LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com Offers New Program

LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com (powered by SmartGuy.com) today announced a new FREE program to assist and connect thousands of local businesses in a single massive referral network.

Encino, CA - August 16, 2011 -- Within just 1-2 minutes, businesses can enter their information and be listed in the Los Angeles County Business directory, included in the businesses-to-business referral network, and provided an online web page that can rank on top of major search engines in as little as 2-3 weeks.

"LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com is one of over 500 city networks we have developed to assist both consumers and businesses in these difficult economic times" states SmartGuy.com CEO Jordan Wexler. “Consumers are looking to save money, and businesses are looking for clients. We have simply provided the local hub for them to come together."

LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com is part of the rapidly growing Smart Guy network and only allows 3 professionals per category per zip code (i.e. 3 contractors, 3 bankruptcy attorneys, 3 wedding planners, etc.). Once the category is full, others are placed on a waiting list. Businesses agree to provide top quality service, refer each other whenever possible, and be rated by local consumers.

"In this day and age, people don't want to just pick a random name to do business with. They want a professional recommended by their neighbors, willing to provide top quality service...at a discount", continues Mr. Wexler.

Although businesses can sign up for free, the company offers upgraded services to further help businesses grow both online and offline.

About LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com
Founded in 2009 by Jordan Wexler, LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com is one of over 500 city networks created to be the business hub for consumers and businesses looking to come together. LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com is not associated with the city or county of Los Angeles, but instead looks to unite businesses together and stimulate the local as well as national economy. For more information or details regarding LosAngelesBusiness.com, visit: http://www.LosAngelesCountyBusiness.com.

Media Contact:
Jordan Wexler
Los Angeles County Business
16133 Ventura Blvd., Suite 700
Encino, CA 91436
Tel: 866-576-2784

AlphaStaff Enhances Online Broker & Client Experience with New Website

AlphaStaff Group, Inc. one of the nation’s largest professional employer organizations (PEO), unveiled its fully-upgraded and enhanced website, www.alphastaff.com.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - August 16, 2011 -- AlphaStaff Group, Inc. (“AlphaStaff”), one of the nation’s largest professional employer organizations (PEO), unveiled its fully-upgraded and enhanced website. The announcement was made by John Gibson, CEO.

The new website has more tools and resources to support clients, brokers and businesses in general, such as alerts and updates on key business issues like healthcare reform and tax changes to help support the daily needs of companies and brokers. The cleaner look and imagery streamlines searches for key services allowing for increased user-friendly navigation that will lead to an overall more effective and efficient user experience. In addition, AlphaStaff.com features links to their broker blog, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

We are always looking for ways to best serve our clients and broker partners and we work to implement innovative tools to do so,” said Gibson. “AlphaStaff.com is an extension of that strategy. The site is not only more user-friendly, but also a much more effective resource to support growing businesses.”

AlphaStaff is one of the only PEOs to work exclusively in partnership with insurance brokers. The company believes its proprietary model gives broker partners a competitive advantage in their marketplaces and the new website places a great emphasis on the broker distribution model and how it stands out in an industry where PEOs and insurance brokers are usually competitors. For prospects, the site is broken down into sections by business size, the types of needs they are looking for, and includes, a comprehensive list of resources; all to help the end-user get the results they need quickly. Existing clients can find helpful links for documents, resources to navigate healthcare reform legislation and access a personal client/employee login area to manage their account details.

Gibson acknowledged the new website would also be an important marketing tool moving forward as well as a resource to further position the company as a thought leader and expert in the healthcare reform marketplace, among other areas.

About AlphaStaff
AlphaStaff Group, Inc., a full range of human resource outsourcing (HRO), delivers services to small and medium sized businesses and mid-market companies through a shared employment model. The company specializes in helping companies save money, time and free up administrative resources while reducing risk and ensuring compliance. Unlike other Professional Employment Organizations (PEO) or HRO providers, AlphaStaff has a unique, coordinated delivery approach as they work exclusively with insurance broker partners to distribute services. AlphaStaff’s experienced HR professionals deliver personal and flexible service to more than 1,300 client companies in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.alphastaff.com.

