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Vaastu: Ancient skill of building

2011-05-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

The article focuses on what Vaastu is, what it actually believes in, and the comparative differences with its Chinese counterpart fengshui. It also says that Vaastu is an ancient science of architecture whereby its use was more valid in ancient times but now makes little sense today.

Now it has turned obsolete with modern inventions and innovations that are taking place in the world today. Vaastu is the ancient Indian science of architecture man-made structures. A part of the Vedas, the word 'Vaastu' in Sanskrit means 'dwelling', and in the modern context it covers all buildings. Vaastu pertains to the physical, psychological and spiritual order of the built environment, in consonance with the cosmic energies. It is a study of planetary influences on buildings and the people who live in them, and aims at providing guidelines for proper construction. Hindus believe that for peace, happiness, health and wealth one should abide by the guidelines of Vaastu while building a dwelling. It tells us how to avoid diseases, depression and disasters by living in structures, which allow the presence of a positive cosmic field.

Since Vedic wisdom is considered to be identical with divine knowledge of the cosmic mind obtained by sages in deep states of meditation, Vaastu Shastra or the science of Vaastu is thought to contain the guidelines given by the Supreme Being. Delving into history, Vaastu developed during the period of 6000 BC and 3000 BC (Ferguson, Havell and Cunningham) and was handed over by ancient architects through word of mouth or hand-written monographs. The principles of Vaastu had been explained in ancient Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Bruhatsamhita, Kasyapa Shilpa, Agama Sastra and Viswakarma Vaastushastra.

The fundamental premise of Vaastu rests on the assumption that the earth is a living organism, out of which other living creatures and organic forms emerge, and so every particle on earth and space possesses 'live energy'. According to Vaastu Shahstra five elements - Earth, Fire, Water, Air or atmosphere and Sky or space - govern the principles of creation. These forces act for or against each other to create harmony and disharmony for the living creature of the Earth. It also says that everything on earth - in some form or other - is influenced by the nine planets, and each of these planets guards a direction. So, dwellings are under the influence of the five elements and the nine planets.

Vaastu Shahstra says that if the structure of house is so designed that the positive forces override the negative forces then there is a beneficial release of bio-energy, which helps a person and his family members to live a happy and healthy life. A positive cosmic field prevails in a Vaastu logically constructed house, where the atmosphere is friendly for a smooth and happy life. Contrary to this, if the same structure is built in a manner that the negative forces override the positive, the overbearing negative field makes person actions, efforts and thoughts negative. Here in comes the benefit of Vaastu, which guides a positive atmosphere at home.

Evidently, Vaastu is akin to the science of geopathy, the study of the diseases of the earth. In both these two disciplines, for instance, the presence of dampness, dressed stones, beehives and anthills are considered harmful for human habitation. Geopathy recognizes that electromagnetic radiations that are cosmic in origin surround the globe, and those radiation distortions can make a site unsafe for construction. In some parts of Austria, children are moved in school, to a different desk, at least once each week, so that learning difficulties are not increased because they may be sitting in a stressed area. Geopathic stress may also attack the immune system and cause conditions like asthma, eczema, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome.

There are also a lot of similarities between Vaastu and its Chinese counterpart Feng Shui, in that they recognize the existence of positive and negative forces (Yin and Yang) except for the fact that the latter attaches too much importance to gadgets, like fish tanks, flutes, mirrors and lanterns. This is one reason why Fend Shui is gaining rapid popularity in India. Interesting fact about Bollywood following Vaastu, the hit Hindi film Pardes and Taal, Indian movie showman Mr Subhash Ghai directed that each position of the shoot had to be compatible with rules Feng Shui? In yet another Bollywood blockbuster Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam directed by Mr Sanjay Leela Bansali, the colors used were in tune with the perceptions of Feng Shui.

So, does Vaastu make any sense? While many people still strongly believe in Vaastu, the common harmony is that it's an ancient science, which was useful in conditions prevailing in ancient times, but makes little sense today. It has become obsolete with the rise of modern cities with sewage systems, multi-storied buildings with air-conditioners, exhaust fans in kitchens, advanced water systems and so on.

Vaastu can be divided into 4 (four) major, those whosoever follows will gain prosperity:

1. Designing the sketch of the building

2. Skeleton part is looked after by civil engineer and architect

3. Cosmetic effect is done by interior designer

4. Vastu gives life to the building

Essential Vastu tips for house bedroom:

The right direction to set master bedroom is on south-west
Ensure to place heads positioning towards the direction of South corner. Placing heads towards North is not recommended, as it will badly disturb person’s sleep
Keep bedroom away from setting diving idols
Constructing bedroom with the shape of rectangle or square is dearly recommended, as it bestows peace and good fortune

Essential Vastu tips for house kitchen room:

The right place to set kitchen is in the south-west corner. If a person never find an apt position, then you can avail the alternative of locating it in the north-west corner
Building kitchen in North-east, mid-west, mid-north, mid-south, south-west or in the centre is strictly not recommended, as they are out of Vastu norms
Ensure that the cooking area never touches the sidewall of northern or eastern side
The right location to cook food is by setting it on the direction of east

Bathroom:

Similar like other room, person must give close attention while a person constructs his/her house bathroom. The best location to construct the bathroom is the eastern part of the house. If a person doesn’t find the right appropriate place to set bathroom, then he/she can avail the Vastu remedy by placing geyser in the south-east corner.

Some important renovations without demolition:

In many places the construction has been done against the principles of Vastu and no improvement is possible without demolition. At such places, some of important tips to be followed. These are stated below:

If some river or drain is flowing in a direction other than the north-east direction of the house and has anti - clock movement, then I advised to place the statue of dancing Ganeshji facing the west on the north-east corner of the house. It yielded good results immediately.

If the boring has been done in the wrong direction in a house or a factory, then it is advised to place the picture of Panchmukhi Hanumanji, facing South-East to the boring. Vaastu experts have seen that bad effects due to wrong boring have subdued.

If a naked wall is seen while entering into a flat, then either a picture or a statue of Ganeshji should be placed there. The naked wall is the sign of loneliness. Hence, the wall should not be kept naked.

If high voltage overhead wires pass over a house, then a plastic pipe filled with lime should be erected from one corner to the other of the affected area in such a manner that it’s both ends should remain outside by at least three feet each. This will eliminate the evil effects of energy being generated out of the overhead wire.

In certain cases, energy circles can be improved by using Swastika Yantra. But, this requires a lot of care.

Moon sign and its effect

2010-01-17T02:58:00.000-08:00

Moon is officially in charge of the element, water and rules over the tides of the sea/ocean. Moon is the ruler of the plants and vegetable kingdom. The Moon symbolizes the mind and accordingly, it indicates a person's thinking, feelings, health, emotional self, person’s inner self, instincts, habits, and automatic reactions and other mental processes. It gives spontaneous nature, youth, love of poetry, music, taste, attractive looks and sensuality. Its influence makes one moody, emotional and sensitive.

The connection between the Moon and living being has been since pre-historic times. Therefore, the Moon was and still is the focus of many people in various cultures across the globe, but in particular among poets and writers as they found it romantic piece or symbol of love, which looked at it and wrote about what they saw, what they felt and what they imagined. The Moon is the ruler of the sign Cancer. It is most powerful, or glorious, in Taurus, and fallen or incapacitated in Scorpio. Jupiter, Sun and Mars are the Moon's natural friends.

The power of the Moon has the most instantaneous effect because it changes signs so frequently. The Moon magnetizes a different astrological sign’s energy field every two and a half days. This means that it travels through all of the 12 signs of the zodiac during its lunar cycle. Think about the sign of people Sun was in at the time of their birth. This means that if the person inherited the attitudes of Taurus when he/she were born, when Sun was in the sign of Taurus.

Since signs are attitudes, person has the tendency to be efficient, organized, seek perfection, and like to be of service. Each month, when the Moon passes through Taurus, it will energize Taurus tendencies. Taurus, nit-picking attitudes will be very strong during the Moon's two and a half day journey through the sign of Taurus. This means that everyone with specific manners is stimulated by the Moon at some time during each month. Throughout the month the moon goes through different phases, all of which can be determined by looking into the sky on a clear night. The important thing to keep in mind as far as fish and fishing is concerned is when there is a full and/or new moon. Fish are much more active during these two phases of the moon, sounds exciting.

The moon plays an important role in astrology and astrological phenomena. The position and phase of the moon influences the other aspects of astrology, including sun signs and planetary movements. In fact, the moon influences other aspects of astrology as a whole. For centuries the full moon can affect people's consciousness and behavior. Many people may feel wakeful at night with energy streaming through their body for the three days before full moon.

Each of the planets, and the sun and moon, has an influence on people feelings, emotions and consciousness. The moon affects emotions because the moon influences water; just as the moon causes the tides, it exerts a pull on the watery components of body, and person feel this as emotions as the body is made up of 70% to 80% of water. In India, people give much importance to Moon sign over the Sun sign, in fact, a Vedic astrologer or "Jyotisha" in India can tell what Moon sign natives are born under often from their first name alone! In Vedic astrology the zodiac is divided into 27 different moon nakshatras or constellations instead of the 12 divisions we have in western astrology. Since each nakshatra is ruled by a different deity (god or goddess) many parents in India name their children after the deity associated with their child's moon sign!

Moon is beneficial to those born in ascending moon cycle and unfortunate to those born in descending moon sign. A strong Moon in the chart will indicate a happy mental state, good mother, opportunities for travel over water and success in businesses. A powerful Moon gives emotional strength, makes for good relations and love for others. However, if the Moon is weak in the chart, it leads to mental apprehension, emotional instability and an inability to relate well to others. This makes one unfriendly and unable to share intimacy, or takes away contentment or peace of mind. The individual becomes moody with an unclear mind.

Depending on how severely afflicted it is, there may be a tendency towards neurosis, hysteria or insanity. It also indicates ill health of the mother, or difficulties in social advancement. It represents interaction with the public, or public businesses, water, liquids and the tides of the sea, over which it rules. The Moon also possesses dominance over the waters and liquids within person bodies.

The Moon is also responsible for growth, fertility and conception. It influences childbirth and memory. Moon sign do affect health: Physically an afflicted, debilitated, or otherwise ill-disposed Moon may indicate anemia, lack of body fluids or body weight, constipation and dryness of the skin. It can cause colds, fevers, bronchitis, intestinal problems, or even susceptibility to cancer. Organs, such as the lungs and kidneys may also be weak and there may be menstrual or infertility problems in women.

