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Deer population at potential record high as hunters set sights on 2019 Wisconsin gun season

Paul A. Smith
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Deer browse in a yard as blaze orange hunting clothing airs out in preparation for the 2019 deer hunting season.

Hunters around Wisconsin are preparing to take part in the gun deer season, a tradition that spans nearly the entire period of statehood.

Although each has been unique, the 2019 season may offer an abundance never before seen by hunters: an estimated white-tailed deer population of nearly 2 million.

As such, the Badger State may be home to more whitetails than at any time since the first regulated season in 1851 or even in pre-recorded history, according to deer experts.

"The robustness of the Wisconsin deer population is excellent," said Kevin Wallenfang, Department of Natural Resources deer and elk ecologist, in an interview Thursday aired on WisconsinEye. "In some areas, it’s too excellent. We have a lot of deer on the landscape."

For hunters, the high deer numbers translate to increased opportunity.

For the first time in many years, in 2019 all counties in the state offered antlerless deer permits, an indication deer herds have increased, even in northern Wisconsin.

Last year one area – Iron County – remained a "buck only" zone to help the deer herd recover to a level satisfactory to the local deer advisory council.

Several counties have also added Holiday Hunts this year and extended the archery hunts through the end of January, both signs of increasing deer numbers and efforts to increase deer harvests through added hunting opportunities.

SMITH:Hmong hunter goes out of his way to return lost crossbow

RELATED:Damage from July storms may impact 2019 deer season

Aided by three consecutive mild winters, the white-tailed deer population has generally increased across Wisconsin.
Photo contributed by Randy Crawford.

The nine-day gun deer season, though, remains the most significant event in the framework of Wisconsin deer management, both in terms of participants and number of deer killed.

This year the season runs Nov. 23-Dec. 1.

An estimated 580,000 hunters are expected to take part.

Last year hunters registered 219,715 deer (106,038 bucks,113,675 antlerless deer and 2 unknowns) in the nine-day gun deer season, an 11% increase from the previous year.

Since the last severe winter in Wisconsin in 2013-14, the deer population has been building.

The statewide post-hunt deer populations were 1.09 million in 2014, 1.18 million in 2015, 1.34 million in 2016, 1.38 million in 2017 and between 1.5 and 1.8 million in 2018, according to DNR reports.

The deer population has grown during a period of mild winters and as hunting regulations have failed to meet harvest quotas in the farmland units.

This fall an estimated 1.97 million deer were spread across the state, according to a DNR estimate.

"We are in the neighborhood of all-time record high deer numbers in Wisconsin," Wallenfang said.

SMITH:Hmong hunter finds crossbow, stays at scene, even returns next day to catch appreciative owner

That doesn't guarantee that every hunter will see a deer. As has been true for decades, hunting experiences vary greatly across the state and property types.

One factor of note for 2019 is the Nov. 23 opener, the latest possible starting date for the traditional nine-day season, which begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

The timing of the 2019 hunt, therefore, is likely to have the least amount of rutting activity. The rut, or deer breeding period, typically peaks earlier in November.

That doesn't mean there won't be some bucks following does, of course.

And the overall population is so large that general hunting prospects are very good.

Rules and regulations: The regulations for the 2019 season are nearly identical to 2018.

The few changes are in local areas, such as baiting and feeding bans enacted this fall in Barron, Burnett, Polk and Washburn counties in response to the finding of chronic wasting disease at an elk farm west of Shell Lake.

No baiting or feeding is allowed in more than 50 counties considered "CWD-affected."

In all cases, consult the DNR regulations for the latest rules and regulations.

As a reminder of changes instituted in recent seasons, hunters no longer are required to wear back tags and no longer must take deer to physical registration stations.

But hunters must still possess a valid license and register the animal.

All harvested deer must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after the game is recovered.

Hunters can register deer online at GameReg.WI.Gov or by phone at (844) 426-3734.

Matthew Ammel of Menomonee Falls watches for deer while on a gun deer hunt in Richland County. Photo by Paul A. Smith.

Hunter safety: Last year five non-fatal shooting incidents were recorded during the nine-day gun deer season.

As with most shooting injuries in recent years, the 2018 firearm incidents were either the result of hunters shooting themselves or hunters shooting another member of their hunting party.

Last year continued a long-term trend toward fewer shooting incidents in Wisconsin gun deer hunting seasons, especially since hunter safety education and blaze orange clothing was required decades ago and tactics have changed to include more stationary hunting in elevated stands and fewer deer drives.

But even one firearm-related injury is too many.

To help prevent shooting incidents, hunter safety experts recommend the following:

  • Follow the cardinal rules (TAB-K) of firearm safety: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; Always point the muzzle in a safe direction; Be certain of your target and what's beyond it; Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
  • Plan your hunt and hunt your plan. Hunters have to know where they are going and when they'll be back. Tell someone where you'll be hunting and when you plan to be done.
  • Wear legal blaze orange or fluorescent pink. At least half of the outer clothing hunters wear above the waist must be a regulated safety color. A hat, if worn, must be at least half blaze orange or pink.
  • Follow safe practices when using a tree stand, including a full-body harness and maintaining three points of contact (two hands and one foot, for example) when climbing or descending.

CWD: Since it was first detected in Wisconsin in three deer killed near Mt. Horeb during the 2001 hunting season, chronic wasting disease has continued to spread in geographic area and increase in prevalence in the Badger State.

In 2002, ramped-up statewide testing found CWD in four Wisconsin counties, according to the DNR.

In 2019, 34 counties have had at least one CWD-positive deer, either wild or captive.

The disease is fatal to deer and elk; no cure is known. Although it has not been found to cause illness in humans or livestock, health experts advise people to not consume meat from a CWD-positive animal.

Charles Pickhardt of Madison prepares a deer for chronic wasting disease testing at a CWD sampling kiosk in Spring Green.

Free CWD-testing of hunter-killed deer is available in Wisconsin. More than 150 sampling sites and self-service kiosks are available to hunters this year. Visit for a map or list of the sites.

The DNR has a goal of testing 21,000 deer for CWD this year.

Also, the DNR has a map and list of more than 75 dumpsters or other disposal sites that will accept deer carcasses. To help reduce the spread of infectious material, state officials encourage hunters to deposit their deer carcasses at one of the sites.

A map and list is located at

Licenses: A Wisconsin gun deer license costs $24 for state residents. Depending on where you plan to hunt, you may also get several additional free antlerless deer tags.

Moreover, hunters may purchase additional antlerless tags for certain counties, if desired.

To purchase a license, visit or visit a local retailer.

Collared deer: Biologists fitted 548 deer in Grant, Iowa, and Dane counties with GPS-enabled radio collars for a five-year mortality study called the Southwest Wisconsin Chronic Wasting Disease, Deer and Predator Project.

The purpose of the study is to investigate how factors like predation, disease and hunter harvest affect Wisconsin’s deer herd.

Since it depends on hunters being unbiased, the DNR asks hunters in the study area to treat collared deer like any other deer.

If you harvest a collared deer, call the phone number on the collar so a study crew member can make arrangements to retrieve it.

Learn more about the Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator Study here:

Deer donation: This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Wisconsin deer donation program.

Since the program began, hunters have donated 92,000 deer and 3.7 million pounds of venison, according to the DNR.

In celebration of the 20-year milestone, hunters who donate deer this season will receive a free ballcap while supplies last.


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Balancing Two Roles At A Time For A Project Was A Big Challenge Says Bolo Hau Actress Jahnavi Dhanrajgir

Mumbai: Known as film editor Jahnavi Dhanrajgir is all set to make her acting debut as the female lead in Bolo Hau.

In ‘Bolo Hau’, Jahnavi will be seen playing the role of Rukhsar who is a young, vivacious girl of today and although born into conservative nawab family, she’s a strong person with a mind of her own.

Before her acting debut, Jhanavi has worked as an assistant editor on super hit Bollywood movies like Sultan, Gunday and Kick.

In Bolo Hau, Jahnavi is paired opposite Ankit Rathi, who has appeared in films like 3 Storeys and Fukrey.

In a recent interaction with The Prevalent India, Jhanavi shared about her biggest challenge she faced during the project is playing two role’s, as a film editor as well as an actor.

Also Read: Doordarshan’s Darcy’s Daughter, Jahnavi Dhanrajgir To Debut In Bolo Hau

Tell us something about the character youre playing in Bolo Hau?

Rukhsar is a young, vivacious girl born into a conservative Nawab family. She has a mind of her own and isnt afraid to hold her ground and stand for what she believes in. She is strong, sensitive, and kind – thats what I found most attractive about her character.

Bolo Hau is your debut film, how is the feeling?

It’s rather overwhelming, I’m nervous and excited, it’s a cocktail of emotions right now. I don’t think it’s properly sunk in yet, so I’m just doing what I need to do and taking it one step at a time. I just hope people enjoy watching the film as much as we enjoyed making it.

You started your career as a film editor. What made you step in for acting?

Acting is something I have always loved and kept in touch with. I decided to give acting a proper shot because I realised I would live to regret it if I didn’t. I mean, maybe it’ll work out, maybe it won’t, but either way, I’d know that I tried with all my heart and sincerity and that’s what’s important. I don’t want to look back on my life with a bunch of what-ifs.

What was your biggest challenge while working on the project?

I’m both the actor and the editor of the film, so balancing the two roles was rather challenging. I was constantly switching between the two – I don’t enjoy watching myself in general and I was worried that that would hinder my performance as an editor and that I’d lose the objective perspective needed for the job. I remember the first day I sat on the edit table – I procrastinated the entire day, drank way too many coffees and then finally gathered my courage and started; the switch came with surprising ease and I enjoyed both processes thoroughly.

How was your experience working with your father Tarun Dhanrajgir?

