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Entertainment

New album ‘Harvest On A Hype’ from Dead Smiling Pirates

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The Danish rock band Dead Smiling Pirates releases the new album ‘Harvest On A Hype’ on February 27th 2012.

Copenhagen, Denmark, February 24, 2012 – The Danish rock band Dead Smiling Pirates releases the new album ‘Harvest On A Hype’ on February 27th 2012.

Focus groups gave their verdict and chose songs for Dead Smiling Pirates‘ new album. The band used focus groups to determine the quality of the tracks for their new album ‘Harvest On A Hype’. Focus groups identified potential singles and album tracks and two tracks that were not good enough.

The result was that the band scrapped two of the original 13 tracks on the album. Focus groups felt that these songs were not good enough to be released. The album will only contain 11 tracks when it’s released on February 27th 2012.

Lead singer Kim Burmeister said: “It was obviously hard to know that there were two tracks that were not good enough. But we removed these songs from the album. After all, we must admit that the album actually has improved. It’s been a very rewarding process, and it is certainly something we would do again”.

Dead Smiling Pirates comes from Copenhagen, Denmark, and the Danish music pirates set sail on the musical oceans in 2006. The trio plays alternative rock with attitude and they released their debut album in 2007. Dead Smiling Pirates is inspired Paramore, Linkin Park and Foo Fighters etc. The band consists of Kim Burmeister (vocal and guitar), Erik Aaberg (drums) and Rasmus Christensen (bass).

Listen to songs from the new album on Dead Smiling Pirates website: http://www.deadsmilingpirates.com

Contact:
Kim Burmeister
Dead Smiling Pirates
Istedgade 55
Copenhagen, Denmark DK-1556
+ 45 26 83 68 51
pr@deadsmilingpirates.com
http://www.deadsmilingpirates.com

Education

$1 Million Grant from Stabler Foundation to Fund Scholarships at Harrisburg University

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Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has received a $1 million grant from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation.

Harrisburg, PA, February 24, 2012 – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has received a $1 million grant from The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation. The grant will create the new Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Endowed Scholarship Fund at the private university, which will aid students who meet financial need and academic requirements, and have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service.

This grant will enable the University to provide talented students far greater access to an HU education and ensure that graduates will enjoy the high-paying, high-growth careers that a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education can provide, says Dr. Mel Schiavelli, president of Harrisburg University.

“The creation of our first endowed scholarship fund is a transformational day for Harrisburg University and for the countless number of students who will benefit in the coming years from this grant,” says Schiavelli. “We are grateful to the Stabler Foundation for this grant and for their belief in our students and our mission. Thanks to the unparalleled generosity of supporters like the Stabler Foundation, our students are receiving a gift of opportunity, a gift that will endure, and a gift for the future of Central Pennsylvania.”

With this grant, the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Endowed Scholarship Fund will in perpetuity provide need-based financial aid to students.

The first recipients will enter Harrisburg University this fall. Scholarship recipients will be required to do their best to “pay it forward” to future HU students. They will sign a moral pledge to begin contributing to the University’s Stabler Endowed Scholarship Fund within five years of graduating or completing military service, or after repaying any legally binding educational loans.

“The Stablers believed that the recipients of financial assistance should recognize an obligation and be encouraged to return that which they receive so others, in turn, may receive similar assistance. The pledge will help to ensure that the Stabler Endowed Scholarship Fund will continue to grow over time and help college students recognize the value of philanthropy long before graduation,” says Ryan T. Riley, associate vice president of development and alumni relations at Harrisburg University.

The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation was established by Mr. and Mrs. Stabler in 1966 and provides grants exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. Generally, grants are only made to organizations and institutions that are located, or provide their primary services, in Central or Eastern Pennsylvania.

For more information on how to make a gift to Harrisburg University, contact Ryan T. Riley at 717.901.5140 or CONNECT@HarrisburgU.edu

Contact:
Steven Infanti
Harrisburg University
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-901-5146
SInfanti@harrisburgu.edu
http://www.harrisburgu.edu/

Business

She Counts, Inc. Selects Dina Wasmer from Incite Creative to Be a Mentor

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She Counts, Inc., a non-profit youth professional development organization fills the void by engaging young girls, grades 6 through 12

Baltimore, MD, February 24, 2012 – With the number of women-owned businesses on the rise and the lack of finance and business curriculum in our K-12 educational system, who’s inspiring and mentoring the next generation of female entrepreneurs? She Counts, Inc., a non-profit youth professional development organization fills the void by engaging young girls, grades 6 through 12, in their business training programs with the help of qualified local women leaders. They have selected Dina Wasmer, President and Founder of Incite Creative to participate as a mentor.

