Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 has recently received a major update, bringing a host of exciting new features to enhance the gameplay experience for fans of the popular sci-fi action game. With the introduction of new maps and DLSS frame generation support, players can expect a whole new level of visual fidelity and performance optimization.South Korea lifts president’s martial law decree after lawmakers vote against it
In conclusion, President Zelensky's disclosure of Ukrainian military casualty data in response to Trump's remarks underscores the urgent need for international support and solidarity in the face of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It is a call to action for the global community to come together and work towards a peaceful resolution that will bring an end to the suffering and pave the way for a better future for the people of Ukraine.Imagine embarking on an epic quest with a companion NPC by your side. The last thing you want is for them to constantly bombard you with unnecessary chatter, mundane observations, or repetitive comments. This not only breaks the immersion but can also be incredibly frustrating for the player. In the game "Sworn Companions," developers have managed to create NPC partners that are both intelligent and considerate when it comes to dialogue.Ever since Indian-origin Sriram Krishnan's name came out as the Senior White House Policy Advisor for US President-elect Donald Trump, the entrepreneur has been a subject of debate. His views on immigration and green card caps have been criticised by many, however, the world’s richest man and one of the greatest tech entrepreneurs of all time, Elon Musk, has backed Krishnan. In of those criticism posts, one X user posted a picture of an Indian dish, butter chicken, and along with the picture of Sriram Krishnan. The post read, “Here is what Sriram Krishnan would look like if he was butter chicken.” The butter chicken picture seems to be an AI-generated picture that covers Krishnan’s face and neck with the Indian dish. These racist attacks are disgusting. [ @sriramk is awesome, for the record ] https://t.co/mZPLrMuLz3 — @jason (@Jason) December 27, 2024 Elon Musk’s reactions: A user on X, Jason supported Sriram and criticised the racist post saying, “These racist attacks are disgusting. [ @sriramk is awesome, for the record ].” Musk in reply to Jason’s comments wrote, “100” by using an emoji, which is a sign of saying “100 percent” and is written in support of anything. In an earlier post Krishnan expressed his views on green card and immigration and said, “Anything to remove country caps/unlock skilled immigration would be huge”. He was criticised on his views by a far-right commentator Laura Loomer. Donald Trump’s new head of artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto David Sacks clarified Krishnan’s views and in reply said, “Point of clarification: Sriram didn’t say he wants to remove all caps on green cards. He said he wants to remove *country* caps on green cards...”. Elon Musk supported Sack’s views and wrote, “Makes sense”. Deeply disturbing to see the appointment of Sriram Krishnan @sriramk as Senior Policy Advisor for AI at the Office of Science and Technology Policy. It’s alarming to see the number of career leftists who are now being appointed to serve in Trump’s admin when they share views... https://t.co/pf0WiViy32 pic.twitter.com/nR0TkZpNK7 — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 23, 2024 Makes sense — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 24, 2024 Sriram Krishnan’s appointment and his views on immigration and green card policies sparked a debate which led to clash between the top tech entrepreneurs including Elon Musk and Trump’s loyal supporters. This debate was made even more complex after Donald Trump who staunchly put restrictions on H1B visa in his last term became more soft supporting extending green cards to graduates.
- Leading efficient care management for the elderly with unimpeded smartcar e h ttps://img.hankyung.com/pdsdata/pr.hankyung.com/uploads/2024/11/image01-1.png SEOUL, South Korea , Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JCF Technology is a startup that independently developed 'MecKare', a radar sensor that measures biological signals in a non-contact manner, and provides a platform service that automatically connects users and guardians in two-way emergency situations through an artificial intelligence analysis system. Since its establishment in 2016, it has developed a highly accurate non-contact multi-biological radar sensor through many years of technology accumulation, and succeeded in commercializing the product for the first time in 2021. MecKare uses microwave radar and micro-Doppler signal processing technology to measure the user's heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature within 16.4 ft in real time. The sensor can measure human body movement patterns using precise and highly responsive thermal infrared rays and can detect falls through pattern analysis based on changes in human movement. In particular, the movement and change of thermal infrared rays within the measurement range are detected in real time, and the trend of biomarkers that appear as advance signs before a person falls can be checked through differential motion detection that measures the user's movement pattern. It provides an alarm in advance by predicting before a person falls, enabling accuracy and quick response to accidents. As a result, it is possible to prevent safety accidents in the elderly by detecting emergency situations such as lonely death, cardiac arrest, breathing difficulties, and falls. Additionally, unlike other existing wearable devices such as smart watches or bands, MecKare does not need to be worn or attached to the body, so it can be used remotely via Wi-Fi without causing stress to the user. https://img.hankyung.com/pdsdata/pr.hankyung.com/uploads/2024/11/image02.png MecKare can be installed in the bedroom, bathroom, living room, or entrance of a home or facilities(Assisted Living, Nursing Home, etc) to provide 24-hour monitoring without a camera and detect abnormal signs in advance using a biometric information analysis algorithm and deliver them to the guardian. MecKare's radar biometric sensor is recognized in the global market for its technology as a device that obtains precisely customized biometric information while overcoming spatial constraints and without risk of privacy infringement. MecKare is being supplied to senior care facilities in Australia , Germany , Poland , Saudi Arabia , and China . In 2025, MecKare plans to conduct verification of vital signs such as attendance, fall prevention, and asthma of elderly people living in hospitals or assisted living in conjunction with local PPOs/HMOs in the United States . In summary, MecKare is a system that reduces user inconvenience and enables management of multiple patients. By being able to provide personalized health data analysis results, it will serve as an opportunity to change the market paradigm towards preventive smart care. We expect MecKare's A.I to play a role as an innovator that complements, rather than replaces, humans in care settings. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hankyungcom-introduces-meckare-leading-the-ai-powered-innovation-in-health-monitoring-solution-302310743.html SOURCE Hankyung.comBut McGrady was undaunted. He rose to the occasion with a grace and flair that was truly awe-inspiring. Three-pointers, driving layups, contested jumpers – he did it all with a calm confidence that belied the gravity of the situation. With each made basket, the crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and disbelief, unable to comprehend the spectacle unfolding before their eyes.In addition to sound quality and comfort, another important consideration when selecting headphones is connectivity and compatibility. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series boasts seamless connectivity with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With Bluetooth technology, you can easily pair the headphones with your device and enjoy wireless freedom without any tangled cords. Whether you're listening to music, taking calls, or playing games, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Alibaba's handling of the data center fire demonstrates the importance of preparedness and effective crisis management in the tech industry. By promptly addressing the situation and providing updates to the public, Alibaba was able to maintain trust and credibility with its customers. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that data centers play in supporting the digital infrastructure of businesses worldwide.CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- Torrid Holdings Inc. (“Torrid” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CURV), a direct-to-consumer apparel, intimates, and accessories brand in North America for women sizes 10 to 30, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended November 2, 2024. Lisa Harper, Chief Executive Officer of Torrid, stated, “Our third quarter results were below our expectations as our fall assortments did not offer enough newness and novelty. We also saw the environment change meaningfully from the end of September and into October. Despite the weaker top line sales, we delivered a positive full-price comp, 285 basis points of gross profit expansion, and modest Adjusted EBITDA (1) growth. We ended the quarter with clean inventory levels, down 19% to last year, and $44 million in cash.” Ms. Harper continued, “While we are encouraged by our customers’ response to the newness in our assortments, given the volatility we have seen in our business, and recognizing that there is still considerable amount of the quarter ahead of us, we are taking a prudent approach to our fourth quarter outlook. As we move into fiscal 2025, we are confident that we have put in place the necessary changes and strategies to position us for growth.” Financial Highlights for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Net sales decreased 4.2% to $263.8 million compared to $275.4 million for the third quarter of last year. Comparable sales (2) decreased 6.5% in the third quarter of this year compared to the third quarter of last year. Gross profit margin was 36.1% compared to 33.2% in the third quarter of last year. The 285-bps improvement was primarily driven by reduced product costs and an increase in sales of regular-priced products. Net loss of $1.2 million, or ($0.01) per share, compared to net loss of $2.7 million, or ($0.03) per share in the third quarter of last year. Adjusted EBITDA (1) was $19.6 million, or 7.4% of net sales, compared to $19.4 million, or 7.0% of net sales, in the third quarter of last year. In the third quarter, we opened two Torrid stores and closed four Torrid stores. The total store count at quarter end was 655 stores. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Financial and Operating Metrics November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Number of stores (as of end of period) 655 643 Three Months Ended (in thousands, except percentages) November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Comparable sales (A) (7 )% (8 )% Net loss $ (1,194 ) $ (2,748 ) Adjusted EBITDA (B) $ 19,584 $ 19,379 (A) Comparable sales (2) for the three-month period ended November 2, 2024 compares sales for the 13-week period ended November 2, 2024, with sales for the 13-week period ended November 4, 2023. (B) Please refer to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” below for a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA (1). Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of 2024 totaled $44.0 million. Total liquidity at the end of the quarter, including available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit agreement, was $151.8 million. Cash flow from operations for the nine-month period ended November 2, 2024, was $65.4 million, compared to $33.7 million for the nine-month period ended October 28, 2023. Outlook For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 the Company expects: Net sales between $255.0 million and $270.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA (1) between $9.0 million and $15.0 million. For the full year 2024, which has 52 weeks compared to 53 weeks in full year 2023, the Company expects: Net sales between $1.083 billion and $1.098 billion. Adjusted EBITDA (1) between $101.0 million and $107.0 million. Capital expenditures between $20 million and $25 million reflecting infrastructure and technology investments as well as new stores for the year. As part of our previously announced store fleet optimization program, we intend to open 12 to 16 new Torrid stores while closing 30 to 40 stores to move towards balancing outdoor centers and enclosed mall locations. The above outlook is based on several assumptions, including, but not limited to, the macroeconomic challenges in the industry in fiscal 2024 as well as higher labor costs. The above outlook does not take into consideration the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ruling which mandates, among other things, decreases in credit card late fees, and could alter the profitability of our agreements with our private label credit card financing company. See “Forward-Looking Statements” for additional information. Conference Call Details A conference call to discuss the Company’s third quarter 2024 results is scheduled for December 3, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Those who wish to participate in the call may do so by dialing (877) 407-9208 or (201) 493-6784 for international callers. The conference call will also be webcast live at https://investors.torrid.com . For those unable to participate, a replay of the conference call will be available approximately three hours after the conclusion of the call until December 10, 2024. Notes Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” for additional information on non-GAAP financial measures and the accompanying table for a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure. The Company does not provide reconciliations of the forward-looking non-GAAP measures of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because the timing and amount of excluded items are unreasonably difficult to fully and accurately estimate. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results. Comparable sales for any given period are defined as the sales of our e-Commerce operations and stores that we have included in our comparable sales base during that period. We include a store in our comparable sales base after it has been open for 15 full fiscal months. If a store is closed during a fiscal year, it is only included in the computation of comparable sales for the full fiscal months in which it was open. Comparable sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 compares sales for the 13-week period ended November 2, 2024, with sales for the 13-week period ended November 4, 2023. Partial fiscal months are excluded from the computation of comparable sales. We apply current year foreign currency exchange rates to both current year and prior year comparable sales to remove the impact of foreign currency fluctuation and achieve a consistent basis for comparison. Comparable sales allow us to evaluate how our unified commerce business is performing exclusive of the effects of non-comparable sales and new store openings. About Torrid TORRID is a direct-to-consumer brand in North America dedicated to offering a diverse assortment of stylish apparel, intimates, and accessories skillfully designed for curvy women. Specializing in sizes 10 to 30, TORRID’s primary focus is on providing fashionable, comfortable, and affordable options that meet the unique needs of its customers. TORRID’s extensive collection features high quality merchandise, including tops, bottoms, denim, dresses, intimates, activewear, footwear, and accessories. Revenues are generated primarily through its e-Commerce platform www.torrid.com and its stores in the United States of America, Puerto Rico and Canada. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to results determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), management utilizes certain non-GAAP performance measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA, for purposes of evaluating ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that these non-GAAP operating measures, when reviewed collectively with our GAAP financial information, provide useful supplemental information to investors in assessing our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of our operating performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA represents GAAP net income (loss) plus interest expense less interest income, net of other expense (income), plus provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and share-based compensation, non-cash deductions and charges, and other expenses We believe Adjusted EBITDA facilitates operating performance comparisons from period to period by isolating the effects of certain items that vary from period to period without any correlation to ongoing operating performance. We also use Adjusted EBITDA as one of the primary methods for planning and forecasting the overall expected performance of our business and for evaluating on a quarterly and annual basis, actual results against such expectations. Further, we recognize Adjusted EBITDA as a commonly used measure in determining business value and, as such, use it internally to report and analyze our results and as a benchmark to determine certain non-equity incentive payments made to executives. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. This measure is not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to or substitute for net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, earnings (loss) per share or any other performance measures determined in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this earnings release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this earnings release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning (including their negative counterparts or other various or comparable terminology). For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives, strategies or the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: • the adverse impact of rulemaking changes implemented by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on our income streams, profitability and results of operations; • changes in consumer spending and general economic conditions; • the negative impact on interest expense as a result of steep interest rates; • inflationary pressures with respect to labor and raw materials and global supply chain constraints that could increase our expenses; • our ability to identify and respond to new and changing product trends, customer preferences and other related factors; • our dependence on a strong brand image; • increased competition from other brands and retailers; • our reliance on third parties to drive traffic to our website; • the success of the shopping centers in which our stores are located; • our ability to adapt to consumer shopping preferences and develop and maintain a relevant and reliable omni-channel experience for our customers; • our dependence upon independent third parties for the manufacture of all of our merchandise; • availability constraints and price volatility in the raw materials used to manufacture our products; • interruptions of the flow of our merchandise from international manufacturers causing disruptions in our supply chain; • our sourcing a significant amount of our products from China; • shortages of inventory, delayed shipments to our e-Commerce customers and harm to our reputation due to difficulties or shut-down of our distribution facility; • our reliance upon independent third-party transportation providers for substantially all of our product shipments; • our growth strategy; • our failure to attract and retain employees that reflect our brand image, embody our culture and possess the appropriate skill set; • damage to our reputation arising from our use of social media, email and text messages; • our reliance on third-parties for the provision of certain services, including real estate management; • our dependence upon key members of our executive management team; • our reliance on information systems; • system security risk issues that could disrupt our internal operations or information technology services; • unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential information, whether through a breach of our computer system, third-party computer systems we rely on, or otherwise; • our failure to comply with federal and state laws and regulations and industry standards relating to privacy, data protection, advertising and consumer protection; • payment-related risks that could increase our operating costs or subject us to potential liability; • claims made against us resulting in litigation; • changes in laws and regulations applicable to our business; • regulatory actions or recalls arising from issues with product safety; • our inability to protect our trademarks or other intellectual property rights; • our substantial indebtedness and lease obligations; • restrictions imposed by our indebtedness on our current and future operations; • changes in tax laws or regulations or in our operations that may impact our effective tax rate; • the possibility that we may recognize impairments of long-lived assets; • our failure to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting; and • the threat of war, terrorism or other catastrophes, including natural disasters, that could negatively impact our business. The outcome of the events described in any of our forward-looking statements are also subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on April 2, 2024 and in our other filings with the SEC and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this earnings release in the context of these risks and uncertainties. We caution you that the important factors referenced above may not include all of the factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results or developments we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the outcomes or affect us or our operations in the way we expect. The forward-looking statements included in this earnings release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except to the extent required by law. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments. Investors and others should note that we may announce material information to our investors using our investor relations website ( https://investors.torrid.com ), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our investors and the public about our company, our business and other issues. It is possible that the information that we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors to visit these websites from time to time. The information contained on such websites and social media posts is not incorporated by reference into this filing. Further, our references to website URLs in this filing are intended to be inactive textual references only. TORRID HOLDINGS INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Net sales $ 263,766 $ 275,408 Cost of goods sold 168,609 183,906 Gross profit 95,157 91,502 Selling, general and administrative expenses 74,899 71,881 Marketing expenses 13,056 12,739 Income from operations 7,202 6,882 Interest expense 8,784 9,757 Other income, net of other expense (362 ) 267 Loss before benefit from income taxes (1,220 ) (3,142 ) Benefit from income taxes (26 ) (394 ) Net loss $ (1,194 ) $ (2,748 ) Comprehensive loss: Net loss $ (1,194 ) $ (2,748 ) Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustment (86 ) (271 ) Total other comprehensive loss (86 ) (271 ) Comprehensive loss $ (1,280 ) $ (3,019 ) Net loss per share: Basic $ (0.01 ) $ (0.03 ) Diluted $ (0.01 ) $ (0.03 ) Weighted average number of shares: Basic 104,698 104,081 Diluted 104,698 104,081 TORRID HOLDINGS INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)(In thousands, except share and per share data) November 2, 2024 February 3, 2024 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 43,953 $ 11,735 Restricted cash 399 399 Inventory 138,261 142,199 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 33,343 22,229 Prepaid income taxes 6,617 2,561 Total current assets 222,573 179,123 Property and equipment, net 85,569 103,516 Operating lease right-of-use assets 149,732 162,444 Deposits and other noncurrent assets 18,027 14,783 Deferred tax assets 8,681 8,681 Intangible asset 8,400 8,400 Total assets $ 492,982 $ 476,947 Liabilities and stockholders' deficit Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 77,478 $ 46,183 Accrued and other current liabilities 116,650 107,750 Operating lease liabilities 36,312 42,760 Borrowings under credit facility — 7,270 Current portion of term loan 16,144 16,144 Due to related parties 4,330 9,329 Income taxes payable 62 2,671 Total current liabilities 250,976 232,107 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 145,126 155,825 Term loan 276,445 288,553 Deferred compensation 3,735 5,474 Other noncurrent liabilities 5,986 6,705 Total liabilities 682,268 688,664 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' deficit Preferred shares: $0.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding at November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024 — — Common shares: $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 104,732,148 shares issued and outstanding at November 2, 2024; 104,204,554 shares issued and outstanding at February 3, 2024 1,049 1,043 Additional paid-in capital 138,532 135,140 Accumulated deficit (328,281 ) (347,587 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (586 ) (313 ) Total stockholders' deficit (189,286 ) (211,717 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 492,982 $ 476,947 TORRID HOLDINGS INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands) Nine Months Ended N ovember 2, 2024 Nine Months Ended October 28, 2023 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 19,306 $ 15,689 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Write down of inventory 1,519 3,767 Operating right-of-use assets amortization 30,429 30,494 Depreciation and other amortization 27,842 28,242 Share-based compensation 4,531 5,981 Other (957 ) (1,351 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Inventory 2,052 4,969 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (11,114 ) (4,578 ) Prepaid income taxes (4,056 ) (2,564 ) Deposits and other noncurrent assets (3,375 ) (6,433 ) Accounts payable 31,876 2,969 Accrued and other current liabilities 10,775 (5,954 ) Operating lease liabilities (33,527 ) (31,565 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (588 ) (468 ) Deferred compensation (1,739 ) 507 Due to related parties (4,999 ) (5,975 ) Income taxes payable (2,609 ) — Net cash provided by operating activities 65,366 33,730 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property and equipment (12,617 ) (15,228 ) Net cash used in investing activities (12,617 ) (15,228 ) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from revolving credit facility 62,780 455,110 Principal payments on revolving credit facility (70,050 ) (458,390 ) Principal payments on term loan (13,125 ) (13,125 ) Proceeds from issuances under share-based compensation plans 704 320 Withholding tax payments related to vesting of restricted stock units and awards (675 ) (249 ) Net cash used in financing activities (20,366 ) (16,334 ) Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (165 ) (141 ) Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 32,218 2,027 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 12,134 13,935 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 44,352 $ 15,962 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Cash paid during the period for interest related to the revolving credit facility and term loan $ 27,080 $ 24,852 Cash paid during the period for income taxes $ 14,200 $ 10,976 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Property and equipment purchases included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,450 $ 3,360 Non-GAAP Reconciliation The following table provides a reconciliation of Net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended November 2, 2024 October 28, 2023 Net loss $ (1,194 ) $ (2,748 ) Interest expense 8,784 9,757 Other income, net of other expense (362 ) 267 Benefit from income taxes (26 ) (394 ) Depreciation and amortization (A) 8,523 8,785 Share-based compensation (B) 685 1,585 Non-cash deductions and charges (C) 112 409 Other expenses (D) 3,062 1,718 Adjusted EBITDA $ 19,584 $ 19,379 (A) Depreciation and amortization excludes amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount that are reflected in interest expense. (B) During the three months ended November 2, 2024 and October 28, 2023, share-based compensation includes $(0.3) million and $0.1 million, respectively, for awards that will be settled in cash as they are accounted for as share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , similar to awards settled in shares. (C) Non-cash deductions and charges includes non-cash losses on property and equipment disposals and the net impact of non-cash rent expense. (D) Other expenses include certain transaction and litigation fees (including certain settlement costs) and severance costs for certain key management positions. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203834068/en/ CONTACT: Investors Lyn Walther IR@torrid.com Media Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher Michael Freitag / Arielle Rothstein / Lyle Weston Media@torrid.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL ONLINE RETAIL DEPARTMENT STORES FASHION SOURCE: Torrid Holdings Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203834068/en
'Just getting started': Gators knock off RebelsThe latest round of airstrikes by Israel has once again highlighted the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterizes the conflict in Syria. It also raises questions about the potential for a wider regional conflagration, as various actors, including Russia and the United States, have competing interests in the conflict.