We worked very closely on this project from start to finish; it was good seeing him in action. He’d only respond to me on set if I referred to him as TarunJi or Director Saab! He’s got a solid vision of how he wants things to be and it was exciting being a part of the process of bringing that vision to life in the best way possible. I’m grateful that he trusted me with this.

Tell us something about your co-star Ankit Rathi, how was your experience?

Ankit will always have a special place in my heart because he’s my first ever co-star. He’s a wonderful, generous and very supportive co-actor and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.

Also Read: Mohammad Irfan Of Murder 2 And Kick Fame Lends His Voice To Bolo Hau’s Title Track

Bolo Hau, directed by her father Tarun Dhanrajgir will have a theatrical release in January 2021. The actress has already signed a web series, for which her shoot begins early next year.

Follow us on TwitterInstagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.

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Interview With Author Regan Ure

What is your favorite writing and reading genre?

Reading but writing feeds my soul.

Where and how did you get your idea for your books?

I like to write the type of stories I like to read.

If a movie or TV show would be created for your books, which

actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead roles for you

I'm not sure. It's not something I've ever thought about.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I started writing for fun on a free website.

How did you get your book published? How long did it take for you to get it published?

I self published my books. My stories did very well on a free writing website so I decided to publish them. It usually takes me a few months to get a book published. It usually depends on my editor's schedule.

Do you ever get writer's Block? If so, which book did you get the

worst while writing?

Yes all the time. Destined the third book in the Forever series. I'm still busy with it.

What is the average time for you to write a book?

2-3 months

For your own reading, do you prefer kindle or paperback books?

How are the covers made for you book?

I have a professional designer who does my covers. I sometimes have an idea of what I want and she makes it happen. She is truly talented.

What advice would you give writer wannabes and future/young authors?

Believe in yourself and keep writing.

What do you do during your free time, how do you relax?

I love to read.

#ReganUre #Interviews #AuthorInterviews

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Methadone was first synthesized in Germany in the 1930s in an effort to find better alternatives to morphine. By the 1960s, methadone treatment was popularized for its efficacy at treating heroin addiction. While individuals can become addicted to methadone, its use as an addiction treatment medication is still warranted today.

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is a synthetically produced pain medication that predominantly activates the mu subtype of opioid receptors in the brain. Opioids are a drug class that includes heroin, fentanyl, codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone, among many others. Opioid receptors can be activated by various means. Natural chemicals like endorphins can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters that activate these receptors and opioids from external sources can either activate or deactivate these receptors.

Background and History

Methadone has a long history beginning in the 21st century. It was first developed in the 1930s by a team of German scientists who sought to find an alternative to morphine that would have similar pain-relieving properties, but not lead to addiction. By World War II, morphine and other pain medications were in short supply. Thus, Germany began synthesizing methadone again to fill this pharmacological void.

It was not until the 1960s heroin addiction resurgence in New York City that methadone’s practical utility for treating narcotic addictions was fully realized. By 1964, methadone maintenance treatment was developed to decrease or eliminate heroin use. The overall goal of such maintenance treatments was to “maintain” or prevent withdrawal side effects in people who were addicted to heroin.

In the 1970s, the United States government created regulations for the use of methadone in heroin addiction treatment. In recent years, the government has modified these regulations to increase the efficacy of methadone treatment for opioid addiction.

Methadone for Opioid Addiction

While methadone has historically been used for heroin addiction over other opioids, this has changed in recent years. Methadone has several advantages in the treatment of opioid addiction. Some of these include:

  • Methadone is a legally controlled substance, unlike heroin
  • Methadone prevents opiate withdrawal symptoms
  • Methadone blocks the “high” achieved from heroin and other opioids
  • Methadone decreases cravings for heroin and other opioids

How Methadone Works

How exactly does methadone work? Methadone’s mechanism of action is similar to other opioid receptor agonists. Upon activation, opioid receptors have a role in regulating various normal and pathological processes, including:

  • Pain
  • Addiction
  • Cell proliferation
  • Immune system regulation
  • Obesity
  • Epilepsy
  • Neurodegenerative disorders

After acting on the mu subtype of opioid receptors, methadone stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine and norepinephrine from brain cells. These neurotransmitters are responsible for methadone’s pain-relieving activity and hormonal regulation.

How Can Patients Receive Methadone?

Individuals who desire to stop using heroin or other opioids can receive methadone through a medication-assisted treatment program. Methadone can only be dispensed through opioid treatment programs certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Individuals can also go to certified methadone clinics to receive daily methadone in liquid or pill form. Different countries have their own versions of methadone clinics. Generally speaking, these clinics:

  • Maintain low costs of methadone per dose
  • Have accessible hours (early morning to night)
  • Allow individuals to start treatment without meeting extensive criteria
  • Emphasize that the clinic is a judgment-free area

Methadone Side Effects

Methadone has many reported side effects, though not all individuals will experience them. Some of the most common methadone side effects include:

  • Stomach issues (nausea, vomiting, constipation)
  • Increased sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight gain
  • Alterations in the menstrual cycle (women only)
  • Sexual dysfunction

However, if individuals experience more dangerous side effects, like difficulty breathing, chest pain, mental confusion, fainting or severe dizziness, rash, swelling, hives or heart palpitations, they should consult a medical professional or emergency services immediately.

While the long-term effects of methadone use are not well understood, studies suggest an association with long-term use and decreased cognitive function and memory.

Taking Methadone While Pregnant

Women can safely take methadone while pregnant or breastfeeding. Heroin and other opioids may cause premature birth or miscarriages if a woman suddenly withdraws. Methadone can be used to help counteract uterine contractions that occur due to withdrawal.

Additionally, methadone is not known to cause birth defects. Despite its safety, infants are likely to go through withdrawal symptoms after birth, but only for a short time. Methadone also enters breast milk in small amounts but has not been shown to affect infants negatively.

How Effective Is Methadone?

Relative to detoxification programs, methadone maintenance treatment has been shown to be quite effective, particularly at treating heroin addiction. In a study conducted in 1982, 41% of individuals that received methadone maintenance treatment were no longer addicted to opioids, including heroin, nor were they involved in major crimes. This number was significantly lower in individuals that did not receive treatment (~27%). These results indicate that methadone is an effective treatment for opioid addiction if used properly and under the supervision of licensed medical professionals.

Methadone Safety Guidelines

The extensive amount of research that has been conducted on the use of methadone to treat opioid addiction has shown it to be relatively safe. Licensed medical professionals follow specific methadone treatment guidelines that have been well established since the 1960s. These guidelines include:

  • Individuals must take methadone as prescribed (as methadone can be addictive if misused)
  • Alcohol should not be consumed while taking methadone
  • Use caution while driving or operating machinery and taking methadone
  • If an overdose of methadone is suspected, contact emergency services (911)
  • Store methadone in a safe place away from light and not easily accessible by children
  • Dispose of unused methadone by flushing it down the toilet
  • Be aware that methadone may interact with other medications

Methadone Administration Guidelines

Strict federal guidelines are in place for the administration of methadone. Individuals are administered methadone gradually and weaned off of it slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms. In a study conducted in 2005, higher methadone doses (50–150 milligrams) were more effective at curbing cravings for heroin. Thus, licensed medical professionals aim to provide 60–100 milligrams of methadone daily to “maintain”  individuals with opioid addiction. After a period of 6–12 months of methadone use, individuals may have their methadone doses lowered gradually as part of their medication-assisted treatment program.

Resources on Methadone

For more information and facts on methadone treatment for opioid addiction, please see the following resources:

How The Recovery Village Uses Methadone

The Recovery Village offers medication-assisted treatment programs at some of our facilities. Reach out to a representative today to find out if a facility near you offers methadone-assisted treatment or similar programs for opioid addiction.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.


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‘Bafana Bafana does not need a good coach‚’ says Jomo Sono

Jomo Sono believes his one-time national team-playing prodigy Benni McCarthy is ready to coach Bafana Bafana‚ but has to be “surrounded by the right people”.

Jomo Sono of Jomo Cosmos during the SPAR Proteas arrival press conference at OR Tambo International Airport on July 23, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Image: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Clive Barker gave McCarthy his international debut in a friendly against the Netherlands in 1997‚ but it was Sono who threw caution to the wind and gave the 20-year-old striker game time at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana reached the final and McCarthy was joint-top scorer.

Now in his second season as a head coach‚ at Cape Town City‚ 41-year-old McCarthy has been mentioned as a front-runner to replace Stuart Baxter‚ who resigned at the beginning of this month‚ in the Bafana hotseat.

The big question mark is whether McCarthy – who has won a trophy and reached a final (both in the MTN8)‚ and steered City to fifth and fourth in the league – has the experience for a job infamous for chewing up coaches.

“Everybody is ready.

“But Bafana Bafana does not need a good coach.

“You need a person who has got good principles‚ who feels it when this country loses‚” Sono said.

“Like some of us‚ who are even scared to watch [Bafana]. Because my life is football. And when you see the national team going that way … .

“I’ve been there [Bafana coach] four times. And I strongly believe that he [McCarthy] is ready. But it all depends on who’s around him.

“If he’s got the wrong people he’s going to sink. Like Pitso [Mosimane] and all of them – they all sink.

“Because the national team is not the same as club level. [For Bafana] you’re meeting players from different cultures‚ players who have got their own mind‚ players based in Europe with a different mentality and so forth.

“So he can be ready. But it depends whose around him.”

The example of Senegal’s former playing international and now coach‚ Aliou Cisse‚ has been raised in favour of the argument for McCarthy as Bafana coach already.

Cisse was 38 when he was appointed Senegal coach in early March 2015‚ having only previously coached that country’s U-23 team for three years‚ and at 43 has steered the Lions of Teranga to the 2018 World Cup and last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

The coach whose team‚ Algeria‚ beat Senegal‚ Djamel Belmadi‚ is 43 and also a former international.

