Paris, the capital of France, is often called La Ville Lumière (meaning 'The City of Light'), however, beneath this bustling European city of 12 million people, lies a dark subterranean world holding the remains of 6 million of its former inhabitants. These are the Paris Catacombs: a network of old caves, quarries and tunnels stretching hundreds of miles, and seemingly lined with the bones of the dead.
Some areas are open to the public as museums, but since 1955 entrance to the majority of the underground space is prohibited. However this hasn't stopped some thrill-seekers venturing into the cavernous passages that have been home to thousands of upon thousands of bones of the dead. As the water table has risen under the city, many of these spaces are now filled with cool and clean water. Locals are well aware of this, and, according to Bobrtimes , this year's long, sweltering summer has seen an increase in illegal entrance to the catacombs as people seek a respite from the heat by using the subterranean pools as cooling zones.
But these desperate measures could have dire consequences. Just last month, two teenagers were rescued from the catacombs after being lost in the vast network for 3 days. They were found by rescue dogs and were taken to hospital to be treated for hypothermia, reported The Guardian . It was not known exactly how the boys got lost, but this occurence, along with the recent Thai cave emergency rescue, highlights just how easy it can be to get lost or cut off in such environments.
The Paris Catacombs have their origins in the limestone quarries situated on the outskirts of the city. This natural resource has been in use since the time of the Romans, and provided construction material for the city's buildings, as well as contributed to the city's growth and expansion. It was only after during the second half of the 18 th century, however, that the former limestone mines (now under the city as it expanded over the centuries) were transformed into burial places.
By the 18 th century, Parisian cemeteries such as Les Innocents (the largest cemetery in Paris) were becoming overpopulated, giving rise to improper burials, open graves, and unearthed corpses. Quite naturally, people living close to such places began complaining about the strong stench of decomposing flesh and the spread of diseases from the cemeteries.
In 1763, an edict was issued by Louis XV banning all burials from the capital. The Church, however, did not wish to disturb or move the cemeteries, and opposed the edict. As a result, nothing was done. The situation persisted until 1780, when an unusually long period of spring rain caused a wall around the Les Innocents to collapse, resulting in the spilling of rotting corpses into a neighboring property. By this time, the French authorities were forced to take action.
In 1786, the former Tombe-Issoire quarries were blessed and consecrated, turning them into the Paris Catacombs . It took two years for all the bones from the Les Innocents to be transferred to the catacombs. Over the following decades, the bones of the dead were removed from cemeteries around Paris for reburial in the catacombs. Furthermore, the practice of burying the newly dead directly in the catacombs began after the French Revolution.
It was only in 1859 that the final transfer of bones was undertaken during the renovation of Paris by Georges-Eugène Haussmann, and the work was finally completed in 1860. Seven years later, the catacombs were open to the public. In total the winding catacombs stretch over 300 kilometers (186 miles).
Although the Paris Catacombs are still open to the general public today, access is limited to only a small fraction of the network. It has been illegal since 1955 to enter the other parts of the catacombs.
Nevertheless, during the 1970s and 80s, the catacombs have been explored illegally by Parisian urban explorers known as Cataphiles. Some of the spaces have even been restored and turned into creative spaces. One of these underground caverns, for instance, was transformed into a secret amphitheater, complete with a giant cinema screen, projection equipment, a couple of films and seats. The neighboring area was revamped into a fully-stocked bar and a restaurant, perhaps where the patrons of the amphitheater could get a snack or a meal.
It has been estimated that as many as 300 Cataphiles enter the catacombs each week via secret entrances. Non-Cataphiles and tourists, however, are not often welcome.
From its beginnings as a limestone quarry to its use for the burial of the dead in the 18 th century, and the part it plays today in the lives of the Cataphiles, the Paris Catacombs have been an important feature of the city.
Although systematic exploration of the underground tunnels may bring to light the extent of the catacombs, it would probably not meet with approval from all quarters. After all, the secrecy of the catacomb networks, and the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city above, are attractive concepts to the Cataphiles, and they would probably not let go of their haunts so easily.
All research I've done, and built upon conflicts with your report. Paris has only 2-3 million people, currently and the construction/ relocation took place over the span of 12 years not two, and people were buried in the catacombs during the revolution. The latter was not exclusive to post revolutionary burials.


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ReConnect supports women returning to work
Learn about Vodafone's ReConnect Programme
Vodafone is proud to offer equal opportunities regardless of race, nationality, cultural background, gender, age, marital status, orientation, gender identity, disability, religious or political belief. They can only leverage this diversity by building an inclusive culture where everyone is respected, can be themselves and strive to be their best. That way they can build a better future for their employees, their partners, the communities they work in and their customers.
The Vodafone ReConnect programme is designed to attract talented people who have left the workplace (in many cases to raise a family or care for an elderly relative) who would like to return to work on a full-time or flexible basis but are struggling to make the professional connections needed or refresh the skills required.
Women are fully supported on their return to work at Vodafone
Karin Meurk-Harvey is one ReConnecter who has already benefited from the programme. Karin, who is now Head of IoT Commercial in Vodafone Group Enterprise, said: "On my first day [at Vodafone], I had a senior HR business partner meet me in the lobby - and they were with me the whole day. That felt like coming home."
"My personal circumstances changed," she says. "I became a single mother, and at the time I had a job where I travelled a lot. I was responsible for a region and I realised things needed to change because I had relatively small children at home. So, I decided to leave the corporate world and start my own consultancy business, where I had more flexible working hours and didn't have to travel. After a time, my personal life stabilised. My children were a little bit older and I felt ready to go back to work, to work for a big enterprise again." Prior to her return to work, Karin had more than 23 years of corporate experience in the telecoms sector.
"On my first day [at Vodafone], I had a senior HR business partner meet me in the lobby - and they were with me the whole day. That felt like coming home."
Find out more about Vodafone's ReConnect programme today!
Best employer of women in the world
Vodfone's intention by 2025 is to become the best employer of women in the world and they will be relentless in our efforts towards this.
Vittorio Colao, our Group CEO, has "a dream, an ambition, which is to have the whole of Vodafone … as the best place, with a reputation of being the best place for women to work, become managers, become executives, become senior executives."
The good news is that they've made some great progress on this journey. They have already reached their goal of 30% of women in management and leadership roles and hope to gain even further ground by 2020.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


14+ Best Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Android Apps - Cryptolinks - The World's Best Cryptocurrency Sites List!
Apps were created to be a better version of the web. If you use a website to access a particular platform, you could face a lot of difficulties while doing that; you could either face privacy risks, connection errors or caches being downloaded to consume storage on your device.
Websites give us access to platforms but the adverse effect could result one way or the other. Therefore, apps were created by developers to ensure convenience, ease in use and protection of data. On applications, you can save, download and share information easily without gaining access to the web.
However, in this category, we are more interested in android applications for cryptocurrencies. Android apps are always very easy to download provided the device operates on an android iOS. You can download all the applications from the site with the link provided on their website or just a quick launch on Google Play Store and download the application.
There are many crypto android applications which could either be for exchange, news, books, videos, etc. but we are interested in the best of them all. The best android apps for cryptocurrencies with great features, awesome designs and convenience in use.
5. Blockchain Wallet. Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum.
13. CoinMarketApp -Cryptocurrency Portfolio, News, ICO.
Clearly, you can see that all the applications listed above are not the same thing i.e. all belong to the same type of crypto function. Some are wallets, while some are for news and another for price alerts. There are all different in their own ways with several features.
Tools are important assets for any platform and with an application, their use cannot be overemphasized. Tools could be in several ways depending on the type of application and the features available. Often times, the most common types of tool are data tool and charting tool. Few sites in this category have no charting tools.
These two tools have a lot of things in common but are different in some respect. For a data tool, they are known to provide fast information about price, historical data, calculator, etc. and for a charting tool shows graphical analysis of a cryptocurrency.
The better the tool on the app, the better it is to use the app.
Often times, many users complain of not being able to access their applications due to some reasons or another. A good application must be accessible from anywhere in the world. You should have a mobile control over your application and not the other way around.
It must also not be too complex to use i.e. straightforward and easy to use. An application with too many information or details or options will only bore the user and its full potential may not be attained.
Widgets are important in displaying useful information like price tracking for price alerts applications and recent updates for crypto news applications. With the aid of a widget, the site becomes less-cumbersome so you can enjoy a mobile-experience.
Also, other features are important because they ultimately settle debates and arguments between users. For instance, there are 2 crypto android apps offering the same services with all the factors considered above, the only way you can determine the best out of them is to compare and contrast the features in both. The best application always has advanced and outstanding features. The quality of these features however depends on the type of android device.
Features are important and when selecting, you should make sure it gives the best mobile-experience you would love.
All the factors above are important in the selection process for the best applications for a crypto activity of yours. If you need a crypto price tracker or alert system, watch out for the features and the factors and pick out of those listed above. All of them have been listed in the order of importance, but you may find something else through the review of each one of them.