Female Influencer Dies after Surgery, Leaving Behind 10-Year-Old Son: Risks of Liposuction Surgery under the SpotlightVan Nistelrooy has replaced Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium and saw Jamie Vardy open the scoring after just 98 seconds. Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka added goals after the break to ensure the Dutchman started with three points in style. Starting with a win! 🤩 Delivered by @bcgame #LEIWHU pic.twitter.com/X90nFSbMLm — Leicester City (@LCFC) December 3, 2024 His task is to keep the Foxes in the Premier League this season and after ending a five-game winless run they moved up to 15th, four points clear of the relegation zone. West Ham’s hierarchy will have seen what impact a managerial change can have as the jury remains out on Lopetegui, with away fans making their feelings clear by chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning”. Niclas Fullkrug scored a consolation goal at the death but it counted for nothing and forthcoming games against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton could determine the Spaniard’s future. When Van Nistelrooy went to bed last night, even he would not have dreamt of his side starting as well as they did as they went ahead with less than two minutes on the clock. One of the Dutchman’s first conversations following his appointment was to take Vardy to task for breaking his record for scoring in the most consecutive Premier League games nine years ago. And the veteran striker rolled back to the years as, living on the shoulder of the West Ham defence, he raced clear from El Khannouss’ through-ball and slotted into the corner. The linesman’s flag immediately went up but a lengthy VAR review ruled Vardy had timed his run perfectly and the goal stood. Vardy could have added a second from a similar move but this time Lukasz Fabianski denied him. The Dutchman quickly learned about the frailties of his side as West Ham created a raft of chances in search of an equaliser. Jarrod Bowen forced Mads Hermansen into a stretching save when he cut in from the right before Ings’ header crashed into the post and Max Kilman slipped at the crucial point from the rebound. Bowen, a constant threat, sent a ball across face of goal which evaded everyone before the England international was denied by a reflex save from the busy Hermansen. The Danish goalkeeper needed to be alert to tip over Mohammed Kudus’ deflected effort early in the second half before he was saved by the referee’s whistle after after his attempted punch went into his own goal, Tomas Soucek the man penalised. Leicester remained a threat on the counter-attack and that is how they doubled their lead just after the hour. Kasey McAteer was set clear down the left and his ball inside was perfect for El Khannouss to find the bottom corner from 15 yards. It was almost three as Fabianski produced an acrobatic save from Wilfred Ndidi’s header before Leicester needed a heroic piece of defending to keep their 2-0 lead intact. Crysencio Summerville bundled the ball goalwards and it was heading over the line until Conor Coady adjusted his feet and poked it clear. The Foxes, who also had a goal from substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid chalked off by VAR, wrapped things up in the 90th minute when Daka broke clear and emphatically converted into the roof of the net. West Ham did get on the scoresheet when Fullkrug headed a corner home, but the game was already done.
Revolving Misfortunes of the Southern RegionWhen the final buzzer sounded, the Rockets had completed the improbable comeback, winning the game by a single point. McGrady finished with 33 points in that fateful quarter alone, cementing his place in basketball lore as a player capable of producing magic when it mattered most.