She Counts sets up monthly mastermind groups for young female entrepreneurs and mentors to develop new meaningful friendships, engage in healthy conversations, and enjoy other social activities. Additionally, the girls can participate in a six-week entrepreneur development program and a four-week summer camp to learn how to meet the challenges of planning, raising funds, marketing, and managing successful businesses. The program includes basic business vocabulary, marketing, networking, negotiation, sales, record keeping, problem solving, customer service, and ethics.

In an effort to align professionals that would be an ideal fit for their cause, She Counts reached out to Dina Wasmer. In addition to launching and helming Incite Creative for the past 12 years as a leading marketing and graphic design firm, some of Dina’s other career achievements include being named to The Daily Record’s VIPs Under 40 and Maryland’s Top 100 Women lists in 2010, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees for The Children’s Guild. This balance of business and socially involved leadership mirrors the qualities that She Counts teaches.

“As a business owner, I value the mission and tactical strategies She Counts has in place to teach young girls at an early age that their aspirations of entrepreneurship is within their reach,” says Dina. “As a teacher, I look forward to providing a guiding hand to my mentee and helping her find her own unique path. As a young girl myself (30-some odd years ago), I’ve been in her shoes, and am excited for her to see what’s possible when her shoes get a little bigger.”

She Counts Inc is now enrolling girls in the organization’s teen business training program, “She’s Got Her Own.” For more information about this program and to work with mentors like Dina Wasmer, go to the She Counts Inc website at: www.SheCounts.com or contact the organization by phone Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST at (410) 449-GIRL (4475).

About Incite Creative (www.incitecreativeinc.com)
Now in its twelfth year in business, Incite Creative is a marketing and graphic design firm that specializes in strategic positioning, brand development and creative implementation services for Mid-Atlantic, small-to-mid-sized companies and organizations that have regional, national and international reach. For more information, log onto http://www.incitecreativeinc.com or contact Dina Wasmer at 410-366-9479 ext. 2# or dina@incitecreativeinc.com.

Contact:
Dina Wasmer
Incite Creative, Inc
1501 St. Paul Street, Suite 113
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-366-9479
dina@incitecreativeinc.com
http://www.incitecreativeinc.com

Business

Publicity PR System Launches, Helping Small Business with Online Marketing Promotion

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The press release publicity experts at SuperSimplePR have created a super simple system which teaches people to write perfect press releases quickly. The newly released PR training is available now on the company’s web site.

Bradenton, FL, February 23, 2012 (Straight Line PR) — Two online PR and publicity experts have joined forces and launched the PR Publicity Guide to teach small businesses how to capture more traffic and more customers. “While tens of thousands of press releases are written and submitted daily, most miss the target,” says Harald Anderson, co-developer of the course. “The purpose and objective of our course is to help small business owners learn how to quickly write press releases so that they capture more attention and more traffic.”

Anderson explains, “If you look at the online landscape today, customers are driving the conversation. Merchants who ignore this basic reality do so at great risk.”

“Most press releases are written to glorify the company. Because of this, the word PR has negative connotations to most consumers,” Anderson continues. “The public is very aware of spin doctors who manipulate perception and perpetuate what they consider to be enlightened despotism. PR by many is akin to propaganda, image building, market manipulation and damage control.”

The new “social media” have actually evolved from the goals set forth by the press release industry. Those original aims are described as:

1. Connecting with the audience
2. Building value
3. Drawing more attention

Anderson says, “In our offices we have the Facebook Mission Statement ( http://www.supersimplepr.com/what-does-the-facebook-mission-statement-have-to-do-with-me/ ) pasted on every computer monitor:”

Give People The Power To Share And Make The World More Open And Connected.

“Why? While this is Facebook’s goal, it is ideally the goal of all media that you produce.” Anderson points out, “We have done this to make people realize that what gets shared gets shopped. Today, more than ever, eCommerce is quickly becoming Everywhere Commerce. And this is why our ‘PR Publicity System’ was created.”

While traditionally reserved for company news, corporate announcements, and other public communications, press releases are now the main tool for creating traffic and publicity, as well as informing the media and the public about exciting, important news.

But the problem today, according to Anderson, is that online PR has become all but synonymous with spam. To elaborate, most online press releases are irrelevant, poorly-written, unsolicited, mass-distributed commercial advertising that offers little to no value to the reader.