From J.B. Waring 'Masterpieces Of Industrial Art & Sculpture At The International Exhibition', 1862. Depicts exhibits at The International Exhibition held in London between May and November of 1862. With original text description. Some faint foxing in the margins.


The original Indian petcocks have one major problem: They are Bronze levers turning in a bronze body. These similar metals cause the petcocks to gall, and become difficult to turn and start leaking.
We hard chrome the handles to provide a dissimilar metal to prevent the galling. This greatly extends the life and operation of the petcocks.


The structure of cryptomarkets provides users with a low-risk environment. This environment is characterized by anonymity and the absence of physical contact which can be critical enablers in the decision to start selling on these markets. In addition to these « reassuring » parameters, vendors might adopt a specific attitude to increase the distance between the offline market with its street selling dealer and them. Indeed, they tend to focus on the various qualities that dealers or the mythical "bad dealer" seem to be lacking. By doing so, they improve their own image at the expense of the street dealer, presented as deviant and dangerous. Online sellers bring out their technical skills, their rationality and responsibility in order to live up to their reputation.


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Eve's Politics
simple. on point. politics.
Categories Select Category All Things 2020 Economy Elections Environment Government Health Immigration International Affairs Justice Millennials Politics Society State By State Student Debt Supreme Court Trump
IS AMERICA'S FOREIGN POLICY TARNISHED?
May 6, 2018 Eve's Politics Leave a comment
For decades, America was at the helm of foreign policy, establishing relationships with heads of state from various countries who we created alliances with. America's foreign policy made the nation strong and placed the nation as world leader preventing other nations from rivaling America in international affairs. Since World War 2, America's foreign policy was the best in the world because of the diplomatic leadership of our President's, Ambassadors, National Security Advisors and Secretary of States. Donald Trump recent firings of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has harmed the nation decades-long accomplished foreign policy built by people who understood the importance of international relationships. Men and women with diplomatic decorum built America's foreign policy which shaped our place as world leader and the firing of Rex Tillerson, H.R. McMaster illustrates the bad direction America foreign policy is going and Mike Pompeo being the replacement as Secretary of State further damages the country foreign policy.
"Sidebar: China's government changing their constitution, Cuba elects Miguel Mario Diaz Canel as the new President, both North Korea and South Korea meet for the first time in 70 years. These changes taken place without strong leadership in America raise's the question if the nation Foreign Policy is tarnished?"
Mike Pompeo who recently visited Kim Jung Un and was sworn in as the new Secretary of State is now a leader in America's foreign policy, however his record and his place on international relations are similar to Donald Trump which has tarnished our relationships and damaged decades of work built with real leaders who understand diplomacy. Furthermore, with groundbreaking events in China's government changing their constitution allowing Xi Jinping to stay president indefinitely, Cuba electing Miguel Mario Diaz Canel as new President, both North Korea and South Korea meet for the first time in 70 years, without America's involvement raise's the question if America's Foreign Policy is tarnished? Since Donald Trump's year in office, many relationships with world leaders have deteriorated and many world leaders do not trust Trump. His irrationality and poor decision-making is tarnishing America's Foreign Policy and putting our national security at risk.
"Since Donald Trump's year in office, many relationships with world leaders have deteriorated and many world leaders do not trust Trump. His irrationality in poor decision-making is tarnishing America's Foreign Policy and putting our national security at risk."
Among the recent announcement from Kim Jong Un to denuclearizing North Korea's nukes without America using hard power and not being involved in the meeting with South Korea, America's foreign policy is not tarnished, but America's influence is waning. These events question the strength of America's foreign policy because of the international reputation of being the world's leader and the world's policemen. Kim Jong Un abandoning North Korea's nukes is a big step in the right direction and illustrates his willingness to make a change to become part of the international community. Moreover, it illustrates the changes in the international community without America being at the forefront.
"These events question America's foreign policy because of the national reputation of being the world's leader and the world's policemen."
Donald Trump firing of Rex Tillerson and H.R. McMaster and bad policy decisions has downgraded America's foreign policy. The power of America's foreign policy is not as strong as it used to be. For decades, men and women with strong diplomacy skills and an understanding of the needs of world leaders and their country helped America build strong relationships and a strong foreign policy keeping our nation safe. Although, America's foreign policy is not tarnished, it's not as powerful as it once was which will take years to rebuild.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/may/2/north-korea-releases-us-detainees-bows-another-tru/
https://www.vox.com/2018/3/22/16065042/hr-mcmaster-trump-john-bolton-fired
http://www.businessinsider.com/hr-mcmaster-trump-fired-2018-3
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/22/trump-removes-h-r-mcmaster-national-security-adviser-replacing-him-john-bolton/425301002/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/06/world/asia/north-korea-south-nuclear-weapons.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/20/north-korea-suspend-nuclear-missile-tests-and-close-nuke-test-site/538073002/
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So as an update to you, I was offered the job, and had a few days to think about it, which was pretty rad of this boss dude. I decided to ask how much I'd get paid right off the bat because frankly, if I am moving to the most expensive city in Canada, I need cash. I asked and it's a salary that would be okay here, but not in Vancouver. If I worked for that I wouldn't be able to live AND eat, let alone feed my dogs.
So, after receiving some advice from a few people, I emailed the boss dude asking for more money, because they were fairly impressed by my qualifications in the nonprofit sector.
Ya gotta eat, and the puggies need good food, toys, clothes, treats, vet… it doesn't end. They're some spoiled pets (as it should be)!
If Vancouver is anything like here, there's TONS of jobs! Everyone has vacated BC to go work in Alberta lol!
I hope it all works out for you. If the salary they offered you is that low, then they may just be trying to feel you out and see if you'll ask for more. A lot of people wouldn't, so they're probably just trying to get away with it.
Good for you. How could you possibly accept a job without knowing the salary! (and it's a good thing you asked!) I am a firm believer that if something is meant to be, it will be. Good luck!


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With the world-famous Inner Harbor; renowned museums and attractions; award-winning restaurants; a locally loved music scene, and hip and historic neighborhoods, get ready to explore a truly authentic American city.
Baltimore Do As You Please 2019 (Saturday, October 12, 2019)
There's a buzz about Baltimore...
View Tour Check Availability
Tours All Tours Baltimore (All) Baltimore Do As You Please 2019
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Robert Ricigliano is the Director of the Institute of World Affairs and Center for International Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Not only does he teach a course on peacebuilding (one word — the details matter), but he has written a book called Making Peace Last: A Toolbox for Sustainable Peacebuilding.
Ricigliano's work in Peacebuilding has taken him all over the world, from Afghanistan and Iraq to Cambodia and The Philippines. He has worked with USAID and the U.S. Department of Defense on the planning and analysis of maintaining peace.
In our conversation, we discussed the United States' approach to peacebuilding, Ricigliano's work overseas, the Arab Spring, and the last decade of armed conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq and how the role of the military is changing.
Like Making Peace Last on Facebook.
Subscribe to these podcasts through iTunes here.
"Backstage with Mark Metcalf" is recorded at the ThirdCoast Digest office in the Shops of Grand Avenue.


Right now, US ethanol producers with razor-thin margins brought on low prices, but if historical trends hold up, things could get even uglier in September.
Platts Chicago Argo benchmark ethanol assessment has been locked in a tight 10-cent range for nearly two months, hovering at a shockingly comfortable level around $1.50/gal.
If this September plays out anything like the last four past Septembers, prices will soon be packing their bags and heading south for the fall.
In 2014, the Argo price tumbled from $2.26/gal on the last day of August to $1.59/gal on the last day of September, a 29.65% decline.
Similarly in 2013, price fell 16.48% across the same period, going from $2.67/gal to $2.23/gal.
and in 2011, the drop was 14.78% ($2.91/gal to $2.48/gal).
For the most part, the falling Ethanol prices were driven by a September seasonal decline in corn prices. Last year 2014, front-month corn futures on the Chicago Board of Trade tumbled from $3.59/bushel to $3.20/bushel, a 10.86% decline. Corn fell 10.81% in 2013, 6.84% in 2012 and 21.79% in 2011.
With producers already in a tight situation, exports flowing out and ethanol-into-gasoline blending rates at historically strong levels, it is highly unlikely that we will see a 17.28% decline in Ethanol Argo prices by the end of this September. That type of decline from the August 31 assessment of $1.45/gal would put us south of $1.20/gal, a level not seen since June 2005.
Another bearish factor to consider, ethanol stockpiles averaged 18.68 million barrels in August. Ethanol stocks were nearly 1 million barrels stronger than 2014 and 2 million barrels above 2013 August levels.
Most of that strength of ethanol supply was aided by record production rates of 957,000 barrels per day in August, sharply higher than the 2014 rate of 921,000 b/d in 2014, 838,000 b/d in 2013 and 821,000 b/d in 2012.
In conclusion, unless the firm corn rally holds the market ransom in the coming weeks, ethanol prices have only one direction to go in September.