In the birth chart, the Moon and its aspects reveal a great deal about personal patterns with food and weight, the information that can help to get better handle on the issue. For each of the twelve Moon signs, people will explore common eating patterns: what are the real eating about, may be affecting people’s eating habit, and, if people need to cut back, what else would prove satisfying. If people already have birth chart, can identify people’s Moon sign. The Moon signs in astrology will help to give another look into people’s life. People should follow the signs in astrology so can also follow others Moon sign horoscope to know what is coming up for them.

The Moon is said to have three faces, the crescent represents a young woman, and the full moon represents the mother and the dark moon the witch. All witch craft is practiced during the dark moon (amavasya) phase, mainly during the winters. In India, Diwali is the night when black magic is at its powerful best. Epilepsy, madness and emotional instability are most pronounced during the full moon. The full moon is also worshiped for its powers to restore fertility in crops and in the drought times water was offered to the moon.

Concepts of Vrata

2009-12-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

Vrata means a serious vow taken regarding consumption of food and other behaviors by a person in order to complete a particular religious ceremony or as a self-punishment for the sin that may have been committed by him/her in life. Scriptures divide various vows into three basic types: Those that involve only mind - manasika.

These involve vows of non-violence, vows of only speaking the truth or sexual abstinence for a prearranged period. Those involve only body – kaayika. These involve different types of fasting e.g. One time, both times, with water or without water etc and are usually are for a short durations and at times repetitive after few days. Both mind and body are involved to an extent – vaachika.

These involve reading a particular scripture for unlimited number of times - the popular ones are: Bhagvad Gita or Ramayana or repeatedly taking a name of a particular deity (for 1000, 10,000 or 100,000 times as much it can!). The latter is known as jaapa or naama-smarana. One can vow to remain mute for a predetermined time for mostly 30 days. This is known as mauna-vrata.

Vrata may be further divided on the basis of the period of the year that they are undertaken. Those who are undertake in a particular lunar month (maasavrata), on a particular date of the year (Tithi Vrata), on a particular constellations appearing in the sky (Nakshatra - Vrata) or on particular day of the week (Vaara-Vrata). The Vratas are also classified on the basis of deity they seek to calm down viz Surya – Vrata (for God Sun), Ganesh-Vrata (Lord Ganesh), Shiva-Vrata (Lord Shiva), or Vishnu-Vrata (Lord Vishnu or Krishna).

Every Vrata has it implication not only in tradition but if practiced faithfully it goes long way in developing behavior, performance and personality of a being. However, there is no restate here is that there are no miracles or a magic and nothing is possible unless one is sincere about following the Vrata. If a person heart and mind is not within it then there is nothing more foolish than to do a Vrata as a matter of ritual. Remember, with blind faith even in a good deed is falling apart and an insult to human intellect. The most important aspect of the Vrata is to make a declaration of purpose, either publicly or privately. This process is called "sankalpa".

The various Hindu scriptures tell a systematic way of doing this. If the practice is followed with sincerity, determination and regularity over a period of time it inculcates not only discipline but also confidence and habit of winning in an individual. These days “habit of winning” is considered as one of the most important ingredients of success.

Vratas go a long way in developing this mind-frame. Besides this, as many believe, that it generates a lot of positive energy that help in the struggle of life. Control over wandering mind and discipline of life does a lot of good to the physical as well as the metal abilities of an individual. There are a number ways suggested in the scriptures as to how a Vrata should begin people should suggest for those who are interested in doing any religious Vrata to follow the rites indicated by Vyasa in Mahabharata.

In the modern times there is tendency to avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian preparations and alcohol during the Vrata. In the month of Shravana (month of August–September) avoid green vegetables; in the month of Bhadrapad (month of September – October) avoid curd and milk products; in the month of Ashwin (month of October –November) avoid pulses. A vrata entails many restrictions, usually on food, drink, or speech.

The most characteristic feature of a vrata is complete abstention from all food or cooked food, and giving up or reducing the consumption of water. Another popular form of vrata is the vow of silence or mauna vrata, in which one refrains from speaking. Other vows include giving up meat, salt and sweet food. A vrata could last from a day to several years. Vratas are undertaken for different reasons: to honor the birth of a deity, for example on Janmashtami; to remember a specific incident in the past, like Savitri's devotion to her husband, with the Savitri Vrata; on a certain day of the week for the deity associated with that day, on Mondays for Shiva or on a certain day of the week which serves a specific purpose, like Fridays for making wishes come true.

It is believed that Vishnu goes to sleep during Chaturmasya, on the tenth day of Ashada and wakes up on the eleventh day of Kartik. While he is asleep, special care must be taken against demons and other evil beings. It is also believed that on the eleventh day of Bhadra, Vishnu turns to the right while sleeping. These three days are considered particularly important and are observed as vrata. People fast and pray to Lord Vishnu. The Puranas have given detailed information about vratas, their origin, and the benefits that ensue by observing them.

The concept of vrata is to get better the lives and actions of the people. For example in the Satya Narayana Vrata Katha the sequence of events is projected to reflect the divine aspect of truth urging people to respect and stick on to truth with determination and devotion. The idea of vrata (or taking vow), practiced normally as a day of fasting, reflection and meditation (once a month on a day like Ekadashi), is a reminder and for mental and physical purification so that the person stays healthy (physically and mentally) and avoids criminal and sinful activities.

Moreover, if a person has done anything sinful or bad in thought, word or deed, vrata vow on the day of fasting, once a month in the name of God is then the time for him / her to make restitution seek forgiveness and take a vow not to repeat such actions. Then only there is any value in keeping the vrata or fasting.

The concept of sacrificing something precious in return for the fulfillment of some desire is still popular today. The observance of vratas, especially by fasting or not eating a specific food which one relishes, is quite common among Hindus.

Selection of Right College

2008-04-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Selecting a college is one of your largest and most expensive investments in your life. It requires a lot of time and money, so you will obviously want a college that fits your needs and requirements. By talking to the right people, asking good questions and their personal view on the college, and experiencing each school's unique collegiate atmosphere, you can learn a lot and decide to go for it or not. Much of this can be learned in a one-day visit, more so than just looking at the school's promotional materials, websites, or advertising videos.

Arranging your visit in advance will give you some time to do a little research of your own so you aren't going in blindly. Arranging an appointment or walk-through is usually very easy and can be done by contacting the admissions office. It is to your best interest to schedule a walk-through on a school day so that you can observe a normal day on campus with students walking around that will give you great inputs on what happening in college; you can judge them by their talking and behavior. Also making an appointment to talk to a financial aid administrator, an admissions officer, and a professor in a few majors you may be interested in will really help you grab the most out of your visit. Talking to students from same section or division will also give you a realistic view on what is happening at the school and how they like it.

As you investigate each college, jot down questions you have, things you see as strength, as well as noticeable weaknesses. Start to make comparisons of each college, but remain open-minded as many of your questions will be answered during a visit.

Evaluate each campus you visit and remain attentive. Be open to what each college has to offer. During a visit, it's easy to be distracted by stately architecture, an enthusiastic tour leader, and the sheer energy of most campuses. What matters most is whether this college is right for you, your education goals, and your family's budget. Can you imagine yourself spending several years there? Bringing a notebook to record your impressions and questions is highly recommended, along with a camera, and a map of each campus as well as the surrounding area. When you go back to your home you can see the notes, view the map and view the campus on TV thru your camera to judge what is best for your future career.

Best of luck for your future career, I hope this information will help you to decide the best college for you.

Lord Ram a celestial reincarnation: Gowda

2007-09-21T04:51:00.000-07:00

Many political figure has protested against DMK leader as he had broken many people hearts and I think he should go and check all over India wherever Lord Ram has visited or passed no one will speak same words and no people is sick to say that Lord Ram was created by us. If it is so then there is no jesus, allah or any head of any religion

HD Deve Gowda is one of the protestor.

Reacting to DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi’s recent remarks on Lord Ram, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda today said that Ram was a divine reincarnation and cannot be termed as an imaginary character.

“My party’s view is that we cannot say Lord Ram is imaginary. He is a divine reincarnation. There are many proofs for it. We should not talk lightly on the issue,” Gowda told reporters when his reaction was sought on the issue.

He also said: "There is a difference of opinion in UPA also. I don't want to aggravate it (by my comments)".

Deve Gowda said he has faith and belief in God, irrespective of religion - be it Hinduism, Islam, Christianity or Sikhism - and has visited many places of worship.

12 injured as Jodhpur-Howrah Express derails near Kanpur

2007-08-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

At least twelve persons were injured when Jodhpur-Howrah Express derailed at Juhi yards about eight kilometres form Kanpur station under Allahabad Division this afternoon. Two engines and two coaches of the train derailed at 12.25 p.m. when it was on its way from Jodhpur to Howrah.

The injured have been admitted to the Railway Hospital and the Civil Hospital in Kanpur. Traffic has been disrupted on the Howrah-Delhi route. An accident relief train along with a Railway medical team has reached the spot. General Manager, North Central Railway and Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Allahabad Division are also expected to arrive shortly.
Rescue operations are on in full swing.

Emergency helpline numbers have been set up. The number are: 0512-1072 (Kanpur), 033-26413660 (Howrah), 0141-2201043 (Jaipur), 0141-2202915 (Jaipur), 0291-2431646 (Jodhpur), 0151-2526869 (Bikaner) and 0151-2227670 (Bikaner).

Study debunks full-moon injury beliefs

2007-08-01T04:32:00.000-07:00

Ever whacked your thumb with a hammer, or wrenched your back after lifting a heavy box, and blamed the full moon? It's a popular notion, but there's no cosmic connection, Austrian government researchers said Tuesday. Robert Seeberger, a physicist and astronomer at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said a team of experts analyzed 500,000 industrial accidents in Austria between 2000 and 2004 and found no link to lunar activity.

"The full moon does not unfavorably affect the likelihood of an accident," Seeberger said.
The study, released Tuesday by the General Accident Insurance Office, said that on average there were 415 workplace accidents registered per day. Yet on days when the moon was full, the average actually dipped to 385, though the difference was not statistically significant. The lunar influence theory dates at least to the first century A.D., when the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder wrote that his observations suggested "the moon produces drowsiness and stupor in those who sleep outside beneath her beams."

Seeberger, who advises the Austrian government on accident prevention, said he and fellow researcher Manfred Huber decided to take a closer look because the full moon theory kept surfacing "again and again." They also checked for a possible interplay between the rate of accidents and the position of the moon relative to Earth, theorizing that gravity might have some effect in tripping people up at work.

