text:
Defence in trial of China scholar's brutal death: He did it
Michael Tarm The Associated Press
PEORIA, Ill. - A federal prosecutor on Wednesday told jurors in grisly detail that authorities believe a former University of Illinois doctoral student kidnapped a visiting scholar from China, and beat her to death with a baseball bat. Defence attorneys intent on sparing their client a possible death penalty then offered an exceptional response: He did it.
Opening statements began in the death-penalty trial of Brendt Christensen, a case which is being closely watched in China and by Chinese students across the U.S. Christensen is accused of posing as an undercover officer to lure 26-year-old Yingying Zhang into his car on June 9, 2017, as she headed to sign a lease off campus.
Christensen, who is over 6-foot, took Zhang to his apartment where he raped, choked and stabbed her in his bedroom, as the 5-foot-4 Zhang tried to fight him off, prosecutor Eugene Miller said in his opening statement to jurors Wednesday. Christensen then dragged Zhang into his bathroom, and pummeled her in the head with the bat before decapitating her, Miller said.
With Zhang's father, a part-time trailer-truck driver from China, sitting just a few feet away on a courtroom bench, Miller also revealed for the first time that Christensen was captured on an FBI wiretap bragging that Zhang had been his 13th victim. But the prosecutor didn't offer additional details, nor did he say if authorities believed him. Miller appeared to broach the issue in order to demonstrate Christensen's quest to be known as a serial killer.
It was not immediately clear if authorities were investigating Christensen's alleged claim. Prosecutors have said they won't comment on the trial while it's ongoing.
Christensen became obsessed with serial killers in the months before for he kidnapped Zhang, Miller said, adding that Christensen was engrossed by the novel "American Psycho" and was intent on slaying someone in order to fulfil a goal of infamy that he'd set for himself. Zhang, who had only been in Illinois for two months in what was her first experience living outside China, aspired to become a professor in her home country to help her working-class parents.
"While Yingying was on campus pursuing her dreams, he was on campus pursuing something dark — something evil," Miller said, standing at a podium in front of jurors.
A federal judge moved the trial to Peoria in central Illinois after Christensen's lawyers said pretrial publicity would have made it impossible for the 29-year-old former physics student to get a fair trial in the Champaign area, where the 45,000-student university is located. The university has more than 5,000 Chinese students, among the largest such enrollments in the nation.
Zhang was unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, Miller told jurors, saying Christensen had determined on June 9 to kill someone that day and had been cruising in his car looking for a victim. Earlier, he approached a different young woman, also saying he was an undercover police officer. When he asked her to get into his car to answer some questions, she refused.
Prosecutors allege Christensen took advantage of Zhang's small stature and lack of English fluency after seeing her by a bus stop, pulling up and successfully talking her into his car. She had just missed a bus — even running after it — while she was on her way to sign the lease off campus in Champaign's sister city Urbana, 140 miles (225 kilometres) southwest of Chicago.
Later, the tall and muscular Christensen bound Zhang and got her into his apartment, where, Miller said, he raped Zhang in his bedroom and began stabbing her, blood splattering around the room. Christensen began trying to choke Zhang, Miller told jurors, citing a statement Christensen allegedly made to others.
"He choked her for 10 minutes," Miller said. "But she fought for her life."
After pulling her into the bathroom, Christensen picked up the bat and struck Zhang in the head as hard as he could, "splitting her head open," Miller said. Christensen cut off her head and disposed of the body, which has never been found.
Christensen rolled a pen through his fingers at a defence table as the prosecutor spoke. Zhang's dad, sitting about 15 feet (4.57 metres) away from Christensen, mostly looked straight ahead, unmoving, as the prosecutor offered details of his daughter's killing. Occasionally, he seemed to turn and look directly at Christensen.
The federal death-penalty case is the first in Illinois since the state struck capital punishment from its books on grounds death-penalty processes were too error-prone. Some Illinois anti-death penalty activists criticized what they said was the federal government's imposition of a death-penalty case on a non-death penalty state.
When he first stepped up to the podium Christensen's lawyer, George Tesseff, told jurors he would begin his remarks with what he realized was an unusual admission for an attorney about his client: "Brendt Christensen killed Yingying Zhang," he said.
Without explaining in detail, Tesseff said Christensen was responsible because he "is on trial for his life," alluding to the possibility of a death sentence.
While the lawyer's admission was extraordinary it didn't necessarily contradict what the defence has said previously. While Christensen pleaded not guilty, the defence never argued law enforcement had the wrong man. The admission in court Wednesday was a signal that their sole objective was not to win a not-guilty verdict, but to persuade jurors not to vote to sentence Christensen to death.
Tesseff laid the groundwork in his opening statement, saying defence attorneys take issue with prosecutors' explanation of "how and why" Christensen did what he did. Tesseff portrayed Christensen's life as being in turmoil leading up to Zhang's disappearance, saying marital and drinking problems only made matters worse. Christensen was married at the time, but he had a girlfriend and his wife had a boyfriend in what the prosecutor earlier told jurors was their agreement to have "an open marriage" where they dated others. In his first few semesters as a doctoral student, Christensen was making straight As but by late 2016 was getting Fs in all his classes.
Christensen appeared to bow and shake his head slightly when his lawyer spoke of Christensen's life spinning out of control in 2016.
Tesseff told jurors they would see video of Christensen seeking help from U of I mental-health counsellors for homicidal and suicidal thoughts.
He also mentioned a statement Christensen made about killing others, saying his client was clearly in a drunken stupor at the time and that there is no evidence he ever killed anyone else other than Zhang.
Christensen was arrested on June 30, 2017, his birthday, after his girlfriend wore a wire for the FBI in a bid to capture incriminating statements by Christensen. The girlfriend is expected to be the government's star witness.
Because Zhang's body was never found, the first government witnesses were called to help establish that she is, in fact, dead. Zhang's boyfriend, Xiaolin Hou, said he and Zhang planned to wed in October 2017. They talked almost every day even though he was in China, but the calls stopped after she went missing.
During his opening, Miller said Christensen's own words proved Zhang is dead. In a secret recording by the girlfriend, caught as Christensen attended a June 29 campus vigil for Zhang, he told his girlfriend the people were "there for me." Miller said.
Christensen added: "She's never going to be found. ... She's gone forever."
Follow Michael Tarm on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtarm
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.