A pair of teams with minimal rest will face off in Nassau, Bahamas, on Sunday when No. 22 St. John takes on Georgia. St. John's (5-1), which will play its third game in four days, began the stretch in the Bahamas Championship on Thursday, dropping a heartbreaker to No. 13 Baylor. The Red Storm led by 18 in the first half before Baylor forced overtime. From there, St. John's rallied from five down with 1:47 left to send the game to a second overtime, where it saw Baylor knock down a pair of 3-pointers in the final seven seconds -- including Jeremy Roach's buzzer-beater -- to knock off the Red Storm 99-98. In the third-place game on Friday, St. John's breezed past Virginia 80-55. RJ Luis Jr. led the way with 18 points and four steals, followed by Kadary Richmond's 12 points, as the Red Storm took a one-point lead with 15:21 left in the first half and didn't trail again. "I'm really impressed with our guys, coming off a double-overtime, extremely emotional loss," St. John's head coach Rick Pitino said. "To respond that way was extremely impressive, both offensively and defensively." Pitino, in his second year with the Red Storm, was moved by something off the court on Friday, involving captain Zuby Ejiofor, who chipped in eight points, nine boards, two steals and two blocks. Ejiofor was serenaded by St. John's fans during the win, following his two missed free throws at the end of double overtime against Baylor. "When you've only been in a job for a year, you search for things you love about a place," Pitino said. "Tonight I found out what I love about St. John's. Our fans chanted Zuby's name the whole game, which doesn't happen anywhere else in America. I was really impressed with our fans and I thank them for making Zuby feel good, because he gives you all the energy." Luis leads the Red Storm with 17.3 points per game, followed by Ejiofor (10.7), Aaron Scott (10.5), Deivon Smith (10.3) and Richmond (10.2). Georgia enters Sunday's matchup looking to rebound from its first loss after falling to No. 15 Marquette 80-69 on Saturday. Georgia (5-1) battled back from a 15-point, second-half deficit, but was held to just three points over the final 4:57 in Saturday's loss. Blue Cain led the Bulldogs with a season-high 17 points, including five 3-pointers. "It's a process. It's a journey with this team," Bulldogs head coach Mike White said. "It's about continuing to make strides, continuing to protect our culture. ... At the end of the day, wins and losses are going to take care of themselves. We just have to embrace the process and enjoy it." Five-star freshman recruit Asa Newell was held to a season-low nine points but leads the team with 15.5 points per game. Silas Demary Jr. is second with 13.8. --Field Level MediaAs the face of Celine, Liu Shishi will represent the brand in a series of global campaigns, showcasing Celine's latest collections and timeless designs. Her unique sense of style and effortless elegance make her a perfect match for the brand, embodying the modern sophistication and understated luxury that Celine is known for.
( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- My Blend is a groundbreaking blockchain project committed to integrating traditional ecosystems into a distributed digital space. Its methodology revolves around smart contracts, which execute transactions automatically based on predefined rules, reducing manual oversight and human error. By aligning established market practices with modern blockchain principles, Blend strives to create a system that is both verifiable and accessible to a wider audience. How Blend is Building an Evolving Ecosystem Beginning with gaming and expanding into AI and other industries, Blend aims to bridge the gap between conventional frameworks-where closed processes often lead to limited trust-and an environment where every participant can confirm outcomes, probabilities, and the flow of funds. Blend focuses on sustainable development that can adapt over time, emphasizing open participation at every step, letting the project adapt to new industry trends and community demands. A key motivator behind this evolving design is the desire to unite real-world operations with open, on-chain technology. In other words, instead of relying solely on traditional institutions or centralized platforms, Blend wants to eliminate obscure processes by moving critical components-such as game outcomes, probability calculations, and payout mechanisms-onto a public ledger. Initial Focus: Fair and Verifiable Gaming One of Blend's earliest and most prominent goals is to transform the gaming industry into a space where participants can see exactly how each round or match is determined. This shift marks a significant departure from traditional online casinos and gaming portals, which often rely on hidden algorithms or confidential odds. By contrast, games on Blend operate with open logic, meaning that everyone can review the parameters before deciding whether to join a table or place a wager. Planned Types of Games The Gaming Liquidity (GL) Model A standout aspect of Blend's approach to gaming involves the way it manages the“pot”-or the collective pool of funds used for rewards. Instead of a central house acting as the primary stakeholder, the system allows anyone to become a liquidity provider. This offers two main advantages: Chainlink Integration and On-Chain Verification For computations that must remain unbiased-particularly probability calculations and random number generation-Blend uses Chainlink. This is a well-known solution in the blockchain community for: Expansion into AI and Image Generation While gaming is a focal point, Blend also plans to explore AI-driven applications as a complementary pursuit. This emerging sector includes: Although these AI initiatives operate independently, the team envisions a synergy between blockchain gaming and intelligent systems, forming a well-rounded network of advanced technologies under one umbrella. Incentives and Profitability for Investors Initial Staking with Exclusive Benefits To incentivize early backers, Blend introduces a 10-day lock mechanism with a 15% return. Investors who lock their tokens during this initial period receive guaranteed yields, a move designed to reward those who show confidence in the project's roadmap. During this launch phase, participants also have access to a 12-level referral program , encouraging them to help the community expand. Commissions are distributed not just to direct referrers but also to multiple layers above them. Transition to Variable Staking Once the gaming platform, AI elements, and other key products reach operational maturity, the project plans to shift from a fixed-rate staking model to one driven by real profitability. This means that any returns offered to stakers would reflect the actual revenue generated by Blend's suite of services. Rather than relying on flat percentages, staking rewards would adjust in response to daily or weekly performance, aligning stakeholder interests with the health of the entire ecosystem. Governance and Community Decision-Making (DAO) A Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) underpins Blend's vision of shared responsibility. Under this model: Ecosystem Evolution As Blend moves beyond its foundational offerings, it will look for additional ways to