McCarthy achieved the highest coaching qualification‚ the Uefa Pro Licence‚ in November 2018.

By: Marc Strydom – TimesLIVE

Source: TMG Digital.

Leave a Reply


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ZemZem raises 1.2 bln in subscribed capital

CBE’s interest free banking deposits reaches 25 bln birr

Months after it started selling its shares, ZemZem Bank – which is to be the first recognized full-fledged Islamic banking institution – has managed to raise more than 600 million birr in paid-up capital, and has registered a subscribed capital of 1.2 billion birr, The Reporter has learnt.

The bank received its licence from the central bank back in May, after Prime Minister Abiy’s public announcement, paving the way for the operation of a full-fledged Islamic banking operation in Ethiopia. Even though institutions in the Ethiopian banking sectors have been providing interest free banking services for their customers since 2011, no bank was allowed to establish a fully-fledged Islamic bank.

In related news, a number of private banks are expanding their interest free banking services. In this regard, the state-owned Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) alone has managed to increase its interest-free banking customer-base to 2.2 million people.

Moreover, the level of deposit collected by CBE from its interest-free banking customers is reported to have reached 25 billion birr in a short span of time. Just a few years ago, CBE’s deposit was equivalent to the total deposit of seven banks that have an interest free banking window. And two years ago, seven banks have managed to mobilize a total of 20 billion birr from interest free banking.

CBE, in addition to giving the service in its conventional branches, the bank has opened a separate window, dedicated to interest free banking. The Bank also plans to increase its branches to 54.

Currently, CBE has 1,443 windows dedicated to interest free banking.

Ethiopia currently has 16 private and two public banks. As of 2017/18 government’s report, the total capital of these banks has increased by 10 percent, reaching 85.8 billion birr. At the same time, these banks have managed to mobilize 298.2 billion birr in the form of deposit, borrowing and loans.


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Interview With Jack Rosen Of CJR Fine Arts & Frame: 30,000 Pieces Of Art, Resource For Art Lovers And Artists

CJR Fine Arts & Frame has opened a retail gallery and framing facility to expand its already successful wholesale and art publication business.  Interior designers, art lovers in Southeast Florida can peruse over 30,000 pieces of artwork.  Artists and the public can bring art, diplomas, photographs and memorabilia to be professionally framed at wholesale prices.  The Rickie Report shares this in-depth interview with Jack Rosen, which includes helpful information for art lovers and artists as well as his personal story. The Rickie Report emphasizes the importance of networking.  CJR Fine Arts is a testament to that conviction!

CJR Fine Arts & Frame

CJR Fine Arts & Frame
514B North State Road 7
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Tel 561-333-9472

Len Abbott, Rafael Abecassis, Craig Alan, Edward Aldrich, Alexander & Wissotzky, Shlomo Alter, John Alvin, Alexander Antanenka, Bill Anton, Patrick Antonelle, Arbe, Dubi Arie, Andrew Atroshenko, Ari Azene, Edgar Barrios, Parker Beaudion, Howard Behrens, Avi BenSimhon, Gary Benfield, Armin Birkel, Toby Bluth, Alexander Borewko, Charles Lynn Bragg, Romero Britto, Slava Brodinsky, Trevor Carlton, Marc Chagall, Rod Chase, Bruce Cheever, Alexander Chen, James Coleman, Misu Coman, John Costin, Juan Ramirez Cotrino, Tim Cox, Salvadore Dali, Galina Datloof, Brian Davis, Elya DeChino, Daniel Del Orfano, Chris Dellorco, E Denis, Disney, John Duillo, Murray Eisner, Jane Elissa, Harrison Ellenshaw, Peter Ellenshaw, Peter & Harrison Ellenshaw, Nissan Engel, Escotete, Hevda Ferenci, Ferjo, Adam Finli, Sevitt Francis, David Garibaldi, Michael & Inessa Garmash, Vincent George, David Gerstein, Cassandra Gillens, David M Gillespie, Nancy Glazier, Rodel Gonzalez, Lima Groben, Patricia Govezensky, Bruce Greene, Martin Grelle, Lisa Grubb, Harry Guttman, Bracha Guy, Kerry Hallam, Teri Hallman, George Hallmark, G. Harvey, Ed Heck, Manny Hernandez, Abrishami Hessam, Edna Hibel, Bobby Hill, Sergey Ignatenko, Scott Jacobs, Zeng Jianyong, Filho Juarez, Michael Kachan, Isaac Kahn, Raffi Kaiser, Ken Keeley, Michael Kerman, Michael Kerzner, Kimchi, Liudmila Kondakova, Robert Korhonen, Shaul Kosman, Avinoam Kosowsky, Ephrem Kouakou, Anatole Krasnyansky, Mikulas Kravjansky, Heddy Kun, Mike Kungl, Mike Kupka, Hoi Lebedang, Fanch Ledan, Linda LeKinff, Dorit Levi, Inna Livnov, Aldo Luongo, Shawn Mackey, Batia Magal, Yuval Mahler, Isaac Maimon, Tito Mangiola, David Mann, Felix Mas, Peter Max, Alex Meilichson, Anatoly Metlan, Maurice Meyer, Joan Miro, Valter Morais, Esther Myatlov, Adriana Naveh, Leroy Neiman, Noah, Enrique Ortiz, Arkady Ostritski, Nelly Panto, Sam Sung Park, Susan Patricia, Fabian Perez, Robert Peters, Picasso, Daeni Pino, Dimitri Polak, Martin Quen, Lucelle Raad, Yana Rafael, Stephen Reis, Jim Rey, Martin Roberts, Norman Rockwell, Zina Roitman, Natalie Rozenbaum, Michael Rozenvain, Sabzi, Harry Schaare, Shim Schimmel, David Schluss, Jane Wooster Scott, Eugene Segal, Sergon, Borovkov Shtainfeld, Viktor Shvaiko, Kyle Sims, Natalia Sinkovsky, Lena Sotskova, Lois Staples, Zamy Steynovitz, Jeff Surret, Zavaleta Tadeo, Itzchak Tarkay, Dale Terbush, Andy Thomas, Jim Todd, Yuri Tremler, George Tsui, Vintage posters, Vladimir Volegov, Sanford Wakeman, Daniel Wall, Jim Warren, Warner Brothers, Cao Yong, Gholam Yunessi, Alex Zwarenstein, Vintage posters, Religious art, Masters, and Art Books.

“A Night At Montmartre” by Alexander Chen

TRR:  We notice three guitars near your desk, in the midst of this  4, 000 square foot magical showroom filled with art and framing.  Tell us about your interest in the arts.

I was born in the Bronx and raised in New Jersey with a major focus on making music.  I play drums, brass and guitar, still doing gigs with Fat Daddys, a local rock and roll blues band!  We play community events and parties.  Music and scuba diving were my avocations and I just enjoyed being with people.  My brother and I are close and we have always shared an entrepreneurial spirit.

After trying college, I worked in sales, which seemed a natural fit.  In my 20’s, I took a career counseling test which recommended that I focus on aircrafts mechanics…I received a government grant to study at Tetoborough School of Aeronautics and graduated first in my class!  During the first Gulf War, while working for Luca Aerospace, I met Claire. I liked the work but it was not fulfilling.

“Dreaming” by Ferjo

TRR:  Your journey to the Visual Arts had a circuitous route, involving a computer parts manufacturing company, a computer website hosting farm and new-to-the-scene, E-Bay.  Tell us more.

It seems like a circuitous route, but it was part of my life journey.  My avocations, specifically scuba diving around the world, led me establish friendships.  Claire  and I worked for a world wide marketing company and my understanding of how to approach sales led to personal growth. Here is a link to one of the articles I wrote many years ago:

When the economy changed, we decided to move to Florida and start over.  While working as Vice President of a computer manufacturing parts business, I also owned a computer server farm, hosting websites at low rates.  My brother owned a market research company and was an avid art patron.  He called me up one day with a proposal:  He saw 50 signed and numbered prints by Moshe Givati selling on E-Bay for $1. each.  It took him an hour to persuade me to buy half while he bought the other half.

Artwork by Moshe Givati

I put one of the prints back on E-Bay and sold it for $32.  I sold a second one… (This was when E-Bay had only auctions, not as it is now, with ‘buy it now’ and fixed prices)..  I had made my money back and we still had 48 pieces left!  I figured this would be a good thing to do at night while I kept my day job.  Then I sold the internet company and focused on buying and selling artwork.  Throughout that time, I learned more about the artists and gained a deeper understanding about the art world.  I started to attend Park West Auctions and buying artwork via the auctions and other sellers and I would sell it on E-Bay.  I did this for a full year, always putting my profits back into the business.

CJRTarkay a-breif-respite

“A Brief Respite” by Itzchak Tarkay

I went to Art Miami about 16 years ago and met Israeli art publisher and gallerist, Motti Abramovitz.  Motti’s father had discovered world famous artist, Itzchak Tarkay, and was publishing his as well as other artists’ work.  Motti gave me $100,000. worth of original Tarkay art pieces on consignment and I sold them on E-Bay.  At that point, I began buying works of art by other artists and selling those. My perception of art as a marketable item transformed into a love for art and a real appreciation for the creative process.

CJRAndrew-Atroshenko-Baseline “Baseline” by Andrew Atroshenko

TRR:  Do you prefer a certain style or medium of art?

I love photorealism, especially hyper-photorealism:

“On The Plaza” by Estes

TRR:  You’ve gone beyond promoting and selling art. You also publish artwork and sell to other galleries, auction houses and now, to the public. Tell us more about that process.

Meeting people of all walks of life has allowed me to network , not only building friendships, but building my business.  One of our most popular artists is Ferjo.  I approached his publisher and was given carte blanc to sell his masterful works. At the same time, I established relationships with other publishers and began distributing artworks to other galleries and dealers, while selling some myself.  I became the main supplier to Princess Cruise Lines’ art auctions, national fund raising art auctions, and auctioneers but never had a “public face”.