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Home News Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's change £99 pay at pump rule
Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's change £99 pay at pump rule
News George Holan · February 15, 2022 · 0 Comment
Major UK supermarkets have all changed how drivers pay for their fuel.
All Pay at Pump transactions were previously authorized by requesting a £1 transaction from your card issuer before taking payment for the value of the fuel one to three days later.
But new rules imposed by Visa and Mastercard last year, mean that the pre-authorisation has changed to £99 which means your bank may create a temporary hold of up to £99 while you fill up.
On completing the transaction, the actual amount is deducted immediately from your account and the pre-authorized amount is immediately cancelled.
READ MORE: Dad's despair after A&E sends him home 13 times in three months as symptoms are 'dismissed as anxiety'
While some supermarkets immediately rolled out this update, others including Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Morrisons have just started to trial the process, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Here is what's changed:
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's under 2021 requirements by Visa and MasterCard, will request a £100 pre-authorisation amount before starting the process.
The supermarket's website said: "Under new industry requirements mandated by Visa and MasterCard, self-service pumps at Sainsbury's Petrol Forecourts will request a £100 pre-authorisation amount before starting the fueling process; this is to ensure that customers have sufficient funds to cover the cost of fuel dispensed.
"When the transaction has completed, the Pay at Pump terminal will send a message to your bank with the actual transaction amount which will be charged to the customer; the pre-authorization amount will be almost immediately released back to the customer's account.
"The introduction of this change means that the customer will almost immediately see the actual value of fuel dispensed in their bank account.
(Image: Ian Cooper)
"Previously, customers had a £1 pre-authorisation was taken from their account to confirm that their card was valid before they began to fill up.
"The exact cost of the fuel would then appear on the customer's account typically one or two days after the transaction, which could make it difficult for customers to track available spend."
According to the Express, around 60 pay-at-pumps sites operate on this system.
Tesco is currently trialling a £99 pre-authorisation payment.
The supermarket said: "We are currently trialling this change in selected locations. So you may find this payment change happens at one petrol station but not at another.
"If you have a problem with a payment, please contact your bank that issued the card, as this new payment rule is not under our control…
"There may be a small number of occasions where your card issuer doesn't update your balance in real-time.
"We'll only ever charge you for the value of the fuel you've purchased, but if you do have concerns, please talk to your bank for further details."
Asda is in the process of upgrading its forecourt rules to include a £99 hold payment.
The supermarket said: "On completing the transaction, the actual amount is deducted immediately from your account and the pre-authorized amount is immediately cancelled.
"The solution makes it easier for you to keep control of your finances when you pay for your petrol at the pump, however, if an issue does arise you should first contact the bank that issued your card."
In November 2021, Morrisons adopted the pre-authorisation charge.
Morrisons said: "Under new rules, implemented by Mastercard and Visa, we must now request authorization from your card issuer for up to £100.
(Image: PA)
"Don't worry – once you've finished filling up, the final transaction amount is sent to your card issuer.
"We will only charge you for the value of the fuel you've actually purchased, the remainder of your pre-authorization amount will be released without charge."
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Q: How to append the contents to the file at the beginning using Java? I have used Filewriter class. But it will append at the end of the file. Can anyone tell me the method to append the contents to the file at the beginning without overwriting.

A: You can't, basically. That's not a Java limitation so much as a file system limitation - I can't remember ever seeing an API which allows this.
You'll need to create a new file, write your new data, then append the contents of the original file to it.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


W's editors choose the most influential looks of the upcoming season.
"Irie vibes came in the form of happy color combinations and crocheted mini dresses at Tommy Hilfiger." – Sam Milner, Fashion Market Editor and Manager.
"Phillip Lim returned to his effortlessly chic roots this season with looks like this two-piece dress in olive green silk–which is fitting for his 10th anniversary." – Nora Milch, Accessories Editor.
"Ruffles were everywhere in this collection, and a favorite was a romantic flourish added to a oversized men's shirt." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"The upholstery style fabric of the dress is modernized by the embellished army jacket—it's a perfect combo of sparkle and toughness." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"This look is the epitome of effortless chic." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"Giulietta designer Sofia Sizzi showed her sportier side with this playful, flirty look." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"Cozy cashmere overalls? This is the ultimate weekend look." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"Tanya Taylor's first attempt at designing denim was a success—this swiss dot army jacket is utilitarian and chic." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"In her spare and elegant spring collection, Maria Cornejo made a very strong case for long with looks like this white dress and coat. " – Alix Browne, Features Director.
"I'm drawn to the comfort and ease of this ankle length floral metallic-silk dress." – Nora Milch, Accessories Editor.
"Stuart Vevers continues to create accessible, cool-girl clothes—and is giving Coach, which is approaching its 75th anniversary, much to celebrate." – Karin Nelson, Features Editor.
"This Lacoste dress is worthy of a day on the courts—followed by a night on the town." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"This simply chic skirt and shirt combination was an easy win at Diesel Black Gold." – Rickie de Sole, Fashion Market and Accessories Director.
"This show-stopping taffeta gown closed the Oscar de la Renta show on a very high note!" – Rickie de Sole, Fashion Market and Accessories Director.
"From the Vanessa Beecroft choreography and clothes that resemble prison garb to the star-studded front-row and debut of a music track, Kanye West's Yeezy presentation seemed like a repeat performance of last season's." – Karin Nelson, Features Editor.
"A bright floral print dress, such as this one from the Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2016 collection, is a spring essential." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"Pleats are a consistent fashion trend for spring, but Edun's take is especially charming." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"Shayne Oliver subverted the school uniform for his spring collection, and this pink pleated skirt gets an A+." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"Simplicity is never simple. It's the hardest thing in the world," said the artist Agnes Martin, who was Adam Lippes' inspiration for his beautifully-rendered minimalist collection. " – Karin Nelson, Features Editor.
"Nerd-chic fans will love Trademark's denim and quirky tomato sweater." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"Amanda Phelan's debut collection included eye-catching knitwear, which will be a welcome addition to any woman's closet." - Caroline Grosso, Market Editor.
"This sleek, off-the-shoulder dress is a modern update on the tuxedo—one that I can't wait to see on the red carpet come spring." – Rickie de Sole, Fashion Market and Accessories Director.
"Though nicely referential, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne's debut collection for DKNY—which consisted mainly of reconfigured '80s power suiting—lacked the urban vitality that the brand has come to represent." – Karin Nelson, Features Editor.
"Rag & Bone's designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright presented their Spring 2016 collection in Brooklyn, and fortunately, the sporty sneakers, minimalist slip dresses, and boxy bomber-style jackets were worth the trek." – Sarah Leon, Senior Digital Editor.
"There was no shortage of bling at the Vera Wang Spring 2016 show—especially in this gold-and-silver finale ensemble." – Sam Milner, Senior Market Editor and Manager.
"J. Crew hopes to increase sales by returning to its roots—which apparently include gingham overload and Jenna Lyons' mix-and-match touch." – Sarah Leon, Senior Digital Editor.
"While the big news at Suno's Spring 2016 show was the brand's first collection of footwear, this black-and-white graphic floral print is also newsworthy." – Caroline Grosso, Fashion Market Editor.
"Although he's best known for designing glamorous gowns, Zac Posen's Spring 2016 collection was delightfully wearable for daytime." – Rickie de Sole, Fashion Market and Accessories Director.
"Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses have been a big trend all week, but this red orange number stands out from the rest." – Caroline Grosso, Fashion Market Editor.
"Between the exuberant, star-spangled fashion and Willy Wonka-esque supply of candy, Marc Jacobs's spring show left the weary fashion crowd on a major high." – Karin Nelson, Features Editor.
"For her Spring 2016 collection, Anna Sui was inspired by recent trips to Hawaii and Tahiti—as this floral dress makes quite clear." - Caroline Grosso, Fashion Market Editor.
"Many New York Fashion Week designers recalled the '90s this season—but no one did it better than Calvin Klein's Francisco Costa." – Rickie de Sole, Fashion Market and Accessories Director.
"Pompoms, feathers, ribbons, lace… there was a lot of craftiness at play in Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez's latest Proenza Schouler collection, but things looked the most elegant when they didn't get overly complicated, as in this graphic vest and pant ensemble." – Alix Browne, Features Director.
"Ralph Lauren's nautical-inspired Spring 2016 show is as preppy as you get at New York Fashion Week!" – Rickie de Sole, Fashion Market and Accessories Director.
"These wide leg sateen pants showed Narciso Rodriguez's more subversive side." – Sam Milner, Senior Market Editor and Manager.
"Though Simon Miller's Jake Sargent and Daniel Corrigan continue to grow their denim brand in interesting ways—this season saw the introduction of calfskin bucket bags—they're still clearly intent on making the coolest jeans around." – Karin Nelson, Features Editor.
"This sleek slip dress provides the perfect pop of color to a summer wardrobe." – Sam Milner, Senior Market Editor and Manger.