Contact:
Kristy Kennedy
rbb Public Relations
Tel: 305-448-5839

Physicians Receive Botox Training from Leading Dermatologists at IAPAM's September 17-18th Symposium

The IAPAM continues to offer the industry's best clinical, hands-on, aesthetic medicine training in the most advanced botox and skin care procedures. The IAPAM's Aesthetic Medicine Symposium is a weekend program, designed by physicians for physicians, and supports the addition of the top 5 minimally invasive procedures: botox, dermal fillers, lasers, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and hCG for Weight Loss to a medical practice or medspa.

Las Vegas, NV, August 16, 2011 -- Over 900 physicians and their staff have attended the IAPAM's Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com) and hCG Training sessions (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/physician-hcg-weight-loss-training). These respected and well attended educational programs are designed for physicians eager to safely, profitably and successfully add botox, hCG medical weight loss, lasers for hair removal and skin rejuvenation, and other aesthetic modalities to their existing practices. The IAPAM's Symposium is the only program which gives physicians an opportunity to learn from two board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts in the skin and cosmetic injectables. In order to ensure doctors learn the best injection techniques, the botox training is done in a multi-million dollar medical facility, not in a hotel room. In addition, the Symposium does not allow exhibitors, giving physicians more time for education.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Linder, who instructs at the IAPAM's Aesthetic Medicine Symposium adds, "in order to perform Botox treatments well, one must understand the medication and how it specifically works. Physicians must know how to appropriately dilute the product and how to safely and effectively administer it. Botox training (http://www.iapam.com/botoxtraining.html) should provide an in-depth discussion of facial anatomy and how to evaluate muscle movements to decide on product placement. One must understand the details of how Botox interacts with the muscles, the natural variations of the musculature of the face, as well as how to achieve beautiful aesthetic results by decreasing muscle contraction in a designed and organized fashion. Effective training programs, like the IAPAM's Symposium, should prepare doctors to effectively handle any adverse events both from a medical standpoint, as well as helping the patient to understand the situation. Marketing assistance is also very valuable, and good training seminars, like the IAPAM's Aesthetic Practice Start-Up Workshop (http://www.iapam.com/bootcamp.html), discuss how to market services."

For additional information and to register for the upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposium on September 17-18, 2011, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext 704, email info@theiapam.com or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com.

Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PA’s) and nurse practitioners (NP’s). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x704

Websites:

Richard Mittelstadt Featured in the Artist Showcase

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is extremely pleased to announce that Richard Mittelstadt is now featured in the Gallery’s Artist Showcase.

Jupiter, Florida - August 16, 2011 -- Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is extremely pleased to announce that Richard Mittelstadt is now featured in the Gallery’s Artist Showcase. Richard is a Minnesota based artist whose artistic talents are demonstrated in a broad array of styles, subjects and media in all of his artworks. He likes working in printmaking, acrylics and watercolors. Most recently Richard has been expanding his talents within digital landscape photography. Over the years Rick has been experimenting with using a variety of other materials such as colored pencil, chalks, markers, etc. in combination with watercolor and acrylic paints.

Recently, Richard stated “I enjoy using drawing and painting materials to capture the scenic beauty of our natural world. I take most pleasure in working with watercolor and acrylic to capture a mood or momentary feeling in a landscape scene. I especially enjoy the magic that happens through my brushes. My best resources are the wild animals, farms, fields, lakes, streams, hills, and forests of mountain, coastal, and northern-tier states. There the subjects for paintings are endless and never mundane.

When my artwork is finished, not only do I want to enjoy my own creation but I also hope to provide the viewers of my work an opportunity to be briefly distracted from whatever is on their minds-a momentary gift of enchantment and amusement.”

Rick earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education and a Master of Arts Degree in studio art. He retired from Rosemount High School in 2008 after teaching secondary art education for 38 years. During his teaching tenure he taught an extensive range of art processes including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic arts, ceramics, jewelry making, and fiber arts.

