customers struggle witht he learning curve for making 3-D transistors, so-called FinFet gates, the company is “taking a more cautious approach” to forecasting.
For the current quarter, the company sees $700 million to $760 million, with EPS in a range of 75 cents to 95 cents. That is below consensus for $833 million and $1.16.
Said CEO Rick Wallace,
Now in logic and foundry, with the introduction of the new 3-D gate architectures, the yield issues our customers are grappling with today are proving to be the most challenging that the industry have ever faced, and even the smallest variation and process margin can cause significant yield losses for these devices. Some of the issues of these processes people are dealing with are unique defect issues … new etch steps that are all part of the FinFET process. That’s just a small part of the complex technical challenge associated with bringing new 3-D device architectures to market Now, in memory the market leaders continue to demonstrate a commitment to pushing capex investment in both DRAM and NAND. However, they’re also facing similar challenges to logic when they deal with their leading edge complexity … There’s uncertainty over the timing of follow-on production for 3-D NAND … It’s clear from our discussions with customers that despite near-term slowdown in demand their intentions are continue to execute strategy for growth at the leading edge and invest at high level to achieve and advance their competitive roadmap. But it is also clear that issues related to leading edge device yield and high concentration of demand across a consolidated customer base and uncertainty over the timing of follow-on capacity have introduced a degree of variability into our quarterly demand forecast and have made visibility into our customer production plans extremely challenging today.
The struggles may be welcome news to Intel (INTC), which alone among chip makers has had three-dimensional transistors in production for multiple years now, which it calls “Tri-Gate.”
Shares of programmable chip maker Altera (ALTR) are up $1.36, or 4%, at $35.50, after the company this afternoon reported Q1 revenue and earnings per share that topped analysts’ expectations, and projected this quarter’s revenue higher as well.
Revenue in the three months ended in March rose 12%, year over year, to $461 million, yielding EPS of 37 cents.
Analysts had been modeling $438 million and 32 cents.
CEO John Daane remarked that the quarter benefitted from “stronger than anticipated Chinese LTE deployments.”
We are now shipping Arria 10 FPGAs that offer more logic capacity than any other 20 nm FPGA and speeds that exceed the prior generation high end. Simultaneously, we are making solid progress in the development of our Stratix 10 devices, which use Intel’s 14 nm Tri-gate process plus a new FPGA logic architecture to deliver performance twice that of our current high-end FPGA, with vastly more logic resources, lower power and cost.
For the current quarter, the company sees revenue rising 2% to 6% from last quarter’s level, which would be a range of $470 million to $487.6 million. That is above the average estimate for $461 million.
Revenue in the three months ended in March rose to $1.98 billion, yielding EPS of 51 cents.
Analysts had been modeling $1.96 billion and 46 cents per share.
Product gross margin, on an adjusted, non-GAAP basis, was 52.2%, down from last quarter’s 52.6%, but the same as a year earlier.
CEO Scott McGregor remarked that the company benefitted from “strength in broadband and infrastructure, stronger-than-expected gross margins, and continued operating expense discipline.”
“In the current quarter, we expect momentum in Infrastructure and Broadband to continue, driven by service provider spending on network build outs and technology upgrades.”
Further results are available in an investor slide download on the investor relations Web site.
For the current quarter, the company sees revenue of $2 billion to $2.1 billion, versus consensus for $2.07 billion. Gross product margin on an adjusted basis expected to rise by 0.75 to 1.75 percentage points.
Broadcom shares are up 11 cents, or 0.4%, at $31.25, in late trading.
Chip maker Cirrus Logic (CRUS) this afternoon reported fiscal Q4 revenue and earnings per share that topped analysts’ expectations.
Revenue in the three months ended in March rose to $149.7 million, yielding EPS of 41 cents.
Analysts had been modeling $143 million and 32 cents per share.
Shares of programmable logic device chip maker Xilinx (XLNX) are down $4.82, or over 9%, at $47.60, after the company yesterday afternoon reported fiscal Q4 revenue that topped analysts’ estimates but missed on the bottom line, and forecast revenue this quarter lower as well.
Revenue of $617.8 million in the three months ended in March topped the average estimate of $612 million, while profit per share of 53 cents was below consensus of 55 cents.
For the current quarter, Xilinx forecast revenue to be in a range of flat with last quarter to up 4%, which is below the average estimate for $638.8 million.
CEO Moshe Gavrielov trumpeted share gains owing to the company’s success with products developed in 28-nanometer process technology, with perhaps 70% share of all programmable chips sold at that “node.” He said the company was “already bearing fruit” with chips at 20-nanometer measurements.
There was one downgrade today, that I can see, from Credit Suisse‘s Jonathan Pitzer, who cut his rating to Neutral from Outperform.
Pitzer actually raised his estimates, but thinks the company is up against some structural issues with its markets, including the pace at which manufacturing partners can actually manufacture the 20-nano parts, and also just how quickly the market for LTE wireless broadband will get built this year in China.
As reported last night by Qualcomm (QCOM), there have been delays. Xilinx chips go into communications equipment sold to China Mobile (CHL) and other carriers in the country, so any delay hits Xilinx as well.
We are raising our CY14 and CY15 EPS from $2.33 and $2.54 to $2.35 and $2.60 but would highlight that full year GM guidance of 68-70% is now more back end loaded and likely unattainable unless Comms as a percent of revenue declines. While we continue to believe that XLNX will gain PLD market share thru the 28nm node (28nm revenue grew 40% q/q representing nearly 70% market share), 20nm is likely to be a half-node at best and the jury is still out on FinFet proficiency at the foundries. In addition, we continue to worry about high investor expectations for the PLD Sector relative to a TD-LTE/China 4G base station build which while robust may not exhibit much q/q growth beyond the June quarter and will likely decline in CY15 – of note Comms revenue grew 17% q/q to an all-time high and XLNX guided Comms revenue flat q/q in June – re-enforcing our slowing momentum concern. We do not believe this is a XLNX specific issue, and while ALTR underperformance for several quarters establishes easier compares and perhaps a better tactical report tonight after the close, we suspect slowing momentum post June will also be an issue. We continue to see strong structural positives for both companies – the only chip companies tied to Moore’s Law with long duration product cycles, some element of ASIC replacement, strong consistent FCF – unfortunately the sector is trading at an 40% premium to semis and an 20% premium to historic valuation – both of which without the prospect of topline acceleration beyond June look to be fairly valued.
Shares of Qualcomm (QCOM) are up down $3.07, or 3.8%,a t $77.64, after the company yesterday afternoon missed fiscal Q2 revenue expectations but beat on the bottom line, saying that some delays in the roll-out of smartphones using LTE broadband wireless connections in China, the world’s largest mobile market, had slowed some of its license revenue in the quarter. Sales of Qualcomm’s own chipsets were in line with what the company had expected.
The company kept its year revenue view the same and slightly raised its profit outlook to account for last quarter’s beat.
Said CEO Steve Mollenkopf, “We believe much of this situation continued through the March period, as well as a slower than expected ramp of LTE sales in China. Despite these near-term headwinds, we continue to forecast strong growth of 3G/4G base device shipments in calendar 2014, albeit somewhat more backend loaded than our previous expectations.”
However, in addition to some jitters about the licensing, and the larger question of collecting royalties in China, investors today are also responding to the company’s disclosure that it received a Wells Notice from the Securities & Exchange Commission. The company stated,
On March 13, 2014, the Company received a Wells Notice from the SEC’s Los Angeles Regional Office indicating that the staff has made a preliminary determination to recommend that the SEC file an enforcement action against the Company for violations of the anti-bribery, books and records and internal control provisions of the FCPA. The bribery allegations relate to benefits offered or provided to individuals associated with Chinese state-owned companies or agencies [...] On April 4, 2014, the Company made a Wells submission to the staff of the Los Angeles Regional Office explaining why the Company believes it has not violated the FCPA and therefore enforcement action is not warranted.
There are no ratings changes on the Street, that I can see, and bulls today expressed confidence that the delay of China’s LTE build-out will pay off further down the road.