But the moon orbits the planet in almost a perfect circle, and there was also no statistically significant relationship between the accident rate and the moon's closest proximity to Earth. There were an average 400 accidents on days when the moon nudged closest, the study found, compared to an average 396 per day at other times.

Past studies have differed on whether the full moon affects humans by subtly influencing "biological tides." A landmark study published in 1984 in the British Medical Journal examined the incidence of crimes reported to police from 1978-82 in three locations in India — one rural, one urban, one industrial — and found a spike in crime on full moon days compared to all other days. But another study, done in Canada in 1998 by University of Saskatchewan researchers, looked at nearly 250,000 traffic accidents that caused property damage or nonfatal injuries over a nine-year period and found no relationship to the lunar phase. Most scientists agree that at nearly 239,240 miles away, the moon is simply too distant — and human beings too small — for it to have any significant effect.

"There's no real reason why it should," said D. John Hillier, a professor of astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh who was not involved in the Austria study. "It's often probably just cases of people remembering that there happened to be a full moon when something occurred," he said. "When nothing special happens, they tend not to notice what the moon is doing. So this selective memory just keeps the legend going."

Giant prehistoric tusks found in Greece

2007-07-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

Researchers in northern Greece have uncovered two massive tusks of a prehistoric mastodon that roamed Europe more than 2 million years ago — tusks that could be the largest of their kind ever found. The remains of the mastodon, which was similar to the woolly mammoth but had straighter tusks as well as different teeth and eating habits, were found in an area about 250 miles north of Athens where excavations have uncovered several prehistoric animals over the past decade.

One of the tusks measured 16-feet-4-inches long and the other was more than 15 feet long, the research team said. They were found with the animal's upper and lower jaws — still bearing teeth — and leg bones, said Evangelia Tsoukala, an assistant professor of geology at the University of Thessaloniki, who led the team that excavated the site. "To find a tusk 5 meters (more than 16 feet) long, that was a big surprise," Tsoukala told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from the site late Wednesday. "It's a very significant find because with these sections of the skeleton we can draw conclusions about this animal and its development," she added. "We are also looking for clues about its extinction."

Mastodons, an ancestor of the elephant, roamed Europe, Asia and North America, but how they became extinct remains a mystery. They are thought to have disappeared in Europe and Asia some 2 million years ago, but survived in North America until 10,000 years ago. Tsoukala said the male animal discovered in Greece lived about 2.5 million years ago. "This animal was in its prime. It was 25 to 30 years old; they lived until about 55. It was about 3.5 meters (11 1/2 feet) tall at the shoulder, and weighed around six tons," Tsoukala said.

Dutch researcher Dick Mol, who assisted with the excavation, said plant material found near the tusks would be analyzed to try to determine the environment the animal lived in. He said the skeleton could also provide information. "It's really a gold mine," said Mol, a research associate at the Museum of Natural History in Rotterdam. "These are the best preserved skeletons in the world of this species."

Dave Martill, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth in England, said scientists can analyze the growth rings in the tusks to learn more about the world's climate at the time the mastodon lived. "These animals, in their bones, hold a whole load of information about the environment at the time — not just the animal," said Martill, an independent expert not connected with the excavation. The bones will also be scoured for the remote chance of finding DNA material.

Researchers from Germany and the United States recently analyzed genetic material from an American mastodon recovered from fossils up to 130,000 years old found in Alaska, providing clearer insight into the evolution of elephants. If DNA is recovered from the animal found in Greece — which Mol acknowledges is "very doubtful" — it could allow researchers to compare it to other European and American mastodon fossils at an unprecedented level of detail. The tusks were discovered in October by an excavation machine operator working at a sand quarry, but it took months for the scientific investigation to be organized. Tsoukala, who has been conducting excavations in the region since 1990, found a mastodon tusk measuring more than 14 feet long in the same area 10 years ago. She said the latest discovery is more significant because the skeletal remains are more complete.

Quadruple star system may host planets, says study

2007-07-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Quadruple star system 150 light years from Earth may host planets, new observations by NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope has revealed.

The system, called HD 98800, consists of two pairs of stars in which the partners in each pair orbit one another closely. The pairs themselves travel around each other on a very elongated path.

A dusty disc was already known to surround one of the pairs of stars. Now, Elise Furlan of the University of California in Los Angeles, US, and colleagues have made more detailed observations of the disc with Spitzer.

Observations show that the disc is actually made of two concentric rings around the stellar pair, one lying about twice as far as the Earth lies from the Sun, and the other, which is more dense, lying about six times the Earth-Sun distance.

As the dust is not expected to be stable at the location of the inner ring, astronomers suspect it is being continuously replenished by dust from the outer ring, where the dust might be generated by collisions between comet- or asteroid-like objects.

“The empty space between the two rings might have been cleared out by the gravity of a hypothetical planet orbiting there, the astronomers say. Alternatively, the gravity of the four stars could have cleared out the region,” the scientists wrote in their study.

According to Furlan, an observer watching from the surface of the planet could witness dual sunsets and sunrises involving the central pair of stars.

The pair would appear as twin suns, both tinged orange because they are a bit less massive and cooler than the Sun. The other pair, being more distant, would merely look like bright stars, she said.

The distance to the other pair varies over a period of several hundred years, making it appear brighter and dimmer with time. At its closest, its distance from the other pair is about 35 times the Earth-Sun distance, or slightly larger than Neptune's distance from the Sun, she added.
"When it comes close, it most likely increases the frequency of collisions in that outer comet belt," New Scientist quoted her as saying.

Hewlett Packard (HP) launches modern brand of Compaq wordmark and logo

2007-07-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

Hewlett Packard (HP) has announced the launch of it's new range of Compaq desktops and notebooks that feature Compaq's all new brand identity, which is futuristic, stylish, and contemporary - in keeping with HP's brand philosophy of 'innovation with elegance'. The new Compaq logo is a C and a Q combined, and also resembles a thought bubble. The logo will be integrated into all future marketing communication.Compaq's new range includes Compaq Presario SG3053IL and SG3043IL desktops, and Compaq Presario V6425TU and V6406TU notebooks. With their modern silver finish and intuitive easy access design, the Compaq Presario SG3053IL and SG3043IL desktops make computing simpler and natural, according to HP.

The new range of Compaq notebooks are designed for users who want fast mobile performance, according to HP. The V6000 series combines ease-of-use and style with its 15.4-inch wide-screen display with BrightView technology, roomy keyboard, and four-way scroll zone. Loaded with 8X SuperMulti Double Layer (8.5GB) DVD writer and integrated Altec Lansing speakers, the V6000 notebooks ensure the right mix of productivity and entertainment at a great value, says HP.

Speaking at the launch, Satjiv Chahil, senior vice president global marketing PSG, HP said, "As part of our ongoing strategy to support two distinct brands in the consumer space - HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario - the company is introducing the refreshed, modern redesign of the Compaq wordmark and logo to help further differentiate and define the Compaq brand." "The CQ thought-bubble will add new dimensions to the 'Kal Tumhara Hai' campaign championed by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, bringing the empowerment proposition at the forefront of Compaq."

Incidentally, 'Kal Tumhara Hai' is a campaign targeted at educating consumers to look at the PC as an empowerment tool that helps the individual achieve better.

BMW Hydrogen 7 Launched

2007-07-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

BMW has launched the Hydrogen 7 at a British golf tournament, London. Hydrogen 7 is a car which runs on hydrogen though the petrol is alternative medium. It has a dual-fuel engine that allows you to switch between hydrogen mode and fuel mode with the press of a steering wheel-mounted button.

The BMW hydrogen 7 is powered by a 195kW (260bhp) 12-cylinder engine, rocketing 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and achieves 230km/h top speed. It has a 74-litre petrol tank and another tank to holds 8kg of liquid hydrogen stored at -253C.

The best of all, the engine power and torque in Hydrogen 7 stays the same in both hydrogen and fuel mode which means that you can switch between that two without any effect on the performance.

Thats sound new generation car is to move on our roads. No more pollution and have not to be depend on polluted petrol and diesel.

Actor Brad Pitt arrived in a BMW Hydrogen 7 to the Warner Bros. premiere of the film "Ocean's 13" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.

The new technologies in the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series Sedan that can produce zero emissions. Hydrogen 7 being used to show the importance Of Hydrogen uses.BMW has built a very cool car which runs on hydrogen (or gasoline) and emits only water vapor.

2007-07-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

Ancient Sanskrit from India reveils UFO visit in 4,000 B.C.

India, according to Dr.V. Raghavan, retired head of the Sanskrit department of India's prestigious University of Madras, was alone in playing host to extraterrestrials in prehistory. Dr. Raghavan contends that centuries-old documents in Sanskrit (the classical language of India and Hinduism) prove that aliens from outer space visited his nation. "Fifty years of researching this ancient works convinces me that there are livings beings on other planets, and that they visited earth as far back as 4,000 B.C., "

The scholar says. "There is a just a mass of fascinating information about flying machines, even fantastic science fiction weapons, that can be found in translations of the Vedas (scriptures), Indian epics, and other ancient Sanskrit text. "In the Mahabharata (writings), there is notion of divine lighting and ray weapons, even a kind of hypnotic weapon. And in the Ramayana (writings), there is a description of Vimanas, or flying machines, that navigated at great heights with the aid of quicksilver and a great propulsive wind. "These were space vehicles similar to the so-called flying saucers reported throughout the world today.

The Ramayana even describes a beautiful chariot which 'arrived shining, a wonderful divine car that sped through the air'. In another passage, there is mention of a chariot being seen 'sailing overhead like a moon.' "The references in the Mahabharata are no less astounding:
At Rama's behest, the magnificent chariot rose up to a mountain of cloud with a tremendous din. Another passage reads: "Bhima flew with his Vimana on an enormous ray which was as brilliant as the sun and made a noise like the thunder of a storm."

In the ancient Vymanka-Shastra (science of aeronautics), there is a description of a Vimana: "An apparatus which can go by its own force, from one place to place or globe to globe." Dr. Raghavan points out, "The text's revelations become even more astounding. Thirty-one parts-of which the machine consists-are described, including a photographing mirror underneath. The text also enumerates 16 kinds of metal that are needed to construct the flying vehicle: "But only three of them are known to us today. The rest remain untranslatable." Another authority who agrees with Dr. Raghavan's interpretations is Dr. A.V. Krishna Murty, professor of aeronautics at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. "It is true," Dr. Krishna Murty says, "that the ancient Indian Vedas and other text refer to aeronautics, spaceships, flying machines, ancient astronauts. "A study of the Sanskrit texts has convinced me that ancient India did know the secret of building flying machines-and that those machines were patterned after spaceships coming from other planets."