bridge different industries with blockchain technology. Potential avenues include financial services (like decentralized lending or borrowing), extended entertainment collaborations, and even collaborations with established corporations seeking to optimize supply chain processes through smart contracts. The overarching ambition is to deliver a broad ecosystem where each new application-be it gaming, AI, or another area-connects back to a unified set of principles. Users can then explore diverse functionalities, all secured by the same base of trust and on-chain validation. Final Thoughts Blend represents a forward-thinking effort to unify traditional industries with the benefits of blockchain. Through decentralized governance mechanisms and the ongoing integration of advanced tools, the project's roadmap underscores the belief that active communities drive long-term success. Over time, Blend aspires to become a robust platform where new ideas can be tested, refined, and broadly implemented-with each contributor playing a meaningful role in shaping the journey. Participate in the Blend Community Join a revolution where innovation is powered by openness and collaboration. Blend opens the door to a world of possibilities for enthusiasts of blockchain, gaming, and decentralized innovation. Visit myblend.io to explore the platform and join the movement transforming industries through technology and transparency. For updates, connect with Blend on social media: X: Telegram: Contact person: Michael Allen Company name: My Blend Website: Email: ... Disclaimer: This content is provided by My Blend. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at MENAFN28122024004107003653ID1109037505 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
PDP will overcome challenges soon – Governors’ ForumRichard Cytowic is a neurologist, neuropsychologist, and textbook writer. He specializes in metacognition. He is a professor of Neurology at George Washington University. His New York Times Magazine cover story about the Presidential Press Secretary James Brady received a 1982 Pulitzer Prize nomination. Human brains are products of the Stone Age, and the sensory overload of Digital Age life threatens the natural, optimal functioning of that fundamental biology. Richard Cytowic, an award-winning neurologist, explains why our brains struggle to thrive amid the mass of new addictive technologies and how our modern screen habits are of incredible detriment to happiness and performance. Fortunately, science holds the possibility of how to break the curse digital devices have cast over our lives. Below, Cytowic shares five key insights from his new book, Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age . Listen to the audio version—read by Cytowic himself—in the Next Big Idea App. 1. The brain operates within fixed energy limits. I use the term “Stone–Age” because modern brains are no different from those of our distant ancestors. They have not evolved, whereas technology has grown exponentially. I focus on digital distractions and the detrimental effects of phones and screens on our minds. Attention spans have gone to hell. People say, “I’m addicted to my phone,” then spend hours scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, unable to cut back no matter how much they say they want to. People wrongly look at the issue as a matter of external forces rather than from the brain’s perspective. | I also think in engineering terms: What does it cost in energy to perform a certain action or think a certain thing? No amount of diet, exercise, or Sudoku puzzles can increase available energy. Willpower and a pot of coffee are, likewise, useless. If we can’t overcome the brain’s inherent energy limits, then we need to work with what we have. The idea that planks and Pilates can boost brain power is a fantasy. The biological brain is an energy hog. It accounts for only 2% of body weight yet consumes 20% of the daily calories we burn. Most go towards maintaining physical structures by pumping sodium and potassium ions across membranes. There is precious little left over for mental work. That’s why we’re so awful at multitasking and coping with sensory overload. An overload of working memory is the reason behind the Oscar fiasco in which presenters were handed the wrong envelope for Best Picture. The culprit was tweeting about Emma Stone at the very moment he should have been cueing up the next envelope. Your attention cannot hold two things at once. 2. People’s appetite for mental garbage. People obsess over what they put in their bodies: organic, vegan, gluten-free, no artificial colorings. Why aren’t they as picky about what they take in through the senses? The mental garbage we ingest is arguably more harmful than an occasional cheeseburger and fries. Some individuals fast for health or religious reasons. What if it were possible to indulge in a sensory fast for a day—or even an hour—free from texts, tweets, videos, emails, and other digital junk food? Our brains did not evolve to crave constant stimulation; they crave face–to–face social engagement. To a baby, nothing is more fascinating than a human face. They lock onto it, follow it, and smile as their pupils dilate. Every parent and grandparent knows this. So why do we block our real faces from one another with mediated images on phones and tablets? Thousands of likes, follows, and online acquaintances are nothing compared to an intimate connection with the person sitting next to us. We’ve all seen people gathered around, each staring alone into their cellphones, failing to engage with the person a foot away. Is it any wonder why there is an epidemic of loneliness? 3. Screens induce virtual autism. Virtual autism is the development of autistic-like behaviors in otherwise normal youngsters who are exposed to heavy amounts of screen media, especially gaming. The term “virtual autism” was introduced in 2018 by psychiatrist Marius Teodor Zamfir, who studied children exposed to prolonged screen time. Though behaviors mimic those of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—avoiding eye contact, social withdrawal, delayed language, and reduced imaginative play—these children typically recover once screen time is drastically reduced or eliminated. Young brains are malleable and molded by whatever environment they are exposed to. Critical windows, particularly during the first two years of life, are essential for growing connections in brain areas responsible for vision, language, and social cognition. Screens interfere with this natural development by reinforcing pathways that prioritize sensory gratification—such as rapid sequences of sights and sounds—at the expense of those for social and emotional intelligence, empathy, and imagination. 