 “What Price Victory” by Jim Todd

TRR:  The obvious question is why open a retail operation now?

We needed to move all of this art out of our house!  Plus, I started publishing some artists myself. After the economic downturn, when many galleries closed, it made sense to Claire and I to sell directly.  People can come directly to the source and can also have pieces of artwork, memorabilia, photos, etc. framed at wholesale pricing.  We still maintain our relationships with galleries, publishers and agents.

“Soho Iron Flats” by Alex Zwarenstein

TRR:  Most artists dream of being represented by an agent or having their work published and sold internationally.  Tell us more about publishing artwork.

Over the years, I have developed an educated eye and a better understanding of what will sell.  Out of 100 artists I meet, only 1 might meet the qualifications for a call back.  There are a few questions I ask each artist, if they meet the criteria of creating good and professional work:

  • Do you have a website?
  • Can we have a good business relationship?
  • Are you coachable? ( If I suggest ideas that are more sealable are you willing to try them?)
  • Are your prices reasonable?  (Prices are based on size)
  • Do you have a large body of work?
  • How quickly do you provide artwork once a piece is sold?

I will make a commitment to purchase monthly inventory in exchange for being their exclusive agent, publisher and marketer.  We publish limited editions as well as prints.

“Timeless Visions” by Pino

TRR:  There is an abundance of art terminology, which often inhibits the person-on-the-street from approaching galleries or artists.

I love speaking with different community groups about the many misconceptions of the art industry, because being better informed = a successful, ongoing relationship with a customer!  Some of the topics I speak about:

  • Is a lower number in a limited edition worth more?
  • What is an “Artist Proof”?
  • What is an “original”?
  • What is a “unique”?
  • Will my artwork increase in value/ What will increase in value?
  • What are the differences between a lithograph, serigraph and giclée?
  • How does hand embellishing affect the value of a giclée?
  • How can you tell if artwork is fake?
  • We represent hundreds of artists and are happy to speak about all of them.  We carry a large number of International artists.

“Making Friends” by Jim Warren

TRR:  Besides framed and unframed art pieces, you sell one of a kind pieces of art glass, sculpture, animation art, Disney Fine Art, art books and posters, vintage posters and sports memorabilia.  Who else do you represent?

We represent over 190 artists.  While some are more well-known, we offer a wide range of subject matter, mediums of artwork and pricing.

  • Ferjo
  • Alex Zwarenstein
  • Juan Cotrino
  • Yana Rafael
  • Alex Antanenka
  • Valter de Morais
  • Gary Benfield

In addition, CJR Fine Arts & Frame offers appraisals of artwork.  We charge by the piece and do not believe that taking a percentage of the value is the proper formula.

Horse And Rider” by Hoi Lebadang

TRR:  In the next article, we will discuss important information about framing.

For more information please visit:

or email:

CJR Fine Arts is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m.

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420


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A group of newly acquainted food writers wandered up the cobbled roads of a Roman hill, presumably toward a Michelin-starred restaurant, in April 2016. Our loose parade extended half a block, whatever that means in Rome. Atop the hill was an architecture firm, in the penthouse of which awaited an eight-course dinner.

I paused for a moment in the middle, by a chalkboard in front of a little bistro. It read, “Kamut Pasta.”

At dinner I sat at the end of a long table with Maureen Fant, an American food writer, and her Roman husband. I mentioned having seen a sign for Kamut pasta. Fant winced, as if I’d said “cockroach” pasta.

“There’s no such thing,” she stated. “I don’t doubt that you can make noodles out of that grain, but it won’t be pasta.”

“Well, I’m from Montana,” I tried to drawl. “We grow a lot of Kamut there. Most of it gets sold to Italy.”

Fant, who had recently co-authored the award-winning “Sauces & Shapes: Cooking Pasta the Italian Way,” was less impressed.

“If it’s pasta, it’s made with grano duro,” she finished, “grano duro” being Italian for durum wheat.

Fant segued into a general discussion on what distinguishes great pasta, including the important point that it be dried slowly, rather than kiln dried. If it’s good pasta it will say so on the package, she asserted.

Pasta family tree
In one of the lulls between courses, I pulled up on my phone a story about Montana farmer Bob Quinn, whose father was given a pint jar of large-grained wheat by an airman friend, who had acquired the grain at a bazaar in Egypt.

It was khorasan wheat, a primitive form of grano duro. The elder and younger Quinns first grew it for fun, but quickly realized it was special. Khorasan wheat has high protein content, is delicious, and didn’t seem to bother people with wheat-related food sensitivities. They named it Kamut, after the ancient Egyptian word for wheat, and began growing it commercially in the ’80s. They also licensed the name: free to anyone who grows true khorasan wheat and adheres to organic farming practices.

Kamut and durum wheat may be the same species, but khorasan is an older subspecies, and perhaps a direct ancestor of grano duro. Khorasan wheat grains are much larger, which is fun. And being grano duro, it makes great pasta. Before long, Quinn was selling most of his Kamut to Italy.

By the time I was up to speed, we were drinking dessert wine and using long forks to spin cookies around a vat of cotton candy fondue, at which point debates on topics like wheat genetics or the true meaning of pasta were off the table. My secret plan to stop at the little bistro with the Kamut pasta for some take-out en route to the hotel was foiled when our fearless leader took a wrong turn. Fant and husband, alas, were long gone — not staying at the hotel, they had driven to the restaurant in their car. I never did get to sample that Roman Kamut.

Kitchen tests
Upon my return to Montana, I began testing what I’d learned, and what I thought I knew, about pasta. I became an avid reader of labels. And sure enough, some brands advertised the meritoriously slow rate at which their pasta dries. Over a period of months I conducted trials, and the slowly dried noodles I tried were consistently superior to the ones that made no such claim. Air-dried pasta is not merely re-hydrated and heated when cooked, but resurrected into living, supple pasta flesh.

Meanwhile, I’d found a box of Eden brand Kamut fusilli, and eagerly brought it home. Alas, it was a caricature of Fant’s doomsday prediction. The grainy noodles were impossible to cook al dente. They went from completely crunchy to starchy and soggy in an instant. Not pasta, in other words.

I consulted the label. Not only were they dried in cold air, but were made with whole grain Kamut, not white semolina. Even I know you don’t do that.

Happily, pasta made from Kamut semolina does exist. Monograno Felicetti, which I found at igourmet.com, bills its pasta as “slow-dried in the fresh air of the high Dolomite mountains.”

The Kamut pasta held its own against the best slow-dried noodles that I’d brought home from Rome, or found during my research since then. It’s very forgiving pasta, and perfectly chewy when cooked al dente. The flavor was so rich and satisfying that it needed little more than some minced garlic, tossed into the pasta with olive oil while the noodles were piping hot.

With cheese and red sauce, and some ground elk, perhaps, it’s worth a galaxy of Michelin stars. That kind of simple recipe made with quality pasta, paired with a chalice of aged vindication, never does get old.


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Cleveland Browns Sign Kareem Hunt Despite Video of Him Assaulting Woman. Kaepernick Still Banned for Kneeling

Illustration for article titled Cleveland Browns Sign Kareem Hunt Despite Video of Him Assaulting Woman. Kaepernick Still Banned for Kneeling
Photo: Adam Glanzman (Getty Images)

In the latest move to prove the NFL is trash, the Cleveland Browns have signed Kareem Hunt, the running back who was released by the Kansas City Chiefs after a video showed him knocking over and kicking a woman.

According to the New York Daily News, Hunt was released by the Chiefs in November after video captured in February appeared to show Hunt in a Cleveland hotel hallway assaulting a woman. Even stranger, Hunt is still on the Commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he’s still not technically in the NFL. But that didn’t stop the Browns from signing the running back. “The league is still investigating the said video, as well as two other incidents in which Hunt allegedly punched a man at a resort and took part in a separate club altercation,” the Daily News reports.

“My relationship and interaction with Kareem since 2016 in college was an important part of this decision-making process but we then did extensive due diligence with many individuals, including clinical professionals, to have a better understanding of the person he is today and whether it was prudent to sign him,” Browns general manager John Dorsey in a statement. “There were two important factors: one is that Kareem took full responsibility for his egregious actions and showed true remorse and secondly, just as importantly, he is undergoing and is committed to necessary professional treatment and a plan that has been clearly laid out.”

“We fully understand and respect the complexity of questions and issues in signing a player with Kareem’s history and do not condone his actions. Given what we know about Kareem through our extensive research, we believe he deserves a second chance but certainly with the understanding that he has to go through critical and essential steps to become a performing member of this organization, aside from what the NFL determines from their ongoing investigation. We fully understand that Kareem is subject to discipline by the NFL. Here at the Browns, there is a detailed plan with expectations laid out that he understands and must follow, because any similar incident will not be tolerated. We will support Kareem through this process and utilize our resources, however permitted, to help him become successful on and off the field as long as he continues to show the commitment necessary to represent this organization.”

For the TL;DR crowd, the statement basically notes that Hunt is a talented running back, so talented that the Browns are willing to take on the PR nightmare in order to try and win more games. Also, the NFL doesn’t care about women.

And Hunt is talented. In 27 games, he’s rushed for 2,151 yards and 15 touchdowns. During his rookie season, he led the NFL with 1,327 rushing yards and was a Pro Bowl selection.

“First off, I would like to once again apologize for my actions last year. What I did was wrong and inexcusable,” Hunt said in a statement. “That is not the man I was raised to be, and I’ve learned a great deal from that experience and certainly should have been more truthful about it after the fact. I’m extremely grateful that John Dorsey, Dee and Jimmy Haslam and the Cleveland Browns organization are granting me the opportunity to earn their trust and represent their organization in the best way possible on and off the field. I am committed to following the necessary steps to learn and to be a better and healthier person from this situation. I also understand the expectations that the Browns have clearly laid out and that I have to earn my way back to the NFL. I’m a work in progress as a person, but I’m committed to taking advantage of the support systems that I have in place to become the best and healthier version of myself.”