Wheatley Research Symposium Shines a Spotlight on Student Work!
Earlier this evening, Wheatley's 5th Annual Research Symposium was held in our lobby (for the poster sessions) and a Room 450 (for the senior research presentations). The breadth and scope of the topics covered a large range of science and social science research topics. As always, hearing our students explain their work was quite rewarding!
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the research of members of the Class of 2016!
We are thankful to have such wonderfully motivated students along with the faculty to support their efforts. Particular thanks to our Science Research Coordinator, Ms. Alexis Blondrage, for her work with these students and her coordination of the evening. Additionally, thanks to Mr. Andrew Ardito for his work with students in the Social Science research domains.
Roldan, Aidan – What are the Effects of Different Antibiotics on E. Coli?
Wong, Dustin – Caffeine vs. Melatonin on the Regeneration Rate of Blackworms.
Wong, Trenton – From Body Heat to Electricity: Will Graphene Enhance the Connection?
← Vintage Coffeehouse 2016 is a Success!


text:
The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories
Author Leo Tolstoy
Introduction by Antony Briggs
Translated by Antony Briggs, David McDuff, Ronald Wilks
Penguin Adult HC/TR | Penguin Classics
On sale May 27, 2008 | 352 Pages | 978-0-14-044961-7
English > Comparative Literature: Russia and Eastern Europe > Russian
Here are some of Tolstoy's extraordinary short stories, from "The Death of Ivan Ilyich." in a masterly new translation, to "The Raid," "The Wood-felling," "Three Deaths," "Polikushka," "After the Ball," and "The Forged Coupon," all gripping and eloquent lessons on two of Tolstoy's most persistent themes: life and death. More experimental than his novels, Tolstoy's stories are essential reading for anyone interested in his development as one of the major writers and thinkers of his time.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Hadji Murat
I was returning home through the fields. It was the very middle of summer. The meadows had been mowed, and they were just
about to reap the rye.
There is a delightful assortment of flowers at that time of year: red, white, pink, fragrant, fluffy clover; impudent marguerites; milk-white "love-me-love-me-nots" with bright yellow centers and a fusty, spicy stink; yellow wild rape with its honey smell; tall-standing, tulip-shaped campanulas, lilac and white; creeping vetch; neat scabious, yellow, red, pink, and lilac; plantain with its faintly pink down and faintly perceptible, pleasant smell; cornflowers, bright blue in the sun and in youth, and pale blue and reddish in the evening and when old; and the tender, almond-scented, instantly wilting flowers of the bindweed.
I had gathered a big bouquet of various flowers and was walking home, when I noticed in a ditch, in full bloom, a wonderful crimson thistle of the kind which is known among us as a "Tartar" and is carefully mowed around, and, when accidentally mowed down, is removed from the hay by the mowers, so that it will not prick their hands. I took it into my head to pick this thistle and put it in the center of the bouquet. I got down into the ditch and, having chased away a hairy bumblebee that had stuck itself into the center of the flower and sweetly and lazily fallen asleep there, I set about picking the flower. But it was very difficult: not only was the stem prickly on all sides, even through the handkerchief I had wrapped around my hand, but it was so terribly tough that I struggled with it for some five minutes, tearing the fibers one by one. When I finally tore off the flower, the stem was all ragged, and the flower no longer seemed so fresh and beautiful. Besides, in its coarseness and gaudiness it did not fit in with the delicate flowers of the bouquet. I was sorry that I had vainly destroyed and thrown away a flower that had been beautiful in its place. "But what energy and life force," I thought, remembering the effort it had cost me to tear off the flower. "How staunchly it defended itself, and how dearly it sold its life."
The way home went across a fallow, just-plowed field of black earth. I walked up a gentle slope along a dusty, black-earth road. The plowed field was a landowner's, a very large one, so that to both sides of the road and up the hill ahead nothing could be seen except the black, evenly furrowed, not yet scarified soil. The plowing had been well done; nowhere on the field was there a single plant or blade of grass to be seen—it was all black. "What a destructive, cruel being man is, how many living beings and plants he annihilates to maintain his own life," I thought, involuntarily looking for something alive amidst this dead, black field. Ahead of me, to the right of the road, I spied a little bush. When I came closer, I recognized in this bush that same "Tartar" whose flower I had vainly picked and thrown away.
The "Tartar" bush consisted of three shoots. One had been broken off, and the remainder of the branch stuck out like a cut-off arm. On each of the other two there was a flower. These flowers had once been red, but now they were black. One stem was broken and half of it hung down, with the dirty flower at the end; the other, though all covered with black dirt, still stuck up. It was clear that the whole bush had been run over by a wheel, and afterwards had straightened up and therefore stood tilted, but stood all the same. As if a piece of its flesh had been ripped away, its guts turned inside out, an arm torn off, an eye blinded. But it still stands and
does not surrender to man, who has annihilated all its brothers around it.
"What energy!" I thought. "Man has conquered everything, destroyed millions of plants, but this one still does not surrender."
And I remembered an old story from the Caucasus, part of which I saw, part of which I heard from witnesses, and part of which I imagined to myself. The story, as it shaped itself in my memory and imagination, goes like this.
Copyright © 2009 by Leo Tolstoy. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
© Library of Congress
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was born in central Russia. After serving in the Crimean War, he retired to his estate and devoted himself to writing, farming, and raising his large family. His novels and outspoken social polemics brought him world fame. View titles by Leo Tolstoy
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
from War and Peace
Anna Karenina (Movie Tie-in Edition)
Official Tie-in Edition Including the screenplay by Tom Stoppard
The Death of Ivan Ilyich
The Modern Library Collection Essential Russian Novels 4-Book Bundle
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy
The Death of Ivan Ilych and Other Stories
Childhood; Boyhood; Youth
A Confession
The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories
Stories of Power and Politics from Literature and Life
Robert Coles, George Eliot, George Orwell, Leo Tolstoy, Anthony Trollope
Teaching Stories
An Anthology on the Power of Learning and Literature
Robert Coles, Leo Tolstoy
The Cossacks and Other Stories
The Cossacks
Master and Man and Other Stories
The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Master and Man
(Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
The Kreutzer Sonata
Hadji Murad
Collected Shorter Fiction of Leo Tolstoy, Volume I
Introduction by John Bayley
Collected Shorter Fiction of Leo Tolstoy, Volume II
How Much Land Does a Man Need? and Other Stories
3-Volume Boxed Set; Introduction by R. F. Christian
Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth
Introduction by A. N. Wilson
A Confession and Other Religious Writings


text:
Q: Show for all positive integers l : $0 = \sum_{k=0}^ {3l-1} (-3)^{k} { 6l \choose 2k+1}$ Show for all positive integers l :
$$0 = \sum_{k=0}^ {3l-1} (-3)^{k}  { 6l \choose 2k+1}$$
My teacher said that I should note "suitable Power of $
{\sqrt 3} + i$ " and use the binomial theorem to proof this.

A: Hint: Expand $(\sqrt3+i)^{6l}$ using the binomial theorem. (Where $6l$ is suggested by the top of that binomial coefficient in the problem statement.)
Also, what is the value of $(\sqrt3+i)^{6}$? (Use the polar representation of $\sqrt3+i$.) And don't forget that two complex numbers are equal if and only if their real and imaginary parts both match.

A:
We obtain for integral $l>0$:
  \begin{align*}
\color{blue}{\sum_{k=0}^{3l-1}\binom{6l}{2k+1}(-3)^k}
&=\frac{1}{i\sqrt{3}}\sum_{k=0}^{3l-1}\binom{6l}{2k+1}\left(i\sqrt{3}\right)^{2k+1}\tag{1}\\
&=\frac{1}{i\sqrt{3}}\sum_{k=0}^{6l}\binom{6l}{k}\left(i\sqrt{3}\right)^{k}\cdot\frac{1-(-1)^k}{2}\tag{2}\\
&=\frac{1}{2i\sqrt{3}}\left[\left(1+i\sqrt{3}\right)^{6l}-\left(1-i\sqrt{3}\right)^{6l}\right]\tag{3}\\
&=\frac{1}{2i\sqrt{3}}\left[(-8)^{2l}-(-8)^{2l}\right]\tag{4}\\
&\,\,\color{blue}{=0}
\end{align*}
  and the claim follows.