Rick’s portfolio can be viewed here http://www.mittelstadtartworks.com.

-Ends-

About Light Space & Time Online Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Gallery conducts monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions for new and emerging artists. It is Light Space & Time’s intention to showcase this incredible artistic talent in a series of monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions by marketing and displaying the exceptional abilities of these worldwide artists. Their online gallery website can be viewed here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
Tel: 888-490-3530

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre London Xmas dates announced

The dates for West End Events’ Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre office Christmas parties have been announced for 2011.

London, UK, August 15, 2011 -- The dates for West End Events’ Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre office Christmas parties have been announced.

If you're stuck for original office Christmas party ideas for the festive season, West End Events could have the perfect event for you. Combining the finest food, brilliant comedy theatre, dancing and of course plenty of intrigue, the Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre package is a winning formula.

The dates for the event have been announced on the West End Events website and are available throughout the festive season, from 2 December, right up until 22 December. Booking for this unforgettable night of festive entertainment and mystery - to be held at the glamorous Raddisson Grafton Hotel in London’s West End - could not be simpler. Booking are already being taken and full payment and final numbers need not be confirmed until 21 days before the event.

The basic package for the evening costs £63 plus VAT per person and includes everything needed for a great office Christmas party, including a glass of Prosecco on arrival and a full three-course gala dinner.

The fun begins as soon as the guests arrive. While they enjoy their glass of fizz, the cast of the four-actor theatre show will introduce their characters. After the first murder, the guests settle down for their meal. Clue kits and pencils will be provided and guests are free to try to guess the culprit as the show continues throughout the evening. Prizes will he handed to guests who prove their super sleuthing talents at around 9:30pm.

The resident black tie DJ will then take to the decks spinning party tunes until the early hours while guests are invited to dance the night away on the spectacular dance floor.

Drinks packages are, of course, on offer to get the party started, ranging from half-bottle of wine packages to full free-bar packages.

The menu for the sumptuous three course gala dinner will include all the Christmas favourites, including roast turkey with all the trimmings and everyone’s guilty pleasure - Christmas pudding with sauce.

For a truly unique and memorable Christmas party, call 020 7183 3821 or email info@westendevents.co.uk today to hold your booking for 21-days with no obligation.

Media Contact:
Cathy Davey
West End Events Ltd.
61 - 63 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5DA
Tel: 0207 183 3821

RedCap Launches New Website

Company Also Introduces New Pricing Structure.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, August 15, 2011 -- RedCap, a membership-based, premium driver-on-demand service for people who value safety, convenience and privacy at an affordable price, today announced it has launched a newly redesigned website http://www.myredcap.com.

According to RedCap President and Founder, David Zwick, the new design has been in the works for several months and visitors to the site will enjoy a more seamless experience.

While our original site was functional there were elements that needed to be enhanced,” said Zwick. “The new site is much more user friendly and clearly easier to navigate.”

Zwick said that RedCap members will also enjoy the new membership portal.

RedCap members will be able to manage their accounts through the new portal,” said Zwick. “We believe members will particularly enjoy the ease of scheduling drivers through the portal.”

The Company also announced a new membership and pricing structure based on time of usage not mileage. There is still a free membership, a basic membership for only eight dollars a month, a VIP membership for twenty-five dollars a month and an Elite membership that costs one-thousand dollars for the year and offers unlimited drivers for just fifteen dollars an hour.

We have retained our informative and entertaining video that describes all aspects of the service,” added Zwick. “Our home page features all of the many uses that RedCap members can take advantage of.”

Zwick said the Company will soon introduce mobile apps for iPhones and Droids.