The Vedic traditions of India tell us that we are now in the Fourth Age of mankind. The Vedas call them the "The Golden Age", "The Silver Age", and "The Bronze Age" and we are now, according to their scriptures in the "The Iron Age". As we approach the end of the 20th century both Native Americans, Mayans, and Incans, prophecies claim that we are coming to the end of an age. Sanskrit texts are filled with references to Gods who fought battles in the sky using Vihmanas equipped with weapons as deadly as any we can deploy in these more enlightened times.

For example, there is a passage in the Ramayana which reads:
The Puspaka car that resembles the Sun and belongs to my brother was brought by the powerful Ravan; that aerial and excellent car going everywhere at will.... that car resembling a bright cloud in the sky.".. and the King [Rama] got in, and the excellent car at the command of the Raghira, rose up into the higher atmosphere."

In the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian poem of enormous length, we learn that an individual named Asura Maya had a Vimana measuring twelve cubits in circumference, with four strong wheels. The poem is a veritable gold mine of information relating to conflicts between gods who settled their differences apparently using weapons as lethal as the ones we are capable of deploying.

Apart from 'blazing missiles', the poem records the use of other deadly weapons. 'Indra's Dart' operated via a circular 'reflector'. When switched on, it produced a 'shaft of light' which, when focused on any target, immediately 'consumed it with its power'. In one particular exchange, the hero, Krishna, is pursuing his enemy, Salva, in the sky, when Salva's Vimana, the Saubha is made invisiblein some way. Undeterred, Krishna immediately fires off a special weapon: 'I quickly laid on an arrow, which killed by seeking out sound'.

Many other terrible weapons are described, quite matter of factly, in the Mahabharata, but the most fearsome of all is the one used against the Vrishis. The narrative records:

Gurkha flying in his swift and powerful Vimana hurled against the three cities of the Vrishis and Andhakas a single projectile charged with all the power of the Universe. An incandescent column of smoke and fire, as brilliant as ten thousands suns, rose in all its splendor. It was the unknown weapon, the Iron Thunderbolt, a gigantic messenger of death which reduced to ashesthe entire race of the Vrishnis and Andhakas.

It is important to note, that these kinds of records are not isolated. They can be cross-correlated with similar reports in other ancient civilizations.

The after-affects of this Iron Thunderbolt have anonymously recognizable ring. Apparently, those killed by it were so burnt that their corpses were unidentifiable. The survivors fared little ether, as it caused their hair and nails to fall out. Perhaps the most disturbing and challenging, information about these allegedly mythical Vimanas in the ancient records is that there are some matter-of-fact records, describing how to build one.

In their way, the instructions are quite precise. In the Sanskrit Samaraanganasutraadhaara it is written:
Strong and durable must the body of the Vimana be made, like a great flying bird of light material. Inside one must put the mercury engine with its iron heating apparatus underneath. By means of the power latent in the mercury which sets the driving whirlwind in motion, a man sitting inside may travel a great distance in the sky. The movements of the Vimana are such that it can vertically ascend, vertically descend, move slanting forwards and backwards. With the help of the machines human beings can fly in the air and heavenly beings can come down to earth.

The Hakatha (Laws of the Babylonians) states quite unambiguously: The privilege of operating a flying machine is great. The knowledge of flight is among the most ancient of our inheritances. A gift from 'those from upon high'. We received it from them as a means of saving many lives.

2007-07-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

UFO Sighting In India

UFO Sighting In India Two unidentified flying objects were spotted hovering/manouvering over Karnal (Punjab) and Delhi. DC of Punjab refused to comment and had a verbal fight with a tv reporter.. Conspiracy? On Sunday 8th July, Karnal town and Delhi North India there have been numerous reportings of UFO sightings.

On March 2007 ATC also reported some sort of Unidentified object surfacing on their radar and before they could send their plane it just disappear.

Coming back to Sunday event, People called up TV Stations reporting to have seen two light globes hovering in the skies,rotating and flying at different altitudes at great speeds for three hours this phonomenon was spoted. There have been hundreds of witnesses calling up the News channels.

Zee News, IBN7 and many more covered it...Aaj Tak made it sure that this is hoax.

Google on floor to pressure on Skype

2007-07-05T01:27:00.001-07:00

Search giant Google ramped up the pressure on Skype, Microsoft and others last week by acquiring web telephony startup GrandCentral Communications for an undisclosed sum.
GrandCentral’s technology allows users to manage all their numbers through one interface and one number that can be applied to ring all, or any of, the user’s phones.

Google product manager Wesley Chan wrote on his company blog that “GrandCentral is an innovative service that lets users integrate all of their existing phone numbers and voice mailboxes into one account, which can be accessed from the web.”

Google is likely to integrate the GrandCentral capabilities with Google Talk and make it accessible through GMail/Google Mail accounts.

Butler Group analyst Mark Blowers said, “Google has realised that to be a credible offering in the future, you have to have a voice element as well. Users will not just want email and instant messaging functions; they’ll want full unified communications features.”

That approach could see Google going up against Microsoft, which in March agreed to acquire Tellme Networks, and Skype.

Blowers said Google is seeking to expand out of its core offerings. “Eventually, expectations are that Google will move to integrate video, since its competitors are moving to offer those features already. I’d expect its next move would be in the area of video comms,” he added.

Google said it will support existing GrandCentral customers but did not reveal its plans for the technology.

Large Symbols Like Peruvian Signs Found on Gujarat Hillside

2007-07-05T01:17:00.000-07:00

Geologists have discovered a striking archaeological feature on a hillock in the Kutch district of the western Indian state of Gujarat. This feature is shaped like the Roman numeral VI. Each arm of this feature is a trench that is about two meters wide, two meters deep and more than 100 meters long. The feature has evoked the curiosity of archaeologists because such signs have mostly been observed so far in Peru. The team, led by Dr RV Karanth, a former professor of geology at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara, Gujarat, has been involved in a palaeoseismological study of the Kutch region for the past 11 years Palaeoseismology involves the study of sediments, landforms and other geological evidence of past earthquakes to unravel their history and determine the nature and occurrence of present-day earthquakes. This feature was discovered at a hillock 3km from the sleepy oasis township of Khavda, which is also known as the gateway to the Rann of Kutch, an extensive salt marsh of western India and southeast Pakistan between the Gulf of Kutch and the Indus river delta.

Dr. Karanth says such trenches have not been noticed elsewhere in the region. Archaeologists, he says, can now pursue further research. Geometric lines and animal shapes etched into the desert plain by people of the Nazca civilisation (AD 1-700) of Peru are well known. "But such signs on hill-slopes have not been reported from Peru," says Dr. Karanth. He says that one of the prominent explanations given for the Peruvian features is that they may have been constructed to make astronomical observations and calculations. "The Tropic of Cancer passes through Kutch. So if this structure is man-made, it is likely that the slope of the hillock was utilized for making certain astronomical calculations in the past," explains the geologist. Interestingly, there are numerous indications to suggest that Harappans were well-versed in astronomy. The straight streets of that time were oriented in the cardinal directions - east, west, north and south. Linkages between ancient Harappan scripts and latter Vedic texts also suggest that Harappan priest-astronomers tracked the progress of various planets and mapped the sky. Dr. Karanth has also discovered ruins of a fort-wall, houses, storage tank and a temple on the hilltop.

Post Graduate programme in IGNOU

2007-06-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development (PGDESD)

MED-001 Understanding the Environment (Credits 4)
MED-002 Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges (Credits 4)
MED-004 Towards Participatory Management (Credits 4)
MED-005 Integrated Environment Management: Urban and Rural (Credits 4)
MED-006 Natural Resource Management: Physical and Biotic (Credits 4)
MED-007 Agriculture and Environment (Credits 4)
MED-008 Globalisation and Environment (Credits 4)
MED-009 Energy and Environment (Credits 4)

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (PGDIPR)

MIP-001 General Overview of Intellectual Property (Credits 4)
MIP-002 Industrial Property: Patents, Designs, Plant Varieties (Credits 4)
MIP-003 Industrial Property: Trademarks, Geographical Indications, Trade Secrets and Unfair Competition (Credits 4)
MIP-004 Copyrights and Related Rights (International) (Credits 4)
MIP-005 Protection of Industrial Property at the National Level (Credits 4)
MIP-006 Protection of Copyright and Related Rights at the National Level (Credits 4)
MIP-007 Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (Credits 4)
MIP-008 Contemporary Intellectual Property Issues (Credits 4)

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management (PGDDM)

MPA-001 Understanding Natural Disasters (Credits 4)
MPA-002 Understanding Man-made Disasters (Credits 4)
MPA-003 Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis (Credits 4)
MPA-004 Disaster Preparedness (Credits 4)
MPA-005 Disaster Response (Credits 4)
MPA-006 Disaster Medicine (Credits 4)
MPA-007 Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery (Credits 4)
MPAP-001 Project Work (Credits 4)

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in International Business Operations (PGDIBO)

IBO-01 International Business Environment (Credits 6)
IBO-02 International Marketing Management (Credits 6)
IBO-03 India’s Foreign Trade (Credits 6)
IBO-04 Export-Import Procedures and Documentation (Credits 6)
IBO-05 International Marketing Logistics (Credits 6)
IBO-06 International Business Finance (Credits 6)

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Audio Programme Production (PGDAPP)

MJM-001 Introduction to Broadcasating and Programming (Credits 6)
MJM-002 Production and Presentation (Credits 6)
MJM-003 Recording and Editing (Credits 4)
MJML-001 Practicals (Credits 6)

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PGJMC)

JMC-01 Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication (Credits
JMC-02 Mass Media and Society (Credits
JMC-03 Reporting, Writing and Editing (Credits
JMC-04 Public Relations (Credits

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Translation (PGDT)

PGDT-01 Anuvad: Sidhant Aur Pravidhi (Credits 6)
PGDT-02 Anuvad Ka Bhashik Aur Samajik Paksh (Credits 6)
PGDT-03 Vyavaharik Anuvad Ke Vivid Star Aur Kshetra (Credits 6)
PGDT-04 Prashasnik Anuvad (Credits 6)
PGDT-05 Anuvad Pariyojna (Credits 6)