4. Screens act like secondhand smoke. Just as we learned to shield ourselves from cigarette fumes, we can guard against unwanted screen exposure. Monitors play cooking shows while you’re on the treadmill. Advertisements beckon in subway stations and bus shelters. Can you remember when those used to be quiet spaces where you could be alone with your thoughts? You probably can’t. Trying not to look is hard if not impossible. You may have an hour to kill at the airport, but a monitor in the lounge blasts out the latest news as if the updates on the bottom crawl were something you couldn’t live without knowing right now . It seizes your attention like a moth to a flame and holds it. Screens demand to be looked at. We can reclaim our attention, but it takes effort. Screens will always be proliferating. We can learn, however, to coexist with them by establishing screen-free zones and socializing face–to–face more often with others. We can set boundaries for when and where we use our devices, who we let text us, and what companies we allow to send us push notifications. It is easier said than done, but you must begin somewhere. The strongest thing you can do is begin and keep at it. 5. iPads are the worst babysitter and a form of child abuse. We once lived in a slow-paced, natural world of green environments. Resources our ancestors once fought for now overwhelm us. Today’s technology, promised to enrich our lives, has been crafted to hold users’ attention as long as possible. There are only 1,440 minutes in a day, and tech companies fight ruthlessly for our eyeballs, making it hard to disengage. Hook an infant on an iPad, and you have a customer for life. Exasperated parents may say they’re the only thing that keeps kids quiet, but the iPad is the worst babysitter ever. Shoving one in front of a youngster or dangling it over a bassinet is a form of child abuse, in my opinion, because doing so blocks the development of their central vision. Normal vision is 20/20; a newborn’s acuity is 20/400. Color vision becomes functional around four to six months, as do other networks for decoding the perceptual complexity of movement. Despite their underdeveloped vision, newborns are astute social creatures: locking onto an adult’s dilated pupils is a common sign of interest and pleasure that makes them smile. iPads interfere with this natural development. Screen characters don’t talk with a child but rather at them. They provide none of the emotional, social, and linguistic cues that pour forth when a child interacts with a real parent or grandparent. Critical windows within the first two years exist for the growth of brain areas responsible for vision, language, and emotional intelligence, including Theory of Mind, which entails learning how to read others—a skill that develops long before we learn to speak. Screens interfere with the natural maturation sequence by reinforcing pathways that prioritize immediate sensory gratification over pathways destined for this kind of emotional intelligence. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission.
The atmosphere was filled with a mix of sadness and reverence as the family members took turns cutting their hair. It was a symbolic gesture of letting go of the past while embracing the future, a visual representation of the man's legacy of giving and kindness.
India Industrial Air Compressor Market Size 2024: Global Share, Industry And Report Analysis By 2031 | Airman Asia Sdn Bhd (Hokuetsu Industries Co., Ltd.) Atlas Copco AB BAUER COMPRESSORS INC. 12-28-2024 11:05 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: orion market research India Industrial Air Compressor Market India industrial air compressor market is estimated to grow modestly at a CAGR of around 6.2% during the forecast period. This informative India Industrial Air Compressor Market report provides new method and covers foremost regions such as Latin America, Middle East, North America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific. Making most out of the consumer insights and market opportunities, market players can boost up the revenue rate of their business. It also permits key organizations to make communication with customers and know their demands for making right investment in the product development. By increasing the product portfolio by referring the important market data provided in this India Industrial Air Compressor Market research report, key players can grow and expand their business forward. Continuously developing customer demands are also described in this global report to help new entrants make required changes in the final product launch and then bring into the market. It becomes easy for key players to prioritize the demands and requirements of target audience and have complete understanding of end-user experience with the help of this India Industrial Air Compressor Market study report. Get Free Sample link @ https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/india-industrial-air-compressor-market According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India's manufacturing sector reached nearly $91.2 billion during April 2000-June 2019. Cohesive government initiatives such as "Make in India", huge FDI inflow, and significant efforts of major manufacturing companies such as GE Healthcare, Siemens AG, HTC, Toshiba Corp., and Boeing AG to set up their manufacturing plants in India, is further anticipated to contribute towards the growth of the industrial air compressor market in the country. A full report of India Industrial Air Compressor Market available @ https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/india-industrial-air-compressor-market •Market Coverage •Market number available for - 2024-2031 •Base year- 2024 •Forecast period- 2024-2031 •Segment Covered- By Source, By Product Type, By Applications •Competitive Landscape- Archer Daniels Midland Co., Ingredion Inc., Kerry Group Plc, Cargill Inc., and others Market Segmentation India Industrial Air Compressor Market by Type oPortable oStationary India Industrial Air Compressor Market by Technology oDynamic Displacement Compressors oAxial Flow Air Compressors oCentrifugal Compressors oPositive Displacement Compressors oRotary Air Compressors oReciprocating Compressors India Industrial Air Compressor Market by End-User oFood & Beverages oOil & Gas oEnergy and Power oManufacturing oAutomotive oOthers (Construction and Mining) Company Profiles oAtlas Copco AB oBAC Compressors oBAUER COMPRESSORS INC. oCurtis-Toledo, Inc oELGi Equipments Ltd. oGeneral Electric Co. oHitachi Ltd. oIndo-Air Compressors Pvt. Ltd. oKirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. oSiemens AG The Report Covers •Comprehensive research methodology of the India industrial air compressor market. •This report also includes a detailed and extensive market overview with key analyst insights. •An exhaustive analysis of macro and micro factors influencing the market guided by key recommendations. •Analysis of regional regulations and other government policies impacting the India industrial air compressor market. •Insights about market determinants which are stimulating the India industrial air compressor market. •Detailed and extensive market segments with regional distribution of forecasted revenues. •Extensive profiles and recent developments of market players. For More Customized Data, Request for Report Customization @ https://www.omrglobal.com/report-customization/india-industrial-air-compressor-market About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offer Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies. Media Contact: Company Name: Orion Market Research Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari Email: info@omrglobal.com Contact no: +91 780-304-0404 This release was published on openPR.No. 22 St. John's, Georgia pack busy schedule with game on Sunday