Stacy Rasgon, Bernstein Research: Reiterates an Outperform rating, and a $90 price target. “The importance of Qualcomm’s back-half recovery has reached a critical state (naturally, as they are down to one last quarter to demonstrate it). The bulls will point to timing headwinds that will resolve on the back of a China ramp that is delayed for a bit, but undoubtedly coming, and a chipset business firing on all cylinders. However, the bears will point to deceleration in QTL as the first real evidence of a slowing market finally hitting Qualcomm. The company is therefore on the verge of an inflection point. Unfortunately, the inflection looks pretty much the same whether you are a bull or a bear, and it could be viewed as challenging to spot the direction of the turn from where we are sitting today. The shares performance will almost certainly be tempered until we get visibility, one way or another. However, while this wasn’t a great quarter (and we are incrementally disappointed) we are inclined to keep the faith.”
Timothy Arcuri, Cowen & Co.: Reiterates an Outperform rating, and an $86 price target. “Tepid QTL results and outlook are apt to fuel renewed concerns about the company’s ability to collect royalties in China or achieve visibility commensurate w/developed markets. While unrelated to this issue, the additional receipt of a Wells notice is not a positive headline (although the decision for the SEC to proceed with any action is far from given). That said, in our view, QCT is clearly gaining LTE design traction and this should be a leading indicator for QTL in late ’14 and ’15; the LTE build (e.g. QCT) is clearly underway and sell-through (e.g. QTL) was always going to be a question at this
early stage of the game.”
Mike Walkley, Canaccord Genuity: Reiterates a Buy rating and a $90 price target. “Given promotions by China to sell TD-SCDMA smartphones, we believe overall smartphones sold into China Unicom and China Telecom were below Qualcomm’s expectations. While this trend continued in the March quarter and impacted Qualcomm’s June quarter QTL guidance, we view the lower TD-SCDMA inventory levels and strong order activity for TD-LTE MSMs as positive indicators for future QTL growth. With Qualcomm not selling into the TD-SCDMA only baseband market or generating royalties from these smartphones, we believe this short-term impact to 1H/F2014 QTL revenue is temporary and backward looking. In fact, we anticipate strong QTL revenue above consensus in 1H2015, as new royalty generating TD-LTE smartphones ramp in volume during 2H/C2014.
Tavis McCourt, Raymond James: Reiterates a Market Perform rating. “Essentially, every chip vendor in the mobile space is seeing strong demand from China OEMs that are building tremendous handset volume expecting China Mobile and then China Unicom LTE volume to accelerate. However, through March China Mobile has sold less than 3 million customers on LTE, and has a long way to go to reach its 100 million goal this year. If demand does not improve materially as the year progresses, there appears to be heightened risk of some glut of LTE handsets in China, but in the meantime most industry participants expect demand to accelerate once China Mobile works through its TD-SCDMA channel inventory [...] Qualcomm also announced that in March it received a Wells Notice [...] We view this as non-material in the near term.”
Adnaan Ahmad, Berenberg Capital Markets: Reiterates a Sell rating, and a $50 price target. “One quarter does not make a trend but investors need to be vigilant as to what type of growth the QTL business will have in the medium-to-long term. This quarter, QTL grew less than 1% yoy with management blaming China weakness and US weakness for that. There is some truth here [...] The only issue we have with this is that QCOM management must have known about the Apple and Samsung softness given results back in January.”
Here are some things going on this morning in your world of tech:
Shares of Apple (AAPL) are up $40.91, or almost 8%, at $565.66, after the company last night easily surpassed fiscal Q2 expectations, forecast below this quarter’s consensus, raised its dividend, increased its buybacks plan to $90 billion, and said it would split its stock 7-for-1. iPhone sales of 43.7 million vastly outperformed Street numbers of 37 million or 38 million, while 16 million or so iPads were below consensus.
There’s one ratings change this morning, that I can see, from CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, where the stock was raised to Buy from Outperform, with a $695 price target, up from $610.
Elsewhere, price targets, and some estimates, are on the rise.
Bernstein Research’s Toni Sacconaghi, reiterating an Outperform rating, and raising his price target to $615 from $575, writes that “We continue to believe that Apple is a trading stock, and with Q3 guidance now ‘out of the way,’ that the stock offers attractive risk-reward [...] Apple’s strong repurchase commitment will help both earnings and provide a potential backstop to a pullback in the shares, and perhaps most importantly, the stock is highly anticipatory, typically outperforming meaningfully in advance of new product introductions.”
Morgan Stanley’s Katy Huberty, reiterating and Overweight rating, and a $630 price target, writes this morning that investors are “flat-footed” in advance of Apple’s “new product category launches,” with “an underweight bias in AAPL (2.2% average weighting vs. S&P 500 weighting of 2.9%) as opposed to an overweight bias in other large cap technology stocks with mobile exposure” such as Amazon.com and Google.
And UBS’s Steve Milunovich, writing that “ It appears there is more life in the iPhone opportunity than recognized,” reiterates a Buy rating, and a $625 price target, and raises his 2014 estimates, writing that “there were not many negatives,” but that among the few, he is worried the iPad results suggest the device is “a twiner”; that iTunes software and services decelerated in the quarter; that iPhone average selling prices went down 6% because of emerging markets; and that the dividend increase of 8% is lower than he wanted.
Shares of Facebook (FB) are up 90 cents, or 1.3%, at$ 62.26, after the company yesterday afternoon beat Q1 expectations, on a 15% year-over-year rise in monthly average users, to 1.28 billion, but the announcement, too, its CFO will step down this summer.
Price targets are on the move higher this morning, thought there were some notes of caution here and there.
Jefferies & Co.’s Brian Pitz, reiterating a Buy rating and raising his target to $$85 from $80, while keeping estimates in place, writes this morning that ”This is the seventh straight quarter of accelerating growth for FB’s advertising business, which increased +82% Y/Y to $2.3B, well ahead of our $2.0B estimate.”
Arvind Bhatia of Sterne Agee, who has a Buy rating on the stock, and an $80 price target, was on CNBC this morning pounding the table for the shares, saying “I think the runway for this company is still very long, and this stock should continue to be a core holding for long term investors.”
Shares of Qualcomm (QCOM) are down $3.51, or 4.3%, at $77.20, after the company yesterday afternoon missed fiscal Q2 estimates slightly, as it saw delays in the roll-out of LTE broadband wireless service in China during the quarter. The company said it expects the industry to catch up later this year.
Drexel Hamilton’s Richard Whittington is among those today ruing investors to buy the stock slump, reiterating a Buy rating and a $100 price target, writing that “Royalty recognition always the gotcha in QCOM financials, FQ2 demonstrates a solid 4G license rate that should quiet the doubters.”
Shares of The New York Times (NYT) are down 21 cents, or 1.3%, at $21.40, after the company this morning reported Q1 revenue rose 2.6%, to $390 million, yielding EPS of 7 cents. That was above the consensus for $384.9 million and 3 cents.
Times ad revenue rose 3.4% and circulation revenue was up 2.1%, as the company added 39,000 digital subscribers, for a total of 799,000 paid digital-only subscribers.Digital-only revenue rose 13.6%, to $40.3 million.
The Times warned year-over-year comparisons for ad revenue will be tougher this quarter, leading to a decline “in the mid-single digits.”
Wireless chip maker Qualcomm (QCOM) this afternoon reported fiscal Q2 revenue that slightly missed analysts’ expectations, and earnings per share that beat, forecast Q3 revenue and earnings below consensus, and raised its year EPS view.
Revenue in the three months ended in March rose to $6.4 billion, yielding EPS of $1.31.
Analysts had been modeling $6.49 billion and $1.22.
For the current quarter, the company sees revenue of $6.2 billion to $6.8 billion, and EPS of $1.15 to $1.25. That compares to consensus for $6.6 billion and $1.25.
For the full year, the company now sees $5.05 to $5.25 per share in net income, up from a prior forecast of $5 to $5.20. That is on revenue of $26 billion to $27.5 billion. Consensus stands at $26.8 billion and $5.13 per share.
Qualcomm shares are down $2.71, or 3.4%, at $78.
Shares of wireless chip maker Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) are up $2.81, or 7.4%, at $40.77, after the company yesterday afternoon beat fiscal Q2 expectations, forecast this quarter’s results higher as we’ll, and initiated an 11-cent-per-share quarterly dividend payment.
There are no ratings changes this morning, that I can see, but price target and estimate increases at several shops.
JoAnne Feeney of ABR Investment Strategy today reiterates what she calls a “trading and secular long” rating on Skyworks, writing that “We are seeing our SWKS thesis play out as the company increases its analog presence along with furthering its RF content gains.”
She likes both the company’s market share opportunity and its capital returns approach:
The company is moving towards its mid-term model (45% GM, 30% Operating Margin) and it sees room for further margin expansion thereafter. We estimate that rising gross margin and careful control over operating expense leaves SWKS with the potential to add another 300bp or more to operating margin over the next four quarters; this would allow earnings to grow by 35% Y/Y even as sales grow 20% in the same period. We expect SWKS to continue to outperform industry growth both on the top line and in earnings and look for share buybacks to continue to lead to modest reductions in share count. Dividend adds a further source of return and the company’s decision to target 40% of free cash flow to return to shareholders should help limit downside risk.
Feeney thinks the stock can rise to $48 to $53, or “12.4-14x our FY15 expected EPS of $3.76, up from $3.15.” She also sees positive signs for other analog and wireless names, such as Avago Technologies (AVGO), RF Micro Devices (RFMD), and TriQuint Semiconductor (TQNT).
Canaccord Genuity’s Mike Walkley reiterates a Buy rating, and raises his price target to $47 from $39, writing that the stronger Q3 forecast “is due to Skyworks’ growing traction in its non-handset analog business combined with ramping sales of higher $-content integrated solutions into smartphone programs at Chinese and other emerging market OEMs along with ramping sales to Samsung offsetting seasonally softer sales to Apple.”
“Given Skyworks’ broad RFIC portfolio and customer base, we believe Skyworks’ diverse analog portfolio is enabling content share gains in its handset customer base,” he adds. “Further, we anticipate Skyworks’ content share in markets such as WiFi 802.11ac, wireless infrastructure, and the M2M market are also driving strong growth trends.”
Walkley raised his fiscal ’14 estimates to $2.10 billion in revenue and $2.82 per share in net income from $2.02 billion and $2.66 per share, and also hiked his 2015 estimate to $2.4 billion and $3.38 per share from $2.32 billion and $3.22.
Brean Capital’s Mike Burton reiterates a Buy rating and ups his target to $48 from $35, writing that “ke Skyworks for its new product opportunities in Analog (Internet of Things), our expectation for increased content in RF from Emerging Market 4G/3G growth, and its mid-20s OMs.”
Burton likes the company’s ability to exploit the “rapid proliferation” of connectivity:
Connectivity is making its way into new vertical markets and into new device categories such as automotive, medical, industrial and wearable devices. By the end of 2020, the total number of Internet of Things may reach ~75B, which provides huge opportunities ahead for Skyworks’ connectivity and power management solutions.
Burton raises his 2014 estimates to $2.1 billion and $2.84 per share from a prior $2 billion and $2.61. His 2015 numbers go to $2.4 billion and $3.40 per share form $2.21 billion and $2.98.
Cody Acree of Ascendiant Capital Markets reiterates a Buy rating, and hikes his target to $50, writing that the company “successfully leveraging its cellular expertise in a rapidly expanding number of non-cellular wireless applications that add both diversity & positive gross margins.”
Like the others, Acree is heartened by increased opportunities inside and outside phones:
In the March quarter, the firm’s new Broad Markets group accounted for 27% of revenue, Integrated Mobile Systems was 33% of sales, and Power Amplifiers accounted for the remaining 40%. SWKS expects these percentages to remain relatively stable through the remainder of 2014, but for growth of Broad Markets & Integrated Systems to outpace Power Amplifiers, which should drive further gross margin expansion. We’re glad to see the company’s new revenue breakout as it highlights the success SWKS is having both in- and outside of traditional cellular. Handset architectures have quickly grown much more complex and firms with the broadest portfolio capability have become system-level partners with a growing number of OEMs. This trend is driving more integrated dollar content to fewer vendors, who are earning higher margins. However, we are most encouraged by SWKS success outside of handsets, where years of effort to position its portfolio to be the key wireless solution provider for a wide array of Internet of Things applications is just now beginning to become obvious to investors. We believe SWKS lead in this area has been quietly earned, and now will be difficult for others to replicate. In fact, over the next few years, we expect higher margin IoT driven revenue to surpass the firm’s handset business.
Here are some things going on this morning in your world of tech:
Shares of ARM Holdings (ARMH) are down $2, or almost 4%, at $48.11, after the company this morning narrowly beat analysts’ Q1 expectations, delivering £186.7 million in revenue, up 10%, year over year, and 5.6 pence per share, versus consensus of £186.6 and 5 pence per share. However, some outlets have the U.S. revenue figure, $305 million, falling short of consensus of $309 million, so the earnings may also be counted by some as a miss. Earnings per American Depository Share of 28 cents beat the U.S.-denominated amount by 27 cents.
More important, the critical quarterly metric of backlog showed a decline: “Group order backlog at the end of Q1 2014 was down about 5% sequentially. Based on the licensing opportunity pipeline it is expected that order backlog at the end of 2014 will be at a broadly similar level to that at the end of Q1 2014.”
Anil Doradla of William Blair reiterates an Outperform rating on the shares, writing that the processor royalty revenue of $128 million was the disappointing issue, coming in below the Street’s $135 million as “ARM was negatively affected by the slowdown in the mobile handset space.” But Doradla urges investors to “buy the pullback” given health across the business generally.
Speaking of buying the pullback, shares of VMware (VMW) are down $9.16, or almost 9%, at $95.99, after yesterday afternoon’s Q1 penny-per-share beat on EPS, and higher Q2 revenue view, but said it had greater “seasonality” in the quarter, which just means sales fell more deeply from a big Q4 than they usually do in any Q1. Analysts scrutinized on the conference call the potential lengthening of sales cycles, though the company denied any change in selling durations.
Raymond James’s Michael Turits this morning reiterates a Strong Buy rating, and raises his price target to $125 from $109, writing that “we believe the complexity of ‘cloud’ architectural decisions is contributing to longer decision cycles which we expect to ease over time.” Turits is still positive on the company and the stock given the company’s “private cloud opportunity as a strategic vendor.”
But Bernstein Research‘s Mark Moerdler reiterates an Underperform rating on the shares, and trims his target by a buck to $69, writing that there were two metrics that concerned him: “License bookings grew “less than 10%” YoY compared to License revenue growth 15.7% YoY,” and “The YoY growth in Deferred License Revenue, while up 2.9% YoY, still exhibits signs of deceleration.”
His conclusion: “We believe growth in emerging areas such as software defined networking will not be fast enough to offset the slowing in vSphere license growth.”
Speaking of VMware, its largest shareholder, EMC (EMC), this morning reported its own Q1 results. The company reported revenue of $5.48 billion and EPS of 35 cents, slightly exceeding top line estimates of $5.4 billion and in line with consensus for the bottom line. But EMC also lowered its 2014 EPS outlook to $1.90 from $1.95, below consensus for $1.93, to account for dilution from the acquisition of mobile security vendor AirWatch.
The stock is off 92 cents, or 3.4%, at $25.84. Rob Cihra of Evercore Partners, who has an Overweight rating on the stock, writes that the decline is strictly a reflection of VMware’s own slide. The new year EPS view is consistent with his own AirWatch numbers and “FY14 EPS seems more than doable.”
Shares of AT&T (T) are down $1.11, or 3.1%, at $35.18, after the company yesterday afternoon beat Q1 expectations, on a much larger-than-expected 625,000 net postpaid wireless additions, but also forecast EPS growth this year below consensus.
Many today are taking the profit forecast as a sign the company’s under pressure from discounting and incentives across the industry. Canaccord Genuity’s Greg Miller this morning reiterates a Hold rating, and a $35 price target, writes that the “Next” pricing plans boosted subscriber sign-ups, but ” we now expect to moderate for the rest of the year,” and so he cut his 2014 estimates to $133.86 billion in revenue and $2.69 in EPS from a prior $134.08 billion and $2.78.
Apple (AAPL) will reports fiscal Q2 results this afternoon, after market close, with the Street projecting $43.7 billion and $10.19 per share in net income.
Analysts continue to prognosticate on the report. Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster late yesterday issued a note to clients writing that his survey of sales of used iPhones on eBay and China’s Taobao showed the iPhone 5S selling for 75% of its list price, evidence that “suggest stable demand & margins,” he thinks.
Apple shares today are off $2.55, or half a percent at $529.15.
Also reporting tonight: Facebook (FB), F5 Networks (FFIV), Fortinet (FTNT), Fusion-io (FIO), Ingram Micro (IM), Lam Research (LRCX), Logitech (LOGI), Polycom (PLCM), NXP Semiconductor (NXPI), Texas Instruments (TXN), Xilinx (XLNX).
Tech Trader Daily is a blog on technology investing written by Barron’s veteran Tiernan Ray. The blog provides news, analysis and original reporting on events important to investors in software, hardware, the Internet, telecommunications and related fields. Comments and tips can be sent to: email@example.com.