Do I need an attorney for domestic abuse?
It depends! In theory, anything your attorney does, you can do yourself if you have the time, the experience, knowledge and expertise to get through the matter. You hire attorneys for their years spent in school, their years spent obtaining experience, and for their expertise to know what the court is looking for. Their learned ability recognize what is important to the client versus what is legally relevant to the judge and how to present that important information to a judge is what an attorney is paid for.
AS to domestic abuse situations, I find that most of the time when parties try to do it on their own, the percentage of prevailing claims is much lower. The factors and evidence the court is looking for are not necessarily the same things that are important to the party. As to the defending against a domestic abuse allegation, I think it is imperative to have an attorney because the ramifications of failing and having a permanent restraining order against you can be life altering. A permanent or CLETS order will actually go into a system which could impair your employment. You will not be permitted to carry or own a firearm, which could disqualify you from employment or cause you to be terminated, particularly in the military or in a security position. There are exceptions for the military, but it is up to the military whether they want us to allow the use of the serviceman's exception..
What kind of legal protection am I entitled to if I have been abused?
The person who is being restrained must, all of the time, stay away from the protected person. This can be very burdensome as it means that if they are at a restaurant and the protected person walks in, they must get up and leave even if they were there first. The most dangerous thing, I believe, is the effect it can have on your employment. Again, it precludes you from any security job which requires a firearm; any job that needs bonded are usually affected. Most of the hospitals in San Diego County do a background check, and if there is domestic violence charges, the person will not be hired. So, this is something that needs to be defended against and only prosecuted in the most severe cases.
How do I file a domestic violence claim?
Filing a domestic violence claim is initiated with a complaint which is a series of papers on judicial counsel forms that usually have a declaration of the applicant attached describing the violence that happened. It is important to ask for the proper protections and to include only those parties that need to be protected. The declaration itself is probably the most important part of the document as it is the evidence the court will review in granting or denying your request for a temporary order. It describes the violence that happened most recently and, going progressively backwards, any violence in the past. This is where a document needs to be very short and succinct but yet complete. It is important only to point out things that are legally relevant to a restraining order and not have it become a document which is just a gripe session for all problems you have ever had with this person. The court must find with a preponderance standard or in other words they must believe with better than 50% surety that there is a need for a restraining order, that the person has suffered or been threatened with violence and that there is a likelihood of future violence absent protective action.
How do I gather evidence and pursue a domestic abuse claim without my partner knowing?
If I am trying to get a restraining order against somebody perpetrating violence against me, usually, the evidence is the violence itself. Any other evidence you may need, police reports and the like, can be gathered through discovery and there is no need to inform the other person of it unless of course you are requesting it from them. The other person doesn't need to be aware of any of your actions until you have filed your complaint; after which, you can still go through discovery without their knowledge. However, at some point, a competent attorney is going to ask for evidence you have against them and you are required to turn that over to them for review.
Additionally, prior to your trial you must provide the other party with any evidence you intend to present at trial. In your efforts to gather evidence you must be careful not to achieve it illegally. Even if we know the password of another person's e-mail or have access to other personal information, the court frowns upon us tapping into other people's email accounts, bank accounts and the like, while in an adversarial position, gathering information that would normally be private or inaccessible. There are channels for gathering this type of information and the discovery needs will certainly be addressed by your attorney.
What do the courts consider domestic violence?
Generally, the courts consider violence any harm, violence, threats of violence, or harassment that would cause somebody to be subjectively in fear of imminent harm. Courts do not like restraining orders. They recognize the impact it has on people's lives, so they are looking at not only was there harm done, and if there is a history of violence or harassment, but is there a credible threat of future harm or harassment such as to warrant a restraining order. Absent that finding, the courts may be more skeptical about providing the protections provided by a restraining order; therefore, it is imperative to have an attorney assist you in presenting the best case to the judge providing the facts that he needs to reach that preponderance threshold.
Matters of Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse and Civil Harassment are offenses California courts takes incredibly seriously. People convicted of any of these offenses are faced with harsh penalties in order to deter this type of behavior and punish those found guilty. The Carlsbad domestic violence lawyers of Fischer & Van Thiel understand this difficult time and are ready to assist you with the protection and powerful representation you deserve.
The most important thing you can do if you have been a victim of a domestic violence, elder abuse or harassment incident is to act quickly and efficiently. Who you trust with your matter is imperative so ensure you find an attorney that is sensitive to your needs, listens to your issues and can be the powerful representation your matter deserves. It is also time sensitive to receive help in order to get a restraining order if the situation requires. An experienced family law attorney will be able to assess whether you can achieve protection through a final restraining order.
Whether your case involves serious threats or false allegations of domestic violence, immediate legal advocacy is paramount. The Carlsbad domestic violence lawyers of Fischer & Van Thiel are here to protect you so that you and your family don't have to face these unfortunate battles alone. Our attorneys have the compassion and skills necessary to help you get the protection you need. We attend to every detail in building strong cases and presenting compelling arguments before a judge. Regardless of what side you are on, handling it on your own ignores the legal complexities and could compromise your rights. The attorneys at Fischer & Van Thiel are reputable and respected legal advocates throughout Carlsbad and the surrounding area. Contact us for a review of your case.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders / Civil Harrassment Orders can be life changing!!!
When a spouse, significant other, family member or neighbor files a restraining order, you likely are not interested in being around that person in the first place. Some clients we have represented allowed the process to play itself out and did not secure the services of an attorney. Others appeared in court as their own legal counsel.
What they did not know and what you need to know is that the consequences are more severe than just staying away from the other person. Most restraining orders last for five years and remain on your record indefinitely. Routine background checks for work will be anything but routine as the ability to pursue employment is significantly impaired.
Military careers are at stake when servicemen and women come to us for help in defense of restraining orders. Essentially, the granting of the order effectively ends a career due to the ban on carrying firearms.
Many people are afraid to come forward with a claim of abuse and there is no reason to be fearful. With the right people on your side your matter will be resolved in the most reassuring and stress free way possible. Don't be afraid to give our Carlsbad attorneys a call should you have a domestic violence, elder abuse or harassment case you'd like to discuss regarding a non-family member. Your call and any conversations are completely confidential and your case remains protected. To learn more, contact us today by calling 760-722-7669.
Unfortunately domestic violence happens often and to many types of individuals or couples. Domestic Violence can occur between spouses, those in dating relationships, children of parents, grandparents or any members of a household or family. If someone has put you in a threatening situation or you fear for your safety, you have the right to request a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
If you feel you need to take action against those causing you physical or emotional grief, a Carlsbad attorney can help you or a loved one issue a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in order to put a stop to the "abuse" you are experiencing by another.
Abuse can be in the form of engaging in behavior such as stalking, threatening, battering, destroying personal property, disturbing the peace, attacking or molesting. Sexual assault and attempting to intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury is other examples of abuse.
If you have been the victim of injury it is important that you report them quickly as a restraining order will only be granted for recent acts of violence or abuse. There is no court fee associated with a request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
If you think a temporary restraining order (TRO) is the necessary next step, you must complete a request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order packet. The Judge will assess the facts of your situation and decide whether a TRO is justified in your matter. If granted, your TRO will remain valid and effective for three to four weeks until a hearing can be set for the court to decide whether a permanent restraining order should be ordered.
Child Custody/Visitation: A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) can be issued in order to cover a variety of matters such as child custody or visitation orders. If one parent thinks it is necessary for the best interest of the child and themselves they may request and a Judge may order that the alleged offender have no contact or supervised contact only with the minor child(ren). If this is so ordered, the specifics will be stated so parties are aware of the set terms regarding visitation details. Where a Judge feels that supervised visitation is necessary, the other party will most likely be responsible for any and all costs associated with hiring a professional supervisor.
Resident Removal: If parties are currently residing together and the court feels this is not in the best interest of parties involved they may order that the alleged offender be removed from any residence in which you are currently residing. This is a possibility even if the alleged offender holds title or is the named "renter" of such property.
Firearms: If the other party owns or is in possession of firearms, the TRO will require that the individual turn the firearms over the Sheriff and provide proof to the court.
Recorded Communications: While in effect, a TRO can grant the protected party the right to record any and all conversations between them and the alleged offender.
There are other additional temporary orders that may be available depending on the specifics of your case. Speak with a qualified attorney to assess which type of temporary restraining orders would best suit your matter and your needs.
In order to set the temporary restraining order into effect it must be served on the other party. This involves the Sherriff's Department personally delivering the TRO to the party that is to be restrained. The Sherriff's Department can also assign another person, anyone over the age of 18 and not a party to the action, to deliver the restraining order to the individual.
The physical serving of the TRO document to the other party places the restraining order into effect and it immediately becomes active. That party is entitled to know the details of the court's order and the next upcoming court date. Once served with the TRO the other party is officially restrained from contacting the protected party and must abide by the orders in the TRO for the duration of its stated length.
In response to the temporary restraining order the restrained party has the right to prepare documents in response to the orders placed against them. These responsive documents will be served on the protected party and the court. These documents are time sensitive, and must be served on the requesting party at least two (2) days prior to the scheduled hearing. If the responsive documents are not served in a timely manner a continuance may be granted if the responding party requests to further review and respond to the responsive documents.
After being served with the court documents, if the other party disagrees with the orders listed they have an opportunity to prepare their responsive documents and have them served on the protected party and the court. A Proof of Service must also be mailed with the Response. These documents must be served on the requesting party at least two (2) days prior to the hearing.
If the responding party attempts to make contact it is vital that you contact the police or speak with an attorney regarding how to best protect your violated rights. After a temporary restraining order has been served you have the right to be left alone and the responding party must be held to those restraints.
When your court date arrives, it will be up to the Judge to assess the evidence and facts of your matter in order to determine whether a permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order is necessary.
Both parties will have the chance to present evidence and testify regarding the alleged incidents during the hearing, and the Judge will make his decision based on that information.
The help of an experienced family law attorney on your side can be very powerful if you want to ensure you obtain a permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order is ordered by the Judge. A knowledgeable family law attorney will know how to structure your case in order to present you in the best way to the Judge and make sure the court understands the significance of the other party's bad acts that caused the need for the restraining order.
The "Safe at Home" program allows victims of domestic abuse to apply to a program governed by the Secretary of State's office in California. If a victim participates and is protected by the "Safe at Home" program, a mailing address is provided for the use of the victim so any court documents, driver's license, or voter registration. This service is allowed for up to four (4) years and first-class and government mail is provided to the individual within 48 hours of receipt.
Any person over the age of 65 and feels they have been a victim of elder/dependent adult abuse, may request a restraining order. Also, anyone between the ages of 18-64 can apply for an elder/dependent adult abuse restraining order if they have physical or mental limitations that prevent them from carrying out normal activities.
Any treatment that has caused physical or mental suffering to an individual could be deemed abuse and that victim could claim they have been deprived or provided inadequate care by a relative or caregiver. Abuse can occur in a variety of ways including abandonment, neglect, physical or mental abuse, or financial abuse.
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse relating to any of the sufferings above, you have the right to file a Civil Harassment Restraining Order and should contact a local Carlsbad Family Law attorney who is well versed and experienced with domestic violence. Please see below for more information on Civil Harassment Restraining Orders and be sure you are properly protecting your rights.


