All posts by staronepr

The Journey for Mama’s Babies, a Non-fiction Book by Melissa R. Pandolf Released Worldwide

Melissa Pandolf, author and mother of four adopted children takes readers through her personal journey of the complex adoption process. The Journey for Mama’s babies is a story inspired by the process and unconditional love.

Patchogue, NY, USA (April 8, 2014) — The Journey for Mama’s Babies, enlightening, easy to read, and arrestingly honest, will captivate anyone who has ever navigated the intricacies of the adoption process or who cares about someone who has. Both inspiring and open-eyed, this tender, telling story of a family built across oceans, languages, and every imaginable obstacle will take hold of your heart, and make you hold your loved ones closer still. (http://www.facebook.com/thejourneyformamasbabies)

When Melissa Pandolf and her husband, Doug, began the adoption process, the hopeful mother-to-be had her sights set on quickly welcoming two beaming babies to make the Pandolf house a family home. However, after three years, four trips to Russia, one trip to Washington, DC, and two plane crashes that threatened to bring their dream down around them, she came to realize that a bigger destiny awaited them on the other side of the world. As the adoptive parents of four Russian siblings, the young Long Island couple learned the true meaning of family, and what it means to go the extra mile to give your children what they need.

Beginning with the first meeting with an adoption agency, The Journey for Mama’s Babies chronicles the Pandolfs’ three-year odyssey to bring their babies home. From her naïve initial assumptions about the process to her ultimate hard-won savvy and resolve, Pandolf shares every key aspect of the experience, including the unexpected depression that can be companion to this emotionally wrenching process. With clear-eyed candor, the author recounts the ups and downs, the unexpected twists, and the backward loops that frequently punctuated their mission.

“Finding the time to write about this amazing journey is an accomplishment in and of itself, but being able to produce a book that my children can read and re-read, and digest their journey at their own pace, of how they became “Mama’s Babies”, is by far the most proudest accomplishment of my life. I love my children fiercely and this book is just one way that I demonstrate my love for them,” says the author.

Being able to share the great lengths adoptive parents will go to in order to build their family through adoption, and also give non-adoptive families another angle to view adoption from, has been a blessing in disguise. I find that my readers are thankful for opening their eyes to a world that is full of assumptions.”

“Melissa has captured the complexity and the passion of the adoption process in this story. Her honest and ability to share even the most difficult aspects of the adoption process will help other families get through!” says Charlotte Torti MSW, LMSW, Senior Social Worker, Wide Horizons For Children.

The Journey for Mama’s Babies, by Melissa R. Pandolf, 194 pages in paperback, ISBN-10: 0615865429, ISBN-13: 978-0615865423, is published by Harpan Publishing (November 26, 2013). It is available through major on-line booksellers and select book stores.

About the Author:
Melissa R. Pandolf is the adoptive mom to four biological Russian siblings, two of whom have special needs. She recently celebrated her twentieth year serving in the United States military, and is currently serving in the Air National Guard. She has an AAS degree in financial management, as well as an associate degree in allied health services, from the Community College of the Air Force. She was born and raised in Huntington, New York and graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1992. Melissa is a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1469 in Huntington, New York. She lives in Patchogue, Long Island, with her husband, four children, and the family dog. Her life, as crazy and hectic as it is, is perfect, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Media Contact:
Melissa Pandolf
(516) 641-0768
melissapandolf@msn.com
http://www.facebook.com/thejourneyformamasbabies

BatchOutput PDF 2.2.4 Released: Improves Printing of Multiple Copies

Zevrix Solutions releases BatchOutput PDF 2.2.4, a maintenance update to its solution to automate PDF printing with watched hot folders on Mac OS. Users only need to drop PDF files into hot folders and they will be printed automatically using the assigned output preset. BatchOutput PDF is a robust and affordable tool for users of any trade, whether it’s print, publishing, education or financial sector. The new version improves printing of multiple copies and addresses certain stability issues.