About RedCap

RedCap is a membership based, premium driver-on-demand service for people who value safety, convenience and privacy at an affordable price. It is the perfect solution to the dilemma of being with your vehicle when you can't, shouldn't or prefer not to drive; Doctors use RedCap so their patients can get home safely and conveniently. Executives use RedCap so they can be productive and safe on the go. Travelers use RedCap to avoid dirty taxis, parking fees and expensive limos. Auto dealerships use RedCap for hassle free service. Bars and restaurants use RedCap so their guests can enjoy themselves responsibly. Families use RedCap to solve scheduling challenges. RedCap Drivers are completely vetted through a rigorous screening process. There are multiple categories of membership and includes a Monthly, Yearly and VIP options. There is also a premium membership that allows for unlimited drivers for the year for only $15 per hour ($1,000 per year) in addition to other exclusive benefits. In nearly every instance, RedCap is less expensive than a taxi and always less expensive than car service. In late 2010 the company acquired the South Florida rights to Zingo a designated driving service and services Zingo customers under the RedCap brand.

Media Contact:
Peter Nasca
RedCap
626 South Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Tel: 954-889-1810

Stepping Through by Attila Nemeti, an autobiography of a globalized immigrant released worldwide in eBook formats to 3,500 locations

Stepping Through recounts the story of a young, innocent man’s journey through nine countries to find a new life in the USA.

Moorpark, California, Monday, August 15, 2011 -- Nemeti’s adventurous story illustrates how someone in the United States is able to climb out of homelessness without language, family, friends, or money. The book spans twenty years beginning in the mid-eighties. It gives a wide view of the world and the American culture and society through an immigrant’s eyes. Stepping Through answers the question why America is the best place to live in the “free world” and the reason people immigrate there from all over our planet.

Stepping Through is more than a memoir. It is an autobiography of different cultures, societies and people. This book is not about searching for happiness, but a fight for survival,” Nemeti said. “My life began on Valentine's Day, fourteen years after World War II. I grew up in Budapest, Hungary studying Physical Education to become a swimming coach, the Art of Film to improve my visual culture and Psychology to understand instincts and intelligence. Afterward, I wanted to teach not just in a classroom of people, but to share my thoughts with all… and then Stepping Through was born.”

Stepping Through has received strong endorsements. "This book is worth the read. Attila has had a very interesting life. His journey is a testament to the phrase 'Perseverance furthers'."-- Alan Edward Bell - Feature Film Editor, Water for Elephants.

Finishing Stepping Through in one day I found the book to be a remarkable account of a brave young foreigner coming to America and the almost insurmountable problems he encountered. A powerful exhilarating autobiography."-- Sharon Jackman - De La Mare Engineering Inc. Special Effects

"Attila Nemeti’s book, Stepping Through, is an intriguing and fascinating account of his amazing personal life story. Mr. Nemeti takes the reader on an exciting journey through his life and has something for everyone - adventure, drama, philosophy, love and romance…I can't wait for the next book!" -- Yuriko M. Shikai Esq. - Attorney of Law, Neufeld, Marks, Gralnek & Maker

Stepping Through in eBook format, 80,440 words in length, ISBN 9781937520106, was published on July 29, 2011 by First Edition Design eBook Publishing http://www.firsteditiondesignpublishing.com based in Sarasota, Florida USA. It is available at Amazon’s Kindle store, Apple’s iBookstore, Barnes & Noble’s Book Nook, Kobo, Sony, Diesel and Google's eBookstore, which supports numerous eReader devices. In addition to those outlets, Stepping Through was distributed in eBook format worldwide to over 3,500 other sources including libraries, schools and online booksellers.

More information is available about the author and where to purchase Stepping Through at his website, http://www.attilanemeti.com.

Media Contact:
Susie Nemeti
Phone: 1-805-517-1417

Submitted by:
Tom Gahan
Director of Marketing
First Edition Design eBook Publishing
NY Office 631-369-0063
Main Office - PO Box 20217, Sarasota FL - USA
Tel: 1-941-921-2607
Fax: 617-249-1694

IAPAM's hCG Training for Physicians September 16, 2011

The Dr. Oz Show on February 22, 2011 and Dr. Oz's subsequent interview in the June 27th issue of First for Women Magazine, has ignited unprecedented interest in hCG for weight loss. To meet this consumer demand, the IAPAM is helping physicians enter this lucrative market by offering their physician-led hCG Training in Scottsdale, Arizona on September 16th, 2011. Physicians will learn and receive everything they need to start safely offering hCG for weight loss to their patients.

