Monthly Archives: December 2011

Travel

Estonia Adopts GuardTime Digital Signatures

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GuardTime, today announced that the Estonia Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications signed a memorandum of co-operation, according to which Estonia will start looking for opportunities to implement digital signatures in e-state information systems.

Tallinn, Estonia, Wednesday – December 14, 2011 — GuardTime ( http://www.guardtime.com ) creator of the Keyless Signature technology used to provide indisputable proof of time, origin, and integrity for electronic data, today announced that the Estonia Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications signed a memorandum of co-operation, according to which Estonia will start looking for opportunities to implement digital signatures in e-state information systems.

“GuardTime’s technology allows documents to be signed easily and securely, making forgeries and changing an already signed document without the signer’s consent impossible,” said the Estonian Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications Juhan Parts. “Estonia’s ambition is to be the most secure e-states in the world and GuardTime provides significant alternatives in the realization of Estonian public sector security measures,” Parts added.

The digital timestamp technology was developed by Estonian scientists AhtoBuldas and MärtSaarepera. GuardTime provides a mathematically based digital signature service that proves authenticity of documents and data. GuardTime’s technology is already used by companies both in and outside of Estonia, but Estonia is progressive with its information technology and is the first country in the world to adopt Keyless Signatures in the public sector.

According to GuardTime Estonia ( http://www.guardtime.com ) CEO Raul Vahisalu, cracking digital timestamps is mathematically impossible and signatures cannot be forged or changed without the author’s consent. “These reasons make it a perfect data protection solution for countries, which have to keep their data secured on one hand, but also make it accessible to citizens. We are very keen to start co-operation,” said Vahisalu.

The first Estonian public sector organization working on implementing GuardTime’s signature is the National Archive of Estonia. “For long-term storage, ensuring authenticity is one of the key issues,” said LauriLeht, head of the National Archive’s digital preservation bureau. “Implementing timestamps for digitized documents coming into the archive and signing internal materials gives an objective proof that the files have not been changed by unauthorized users,” added Leht.

GuardTime’s digital signature ( http://www.guardtime.com ) can be verified by a code published in the Financial Times that contains a hash value, date and time record. In Estonia, GuardTime’s technology has already been adopted by SEB Bank.

GuardTime’s founders invented an algorithm that mathematically proves the time, location and integrity of electronic data at rest and in motion. GuardTime’s Keyless Signatures ( http://www.guardtime.com ) enable enterprises to switch to a cloud compute model with confidence, maintaining an independent audit trail of all data and related activities while complying with regulatory and legal admissibility requirements.

About GuardTime:
GuardTime was founded with the goal of solving one of the biggest problems in computing: how to be sure electronic data is authentic. GuardTime’s Keyless Signatures provide proof of origin and that not a single bit of the data has changed since a specific point in time. The verification of the signatures can be done offline without reliance on keys, secrets, or the existence of a trusted third party. GuardTime’s mission is to change the world to one where Keyless Signatures are ubiquitous and a natural part of the everyday data lifecycle, whether on disk, in transit, or in the Cloud. The company was recently selected as co-winner of the Innotribe $100K Start-Up Challenge, honoring the company as one of the world’s most promising financial technology start-ups. Visit http://www.guardtime.com for more information about using Keyless Signatures for signing your data.

Contacts:
UunoVallner
Director of the Division of Information Technology Architecture at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
+372 513 7174
uuno.vallner@riso.ee

LauriLeht
Head of the National Archive’s Digital Preservation Bureau
+3727387535
lauri.leht@ra.ee

Press & Media Contact:
Raul Vahisalu, CEO
GuardTime Estonia
Tallinn, Estonia
+372 509 0385
raul.vahisalu@guardtime.com
http://www.guardtime.com

Technology

ArivisWebView Allows 3D Image Viewing of Gigabyte Images in Web Browsers

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First of its kind, WebView3D can visualize volumetric data.