Toronto (ON), Canada (April 6, 2014) — Zevrix Solutions announces the release of BatchOutput PDF 2.2.4 a maintenance update to its simple and powerful solution to automate PDF printing on Mac OS X. The software allows users to print PDF files from watched hot folders, saving the time and effort of opening and printing each document manually.

The new version improves printing of multiple copies by letting users specify the desired number of copies in individual print presets. It allows users to create more flexible workflows with specific hot folders dedicated to different multi-copy jobs. The new update also addresses an issue in which incorrect number of PDF pages was reported on some systems.

BatchOutput PDF offers reliable, robust and affordable solution for users of any trade, whether it’s print, publishing, graphic design, education or financial sector:

Print PDF files automatically from watched hot folders
– Create hot folders for various print settings
– Work with other programs while BatchOutput PDF prints in the background
– Detailed output history
– Specify password for encrypted PDFs
– Save time and hassle of printing each PDF manually

The software is available in two licenses: BatchOutput PDF and BatchOutput PDF Server. BatchOutput PDF Server allows users to create hot folders on a network, which makes it possible to serve multiple users with a single copy of the program, while the low-cost regular version targets users who need to automate PDF printing on a single computer.

Pricing and Availability:
BatchOutput PDF can be purchased from Zevrix website for US$24.95 (Server version $99.95), as well as from authorized resellers. The update is free for licensed users of version 2. Trial is also available for download. BatchOutput PDF supports Mac OS X 10.5-10.9.

About Zevrix Solutions

Located in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite software, PDF workflows, graphic file diagnostics, file delivery and Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix is dedicated to help professionals increase their profits through automating everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visit http://www.zevrix.com.

Contact:
Leo Revzin
Owner
Zevrix Solutions
105 McCAUL St, Suite 301
Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada
858-206-0607
media@zevrix.com

Solutions for Adobe InDesign & the Graphics Industry

Marine Corps Veteran Will Schmidt Will Attempt the First Solo Stand Up Paddle of the West Coast of the United States to Raise Funds for Wounded Service Members

Marine Corps Veteran Will Schmidt, a survivor of non-service related depression, is attempting the first solo stand up paddle of the West Coast of the United States to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. The athlete expects the trip, starting in late May 2014, to last close to five weeks and span close to 1400 miles.

Dana Point, CA, USA (April 03, 2014) — Former United States Marine and endurance stand up paddler, Will Schmidt, has scheduled an attempt at a ‘first ever’ for the sport of open water Stand Up Paddling. From May 23rd – July 4th, 2014, Will is slated to stand up paddle the West Coast of the United States from Canada to Mexico solo and largely unassisted to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project and military service members that suffer from post combat anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury. With the aid of SICMaui, NEMO Equipment, GU Energy, Swiss Barefoot Co, and Flow Sports, Will is able to pack and transport all survival gear on his SIC F-16 stand up paddle board throughout the estimated 5 week adventure.

In September of 2013, Will solo stand up paddled the inner California Channel Islands Chain from Oxnard, CA to Dana Point, CA consecutively to benefit charity. He covered a distance of 225.6 miles, crossed 9 channels, and landed on 6 islands. Escorted by a 34’ Catalina sailboat, he set 2 and broke 3 stand up paddle records within the span of a week.

Schmidt will be filming this journey to produce a documentary film based on the trip as well as planning many public appearances along the way. Visit Will’s website and click on the banner to view his fundraising page for this trip or directly link to the fundraiser. All proceeds from his fundraiser after expenses will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, a 501c3 nonprofit charity.

Contact Will at will@AreYouInspiredYet.com to schedule an interview, appearance, receive press ready photos, or to explore sponsorship opportunities.

Media Contact:
Will Schmidt
AreYouInspiredYet.com
30001 Golden Lantern #221
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949-374-3751
will@areyouinspiredyet.com
http://www.areyouinspiredyet.com

3rd Annual “All Women” Online Art Exhibition Results Announced

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is pleased to announce that its April 2014 online art exhibition is now posted on their website and is ready to be viewed online.