Las Vegas, NV - August 15, 2011 -- The IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com) has trained over 400 physicians on how to effectively offer hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) to their patients, and well over 12,000 patients have successfully lost weight on hCG using the IAPAM's Exclusive hCG Diet (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/physician-hcg-weight-loss-training), based on Dr. Simeons manuscript, Pounds and Inches (http://www.iapam.com/dr-simeons-pounds-and-inches-manuscript.html). Join the IAPAM for its September 16th, 2011 hCG Training session. This respected program is taught by experts who operate hCG weight loss clinics, allowing physicians and their staff to learn from the faculty's vast experience.

The IAPAM's hCG Training includes:

- Detailed IAPAM hCG Program Protocols
- Patient selection criteria
- Common medical hCG contraindications
- Consent forms, medical history forms
- Patient hCG Program Guidebook to offer patients (hCG friendly recipes, food journal, tips)
- Patient PowerPoint presentations for the waiting room
- Phone scripts & call logs for your staff
- Legal/Insurance considerations, and current FDA status
- hCG ordering information and special pricing
- Special hCG Facebook discussion forum
- VLCD/LCD diet programs
- Meal replacement diet programs
- Ketogenic based diet programs
- Utilizing B6/B12 injections in weight loss
- Using prescription appetite suppressants in weight loss
- Metabolism testing as a profit center
- Laser assisted lipolysis
- Listing of your hCG Clinic in the IAPAM's NEW hCG Diet Clinic Directory (http://www.iapam.com/aesthetic-resources/hcg-diet-clinics)

Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM, and a member of the expert faculty of instructors at the IAPAM's hCG Training, comments that, "as hCG for weight loss is being requested by patients, we are seeing a correlating increase in physician attendance at the IAPAM's hCG training." Mr. Russell also emphasizes that, "through the comprehensive education, and the year of practice support offered by the IAPAM, physicians can appreciate the effects of medications, the implications of plateauing, the importance of vitamin supplements, engage in ongoing dialogue with each other and hCG experts, and understand all the other nuances of the IAPAM protocol that result in patient satisfaction and enduring weight loss."

For additional information or to register for the September 16th, 2011 hCG Training, please contact the IAPAM, at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 708, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/physician-hcg-weight-loss-training. Also, the IAPAM's hCG Training is being offered on October 21st and December 2nd, 2011.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary global association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession worldwide. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits to members around the globe. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 ext. 708

Websites:

Name Your Price Singles Dance Combats Tough Economy

Many single Americans are unable to participate in the singles scene due to lack of funds.

San Rafael, CA - August 13, 2011 -- America’s first-ever Name Your Price Singles Dance takes place on Sunday, September 4, 2011, 7-11pm, at Pasta Pelican, 2455 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda CA 94501, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The party is sponsored by The Society of Single Professionals, the world’s largest non-profit singles organization.

All of our events worldwide are affordable,” says Rich Gosse, Chairman of The Society of Single Professionals. “We haven't raised our prices in over a decade. But still some singles cannot come to our parties, due to these difficult financial times. That won't be true this time.”

Pasta Pelican is a waterfront restaurant with a lovely view of famed Jack London Square. Adults of all ages are welcome to attend the party, which features a professional DJ playing today’s hottest hits and the greatest hits of yesteryear. Parking is free.

Anyone interested in more information about this and many more events for singles may visit http://www.thepartyhotline.com or call 415-507-9962.

About The Society of Single Professionals:
Society of Single Professionals is the events division of American Singles Education, Inc., world's largest non-profit singles organization. We are the only organization that runs events for singles worldwide, on 6 continents. Our Singles Travel Company division organizes dozens of affordable group tours for singles each year, to exotic destinations worldwide. We also operate The Singles Podcasting Network, featuring interviews with major authors and experts on dating and the single lifestyle.

Contact:
Rich Gosse
Society of Single Professionals
205 Mark Twain Avenue, San Rafael CA 94903
Tel: 415-507-9962
Fax: 507-9832

HIV Cure - NIH Funding Will Back More Research

Financing is one of the main obstacles toward cracking the final piece of the HIV cure puzzle-HIV reservoirs-and the backing of the NIH helps out in that regard.