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There are many surgeries to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But most have not been studied very much. The gold-standard surgery for BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). When these new surgeries are studied, they are compared to TURP.
Transurethral holmium laser ablation (HoLAP), in which a laser is used to destroy a portion of the prostate.
Transurethral holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP), in which a laser is used to completely remove the prostate.
Holmium laser resection of the prostate (HoLRP), in which a laser is used to remove a portion of the prostate.
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), in which a laser is used to destroy a portion of the prostate. This surgery is similar to HoLAP.
High-frequency focused ultrasound, in which high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are used to kill prostate cells.
Interstitial laser coagulation, in which a laser is used to destroy part of the prostate.
Rotoresection of the prostate, in which part of the prostate is removed in the same way as during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). But a new tool is used in rotoresection.
Temporary stents. Stents are small tubes that are placed in the urethra at the place where the prostate is squeezing it closed. These stents expand and push the walls of the urethra open. They are meant for short-term use.
Transurethral ethanol ablation of the prostate, in which a chemical (ethanol) is injected into the prostate. The ethanol destroys part of the prostate.
Water-induced thermotherapy, in which very hot water is used to destroy part of the prostate.
Laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy (still being studied).
In this article
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
October 14, 2014
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this

domain: medical


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From HOA Elect CA
Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining the aesthetics, functionality, and value of communities across California. At the heart of every successful HOA is a dedicated group of board members who volunteer their time, skills, and expertise to ensure the smooth operation and enhancement of their neighborhoods. In this blog post, we'll delve into the role of HOA board members, their responsibilities, and the significance of their contributions in California communities.
Understanding HOAs in California
Homeowners' Associations are prevalent in California, especially in planned communities, condominium complexes, and gated neighborhoods. These associations are responsible for maintaining common areas, enforcing community rules and regulations, and managing shared amenities, such as parks, pools, and landscaping. The HOA's primary goal is to preserve property values and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
The Composition of the HOA Board
The HOA board consists of elected volunteers who represent the community's homeowners. The board typically includes positions such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and additional members. Each board member brings unique skills and perspectives to the table, contributing to well-rounded decision-making and effective governance.
Responsibilities of HOA Board Members
Setting Policies and Rules: One of the core responsibilities of the board is to create and enforce rules and policies that promote harmonious living within the community. These rules can cover a range of topics, from architectural guidelines to noise restrictions.
Financial Management: HOA board members oversee the association's finances, including budgeting, collecting homeowner dues, and allocating funds for maintenance and improvements. Transparency in financial matters is essential to maintain the trust of residents.
Maintenance and Repairs: Ensuring the upkeep of common areas, such as landscaping, roadways, and shared facilities, is a vital duty of the board. Promptly addressing maintenance issues contributes to the community's overall appeal.
Communications: Effective communication between the board and homeowners fosters transparency and a sense of community. Board members facilitate information sharing through newsletters, community meetings, and online platforms.
Resolving Disputes: HOA boards often act as mediators in resolving disputes between homeowners. This can involve addressing issues related to property boundaries, noise complaints, or other conflicts.
Contract Management: The board may enter into contracts with vendors for services like landscaping, maintenance, and security. Ensuring these contracts are fair and beneficial to the community is a key responsibility.
The Significance of HOA Board Members
The contributions of HOA board members go beyond just governance; they shape the community's character and functionality. By dedicating their time and expertise, board members help maintain property values, enhance curb appeal, and foster a sense of belonging among residents. Their decisions impact daily life within the community and have lasting effects on homeowners' investments.
Challenges and Rewards
While serving on an HOA board can be rewarding, it comes with its share of challenges. Balancing diverse opinions, managing financial constraints, and addressing conflicts can be demanding. However, witnessing the positive transformation of their community and the satisfaction of fellow residents can make these challenges worthwhile for dedicated board members.
HOA board members in California play a pivotal role in shaping the neighborhoods we call home. Their commitment to maintaining community standards, fostering open communication, and ensuring efficient operations is essential for creating vibrant, desirable places to live. As we acknowledge the dedication of these volunteers, let's also recognize the impact they have on the harmony, aesthetics, and quality of life within California's diverse communities.

domain: sociology


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What are fixed braces?
Fixed braces are the traditional way to straighten teeth. Metal brackets are fixed to the front of your teeth for the duration of treatment and have a wire connecting them which creates the pressure to gradually straighten teeth.
Patients from Brixton, Stockwell, Clapham, Wandsworth, Battersea and throughout London still choose to use fixed braces rather than other modern braces, because they remain the most precise way to straighten teeth. They are also the best option for patients who have a severe orthodontic need.
Fixed braces will
- Straighten crooked teeth
- Close unwanted gaps between teeth
- Correct protruding teeth
- Space out crowded teeth
- Help correct most bite problems
Book a consultation at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery in Battersea to find out more about fixed braces.
How do fixed braces work?
Once you’ve had your first free consultation, we will take dental moulds of your teeth. These are used to create your bespoke fixed braces.
When ready, you’ll be invited to come back to the dental surgery in Battersea to have the metal brackets applied to your teeth. This process does not hurt at all.
Next, strong, metal wire is threaded through the brackets and tightened so that they form a gentle pressure on your teeth which will cause your teeth to move.
Sometimes, your orthodontist may attach small elastic bands to certain parts of your fixed braces to create extra pressure. This does not hurt and is nothing to worry about.
Once your braces are fixed to your teeth, it may seem strange at first – you may notice pressure, or your teeth may feel sore, and you may lisp initially. This is all perfectly normal whilst your mouth adjusts to wearing braces and will disappear in a few days.
We will call you back to the dental practice in Battersea for regular appointments to check that your teeth straightening is on course and to gently tighten your braces to maintain the pressure.
Or enquire online
Why choose The Cosmetic Dental Gallery in Battersea for fixed braces?
A free initial consultation to discuss your case
Interest free finance to help you manage the cost more affordably
Flexible opening hours at the Battersea dental practice with late evening and weekend appointments available to fit around your other commitments
A friendly professional team who will see you through the process
A state-of-the-art dental practice with a relaxing environment
Everyone at the practice are welcoming, friendly and extremely professional. The practice is equipped with new technology which ensures that you get the best treatment available. You are given multiple options and a specific treatment plan is made for you so you know what to expect. I have had a great experience here and highly recommend it.
Great experience with Dr. Tej and the entire team! Great addition to the area which until now lacked such quality dentistry.
Best Treatment Plans & Aftercare
I recently visited the practise for my composite bonding treatment. I was very nervous for the result but Dr Tej and the staff made me feel very comfortable. Dr Tej took so much care in perfecting my smile, as if my teeth were an art piece! I am so happy with the result, I used to be afraid to show my teeth whilst smiling and now I get so many compliments for having a beautiful smile! And to add to this, Dr Tej ensured that not only did my smile look amazing, but offered me genuine advice on the best treatment plans and aftercare, as well as making sure I didn’t experience any pain or discomfort!


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“It combines the satire of Dr. Strangelove with the massive scale of Independence Day,” Finnish producer Tero Kaukomaa told The Local recently.
Filming for the independent production of “Iron Sky” wrapped early this month. Now Kaukomaa is in Berlin promoting it to potential buyers at the European Film Market event – the industry exhibition organised in tandem with the Berlin International Film Festival each year.
“I’m very happy with the responses so far,” the 50-year-old founder of Blind Spot Productions said.
Naturally the idea came up in a sauna, “as we Finns like to do,” Kaukomaa said.
But he and his colleagues, including director Timo Vuorensola, have remained vague on the film’s surreal plot, revealing only that Nazis manage to escape earth in rockets in 1945 to settle on the “dark side of moon.”
There they build a lunar Germania and prepare to return to earth in 2018 and take over the world for a second time after landing in New York.
“When things are meant to be really evil in science fiction films, then characters who look and speak like Nazis crop up. The best example for this is Star Wars,” director Vuorensola told German broadcaster 3Sat in a recent interview. “We wanted to really push it…and see what happens.”
Perhaps more inventive than the plot in the Finnish-German-Australian co-production is the collaboration between the film’s producers and the online community.
With a budget of just €6.8 million, “Iron Sky” makers have turned to fans for funding and help creating parts of the film.
“It’s worked really brilliantly,” Kaukomaa said. “People have been doing bits and pieces, such as recently, when we shot a scene in front of a movie theatre and needed fictional posters for props.”
Through a Finland-based online filmmaking platform called wreckamovie.com, they have been able to utilise the talents of people around the world for such tasks, including creating graphics and writing the German lyrics to the “The Moon Nazi National Anthem.”
As for funding, fans of the film can start with donations as low as €1 for a chance to see a “sneak peek” of the film, buy merchandise, or invest in the film starting at €1,000. If all goes according to plan, €1 million of the film’s budget will ultimately come from crowdfunding.
The first film to pioneer this approach was the 2009 British film, “The Age of Stupid,” but it seems to be catching on, Kaukomaa said.
“It’s going to happen more and more,” he said.

domain: news


Search For "solicitor general tushar mehta"
Updated : 3 weeks, 3 days ago IST
Panaji (Goa) [India], May 27 (ANI): The vacation bench of Bombay High Court in Goa on Thursday adjourned to June 2, the hearing in the acquittal verdict of Tarun Tejpal, former editor-in-chief of Tehelka magazine in the 2013 alleged sexual assault case.
Updated : 3 weeks, 6 days ago IST
New Delhi [India], May 24 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Monday adjourned till July 6 hearing on various petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex couple.
Updated : 1 month ago IST
New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved the judgement on a plea seeking direction to halt or suspend all construction activity of the Central Vista Avenue Redevelopment Project after the conclusion of the arguments of lawyers of all sides.
New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Monday submitted to the Delhi High Court that the plea seeking to halt construction activity for the Central Vista project deserves to be dismissed as it is only concerned with Central Vista and not about other ongoing con
Updated : 1 month, 3 weeks ago IST
New Delhi [India], April 28 (ANI): Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Wednesday opposed the Supreme Court's opinion to send arrested journalist Siddique Kappan from Mathura to a hospital in Delhi for better medical treatment.
Updated : 2 months ago IST
New Delhi [India], April 19 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday posted for May 7 a plea filed by a woman resident of Noida seeking direction to ensure that the road between Noida to Delhi is kept clear so that the passage is not affected.
Updated : 2 months, 3 weeks ago IST
Kochi (Kerala) [India], March 31 (ANI): Opposing the FIR registered by the Kerala Police against the Enforcement Directorate officials, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta on Wednesday submitted before the Kerala High Court that "law never contemplated a situation where one investigation age
New Delhi [India], March 30 (ANI): Attorney General (AG) KK Venugopal, on Tuesday, recused himself from granting permission to initiate contempt proceedings against former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju in connection with his alleged contemptuous remarks against the judiciary in
Updated : 4 months ago IST
New Delhi [India], February 18 (ANI): Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that there was no leakage of any information in relation to the first information report (FIR) against 21-year-old climate activist Disha Ravi to media from the Delhi Police.
Updated : 4 months, 3 weeks ago IST
New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday assured the Supreme Court that no coercive action would be taken against those persons who have approached the top court against the High Court judgment of scrapping the Roshni Act of 2001.
Updated : 5 months, 3 weeks ago IST
New Delhi [India], December 26 (ANI): Delhi High Court on Saturday dismissed a plea of a government employee seeking to quash his transfer order after the Centre assured that adequate health facilities were available for his son's medical treatment at Visakhapatnam.
Updated : 7 months, 1 week ago IST
New Delhi [India], November 9 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to the Delhi government and others on a plea against the appointment of Special Public Prosecutors, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, in northeast Delhi violence cases.