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Radio Prasaran (PGDRP)

MRP-001 Jansanchar Ka Samanya Adhyayan (Credits 4)
MRP-002 Radio Madhyam (Credits 4)
MRP-003 Radio Lekhan (Credits 4)
MRP-004 Pariyojana Lekhan (Credits 4)
Training in AIR
MRP-005 Prastuti Prashikshan (Credits 4)
MRP-006 Prabandhan Prashikshan (Credits 4)
MRP-007 Prasaran Prashikshan (Credits 4)

IGNOU - Syllabus of- Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development (PGDRD)

A. Compulsory Courses
RDD-1 Rural Development – Indian Context (Credits 6)
RDD-2 Rural Development – Programme (Credits 6)
RDD-3 Rural Development – Planning And Management (Credits 6)

B. Optional Courses (Choose any one from the following electives)
RDD-4 Rural Social Development (Credits 6)
RDD-6 Rural Health Care (Credits 6)
RDD-7 Communication and Extension in Rural Development (Credits 6)

C. Project Work
RDD-5 Research and Project Work (Credits 6)

IGNOU - Syllabus of Post Graduate Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (PGDGM)

MME-004 Basic Geriatrics (Credits 6)
MME-005 Clinical Geriatrics (Credits 8 )
MMEL-004 Basic Geriatrics Practical (Credits 6)
MMEL-005 Clinical Geriatrics Practical (Credits 12)

IGNOU - Syllabus of Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital and Health Management (PGDHHM)

I Introduction to Management-I (Credits 5)
II Introduction to Management-II (Credits 5)
III Organisation and Management of Hospital (Credits 5)
IV Clinical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services (Credits 5)
V Support and Utility Services and Risk Management (Credits 5)
VI Health System Management (Credits 5)

Project Work (Credits 2)

IGNOU - Syllabus of Post Graduate Diploma in Maternal & Child Health (PGDMCH)

1) MME-101 Preventive MCH Theory (Credits 6)
2) MME-102 Reproductive Health Theory (Credits 6)
3) MME-103 Child Health Theory (Credits 6)
4) MMEL-101 Preventive MCH Practical (Credits 6)
5) MMEL-102 Reproductive Health Practical (Credits 6)
6) MMEL-103 Child Health Practical (Credits 6)

IGNOU –Syllabus of Post Graduate Diploma in Library Automation and Networking (PGDLAN)

MLI–001 Introduction of Computers (Credits 4)
MLIL–001 Practical
MLI–002 Library Automation (Credits 4)
MLIL–002 Practical
MLI–003 Information System (Credits 4)
MLIL–003 Practical
MLI–004 Networking and Internet Technology (Credits 4)
MLIL–004 Practical
MLI–005 Internet Resources (Credits 4)
MLIL–005 Practical
MLI–006 Content Development (Credits 4)
MLIL–006 Practical
MLI–007 Programming Language (Credits 4)
MLIL–007 Practical
MLIP–008 Project (Credits 4)

IGNOU –Syllabus of Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDHE)

MES-01 Higher Education : Its Context and Linkages (Credits 6)
MES-02 Instruction in Higher Education (Credits 6)
MES-03 Higher Education: The Social Psychological Field (Credits 6)
MES-04 Planning and Management of Higher Education (Credits 6)
MES-05 Project Work (Credits 6)
MES-06 Extended Contact Programme (Credits 4)

JCPenney Reports April Sales

2007-05-12T00:48:00.000-07:00

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) total department store sales decreased 2.7 percent for the four weeks ended May 5, 2007. Comparable department store sales decreased 4.7 percent, compared to initial guidance for sales to be flat and a 2.6 percent increase last year.

Sales for both March and April were distorted by the shift of Easter into this year's March period, as well as shifts in the fiscal calendar due to last year's 53rd week. Combining March and April, total department store sales increased 5.6 percent and comparable store sales increased 3.3 percent for the nine weeks ended May 5, 2007. The best performing merchandise categories for the March/April period were in apparel where men's, women's and children's all experienced solid gains, while bigger ticket home categories continued to be soft. Sales results for the Company's new merchandise launches, most notably Ambrielle, Liz & Co., CONCEPTS by Claiborne, as well as the Sephora concept, continue to exceed expectations. Geographically, the best performing regions of the country were the northwest and southwest, followed by the northeast.

Internet sales through website increased approximately 15 percent for the month, on top of an increase of about 17 percent last year. Total Direct sales decreased 8.0 percent in the April period, compared to initial guidance for sales to be flat and a 1.5 percent increase last year. Sales in Direct continue to be impacted by softness in home categories, which represent a majority of the Direct channel's volume.

Source: J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

Polymer Group, Inc. Announces First Quarter Results

2007-05-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

Polymer Group, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: POLGA, POLGB) announced results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007.

    Operational highlights included:

     -- Sales continued to establish new record levels with first quarter
        sales growing 2.5% to $267.0 million compared to the first quarter
        of 2006

     -- Gross profit increased 6.6% over the prior year period to
        $46.0 million and gross profit margin increased to 17.2% compared to
        16.6% the prior year due to increased volumes, improved product mix
        and manufacturing efficiencies that resulted in lower unit costs

     -- New capacity additions and a general improvement in the base business
        produced a 5.6% increase in volumes in the nonwovens segment

Net sales for the first quarter of 2007 were $267.0 million compared to $260.4 million in the first quarter of 2006. Sales growth was driven primarily by improved volumes in the nonwovens businesses offset somewhat by lower sales prices reflecting the impact of changes in relative raw material costs compared to the prior year. Volume increased significantly in Asia as the company's new spunmelt line was ramping up during the quarter and as the U.S. and Latin American regions benefited from full run rate volumes from the previously installed spunbond lines. Additionally, the nonwovens base business improved over the prior year period, with gains in the cable and wipes markets in the European region driving a 5.4% increase in sales volumes for the region. Industrial market volumes were higher in the U.S. as new products ramped up during the quarter. Offsetting the volume gains in the nonwovens segment were lower volumes in the oriented polymers segment, primarily as a result of the continued lower levels of lumberwrap sales first experienced during 2006. Sales were also positively impacted during the quarter by currency translation improvements as a result of a weaker US dollar.

Gross profit was $46.0 million for the first quarter, representing a gross profit margin of 17.2%, compared to $41.4 million and 15.7%, respectively, for the previous quarter and $43.2 million and 16.6%, respectively, for the same period in 2006. The company successfully improved profitability as a result of higher volumes, product mix improvements and improved manufacturing efficiencies resulting in lower unit costs. The manufacturing cost improvements were experienced across the business, in part due to cost improvement programs implemented in 2006. Raw material costs were relatively flat compared to the prior year and the prior quarter.

Operating income for the first quarter of 2007 was $11.7 million, which included $6.4 million of special charges associated with the company's plans to consolidate plants in the U.S. and non-cash pension settlement costs in Canada as the company converted a portion of a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were approximately $4.0 million lower in the first quarter compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of lower non-cash stock compensation expenses recognized in the first quarter of 2007 of $0.7 million versus $3.8 million in the comparable period of 2006. The higher non-cash compensation costs during the first quarter of 2006 were the result of an initial grant of restricted stock associated with the 2005 Employee Restricted Stock Plan. SG&A expenses represented 10.7% of sales in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 12.4% the prior year.

Polymer Group's chief executive officer, Veronica (Ronee) M. Hagen, stated, "PGI's business re-established its trend of year-over-year growth and profitability this quarter. The nonwovens business continues to show strength in all regions, both as a result of the strategic capacity expansions implemented in 2006 and an encouraging continuation of improvement in the base business. The company's focus on cost control was evident in the improvement in our overall profit margins."

"PGI is intensely focused on becoming the industry leader through growth and innovation. The company has a strong track record of investment in both the developed and developing regions, and we expect to continue that commitment to our customers. Our new line being installed in Argentina is progressing and is expected to be complete in the latter portion of this year. Additionally, the company recently rolled out its new Spinlace(R) material at the IDEA 2007 trade show and received a strong response from the market. Our first Spinlace(TM) line is due to be completed in the second half of 2007, providing customers with a new wiping application. My goal is to ensure PGI has the right strategy, structure and competencies to achieve our strategic objectives in the years to come," Hagen said.

Polymer Group, Inc., one of the world's leading producers of nonwovens, is a global, technology-driven developer, producer and marketer of engineered materials. With the broadest range of process technologies in the nonwovens industry, PGI is a global supplier to leading consumer and industrial product manufacturers. The company operates 21 manufacturing and converting facilities throughout the world.

Source: Polymer Group, Inc.

JCPenney Welcomes Shoppers to New Store in Woodridge, Ill.

2007-04-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation's largest department store retailers, is offering shoppers an easy and exciting way to experience style and quality at smart prices with the grand opening of the JCPenney store at Centerpointe of Woodridge, 7400 Woodward Ave. in Woodridge, Ill. The official grand opening for the new Woodridge JCPenney will take place on Friday, May 11, marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the store's main entrance at 8:45 a.m.

"We look forward to being a part of this beautiful and vibrant community," said Store Manager Theda Isenberg. "With the store's convenient design, great merchandise assortment, and exceptional team of Associates, we will provide an outstanding shopping experience for our customers. We're inviting everyone to come by and celebrate with us!"

Store Highlights: JCPenney + Sephora

The new JCPenney store, covering more than 104,000 square feet, is designed in the Company's latest format to make shopping even more convenient and enjoyable. In addition to JCPenney's tremendous selection of fashionable apparel and home merchandise, customers will experience wide aisles and efficient customer service centers. The new store layout helps shoppers easily locate major brands such as The Original Arizona Jean Company(R), Chris Madden for JCPenney Home Collection(R), nicole by Nicole Miller(R), Liz & Co.(R), Ambrielle(R), SouthPole(R), Worthington(R), Stafford(R), Bisou-Bisou(R), Carter's(R), Nike(R), CONCEPTS by Claiborne(R) and more.

At the heart of the store is the extraordinary addition of a full-service Sephora beauty boutique. The 1,500-square-foot Sephora inside JCPenney will boast the best that Sephora has to offer, including some of the most desired brands in makeup, skin care, fragrance, and accessory products such as Bare Escentuals(R) and Philosophy(R). It will be staffed by a team of beauty consultants thoroughly trained in the Science of Sephora.