Comment:

*

*In (1) we change the exponent of the term $(-3)^k$ from $k$ to $2k+1$ in order to adapt it with $\binom{6l}{\color{blue}{2k+1}}$.

*In (2) we add the even terms to the sum and multiply them with $0$ by $\frac{1-(-1)^k}{2}$ when $k$ is even. This way we prepare the sum for the binomial theorem in the next step. Note the upper limit is set to $6l$.

*In (3) we split the sum and apply the  binomial theorem.

*In (4) we observe that $(1\pm i\sqrt{3})^3=-8$.


text:
Govinda apologizes to the fan after the Supreme Court order
by Bollywood Hungama News Network
BollywoodHungama
Few years ago, Govinda had slapped a fan named Santosh Ray on the sets of the film Money Hai Toh Honey Hai whilst they were shooting for it at Filmistan studios in suburban Mumbai for misbehaving on the sets. Later, the fan registered a complaint against the actor for assaulting him. Now, after the fan moved the Supreme Court regarding the case, they issued an order asking the actor to apologize for the act and we hear that the actor to has obeyed the law and apologized to Santosh.
Revealing about the details of the incidence, Santosh Ray had earlier mentioned that he was just watching the shooting of the movie (which happened in Filmistan Studios in suburban Mumbai) when the star allegedly slapped him. When the fan had initially filed a case at the Bombay High Court, it had quashed the case stating that since Santosh filed the case
See full article on BollywoodHungama
Money Hai Toh Honey Hai (2008)
Santosh Gawade (I)
Govinda (I)


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I have found the study books for the NEBOSH National Diploma an invaluable resource for preparing for the exams. They work through the exact NEBOSH syllabus (the 'learning outcomes') step by step and provide excellent material to secure those necessary outcomes. They really are absolutely brilliant.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Really enjoyed my experience and will be back for more training shortly.
I recently attended a CPD event on ISO 45001 organised by ACT in Birmingham.
There were a good variety of speakers who made clear succinct points and suggestions and generously shared their experiences during the day.
I managed to pick up a few tips on the day and network with a few like minded H&S professionals.
As one of the UK's leading health and safety solutions providers and sources of industry knowledge, our newsletter is a great resource for anyone involved in the industry. Our emails contain useful industry news, free guides, new product announcements, offers and discounts and competitions.


text:
Lysandra philippi is een vlinder uit de familie van de Lycaenidae. De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort is voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd in 1978 door Brown & Coutsis.

Lycaenidae

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Most times, your roof is one of the most expensive components of your home. With that kind of value, you want to be well versed in the ins and outs of your roof and its parts. Let's go over some roofing FAQs to help you better understand every aspect of your roof!
On average, and depending on the type of materials, a roof needs to be replaced ever 20-30 years.
Slate-This material is durable, but may require structural support.
Asphalt Shingles– This material is the most popular choice because it is affordable. It is also easy to install!
Wood Shake– This material is extremely high maintenance and requires consistent upkeep and care.
Clay Tile-This low maintenance material requires little upkeep but its weight may require structural support.
Architectural Shingles– These are asphalt shingles that mimic the look of other material.
In one word: weather. Rain, condensation, wind, snow/ice, sun damage, moss, and trees are all factors that damage your roof significantly. After a storm, your roof should be inspected immediately to repair any damage that the storm may have caused.
Ventilation is a critical factor when it comes to the life of your roof. Structural airflow is made possible with proper ventilation. Proper ventilation can also decrease your energy costs and increase the life of your roof!
This one is easy! Choose Chappell Roofing!