On Monday, November 13, Russian occupiers shelled a car with artillery in the outskirts of Kherson. The driver was killed, the two-month-old baby suffered a blast injury to the head, and the mother sustained traumatic amputation of her legs; she is in critical condition.
This was reported by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Igor Klymenko.
“The car caught fire as a result of the impact. The 36-year-old mother is in critical condition in the hospital. The man who was behind the wheel died. Presumably, he was the 64-year-old grandfather of the child. The identity will be determined by forensic experts since the body was practically completely burned”, the report said.
The head of the Kherson Regional State Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, specified that the car carried a family returning from a medical examination. The Russians targeted the car with artillery, and the car burst into flames instantly. Prosecutors, together with other law enforcement officers, are documenting the consequences of the shelling. They have initiated a pre-trial investigation in a criminal case regarding the violation of laws and customs of war in conjunction with intentional homicide.
Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs


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This article determines how local authority procurement practices affect their ability to successfully procure from small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It found that smaller suppliers are more likely to thrive where a broader-based value-for-money decision factor is required and where shorter and smaller-scale contracts are available through open competition. However, trends in local government buying appear to be towards partnership, with an increasing emphasis on cost. Public sector organizations and SMEs may need to reflect further in order to determine more realistically where the scope for SME suppliers exist. Further research is required to determine the scope of SME-friendly opportunities.
- SMALL BUSINESS

domain: literature


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Cut off any thick ends on the bok choy stems to ensure even cooking.
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, green onions, ginger, cornstarch, garlic and salt with a whisk. Place pork in the bowl with the brown sugar mixture. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions. Set aside.
Remove pork from refrigerator and bring to room temperature. In a wok on medium-high heat, add 2 teaspoons of peanut oil. Once oil is heated, add pork. Cook until pork has reached 155 F, about 7 minutes. While pork is cooking, heat a separate large saute pan to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of peanut oil to pan and saute the bok choy and carrots until tender, about 4 minutes. Serve with rice.
Created by the executive wellness chef and registered dietitians at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.
A generous benefactor has pledged $1 million and challenged us to raise an additional $250,000. Help us reach our goal!

domain: food


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Like most good things, Kite Hill began with cheese. Back in 2010, a world-class chef, Stanford scientist and French cheese-maker vowed to create a plant-based cheese so delicious it would make even the world’s finest fromages quiver in their rinds.
Flash forward to today, and Kite Hill is still raising the bar on plant-based products. By introducing the traditions of the past to the technology of the future, Kite Hill crafts artisan almond milk yogurts, cheeses and ravioli so tasty, even omnivores want in!
Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox!


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Natural Resource Development
Rural, remote communities are places of possibility and constraint. These geographies are often the most vulnerable to economic and political forces beyond their control. Yet, they are also sites of innovation, adaptation, and community experimentation. My research explores these tensions.
As a PhD Candidate in the Resources & Communities Research Group at Montana State University, I conduct social science research on rural transformations, community resilience, and the political economy. My research sits at the intersection of economic geography, natural resource development, and community development.
Academic heroes: Scholars who problematize our myths of the rural (think William Cronon and Patricia Limerick), political ecologists like Paul Robbins, J.K. Gibson - Graham
Key research themes: social impacts of resource development, rural capacity, community resilience & path dependency, devolvement & governance, role of empathy in research methods, expanding our definition of “economic development”
In 2018 I was awarded a two-year USDA NIFA Pre-doctoral Fellowship (Proposal #2017-07020) to continue my research on how oil and gas development shapes community resilience in the Bakken.
Ongoing Research Projects
My doctoral research investigates the social impacts of energy development in eastern Montana and western North Dakota, United States (the Bakken shale play). I analyze the interaction between the region’s political economy, the distinct characteristics of unconventional oil and gas development, local governance responses, and other expressions of community agency and resilience. My research draws attention to the hidden labor and inner workings of communities that host oil and gas development.
Communities in action
This participatory research project in Sidney, MT was funded through a USDA NIFA grant (PI: Dr. Julia H. Haggerty). It investigates the strategies communities use to mitigate against undesired impacts from oil and gas development. I have worked with this community group since 2016.
Western Area Water Supply
North Dakota’s Western Area Water Supply project exemplifies both community resilience and economic dependence on resource extraction. My research analyzes this tension with a focus on fiscal decisions.
Boom impacts to Services
The boom stressed communities’ infrastructure and services beyond capacity. This research documents the innovative projects that communities implemented to address impacts to local government services.
This new research project explores how the Bakken boom transformed the region’s road infrastructure, creating new challenges and opportunities for counties, cities, and townships. It is a work in a progres - stay tuned for updates!
Permian Basin Trip
In 1982 Roger M. Olien and Diana Davids Olien published Oil Booms: Social Change in Five Texas Towns. I used their book as a travel guide and visited each of the five towns they wrote about: Midland, Odessa, McCamey, Wink, and Snyder. Check out my research reflections and photos from the trip.

domain: geography


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Alec Brown and his girlfriend Erica Klintworth were hoping to spend a few relaxing days in New Zealand. Instead, the two 21-year-old students spent 9 harrowing days stranded in the New Zealand wilderness.
The two students traveled to New Zealand for a foreign study program with the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Earlier this month they decided to go on a multi-day hike to the south side of island. The trip was plagued by heavy rains and a snow storm, and eventually they found themselves stranded on the wrong side of a flooded river.
“Unfortunately it rained and rained, day after day, and snowed.”
Brown said that when they realized that they were stuck they decided to start rationing their food. They survived off of a small bag of trail mix and a few biscuits.
“A biscuit and jelly one day and even less another.”
Katie Jenkins, a friend of the couple, said that she wasn’t worried about her friends until more than a week had passed.
“They were just going to the hot springs, to chill out and study for finals.”
Eventually, a search and rescue team was sent out to the New Zealand bush to look for the two students. Around the same time, the icy river had receded enough for Brown and Klintworth to attempt to cross.
“We then left and crossed the icy waters only up to our waist. We were climbing the mountains under the dense tree cover when we first heard the helicopter we assumed was looking for us. The copter never saw us and we walked out just fine and met up with the search and rescue by the road.”
Brown said that he should have been more prepared for his camping trip but was happy to make out of the New Zealand wilderness on his own.
“I believe when you go into the bush you take your life into your own hands and need to be prepared to handle whatever conditions occur. We could have been more prepared, but in the end we were prepared enough to walk ourselves out.”


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Archive - Dec 13, 2013
Bernice E. Ott, 88, of 507 McClelland St., Ridgway, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at Elk Haven Nursing Home. She was born Sept. 13, 1925 in St. Marys, the daughter of the late Louis and Lillian Fleming Entres.
A new service is being offered inside Patty Krivonyakâ€™s Always Stylinâ€™ salon at the St. Marys Plaza as Lindsey Daly is now taking appointments for therapeutic massage.
Daly said that studying nursing led to her interest in helping people through therapeutic massage.
Flying Dove Ranch, a non-profit organization located along Old Red Mill Dam Road in Ridgway, has recently added some new buildings on the property in order to provide more accommodations for guests as well as youth participating in programs hosted at the ranch.
The St. Marys Area gymnastics team opened their 2013-2014 season on Wednesday evening on the road as they defeated the Ridgway Area squad by a 114.975 to 100.125 score.


Use of Lamé Mode Properties in the Determination of Texture Parameters on AL Plates
Is Version Of
Begun in 1973, the Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation (QNDE) is the premier international NDE meeting designed to provide an interface between research and early engineering through the presentation of current ideas and results focused on facilitating a rapid transfer to engineering development.
This site provides free, public access to papers presented at the annual QNDE conference between 1983 and 1999, and abstracts for papers presented at the conference since 2001.
Texture (preferred grain orientation) characterization of polycrystalline aggregates has traditionally been done by X-ray or neutron diffraction techniques. These techniques are generally slow and destructive. Advances in ultrasonics over the last decade have made it possible to determine texture of cubic polycrystalline aggregates quickly and nondestructively [1–3]. It is known that all polycrystalline materials have some degrees of texture and, when texture is present, the materials are anisotropic, usually weakly orthotropic for rolled plates or sheets. The principle of ultrasonic characterization of texture is to infer texture by sensing and determining the material anisotropy.


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Fine particles of soot and smoke from the 20 large wildfires burning east of the Cascades are making the air unhealthy in towns like Prineville, Oregon and Colville, Washington. But the smoke has also traveled farther.
Montana's Department of Environmental Quality said Saturday the air in much of the state was unhealthy to breathe due to particulate pollution. In places in Western Montana including Missoula and Frenchtown, particulate pollution reached very unhealthy levels.
Dan Zumpfe, a Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Missoula, said visibility there was less than 2 miles, and he couldn't see the mountains surrounding the town.
"It's very difficult to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed, because your nose and lungs are getting bothered by the fine particulates in the air. And I think it has a psychological affect on people," he said.
Zumpfe said winds in the upper atmosphere carried smoke east from the Carlton Complex and Mill Caynyon fires in Washington and the Buzzard Complex fire in Oregon. Then, a stable air mass caused the smoke to sink, trapping it in the valleys in Montana and Idaho. Zumpfe said changes in the weather should cause the smoke to start to start to dissipate over the weekend, making it a little easier for people to breathe.
This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.