This demure young lady is Leanna! When Leanna first came on board with Taurus McNeil, she had a hard time coming out of her shell. Things sure did change quickly when she discovered how fun running in dirt could be. She is now one of the first to initiate a game of chase and is great at rallying those who may be hesitant to join in the fun. It has been amazing to watch Leanna improve each time she comes through our doors and we can't wait to see her encourage more dogs in the future.


Kitty Star of the Week for Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 2000.
Misty is a 14 year old who is on a special diet from the vet, because her kidneys are failing. She also gets fluid treatments every other day.
She's half British Blue/Cream, but her mommy got loose and "made friends" with one of the other neighborhood kitties. Her mommy's people were so very unhappy that their pedigreed baby had been "soiled" that they dropped the litter of kittens at the animal shelter when they were only three weeks old.
Fortunately, Misty found some much more compassionate people to become her new family. Her new people fed Misty from a bottle at first, then worked her up to Kitten Chow mashed up with water before she was ready for regular cat food. She has always been a little petite, about 8 pounds full-grown.
Misty loves to chase mice and present them to her Mom and Dad, even though she's a getting older. She's kind of skittish around strangers and children now, but she still walks up her Dad's back every morning at 4am, sharp, to wake him up. If he doesn't get up right away, she swats everything off his bedside table.


text:
Floor Plans & Pricing
Connected Community
Qualifying Criteria
Become a Resident
Transition Academy
Criteria, Tuition & Evaluation
2023–25 Registration
Global Leadership Institute
Learn4Independence
A Place in the World
Greater Phx Housing Market Analysis
360 Health & Wellness
Kind It Forward
A Place in the World Report Takes Its Rightful Place in the World
Oh, the frustrations of not being able to find the words to describe what you want, speaking without being understood and others not appreciating what you need.
Through the years, this has been our son Matt's experience. While his progress at every age over almost three decades has also been fortifying, confidence-building and empowering for him and his family, we still have a way to go.
During those same years, I, too, found it difficult to find the words and means to convey what Matt needed and what we wanted for him outside our family home. I was challenged to articulate a new approach to housing and community development options in comprehensible terms, recognizing there is no one-size-fits-all or diagnosis-specific approach.
Those experiences and more drove a new report, A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities. Led by First Place® AZ and the Autism Housing Network, the report offers a universal language for a guiding narrative to research, develop and achieve supportive housing solutions.
The groundbreaking 2020 report includes more than 150 terms to help guide people to better understand housing preferences, accessibility needs, supportive amenities, service delivery models and more. It aims to clearly define nomenclature and market segments for the benefit and application of all sectors; establish best practices and guiding principles; and drive crucial partnerships and policy decisions that address pressing needs compounded by the current housing crisis.
Last month, we introduced the study to pioneering leaders from across the country and around the world at the First Place Global Leadership Institute's eighth semi-annual symposium—hosted webinar-style. Nearly 600 people registered for the event—a silver lining of this era as we connected with public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders from nearly every state, about 300 cities and six countries.
It's also a testament to the persistent, urgent need for housing and community solutions, the result of an unprecedented number of children with autism transitioning to adulthood and the stark reality of a disjointed, disconnected support system combined with limited housing options. Current data indicate more than one million U.S. adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or I/DD—autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy—live with a caregiver over age 60.
The report raises the bar on a new generation of options so that individuals with different abilities and their families recognize that a diagnosis need not stand in the way of friends, jobs, supportive communities—and homes of their own.
Named for the 2016 PBS NewsHour series featuring Greater Phoenix as "the most autism-friendly city in the world," A Place in the World is the sister study to the groundbreaking 2009 report, Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults Living with Autism and Related Disorders, the first-ever study to focus on the housing challenges of adults with autism and other neurodiversities. Opening Doors resulted in the founding of First Place AZ, a real estate and community developer, and the Autism Housing Network, an online platform bringing together the best ideas and resources in housing for adults with autism and others with I/DD.
A Place in the World is a unique collaboration among a wide array of partners, including Arizona State University's Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and its Morrison Institute for Public Policy, the First Place Global Leadership Institute and its Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy, Autism Housing Network, and pioneering leaders from across the U.S. and around the globe.
Through a broad and more robust marketplace, individuals can better match their needs and interests with homes they choose, combined with natural supports and more formal long-term support services. Together, we can and will inform outcomes demonstrating what works, what needs to work better and how supportive policy can better align the interests of all sectors.
The report uses descriptive language defining features, amenities, locations, price points and economic realities in straightforward terms for consumers, developers, providers and funders. By aligning housing, long-term support services and community supports expressed in precise terms for the benefit of those poised to deliver, A Place in the World effectively fuels a dynamic marketplace of options.
Report sponsors include UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, the Phoenix IDA, the Arizona Community Foundation and Bill and Alyssa Sunderland, leaders who recognize the value of housing as a major social determinant of health and the need for a common language to inform, improve and launch a marketplace of more innovative housing.
Through the robust collaborations that made A Place in the World possible, we can—and will—fuel a new generation of real estate that promotes greater diversity, expands choice, drives solutions and yields more positive outcomes. Please be part of this journey and let us know how you see yourself becoming involved. Onward!
©2023 First Place. All Rights Reserved. Website design by Crefio.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
ZMapp és un medicament experimental biofarmacèutic comprèn tres anticossos monoclonals humanitzats en desenvolupament com a tractament per a la febre hemorràgica de l'Ebola. El medicament va ser provat per primera vegada en éssers humans durant el brot d'Ebola a l'Àfrica de l'oest de 2014 i va ser acreditat com ajudar a salvar vides, però no ha estat sotmès a un assaig clínic aleatoritzat per demostrar la seva seguretat o la seva eficàcia.

El 2016, un estudi clínic va determinar que ZMapp era ineficaç contra l'Ebola en comparació amb altres dos tractaments.

Referències

Anticossos terapèutics
Antivírics
Biotecnologia
Biologia molecular
Febre hemorràgica de l'Ebola

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Brad Pitt snags a victory in custody dispute with Angelina Jolie
Friends have urged Ange to take it easy, but that's not her style.
A year-and-a-half after Angelina Jolie shockingly filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, the duo has finally found some middle ground when it comes to their custody battle — which is a win for the dad-of-six, given that his ex previously fought for full physical custody.
A source tells Life & Style that the former couple is actually close to finalising their divorce.
"Brad and Angelina are near an amiable agreement on the kids," the source reveals. "They're in a better place than they have been in a long time and should be settling their divorce and custody agreement by sometime in February."
Ange and the kids.
Life & Style previously reported that the 54-year-old didn't get a chance to spend Christmas or New Year's with Maddox, 16, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 11, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 9.
As an insider explained in mid-December, "Angie's in the driver's seat when it comes to getting the children for the holidays and she's taking advantage of that."
But her constant need for control may be causing the 42-year-old to snap.
"Everyone's afraid that Angie is headed toward a complete physical meltdown," a third source shared. "She feels like she needs to be everything to everyone — a full-time mom, human rights activist, UN spokesperson, glamorous actress, director, and producer."
Back to the very beginning: Brad and Ange met on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith.
Friends have urged her to take it easy, but that's not her style. Not only has she signed on to multiple projects, including the sequel to 2014's Maleficent, but she's also campaigning hard to star in and direct a biopic about wildlife conservationist Jane Goodall.
It also hasn't helped that Brad is turning to his ex, Jennifer Aniston, for emotional support.
"Brad and Jen have bonded like never before over the past year," a friend told In Touch. "And they've been helping each other through their respective troubles."
We hope Angie and Brad will soon be able to put this nasty period behind them.
This article originally appeared on our sister site Life & Style.
Celebrity NewsAngelina Jolie's adorable date night with Shiloh and Zahara Jolie-Pitt
Celebrity NewsAngelina Jolie gets candid about 'difficult' split from Brad Pitt
Angelina Jolie,


Personalized plates display the county designation and may have up to four letters or certain combinations of letters and numbers. Due to the numbering system, the state began using with the 2001 series plates, personalized plates having a combination of numbers and letters that begin with a number are not allowed. For example, MY65 is allowed while 65GT is not.
Personalized plates cost $30 and are good for the life of the plate series. The current series is scheduled to run from 2009-2018.
Once the Department of Transportation receives the application, it takes approximately four to six weeks for the plate to arrive at the County Treasurer's Office. The plate is always sent to the county designated by the plate prefix, meaning that any 19-XXXX plate would have to be issued by Uinta County.
Personalized plates that say the same thing may be issued in different counties or on different vehicle types. There may be a 1-HUNT and a 19-HUNT as well as a HUNT for a trailer, truck, car and motorcycle.