Toulon, France - August 13, 2011 -- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a division of the National Institutes of Health, has recently earmarked a $14.6 million grant to be given to research teams across the country for a common goal-make progress and find a functional cure for HIV. Sounds easy, right? Of course it doesn't, but the money makes the journey toward finding that cure much easier. Financing is one of the main obstacles toward cracking the final piece of the HIV cure puzzle-HIV reservoirs-and the backing of the NIH helps out in that regard. 15 teams across the country are putting the money to good use, finding the drugs needed to draw out and kill the HIV virus remaining in these reservoirs.

The advancement in antiretroviral drugs has created a powerful defense for people infected with HIV. Patients must take a cocktail of drugs daily, and the price tag for these drugs can run well over $1,000 a month. As good as these drugs are, they don't quite get to the root of the problem. They don't eliminate HIV; they just beat it into dormancy. The remaining HIV virus lies dormant in HIV reservoirs, just waiting to come alive when the patient ceases antiretroviral treatment for whatever reason. The goal of the current research is to tap into those HIV reservoirs somehow and bring the remaining virus out in the open so it can be killed, thereby creating a functional cure for HIV.

The current research at the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) utilizes mice implanted with human tissue to see how humans might react to HIV eradication drugs being introduced into their systems. Current HIV medication gets rid of infected cells that replicate, but the ones that don't respond to the medication currently available-the virus lying dormant in HIV reservoirs-is the target of the current research. These cells can lie dormant for years, even decades, before activating and rapidly depleting the immune system.

The grant up for renewal every five years, theoretically giving researchers the funding they need to continue research. The mice that UCLA uses in its research can give a good indication on how humans might react to such HIV eradication drugs. Other primates related to humans, such as monkeys, are often used for this endeavor, but mice are a lower-cost alternative. The testing will eventually include primates, but this will expanded further in the future.

Contact:
Alain Lafeuillade
CHITS
83000 Toulon, France
33-4-94616340

More investors heading for alternatives, claims AAA

Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has backed claims from Fox Business that the ‘smart money’ is increasingly going into alternative investments.

Boston, MA, USA - August 13, 2011 -- Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has backed claims from Fox Business that the ‘smart money’ is increasingly going into alternative investments.

The article refers to a survey by Morningstar and Baron’s, which found that 34 per cent of institutional investors said that alternatives accounted for at least a quarter of their portfolios under management.

Nadia Papagiannis of Morningstar said that investing in alternatives can be an excellent way of spreading risk and minimizing the impact of a market crash on investments. She told Fox Business: "By investing in different asset classes such as currencies and commodities and also by trading the same or different asset classes in different ways - either by shorting or hedging - the risk and return (characteristics) of these investments are different than what currently exists in your portfolio.”

This sentiment was echoed by AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, who said, “The market for commodities is booming at the moment thanks to demand form China, India and other emerging economies."

There is plenty of money to be made through alternative assets, such as forestry and real estate at the moment,” he added. AAA supports ethical investments in alternative assets in emerging economies, such as the sustainable forestry plantation projects launched by Greenwood Management. This firm offers investors the options of putting as little as EUR 10,000 into the projects, which supply non-native timber for domestic projects and exportation to Asia and elsewhere.

William Bernstein, the author of 'The Investor's Manifesto: Preparing for prosperity, Armageddon and everything in between', stated that it is over the long term that alternative investment can really pay off. “Instead, it's the returns over a long period of time that count the most. And that is where diversification will be the most helpful: over the long term.”