Pictured last year winning a puck battle against Wellesley, senior winger Connor McNaughton (21) will look to help lead Needham High School varsity boys hockey to a successful season in 2020-2021. Photos by Mike Flanagan.
By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Needham High School boys varsity hockey will look for a big bounce-back year in 2020-2021 after missing the Division I state tournament last season.
To do so, the Rockets will need to overcome the adversity of playing through the COVID-19 pandemic. A multitude of rule changes - such as a socially-distanced bench area, no locker rooms, wearing a mask at all times and not playing in front of fans - will require a lot of adjustment. The biggest change, however, will be playing a condensed Bay State Conference-only schedule with no postseason, washing away the ultimate goal of a state championship for all teams competing this winter. Nevertheless, the Rockets are eager to take to the ice and try to win some hockey games throughout the coming months.
Leading Needham in 2020-2021 will be a trio of senior captains: center Chris Kajunski, defenseman Jake McGrath and right winger Charlie Stevens. Two more notable returns from the senior class include defenseman Ty McGovern and right winger Connor McNaughton.
"One of our goals due to the loss of the state tournament is to obviously beat Wellesley," said McNaughton when asked about his team's general goals for this unprecedented season. "We have a great group of guys coming up from JV and we have a lot of talent coming back from last year. Our main goal is to go undefeated and really just to show the league that we aren’t the same team from last year."
A key part of any hockey team's success is good goaltending. McNaughton says he and his teammates are confident that junior Ollie Lamadieu will excel as the last line of defense in 2020-2021.
"One main key part of our success will be Ollie Lamadieu," said McNaughton. "Ollie has been on the team the past two years and has been a great goalie."
Not playing in front of fans will also be difficult, but McNaughton says that he and his teammates are ready and willing to adjust to the MIAA's rule changes to combat COVID-19.
"Playing in front of limited or no fans rule will be difficult because we love our fans," said McNaughton. "But, everything else will not be an obstacle to our path to an undefeated season."
For funny and incisive sports analysis as well as video highlights of games, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter and Instagram handles @flano0.


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Developer CD Projekt has confirmed that its new Gwent Way of the Witcher expansion will be arriving on PC, iOS and Android platforms next month unavailable to play from December 8th, 2020 onwards. Adding additional tactics to the free to play Witcher-themed card game Gwent. Check out the teaser trailer below to learn a little more about what you can expect from the 70 new cards.
“In a world plagued by horrors and monstrosities, humanity desperately needed a new type of weapon to turn back the tide,” scene-sets CD Projekt. “Created by ingenious Alzur, witchers – professional monster slayers of exceptional strength, speed, and agility – were tasked to end the threat once and for all…Some of them were destined to become the legendary heroes and protectors of humanity. Others the very thing they were supposed to fight…”.
“From mighty wizards, to terrifying mutants; from skilled witchers to bloodthirsty monsters; and beyond, with iconic locations, as well as all new special cards — Way of The Witcher adds 10 cards per faction, as well as 10 neutral cards, all ready to reinforce any deck.”
The new card additions revolve around the various Witcher schools, offering 10 specific to each of the game’s six factions, together with 10 neutral cards for use across all factions.
Source : Gwent
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domain: game


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Communal irrigation systems known as acequias that have sustained farming villages in the arid southwestern United States for centuries are struggling because of dwindling snowmelt runoff and social and economic factors that favor modernism over tradition, a Dartmouth College study finds.
The results reflect similar changes around the world, where once isolated communities are becoming integrated into larger economies, which provide benefits of modern living but also the uncertainties of larger-scale market fluctuations. The study appears in the journal Global Environmental Change.
A PDF of the study is available on request.
Acequias evolved in the Middle East and Roman Empire and were introduced into the Americas by Spanish colonizers in the early 1600s. The term acequia refers to both communities of farmers as well as engineered irrigation canals that carry snowmelt-driven runoff to farm fields as a way for the agricultural communities to share a scarce resource in arid regions. The acequias system, which is common in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, provides a model of communal ownership that governs water rights, distribution, disputes and other issues.
Dartmouth Assistant Professor Michael Cox, the study's author, examined the acequias of the Taos Valley in northern New Mexico. He found the acequias are declining in terms of their agricultural productivity and have mostly lost their common property-based livestock pasturing system. The changes stem from a declining amount of snowmelt and a host of socio-economic factors, many resulting from population growth in the nearby city of Taos. The factors include state-level public policies that grant private water rights to individuals, which conflicts with the acequias' water sharing traditions; newcomers who are increasing demand for what water remains; increased tourism and land use development; and declining reliance on traditions in favor of modern, highly integrated economies.
Researchers typically focus on successful examples of community-based common-pool resource management systems, but Cox's study, which used a mix of interview, survey, remote sensing and census data, is among the few to explore the deterioration of such systems.
"While some of these changes can be attributed to declines in water availability, much of the change results from social drivers, including demographic changes, regional-to-global market forces and public policies," Cox says. "It thus seems quite unlikely that the acequias in Taos will return to their historical situation, meaning the acequia farmers must adapt to the current conditions."
Professor Cox is available to comment at Michael.E.Cox@dartmouth.edu.
The research was supported by the National Science Foundation.
Broadcast studios: Dartmouth has TV and radio studios available for interviews. For more information, visit: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~opa/radio-tv-studios/
John Cramer | EurekAlert!
Northern bald ibises fit for their journey to Tuscany
21.08.2015 | Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
Boreal forests challenged by global change
21.08.2015 | International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
A University of Oklahoma astrophysicist and his Chinese collaborator have found two supermassive black holes in Markarian 231, the nearest quasar to Earth, using observations from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
The discovery of two supermassive black holes--one larger one and a second, smaller one--are evidence of a binary black hole and suggests that supermassive...
A team of European researchers have developed a model to simulate the impact of tsunamis generated by earthquakes and applied it to the Eastern Mediterranean. The results show how tsunami waves could hit and inundate coastal areas in southern Italy and Greece. The study is published today (27 August) in Ocean Science, an open access journal of the European Geosciences Union (EGU).
Though not as frequent as in the Pacific and Indian oceans, tsunamis also occur in the Mediterranean, mainly due to earthquakes generated when the African...
In mountainous regions earthquakes often cause strong landslides, which can be exacerbated by heavy rain. However, after an initial increase, the frequency of these mass wasting events, often enormous and dangerous, declines, in fact independently of meteorological events and aftershocks.
These new findings are presented by a German-Franco-Japanese team of geoscientists in the current issue of the journal Geology, under the lead of the GFZ...
Bacteria do not cease to amaze us with their survival strategies. A research team from the University of Basel's Biozentrum has now discovered how bacteria enter a sleep mode using a so-called FIC toxin. In the current issue of “Cell Reports”, the scientists describe the mechanism of action and also explain why their discovery provides new insights into the evolution of pathogens.
For many poisons there are antidotes which neutralize their toxic effect. Toxin-antitoxin systems in bacteria work in a similar manner: As long as a cell...
It comes when called, bringing care utensils with it and recording how they are used: Fraunhofer IPA is developing an intelligent care cart that provides care staff with physical and informational support in their day-to-day work. The scientists at Fraunhofer IPA have now completed a first prototype. In doing so, they are continuing in their efforts to improve working conditions in the care sector and are developing solutions designed to address the challenges of demographic change.
Technical assistance systems can improve the difficult working conditions in residential nursing homes and hospitals by helping the staff in their work and...
20.08.2015 | Event News
20.08.2015 | Event News
19.08.2015 | Event News
28.08.2015 | Physics and Astronomy
28.08.2015 | Health and Medicine
28.08.2015 | Life Sciences


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Charlotte Once Minted Its Own Coins And They're Worth A Lot Now
Charlotte is known for its banks but in some circles, it's known for its actual money. The gold coins that Charlotte's mint produced in the mid-19th century are desirable.
"When you're a coin collector, you don't worry sometimes the value. It's just desirability," coin collector Jerry Sajbel, who runs the Charlotte Coin Club, said. "Like you show it to somebody and they say, 'How much do you want for that?' 'Oh, it's in my collection. It's not for sale.'"
Early American copper coins are more Sajbel's thing, but he knows just how much people value the Charlotte gold coins with the distinctive "C" mint mark.
To understand why, we have to go back in time. In the early 1830s, North Carolina's gold rush was in full swing, but turning that gold into currency was hard.
"All you could do was send your gold up to Philadelphia because that was the only mint and shipments were risky because of thievery en route — stage coaches getting robbed," explained Sajbel. "There were certain shipping costs you had to pay. You could be paid at a lower rate, or [there were] long wait times for reimbursements to get paid back by the government."
The Bechtler Mint, a private mint, opened to fill the gap. But then on March 3, 1835 — 184 years ago Sunday — President Andrew Jackson signed into law a bill that created the first mint branches and Charlotte was one of the three cities to get one.
It stood on West Trade and Mint streets. The mint started producing gold coins in 1838, but not anywhere near the levels of Philadelphia's mint. Scarcity increases a coin's value.
For example, take the year 1857. Sajbel said Charlotte's mint produced $13,280, whereas Philadelphia's made $775,000.
"So if you look at a low grade, the 1857 [Philadelphia] dollar is worth about $250 and the Charlotte is worth about $1,350," Sajbel said.
The Civil War began and the Confederacy took over the Charlotte mint, turning it into offices and storage space. It never produced U.S. money again.
Today, it's not hard to find coins made in Charlotte, but a complete set is rare.
"There is – and I can say this with anonymity – there is a complete collection of Charlotte gold within a 100-mile radius of here," said Sajbel. "And by complete, it has one coin that hardly any collections have."
In 1849, the Charlotte mint produced a dollar coin that was just a bit different than most of its run – one with an open wreath pattern. Sajbel knows of only five of them and estimates it would now go for about $700,000 alone.
Don't ask who has it. If he told you, Sajbel said, he'd have to maim you.
Copyright 2019 WFAE