SuperSimplePR has set out to change that. And customers are enthusiastic about the successes they have had with the “PR Publicity System” which is available exclusively at http://www.SuperSimplePR.com :

“Purchased your course and love your teaching style. The videos really make this very easy to do and follow.” – Mary V. Austen, Millburn, NJ

“I was tasked by my boss to write and distribute some press releases for our company, which I found to be very intimidating. I followed your simple advice and guidelines and was amazed when I saw our press release on the first page of Google. Thank You.” – Mark Specht, Los Angeles, CA

“I started my online business several years ago and it has been very frustrating getting traffic and interested visitors to come to my website. Your system really showed me very quickly what I was doing wrong. I wish I would’ve found you several years ago. Love your material. Highly recommended.” – Jim Allen, Tampa, FL

Successful companies are the ones which have mastered the fine art of self promotion. Now, more than ever before, business leaders need to understand that the Internet fragments and broadcasts a company’s message via text, graphic media, audio, and video. The opportunities are nearly infinite, but for those who are new to the party, getting overwhelmed is very easy.

For a quick video overview of the “PR Publicity System”, visit http://vimeo.com/32247326

Anderson adds, “The most important question an entrepreneur should be asking is, ‘One month from today, where do I want to be with my business?’ And that’s where our PR Publicity System can make all the difference.”

Most business owners know the power of publicity, but many have not learned how to create it when they need it. The “PR Publicity System” system shows entrepreneurs exactly how, by:

1. Boosting website exposure
2. Increasing website traffic
3. Building brand credibility
4. Creating publicity whenever it’s needed

It’s now much easier to accomplish those four goals, just by using the SuperSimplePR system, and following the step-by-step process taught in the online course.

To learn more, visit http://www.SuperSimplePR.com to sign up for their free newsletter. The “PR Publicity System” course is only $97.00, and includes written course materials, more than a dozen training videos, podcasts, case studies, 30 days of the PressReleaseNation premium press release submission service, and more.

About SuperSimplePR:
SuperSimplePR was launched in early 2012 by Harald Anderson and Mark Alan Effinger, to help busy business leaders learn how to write online press releases quickly, easily, and painlessly. In the process of running the online press release distribution site PressReleaseNation.com, Anderson and Effinger discovered that quite a few of the press releases being submitted were simply not going to get the job done. To help resolve this problem for their clients, they created SuperSimplePR as a way to teach anyone how to create online buzz for their company, or their clients, by following an easy-to-learn system. For more information, visit http://www.SuperSimplePR.com or e-mail info@SuperSimplePR.com

Please contact http://www.PressReleaseNation.com for corrections or updates.

Contact:
David Lockman
RichContent
9734 Lincoln Lane
Blaine, WA 98230
360-312-4312
dlock@richcontent.tv
http://www.RichContent.com

Entertainment

Author JA Carlton Interview Shines Light on “Nick, of Time; Heroes of the Line Book 1”

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During a recent Global Talk Radio interview, Austin based author JA Carlton details the core life-lessons at the heart of her YA novel: Nick, of Time; Heroes of the Line Book 1. The interview also draws much needed attention to the Austin Children’s Shelter, Carlton’s charity of choice.

Austin, TX, February 23, 2012 – Thriller writer JA Carlton, in a recent interview with Global Talk Radio, shared some of her sources of inspiration and her plans to continue her “Heroes of the Line” child abuse prevention campaign.

She also revealed one of several new projects she’s working on, the most recent is a non-fiction ‘personal fulfillment advocacy program’ she calls, “Ten Simple Steps to a New, True You”, Carlton is scheduling talks all around the Austin area with multiple spring and summer dates to be announced.

The new project was inspired by Nick, and Frankie Emerson. These two brothers from her Heroes of the Line series, are destined to lead a band of heroes in a war against the Living Dark, and its sinister minions the Schades.

“By book 3, Nick and Frank are finding themselves pressured by some of the other heroes as well as some of their allies, to do things in a way that’s not right for them.

The boys have certain abilities that allow them to see things differently, which is one of the reasons they’re the ones who have to lead the heroes. One of the hardest things they’re going to have to do is to stick to their plan without alienating their allies. It dawned on me that it’s the same balance we all live with daily.”

Carlton’s Global Talk Radio interview was just the first of several publicity events scheduled for this year. Currently she has at least one fund raiser tentatively slated for March of 2012, a 2 month Virtual Book Tour beginning in May, and a series of readings planned to be released on You Tube.