Seattle (USA) / Berlin (Germany), Wednesday – December 14, 2011 — Arivis ( http://www.arivis.com ), the leading provider of software for the visualization and analysis of high-dimensional image data of almost unlimited size, today announced beta version of WebView 3.0 with 3D rendering.

WebView3D is a new SaaS-based tool that allows users to view, manipulate, annotate and collaborate on multi-gigapixel images and render 3D image stacks using popular and common Internet browsers. WebView 3D is part of ArivisWebView, a modular framework for image visualization and annotation on the Internet.

In short, WebView3D visualizes volumetric data. For example, in a life sciences or medical application WebView3D could be used to show large computer tomography scans over the web.

“The idea behind WebView3D is to allow for the easy sharing and manipulation of volumetric data and large 3D images such as those generated by microscopical or X-ray computed tomography, or industrial CT scanning, for example,” says Arivis founder Christian Götze. “Size is never an issue. Our products incorporate, combine, manage, visualize, and analyze image data, independent from its origin, dimensionality and dimension.”

WebView3D ( http://webview3d.arivis.com/ ) takes advantage of the platform-independent WebGL interface based on OpenGL standards and freely available on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and the open source Opera browser. WebView3D support for Microsoft Explorer is forthcoming. (No plug-ins necessary.)

The ArivisWebView framework ( http://www.arivis.com ) also provides a layer of collaboration tools such as marking annotations directly on regions of interest, editorial tracking by author, time and date stamping, and archiving. For example, Boston doctors can share virtual pathological slides from a cancer patient and get a second opinion by specialists from Berlin without having to download or upload the massive file locally.

Although WebView3D can be used for sharing and viewing 3D images in life sciences, neuroscience, and biotechnology, its applications are not limited strictly to applied sciences.

Using the new WebGL technology, WebView3D can render interactive 3D data quickly and at high resolution quality in standard web browsers. Being a standard compliant solution, the 3D technology can be implemented in any web application and interact with existing systems or used in third-party applications.

WebView3D will be available as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, or sold as server software. The beta version can be demoed by visiting: http://webview3d.arivis.com/.

About Arivis:
With offices in Berlin, Germany and Seattle, Arivis products incorporate, combine, manage, visualize, and analyze image data, independent from its origin, dimensionality and dimension. Its software solutions are designed to give users fast and easy access on any pixel images from scientific sources as microscopes and computer tomographs (CT). The company provides modular software systems for scientific image processing and image analysis, finding solutions for a cost-effective and time-efficient processing of nearly indefinitely large, complex image data and in cases where conventional software fails because of excessively large image data. For further information, please visit http://www.arivis.com.

All company names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Press & Media Contact:
Victor Cruz, Principal
MediaPR.net Inc
Kröpeliner Straße 54
18055 Rostock – Germany
+1 978-594-4134
vcruz@mediapr.net
http://www.arivis.com

Business

Plumbing Contractors for Quality and Reliable Service

With all your knowledge to do house-hold repairs for various facilities using Do-It-Yourself kits, plumbing is one area where most of the time you would need the services of an Orange County plumbing contractor having wide experience in dealing with all kinds of plumbing problems. Leakage in water or sewer lines, improper functioning of the heating and air conditioning system are some problems that you may face any time and often these are not easily repaired all by yourself with the best of DIY kits available in the market.
Hiring A Plumbing Contractor
It is important to hire a plumber who is licensed. Plumbers sometimes work at dangerous heights and their job is at times risky. A licensed plumber has sufficient skills to work in such conditions. It is also important to make sure that they are insured so that you do not have any liability later on in case of any accident of a worker doing the job in your premises. You should always ask for recommendations from your friends and family before choosing a plumbing contractor.
Apart from recommendations, you can try to look online by looking for reviews to assure that the quality of services provided by the contractor.
Installation and Repair of Equipments
A plumbing Orange County contractor can help you not just with installation process of many equipments you use at home, but also reduce your worries related to improper functioning as well as repair of these equipments. Sewer and water pipe fitting, water meters, storage tanks, sanitary fittings, heating and air conditioning system, water heaters are a few of the examples where you may require the service of certified Orange County plumbing contractors. If you’re considering a new water heater, now is the time to look into tankless water heaters, the newest and most energy and space efficient water heaters in the market today. Orange County plumbing contractors can also assist you with Orange County tankless water heater installation.
Emergency Services
Plumbing emergency can come at any time. Hence before hiring the services of any plumbing contractor, you should properly enquire about their emergency services. Ask if they offer specialized services available for on-call emergencies. When you encounter any plumbing emergencies, best way to look for a plumber is visit their website and examine the quality of work they do based on testimonials or reviews. Contact them through phone and ask for estimated time they will arrive at your home.