domain: hobby


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White House Unveils Tax, “Human” Infrastructure Plan
In remarks before a joint session of Congress on April 28, President Joe Biden unveiled his American Families Plan (AFP). The AFP is a $1.8 trillion package of individual and family related proposals to build “human” infrastructure. It would be paid for with a number of tax increases and increased IRS enforcement.
On the tax side, the AFP would:
- Raise the top individual tax rate to 39.6 percent from 37 percent.
- Increase the top individual capital gains and dividends tax rate from 20 percent (23.8 percent when including the 3.8 percent net investment income tax) to 39.6 percent (or 43.4 percent when including the net investment income tax) for households that earn more than $1 million annually. (The nonpartisan Tax Foundation has explained what the investment tax burden would be in each state when combined with the higher federal levy. Read its analysis here.)
- Repeal stepped-up basis, a provision that allows family-owned businesses to pass their company on to the next generation when a founder dies without incurring a significant tax burden based on the capital gains accumulated during the founder’s lifetime. (Read more about the impact of this proposal here.
The National Association of Manufacturers has created a portal that employers can use to send a letter to lawmakers asking them to vote against these tax increases, which would affect family-owned businesses. MSCI urges its members to use this tool, which can be found here.
For taxpayers who pay through the individual rate tax system, the White House said tax bills would rise for couples who earn more than $509,000 a year and individuals who earn more than $453,000.
As a reminder, MSCI’s tax advocacy principles ask that policymakers:
- Ensure a globally competitive North American manufacturing industry by reducing, not increasing, the tax burden on members of the U.S. metals industry;
- Ensure the 28 million businesses that pay their federal taxes through the individual income tax code are treated equitably and fairly;
- Ensure the tax code does not benefit certain individuals, businesses, or industries over others;
- Allow U.S. companies that have a global footprint to bring back their overseas profits without double taxation; and
- Put in place permanent policies that foster certainty and avoid temporary fixes that breed business and individual taxpayer anxiety.
Read more here.
On the spending side, President Biden’s plan would:
- Provide workers with a total of 12 weeks of guaranteed paid parental, family, and personal illness leave;
- Create a $39 billion program that provides two years of subsidized tuition for students from families earning less than $125,000 who are enrolled in four-year historically Black colleges and universities or other minority-serving institutions;
- Provide up to $1,400 in additional assistance to low-income students by increasing the Pell Grant award;
- Invest $109 billion to make two years of community college free;
- Provide families with more aid to pay for child care and bring child care workers’ wages up to $15 an hour;
- Invest $200 billion in universal preschool;
- Expand the child tax credit until 2025 and make it fully refundable permanently (families with children under the age of six would receive $3,600 per child while those with children between the ages of six and 17 would receive $3,000); and
- Make the enhanced earned income tax credit permanent.


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JENNINGS CO., Ind. (WHAS11) – A former Indiana officer is on the other side of the law after her arrest on Sept. 12.
Brandy Blevins, 43, is accused of stealing from the evidence room of the North Vernon Police Department where she was a detective.
An investigation began in February when the department found some discrepancies during a routine audit. That is when Blevins resigned.


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Find local Tennis groups in Albany, New York and meet people who share your interests. Join a group and attend online or in person events.
At PlayYourCourt, we give you everything you need to play more tennis and improve your game! Join our group to get connected to your local tennis scene, meet new practice partners, play fun & competitive matches in our flexible Challenge League, or even take lessons with our top-rated coaches on your local court.
Connect with people who share your interest in Tennis in Facebook groups.
Paul started a community tennis association, public tennis programs and the Central Ohio Jr USTA Team Tennis League, created "Tennis Industry Magazines" 2003 top rated country club tennis program in America, helped the New Albany students launch and organize middle and high school tennis teams and, in 2005, built the New Albany Tennis Center, to provide an affordable and high-quality indoor tennis academy for all of Central Ohio.
I am offering private tennis lessons, semi-private tennis lessons, group tennis lessons and hitting only sessions for all ages (kids, teens, adults, seniors) and all skill levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced). I teach tennis lessons here locally in the Albany area.
More Albany Tennis Groups images
At PlayYourCourt, we give you everything you need to play more tennis and improve your game!Join our group to get connected to your local tennis scene, meet new practice partners, play fun & competiti
Find groups in Albany, USA that host online or in person events and meet people in your local community who share your interests. ... PlayYourCourt Albany Tennis.
Faster riders average between 25 and 30 km/h The middle group, between 20 and 25 km/h The slower, group just under 20 km/h Click image find out more on Facebook. Emu Point Sporting Club Located at Emu Point, 7km east of Albany town, offering members and visitors Lawn Bowls and Tennis facilities as well as a fully equipped Kitchen, well stocked Bar, Table Tennis and Pool tables.
Tennis: Private and Group Instruction Available - Albany, CA - The rules of replying: Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions.

domain: sports


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Syncline and Anticline. C West Publishing These diagrams show the affect of plunge on the fold axis. Block diagram of an Anticline and Syncline.
recognise a variety of geological structures, especially faults and plunging or The block diagrams below show that on a geological map, synclines and. Anticlines and Synclines; Plunging Anticlines and Synclines; Basins and Domes.
What are anticline block diagram syncline block diagram. Anticlines and Synclines; Plunging Anticlines and Synclines; Basins and Domes.
What are anticline block diagram syncline block diagram. Syncline and Anticline.
C West Publishing These diagrams show the affect of plunge on the fold axis. Block diagram of an Anticline and Syncline.Syncline · is a series of down-arched strata with limbs dipping inwards in opposite directions towards the fold axis--an eroded surface indicates the rocks become progressively older away from the fold axis. Folds on Block Diagrams Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an anticline with key components labeled.
First, observe that the anticline is symmetrical; both limbs dip the same amount, but in opposite directions. In a way, you can consider fold limbs to be two sets of inclined strata which dip in different.
An anticline which plunges at both ends is termed a doubly plunging anticline, and may be formed from multiple deformations, or superposition of two sets of folds. It may also be related to the geometry of the underlying detachment fault and the varying amount of displacement along the surface of that detachment fault.
Faults, Folds, Outcrop Patterns and Geologic Maps I. Properties of Earth Materials When rocks are subjected to differential stress the resulting build-up in strain can cause deformation.
Syncline and Anticline. C West Publishing Company.
This diagram depicts an adjacent ANTICLINE and SYNCLINE with their representative FOLD AXIS and AXIAL PLANES.Geologic Structures and DiagramsAnticline - Wikipedia
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Police have launched investigations into a suspected criminal cartel that has been swindling Kenyans of their money with fake promises of meeting Deputy President William Ruto.
Police investigating cartel conning Kenyans using DP Ruto's name
The new development comes after a woman identified as Jane Wangui was arrested for obtaining money from 100 boda boda operators in Nyeri County under the guise of a meeting with the DP.
Jane was arraigned in court on Thursday to answer to the charges of obtaining money under false pretenses and was later released on a Sh500,000 bond when she denied the charges.
According to residents, Jane collected at least Sh1,000 from the 100 unsuspecting victims promising that they would be ferried to DP Ruto's Karen residence on December 31, 2019.
On the day of the alleged meeting, the victims were supplied with t-shirts after they assembled for transport logistics, however, the trip was not to be after the organizers failed to turn up. Jane was arrested as the prime suspect.
Chief Magistrate Wendy Kagendo set January 13 as the date for hearing Wangui's case.
Isiolo residents conned in DP Ruto scam
Police suspect that Jane may have been part of a cartel that also conned 210 residents in Isiolo County with a similar ploy.
The group of 210 community influencers fell victim to a conman identified as Peter Mwangi who had promised to organize a meeting for them to discuss the BBI report with Ruto.
Mwangi allegedly told the residents that each was required to contribute Sh2,300 each to cater for transport and t-shirts.
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A man walks past a Toyota Motor Corp logo at the company's showroom in Tokyo, Japan June 14, 2016. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
TOKYO - 12 October 2017: Toyota Motor Corp is aiming to halve the number of car models it sells at home by 2025, a person briefed on the matter said - the second time this month that a Japanese automaker has emerged with plans to sharply scale back in a shrinking domestic market.
Car sales in Japan have been on a declining trend for more than two decades as the population rapidly ages and young people are losing interest in car ownership. At the same time, global automakers are increasingly focusing their R&D efforts on electric cars and self-driving technologies.
Toyota offers about 60 car models in Japan, where consumers clamor for variety. But it aims to gradually cut that to about 30 by 2025 to make better use of resources, the person said, declining to be identified as he was not authorized to speak on the matter.
But even halved, the new domestic model portfolio would still beat the 25 models available in North America, Toyota’s biggest market.
The plan comes on the heels of Honda Motor Co Ltd’s announcement last week that it aims to end production at a domestic factory by 2022, cutting output in Japan by 24 percent to focus on electric cars and other technologies.
Toyota spokeswoman Akiko Kita declined to comment on product plans but said the company was pursuing a number of strategies to maintain sales of at least 1.5 million Toyota-branded vehicles annually in Japan. It currently sells around 1.6 million a year.
The domestic line-up for Japan’s No. 1 automaker includes the popular Prius gasoline hybrid and the Aqua compact hatchback, versions of which are also available overseas. It also sells lower-volume models, including the Premio sedan, that are often derivatives of other models.
“As Toyota begins to develop EVs for markets including China, Europe and the United States, they will likely focus on making models which can be sold both at home and abroad,” said Yoshiaki Kawano, manager of Japan/Korea vehicle sales forecasts at IHS Automotive.