Jupiter, FL, USA (April 1, 2014) — Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery is pleased to announce that its April 2014 online art exhibition is now posted on their website and is ready to be viewed online. The theme for this art exhibition is “All Women”, and it was a women only event. The gallery received a broad selection of 2D media from women artists from around the world for this event.

An international online art competition was held in March 2014 which determined and judged the art for this exhibition. The gallery received and judged 709 entries from 22 different countries from around the world and they also received entries from 36 different states.

Congratulations to all of the artists who have been designated as this month’s category winners, along with the winning Special Merit and the Special Recognition artists. The gallery commends all of the winning artists for their artistic skill and their creativity, as this online art exhibition is indicative of their creativity.

To proceed to the galleries 3rd Annual “All Women” online art exhibition follow this link: http://www.lightspacetime.com/all-women-art-exhibition-april-2014.

Each month Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery conducts themed online art competitions for 2D artists. All participating winners of each competition have their artwork exposed and promoted online through the online gallery to thousands of visitors each month. If you know of a talented 2D artist who may benefit from the exposure and the publicity that the gallery can provide to them, please forward this press release to them.

About Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

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

Media Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
888-490-3530
info@lightspacetime.com
http://www.lightspacetime.com

“Karina Sings”: A Concert Bringing Awareness Surrounding Special Needs Children and their Families

Free Admission. Donations support Karinia’s Expressive Arts Therapy program for disabled children in Baltimore City and County.The concert will be held in Mays Chapel UM Church 11911 Jenifer Road, Timonium, MD 21093 on Sunday April 13th at 4pm.

Timonium, MD, USA (March 31, 2014) — Goucher College Students’ A Capella Group, Red Hot Blue will preform on April 13th; two Opera singers from NYC, Edgar Jaramillo – Tenor, and Evelyn Thatcher – Soprano will sing areas and duets by Puccini, Verdi, and F. Lehar.

The Admission is Free. Donations support Karinia’s Expressive Arts Therapy program for disabled children in Baltimore City and County.The concert will be held in Mays Chapel UM Church 11911 Jenifer Road, Timonium, MD 21093 on Sunday April 13th at 4pm.

The mission of Karina Association to improve the quality of life for special needs children and young adults through professional services, advocacy and heightened public awareness. Our goal is to maximize the strengths and potential of children and young adults with special needs by bringing together dedicated families with outstanding professionals and volunteers to provide specialized therapy programs and family respite support. Karina Association was founded in 2009 by Biliana Borimetchkova to raise public awareness surrounding disabled children and young adults that come from low and moderate income families. Karina Association was created to fill an unmet need in the community of Baltimore City and the surrounding area. Karina is one of the few organizations in Maryland that practices the multi-disciplinary Expressive Arts Therapy Model.

Media Contact:
Biliana Borimetchkova
Karina Association
11911 Jenifer Rd.,
Timonium, MD 21093
443-928-0542
biliana@karinaassociation.org
http://www.karina-association.org

Think Most Immigrants Eventually Adapt to America? New Memoir Tells of Two Whose Experience Was Bumpy, Funny, and Painfully Poignant

In a world filled with memoirs, “Eat Now; Talk Later” is truly different. Unlike most memoirs, which focus on the tragic and the dysfunctional, “Eat Now” shows the how the telling of family stories builds loyalty, mutual understanding, and kinship.

New York, NY, USA (March 31, 2014) — Ten years ago, author James Vescovi began collecting stories about his unusual grandparents. While they lived in the modern world, their minds remained stuck in a medieval Italian farming culture. The newly published “Eat Now; Talk Later” features 52 hilarious and poignant stories about immigrants in New York who were stumped by telephones, banks, fast food, TV wrestling, and supermarkets.