text:
Culp Inc
Culp Announces Results for Second Quarter Fiscal 2023, Including Inventory Impairments and Markdowns of Inventory and Improved Cash Position
Dec 07 2022 21:15 GMT
HIGH POINT, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 7, 2022-- Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP) (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, "CULP") today reported financial and operating results for the second quarter ended October 30, 2022.
Fiscal 2023 Second Quarter Financial Summary
Net sales were $58.4 million, down 21.7 percent compared with the prior-year period, with mattress fabrics sales down 35.8 percent and upholstery fabrics sales down 4.5 percent compared with the second quarter of last year.
Loss from operations was $(11.9) million, as compared with income from operations of $1.6 million for the prior-year period and as compared sequentially with a loss from operations of $(4.7) million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
The loss from operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 includes $5.0 million in inventory impairment charges and loss on the sale of raw material and finished goods inventory associated with the company's mattress fabrics segment. It also includes approximately $1.0 million in higher-than-normal inventory markdowns associated with the company's upholstery fabrics business, and $713,000 in restructuring expense and related charges associated with the closure of the upholstery fabric segment's cut and sew facility in Shanghai, China.
Net loss was $(12.2) million, or $(0.99) per diluted share, compared with net income of $851,000, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the prior-year period. The effective tax rate for the second quarter was negative (10.4)% and was affected by the company's mix of taxable income between its U.S. and foreign jurisdictions during the period.
The company's financial position reflected a solid balance sheet, with total cash and investments of $19.1 million and no outstanding borrowings as of October 30, 2022. (See summary of cash and investments table at the back of this press release.)
Cash flow from operations and free cash flow were $6.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively, for the first six months of fiscal 2023, compared with cash flow from operations and free cash flow of negative $(1.3) million and negative $(5.8) million, respectively, for the first six months of fiscal 2022. (See reconciliation table at the back of this press release.)
The company executed a non-binding term sheet during the second quarter with the lender of its existing domestic credit facility for a new secured credit facility of up to $40 million, with borrowing availability under this facility based on certain of the company's accounts receivable and inventory. As compared to the company's existing credit facility, this proposed new facility is expected to provide improved borrowing availability and minimal financial covenants.
Financial Outlook
The company continues to navigate headwinds, including significant inflationary pressures impacting discretionary consumer spending, high inventory levels at manufacturers and retailers, a stabilizing but inexperienced labor force, and other macroeconomic uncertainties. Although CULP remains well-positioned over the long term with its product-driven strategy and flexible global platform, current conditions are likely to continue pressuring results through at least the remainder of fiscal 2023.
Due to the continued volatility in the macro environment, the company is providing only limited sequential financial guidance for the second half of fiscal 2023. The company's net sales for the third quarter are expected to be moderately lower as compared to the $58.4 million in net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2023, with sales for the quarter affected by fewer billing days due to longer than normal holiday shutdowns, both internally and by customers and suppliers, as well as the timing of the Chinese New Year holiday, which falls primarily within the third quarter. The company expects a consolidated operating loss (loss from operations) for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 that is meaningfully lower than the ($11.9) million operating loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2023, but that is higher than the ($4.7) million operating loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2023 due primarily to expected lower sales. The company also expects its cash position as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 to be lower than the $19.1 million at end of the second quarter of fiscal 2023, but higher than the $14.6 million at the end of fiscal 2022.
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the company is cautiously optimistic for some improvement in business conditions, with an expectation for sequentially improved sales and a reduced operating loss as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023, and with a cash position that is expected to be comparable to slightly lower as compared to the $14.6 million at the end of fiscal 2022.
The company's expectations are based on information available at the time of this press release and reflect certain assumptions by management regarding the company's business and trends and the projected impact of the ongoing headwinds.
Commenting on the results, Iv Culp, president and chief executive officer of Culp, Inc., said, "Our sales and operating results for the second quarter reflected ongoing pressure from the continued slowdown in consumer demand in the domestic mattress industry and, to a lesser degree, in the residential home furnishings industry. As previously announced, our operating performance was significantly affected by inventory impairments and inventory closeout sales for our mattress fabrics division, as well as higher than normal inventory markdowns and restructuring and related charges associated with our upholstery fabrics segment. The timing of this inventory impact was mostly driven by our customers' focus on new product offerings to introduce at the retail level, as well as inflationary pressures, changes in consumer spending, and ongoing macro conditions. We expect to ultimately benefit from a focus on new products, as we continue to win new placements in both divisions, but it is difficult to predict the timing of new product rollouts due to the ongoing excess of retail and manufacturer inventory.
"I am pleased with our continued focus on cash generation and working capital management, including inventory reductions, throughout the quarter. We ended the period with a higher cash position than the first quarter of fiscal 2023, with $19.1 million in cash and investments and no outstanding borrowings. We also generated cash flow from operations of $6.2 million and free cash flow of $4.8 million for the first six months of the fiscal year.
"Additionally, based on market dynamics for cut and sewn products and the strength of our Asian supply chain, we took action during the quarter to rationalize and adjust our model for this platform with the closure of our Shanghai cut and sew facility, resulting in certain restructuring and related expenses. We also began to implement a rationalization of our U.S.-based mattress fabrics cut and sew platform during the quarter, moving our R&D and prototyping capabilities from our High Point, North Carolina, location to our Stokesdale, North Carolina, facility and initiating the closure of two U.S. facilities associated with this business, which is expected to be completed during the third quarter. We believe both of these moves will generate meaningful cost savings, estimated at approximately $3.0 million annually, without sacrificing our ability to support our customers, grow our cut and sew business, and maintain our competitive advantages through our lower-cost manufacturing and sourcing operations in Haiti and Asia.
"Looking ahead, we will continue to diligently manage the aspects of our business we can control, including execution of our product driven strategy, ongoing cost-reduction measures, and consideration of further adjustments to right-size and restructure our operations to align with current demand levels. I am encouraged by the market positions of both of our businesses and the actions our management teams are taking to improve performance in the face of extraordinarily difficult conditions. I am especially pleased with the smooth transition and the initiative of our incoming leadership team in our mattress fabrics segment, as well as the strategic steps this division is taking to instill better discipline around inventory procurement, SKU rationalization, and firmer order commitments from customers. Across both segments, we are optimistic about new customer programs that are expected to launch in calendar 2023, as these programs will have the benefit of being priced in line with current market conditions, as compared to the lag we have experienced for the last several quarters.
"We are also pleased to have entered into a term sheet for a new credit facility that will give us more flexibility as we navigate this difficult environment, and we remain focused on taking the necessary steps to weather the current headwinds and meet the needs of our customers when conditions normalize. While we expect the current economic environment will continue to affect our business through at least the remainder of fiscal 2023, our market position remains solid, and we believe we are extremely well positioned for the long term. We are confident that our innovative products, creative designs, and global manufacturing and sourcing platform will serve us well into the future," added Culp.
Segment Update
Mattress Fabrics Segment ("CHF") Summary
Sales for this segment were $26.2 million for the second quarter, down 35.8 percent compared with sales of $40.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022. Sequentially, sales were down 10.7 percent compared with sales of $29.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
Operating performance for the second quarter was significantly pressured, primarily due to operating inefficiencies driven by lower sales volume and $5.0 million in inventory impairment charges and losses on the closeout sale of raw material and finished goods inventory.
The segment also remained focused on inventory reduction and cash generation, and is working to implement a SKU rationalization program that is expected to improve operating efficiencies going forward.
As noted above, CHF also began to implement a rationalization and adjustment of its cover platform during the quarter. The result of this action is the discontinuance of its higher-cost on-shore production capabilities, with planned closures of its two leased facilities in High Point, North Carolina, during the third quarter. This will allow CHF to generate cost savings by utilizing its lower-cost mattress cover production and sourcing capabilities in Haiti and Asia, where it can scale operations to align with demand and continue to support the needs of its customers. The move is expected to generate approximately $2.0 million in annualized cost savings, beginning late in the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
The CHF team continued to execute its product-driven strategy during the quarter, with an emphasis on innovation, design creativity, and strengthening customer relationships. The market position for this business remains solid, with strong new placements, although the timing for new product rollouts continues to be affected by customers working through their existing excess inventory.
Management is diligently focused on controlling costs and improving business processes, and will continue to make workforce adjustments to align with demand conditions.
Upholstery Fabrics Segment ("CUF") Summary
Sales for this segment were $32.2 million for the second quarter, down 4.5 percent compared with sales of $33.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, which was affected by COVID-related shutdowns in Vietnam. Sequentially, sales were down 3.3 percent compared with sales of $33.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
Sales for CUF's residential fabric business remained pressured during the quarter by reduced demand, driven by the slowdown in new retail business for the residential home furnishings industry. This slowdown is expected to continue through at least the end of fiscal 2023 as retailers and manufacturers work through their excess inventory positions.
Demand remained solid for CUF's hospitality business during the second quarter, with higher sales in both the hospitality/contract business and the Read Window Products business as compared with the prior-year period.
Operating performance for the second quarter, as compared to the prior-year period, was primarily pressured by lower residential sales and approximately $1.0 million in higher-than-normal inventory markdowns, as well as operating inefficiencies in CUF's cut and sew facility in Haiti. These pressures were partially offset by a significantly more favorable foreign exchange rate associated with CUF's operations in China, as well as an improved contribution from the Read Window Products business.
Based on market dynamics and the strength of its Asian supply chain, CUF took action during the quarter to restructure and rationalize its China cut and sew platform. This platform adjustment allows CUF to reduce its operating costs while maintaining its ability to scale and support customer demand levels going forward. It is expected to generate approximately $900,000 in annualized cost savings.
Despite changing consumer spending trends affecting the residential home furnishings industry, CUF's business remains well-positioned for the long term with its scalable global platform and innovative product offerings, including its popular portfolio of LiveSmart® performance products and new product technologies, such as its recently launched fabric collection featuring Nanobionic® infrared technology.
As of October 30, 2022, the company reported $19.1 million in total cash and investments and no outstanding debt. This compares with $14.6 million in total cash and investments and no outstanding debt as of the end of fiscal 2022.
The company's cash flow from operations and free cash flow during the first six months of fiscal 2023 were favorably affected by working capital management, including higher accounts payable and lower inventory. Importantly, since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2022, inventory reduction has contributed approximately $13.7 million to the company's cash position.
Capital expenditures through the second quarter of fiscal 2023 were $1.1 million compared with $3.9 million for the same period for fiscal 2022. The company continues to manage capital investments, focusing on projects that will increase efficiencies and improve quality.
The company executed a non-binding term sheet during the second quarter of fiscal 2023 with the lender of its existing domestic credit facility for a new revolving credit facility of up to $40 million (the "Credit Facility"), secured by the company's assets. This proposed Credit Facility will replace the company's existing secured credit facility and, based on information available at this time, is expected to provide improved borrowing availability and better flexibility with minimal financial covenants. The company's borrowing availability under the new Credit Facility will be based on a calculation using certain of the company's accounts receivable and inventory, determined on a monthly basis. The completion of the Credit Facility is subject to the parties entering into applicable definitive agreements, which may contain additional or different terms from those described herein.
To preserve liquidity and support future growth opportunities, the company's Board of Directors suspended the company's quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in June of 2022.
The company did not repurchase any shares during the second quarter of fiscal 2023, leaving approximately $3.2 million available under the current share repurchase program as of October 30, 2022. Despite the current share repurchase authorization, the company does not expect to repurchase any shares during the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
Culp, Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 on December 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A live webcast of this call can be accessed on the "Upcoming Events" section on the investor relations page of the company's website, www.culp.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for 30 days under the "Past Events" section on the investor relations page of the company's website, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 8, 2022.
Culp, Inc. is one of the world's largest marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture. The company markets a variety of fabrics to its global customer base of leading bedding and furniture companies, including fabrics produced at Culp's manufacturing facilities and fabrics sourced through other suppliers. Culp has manufacturing and sourcing capabilities located in the United States, Canada, China, Haiti, Turkey, and Vietnam.
This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934). Such statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events and results to differ materially from such statements. Further, forward looking statements are intended to speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we disclaim any duty to update such statements to reflect any changes in management's expectations or any change in the assumptions or circumstances on which such statements are based, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, expectations, or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. Such statements are often but not always characterized by qualifying words such as "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "project," and their derivatives, and include but are not limited to statements about expectations for our future operations, production levels, new product launches, sales, profit margins, profitability, operating income, capital expenditures, working capital levels, income taxes, SG&A or other expenses, pre-tax income, earnings, cash flow, and other performance or liquidity measures, as well as any statements regarding potential acquisitions, future economic or industry trends, public health epidemics, or future developments. There can be no assurance that we will realize these expectations or meet our guidance, or that these beliefs will prove correct.
Factors that could influence the matters discussed in such statements include the level of housing starts and sales of existing homes, consumer confidence, trends in disposable income, and general economic conditions. Decreases in these economic indicators could have a negative effect on our business and prospects. Likewise, increases in interest rates, particularly home mortgage rates, and increases in consumer debt or the general rate of inflation, could affect us adversely. The future performance of our business depends in part on our success in conducting and finalizing acquisition negotiations and integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations. Changes in consumer tastes or preferences toward products not produced by us could erode demand for our products. Changes in tariffs or trade policy, or changes in the value of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies, could affect our financial results because a significant portion of our operations are located outside the United States. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies could make our products less competitive on the basis of price in markets outside the United States, and strengthening of currencies in Canada and China can have a negative impact on our sales of products produced in those places. Also, economic or political instability in international areas could affect our operations or sources of goods in those areas, as well as demand for our products in international markets. The impact of public health epidemics on employees, customers, suppliers, and the global economy, such as the global coronavirus pandemic currently affecting countries around the world, could also adversely affect our operations and financial performance. In addition, the impact of potential goodwill or intangible asset impairments could affect our financial results. Increases in freight costs, labor costs, and raw material prices, including increases in market prices for petrochemical products, can also significantly affect the prices we pay for shipping, labor, and raw materials, respectively, and in turn, increase our operating costs and decrease our profitability. Finally, disruption in our customers' supply chains for non-fabric components may cause declines in new orders and/or delayed shipping of existing orders while our customers wait for other components, which could adversely affect our financial results. Further information about these factors, as well as other factors that could affect our future operations or financial results and the matters discussed in forward-looking statements, is included in Item 1A "Risk Factors" in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur.
CULP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET (LOSS) INCOME
FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022, AND OCTOBER 31, 2021
Unaudited
(Amounts in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)
October 30,
% Over
(Under)
Cost of sales (2)
Gross (loss) profit
Restructuring expense (3)
(Loss) income from operations
(Loss) income before income taxes
Income tax expense (1)
Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income per share - basic
Net (loss) income per share - diluted
Average shares outstanding-basic
Average shares outstanding-diluted
Percent of sales column for income tax expense is calculated as a % of (loss) income before income taxes.
Cost of sales for the three-months ending October 30, 2022, includes restructuring related charges totaling $98,000 which pertains to loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China.
Restructuring expense for the three-months ending October 30, 2022, represents $468,000 for employee termination benefits, $80,000 that relates to a loss on disposal of equipment, $47,000 for lease termination costs, and $20,000 of other associated costs related to the exit of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China.
See back of presentation for our Reconciliation of Selected Income Statement Information to Adjusted Results for the three-months ending October 30, 2022.
FOR SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022, AND OCTOBER 31, 2021
SIX MONTHS ENDED
Cost of sales for the six-months ending October 30, 2022, includes restructuring related charges totaling $98,000 which pertains to loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China.
Restructuring expense for the six-months ending October 30, 2022, represents $468,000 for employee termination benefits, $80,000 that relates to a loss on disposal of equipment, $47,000 for lease termination costs, and $20,000 of other associated costs related to the exit of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China.
See back of presentation for our Reconciliation of Selected Income Statement Information to Adjusted Results for the six-months ending October 30, 2022.
OCTOBER 30, 2022, OCTOBER 31, 2021, AND MAY 1, 2022
(Condensed)
Increase (Decrease)
* May 1,
Short-term investments - Held-To-Maturity
Short-term investments - Available for Sale
Short-term investments - Rabbi Trust
Current income taxes receivable
Property, plant & equipment, net
Right of use assets
Long-term investments - Rabbi Trust
Long-term investments - Held-To-Maturity
Accounts payable - trade
Accounts payable - capital expenditures
Operating lease liability - current
Accrued restructuring
Income taxes payable - current
Operating lease liability - long-term
Income taxes payable - long-term
* Derived from audited financial statements.
SUMMARY OF CASH AND INVESTMENTS
Cash and Investments
Total Cash and Investments
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022, AND OCTOBER 31, 2021
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Non-cash inventory charges (2) (3)
Realized gain from the sale of short-term investments available for sale
Gain on sale of equipment
Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss
Accrued expenses and deferred compensation
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Proceeds from the sale of equipment
Proceeds from the maturity of short-term investments (Held to Maturity)
Purchase of short-term and long-term investments (Held to Maturity)
Purchase of short-term investments (Available for Sale)
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments (Available for Sale)
Proceeds from the sale of long-term investments (rabbi trust)
Purchase of long-term investments (rabbi trust)
Common stock repurchased
Common stock surrendered for withholding taxes payable
Payments of debt issuance costs
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Free Cash Flow (1)
See next page for Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow for the six-month periods ending October 30, 2022 and October 31, 2021, respectively.
The non-cash inventory charge for the six-months ending October 30, 2022, represents a $2.9 million impairment charge associated with our mattress fabrics segment, $3.4 million related to markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory, and $98,000 for the loss on disposal and markdowns of inventory related to the exit of our cut and sew upholstery fabrics operation located in Shanghai, China.
The non-cash inventory charge for the six-months ending October 31, 2021, represents markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory.
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow:
A) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
B) Minus: Capital Expenditures
C) Plus: Proceeds from the sale of equipment
D) Plus: Proceeds from the sale of long-term investments (rabbi trust)
E) Minus: Purchase of long-term investments (rabbi trust)
F) Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022, AND OCTOBER 31, 2021
Percent of Total Sales
Net Sales by Segment
Mattress Fabrics
Total Segment Gross (Loss) Profit
Restructuring Related Charge (1)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses by Segment
Unallocated Corporate expenses
(Loss) Income from Operations by Segment
Total Segment (Loss) Income from Operations
Depreciation Expense by Segment
Depreciation Expense
Gross Profit Margin
Total Segment Gross Profit
Return on Capital (1)
Unallocated Corporate
Capital Employed (1) (2)
See return on capital pages at the back of this presentation.
The capital employed balances are as of October 30, 2022 and October 31, 2021, respectively.
RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION TO ADJUSTED RESULTS
FOR THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022
As Reported
Gross loss
FOR SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ADJUSTED EBITDA
FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022, AND OCTOBER 31, 2021
July 31,
Net loss (1)
Interest income, net
Restructuring expense
Restructuring related charge
Amortization expense
% Net Sales
Gain on bargain purchase
% Over (Under)
Net loss and Adjusted EBITDA for the three-month and the trailing twelve month periods includes a non-cash charge totaling $5.2 million, which represents a $2.9 million impairment charge associated with our mattress fabrics segment and $2.3 million related to markdowns of inventory estimated based on our policy for aged inventory.
RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED BY SEGMENT
FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2022
(Loss)
Return on
Avg. Capital
Average Capital Employed
As of the three Months Ended October 30, 2022
As of the three Months Ended July 31, 2022
As of the three Months Ended May 1, 2022
Total assets (4)
Short-term investments - Available-For-Sale
Deferred income taxes - non-current
Deferred compensation - current
Deferred compensation non-current
Total Capital Employed
RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED BY SEGMENT - CONTINUED
As of the three Months Ended January 30, 2022
Average Capital Employed (3)
See last page of this presentation for calculation.
Return on average capital employed represents the last twelve months operating income as of October 30, 2022, divided by average capital employed. Average capital employed does not include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments Available-For-Sale, short-term and long-term investments Held-To-Maturity, short-term and long-term investments – Rabbi Trust, accrued restructuring, income taxes receivable and payable, noncurrent deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and current and non-current deferred compensation.
Average capital employed was computed using the five quarterly periods ending October 30, 2022, July 31, 2022, May 1, 2022, January 30, 2022, and October 31, 2021.
Intangible assets are included in unallocated corporate for all periods presented and therefore, have no effect on capital employed and return on capital employed for our mattress fabrics and upholstery fabrics segments.
CULP INC.
Twelve Months
As of the three Months Ended August 1, 2021