The “Heroes of the Line” campaign is still being run on the “Nick, of Time” Facebook page. Thanks to the great success of her Book-A-Month Giveaway last year Carlton is considering another run this summer, though she will be offering one of her E-Books to each month’s winner instead of a hard copy in an effort to reduce paper waste and resources.

The common thread among Carlton’s books is that the main protagonists (even Randy Custon, “Broken”s serial killer) have all endured horrific childhood traumas. Critics have argued that her writings are exceptionally graphic for little other purpose than ‘shock value’.

Carlton pays her critics little attention, “My stuff’s pretty tame compared to what kids are inundated with through video games, movies and even music videos. I write cautionary tales, warnings to think about how what we do affects the people around us. Most importantly though, they’re a message that abuse can be overcome, and survivors of it can be heroes if they choose.”

Carlton’s first release under Uneak was the Second edition of her psychological thriller “Broken”, a story inspired by actual events that follows a serial killer as he spirals out of control on his quest to confront the person who tortured him as a child.

Her sci-fi “Freedom Fighter” series, takes an almost prophetic look at the results of the current American sociopolitical climate and one possible effect on our near future.

The series takes place in 2055 where America has become a 3,000 mile wide graveyard and 70% of the population has been eradicated by shadowy government agencies. It’s a modern day genetic cleansing program that has forced the remaining citizens to fight for their very survival against those who are supposed to protect them.

And of course, her “Heroes of the Line” series after which her child abuse prevention campaign is named.

The first book, “Nick, of Time” introduces the reader to Nick, and Frank Emerson, the previously mentioned young brothers who learn of the hard destiny before them.

Carlton’s books are published by Uneak Press, Inc. based out of Austin, Tx. Uneak prides itself on being a haven for storytellers, wordsmiths and artisans by choosing to highlight local authors and artists like their newest author, supernatural thriller writer William Holloway whose first endeavor “The Immortal Body” will be released in March of 2012. Uneak Press, Inc. is currently open to submissions.

Contact:
Elaine Zuliani
Uneak Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 19446
Austin, TX 78760
(847) 380-6904
admin@uneakpress.com
http://www.uneakpress.com/

Entertainment

Ann Claire’s Debut CD, Honkytonk Princess, Goes Green

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New Country Artist Teams With Sunlyte Packaging for Eco-Friendly CD

Nashville, TN, February 23, 2012 – New country artist Ann Claire has poured her heartbreak, hopes, and dreams into the songs on her debut, Honkytonk Princess, and her love for the environment into her CD’s packaging. The Nashville-based artist has teamed with Sunlyte Packaging, whose CD and DVD digi-paks for her single, album, and EPK are certified net carbon neutral, made from 100% recycled materials, and printed with natural inks.

“They make the most eco-friendly CD packaging on earth,” says Ann Claire, whose Honkytonk Princess was released February 21 on Prosody Records. “I am extremely proud to be associated with Sunlyte in the manufacturing of my CDs. The trays are made from recycled bottles, the packaging is made of recycled paper and natural inks, and they look gorgeous. Fans and retailers comment on the superior quality of the materials and how lightweight and economical each unit is.”

As a country artist, Ann Claire knows the importance of being good, doing good, and spreading good values. “I write and perform music that comes from a legacy of people who understood the meaning of real life and community,” she explains. “It’s a culture of good values and a strong commitment to do the right thing. So it makes sense to me to have my products support the community by being safe, responsible, and carbon-free.”

For Ann Claire, being mindful of the environment is second nature. She recycles diligently, buys her fruits and vegetables from local farmers only, gets her pets from shelters instead of breeders or pet stores, and knows the power of the pooper scooper. “Being environmentally conscious isn’t an option anymore, for anyone. It’s something we need to hold ourselves and others accountable for. We’re in an economic and social situation worldwide where we need to work together as a group, regardless of our political or personal differences, to cherish the resources we have available to us and make them available to those in the developing world and for future generations in our own country,” she adds.

Meanwhile, she is in the middle of a residency tour at Nashville’s Taps & Tapas, which is sponsored by OneHope Wine, and is gearing up for spring tour dates, including a March 31 show at Mozambique in Laguna Beach, California. More dates will be announced shortly.

Of her debut album, the artist says, “Honkytonk Princess is the true story of my life over the past five years. It’s a pretty even mix of up-tempo fun songs that celebrate life and love, and songs from the heart that reflect what I have been through, and the faith and passion, that it takes to lay it all down on the line for what you believe in, while there is still time and you have the chance.”