When Tony and Desolina Vescovi arrived in America in 1929, they collided with the 20th century. They’d been born around 1900 in farming communities where little had changed for hundreds of years. It was up to their only child, a son, to serve as their shepherd, and it wasn’t easy For example, how to explain that his job was taking him and his family 700 miles away when, in their day, sons stayed put to work the family farm? Or that it wasn’t wise to hide $10,000 in the bedroom? Or you needed bring cash to the hospital to pay your bill?

Not only is the subject of the book original, but so is the way it is written. Tony and Desolina’s life is recounted through stories recalling incidents and ideas that reveal their character. Several of the stories have already appeared in print in publications such as The New York Times, Creative Nonfiction, Newsday, and Ancestry Magazine.

“I could never have written a traditional, birth-to-death memoir of my grandparents,” says Vescovi. “They were not famous and did nothing that we might deem extraordinary, like invent a successful product or argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. Instead, like most of us, they lived quiet, anonymous lives. Yet, how do we tell others about remarkable family members-through story.”

Vescovi’s collection-the full title is “Eat Now; Talk Later: 52 True Tales of Family, Feasting, and the American Dream” – began with his father. He traveled around the world as a pharmaceutical executive and he returned home with amazing stories. He was a born storyteller. He also told tales about his childhood with Tony and Desolina in New York, which the author collected. The book also contains a scrapbook of family photos and recipes.

According to Vescovi, the book’s title comes from his grandmother, who disliked conversation during meals. “To her, eating was sacred. Conversing while eating tortellini was like talking loudly during mass. You just didn’t do it.” Vescovi is quick to point out that while the tales have an Italian flavor, they have a universal quality about them. “We all have relatives like my grandparents. Part of my goal in writing ‘Eat Now; Talk Later’ is to encourage people ferret out and collect their own precious family stories.”

Eat Now; Talk Later” is also a book for modern, busy people. Stories can be read before bed, on a lunch hour, or waiting in line. “They can even be shared with friends who complain they have enough to read,” says the author.

To read an excerpt, hear an author interview, buy the book, and see one-of-a-kind photos, visit the author’s web site at eatnowtalklater.com.

Media Contact:
James Vescovi
Vescovi LLC
646-398-4628
jsv922@yahoo.it
http://www.eatnowtalklater.com

4th Annual “Figurative” Art Competition Announced by Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces the 4th Annual “Figurative” Juried Art Competition for the month of April 2014.

Jupiter, FL, USA (March 26, 2014) — Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces the 4th Annual “Figurative” Juried Art Competition for the month of April 2014. The gallery urges all 2D artists to submit their best “Figurative” art for possible inclusion into the gallery’s May 2014 online group art exhibition.

The gallery would like for all 2D artists (including photography) to send us your best interpretation of the theme “Figurative” by depicting the human form or human features. “Figurative” is considered to be figures, forms and faces. We will accept art on this subject that is either representational or abstract, but please, do not submit any erotic art.

A group exhibition of the top ten finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery during the month of May 2014. Awards will be for 1st through 5th places and in addition 5 artists will be recognized with Honorable Mention awards. Depending on the amount and the quality of the entries, these winning categories may be expanded and there also may be Special Merit and Special Recognition awards posted as well. The submission process and the deadline is April 26, 2014.

Winning artists of the “Figurative” Art Exhibition will receive extensive worldwide publicity and promotion in the form of email marketing, 70+ press release announcements, 75+ event announcements, and social media marketing in order to make the art world aware of the artist’s accomplishments. In addition, there will also be links back to the artist’s website as part of this achievement and hopefully to help drive traffic back to the artist’s website. Figurative artists should provide us with your best art and apply online here: http://www.lightspacetime.com.

About Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

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

Media Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
888-490-3530
info@lightspacetime.com
http://www.lightspacetime.com

UK Budget March 2014 and QROPS for Final Salary Pensions

If you are in a Final Salary scheme you need to act now! Or you may be sorry, as time is running out!

ZURICH, Switzerland (March 26, 2014) — Given this budget is in the run up to the next election in 2015. As normal it is a sweetener, and lots of smoke and mirrors.