Additional Services

For added convenience, JCPenney at Centerpointe of Woodridge provides an assortment of services under one roof, including an all-occasion portrait studio; expert in-home custom decorating services; and a full-service salon offering an array of professional hair and beauty services, as well as products from leading salon brands. In addition, customers can place orders or pick up catalog and Internet purchases at the store's Solutions desk.

JCPenney Afterschool Fund Grants

As part of the May 11 grand opening celebration, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund will contribute grants to the Indian Boundary YMCA which will allow three local children to participate in enriching afterschool programs during the school year. Additionally, J. C. Penney Company, Inc. will provide each child with a $50 JCPenney gift card for school apparel. The contribution will be presented during the store's ribbon cutting ceremony.

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, was created by J. C. Penney Company, Inc. to raise awareness of the need for working families to have access to quality afterschool programs. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund believes that afterschool programs are an important investment in the future of America's children - our nation's most valuable resource. Studies show that 14.3 million children in the U.S. are unsupervised between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day, placing them at greater risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of crime.

Grand Opening Activities

Throughout grand opening week, customers can register to win one of a hundred $150 gift cards to be used toward any JCPenney purchase. Other activities include product demonstrations, special discounts for the entire family and a free gift for the first 750 Sephora customers.

The 105-year-old retailer has served Illinois shoppers since 1917. The new store will contribute approximately 200 jobs to Woodridge's economy. JCPenney at Centerpointe of Woodridge will operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Source: J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

PGI Introduces New Moldable Substrates for the Automotive Industry...

2007-04-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Polymer Group, Inc. (PGI) (OTC Bulletin Board: POLGA; POLGB) today introduced new substrates for mold able automotive components made from recyclable materials that improve acoustics in vehicles.

Used in trunk and wheel well liners, the substrates made from recyclable polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) provide a barrier to absorb sound and reduce noise in the interior compartment of a vehicle by 25 to 30 percent.

PGI developed a unique one-step manufacturing process that combines the recycled materials with a top virgin-facing material, integrating both through layering and needle punching. This one-step process, and use of recyclable materials, produces a more cost-effective product.

The company also has the capability to incorporate colors specified by OEMs and Tier I automotive suppliers during this process. The color-specified face fibers ensure weather and abrasion resistance to pass all OEM stringent specifications. Additives for UV protection can be engineered into the polymer for open trunk applications where sun exposure will occur.

The high-strength, lightweight materials range from 25 to 40 ounces. Introduced here at the International Engineered Fabrics Conference and Expo (IDEA07), the materials are currently being used in domestic vehicles and are now available commercially.

"This new value-added substrate is an innovative solution that meets the growing demand for improved acoustics in all vehicle categories and makes of cars," said Don Bokshan, PGI's automotive sales and marketing director. "Not only does this product deliver improved acoustical performance desired by consumers, and being specified by auto makers, it also is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional reinforced plastic, providing another benefit."

Source: Polymer Group, Inc.

Interface Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend

2007-04-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Interface, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFSIA), a worldwide floorcoverings and fabrics company, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share payable May 25, 2007 to shareholders of record as of May 11, 2007.

Interface, Inc. is a recognized leader in the worldwide interiors market, offering floorcoverings and fabrics. The Company is committed to the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment while enhancing shareholder value. The Company is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpet under the InterfaceFLOR, FLOR, Heuga and Bentley Prince Street brands, and, through its Bentley Prince Street brand, enjoys a leading position in the high quality, designer-oriented segment of the broadloom carpet market. The Company's InterfaceFABRIC business is a leading producer of interior fabrics and upholstery products, which it markets under the Guilford of Maine, Chatham and Terratex brands, and provides specialized automotive textile solutions.

SOURCE : Interface, Inc.

Unifi Announces Second Quarter Results

2007-01-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI) today released operating results for its second quarter ended December 24, 2006.

Net income for the current quarter, including discontinued operations, was a net loss of $16.5 million or $0.32 per share compared to a net loss of $3.8 million or $0.07 per share for the prior December quarter. Net income from continuing operations for the current quarter was a net loss of $16.4 million or $0.32 per share compared to a net loss of $3.4 million or $0.06 per share for the prior December quarter.

Net sales from continuing operations for the current December quarter of $156.9 million were down $34.2 million or 17.9% compared to net sales of $191.1 million for the prior year December quarter. Relatively stable sales of the Company's nylon and textured, dyed and value-added polyester yarns in the quarter were offset by significant declines in partially oriented yarn, or POY, which were a result of the supply chain working through existing inventories.

Bill Lowe, Chief Operating Officer and CFO for Unifi, said, "As we announced on December 7, 2006, earnings were negatively impacted by the lingering effect of higher priced POY inventory and a significant decline in POY volume during the quarter. The inventory adjustments that took place throughout the supply chain during the December quarter appear largely complete, and our POY and texturing plants are now running at expected capacities. We anticipate operating at these higher run rates and also expect to achieve mix related benefits as well, during the March quarter. The transition of the Dillon manufacturing facility occurred on January 1, 2007 and appeared seamless to our customers. The facility is running at expected capacities, and we are now looking forward to improving our combined operations during this calendar year."

Net income for the first half of the Company's fiscal year 2007, including discontinued operations, was a net loss of $27.6 million or $0.53 per share compare compared to a net loss of $6.9 million or $0.13 per share for the prior year first half. Net income from continuing operations for the first half of fiscal 2007 was a net loss of $27.4 million or $0.53 per share compared to a net loss of $8.2 million or $0.16 per share for the prior year first half. Net sales for the first half of fiscal year 2007 of $326.8 million were down $47.4 million or 12.7% compared to net sales of $374.2 million for the first half of fiscal year 2006.

Total debt at the end of the current quarter was $206.1 million, which is a reduction of $58.0 million over the $264.1 million in debt at the end of the prior year December quarter, as a result of the Company's refinancing activity in May 2006. Cash-on-hand at the end of the current December quarter was $35.6 million, which is up slightly from the September 2006 quarter of $29.5 million.

Brian Parke, Chairman and CEO for Unifi said, "We continue to make excellent progress with our operations in China. We have many products now being sampled by critical new customers and larger scale trials are being requested. On the cost side, we have made changes that will reduce our operating costs approximately $2 million in the coming year, which will help us reach our goals. The momentum is building from the market side, and downstream opportunities are beginning to turn into solid orders."

Unifi, Inc. (NYSE: UFI) is a diversified producer and processor of multi- filament polyester and nylon textured yarns and related raw materials. The Company adds value to the supply chain and enhances consumer demand for its products through the development and introduction of branded yarns that provide unique performance, comfort and aesthetic advantages. Key Unifi brands include, but are not limited to: aio(R) - all-in-one performance yarns, Sorbtek(R), A.M.Y.(R), Mynx(R) UV, Repreve(R), Reflexx(R), MicroVista(R) and Satura(R). Unifi's yarns and brands are readily found in home furnishings, apparel, legwear, and sewing thread, as well as industrial, automotive, military, and medical applications.

Source: Unifi, Inc.

True Religion Apparel to Open New Branded Store at The Galleria in Houston, TX

2007-01-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

True Religion Apparel Inc announced it has signed a new lease agreement to open a branded store in The Galleria, the premier shopping destination in Houston, Texas. As with all of the company’s new stores, the Houston location will carry the entire True Religion line of apparel, including Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s denim jeans, jackets, shirts, T-shirts, skirts, fleece hoodies and pants, as well as sportswear, including knits, wovens, loungewear and outerwear.

The Galleria has 375 stores, draws more than 24 million annual visitors and is known as the #1 shopping destination in Houston and the fourth largest mall nationwide. The mall spans 2.4 million square feet of retail space, showcasing a variety of restaurants and the best names in retailing, including Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vutton, Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. The True Religion-branded store will occupy 1,508 square feet and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2007.

“We have established a robust pace to open new True Religion branded stores throughout the country, and the Houston Galleria location is emblematic of the premier locations we are targeting,” said Michael Buckley, president of True Religion Apparel, Inc. “While we are opening stores methodically, we are extremely encouraged by the sales success we have witnessed thus far, encouraging us to continue to roll out our retail strategy throughout 2007.”

About True Religion Apparel, Inc.

True Religion Apparel, Inc. is a growing, design-based premium global lifestyle brand. The company designs, manufactures and markets True Religion Apparel products, including its premium True Religion Brand Jeans. Its expanding product line, which includes high quality distinctive styling and fit, may be found in premier department stores and boutiques in 50 countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Scandinavia, Greece, Italy, Mexico, South America, Australia, South Africa, the Middle East, Korea, Japan, and China.

Courtesy : True Religion Apparel, Inc.

Select Comfort declares very slow fourth quarter sales report

2006-12-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

Select Comfort Corporation is the nation's leading bed retailer and creator of the Sleep Number bed, announced that net sales during the first eight weeks of the fourth quarter ending with the Thanksgiving weekend increased six percent and same-store sales declined nine percent compared to the prior year period.

Total unit volume increased eight percent compared to the same period a year ago. Year-over-year comparisons during the holiday weekend were especially difficult due to a Nov. 29, 2005 price increase, which accelerated sales a year ago.

The company currently expects fourth quarter net sales growth and same-store sales growth to be below the low end of its long-term growth targets. Accordingly, the company is decreasing its full year earnings guidance to between $0.80 and $0.87 per diluted share.

"This quarter's sales have been disappointing, as we've noted a closer correlation in our business with housing industry trends. Our sales programs and promotional offers have been consistent with prior years, and we are protecting product margins," said Bill McLaughlin, Select Comfort Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

McLaughlin continued, "We have a demonstrated history of looking internally for answers, not pointing to external factors. We have moved quickly to revamp our December sales and marketing programs to drive traffic, increase referrals from our existing bed owners and enhance consumer interest through financing and other purchase incentives."

"We have historically outpaced mattress industry growth rates and we remain confident in our long-term opportunity. Although we don't expect an immediate reversal in current trends, we do believe that we will be able to deliver our targeted long-term growth rates in 2007," McLaughlin continued.

"We are working on specific initiatives that we believe will contribute to long-term growth and business advantages in 2007 and beyond."

"These include work with our new creative partner, McKinney, on first quarter advertising programs, accelerating product innovation in beds and accessories, continued quality and cost initiatives, and implementation of a fully integrated SAP ERP solution that we expect to launch by early 2008."

"Although these initiatives will require at least a quarter or two to take effect, we remain committed to long-term sales growth targets of between 15 and 20 percent and earnings growth of between 20 and 25 percent," McLaughlin said.