Also for the TL;DR crowd: Hunt thanks God that he’s able to outrun his problems and is thankful that he’s only accused of beating a woman because imagine how fucked his life would be had he taken a knee during the national anthem.

Senior Editor @ The Root, boxes outside my weight class, when they go low, you go lower.

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This type of abuse will never go away while we continue to give millions of dollars to men who abuse women. This man’s entire claim to fame is that he can catch a ball and run better than most people on the planet. That doesn’t make him special, except to the people that stand to make millions off of his “talents”. In the grand scheme of things, his contribution to society is approximately zero when he is not beating up women, and less than zero when he is.

It feels ridiculous to have to write this.


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Two Step Long Point Pencil Sharpener

The Blackwing Long Point Pencil Sharpener creates the perfect point using a two-step sharpening process. The sharpener contains two holes, the first to shape the wood and then change to the second to precision sharpen the graphite lead core to a long, fine point. Every sharpener comes with two replacement blades and an automatic brake that prevents over-sharpening. The sharpener features a matt rubberised finish for ease of grip.

A perfect accompaniment for your Blackwing Pencils.

 Material Premium Resin | Steel
Origin Germany
Dimension L x 7cm / H x 3cm


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How NOT to get Justin Bieber to follow you on Twitter :Scam

Do you want Justin Bieber to follow you on Twitter?

Well, chances are that you do.. if you’re a 12 year old girl.

And sure enough, with so many adoring young fans of Justin Bieber around the world, there are scammers looking for an opportunity to make a quick buck.

I’ve made a video of a scam that I’ve seen on Twitter today, which targets fans within seconds of them sending messages to Justin Bieber’s Twitter account:

Video On Youtube

The scam works like this:* Veronica Spud, a fan of Justin Bieber, writes a message for Justin on Twitter saying that she is his biggest fan and she loves his haircut.

* Edwina, an automated bot account set up by scammers, hunts for users referring to @JustinBieber and posts the potential young victim a message:

Who knew that someone as famous as Justin Bieber could be one of your followers, u know.

* Veronica, desperate for Justin Bieber to follow her on Twitter, clicks on the link. Excited at the thought of learning the secret of getting the pint-sized popstar to be their new best friend, they think nothing of launching into an IQ test to learn the password that will unlock the secret.

Justin Bieber Twitter scam landing page

* In the blink of an eye, Veronia is entering her mobile phone number and signing up for a premium rate service that will cost her £4.50 a week – in the belief that it will somehow lead to Justin Bieber following her on Twitter.

Are you sure you want to enter your mobile number?

* Edwina, meanwhile, has helped her scammer overlords earn some commission.

This scam is active right now on Twitter. I’ve told Twitter’s security team about it, so hopefully they can shut it down – but it probably won’t be long before a similar scam pops its head up taking advantage of the rich mine of users acting unsafely.

If you see a message or Twitter user that you think is suspicious, remember you can report the user for sending spam.

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A READING, OR MESSAGE, IS A THREE-WAY COMMUNICATION involving a friend or loved one who is in Spirit, a medium and you. The medium functions as a middleman to relay sights, sounds, and information from those on the Other Side of life to you on the physical plane. Readings can come in several forms:

1. An Individual Session

Personal Readings

2. Galleries, Groups, Circles, Auditoriums

Public Message Demonstrations

There are two important aspects of a reading or message:

1. Evidence, Details, and Validation – Something that furnishes proof or bears witness and supports that the medium is genuinely communicating with your friend or loved one, and

2. The Message – The reason for, and the purpose of, the communication from your friend or loved one.

The process begins with authentication to make sure the link is for you, and to confirm the evidence relayed. In all personal readings and public demonstrations, a good medium strives to give the highest evidence possible that your loved ones are still with you and are very much alive in the spirit side of life.

Then, messages are passed through the medium to you. Information doesn’t come from the medium, the medium is merely the messenger who receives words, signals, and pictures from those in the spirit world.

1 + 2 =


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bush workshop Dec 2020.jpg

A Day in the Bush

for youth

15 Dec 2020, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Come and spend a day in Titirangi bush with Scout Master Ade Zhang. Suitable for 12 - 16 years old.

Mt Eden Village Craft Market

Sat 10 Aug 2019, 10:00am–4:00pm

Visit us for a great selection of locally hand made crafts all beautifully created by our expert crafters.
You're sure to find something unique and exquisite for a gift or for yourself!

picture workshopDec2020.jpg

Healing Portrait - introduction

12 Dec SAT  2020 1:00pm - 4:00pm |

Introductory session: Family and relationship healing via sharing, meditation and art.

Somervell Walking Group

Tue 13 Aug 2019, 9:15am–11:30am

Walking is supposed to be one of the best ways to get fit. Would you like to try this easy form of exercise? If so, you are welcome to give it a go with our Walking Group.

Jewellery Making Classes

Tue 6 Aug 2019, 6:00pm–9:00pm

Come along and try your hand at Jewellery making by signing up for the evening classes! Classes are fun, excellent value and run from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesdays.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin

Photo by Annie Spratt

01 August 2018

The Spreading Tree Retreat is open to bookings

to our retreat

We are launching our new website

01 August 2018

Our locations

We own two accommodation facilities:

The Spreading Tree Retreat (B&B)

E: tstretreat@gmail.com

W: www.tstretreat.com

Tel: +64 276 631 593

36 Kopiko Rd, Titirangi, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand

The Spreading Tree Mt Eden Venue

W: www.thespreadingtree.com

E: thespreadingtree@gmail.com

Tel: +64 09 377 1591

37 Mount Eden Rd, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

© 2018 by The Spreading Tree Accomodations


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6 Action Figures Companies You Need to Know

With the huge variety of action figure brands and licenses currently filling out toy aisles, many new collectors are at a loss regarding the companies actually producing the figures found on store pegs. Other long-time collectors have intense manufacturer loyalties, going so far as to only collect figures from certain companies.

For both these groups, it can help to take a look at the biggest names in action figure manufacturing. The following six companies may not necessarily be the biggest or most well-known, but each of them stands out in the industry for specific reasons. These are the six companies with which every collector should be familiar, and from which every collector should consider buying action figures. It's time to put your unfamiliarity or loyalties aside and take a look at the best the action figure industry has to offer.

  • 01 of 06

    Iron Man toy

    Shaun Wong/Flick/CC By 2.0

    Action figures simply wouldn't exist as they do today if not for Hasbro's influence on the creation of G.I. Joe in the 1960s. Their influence in the industry only grew in the '80s with the re-envisioned G.I. Joe line and the introduction of Transformers.

    On top of the lasting value of its own brands G.I. Joe and Transformers, Hasbro is possibly most recognized for its licensed brands, including Stars Wars and Marvel Comics. Because of these four brands, Hasbro's action figures make up a huge portion of any modern action figure aisle, and this is all on top of their already dominant toy and board game presence.

    Major Lines

    • Captain America Movie
    • G.I. Joe
    • Iron Man Movie
    • Marvel Comics
    • Star Wars
    • Transformers
  • 02 of 06

    Barbie dolls

    ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay/CC By 0

    Mattel may be best-known for its doll phenomenon Barbie, but their presence in the action figure world has been a growing one. Mattel was primarily known among boys as the manufacturer of Hot Wheels until they stepped onto the action figure scene in a big way in the early 1980s with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. He-Man was one of the single most popular figures of that era, and the line thrived for a number of years.

    After He-Man's fall into obscurity, Mattel's influence in the collector action figure world was rather small until recently, with the revamped Masters of the Universe Classics line and the acquisition of the DC Comics, WWE Wrestling, and Ghostbusters licenses. Mattel is once again a major player in the collector action figure industry, taking up their own fair share of toy aisles.

    Major Lines

    • DC Comics
    • Ghostbusters
    • Masters of the Universe
    • WWE Wrestling
  • 03 of 06

    Power Ranger toys

    Russell Davies/Flickr/CC By 2.0

    Bandai may be the biggest toy company of which you've never heard. Behind Mattel and Hasbro, Bandai is the world's third-largest toy manufacturer and has a large presence in the action figure industry as well. The primary difference is that Bandai is a Japanese company, whose influence in the United States is enacted through Bandai America.

    Bandai's single biggest action figure line in the United States is the Power Rangers and its various incarnations. Many of the figures that most collectors ignore as they move through toy aisles are the cartoon and TV show based properties that Bandai thrives on. Despite many brands not taking off with collectors, Bandai's authority has grown recently thanks to the newly acquired ThunderCats license and its star Lion-O.

    Major Lines

    • Ben 10
    • Dragon Ball Z
    • Power Rangers
    • ThunderCats
  • 04 of 06

    McFarlane Toys

    The Walking Dead figurines

    Ricky Brigante/Flickr/CC By 2.0

    Todd McFarlane's popularity in the world of comics in the late 1980s and early '90s helped him launch two major companies, one of which was McFarlane Toys. McFarlane Toys made an impact on the action figure industry which is still being felt in many ways. They were the first to truly make action figures look good. Sculpt and paint techniques were taken to new heights, and that changed the direction action figures took. They finally started to become serious and grown-up.

    The one major criticism of McFarlane Toys' products is that they lacked the standard articulation that kids had become used to. That problem has been remedied with McFarlane's newest products, as can be seen with the widely-popular Halo line based on the hit video game. McFarlane Toys is not as prominent a company as it once was, though its impact is still felt across toy aisles.