Use the form below to contact cruise Etapes directly.
Set in the modernist street of Enrique Granados in central Barcelona, is the gastronomic restaurant Etapes. Its facilities combine elegance using wood, glass and iron, which creates a particularly warm atmosphere.
Its cuisine is notable for the use of fresh market produce that results in the most representative recipes of traditional Mediterranean cuisine such as cannelloni roast, foie gras, truffles and cream cheese, foie mi-cuit salt, or shank lacquered lamb (18 hours of cooking at low temperature), including its rice dishes and fresh fish. The homemade desserts and selection of wines deserve special mention.
A private lounge and a relaxing terrace, this restaurant is presented as the ideal space for special celebrations. For the quality of its cuisine and service and the pleasant atmosphere we breathe, Etapes is the perfect choice.


We can offer to rent our scooters for those who like active rest very much! You will experience true drive in addtion to nice views, which can be explored now not only on foot! You can not remain indifferent to this electric novelty in Ukrainian mountains and your friends will definitely desire to try this «transport» as well!
You will definitely enjoy our sauna very much! In new brick house there are WC, shower, washbasin on the ground floor, the sauna and lounge zone with a balcony on the first floor, and there is a lounge terrace with a balcony on the second floor. You can order meals and drinks here, have a rest alone, with your family or with your friends!
We are working for you to enjoy our service!
Casa del Pozitiff hotel is situated in resort village of Slavske, 500 meters far from the closest ski slope. Our guests can use outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, rooms with balcony and terrace near the cottage. We also offer to use our sauna services, freshen up in the pool in hot summer time.
You can warm yourself near the fireplace at the ground floor, drink hot wine in cold and frosty long nights.
Deluxe rooms of the cottage are equipped with TV with satellite channels. All our guests can use their own bathrooms with shower, hair-dryer and towels, common kitchen on the ground floor of the cottage as well.
We are here to make you feel at home!
Our guests have an opportunity to ski in winter time, and take hiking excursion in warm time of the year.
Railway and autobus stations of Slavske are 4 km far from Casa del Pozitiff cottage.
We can offer our meals, can organize seminars, corporative parties, banquets, provide transfer services (transfers from railway and autobus stations, to ski lifts etc.) for extra payment.
We host our guests round-the-clock!
Great place but bit noisy neighbours happens!
- Let guest know in advance if hotel hosting a lot of kids!
Great place but bit noisy neighbours happens! + "Like home 🙂 " - Let guest know in advance if hotel hosting a lot of kids!
- Noise could be heard from other rooms.
Beautiful time of the year + "The log building, location and the view. WiFi connection was not strong in room but when connected had a 2M connection to the internet, not bad for the location in the mountains." - Noise could be heard from other rooms.
Apartments is a two-story room with double bed on the upper story and lounge area on the lower story. There is a shower, WC, hair-dryer, towels, linens, TV.
Family is a two-room with double bed in sleeping-room and two-story bed in another room. There is a shower, WC, hair-dryer, towels, linens in the room.
Standard – one room with one double bed. There is a shower, WC, hair-dryer, towels, linens.
Since prices on room pictures are for basic reference only, please, use our booking system to get accurate prices for the dates of interest or contact us to get a precise quote.
50% prepayment of the reservation is a guarantee of its confirmation.


Sunday was due to be my second solo check, though as luck would have it, a rain depression decided to settle over Brisbane. I still went out to Gil Layt's in the hope that it might clear up! No such luck! I used the opportunity to have Robert go through the theory behind Spiral Dive Recovery. The great thing about Gil Layt's flying school is that they don't charge for briefings. Other schools charge $50 for the privilege! As there isn't a lot of other theory to go through, we decided to call it a day and try again on Monday.
After leaving the flying school for the day, I decided to take a drive around Archerfield. It's actually really sad to see how run-down the airport is. You can see remnants of what was once Brisbane's main airport now plagued by ageing buildings and aircraft. Fences have been erected over roads and the outer regions feel like a ghost town. Some dollars need to be injected into the great piece of Brisbane's history! Just my two bobs' worth! If you're interested, check out the 'History of Archerfield Aerodrome'.
Monday started out looking great. A little light fog early in the morning clearing to beautiful blue skies. Arriving at Gil Layt's, Robert threw me the keys and we headed out to the plane. We took out UGF as JOO was already taken. As I'm used to flying on the weekends, when most are hung over or still drinking, I was surprised to see Archerfield buzzing with activity so early on a Monday. The airways were alive with ATC chatter and planes were landing and taking off every few minutes.
This lesson was bound to be similar to the last, with Robert observing one or two circuits before allowing me to fly the beast on my own! On takeoff, I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of UGF, she is a little younger than JOO! The only down-side with UGF, as pointed out by Robert, is the flap control and the artificial horizon. Both are a little harder to use/read than in JOO. I think I might start using UGF a little more often!
After completing a circuit, Robert instructed me to make the next a full stop. With a slight screech as the tyres touched down on the bitumen, I turned off the runway and headed back to the Eastern Apron to drop off Robert. I then turned around and headed back out to do it all again. This is the best part! I love taking the plane up by myself! Not that Robert isn't good company, it's just the greatest feeling to fly a plane by yourself. After obtaining clearance, I took off for a few solo circuits. Every landing was good, some were better than others, but all were definitely acceptable. I'm so glad I can pull off consistently good landings now. I've got to tell you, there was a time there where I thought I would never get them down pat.
Now that I'm on my own, I have to keep an eye on the time and judge how many circuits I can do and still have the plane back on time. Robert instructed me to have her back and ready for refuelling by 9:20am. I was on down-wind at 9:10 and decided to pull up for the day, so I called a full stop. My last landing for the day was a good one! I taxied back to the apron and parked, ready for refuelling. After locking up UGF and taking down the odometer reading, I headed in to be greeted by an elated Robert. I had arrived back at 9:19. Perfect!
What a great day! Can't wait for my next flight!


Ideas For Bathroom Window Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Perfect Bathroom Showrooms article is the best inspiration for home interior posted about . This Ideas For Bathroom Window Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Perfect Bathroom Showrooms was posted in category as ideas for inspiration to Remodel your accessories. This article can be your reference when you are confused to choose the right decoration for your home accessories. This Ideas For Bathroom Window Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Perfect Bathroom Showrooms maybe your best option to decoring because having a home with our own design is everyone's dream.
We hope by posting this Ideas For Bathroom Window Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Perfect Bathroom Showrooms ideas, we can fulfill your needs of inspiration for designing your accessories . If you need more ideas to design a home & interior accessories, you can check at our collection right below this post. Also, don't forget to always visit Mosep.org to find some new and fresh posts about and other Inspiration everyday.
Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Storage. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Mirror With Lights. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Cabinets. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathrooms. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Wallpaper. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass B&q Bathrooms. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Furniture. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Shelves. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Wall Panels. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Vinyl Flooring Bathroom. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Cladding. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Wall Lights. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Wall Tiles. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Tiles. Bathroom Windows Privacy Glass Bathroom Mirrors.