domain: economics


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GANGNEUNG, South Korea – As the world's top disabled athletes competed on ice and snow, Erica Mitchell steered through her own obstacle course on Pyeongchang's narrow and uneven streets.
The 31-year-old from Chicago was one of many people with disabilities who spoke to The Associated Press this week about accessibility problems at the Paralympic Games in South Korea's rural east, despite what organizers described as a "perfectly" organized event that provided the "highest level" of access.
"I felt like my walker was on waves," laughed Mitchell, an accomplished women's sled hockey player who came to the games as a spectator. "There were other people with crutches and they were struggling to walk because of uneven surface. Some of the (sidewalk) stones were falling out —that wasn't the best."
With the Pyeongchang Games coming to an end with Sunday's closing ceremony at the soon-to-be-demolished Olympic Stadium, South Korea now faces questions about legacy.
Officials had said the Paralympics will help transform one of the nation's poorest and most underdeveloped areas into a safer and more accessible place for disabled people. That would be a meaningful statement in a country where, even in richer areas like ultra-modern Seoul, the disabled continue to face what critics say amount to social segregation. Inaccessibility to quality education and jobs and even basic functions such as transport has made it extremely difficult for many to maintain lives outside of institutions.
But to many of the disabled visitors at Pyeongchang and nearby Gangneung, which hosted the hockey and curling events, the games felt like a missed opportunity.
Their long list of complaints illustrated a harsh space for people dependent on devices like wheelchairs, crutches and prosthesis:
Cramped and bumpy sidewalks; poorly-designed curb cuts; steep stairs; remote bus stops; tiny bathrooms; absence of handrails or back support on toilets; narrow and steep ramps; steps in front of stores; small doorways; clogged pathways; lack of tables and chairs at traditional floor-seating restaurants.
"Not one thing has been comfortable," said Lee Tae-shik, 63, as he waited for a game outside the Gangneung Hockey Center. Lee, who traveled from the western port city of Incheon with his wife, has been using a wheelchair since 1988 when an injury impaired his legs. He talked about the difficulty of moving between Pyeongchang and Gangneung, the far-flung bus stops, the exhausting trips up the steep slopes where the stadiums were.
South Korea has spent about $13 billion on the Olympics and Paralympics, including millions of dollars to redesign dozens of public bathrooms with ramps and handrails. Kim Sung-soo, a 54-year-old Gangneung resident, didn't think the money was well spent. He fumed about the public bathrooms near the stadiums, which he said barely fits conventional wheelchairs but not larger motorized chairs like his.
"Once I get in, there's not enough space for me to turn and move into the stall," said Kim, who lost the use of his legs after contracting polio as a child. "It's been like this for decades — this city never budges for an inch beyond what it's legally required to do when it comes to disabled people. How hard could it be to make bathrooms just a little bit bigger?"
Finding a place to eat can turn into a frustrating adventure.
"We have people with us with spinal cord injuries — they can't get out of their wheelchairs, they can't eat at that restaurant," said Mitchell, who was born with a condition that resulted in an inability to walk without assistance. "Getting into restaurants, no one really has a ramp to help them get in. If there's one step, they can't get in."
She also saw lapses in safety standards among workers, such as transport staff throwing or cramming wheelchairs into buses.
"Not everyone's brakes were working, so wheelchairs were like flying everywhere," she said.
Koo Ja-cheon, an official from Gangwon Province, which governs Pyeongchang and Gangneung, said the games have been a learning process. He said the provincial government will explore ways to use the experience to improve the lives of its disabled residents. Future steps may include strengthening accessibility requirements for buildings and facilities, acquiring more low-floor buses to accommodate wheelchair users and creating more "accessibility maps" for smartphones, he said.
"The games have been an opportunity for us to think about things we never knew or previously never thought about," said Koo. "We used to just walk upright into a restaurant and eat, but now we are thinking about ramps and tables. It will be a matter of getting that different perspective into policy."
Gangwon had offered up to 7 million won ($7,000) each to restaurants and motels to revamp for the Olympics and Paralympics, such as renovating bathrooms and hallways, converting floor-seating to tables and chairs, widening doorways and adding other features to accommodate wheelchair users. But many local businesses refused to make the changes, saying that the money officials were offering wasn't enough. Others questioned why they need to change so much just for a few weeks in February and March.
The places that did make the changes weren't always accessible, according to the Human Rights Forum of Persons with Disabilities in Korea. After reviewing 251 restaurants and motels in Pyeongchang, Gangneung and neighboring Jeongseon that used the government subsidies to renovate from December to January, the forum rated only 94 of them as accessible to wheelchair users. When counting out the places wheelchair users couldn't realistically enter without a helper — because of steep ramps and stairs, narrow doorways and passageways, uneven floors and other obstructions — the number of accessible businesses dropped to 27, according to the forum's report published earlier this month.
Moon Ae-rin, a Seoul-based activist who spent several days at the Paralympics, said South Korea has failed to use the games to make lasting changes that would truly raise awareness of disability rights issues and highlight the bigger role people with disabilities can play in an inclusive society.
Moon, who has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair, is one of the country's most vocal advocates of accessibility rights for the disabled. She has been arrested or thrown off her wheelchair several times during protests at bus terminals and subway stations calling for safer and more accessible transport for disabled people.
In Pyeongchang, she found it insulting that nearly all of the low-floor buses used to transport wheelchair users and other disabled spectators around Paralympic areas were borrowed from the capital Seoul. This likely caused serious inconvenience to disabled people in Seoul who mainly rely on such vehicles amid limited transport options, Moon said. According to Paralympic organizers and Seoul City, 44 of the 48 low-floor buses operating for the games were from Seoul.
"Gangwon didn't want to make permanent changes — all it wanted to do is get through a temporary event," Moon said. "Once the buses leave town, there will not be a single thing left for the area's disabled residents that's good."
Not everyone was unhappy.
Tomoko Inujima, a wheelchair user from Tokyo who came to the games with her husband, said she ran into trouble entering restaurants and stores. However, she said the help from volunteer workers and local residents, who she found attentive and supportive, more than made up for it.
"I am quite satisfied," she said.
Park Mi-ae, a 53-year-old Gangneung resident who came to a hockey game on crutches while recovering from a foot injury, hoped that the experience of accommodating a large number of disabled people and athletes will help make her city a safer and friendlier place for the disabled. The thousands from across the country who volunteered for the games could help initiate changes at their homes too, she said.
"The injury has forced me into the life of a disabled person and I think I am really beginning to understand what they go through," said the school teacher. "The bus stops are always too far. There are not enough automatic doors. The curb cuts are badly done. The steps are too high."
Follow Kim Tong-hyung on Twitter at @KimTongHyung.


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Over the years, we have endeavoured to make positive changes in lives, livelihoods and communities through our work. We are proud to share with you a few of our greatest successes
Age: 18 years, Disability type: 50 percent disability
His mother is doing house hold activity and earning 10000 per month, Deepak is staying with his brother and mother.
During covid as his mother lost job he started working in garage and earning the money to family, so her mother decided to take his admission for the diploma course and train him.
More than 3 years we are giving him speech therapy at our Satara CP rehab center.
10th exam failed hence during covid he was sent to the garange
Anushka Yallappa Gaikwad
3-year-old Anushka had been suffering from a cardiac disorder and was admitted to Tulip Hospital, Pune, for cardiac surgery. We extended our support by providing financial support for her surgery. We are happy to share that she is hale and hearty now.
On August 2, 2016, 29-year-old Sagar Chauhan lost both his legs in a train accident. He was first rushed to Sion Hospital and later transferred to Sancheti Hospital, Pune.
We stepped in and after consulting doctors at Sancheti decided to procure prosthetic legs worth Rs 3.45 lakhs so Sagar could walk again and lead an independent life.
Shivam, the son of a daily wage labourer, now aged 17 years, has been taking treatment for thalassemia for the past 13 years. After his case was brought to our notice by one of his well-wishers, we started taking care of his treatment and medical expenses. He and his family are thankful and express their deep gratitude for easing their financial burden.