    Major Lines

    • Halo
    • Spawn
    • The Walking Dead
    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • 05 of 06

    Terminator toy

    Photo from Amazon.com

    Figures produced by NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) may not be featured heavily in the average big box store's toy section, but their strictly collector-directed figures feature heavily at toy stores and comic shops, as well as online. Despite NECA being a relative newcomer on the action figure scene, it has become a major player thanks to its video game and movie licensed figures.

    The importance of NECA to the industry as a whole can't be underestimated, as its products bring non-collectors into the action figure world. Video game or movie fans who have never purchased an action figure before are suddenly supporting the industry thanks to the fantastic quality and likenesses NECA's figures offer.

    Major Lines

    • Player Select
    • Predator
    • Twilight
  • 06 of 06

    Hot Toys

    Unboxing Boy Convention - Mexico City
    Carlos Tischler / Getty Images

    Hong Kong-based manufacturer Hot Toys makes this list for one very simple reason. They make the absolute best action figures in the world. Although extremely expensive and on a scale (1/6) many collectors don't collect, the figures Hot Toys produces are the best looking and highest quality on the market.

    A vast majority of their figures are based on movie properties, and result in eerily life-like representations of the major characters, down to the real cloth costumes they are wearing. If you have a lot of money to spend and want the very best, look no farther than Hot Toys.

    Major Lines

    • The Dark Knight
    • Iron Man
    • Predator
    • Star Wars


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$3 for 3 months. Save 90%.
$3 for 3 months. Save 90%.

Saturday’s Delaware County arrest log

The Star Press

Law enforcement agencies in Muncie and Delaware County jailed seven people Saturday.

Except for warrant arrests, the following charges are informal and subject to change until the Delaware County prosecutor’s office reviews each case and files formal charges in court. In addition, some inmates listed below might have been booked into the jail to serve sentences for earlier convictions.

Those booked into the Delaware County jail are:

  • Conwell, Shawn Jonathon, 27, Muncie, operating while intoxicated (stop for reason other than erratic driving).
  • Reeder, Ora Benjamin, 53, Muncie, resisting law enforcement: personal.
  • McDaniel, Joshua Gene, 37, Eaton, possession of cocaine or narcotic drug.
  • Bergdoll, Joshua Allen, 26, Muncie, operating while intoxicated: controlled substance.
  • Aghabekian, Thomas Schuyler, 21, Muncie, public intoxication.
  • Satterfield, Robert Mark, 54, Muncie, warrant from Muncie City Court.
  • Painter, Robert Lee, 41, Muncie, theft.


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Daughter of a farmer and teacher tops PMA Class 2020

    MANILA, Philippines – The daughter of a farmer and teacher from Isabela aced the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) 'Masidlawin' Class of 2020.

    25-year-old Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui bested 196 graduates and was hailed sixth woman in history to lead the PMA graduating batch since 1993.

    Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui
    Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui (Photo from PMA)

    Before joining PMA, Sugui obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management Economics degree from the University of the Philippines Baguio.

    SEE ALSO: PMA Entrance Exam PMAEE 2020: requirements, application schedule, how to apply

    Among the awards she will receive in the PMA graduation includes Presidential Saber, the Achievement Award for Academic Excellence, the JUSMAG Award, the Philippine Army Saber, the Spanish Armed Forces Award, the Social Sciences Plaque, the Management Plaque, and the Rule of Law Award.

    Here are the Top 10 of PMA 'Masidlawin' Class of 2020:

    1. Gemalyn Sugui of Echague, Isabela

    2. Jade Villanueva of Tacloban City

    3. Jefferson Salazar of Zamboanga City

    4. Rojes Gaile Jamandre of Lamut, Ifugao

    5. Jeb Bay-an of Kabayan, Benguet

    6. Catabay Ladyong of Tabuk, Kalinga-apayao

    7. Vanelyn Angel Tabao of Tuguegarao City

    8. June Giel Anne Factor of Ilocos Norte

    9. Rubenson Abgao of Baroy, Lanao Del Norte

    10. Dencel Aina Bayaca of Pampanga

    In order to safeguard the well-being of the whole PMA community against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the national military training institution will not open the graduation rites to the public, including parents and loved ones of the graduates. They, however, assured that the ceremony will be streamed live online.

    Simultaneous Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy and the Philippine National Police Academy
    President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the simultaneous Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) ‘MASIDLAWIN’ Class of 2020 and the Philippine National Police Academy’s (PNPA) ‘MANDAYUG’ Class of 2020 at the Malacañang Golf (MALAGO) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on May 22, 2020.

    With the PMA’s ‘MASIDLAWIN’ Class assembled at the Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar in Baguio City and the PNPA’s ‘MANDAYUG’ Class at the Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, the Commander-in-Chief delivers his commencement address and marching orders via video conference to the country’s incoming military and police officers.

    The simultaneous commencement exercises are limited only to the graduating classes without the attendance of their families and invited guests, and follow the two-meter rule seating arrangements in observance of the strict implementation of social distancing measures.

    This is the first simultaneous virtual commencement exercises to be attended by the Commander-in-Chief as the country continues to battle the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Posted by DepEd Philippines on Friday, May 22, 2020

    "As a parent, I know how heartbreaking and disappointing that decision is, but we have to do what is best for all. Safety and health are paramount at all times,” PMA Superintendent Admiral Allan Ferdinand Cusi said.

    Of the 196 graduates, 100 will join the Philippine Army, 45 will goto the Philippine Air Force, while 51 will be with the Philippine Navy.

    — The Summit Express

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Gift and GST returns added to postponed tax and filing deadlines

By Alistair M. Nevius, J.D.

Late on Friday, the IRS added gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax returns to the list of federal taxes and tax returns that have had their April 15 deadlines postponed to July 15 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Friday’s notice, Notice 2020-20, updates the guidance issued a week earlier in Notice 2020-18.

The earlier notice had applied only to federal income tax returns and payments (including self-employment tax payments) due April 15, 2020, for 2019 tax years, and to estimated income tax payments due April 15, 2020, for 2020 tax years. Notice 2020-18 explicitly did not apply to any other type of federal tax or to any federal information returns. Practitioners had noted the narrow focus of the earlier guidance, and on Thursday the AICPA requested broader relief from the IRS (see prior coverage here). Among the specific requests made by the AICPA was that if an individual tax return is postponed until July 15, the due date for a related gift tax return should also be automatically extended to that date.

Notice 2020-20 provides that requested relief. For any taxpayer with a federal gift or GST tax payment due on April 15, 2020, or who is required to file Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, on April 15, 2020, the due date for making payments of federal gift and GST tax and for filing Form 709 is now July 15, 2020. Interest, penalties, and additions to tax for failure to file Form 709 or to pay federal gift or GST tax will not accrue for these taxpayers during the April 15 to July 15 period.

The extension is automatic, and taxpayers do not have to file Form 8892, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Form 709 and/or Payment of Gift/Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax, to get the filing and payment relief. However, to receive an extension of the Form 709 filing date to Oct. 15, 2020, the taxpayer must file Form 8892 by July 15.

The relief in Notice 2020-20 does not apply to estate tax returns.

For more news and reporting on the coronavirus and how CPAs can handle challenges related to the outbreak, visit the JofA’s coronavirus resources page.

Alistair M. Nevius, J.D., ( is The Tax Adviser’s editor in chief.

Newsletter Articles

50 years of The Tax Adviser

The January 2020 issue marks the 50th anniversary of The Tax Adviser, which was first published in January 1970. Over the coming year, we will be looking back at early issues of the magazine, highlighting interesting tidbits.

Quirks spurred by COVID-19 tax relief

This article discusses some procedural and administrative quirks that have emerged with the new tax legislative, regulatory, and procedural guidance related to COVID-19.


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Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Written by Becky

Okay so I was a bit skeptical when I started hearing about using cauliflower to make pizza crust.  I’ll admit, I like pizza and I really like good crust, you know the thick crunchy and chewy all at the same time kind (the kind that literally makes you thankful you’re not gluten intolerant!).  But I was curious, as I usually am with any revamped recipe.  So, my friend Lindsay and I developed a cauliflower pizza crust that worked just perfectly baked on a pizza stone, resulting in a crunchy-chewy crust, not like a bread dough, but delicious nonetheless.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust RecipeWhen Lindsay came over, two cauliflower heads in hand along with a bunch of herbs, I  knew we were going to have some fun in the kitchen.  We planned to make two recipes, a Cauliflower Couscous Salad and then this pizza, both using cauliflower pulsed in a food processor.  After a bit of testing and adding a little more of this and less of that, we settled on a recipe that both tasted good and was easy to replicate.

To make the pizza, you first make the crust, cook the crust, then add whatever toppings and re-bake for a short time.  We chose simple toppings: marinara sauce, cheese and fresh basil. For the cheese Lindsay brought over a manchego, which is a sheeps milk cheese that’s creamy, and distinctive in flavor but not too strong, perfect for pizza.  I also learned from Lindsay that sheeps milk cheeses are easier to digest, adding to the compiling healthy benefits of this tasty pizza!

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

The key to making this pizza crust flavorful is the added chopped herbs and cheese within the crust.  A healthy dose of salt also helps improve flavor. And truthfully, as one who loves gluten-full pizza crust, I enjoyed every bite of this.  And Josh enjoyed it too, though perplexed when I asked him what he thought was in the crust… he really had no idea but just knew he liked it! Give it a shot, and let me know what you think!