text:
United Natural Foods, Inc. Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results
December 9, 2020, 7:00 AM ·32 min read
United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) (the "Company" or "UNFI") today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 (13 weeks) ended October 31, 2020.
First Quarter Fiscal 2021 Highlights (comparisons to first quarter fiscal 2020)
Net Sales increased 6.0% to $6.67 billion
Net loss of $1 million, including $43 million in pre-tax charges and costs
Adjusted EBITDA increased 30.6% to $159 million
Loss per diluted share of $0.02, reflective of charges and costs
Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by $0.47 to $0.51
Prior guidance affirmed for net sales, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EPS
"I am pleased with the start to fiscal 2021 as UNFI leveraged strong sales growth into year-over-year expanded adjusted EBITDA margins for the third consecutive quarter," said Steven L. Spinner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We've done a great job protecting the safety of our associates and helping our customers succeed in an evolving operating environment while building for the future through new distribution centers, customer solutions, and innovation across our business. Our newest distribution center will be a campus in Allentown, PA to service Key Food beginning next fall and facilitate further growth in the greater New York metropolitan market."
13-Week Period Ended
($ in millions, except per share data)
October 31,
November 2,
Independent retailers
Eliminations(1)
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
Loss Per Diluted Share
Adjusted EPS(2)
In first quarter of fiscal 2021, the presentation of net sales by customer channel has been recast to present the Chains and Other channel exclusive of the intercompany eliminations and present total eliminations as a separate sales channel. There was no impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. UNFI believes this new basis better reflects its channel presentation, as it further aligns with segment presentation and how sales channel information would appear following disposition of Retail, assuming all banners retain a supply agreement.
Please refer to the tables in this press release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
First Quarter Fiscal 2021 Summary
Net sales from continuing operations benefited from strong customer demand from existing and new retailers, including the continued benefits of cross selling. The increase in Retail sales included the benefit of an approximately 200% increase in eCommerce sales at Cub Foods.
Gross margin rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was 14.48% of net sales compared to 14.41% of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Retail contributed approximately 17 basis points to the growth in the consolidated gross margin rate as a result of lower promotional spending and the retail segment representing a greater percentage of total net sales. Wholesale and the remaining business reduced the growth in the consolidated gross margin rate by approximately 10 basis points driven by lower levels of supplier-related income.
Operating expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were $901.0 million, or 13.50% of net sales. Operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $883.7 million, which included charges and expenses of $18.0 million primarily related to customer notes receivable and surplus property depreciation. When excluding these items, operating expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $865.7 million, or 13.75% of net sales. The decrease in operating expenses as a percent of net sales was driven by lower administrative costs and leveraging fixed operating expenses over higher net sales partially offset by higher operating costs related to the start up of three distribution centers.
Goodwill and asset impairment charge was $425.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 primarily reflecting the remaining goodwill attributable to the U.S. Wholesale reporting unit. There were no such charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
Restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were $16.4 million, primarily reflecting costs associated with advisory and transformational activities as we position our business for further value-creation post-acquisition, as well as distribution center consolidations, compared to $14.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
Operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $49.3 million and included $16.4 million of restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses. When excluding this item, operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $65.8 million, or 0.99% of net sales. Operating loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $416.5 million and included $425.4 million of goodwill and asset impairment charges, $14.7 million of restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses, and $18.0 million of additional charges and expenses, primarily related to customer notes receivable and surplus property depreciation. When excluding these items, operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $41.6 million, or 0.66% of net sales. The increase in adjusted operating income, as a percent of net sales, was driven by higher net sales, the benefit of a higher gross margin rate, lower administrative costs and leveraging fixed operating expenses over higher net sales partially offset by higher operating costs related to the start up of three distribution centers.
Interest expense, net for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $69.1 million which included $24.1 million of non-cash charges primarily related to the acceleration of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discounts due to $608 million of term loan prepayments made in the quarter, driven by the $500 million senior unsecured notes issuance. When excluding these items, interest expense, net for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $45.1 million. Interest expense, net for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $49.7 million. The remaining decrease in interest expense, net was driven by lower amounts of outstanding debt and lower average interest rates.
Effective tax rate for continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was a benefit of 50.5% of pre-tax loss compared to a benefit of 14.7% for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by a discrete tax benefit in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 related to employee stock awards compared to a discrete tax expense for this item in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. In addition, the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was impacted by a goodwill impairment charge.
Net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $1.0 million, which included $16.4 million of restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses and $24.1 million of non-cash charges primarily related to the acceleration of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discounts from the prepayment of the term loan. The net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 was $383.9 million primarily due to the goodwill impairment charge in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 that did not recur in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
Net loss per diluted share was $0.02 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to $7.21 for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Adjusted earnings per share (adjusted EPS) was $0.51 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 compared to adjusted EPS of $0.04 in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.
Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $159.0 million compared to $121.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The increase primarily reflects the items discussed in operating income.
Total Outstanding Debt, net of cash, ended the quarter at $2.73 billion, reflecting an increase of $128 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 (compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020). Cash used in operating activities was $58 million, reflecting the normal course increase in working capital to support the holiday selling period, which, combined with $41 million of capital expenditures, resulted in negative free cash flow of $99 million. The net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio improved to 3.9x.
Fiscal 2021 Outlook (1)
The Company is reaffirming its full-year outlook for net sales, adjusted EPS, and adjusted EBITDA and updating its outlook for net income, EPS, and capital expenditures as stated below. The updated outlook for capital expenditures is driven by the strategic investment in a new distribution center to service a major new customer and position the Company for growth in the New York metropolitan market. This outlook assumes that food-at-home consumption remains elevated and exceeds food consumed away from home for the rest of fiscal 2021. Compared to fiscal 2020, the sales growth of nearly $900 million (at the midpoint of the range provided below) will be more pronounced in the first half of fiscal 2021 prior to cycling the pandemic-related increase in customer demand that began in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.
Fiscal Year Ending July 31, 2021
% Growth Over
FY20 at Midpoint
Net Sales ($ in billions)
$27.0 - $27.8
Net Income ($ in millions)
Earnings Per Diluted Share (EPS)
Adjusted EPS (2)(3)
Adjusted EBITDA(3) ($ in millions)
Capital Expenditures ($ in millions)
The outlook provided above is for fiscal 2021 only and replaces and supersedes any and all guidance provided prior to the date hereof covering fiscal 2021 or subsequent years. This outlook is forward-looking, is based on management's current estimates and expectations and is subject to a number of risks, including many that are outside of management's control. See cautionary Safe Harbor Statement below.
The Company uses an adjusted effective tax rate in calculating Adjusted EPS. The adjusted effective tax rate is calculated based on adjusted net income before tax. It also excludes the potential impact of changes to uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, stock compensation accounting (ASU 2016-09) and discrete GAAP tax items which could impact the comparability of the operational effective tax rate. The Company believes using this adjusted effective tax rate provides better consistency across the interim reporting periods since each of these discrete items can cause volatility in the GAAP tax rate that is not indicative of the underlying ongoing operations of the Company. By providing this non-GAAP measure, management intends to provide investors with a meaningful, consistent comparison of the Company's effective tax rate on ongoing operations.
Please refer to the tables in this press release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Conference Call and Webcast
The Company's first quarter fiscal 2021 conference call and audio webcast will be held today, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. ET. A webcast of the conference call (and supplemental materials) will be available to the public, on a listen only basis, via the internet at the Investors section of the Company's website www.unfi.com. The call can also be accessed at (877) 682 - 3423 (conference ID 8959225). An online archive of the webcast (and supplemental materials) will be available for 120 days.
About United Natural Foods
UNFI is North America's premier food wholesaler delivering the widest variety of products to customer locations throughout North America including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers, and food service customers. By providing this deeper 'full-store' selection and compelling brands for every aisle, UNFI is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers everywhere. Today, UNFI is the largest publicly-traded grocery distributor in America. To learn more about how UNFI is Moving Food Forward, visit www.unfi.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding the Company's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements are described in the Company's filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 1, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 29, 2020 and other filings the Company makes with the SEC, and include, but are not limited to, the impact and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak; the Company's dependence on principal customers; the Company's sensitivity to general economic conditions including changes in disposable income levels and consumer spending trends; the Company's ability to realize anticipated benefits of its acquisitions and dispositions, in particular, its acquisition of SUPERVALU; the Company's reliance on the continued growth in sales of higher margin natural and organic foods and non-food products in comparison to lower margin conventional grocery products; increased competition in the Company's industry as a result of increased distribution of natural, organic and specialty products and direct distribution of those products by large retailers and online distributors; the possibility that restructuring, asset impairment, and other charges and costs we may incur in connection with the sale or closure of our retail operations will exceed our current expectations; increased competition as a result of continuing consolidation of retailers in the natural product industry and the growth of supernatural chains; the addition or loss of significant customers or material changes to the Company's relationships with these customers; union-organizing activities that could cause labor relations difficulties and increased costs; the Company's ability to operate, and rely on third parties to operate reliable and secure technology systems; the relatively low margins of the Company's business; moderated supplier promotional activity, including decreased forward buying opportunities; the Company's ability to timely and successfully deploy its warehouse management system throughout its distribution centers and its transportation management system across the Company and to achieve efficiencies and cost savings from these efforts; the potential for additional asset impairment charges; the Company's sensitivity to inflationary and deflationary pressures; the potential for disruptions in the Company's supply chain or its distribution capabilities by circumstances beyond its control, including a health epidemic; the risk of interruption of supplies due to lack of long-term contracts, severe weather, work stoppages or otherwise; volatility in fuel costs; volatility in foreign exchange rates; and our ability to identify and successfully complete asset or business acquisitions. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. The Company is not undertaking to update any information in the foregoing reports until the effective date of its future reports required by applicable laws. Any estimates of future results of operations are based on a number of assumptions, many of which are outside the Company's control and should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. These estimates are subject to change and could differ materially from final reported results. The Company may from time to time update these publicly announced estimates, but it is not obligated to do so.