Timber is a good option for both short-term and long-term investment as there is still money to be made over a period of maybe five years, explained AAA. It added that the asset will simply continue to grow, so can be held on to for as long as it takes for the timber to reach the prices preferred by an investor.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596

URALCHEM continues to increase its revenue in the first half of year 2011


- Revenue increased to US $ 1.035 billion, compared to US $ 663 million in H1 2010

- Operating profit increased to US $ 288 million, compared to US $ 83 million in H1 2010

- Adjusted EBITDA grew to US $ 337 million, compared to US $ 137 million in H1 2010

- Net profit amounted to US $ 244 million, compared to net loss of US $ 13 million in H1 2010

Moscow, Russia - August 12, 2011 -- URALCHEM Holding P.L.C. (hereinafter URALCHEM Holding or the Company), a Cypriot holding company of the URALCHEM Group (hereinafter called the Group), one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers in Russia, today announced its unaudited IFRS financial results for the 1st half of 2011 ending 30 June 2011.

Key financial figures in H1 2010-2011 ($ million)


H1 2011
H1 2010
Year-on-year change, %
Revenue
1 035,5
663,5
56,1%
Gross profit
576,7
302,6
90,6%
Gross profit margin
55,7%
45,6%
10,1%
Operating profit
288,0
82,5
249,1%
Operating profit margin
27,8%
12,4%
15,4%
Net profit (net loss)
244,0
(13,5)
-
Net profit margin
23,6%
-
-
Adjusted EBITDA
336,8
136,9
146,0%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
32,5%
20,6%
11,9%
Cash generated from operating activities
193,5
45,1
329,0%


Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM, OJSC (part of the URALCHEM Group), commented on the results for the 1st Half of 2011: "In the first six months of 2011 the Company significantly increased its revenues, net income and adjusted EBITDA. The net debt / EBITDA ratio comprises 1.8. Both market conditions and the results for the reporting period suggest that 2011 will be a very successful year for the URALCHEM Group."

Financial Results

Revenue in H1 2011 grew to US $ 1035 million, compared to US $ 663 million in H1 2010. Operating profit amounted to US $ 288 million, or 28% of the revenue, compared with operating profit of US $ 83 million, or 12% of the revenue in H1 2010.

In H1 2011 net profit amounted to US $ 244 million, compared with net loss of US $ 13 million in H1 2010.

In H1 2011 adjusted EBITDA reached 337 million US $ compared to US $ 137 million for the same period last year, the increase by 146%. Adjusted EBITDA margin in H1 2011 comprised 33% of revenue, compared with 21% of revenue in H1 2010.

Markets

During H1 2011 revenues from export sales increased by 65%, reaching US $ 747 million compared to the volume of export sales of US $ 452 million in H1 2010. Export sales comprised more than 70% of total sales in monetary terms. During H1 2011 revenues from sales to the domestic market amounted to US $ 247 million, compared with US $ 179 million in H1 2010.

The dynamics of the urea market in H1 2011 were significantly different from the corresponding period in 2010: the traditional market weakening in the first quarter gave way to sharp price increases that lasted throughout the second quarter and amounted to almost $ 200 / t. The main reason for the sharp rise in prices was the imbalance between strong demand from the markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa and limited supply.

The market of ammonium nitrate largely repeated the market dynamics of urea. In the first quarter minor price fluctuations were related to low volumes of trade, due to lack of available supplies, primarily in the CIS markets. In April there was a noticeable, in comparison with the first quarter, decrease of prices due to seasonal drop in demand. From May, due to increased demand in Latin America and Turkey, prices started rising again, supported by the rapid rise in urea prices.

Since the beginning of 2011 the global market of phosphorus fertilisers demonstrated stable shortage, related to decrease in supply from major sources - the U.S., China, North Africa. As a result, throughout the first half of the year there was a steady rise in prices for phosphate fertilizers, the prices in June 2011 exceed the prices in the same period last year by more than 40%.

Supported by high prices for nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers, the prices for NPK fertilisers grew throughout the first half of the year.

Sales

During the first six months of 2011, sales of commercial products of the Group increased by 8.5% compared to the same period in 2010 and totaled 2.6 million tons. The considerable growth in sales was due mainly to high demand for fertilisers both in Russia and abroad. The sales volume of phosphate fertilisers increased by 29.2%, and NPK fertilisers by 24.7% in H1 2011. Sales of ammonia decreased by 8.4% due to the increase of the share of dry products.