Contact us at 877-821-8277 to speak to the orange county heating or visit us online at scottharrisonplumbing.com to schedule a meeting. We will be quick to respond to any types of your plumbing requirement, including orange county plumbers.

Entertainment

Project Grand Slam Releases New Song to Benefit Victims of Child Abuse

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Project Grand Slam, the contemporary electric jazz group, has today released their version of the classic Hollies hit, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”, with Special Guest Vocals by Joye Hennessey.

New York, NY, December 07, 2011 – Project Grand Slam, the contemporary electric jazz group, has today released their version of the classic Hollies hit, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”, with Special Guest Vocals by Joye Hennessey. The song is dedicated to the victims of child abuse, relating to the Penn State and recent Syracuse sexual abuse scandals.

Like millions of people across the United States and the world, the members of Project Grand Slam were horrified to learn of the sexual abuse allegations connected with Jerry Sandusky in the Penn State University football program and with Bernie Fine at Syracuse University. Project Grand Slam was completing its new album when they realized that “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” was particularly appropriate to the Penn State and Syracuse scandals. The song’s title was the motto for Father Flannigan’s Boys Town charity, which was created in the early 1900s to help disadvantaged and abused children. The song’s message of support for victims and the abused is consistent with Penn State’s and Syracuse’s healing efforts following the sexual abuse scandal. Therefore, Project Grand Slam decided to immediately release “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” as a single, and to donate proceeds from the song to benefit the victims of child abuse such as RAINN and Prevent Child Abuse PA.

The song is currently available for download on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/he-aint-heavy-hes-my-brother/id482770139. The song will also be available for online streaming from Spotify, Napster, Amazon and others.

About Project Grand Slam
Project Grand Slam’s debut album, Play, released in 2008, garnered rave critical reviews. A track from the album, “The Captain Of Her Heart”, with guest vocals by Judie Tzuke, was a Top 20 radio hit. In addition, PGS and five tracks from Play were prominently featured in an episode of the hit NBC series, “Lipstick Jungle”, starring Brooke Shields.

The core members of Project Grand Slam are Robert Miller (Electric Bass, Composer), Ron Thaler (Drums, Percussion), and Gilad Ronen (Saxophones, Composer). Each has significant and extensive musical credentials. “He Ain’t Heavy” also features guest artists Mike Eckroth (Keyboards), Danny Lerman (Saxophones), Justin Smith (Strings) and Joye Hennessey (Special Guest Vocals).

Project Grand Slam’s follow up album containing “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” and seven other original tunes, will be released in early 2012.

To find Project Grand Slam on the web:
Official Website: http://projectgrandslam.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/projectgrandslam
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/projectgrndslam

For further information contact: Chip Schutzman, Miles High Productions, 323 806 0400, chip@mileshighproductions.com

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://projectgrandslam.com/

Consumer Services, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping

Top brand toys, bikes, books and more on a budget with new deals from leading codes website

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Sourcing that perfect Christmas gift for a loved one this festive season just got cheaper and easier thanks to the latest deals made public by vouchers website DiscountVouchers.co.uk. The online specialist has introduced new Jessops, Argos and Amazon deals this week to let people save.

The latest range of new DiscountVouchers.co.uk deals have been released to help people to get money off toys and bikes for both kids and adults through using new Argos voucher codes. The website is currently home to money-saving deals up to half price toys and save up to half price on all adults and kids bikes.