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: To supplement the financial information presented on a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") basis, the Company has included in this press release non-GAAP financial measures for adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings per diluted common share ("adjusted EPS"), adjusted effective tax rate, free cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA leverage. The non-GAAP adjusted earnings per diluted common share measure is a consolidated measure, which the Company reconciles by adding Net income attributable to UNFI plus goodwill and asset impairment benefits and charges, restructuring, acquisition, and integration related expenses, certain legal charges and gains, surplus property depreciation and interest expense, losses on debt extinguishment, discontinued operations store closures and other charges, net, the impact of diluted shares when GAAP earnings is presented as a loss and non-GAAP earnings represent income, and the tax impact of adjustments and the adjusted effective tax rate, which tax impact is calculated using the adjusted effective tax rate, and certain other non-cash charges or items, as determined by management. The non-GAAP adjusted effective tax rate excludes the potential impact of changes to various uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances, as well as stock compensation accounting (ASU 2016-09). The non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure is defined as a consolidated measure inclusive of continuing and discontinued operations results, which we reconcile by adding Net (loss) income from continuing operations, plus Total other expense, net and (Benefit) provision for income taxes, plus Depreciation and amortization calculated in accordance with GAAP, plus non-GAAP adjustments for Share-based compensation, Restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses, Goodwill and asset impairment charges, Loss (gain) on sale of assets, certain legal charges and gains, certain other non-cash charges or items, as determined by management, plus Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations calculated in a manner consistent with the results of continuing operations outlined above. The non-GAAP free cash flow measure is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. The non-GAAP net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage is defined as the total face value of the Company's outstanding short and long term debt and finance lease liabilities less net cash and cash equivalents, the sum of which is divided by adjusted EBITDA.
The reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable GAAP financial measures and the calculation of net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage are presented in the tables appearing below. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes that presenting the non-GAAP financial measures adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS aids in making period-to-period comparisons, assessing the performance of our business and understanding the underlying operating performance and core business trends by excluding certain adjustments not expected to recur in the normal course of business and are meaningful indicators of actual and estimated operating performance. The inclusion of free cash flow assists investors in understanding the cash generating ability of the Company separate from cash generated by the sale of assets. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio is a commonly used metric that assists investors in understanding and evaluating the Company's capital structure and changes to its capital structure over time. The Company currently expects to continue to exclude the items listed above from non-GAAP financial measures. Management utilizes and plans to utilize these non-GAAP financial measures to compare the Company's operating performance during the 2021 fiscal year to the comparable periods in the 2020 fiscal year and to internally prepared projections. These non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similarly titled measures of other companies.
UNITED NATURAL FOODS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except for per share data)
Goodwill and asset impairment charges
Restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses
Gain on sale of assets
Other expense (income):
Net periodic benefit income, excluding service cost
Total other expense, net
Benefit for income taxes
Net loss from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net loss attributable to United Natural Foods, Inc.
Basic (loss) earnings per share:
Continuing operations
Basic loss per share
Diluted (loss) earnings per share:
Diluted loss per share
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
August 1,
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Operating lease assets
Long-term assets of discontinued operations
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities
Long-term finance lease liabilities
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 5,000 shares; none issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000 shares; 56,749 shares issued and 56,135 shares outstanding at
October 31, 2020; 55,306 shares issued and 54,691 shares outstanding at August 1, 2020
Treasury stock at cost
Total United Natural Foods, Inc. stockholders' equity
Noncontrolling interests
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation
Closed property and other restructuring charges
Net pension and other postretirement benefit income
Deferred income tax benefit
LIFO charge
Provision for losses on receivables, net
Loss on debt extinguishment
Non-cash interest expense and other adjustments
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations
Net cash used in operating activities
Proceeds from dispositions of assets
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit line
Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit line
(1,339,100
Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options
Payment of employee restricted stock tax withholdings
Payments for debt issuance costs
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
Repayments of other loans
Net provided by financing activities
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period
Less: cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
Cash payments (refunds) for federal and state income taxes, net
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
UNAUDITED
Reconciliation of Net loss from continuing operations and Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to Adjusted
EBITDA (unaudited)
Adjustments to continuing operations net loss:
Goodwill and asset impairment charges(1)
Restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses(2)
Note receivable charges(3)
Legal reserve charge(4)
Other retail expense(5)
Adjusted EBITDA of continuing operations
Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations(6)
Adjustments to discontinued operations net income:
Provision for income taxes
Restructuring, store closure and other charges, net
Adjusted EBITDA of discontinued operations
Fiscal 2020 reflects a goodwill impairment charge attributable to a reorganization of our reporting units and a sustained decrease in market capitalization and enterprise value of the Company, resulting in a decline in the estimated fair value of the U.S. Wholesale reporting unit. In addition, this charge includes a goodwill finalization charge attributable to the SUPERVALU acquisition and an asset impairment charge.
Fiscal 2021 primarily reflects costs associated with advisory and transformational activities as we position our business for further value-creation post-acquisition. Fiscal 2020 primarily reflects closed property reserve charges and administrative and operational restructuring costs.
Reflects reserves and charges for notes receivable issued by the SUPERVALU business prior to its acquisition to finance the purchase of stores by its customers.
Reflects a charge to settle a legal proceeding.
Reflects expenses associated with event-specific damages to certain retail stores.
UNFI believes the inclusion of discontinued operations results within Adjusted EBITDA provides investors a meaningful measure of total performance.
Reconciliation of Net loss per Diluted Common Share to Adjusted Net income per Diluted Common Share (unaudited)
Net loss attributable to UNFI per diluted common share
Surplus property depreciation and interest expense(3)
Loss on debt extinguishment(5)
Tax impact of adjustments and adjusted effective tax rate(8)
Impact of dilutive shares(9)
Adjusted net income per diluted common share (Retail in Discontinued Operations)
Depreciation and amortization adjustment(10)
Adjusted net income per diluted common share (Retail in Continuing Operations)
Reflects surplus, non-operating property depreciation and interest expense. Fiscal 2020 includes accelerated depreciation related to a location on which we recognized a gain that is included in Restructuring, acquisition and integration related expenses.
Reflects non-cash charges related to the acceleration of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discounts due to term loan prepayments.
Represents the tax effect of the pre-tax adjustments using an adjusted effective tax rate. The adjusted effective tax rate is calculated based on adjusted net income before tax, and its impact reflects the exclusion of changes to uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, tax impacts related to the exercise of share-based compensation awards and discrete GAAP tax items which could impact the comparability of the operational effective tax rate. The Company believes using this adjusted effective tax rate will provide better consistency across the interim reporting periods since each of these discrete items can cause volatility in the GAAP tax rate that is not indicative of the true operations of the Company. By providing this non-GAAP measure, management intends to provide investors with a meaningful, consistent comparison of the Company's effective tax rate on ongoing operations.
The computation of diluted earnings per share is calculated using diluted weighted average shares outstanding, which includes the net effect of dilutive stock awards.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 we recorded a pre-tax charge of $50.0 million related to the change in presentation of Retail to continuing operations. This charge was calculated under GAAP as the depreciation and amortization expense that would have been recognized had Retail been included in continuing operations for the full time period since the SUPERVALU acquisition date. This adjustment attributes the pro rata amount of the non-cash charge recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 to the applicable time periods in which it would have been recognized had Retail been included within continuing operations since the acquisition date. UNFI believes the inclusion of this adjustment is a useful indicator of performance to both management and investors, as it provides a relative comparison to how UNFI's results of operations will be reported on an ongoing basis.
Calculation of Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA Leverage Ratio (unaudited)
(in thousands, except ratios)
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
Net carrying value of debt and finance lease liabilities
Debt issuance costs, net
Original issue discount on debt
Net debt and finance lease liabilities
Adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio
Adjusted EBITDA reflects the summation of the trailing four quarters ended October 31, 2020.
Reconciliation of Trailing Four Quarters Net income from continuing operations and Income from discontinued operations, net of tax to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)
Last Four Quarters Ended
Adjustments to continuing operations net income:
Loss on sale of assets
Legal (settlement income) reserve charge
Other retail expense
Adjustments to discontinued operations net income (loss):
Reconciliation of Net cash used in operating activities to Free cash flow (unaudited)
FISCAL 2021 GUIDANCE
Reconciliation of 2021 Guidance for Estimated Net Income per diluted Common Share to Estimated Non-GAAP
Adjusted Net Income per diluted Common Share (unaudited)
High Range
Net income attributable to United Natural Foods, Inc. per diluted common share
Surplus property depreciation and interest expense
Discontinued operations store closures and other charges, net
Adjusted net income per diluted common share
The estimated adjusted effective tax rate excludes the potential impact of changes in uncertain tax positions, tax impacts related to ASU 2006-09 regarding stock compensation and valuation allowances. Refer to the reconciliation for adjusted effective tax rate.
Reconciliation of 2021 Guidance for Net Income Attributable to United Natural Foods, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)
Net income attributable to United Natural Foods, Inc.
Restructuring, acquisition and integration related costs
Closed property depreciation and interest expense
Net interest expense
Other (income) expense, net
Net periodic benefit income, excluding service costs
Reconciliation of Estimated 2021 and Actual 2020 U.S. GAAP Effective Tax Rate to Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (unaudited)
Fiscal 2021
Actual Fiscal 2020
U.S. GAAP Effective Tax Rate
Discrete quarterly recognition of GAAP items(1)
Tax impact of other charges and adjustments(2)
Changes in valuation allowances(3)
Impact of goodwill impairment
Impact of CARES Act(4)
Adjusted Effective Tax Rate(5)
Note: As part of the year-end reconciliation, we will update the reconciliation of the GAAP effective tax rate for actual results.
Reflects changes in tax laws excluding the CARES Act, uncertain tax positions, the tax impacts related to the exercise of share-based compensation awards and any prior-year Internal Revenue Service or other tax jurisdiction audit adjustments.
Reflects the tax impact of pre-tax adjustments other than the goodwill impairment that are excluded from pre-tax income when calculating adjusted EPS.
Reflects changes in valuation allowances related to changes in judgment regarding the realizability of deferred tax assets or current year operations.
Reflects the impact of tax loss carrybacks to 35% tax years allowed under the CARES Act as compared to the 21% tax rate applicable to tax loss carryforwards.
The Company establishes an estimated adjusted effective tax rate at the beginning of the fiscal year based on the best available information. The Company re-evaluates its estimated adjusted effective tax rate as appropriate throughout the year and adjusts for any material changes. The actual adjusted effective tax rate at the end of the fiscal year is based on actual results and accordingly may differ from the estimated adjusted effective tax rate used during the year.
Steve Bloomquist
China Sovereign Fund Revamps Overseas Investment Committees
China seen keeping lending benchmark unchanged for 9th month in January
Cisco Gets Conditional Approval From China for Acacia Deal