Sales of commercial products URALCHEM in H1 2010-2011 (thousands of tons)

Name of product
H1 2011
H1 2010
Year-on year change
Ammonium nitrate and its derivatives
1 309
1 253
4,4%
NPK fertilisers
319
256
24,7%
Phosphate fertilisers
289
224
29,2%
Urea
275
265
3,7%
Ammonia
219
239
-8,4%
Other chemicals, including porous and waterproof ammonium nitrate
198
168
18,3%
Total
2 609
2 405
8,5%


Financial situation

Cash generated from operations (before tax and interest) in H1 2011 amounted to US $ 194 million compared to US $ 45 million in H1 2010. This largely resulted from increased revenue, which occurred as a result of significant growth in demand and prices in the fertiliser market.

On June 30, 2011 the Company's net debt amounted to US $ 1233.7 million. The weighted average interest rate in the loan portfolio during the six months of 2011 comprised 8.0% per annum compared to 9.6% in the same period last year.

By the end of the year 2011 the Company plans to reduce the net debt to US $ 1 150.0 million.

-Ends-

For more information, please visit the company web site http://www.uralchem.com or use the following contact information:

PR department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89

PR representative in the UK and Ireland
Eva Smit
Tel: +44 (0) 7538 978986

URALCHEM HOLDING P.L.C. is a holding company of the URALCHEM Group, which includes three fertilizer manufacturing facilities in Russia. URALCHEM is one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers in Russia and the CIS with production capacities of over 2.5 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate, 2.2 million tonnes of ammonia, 0.8 million tonnes of MAP and DAP, 0.8 million tonnes of complex fertilisers and 0.5 million tonnes of urea. URALCHEM is the second largest ammonium nitrate producer in the world and number one in Russia. URALCHEM’s key production assets include Azot Branch of URALCHEM, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm Region; MFP Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, OJSC Branch in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov region; Voskresensk Mineral Fertilisers, OJSC in Voskresensk, Moscow region.

Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of URALCHEM. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions. We do not intend to update these statements and our actual results may differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions.

Singing Film Critic Completes First Summer Season Of Posting Reviews Of Blockbuster Movies

Establishes Online Home at www.SingingFilmCritic.com.

BALTIMORE - August 11, 2011 -- Leland, the Singing Film Critic, a hand puppet with googly eyes, a bulbous nose and a stylish tan hat, has completed his first season of reviewing summer blockbuster movies and has established an online home at http://www.SingingFilmCritic.com.

Over the past few months, Leland has sung his reviews of 12 movies: Thor, Priest, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, X-Men: First Class, Super 8, Green Lantern, The Tree of Life, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Captain America, Cowboys and Aliens, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, rating each on a scale of 1 to 10. Each review runs about a minute and a half, and can be viewed on his new website.

Leland’s unique sense of humor and rhyme may be conveyed by the following snippet of his Priest review: “Oh, Priest / Was bad to say the least / I prayed to the Lord / Let this film have a good story / Instead, I was bored / With vampires so gory...” Addressing Paul Bettany, Priest’s leading man, Leland asks: “Oh Bettany... / Good film roles / Why can't you gettany?”.

Baltimore resident Alex Thaler, who created Leland and writes and sings his reviews, said, “Leland is proud of completing his first summer of movie reviewing. He’s already checking the list of fall releases and deciding what films he'll be reviewing next. At the same time, he is very happy to have a dedicated website, http://www.SingingFilmCritic.com, as a showcase for his reviews.”

In early July, Dean Richards, Chicago film critic and entertainment reporter, talked about Leland on WGN-TV 9 News, and interviewed Mr. Thaler on WGN-AM radio.

Visit Leland’s official web site at http://www.SingingFilmCritic.com.

To watch and subscribe to Leland, the Singing Film Critic on YouTube, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/thesingingfilmcritic

To watch and “like” Leland, the Singing Film Critic on Facebook, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/SingingFilmCritic

Media contact:
Janet Vasquez
The Investor Relations Group
11 Stone Street, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10004
Tel: 212-825-3210