The Shadow Lord has the Philosopher's Stone, and therefore an army of invincible penumbra. He also possesses the fragments of Excalibur, the legendary sword prophesied to be the instrument of either his own destruction, or that of the Child of the Prophecy. The sword, he knows, requires blood to be reforged… and he knows exactly whose blood he wants.
Meanwhile, the Watchers are desperate to steal back the fragments of Excalibur and find out how to reforge them before the Shadow Lord does. Isdemus places Peter and Lily in Carlion's sister cities for safe-keeping until the war begins. But Peter and Lily have an idea that might enable the Watchers to steal back the fragments, in spite of the Shadow Lord's invincible army. Their plan requires them to travel halfway across the world, to an island largely believed to exist only in Greek mythology. Along the way, however, the Shadow Lord uses a pawn to convince Peter and Lily that they are powerless. Without their gifts of the Ancient Tongue, will either one of them stand a chance?
In this gripping conclusion of the Piercing the Veil trilogy, the Watchers and the Shadow Lord both amass their ranks, the battle begins, and the true identity of the Child of the Prophecy is revealed—to the shock of all.
The final battle is drawing near and doubts are creeping into the hearts and minds of Peter, Lily and their allies as their powers are beginning to flicker like a light bulb on its last filament. Will they lose their powers just when they needed them most? Things seem to be falling apart at the worst time, the Shadow Lord has control over legions of powerful Penumbra with the Philosopher's Stone in his possession. He also has control of Peter's twin brother's body, so to kill The Shadow Lord is to kill an undeserving innocent. Add to that, no one is sure who the Child of Prophecy is or who will win the battle between good and evil. Whatever the outcome, it cannot come without pain, too much pain.
The clock is ticking and the Watchers need to retrieve the fragments of Excalibur from the Dark Lord or all is lost. Is it too late for Peter and Lily, as well as the rest of the world? Will King Arthur's legend become a tale lost to infamy? The always in control Isdemus requires full compliance to lead his army, but, seriously, Lily and full compliance in the same sentence? PULEEZE. Both dimensions are crossed to end this battle of winner take all, as the penumbra become stronger over their human minions, in spite of the many who have learned to see with their minds and hearts and to recognize the evil sitting on everyone's shoulder. Not everyone will survive this time, and it may take the wisdom of an old man and the innocence of a young child to lead the Watchers to battle, but will it be enough? Secrets are kept, the unimaginable is revealed and time has run out, someone will die, the time has come.Now is not the time for doubt.
C.A. Gray has done it! She has brought the conclusion to her series home with a flourish! Impossible just may be the best of the series, driven by determination, strategy and loyalties, and even the budding of young romance. What a wrap! All of the tension and intrigue of each volume magnified times ten! From the wonderfully created characters to the dialogue that fit so well, her world actually breathes with each turn of the page as heroes rise, heroes fall and heroes reveal themselves with as much grit as the original King Arthur and his Knights.
I received this ARC edition as part of C. A. Gray's IMPOSSIBLE Book Tour stopping at Tome Tender October 16, 2014.