Franklin continued to record acclaimed albums such as I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967), Lady Soul (1968), Spirit in the Dark (1970), Young, Gifted and Black (1972), Amazing Grace (1972), and Sparkle (1976) before experiencing problems with her record company. Franklin left Atlantic in 1979 and signed with Arista Records. She appeared in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers before releasing the successful albums Jump to It (1982), Who's Zoomin' Who? (1985), and Aretha (1986) on the Arista label. In 1998, Franklin returned to the Top 40 with the Lauryn Hill-produced song "A Rose Is Still a Rose"; later, she released an album of the same name which was certified gold. That same year, Franklin earned international acclaim for her performance of "Nessun dorma" at the Grammy Awards; she filled in at the last minute for Luciano Pavarotti, who canceled his appearance after the show had already begun. In a widely noted performance, she paid tribute to 2015 honoree Carole King by singing "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the Kennedy Center Honors.


There are literally thousands of stocks available in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In contrast, there are only dozens of currencies listed in the foreign exchange market, and most forex traders only focus on four major currency pairs, which consist of GBP/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, and EUR/USD. Thus, for a newcomer there's no doubt that forex provides a more novice-friendly platform that doesn't require nearly as much research as the stock market.
Louis Hernandez Jr reminds that the NYSE is typically only active from 9:30 Am to 4 PM Eastern Time, giving new traders limited opportunities to hone their craft. Furthermore, during these hours many part-time traders are busy at their day jobs and therefore can't fully devote their time to analysing data and making trades. On the other hand, the forex market operates 24 hours a day, so schedules are never an issue and you can focus on becoming a better trader at any time of the day or night.
The majority of forex brokers do not charge a commission or any significant transaction fees when you're trading currencies over the phone or online. Furthermore, the spread is always fully transparent and much tighter and more consistent than those seen in the stock market. Student traders typically don't have a lot of extra capital to throw around on unnecessary expenses, so the more affordable fee/commission structure in forex is preferable.
Most forex brokers guarantee entry, limit, and stop orders as long as market conditions are not in an unusually volatile state (which is an exceptionally rare occurrence). This means you're able to act upon real-time data rather than relying on predictions and projections as you would when trading stocks. Being able to execute knowing that your trade will be based on current market conditions is a huge relief for student traders when compared to the alternative of waiting for transactions to finalise in the stock market with no guarantee that the market conditions will be the same when the deal is done.
Forex trading gives students the ability to focus on key concepts without having to spread themselves too thin with market research. Thus, trading currency pairs will always be a better entry level investment method than the more demanding alternative of trading stocks.


text:
Sex Blood And Betamax interview 2012
Sex, Blood, And Betamax Tapes
Interview with Andrew Leavold by Don Jaucian, The Philippine Star 21/07/12
When the history books of Philippine cinema will finally be dusted off, rewritten and repurposed for future generations of filmgoers, the entire segment of Pinoy B-movies will probably be relegated to a mere footnote; a fleeting mention of a sprawling narrative about weird creatures, exploitation films, goons dressed up as nuns, and bionic boys shuffling around the world's film circuit, brandishing the flag of the Filipino filmmaking industry like a leprous cousin.
What's even more interesting is that these films actually made money and sustained the local film industry for 40 years. Filipino B-movies were in demand worldwide. Filmmakers like Eddie Romero, Gerry de Leon, and Cirio Santiago (two of whom were anointed as National Artists for Film for their more significant works) made a killing with films like Mad Doctor of Blood Island, The Big Dollhouse, and Cleopatra Wong. These films were co-productions with international producers and made with one-tenth of a budget of a regular Hollywood fare. These English-dubbed movies featured mutated humans, bionic boys, gay satanic bikers, armies of Aztec midgets, and nubile Caucasian and African-American women in bamboo cages in the middle of the jungle.
It's this lowbrow circus freakshow of a film subculture that drew Australian film historian and filmmaker Andrew Leavold to Pinoy B movies.
"I think initially the 'What the hell?' factor drew me to these films; the feeling that these films came out of a parallel universe where the rules of filmmaking have been turned on their heads. As I started watching more films I realized that there was definitely a style of filmmaking which was quite foreign to Western audiences but once you get used to the taste, it's absolutely exhilarating. It would be like watching Swedish art cinema for the first time," says Andrew.
Andrew has been going back to the Philippines (which he considers his second home) after meeting Cinemanila Film Festival director Tikoy Aguiluz in an Australian film festival he curated several years ago. This ignited his search for his personal holy grail: a two-foot-nine midget B-movie actor known as Weng Weng. He has since dedicated his life making his documentary The Search for Weng Weng, which until now remains in a thousand pieces after an Australian producer picked it up and mutated into Machete Maidens Unleashed.
"For me, Weng Weng is so deeply affecting purely because it has become a personal journey," he relates. "It acknowledges Weng Weng the human being rather than Weng Weng the karate-kicking novelty. I'm uncovering the story that no one in the Philippines seems to have done. I just found it astounding that even the guy who trained and directed him in five films didn't even know his real name. I met the director of the first Weng Weng film, Dante Boy Pangilinan, two weeks ago. I couldn't believe my eyes. I embraced him like a lost brother. It was a weird moment. Weird sh*t tends to happen around the Weng Weng saga because I suspect he's sitting on my shoulder, directing from behind the scenes."
Andrew is also deeply fond of another actor who made his name in B-movie parodies of Hollywood films, Dolphy. His perspective on the comedy king's career brings to light an alternative track running amok with comic book heroes, secret agents, and a whole lot of kung fu films. Weng Weng and Dolphy even worked in several films together including Stariray, The Quick Brown Fox, and D' Wild Weng Weng. Both Dolphy and Weng Weng symbolized the ordinary Filipino in movies, taking on Hollywood clichés and dipping them into a uniquely Filipino perspective.
Andrew Leavold with Dolphy, 2007
Dolphy As James Batman
"In the parody films, Dolphy's vaudeville shtick translated perfectly once he started being featured in a starring role in the 1960s. The parody speaks so much about a playful anarchy and guerilla-style tactics taking potshots at Hollywood with a distorted mirror image of what it stole. There's James Batman, where Dolphy played James Bond and Batman at the same time. That stuff is just genius. There were other films like Adolpong Hitler, Dolfinger. Where in the world would you find films like that?" Andrew explains.
For Y'ur Height Only: In the 1981 Manila International Film Festival, Eddie Nicart's For Y'ur Height Only, a mockery of the Western spy films, was the only film that was sold to international distributors, beating out films by Fernando Poe Jr. and Lino Brocka.
Five years ago, he had the opportunity of meeting Dolphy for The Search for Weng Weng. The King of Comedy talked about working with the diminutive hero, and his own struggle to become one of the country's top comedians.
"These were the golden moments in The Search for Weng Weng, sitting at a dinner table with Dolphy, eating pandesal and talking about 50-60 years of being a part of Pinoy experience which I could only experience second-hand. He does comedy well and he gets what the audience wants from these kinds of films. I've watched about 50 films of his. I don't understand everything, but I get it. It's going to be tough living in a world without Dolphy," he says.
Andrew Leavold next to export specialists Cine Suerte's van, 2008
A F*Ck You To Hollywood
Despite the ridiculousness of B movies and parodies like Dancing Master, Terror is a Man, and TNT Jackson, these are all cudgels of cinematic heritage that academics and film historians shouldn't overlook. They might be low-grade spectacles of blood, sex, violence and slapstick catering to a lower class of audience, but these are great examples of the Filipino ingenuity in filmmaking, producing highly marketable films made with very low budgets and were distributed in drive-ins, theaters, and homes around the world. These co-productions became the training ground of Filipino filmmakers, however shoddy the resulting films were, guided by international standards that trickled into local cinema.
"Let's talk about pulp and commercial cinema [in a way] that isn't condescending; in ways that actually do recognize achievement," Andrew relates. "More than anything, Weng Weng represents a 'f*ck you' to Hollywood; that they were able to take on Empire Strikes Back, in the West Indies in Christmas of '82 and beat them. It is the little Pinoy guy saying we can do it on our terms even if we have to steal the James Bond idea and have a midget James Bond with a small budget and still come out a winner. I think that's incredibly cool. These were the Filipino guys who are able to do some amazing things on their own terms and resources. They showed such ingenuity and pioneering spirit, forging distribution channels rather than piggybacking on the Hollywood dream machine."
Labels: Andrew Leavold, Dolphy, Search For Weng Weng, Weng Weng