Users can also log on to the DiscountVouchers.co.uk website right now and access new deals for saving on books, Kindle e-books, DVDs and more from leading e-tailer Amazon. The latest Amazon vouchers available online right now include great value deals such as massive savings – up to 70% off books and also up to 75% off with Amazon’s Amazing 12 Days of Christmas SALE – Savings on Over 100,000 Gifts.

Also to be had in the new choice of deals are vouchers offering savings on digital camera kit and accessories – an excellent gift idea this Christmas. DiscountVouchers.co.uk is the place to go to get Jessops voucher code options which shoppers can use to get 15% off everything at Jessops and 3 for 2 on all photo books.

Doug Scott, managing director of DiscountVouchers.co.uk, said, “Christmas is a potentially expensive time for all consumers, and so many people want to spend but also need to work to a budget. Our latest choice of deals is online right now to help people save on top brands like Amazon, Jessops and Argos – perfect for festive gifts for all the family.”

DiscountVouchers.co.uk offers consumers money saving deals at major high street brands and specialist retailers, including stores like Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Travelodge, First Choice, lastminute.com and Boden.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk.

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Consumer Services, Healthcare, Non-Profit, Society, Travel

Blue Water Spa, a Raleigh NC Spa and Laser Hair Removal Center Donates $107,000.00 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County

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Blue Water Spa, a Raleigh laser hair removal center, donates $108,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County. Kile Law, president and founder of Blue Water Spa in Raleigh, NC attributes the donations to the loyalty and generosity of the clients and staff at Blue Water Spa.

“The Boys and Girls Clubs is an amazing organization. They need support of the community to continue their wonderful work,” says Kile Law. “We are a small business, but I know when we work together Blue Water Spa clients can do great things. The average donation was $37.11, but we all gave together to reach $100,000.00.” Blue Water Spa raised money by offering spa and laser hair removal in Raleigh at a redued price for people who donate to charity.

Blue Water Spa has been voted best medical spa in America for three consecutive years by American Spa Magazine. Raleigh Spa Specials at Blue Water Spa provide an opportunity for people who serve the community and/or donate time or funds to charity to receive luxury spa treatments at reduced prices. Blue Water Spa www.bluewaterspa.com is the top provider of Botox and Juvederm in the Raleigh area and was recently designated an Allergan Black Diamond Provider. In 2011 Blue Water Spa supported over 120 local charities and non-profits. Blue Water Spa has donated more than 150,000 pounds of food to the Interfaith Food Shuttle of NC.

The North Raleigh spa provides luxury spa services in a beautiful lush atmosphere. Blue Water Spa laser center provides laser hair removal, laser skin tightening and laser vein therapy.

Kile Law is president and founder of Blue Water Spa, Kile has been recognized as Humanitarian of the Year in the Aesthetics industry by Aesthetics International. Under Kile Law’s leadership, Blue Water Spa has been voted best place to work in the Triangle by the Triangle Business Journal. Kile Law leads the spa’s philanthropic endeavors. In 2010 she was recognized by the Interfaith Food Shuttle of NC for a gift of 100,000 pounds of food to the Interfaith Food Shuttle.

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Entertainment

MAX Agency is currently hiring Talent Scouts and Talent Agents

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MAX Agency, Canada’s leading Principal TV/Film/Modeling Agency, is currently hiring Talent Scouts and Agents for their Toronto office.

Toronto, ON December 12, 2011 – MAX Agency is currently hiring Talent Scouts and Agents. Have you ever thought about having a career in the entertainment industry? Have you watched reality shows like ‘American Idol’ or ‘So, you think you can dance?’, and thought I can do that. I can spot raw talent. Well, here’s your golden opportunity.

MAX Agency, Canada’s leading Principal TV/Film/Modeling Agency, is currently hiring Talent Scouts and Agents for their Toronto office. Both full time and part time positions are available. Prior experience in the TV/Film and/or Modeling industry is a plus. Ideal candidates must be very confident and fashionable, have thick skin, thrive under pressure and be very direct and assertive.