About Ann Claire:
Many country girls grow up with dreams of being a real princess. But there’s only one genuine princess who grew up to be a country singer and songwriter: Ann Claire. She was born in the Middle East to a father who was a pop and R&B songwriter in London’s music scene, and as the great-niece of the late Shah of Iran is a bona fide princess.

Ann Claire, now an American citizen, grew up in both London and Los Angeles, and was schooled in England, Switzerland, and Spain before attending the University of Southern California to major in film and television and minor in sociology and graduate with honors. She followed that with studies in theatre and voice at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre, where she appeared in a number of plays. She starred in her own reality series, Love Is In The Heir, which ran for 10 episodes on the E! Network in 2006, earning strong ratings around the world as it aired to millions in more than 50 nations. Her debut CD, Honkytonk Princess, is due on Feb. 21, 2012 on Prosody Records and was co-produced by Travis Howard (Nashville Star, Miranda Lambert) and Maxwell Abrams (Muzik Mafia). She co-wrote eight out of the 12 songs on the record.

Official Website: http://www.princessannclaire.com

For more information on Ann Claire please contact Chip Schutzman at Miles High Productions: chip@mileshighproductions.com or 323-806-0400

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

Business

Astra acquires Concentrated Metal Ore deposit in Norway

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International diversified resources company, Astra Resources Plc (FWB Code: 9AR), has acquired the Joma Minerals Project, a concentrated metal ore mine in Lake Hudningsvatnet, Norway.

Adelaide, Australia, February 22, 2012 – International diversified resources company, Astra Resources Plc (FWB Code: 9AR), has acquired the Joma Minerals Project, a concentrated metal ore mine in Lake Hudningsvatnet, Norway.

The acquisition, signed through Astra’s subsidiary MidAst Investment Group LLC, is on a scrip basis, and gives Astra operational control and 90% ownership of the operation (equivalent to Astra’s 90% stake in MidAst) which is situated in the county of Nord-Trondelag, near the Swedish border of Norway. Astra will form a Norwegian subsidiary to manage, own, and operate the asset and licenses.

The operation is subject to final due diligence, including the completion of technical and scientific reports, testing of samples obtained by Astra , independent confirmation of the calculated output value and Astra Resources board approval.

Deposit registrations made by the mine lab of the previous mining company indicates iron ore, copper, zinc, gold and silver resources are all present in the acquisition area, representing about 60% of the over 10.5 million tonne plus deposit. The asset has been defined.

Astra CEO Dr Jaydeep Biswas says the most recent assay in October 2011 indicates a current net asset value of over US$600 million (after deducting operating costs), excluding the value of gold. The gold value brings the potential value closer to US$1 billion.

“The deposit was built up over 16 years by concentrated tailings from past mining operations, with this type of storage previously being the norm,” Dr Biswas says.

“Registered information indicates there is up to 12 million tonnes of finely ground, concentrated ore currently situated at the bottom of Lake Hudningsvatnet, which is 18 meters down at its deepest point.

“As the ore is already extracted and defined, there is no requirement to drill and there will be no cost for mining, crushing and milling the ore, removing the need for expensive equipment and high start-up costs.

“Instead, the ore will be pumped from the bottom of the lake and dried with very standard low cost equipment, with estimated processing costs sitting at less than $10 per tonne if we focus solely on the extraction of iron ore.”

The enrichment process that is planned will result in 63% iron ore Logistics to port and port facilities are in place to take these products to local European and international markets.

Astra Managing Director Silvana De Cianni says while the extraction of iron ore will prove highly cost-effective for Astra, other resources present in Lake Hudningsvatnet add substantial value to the operation.

“The silver content alone has a gross value of $300 million, with the previous manager of the mine confirming there are also substantial gold resources present that are not included in the initial valuation,” Ms De Cianni says.

“In addition, there are also indications that suggest there is a content of rare soil minerals in the ore deposit, something that will be further analysed during the production process.”

Astra plans to finish the exploitation of the current deposit during the next 10-12 years, with production expected to include the uptake of the resources from the lake, drying and separation of the waste rock.

The resources will then be transported to a harbour in the nearby town of Namsos for export. Its harbour is ice-free all year round and was used by the previous mine owners, with the main part of the infrastructure remaining.

While the land surrounding Lake Hudningsvatnet is not included in the acquisition, Astra has received the land owner’s permission to lease the necessary land for the development of the project and ore processing.