text:
Il santuario di Nostra Signora del Soccorso è un luogo di culto cattolico situato nel comune di Pietra Ligure, in via Soccorso, in provincia di Savona. La chiesa, gestita dai frati minori Francescani, è sede della parrocchia omonima della zona pastorale di Pietra Ligure della diocesi di Albenga-Imperia.

Storia e descrizione
Nel XIV secolo nelle paludi del Maremola esisteva una piccola cappella su cui era dipinta a fresco un'immagine della Vergine con il Bambino.

Nel 1548 la comunità pietrese, a seguito di visioni e miracoli verificatisi nel luogo, decise la costruzione di fronte alla cappella di una nuova e più ampia chiesa. Il principe Andrea Doria chiese alla Comunità di poter costruire nelle vicinanze un convento di frati minori per la gestione della nuova chiesa.

Nel 1608 con mirabile operazione venne staccato dalla cappella il muro su cui era l'affresco e quindi trasferito sul frontone del nuovo altare maggiore in marmo.

Nel periodo napoleonico la chiesa venne chiusa, il convento requisito, e i frati allontanati. In seguito si costruirono un nuovo convento sul lato a monte della chiesa.

Dal 1969 la chiesa, gestita dall'ordine minore francescano, è divenuta parrocchiale. Tutto il complesso è stato restaurato e riportato al semplice stile originario. Il campanile, barocco, ospita un concerto di 7 campane in Do maggiore.

Voci correlate
 Pietra Ligure
 Diocesi di Albenga-Imperia
 Beata Vergine Maria del Soccorso

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Nostra Signora del Soccorso
Chiese dedicate a santa Maria del Soccorso
Nostra Signora del Soccorso
Nostra Signora del Soccorso


text:
Trump reportedly considers forming his own party
Trump frees former aides from ethics pledge
ryan s asked in Society & CultureReligion & Spirituality · 1 decade ago
What was the society of jesus and when was it started?
the society of Jesus were the Israelites, the people of Jerusalem(Israel).
The Jesuits are a muderous cult. Here's what Abraham Lincoln said about the evil Jesuits:
"This war [i.e., the American Civil War of 1861-1865] would never have been possible without the sinister influence of the Jesuits. We owe it to popery that we now see our land reddened with the blood of her noblest sons. Though there were great differences of opinion between the South and the North on the question of slavery, neither Jeff Davis nor anyone of the leading men of the Confederacy would have dared to attack the North, had they not relied on the promises of the Jesuits, that, under the mask of Democracy, the money and the arms of the Roman Catholic, even the arms of France were at their disposal, if they would attack us. I pity the priests, the bishops and monks of Rome in the United States, when the people realize that they are, in great part, responsible for the tears and the blood shed in this war. I conceal what I know, on that subject, from the knowledge of the nation; for if the people knew the whole truth, this war would turn into a religious war, and it would at once, take a tenfold more savage and bloody character. It would become merciless as all religious wars are. It would become a war of extermination on both sides. The Protestants of both the North and the South would surely unite to exterminate the priests and the Jesuits, if they could hear what Professor Morse has said to me of the plots made in the very city of Rome to destroy this Republic, and if they could learn how the priests, the nuns, and the monks, which daily land on our shores, under the pretext of preaching their religion, instructing the people in their schools, taking care of the sick in the hospitals, are nothing else but the emissaries of the Pope, of Napoleon, and the other despots of Europe, to undermine our institutions, alienate the hearts of our people from our constitution, and our laws, destroy our schools, and prepare a reign of anarchy here as they have done in Ireland, in Mexico, in Spain, and wherever there are any people who want to be free."
-Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865; 16th President of the United States)
Source(s): The Jesuits exist only to force people into worshipping the "pope". There is no "pope" in the Bible. Catholics are not saved Christians, and they teach a false gospel of works that leads to eternal hell. The Jesuits and the genocidal Vatican have murdered millions and have sent millions to eternal hell.
Robin Runesinger
The Society of Jesus is the official name of the Jesuit Order. It was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius Loyola. The Jesuits plyed a key role in the conversion of the Americas and parts of Asia. While their missionary work was impressive, the order has has its problems, due to their tendency to meddle too much in politics. They have been suppressed by the Holy See a couple of times.
The most recent difficulty of this religious order was their involvement with socialist movements in Latin America under the philosophy of "Liberation Theology." The Jesuits in Latin America are openly defiant of the Pope in this matter. These last maverick actions resulted in the shooting of some Jesuit priests in Nicarauga for providing military support for the socialists.
Source(s): The Jesuits by Malachi Martin http://www.amazon.com/Jesuits-Malachi-Martin/dp/06...
Why does God not do anything about the suffering in the world?
Jesus is not the same as God the father right?
How do I ask god to "reveal himself" to me?
What is the most valuable thing God has ever given to you?
So which is it, atheists? There are no gods, or atheism is just a lack of belief?
Who is the ignorant Christian spammer in the religion section? ?
The 1980s comedy film, Clockwise, features a rural monastery with silent monks, do these still exist in England?
Has Kent Hovind been the victim of a witch hunt just for holding strong Christian views? They wanted him jailed no matter what?
was Jesus God, or was Jesus the son of God?
when is the soonest that I can experience the new birth?


By Brian M. Rosenthal, Austin Bureau July 6, 2015 Updated: July 6, 2015 9:30 p.m.
AUSTIN — Texas officials have decided to sharply limit how many state workers can use taxpayer money to get graduate degrees for free, a move aimed at injecting transparency and accountability into an area of spending that drew questions this year.
The biggest changes are taking place at the Texas Department of Transportation, which has told employees it is reforming its Tuition Assistance Program to ensure it complies with state law and benefits taxpayers instead of favored or connected employees.
The department has spent far more than any other state agency on tuition: $956,000 in 425 payments in 2013, about 10 percent of which was for classes that were not related to job duties of the employees, according to records. All payments were made before classes began, with no requirements that participants pay anything upfront.
Under the department's new rules, the program may accept only 10 workers each year, participants must pay part of their tuition upfront and classes must relate to current or prospective job duties.
"This approach ensures that we manage state resources prudently while supporting the professional development of our employees who can then apply that knowledge to their jobs at TxDOT," spokeswoman Veronica Beyer said in a statement.
The announcement of the changes came around the same time that Gov. Greg Abbott on June 9 signed a bill passed by the Legislature to reform tuition payment programs.
Sponsored by Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches, it was approved unanimously by both the House and Senate. It takes effect Sept. 1.
The bill was introduced after revelations in January that a state health commission official named Casey Haney had gotten $97,000 in a lump sump from the agency to get a master's degree. Haney and fellow high-ranking official Patricia Vojack, who got a $37,000 tuition benefit, had worked as political aides to Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek and had gotten their jobs without applying.
Both officials agreed to repay the money. Haney resigned in February. It soon became clear that problems with tuition payments extended far beyond that case, however.
The Houston Chronicle reported in March that state agencies had spent some $30 million since 1993 on tuition — including at least $13 million by the Transportation Department — under vague rules that allowed for large payments to connected or near-retirement employees. Some agencies had policies that did not appear to comply with the law, employees often did not have to pay anything upfront and many of the payments went to private or out-of-state colleges.
The day after the story ran, the Transportation Department told employees it was suspending its program to consider revisions.
Clardy said his proposal received strong support from fellow lawmakers and Abbott, who called ethics reform a priority for the session.


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