So, if you think you got what it takes to be a Talent Scout or Talent Agent, email your resume to info@maxagency.com

MAX Agency has been providing clients with top notch talent for over 11 years. MAX Agency‘s models and actors have had the privilege to work with companies such as Nike, Labatt’s, Sony, GM, TD Canada Trust, MCDonald’s, Tree House, Urban Legend TV Series, Ocean Room TV Series, West 49, Hugo Boss, Tim Horton’s and the list goes on and on.

For more information on MAX Agency visit their website at http://www.maxagency.com

Contact:
Natalya O
MAX Agency
2063 Yonge St. Suite 202
Toronto, ON M4S-2A2
416-482-5392
info@maxagency.com
http://www.maxagency.com

Business

Writeoffloan.com: Reclaim your payment protection insurance…Free!

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Stockport Road, Altrincham (December, 2011) – Writeoffloan.com undoubtedly leads the way when it comes to PPI claims. PPI or payment protection insurance was designed to help people in time of financial need, i.e. if one becomes ill and cannot work or job cutbacks. The banks state that payment protection insurance will be there to cover one’s repayments on debts until they are able to get back on one’s feet with finances but unfortunately, like most of us have found out, this is easier said than done. Writeoffloan.com will help you to reclaim your payment protection insurance. One thing I really like about them is that they do not charge any upfront fees for payment protection insurance cases; they only charge 25% of whatever is recovered. With no risk and high reward, it’s no wonder they are valued for their integrity and great results.

Writeoffloan.com truly has a great deal of know-how when it comes to PPI claims. Dealing with lenders and finances can be a daunting task, filled with red tape, endless funnels and frustration, but their expertise will streamline this process, achieving swift and effective results. It is virtually guaranteed that lenders will reject one’s claim and will probably have to write up to five times before one gets a satisfactory response. They will not be in any hurry to give the person their money back. Writeoffloan.com completely understands this and that is why they lend a hand. They do all they can to process their clients mis sold PPI claim from start to finish. The whole process normally takes around 6 weeks. They offer a truly incredible PPI calculator which can be really useful for all those who want to reclaim their PPI.

Testimonials featured on Writeoffloan.com clearly depict their commitment to achieve excellence in everything they do. Mrs. A Morgan from Lancashire states that “Thanks to Writeoffloan.com efforts on my behalf I received a £267 refund back from a sofa shop. When I bought a sofa from them nearly three years ago they added PPI insurance to it without checking to see if I was eligible. The store salesman and I both thought it was a good idea to have it as I had a serious illness a few years before that could come back and I’d have to take time off work to recover. I ended up having a relapse of this illness and was off work for six months. The PPI policy did not pay out as it was a pre-existing illness. If I had known this I would never have taken out the PPI insurance in the first place. The sofa salesman obviously hadn’t had financial training or just wanted the commission as he was encouraging me to have something that was useless!”

About Writeoffloan.com:

This company has a proven track record of success when it comes to PPI claims. If you want to reclaim your PPI then get in touch with them right away. I am sure they will help you. For more details please contact them at:

Address: Stockport Road, Altrincham
Zip Code: M8 8EB
Phone: 0800 043 2027
E-mail:info@simplefs.co.uk

Business

Katrina LaPenne Jewelry Aims to Arouse The Senses in a Collaboration with MCMC Fragrances

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An ode to blossoming Brooklyn, local designer & perfumer create a lavish collection of floral inspired solid perfumes encased in luxurious silver lockets.

New York, NY, December 12, 2011 – Jewelry designer Katrina LaPenne launched an exciting collaboration with Anne McClain of MCMC Fragances aimed to spotlight the botanical beauties of Brooklyn. A collection of posh Sterling Silver lockets and matching stud earrings are handcrafted to coincide with the alluring floral scented solid perfumes they encase. The Brooklyn based designer and perfumer have gathered inspiration from three of the most iconic florets blooming in the famously trendy borough – rose, lilac and moonflower. The concept was to design charming lockets that generated a visually stunning representation of the solid perfumes they would hold within.