Underscoring the company's confidence in its long-term prospects, management remains committed to continuing its share repurchase program. Through Friday, November 24, Select Comfort has invested $15.6 million in the fourth quarter to repurchase an additional 748,000 shares of its common stock.

On a year-to-date basis, the company has invested $65.1 million to repurchase a total of 3.1 million shares. Of the $150 million board authorization announced in May 2006, $103 million remains available for additional share repurchases.

Fourth Quarter Business Update
This press release is in lieu of the company's quarterly business update that had been scheduled for Wednesday, December 13, 2006.

Courtey : Select Comfort Corporation

David Kohler Elected to Interface Inc BoD

2006-10-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Interface, Inc., a worldwide floorcoverings and fabrics company, today announced the election of David Kohler to its board of directors. (This addition brings the total members of the Company's board of directors to 11, of which 9 are independent directors.) Mr. Kohler, age 40, is Group President of the Kitchen and Bath Group for Kohler Co., a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, tile, cabinetry, engines and power generation systems, and an owner/operator of golf and spa destinations.
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Mr. Kohler was previously a chairman of the National Kitchen and Bath Association's Board of Governors of Manufacturing. He is currently a member of the board of Kohler Co., and has previously served on the board of Menasha Corporation, a privately-held manufacturer. In 2004, he was named one of Builder Magazine's 50 Most Influential People in Home Building. Mr. Kohler holds a Master's degree in management from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and a Bachelor's degree in political science from Duke University.

Daniel T. Hendrix, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very pleased to welcome David to Interface's board of directors. His extensive experience in designing, manufacturing and marketing products for the consumer products and homebuilding markets, throughout North America and Asia, will be very valuable to our company as we continue to build our business. We look forward to his contributions."

Interface, Inc. is a recognized leader in the worldwide interiors market, offering floorcoverings and fabrics. The Company is committed to the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment while enhancing shareholder value. The Company is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpet under the InterfaceFLOR, FLOR, Heuga and Bentley Prince Street brands, and, through its Bentley Prince Street brand, enjoys a leading position in the high quality, designer-oriented segment of the broadloom carpet market.

The Company's InterfaceFabric business is a leading producer of interior fabrics and upholstery products, which it markets under the Guilford of Maine, Chatham and Terratex brands, and provides specialized automotive textile solutions.

Source : Interface, Inc.

Polymer Group Inc declares price rises

2006-09-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Polymer Group, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: POLGA; POLGB) announced today that prices of its nonwoven roll goods in North America will increase 5 to 7 percent, depending on the specific products, due to sustained high levels of raw material and energy costs.

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The increases, effective Oct. 1, will primarily apply to products with petroleum-based raw materials including polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene. Outside of North America, the company is implementing price increases on polypropylene-based products, with the amount of the price impact dependent on specific regional factors.

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"The raw material markets have continued to remain at elevated levels through 2006," said James Schaeffer, PGI chief executive officer. "While certain petroleum prices, like crude oil, have shown some recent abatement, tight supply in our primary raw material markets has kept prices high. Costs of certain of our primary raw materials have increased in excess of 15 to 20 percent year-over-year. Additionally, electricity costs are 5 to 8 percent higher than the same time last year."

"We continue to focus on making our global manufacturing operations as efficient as possible; however, these price increases are necessary to ensure our customers continue to receive the best total value in the industry," Schaeffer added.

Polymer Group, Inc, one of the world's leading producers of nonwovens, is a global, technology-driven developer, producer and marketer of engineered materials. With the broadest range of process technologies in the nonwovens industry, PGI is a global supplier to leading consumer and industrial product manufacturers. The company operates 22 manufacturing facilities in 10 countries throughout the world.

Source : Polymer Group, Inc

Tandy Leather Factory Inc Reports 5% Sales Increase in August

2006-09-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. reported that sales for the month of August were $4.4 million, an increase of 5% from $4.2 million last year. Year to date sales are up 10% to $36.1 million in the current year from $32.9 million last year.
Retail Leathercraft posted a 13% sales increase for August, with sales totaling $1.7 million compared to $1.5 million in August 2005.

The 46 comparable stores' sales were flat for the month. The 16 stores opened since July 2005 added August sales of $271,000. Year-to-date sales for Retail Leathercraft are $14.1 million this year, a 22% increase over sales of $11.2 million for the same period of 2005. As of the end of August, the same store sales gain for the 42 comparable stores is 7% for the year.

Wholesale Leathercraft posted sales of $2.6 million for August. Within the Wholesale Leathercraft division, the comparable wholesale centers' sales were $2.1 million for August, down 2% from August 2005 sales. The National Account group's sales were up 5% from August 2005. For the year to date, Wholesale Leathercraft sales are $20.9 million compared to $20.5 million in 2005, an increase of 1.8%.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wray Thompson, commented, "August was another tough sales month, particularly at our Tandy Leather retail stores. However, as we had indicated previously, we were not expecting great sales results in August. We still believe we will finish the quarter with a strong September, which will start the momentum for the holiday shopping season."

Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a specialty retailer and wholesale distributor of a broad product line including leather, leatherworking tools, belt buckles and adornments, leather dyes and finishes, saddle and tack hardware, and do-it-yourself kits. The Company distributes its products as The Leather Factory through its wholesale distribution centers and as Tandy Leather Company through its retail stores. Its common stock trades on the American Stock Exchange with the symbol "TLF."

Source : Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.

United States : Polymer Group filed lawsuit against Kroger, Inter-American Products & US Nonwovens Corp

2006-07-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

Polymer Group Inc (PGI), one of the world's leading producers of engineered materials, announced today that it, through certain of its subsidiaries, has filed a suit against The Kroger Co. (Kroger), Inter-American Products, Inc. (Inter-American) and U.S. Nonwovens Corp. for patent infringement related to private-label imaged wipes sold through Kroger's retail food stores.

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The suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, alleges that Kroger is willfully infringing PGI's U.S. Patent No. RE 38,505, which relates to hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics having raised patterns. The allegedly infringing product is Kroger's "Everyday Living(R) Refill Dusting Cloths." PGI is being represented in the case by Robins, Kaplan Miller & Ciresi LLP, a nationally recognized intellectual property litigation firm.
PGI has invested significant resources to develop successful programs based on its proprietary Apex(R) technology and ability to produce truly three-dimensional materials that have superior performance characteristics to other products due specifically to the images created. PGI's patents in this area relate not only to new value-added wipes applications but also to a broad variety of other highly engineered consumer and industrial end-use markets.

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The alleged infringements are a result of what the company believes to be efforts by competitors to participate in a differentiated sector of the market to the detriment of PGI and its patent portfolio. In addition to the lawsuit filed today, PGI has notified several other industry participants, including equipment manufacturers, nonwovens suppliers and marketers of end-use products, of potential infringements.

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"PGI is an innovation leader in the engineered materials industry and we place a high value on our intellectual property portfolio," said James L. Schaeffer, PGI's chief executive officer. "Inherent in being a company that values innovation is the commitment to defend our proprietary position in our markets. We believe taking such action to protect our innovations is not only in our best interests, but is also in the best interests of our customers, suppliers and shareholders."

Polymer Group, Inc, one of the world's leading producers of nonwovens, is a global, technology-driven developer, producer and marketer of engineered materials. With the broadest range of process technologies in the nonwovens industry, PGI is a global supplier to leading consumer and industrial product manufacturers. The company operates 22 manufacturing facilities throughout the world.

Source :: Polymer Group, Inc

United States : Ashland Inc Board announces Regular Qtly Dividend

2006-07-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

The board of directors of Ashland Inc declared the regular quarterly cash dividend of 27.5 cents per share on the company’s common stock (listed on the New York and Chicago stock exchanges), equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.10 per share.

This dividend will be payable on September 15, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 21, 2006. As of June 30, 2006, there were 71,093,609 shares outstanding.

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Ashland Inc is a FORTUNE 500 chemical and transportation construction company providing products, services and customer solutions throughout the world.

FORTUNE 500 is a trademark of Time Inc.

SOURCE: Ashland Inc

United States : Amazon.com to relay Q2 2006 Financial Results Conference Call

2006-07-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com Inc announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2006 financial results on July 25, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET.

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The event will be webcast live, and the audio and associated slides will be available for at least three months thereafter at www.amazon.com/ir.

Source ; Amazon.com Inc

United States : True Religion Provides Update on Arbitration Proceeding

2006-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

True Religion Apparel Inc provided an update related to an arbitration proceeding involving Guru Denim, Inc., the wholly owned subsidiary of True Religion Apparel, Inc., and The Indigo Group USA, Inc., a contract clothing manufacturer based in Gardena, California. The arbitration proceeding related to a claim of a breach of a Manufacturer's Agreement dated September 15, 2004, between the two parties and has resulted in a ruling by the arbitrator in favor of The Indigo Group USA, Inc. of an interim arbitration award of $1.5 million in damages, plus interest and costs.

True Religion Apparel said that the expected total exposure to the company related to the award, which includes legal costs, interest and the award itself, will approximate $0.05 per diluted share. The Company plans to record the charge in the second quarter ended June 30, 2006. The Company also stated that the outcome of the arbitration will have no bearing on the Company's future business or its manufacturing capabilities. The Company expects to report its full financial results for the second quarter on or about August 1, 2006.

True Religion Apparel, Inc. is a growing, design-based lifestyle brand. The company designs, manufactures and markets True Religion Apparel products, including its premium True Religion Brand Jeans. Its expanding product line, which includes high quality distinctive styling and fit, may be found in premier department stores and boutiques in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Japan.

Source : True Religion Apparel Inc

United States : Celebrate Express Inc revise Fiscal 2006 Financial Guidance

2006-06-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Express Inc, a leading online and catalog retailer of celebration products for families, today announced updated guidance for its fiscal year ended May 31, 2006. The Company now expects revenue for the fiscal year to be between $86.5 million and $87.0 million, compared with previous guidance provided on March 30, 2006 of between $87.5 and $88.0 million. Net income is expected to be between $0.03 and $0.05 per diluted share for the year, compared with previous guidance of between $0.25 to $0.27 per diluted share.

Revenues and operating results for the fourth fiscal quarter and full year ended May 31, 2006 will be announced on July 26, 2006, after completion of the Company's financial statements and the related audit of its year-end financial results. The Company's final results could vary from those projected.