After the smoke has cleared however, if you are in a Final Salary, also known as a Defined Benefit pension scheme. Take note the option to transfer to a QROPS is to be removed.

Combine this with the Government’s announcement that it intends to abolish tax allowances for non UK residents. So pension benefits you take in the UK would be taxed up to the full rate of 50%, on the whole amount. The future looks bleak if you are in a Final Salary scheme but no longer live in the UK.

The pension reforms that were announced are likely to encourage a lot more people to look at QROPS as a very attractive alternative to leaving their pensions in the UK.

Moving your UK pension arrangements to a QROPS if suitable given your own particular circumstances, can only improve your position.

Most importantly, once moved to a QROPS you have control over your money. If left in your UK pension arrangement it is highly likely that additional constraints will be put in place which will adversely affect you.

If you have a UK pension and have left the UK, or are considering a QROPS transfer, contact Waterstone Investment Associates.

For further details contact, Email: information@qropsusa.net, or visit their website: http://www.waterstone-investment-associates.com.

Media Contact:
John M Pye
Waterstone Investment Associates Inc.
Swiss Post Box: 100988
Zürcherstrasse 161
CH – 8010 Zürich
+44 (0)2921251957
jmpye@waterstone-qrops.com
http://www.waterstone-investment-associates.com

URALCHEM Increased its Investments to $174 Million in 2013

In 2013 URALCHEM’s investments in development reached $174 million, an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year.

Moscow, Russia (March 21, 2014) — In 2013 URALCHEM‘s investments in development reached $174 million, an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous year. $84 million was spent on the implementation of investment projects, $77 million was spent on capital investments in equipment upgrades and $13 million was allocated for capitalized repairs.

The company’s plant in Kirovo-Chepetsk made the biggest contribution to the development investments – $46 million. The main areas of investment in the plant included building facilities for the production of new products, as well as reconstruction of existing facilities to increase production of mineral fertilizers and chemical products. In particular, work was continued on the project to create a new product, calcium nitrate. Another completed project was the increase in the capacity of one of the two units of nitric acid, which had originally started in 2012. Work was begun to increase the capacity of the second nitric acid unit and work continued to increase the capacity of the ammonia unit.

The investments by the “Azot” plant in Berezniki totalled $41 million. The main areas of investment were projects aimed at increasing output and reducing raw material consumption. Major work was carried out on units of production of ammonia, urea and nitric acid. $26 million was spent on the development of the plant in Perm. Most of the funds were allocated to a large-scale programme of modernization of the ammonia unit. The implementation of this project will increase production and reduce raw material consumption. The total capital investments of the plant in Voskresenks amounted to more than $13 million, which was spent on the development of new products.

The company’s major infrastructure project for the year was the completion and launch of the fertilizer handling terminal at the port of Riga in the fourth quarter of 2013. The terminal has a capacity of 2 million tonnes per year. The total investment for this project was about $78 million, $34 million of which was spent in 2013. Also in 2013, the company continued increasing the number of units in its own rolling stock, extending its life and modernizing it.

Dmitry Konyaev, CEO of URALCHEM OJSC, commented, “In 2013, URALCHEM continued to implement a long-term investment programme aimed at the technical upgrade of existing facilities. The main goal of the programme is to increase production and to improve the efficiency of technological processes, reducing rates of raw materials consumption and improving the environmental safety of production.”

PR department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
Email: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

URALCHEM, OJSC 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, 2.8 million tonnes of ammonia, 0.8 million tonnes of MAP and DAP, 0.8 million tonnes of complex fertilisers and 1.2 million tonnes of urea. URALCHEM, OJSC is the second largest ammonium nitrate producer in the world and number one in Russia, the second largest producer of nitrogen fertilisers in Russia. Key production assets of URALCHEM, OJSC include Azot Branch of URALCHEM, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm Region; OJSC Minudobrenia, Perm; 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.