The unique process begins with Katrina LaPenne’s use of a hydraulic press to form the locket shape, later soldering on hinges, clasps, and a rim to house the perfume. Once the locket is perfectly shaped, it is adorned with a hand-carved floral design corresponding to one of three floral aromas. Following the formation of the locket, Anne McClain fills each piece by hand using a traditional method of melting beeswax and jojoba oil before combining it with the fragrance-specific ingredients, all of which are gentle to the skin. With a fusion of rare and precious materials such as Bulgarian rose absolute, lillac, and French basil, the perfumes boast a concentration of 25% – higher than standard perfumes – ensuring a little bit will always go a long way. These incredible gems are sure to become a permanent part of your collection as well; a re-fill program will soon be available to ensure a long-lasting relationship with your soon-to-be-favorite jewels.

About Katrina LaPenne
From a young age Katrina LaPenne was fully aware her path would lead her to create visually exquisite things. After earning her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Jewelry and Light Metals from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, she ventured back to her native Brooklyn prepared to inspire the masses with her unique ability to create personal, inspiring jewelry. Pulling inspiration from the natural beauties found in nature, ancient artifacts, and exotic decorative objects surrounding her, LaPenne produces each collection with the utmost care and attention to detail. Keeping in tune with her love of nature’s charm, has vowed to keep her company as socially and environmentally conscious as possible. – KatrinaLapenne.com

About MCMC Fragrances
MCMC Fragances is an intimate company founded by Anne McClain in 2010, dedicated to creating high quality perfumes with a uniquely lady-like appeal. Based in Brooklyn, NY, every fragrance is crafted in small batches and poured by hand. Anne McClain studied natural perfumery and aromatherapy before moving to Grasse, the “perfume capital” of France, to further her knowledge of the history, techniques, and practices of modern perfumery. With a knowledge and appreciation of natural elements and an extensive grasp on what makes a high quality product, McClain guarantees that every scent is made with love. – MCMCFragances.com

Contact:
Malorie Kaye
President
Cameo PR
167 Madison Avenue Suite 204
New York, NY 10016
O: (646) 360-3488
C: (732) 598-2236
malorie@cameopr.com
http://www.cameopr.com

Business

AAA Reports On Growing Appetite for Wine Investment

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More evidence that wine may be the new favourite among alternative investors has been unearthed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, MA, December 12, 2011 – More evidence that wine may be the new favourite among alternative investors has been unearthed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The Alternative investment advocacy and research group claims that Investment guru Michael Spencer’s purchase of a minority stake in “the Goldman Sachs of the wine market”, the Bordeaux Index, further demonstrates the asset class’s popularity.

“The fact that many alternative asset classes have become extremely pricey in recent months has meant that the more alternative of alternative assets are now becoming a more valid option for those looking to invest,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson.

He added “Although wine is still seen as somewhat of a niche investment market, this is changing rapidly and with high profile moves like this one, involving Mr Spencer, more investors could follow this lead.”

This is not just to do with the relative affordability, however. It is arguably more to do with the fact that wine has performed very well while other more traditional assets have taken a hit. The founder of Bordeaux Index, Gary Boom, said, “If you take wine from when we started measuring in 1983 it has outperformed all the stock exchanges out there. Not by masses, but by one or two per cent a year. The only commodity that has stood up to that is gold.”

Wine investment is also an effective diversifier for investment portfolios as it is much less likely to follow the same patterns as equity markets and has a low correlation with general economic trends. One of the major drivers in the wine market at the moment is the increasing demand from China where the population’s increasingly sophisticated tastes are leading to a boom in the market for all things luxurious. Hong Kong has also seen a rise in demand, helped along by the removal of a duty that was previously charged on wine.

Mr Johnson added, “alternative investors can also look at other more alternative alternatives for lower cost options, such as forestry investment products like those offered by Greenwood Management in Brazil. This firm offers people the chance to invest in their own piece of forest from around EUR 10,000.”

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com