The primary factors cited for the change in guidance for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2006 were as follows:

-- Softer than anticipated sales starting in April-- Increased fulfillment expenses resulting from distribution center inefficiencies-- Lower gross margins due primarily to shipping costs and revenue mix

The Company's recently appointed president & CEO, Kevin Green, stated "I continue to be excited about the opportunities to build upon the core Celebrate Express family of brands -- Birthday Express, Costume Express and the newer titles, First Wishes and Party Destinations. I have quickly recognized that in order for Celebrate Express to provide the level of consistent customer satisfaction that will result in long-term customer loyalty, we will need to strengthen our foundation, primarily in the form of fulfillment and systems and in solidifying the senior management team. Our clear focus will be on helping busy parents simply and easily celebrate their lives and the lives of their children."

The Company also announced that it would immediately begin an orderly discontinuation of its Storybook Heirlooms brand, which is expected to represent approximately 10% of the Company's Fiscal 2006 net revenues. Mr. Green said, "After years of losses and a strategic evaluation of the marketplace for girls' special occasion clothing, we have reached a decision to quickly wind down the operations of Storybook Heirlooms. Our evaluation indicated that the Company and its shareholders would be better served by reallocating internal resources previously directed to Storybook to focus on Birthday Express and the larger growth opportunity present in Costume Express. We expect this decision will have a favorable impact on fiscal 2007 earnings."

Mr. Green stated, "Revenues in the month of April fell short of our targets and we were unable to make up the difference in May. Despite the softness that we, like other retailers, experienced in April, we achieved strong year over year revenue growth for the fourth fiscal quarter, which we expect will range from 21% to 23%. We are aware that recent volatility in consumer demand may continue into the first quarter of our new fiscal year. However, we remain confident about the strength of our brands and the opportunity for strong, sustained revenue growth as we continue to increase our market share and cross-market our brands to our growing customer base."

The Company reported that fulfillment expenses and shipping costs were pressured by inefficiencies in the distribution center related to the ongoing transition to the new picking system. Mr. Green continued, "The installation of the initial phase of the new picking process in our distribution center for Birthday Express is progressing. The transition has taken longer and been more expensive than originally planned causing higher fulfillment expenses and higher cost of goods sold. The Company remains focused on creating distribution efficiencies and we are confident that the new processes installed in the warehouse is a worthwhile investment in the future and will help us leverage our fulfillment expenses over time."

Also contributing to the margin pressure was a change in the mix of revenues. Mr. Green explained "The softer revenues we experienced in our full-price catalogs were partially offset by Storybook Heirlooms sale catalog efforts, thereby eroding the overall gross margin."

CONFERENCE CALL TODAY
Company management will be holding a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. ET/ 2:00 pm PT to discuss this announcement. The conference call will be broadcast via live webcast and may be accessed at http://investor.celebrateexpress.com. Listeners may also access the call by dialing 1-866-825-1692 and entering password 66014291. A replay of the call will be available for 30 days by dialing 1-888-286-8010, password 41766713.

Source : Celebrate Express Inc

United States : Celebrate Express Inc revise Fiscal 2006 Financial Guidance

2006-06-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

The primary factors cited for the change in guidance for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2006 were as follows:

Mr. Green said, "After years of losses and a strategic evaluation of the marketplace for girls' special occasion clothing, we have reached a decision to quickly wind down the operations of Storybook Heirlooms. Our evaluation indicated that the Company and its shareholders would be better served by reallocating internal resources previously directed to Storybook to focus on Birthday Express and the larger growth opportunity present in Costume Express. We expect this decision will have a favorable impact on fiscal 2007 earnings."

Source: Celebrate Express Inc

United States : Zumiez Inc same store sales pick up 18.2% for four-week period

2006-06-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

Zumiez Inc a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories, announced that total net sales for the four-week period ended May 27, 2006 increased 39.5 percent to $15.0 million, compared to $10.7 million for the four-week period ended May 28, 2005.

The company's comparable store sales increased 18.2 percent for the four-week period, versus a comparable store sales increase of 10.2 percent in the year ago period.

To hear the Zumiez prerecorded May sales message, please dial (877) 519-4471 or (973) 341-3080, followed by the conference identification number #6130350.

Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories. Our stores cater to young men and women between ages 12-24, focusing on skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross and BMX. We currently operate 182 stores, which are primarily located in shopping malls and our web site address is www.zumiez.com.

Source : Zumiez Inc

United States : Ashland acquires Degussa Water Treatment Business

2006-05-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Ashland Inc announced that it has completed its purchase of the water treatment business of Degussa AG -- branded under the Stockhausen name -- in North America, South America, western Europe and most of the rest of the world. In the areas where the purchase has not been completed, the parties have undertaken necessary steps to ensure that statutory requirements are met for the expected regulatory approvals. The entire transaction is valued at approximately 122 million euros.

The Stockhausen business will be known as Environmental and Process Solutions and operate as a business group of Ashland Water Technologies, a business of Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc.

"With this transaction, we significantly expand our technology base and product lines through the addition of water soluble polymer technology, greatly enhancing our offering to our customers," said Len Gelosa, senior vice president, Ashland Water Technologies. "Further, we expand our presence in strong existing markets like Europe and the U.S., as well as new growth markets like China, Russia and Brazil."

Five manufacturing facilities located in Germany, China, Brazil, Russia and the United States are included in the transaction. The Degussa water treatment business posted 2005 sales of nearly $250 million.

Ashland Water Technologies, a business of Ashland Specialty Chemical, is a supplier of chemical and non-chemical water-treatment solutions for industrial and commercial facilities. It provides industrial, commercial and institutional water treatments, wastewater treatment, pathogen control, paint and coating additives, pulp and paper processing and mining chemistries. In addition, it also provides boiler and cooling water treatments, fuel treatments, welding, refrigeration and sealing products; and fire fighting, safety and rescue products and services for the merchant marine industry.

Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc., is a leading, worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals serving industries including adhesives, automotive, composites, metal casting, merchant marine, paint, paper, plastics, watercraft and water treatment. Visit www.ashspec.com to learn more about these operations.

Ashland Inc is a FORTUNE 500 chemical and transportation construction company providing products, services and customer solutions throughout the world.

Courtesy :Ashland Inc

United States : K2 Inc to partake at Piper Jaffray Consumer Conf

2006-05-31T01:57:00.000-07:00

Leading consumer products company K2 Inc announced that Dudley Mendenhall, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, will be presenting at the Piper Jaffray 26th Annual Consumer Conference, to be held on June 6-7, 2006, at The New York Palace Hotel in New York City.
K2's investor presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The presentation will be webcast live and archived online on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at its web-site.

K2 Inc is a premier, branded consumer products company with a portfolio of leading brands including Shakespeare, Pflueger and Stearns in the Marine and Outdoor segment; Rawlings, Worth, and K2 Licensing & Promotions in the Team Sports segment; K2, Volkl, Marker, Ride and Brass Eagle in the Action Sports segment; and Adio, Marmot and Ex Officio in the Apparel and Footwear segment.

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Courtesy : K2 Inc

For contact do mail at santana_161@yahoo.com

United States : Limited Brands broadcast executive appointments; Company news

2006-05-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

In an effort to continue to recognize future growth opportunities, Limited Brands Inc announced the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer, and the promotion of members of the leadership team for Victoria's Secret.

"These are talented leaders who will enable us to continue to maximize our growth potential," said Leslie H. Wexner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Limited Brands.

Appointment Of New Chief Financial Officer
Ken Stevens has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Limited Brands effective June 12. At Limited Brands, Mr. Stevens has most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Express. He also has held the position of President of Bath & Body Works with responsibility for finance and planning, operations, store and field management, marketing, and brand merchandising.

His career at the senior management level includes serving as President and Chief Operating Officer for inChord Communications, an integrated marketing communications firm which focuses on the pharmaceutical/healthcare industries, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank One Retail Group.

Mr. Stevens also has held senior management positions at PepsiCo after serving as a partner with McKinsey and Co. Early in his career, Mr. Stevens held management positions at General Mills and Bullock's Department stores. Mr. Stevens replaces V. Ann Hailey who transitioned to the role of Executive Vice President, Corporate Development in May.

Jay Margolis, Chief Executive Officer/President, Apparel Group, will continue to lead the apparel businesses and Paul Raffin, President, Express, will continue to lead Express.

New Victoria's Secret Organizational Structure
Victoria's Secret is moving to an integrated business structure with one operating business model for Victoria's Secret Stores, Victoria's Secret Beauty, Victoria's Secret Direct, Pink, Intimissimi, Sexy Sport and all future concepts. Sharen Jester Turney will lead the new Victoria's Secret group as Chief Executive Officer and President, with Jerry Stritzke joining her as Chief Operating Officer.

Ms. Turney has led Victoria's Secret Direct, the catalogue and e-commerce arm of Victoria's Secret since 2000. Mr. Stritzke most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Mast Industries, Inc, the sourcing and production arm of Limited Brands, Inc.

Leadership For Victoria's Secret Business Segments

Mindy Meads will become Chief Executive Officer/President of Victoria's Secret Direct, on August 4th, with Rick Jackson joining her as Chief Operating Officer of the business. Ms. Meads, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of Lands' End, has more than 30 years of experience as a merchant, including the last 15 years leading and re-energizing the Lands' End product line. Mr. Jackson, who joined Limited Brands in 1998, has been serving as Executive Vice President of Logistic Operations in Limited Logistics Services, Inc.

Christine Beauchamp is being promoted from President and General Merchandise Manager to Chief Executive Officer and President of Victoria's Secret Beauty, to recognize her leadership and contributions to the business.

Grace Nichols will remain in her current role as Chief Executive Officer of Victoria's Secret Stores through early spring of 2007. After 20 years with Limited Brands and 14 as CEO of Victoria's Secret Stores, she will work with Limited Brands leadership to develop a new role and transition to it in 2007.

Leadership For Mast
Rick Paul is being promoted to President for Mast, replacing Mr. Stritzke. Mr. Paul previously led Mast's Far East operations.

Limited Brands, through Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, C.O. Bigelow, Express, Limited Stores, White Barn Candle Co. and Henri Bendel, presently operates 3,559 specialty stores. Victoria's Secret products are also available through the catalogue and www.VictoriasSecret.com. Bath & Body Works products are also available through the catalog and at www.BathandBodyWorks.com.

SOURCE Limited Brands, Inc.

Fashion

2006-05-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

News

Let me start with a brief history about my country India, here ladies were not allowed to go out for fashion show or job.

But now everything has changed, people have understand that gals have equal right to show their talent.

We can see many female designer and model from India are participating in different strata of life.