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Use cauliflower for this vegetarian and gluten free pizza crust recipe.
4.5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Gluten Free, vegetarian
Servings 4 servings

for crust

  • 1 small head of cauliflower, leaves and stems removed
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup Manchengo sheep milk cheese (or Mozzarella)
  • 2 eggs
  • cornmeal, to dust the pizza stone

for pizza

  • 1 jar marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup sheep milk cheese
  • 5-8 basil leaves

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Chop cauliflower florets into chunks. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles a fine grain, like rice or couscous. Pour cauliflower into a large bowl. Add herbs, and salt, then cheese and eggs.
  • Spread a tablespoon or so of cornmeal all over a pizza stone. Place the cauliflower mixture (note- this won't resemble a ball of dough) on the middle of the stone and use your hands to press it into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Bake for 20 minutes at 350 then an additional 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Crust will be done when it turns golden brown in color.
  • Remove crust from oven. Change oven temperature to 450 degrees. Add pizza sauce, cheese and whatever toppings you would like, then bake again for about 5 minutes or until cheese on top is melted.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Here are a few more pizza recipes using Cauliflower Crust:

Barbecue Chicken Pizza with Cauliflower Crust by Closet Cooking

Cauliflower Crust Hawaiian Pizza by Recipe Girl

Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Fried Eggs by Love and Lemons

Comments (78)

    • Heather, let me know what you think and if the texture is any different than the others. I’ve also seen some recipes that add in some almond flour to make it more dough-like.

  1. I have a couple questions… This doesn’t stick to the pizza stone? I’ve done a cauliflower crust before but used parchment on a baking sheet. I would love to use the stone, not to mention using manchego instead. Which brings me to my 2nd question; how finely did you grate the manchego? Thanks. I’m looking forward to trying this.

    • We grated the manchego on a large grater. The cornmeal on the stone helps the pizza not to stick but it will stick a little. Make sure to use a good spatula when your peeling the slices off the stone. You could also bake it on parchment to completely prevent sticking. Hope that helps!

  2. I love how we secretly “test” people to see if they can tell we’ve altered the ingredients. Lol . I’ve tried other kinds of cauliflower crusts and I wasn’t a fan, but like you said, adding the herbs and cheese in the dough should help. Gonna have to try this! I looooooove pizza! And Lindsay too 😉

  3. I have been wanting to try cauliflower pizza crust for some time. I did a Google search and yours was the second on the list. We tried it tonight and loved it. This is so easy to make. I prefer this type of crust now to make at home. It’s easier than fighting with traditional dough. Thank you for posting this.

  4. Tasty but not pizza. I had to bake it much longer. I used a preheated stone with parchment paper. Probably 30 minutes at 350. 20 at 400 and 7 at 450. Came out beautifully golden. I would make it again and try to press it thinner. Thanks for sharing.

  5. So – you don’t pre-cook the cauliflower? I have seen other recipes where you precook the cauliflower before adding the eggs & chees?

  6. I just made this for lunch and it was SOOOOOO SOOOO good! I used daiya non-dairy cheese which worked out great. Thank you for the post! I’ll definitely be trying more of your recipes.

    …..A Heart In Healing is a blog and personal account of a healing journey from disordered eating to emotional and physical freedom. Learn, support and grow with me @

  7. I tried this tonight but be careful of the crust and how thickly you make it. I thought mine was right and I cooked it for as long as the recipe says but it turned out extremely mushy and not crust like at all 🙁 I’m goin to try again though!

  8. What a mess! I followed the recipe to a T but…..the crust looked golden and crunchy, but it did not harden/bind. I had to basically scrape the “pizza” off while it fell apart. It looked more like scrambled eggs than pizza and even had that consistency. So, if you want a recipe that looks and tastes like scrambled eggs, there you have it. ;-0

    Taste was OK but definitely not dough or pizza-like.

    • Claudia,
      Thanks so much for your comment and feedback. You may just need to bake it longer so that it doesn’t fall apart. We have used this recipe several times and it has worked well for us. I agree that it doesn’t taste like pizza dough (I think I mentioned that in the post) but we think it has a whole new tasty flavor that is very enjoyable!

  9. Terrific pizza. I made it vegan by replacing eggs with egg substitute and the cheese with soy cheese. Worked amazing. Improve crust to hold together using a bit of ground oatmeal. Amazing! Thank you!!!!

  10. I just took my first bites and this is AWESOME! I don’t have a pizza stone, so I had to use a cookie sheet. I buttered it before putting the “dough” on (no corn meal, either) and it did not stick at all. Thanks so much for posting this recipe!

  11. I tried this and have no cooking skills at all. I wanted a pizza that I could make with low calories and high protein content (canned tuna as a topping for protein).

    I used two egg whites with 20 grams of cheese and it came out OK. I am going to try it again next week with three egg whites (more protein) and add some oatmeal as suggested above.

    I am going to try and dry cauliflower a bit after getting it out of the food processor so it does not take so long to cook.

  12. I tried this recipe last night and omitted the cheese and corn meal and added a quality olive oil and minced garlic to the “dough”. The flavor was delicious and spot on and I did not mind the non-pizza crust texture. In fact, my boyfriend was pleasantly pleased with my ingenuity. My cheese less pizza baked beautifully and tasted amazing. I will definitely try this recipe again and play with different combinations. I liked the previous suggestion of adding almond flour to the mix.

  13. Well, today is the second time I have made this wonderful crust. I think the lady who said it fell apart may have had too much cauliflower, and could have added another egg to help it bind. I’ve also learned to add an extra 10 min. on baking time, it could be our elevation (sea level). I also add a sprinkle of almond meal or almond ground, to add a bit of a crunch. We all love it and it has helped so much in our paleo lifestyle. Thank You so much, its truly the best so far.

  14. Once I stuck it in the processor my cauliflower is pretty watery. Your picture looks very dry. What’s the secret? I did use fresh and not frozen. Once I flattened it out I dabbed it with a papertowel to obsorb. It’s cooking now so hopefully it won’t be too soggy.

  15. Turned out great, put feta in with the crust. Then summer sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, pasta sauce, and lots of cheese. sprinkled oregano on top and followed baking instructions. 18 month old and myself ate 3/4 for supper. will definitely make again.

    thanks for recipe.

  16. My husband made this for me for a birthday dish and it turned out amazing. Having said that, you definitely need to be a recipe follower (and the proper kitchen ware) to make it turn out how it’s supposed to. I tend to fly by the seat of my pants in the kitchen whereas he needs an exact recipe to follow — which he did, and it turned out perfectly. Upside, he wants it again and I lost 2 pounds the next morning! That would never happen with pizza crust! Thank You!!

  17. I have made the cauliflower crust from a similar recipe and it was a huge success, almost identical to your recipe, but included a 4-minute microwaving step after which you squeeze every last possible drop of moisture from the CF before adding the herbs, cheese and egg. I think this step, while may not be necessary, is important to the flavor and texture (lightness) of the crust. Good to know I can avoid the cooking step if I want to (I don’t mind the flavor of cauliflower), but I think it is necessary if I want to get as much of the water out of the cauliflower as I can. Also, I don’t have a food processor, and grating the cauliflower on a box grater worked…great…(but wish I had a FP!) I want to try a breakfast “pizza” next with some hollandaise for the sauce. Cauliflower for breakfast is just too funny!

  18. My son and I tried this recipe. It was awful. Taste was OK, except upon baking a head of cauliflower the house smelled stinky. And EVERYTHING stuck to the pan as well as the pizza stone (we tried both). The crust never got crunchy, and overall I would never do this recipe again.

    • Thanks for letting me know Karen. If you’re not a fan of cauliflower you definitely would not like this – that could be the problem. I am so sorry that you didn’t enjoy it but I hope you’ll give some of my other recipes a try. happy eating!

  19. I tried this last time and the taste was amazing. I did have trouble with the crust sticking to the stone, which made it even less crispy, so it was more like a lasagna. I think next time I will precook the CF and oil the stone. The taste is too good, and I came too close to a nice crust, to not try this again. Thanks.

  20. This recipe is a keeper!

    I omitted the parsley but added onion powder and black pepper. I tasted, adjusting the seasonings, until I wanted to eat the bowl of CF right there (I should add that I’m a huge fan of raw CF).

    I’m allergic to eggs, so I mixed in ground chia seeds then added water until the mixture started to bind a little.

    I followed your cooking instructions, reducing the times a little since I have a gas stove and it tends to cook a little faster. To get it brown and crispy, I left it under the broiler for about a minute. The mozzarella helped with the binding and the browning, but it never got as solid as I’m sure it would have with an egg. It didn’t completely crumple, though, and was quite chewy. I was able to slice and serve it into neat wedges.

    I think that if you put too much tomato sauce, that could cause the whole thing to fall apart. Next time I make this, I will put a layer of cheese, sauce and toppings, and then more cheese.

  21. Thanks for the great recipe. The whole family enjoyed the pizzas tonight, even the teenagers!
    When I cook on my pizza stone I either cover it in baking paper or a re-useable non-stick bbq hotplate sheet. I used the bbq sheet and it didn’t stick. No corn starch required or oil required. Keeps it nice and healthy.
    I’ll definitely be making it again.
    Thank you!

  22. Hi there!

    was super excited to see this recipe and am looking forward to trying it out. That said, I have a question: how much chopped cauliflower do you yield from a small head of cauliflower? The reason I ask is that a “small head of cauliflower” is rather subjective, so I want to make sure that I start with the right amount… Thanks!

  23. You can sprinkle the crust with a little parmesan cheese to give it more of a pizza crunch. This will up the calories a bit though. I’m sure that topping with slices of fresh tomatoes would also be wonderful. As french bread slices broiled with sharp cheese and tomato slices is simply delicious.

    • You could also brush the edge with oil and season with pizza seasonings or s & p. Parmesan sounds like a great addition to the crust too. Though, you’ll see that my crust recipe actually has cheese in it 🙂 Enjoy!