text:
Hawaii's Australian community hosting fundraiser for wildfires
As wildfires continue to devastate Australia, forcing people from their homes and killing wildlife, Hawaii's large Australian community is stepping up. Leigh Adams, her sister Gina Ornellas, and their friend Donna Smallwood have all lived in Hawaii for a
Monday, January 13th 2020, 8:48 AM HST by Tom George
As wildfires continue to devastate Australia, forcing people from their homes and killing wildlife, Hawaii's large Australian community is stepping up.
Leigh Adams, her sister Gina Ornellas, and their friend Donna Smallwood have all lived in Hawaii for a long time, but can't help but think of their native country after seeing the destruction.
"It's just actually unfathomable," Smallwood says. "I just can't believe the atrocity."
They say if they were still living in Australia, they would have volunteered to help feed the firefighters on the frontlines, but they still wanted to make a difference from thousands of miles away.
The friends have backgrounds in event planning, but this was a labor of love. They rallied Hawaii's large Aussie population through social media to organize a BBQ to raise for two causes important to them - the New South Wales Rural Fire Brigade, and the Australian Koala Foundation.
It's going to big a big bash at D'lish At The Beach in Ewa Beach. It has everything from a silent auction, to music, a DJ, fun for kids and adults, and of course, Aussie food like fish and chips and more.
They're expect a big turnout. "We love Hawaii because it's so similar to Australia. Mateship and the aloha spirit are basically the same thing but a different word. When we're knocked down, we pick each other up," Adams says.
It's from 2-6 pm on Sunday the 19th and is open to the public.
You can RSVP to their Facebook and find more info on the silent auction here: https://www.facebook.com/events/755946144896600/
Or, if you can't make it want to donate to either charity directly, you can find those here:
Australian Koala Foundation >> https://www.savethekoala.com/donate
New South Wales Rural Fire Brigade >> https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade


text:
Home/As Seen in Equipped for Care – From Critical to Care Free
As Seen in Equipped for Care – From Critical to Care Free
Lauren Fetzer Can Breathe Again
Thanks to the care she received at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
For two years, eight-year-old Lauren Fetzer had been suffering from breathing problems. "Every two weeks, she'd get a virus or a cold," said her mother, Jacqueline. "She'd be put on steroids, which briefly cleared her lungs, but another week would go by and she'd be sick again."
She was in and out of hospitals and saw a number of specialists, but the problems continued. In fact, Lauren's condition was so bad that she had to repeat kindergarten because of all the school she missed.
In September, Lauren had a severe breathing attack. She was taken to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, where pediatrician Elsa Fernandez, M.D., determined that Lauren should be admitted. Lauren was quickly taken to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
"They jumped on it right away," said Jaqueline. "They immediately made me feel comfortable that Lauren was in good hands."
Kenneth Kim, M.D., and Zacharia Reda, M.D., both pediatric critical care and pulmonology specialists, took charge of Lauren's case. Her breathing was so poor that she required a ventilator for lifeattack. She was taken to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, where pediatrician Elsa Fernandez, M.D., determined that Lauren should be admitted. Lauren was quickly taken to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. "They jumped on it right away," said Jaqueline. "They immediately made me feel comfortable that Lauren was in good hands."
Kenneth Kim, M.D., and Zacharia Reda, M.D., both pediatric critical care and pulmonology specialists, took charge of Lauren's case. Her breathing was so poor that she required a ventilator for life support. The physicians performed an extensive workup, including a bronchoscopy, a procedure used to look inside the lungs.
Dr. Reda was surprised by the amount and thickness of the mucus in Lauren's lungs. He began to suspect that Lauren had an unusual condition called pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. This rare lung disease involves a buildup of grainy material in the air sacs of the lungs. The buildup interferes with the lungs' ability to absorb oxygen, which leads to breathing difficulties. In severe cases, respiratory failure can occur.
Although alveolar proteinosis occurs in fewer than four people out of one million, there wasn't time to wait for a confirmation of the diagnosis. Dr. Reda began treatment consisting of lung lavage, using salt water to "wash" out the excess mucus.
The treatment helped, and Lauren was able to come off life support. When her test results came back, they confirmed Dr. Reda's suspicions.
Four days after her release from Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Lauren was able to return to school. "She's been there ever since," says Jacqueline, who reports that Lauren rides her bike to school and has taken up gymnastics.
Her mother marvels at the change in her daughter. "This has been a long journey. We saw a chain of doctors and allergists. She had CAT scans and X-rays, but they still didn't know what was causing it. Dr. Reda was very proactive. He and the team at Fountain Valley made all the difference in Lauren's life."
Sophisticated technology, expert care and sensitivity are hallmarks of Orange County Institute for Pediatrics at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center. The Institute includes a 22-bed Pediatric Unit and an 11-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and benefits from the expertise of pediatric subspecialists from an array of disciplines.


The words 'well-balanced meal' and 'balanced diet' apparently suggest that a healthful diet is a precarious achievement." It's not. The human species would never have survived to this point if we were that fragile.
That statement from an article posted at http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com stands in stark contrast to what usually passes as sound nutritional advice these days. The typical mantra is, in so many words, eat your vegetables and cut back on red meat for optimal health. Yet for all of the messages flying our way via various media outlets today rarely will one come close to saying "hey, we eat pretty will here". If that is a difficult pill to swallow then consider a few observations.
First when is the last time you heard of a case of Pellagra. Pellagra is a disease characterized with symptoms ranging from dermatitis to death. It is causes by a deficiency of vitamin B3 commonly known as niacin. Historically Pellagra was unknown in cultures where corn treated with lime was a staple. In our modern diet niacin is commonly added to grain products to enrich or fortify the nutritional content. So the next time you eat a fast food burger remember the bun has niacin and you don't have Pellagra.
Next can you recall the last outbreak of scurvy in America or the world for that matter? Since 1932 when ascorbic acid more commonly known as vitamin C was isolated and recognized as the cure for scurvy there have been few issues with the disease. Prior to that time scurvy was a deadly disease especially among those travelling across the Atlantic to the New World. So the next time you supersize your fries just remember that you are getting vitamin C from those potatoes as well as warding off scurvy.
Finally have you ever heard of someone being thiamine deficient? If you have then you are really old because thiamine deficiency from a poor diet that resulted in Beriberi a disease that causes weakness, wasting, mental confusion and many other harsh symptoms was eradicated in the early 1900's. Now because our food supply is enriched with many essential vitamins and minerals such diseases are no longer a threat to anyone.
So the next time you hear how bad our American diet is take it with a grain of salt because it is not always true. The abundance we have may contribute to some being a little heavier but even still we are far healthier as a nation than at any other time in the history of the world. We may even have to say that even junk foods are good for us. The truth is we are not that fragile.