  24. hi becky
    i saw a tv show of the dr’s on tv with honey booboo and her mom.. they were trying to see if honey booboo would like to eat a more healthy food and offered her a cauliflower crust pizza. (obviously she didn’t know) she ate it and said she liked it. i was impressed that a nine yr old didn’t know that this was made of cauliflower and decided to try this recipe. i have now just read all the different comments. all are very impressive. can’t wait to try and judge for myself

  25. Do any of you Ladies know if the raw blitzed cauliflower freezes ?? Would love to know if anyone has tried as I have been left with too much to just throw away ..a few times
    Thanks for any suggestions

    • Jane, I wish I could give you more info but I haven’t tried it. It gets pretty wet once its pulsed in the processor so I’m guessing that it would work best if you packed it tight in a freezer safe ziplock or even vacuum packed bag. If you try it please report back and I’ll do the same.

  26. I have made this so many times & it is my go to recipe for cauliflower pizza! I always have enough for 2 pizzas & now I cook 2 at a time using parchment on my stone & also on a round pizza pan, rotating after 10 minutes. I have left the cauliflower mixture in the fridge to use later in the week but frankly cooking 2 at once is the key! We make a pesto tomato & red sauce mushroom. We also put parm on the crust before the sauce, always use manchego in the crust & thin slices of fresh mozzarella on top. When the recipe is easy enough after work & actually works, it’s a keeper!

  27. 4 stars
    I can’t believe I didn’t think to use parchment. Scraping yummy chunks off a baking sheet that I will have to soak for quite a while. But i’m going back in! I’ve made one before with success and can’t remember whether I used oil or parchment, but the cornmeal wasn’t enough to stop it from sticking.

    • Good question. I haven’t used that before but you may need to cook it a bit or microwave it then try and get most of the liquid out before proceeding with the recipe.

Leave a Reply to Becky Cancel reply


text:
WNS Announces Fiscal 2020 Third Quarter Earnings Revises Full Year Guidance

(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India & New York, United States – Business Wire India

WNS (Holdings) Limited (WNS) (NYSE: WNS), a leading provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) services, today announced results for the fiscal 2020 third quarter ended December 31, 2019.

Highlights – Fiscal 2020 Third Quarter:

GAAP Financials

· Revenue of $239.2 million, up 19.7% from $199.7 million in Q3 of last year and up 5.7% from $226.2 million last quarter

· Profit of $30.9 million, compared to $28.6 million in Q3 of last year and $28.7 million last quarter

· Diluted earnings per ADS of $0.60, compared to $0.55 in Q3 of last year and $0.56 last quarter

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

· Revenue less repair payments of $228.2 million, up 16.5% from $195.9 million in Q3 of last year and up 3.4% from $220.7 million last quarter

· Adjusted Net Income (ANI) of $40.9 million, compared to $38.0 million in Q3 of last year and $40.6 million last quarter

· Adjusted diluted earnings per ADS of $0.80, compared to $0.73 in Q3 of last year and $0.79 last quarter

Other Metrics

· Added 6 new clients in the quarter, expanded 11 existing relationships

· Days sales outstanding (DSO) at 30 days

· Global headcount of 44,011 as of December 31, 2019

Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed below to our GAAP operating results are included at the end of this release. See also “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Revenue in the third quarter was $239.2 million, representing a 19.7% increase versus Q3 of last year and a 5.7% increase from the previous quarter. Revenue less repair payments
in the third quarter was $228.2 million, an increase of 16.5% year-over-year and a 3.4% increase sequentially. Excluding exchange rate impacts, constant currency revenue less repair payments* in the fiscal third quarter grew 16.1% versus Q3 of last year and 3.0% sequentially. Year-over-year, fiscal Q3 revenue improvement was broad-based across several key verticals, services, and geographies. Sequentially, revenue strength was driven by healthy growth with both new and existing clients, and favorable currency impacts net of hedging.

Operating margin in the third quarter was 16.3%, as compared to 16.7% in Q3 of last year and 16.1% in the previous quarter. On a year-over-year basis, margin reduced as a result of the impact of our annual wage increases, lower productivity, and currency movements net of hedging. These headwinds more than offset favorability from the impact of IFRS 16 lease accounting, improved seat utilization, and operating leverage on higher volume. Sequentially, margins improved due to lower share-based compensation expense, improved seat utilization, and operating leverage on higher volume. These benefits were partially offset by higher Selling and Marketing and General and Administrative expenses associated with increased staffing levels and bonus provisioning based on updated visibility.

Third quarter adjusted operating margin* was 22.8%, versus 23.0% in Q3 of last year and 23.5% last quarter. Explanations for the adjusted operating margin* movements on a year-over-year basis are the same as described for GAAP operating margins above. Sequentially, adjusted operating margin* reduced due to higher Selling and Marketing and General and Administrative expenses, which more than offset favorability from improved seat utilization and operating leverage on higher volume.

Profit in the fiscal third quarter was $30.9 million, as compared to $28.6 million in Q3 of last year and $28.7 million in the previous quarter. Year-over-year, profit favorability was driven by revenue growth and a lower effective tax rate which more than offset the impact of IFRS 16 and higher share-based compensation expense. Sequentially, profit increased as revenue growth and lower share-based compensation expenses more than offset lower operating margins. Adjusted net income (ANI)* in Q3 was $40.9 million, up $2.9 million as compared to Q3 of last year and up $0.3 million from the previous quarter. Explanations for the ANI* movements on a year-over-year and sequential basis are the same as described for GAAP profit above with the exception of share-based compensation and associated tax impacts, which are excluded from ANI.

From a balance sheet perspective, WNS ended Q3 with $280.1 million in cash and investments and $47.5 million of debt. In the third quarter, the company generated $62.5 million in cash from operations and incurred $4.8 million in capital expenditures. Third quarter days sales outstanding were 30 days, as compared to 32 days reported in Q3 of last year and 29 days in the previous quarter.

“WNS’s differentiated capabilities in the BPM marketplace are resonating well with both existing and prospective clients, enabling the company to continue delivering solid financial and operating results. In the fiscal third quarter, revenue less repair payments
grew 16% year-over-year on both a reported and constant currency* basis. The company also posted 23% adjusted operating margin, $0.80 in adjusted diluted earnings per share, and $62 million in cash from operations,” said Keshav Murugesh, WNS’s Chief Executive Officer. “WNS remains focused on enhancing our ability to “co-create” unique, industry-specific solutions which enable our clients to improve their competitive positioning. To do this, we will continue to invest in technology, transformation, analytics, and domain to insure we remain relevant today and in the future. Our focus remains on the long-term BPM opportunity, and on superior execution which will enable value creation for all our key stakeholders.”

Fiscal 2020 Guidance

WNS is updating guidance for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020 as follows:

• Revenue less repair payments
is expected to be between $890 million and $900 million, up from $794.0 million in fiscal 2019. This assumes an average GBP to USD exchange rate of 1.31 for the remainder of fiscal 2020.
• ANI* is expected to range between $158 million and $162 million versus $140.4 million in fiscal 2019. This assumes an average USD to INR exchange rate of 71.00 for the remainder of fiscal 2020.
• Based on a diluted share count of 51.9 million shares, the company expects adjusted diluted earnings* per ADS to be in the range of $3.05 to $3.12 versus $2.69 in fiscal 2019.

“The company has updated our forecast for fiscal 2020 based on current visibility levels and exchange rates,” said Sanjay Puria, WNS’s Chief Financial Officer. “Our guidance for the year reflects growth in revenue less repair payments* of 12% to 13%, or 13% to 14% on a constant currency* basis. We currently have over 99% visibility to the midpoint of the range.”

Conference Call

WNS will host a conference call on January 16, 2020 at 8:00 am (Eastern) to discuss the company's quarterly results. To participate in the call, please use the following details: +1-888-656-9018; international dial-in +1-503-343-6030; participant passcode 4254706. A replay will be available for one week following the call at +1-855-859-2056; international dial-in +1-404-537-3406; passcode 4254706, as well as on the WNS website, www.wns.com, beginning two hours after the end of the call.

About WNS

WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS) is a leading Business Process Management (BPM) company. WNS combines deep industry knowledge with technology, analytics and process expertise to co-create innovative, digitally led transformational solutions with over 350 clients across various industries. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of BPM solutions including industry-specific offerings, customer interaction services, finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, and research and analytics to re-imagine the digital future of businesses. As of December 31, 2019, WNS had 44,011 professionals across 60 delivery centers worldwide including facilities in China, Costa Rica, India, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. For more information, visit www.wns.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about our Company and our industry. Generally, these forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “seek,” “should” and similar expressions. These statements include, among other things, the discussions of our strategic initiatives and the expected resulting benefits, our growth opportunities, industry environment, expectations concerning our future financial performance and growth potential, including our fiscal 2020 guidance, future profitability, and expected foreign currency exchange rates. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to worldwide economic and business conditions; political or economic instability in the jurisdictions where we have operations; our dependence on a limited number of clients in a limited number of industries; regulatory, legislative and judicial developments; increasing competition in the BPM industry; technological innovation; telecommunications or technology disruptions; our ability to attract and retain clients; our liability arising from fraud or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client and customer data; negative public reaction in the US or the UK to offshore outsourcing; our ability to collect our receivables from, or bill our unbilled services to our clients; our ability to expand our business or effectively manage growth; our ability to hire and retain enough sufficiently trained employees to support our operations; the effects of our different pricing strategies or those of our competitors; our ability to successfully consummate, integrate and achieve accretive benefits from our strategic acquisitions, and to successfully grow our revenue and expand our service offerings and market share; and future regulatory actions and conditions in our operating areas. These and other factors are more fully discussed in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F and subsequent reports on Form 6-K filed with or furnished to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which are available at www.sec.gov. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

References to “$” and “USD” refer to the United States dollars, the legal currency of the United States; references to “GBP” refer to the British pound, the legal currency of Britain; and references to “INR” refer to Indian Rupees, the legal currency of India. References to GAAP refers to International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS).

* See “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the reconciliations of the historical non-GAAP financial measures to our GAAP operating results at the end of this release.

To view the complete release click the link below:

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)