MidAst Investment Group’s Managing Director Vincent Crandon will be responsible for integrating the acquisition into the current Astra business sector, and will then manage the corporate operation of the asset.

The total scrip offered in the acquisition is 50 million shares in Astra Resources Plc which is included in the existing Astra capital structure.

The operation’s present owners, CRD Holdings AB, have also been engaged for two years on an exclusive basis as technical advisors to Astra, or any special purpose vehicle established by Astra, for the purpose of the acquisition and operation of the ore asset.

Bo Sandström, representative for CRD Holding AB, says the company is very much looking forward to working with Astra Resources as well as Vincent Crandon of MidAst Investment Group on the development of the Joma Minerals project.

“We are very pleased with the result of our efforts to find a solution on the financing of this Ore development and we rest assured that this will be a very fruitful collaboration,” Mr Sandström says.

It is expected the production process will begin during 2013, once all the operations permits are in place. Hedge funds in Europe are in discussion with MidAst to fund the operations of this project or alternatively it will be funded through Astra’s IPO prospectus to be launched later this year.

This project will be a launch-pad for future projects in Scandinavia which has a history of mining and prospective geological structures and is close to industrialised consumer markets in Europe where Astra is also building its T-Steel business.

Astra Resources’ global portfolio includes gold interests in Southeast Asia, coal mine in Africa, iron ore in India and the Philippines, carbon efficient businesses, the production of the high-strength T-Steel technology in Hungary and the provision of mining services housing in Rockhampton, Queensland.

For all media enquiries contact: Bruce Nelson +61 (0) 423 403 449 (bruce@zakazuhka.com)
Caitlin Petrou +61 (0) 402 823 343 (caitlin@astraresources.com.au)

Disclaimer in regards to Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements included herein, including those that express management’s expectations or estimates of our future performance constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward looking statements. Except as required by law, Astra Resources PLC does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events.

Contact:
Bruce Nelson
Zakazukha Marketing Communications
3 Eden Court
Nerang, Queensland 4220
+61 7 5596 6634
bruce@zakazukha.com
http://www.zakazukha.com

Travel

Luxury Travel Ltd to Unveil Laos Luxury Adventure Tour

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Luxury Travel Ltd is an Asian luxury travel specialist specializing in privately guided and fully bespoke holidays for clients who are looking for something special.

Hanoi, Vietnam, February 23, 2012 – Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is an Asian luxury travel specialist specializing in privately guided and fully bespoke holidays for clients who are looking for something special. On this Laos luxury adventure tour, intrepid travelers will discover the best places in southern Champassak, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Xieng Khoang and Luang Prabang.

For many travelers, the image of this landlocked country is laid-back, serene, rustic, and filled with mountainous regions along in the banks of the Mekong River. Laos keeps its ancient charm largely intact, and also offers an exceptionally varied topography and multilayered culture.

“This luxury adventure tour which covers all the highlights of this culturally and scenically diverse country – combines the ancient wonders of Luang Prabang and the waterways of northern Laos with the rural beauty of the Bolaven Plateau and the spectacular Wat Phou in the south. While Laos does not offer a coastline or famed beaches, it does have 4,000 islands in the south, as well as the Khonephabangeng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Apart from the 4,000 islands, southern Laos’ main attraction is the temple of Wat Phou, a World Heritage listed site, in Champasak. Your overland trip will start in Champassak, which is one of the most attractive Laos has to offer in terms of culture, nature, history, not to mention the majesty of the Mekong River” said Toon, Tour Manger, Luxury Travel Ltd Laos

Travelers will then fly to the Vientiane, the capital city, will be able to learn about places of interest and explore its colonial-French buildings, ancient temples and colorful markets. Travelers will then drive to the scenic destination of Vang Vieng for a two night stay, and then drive to the mystic Plain of Jars in Xieng Khoang.

This Laos adventure trip will end in Luang Prabang, a former royal capital and now a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO. It is the city of the Buddha of Peace and lies at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers in the mountainous north. This sleepy former capital is home to hundreds of saffron-clad monks who inhabit its more than 300 pagoda-like temples. Yet it also offers a growing number of chic hotels, many of which are housed in refurbished French-colonial buildings. There is also a wide array of outdoor restaurants, which offer mouth-watering fusion dishes.

The price starts from US$ 4999 per person in a twin share in deluxe hotels and includes all transportation, domestic flights in Laos, meals, entrance fees and the services of an English-speaking guide.

“This Laos luxury adventure tour by road is for those who seek a little bit of a personal challenge and new experiences, while also meeting real people in a beautiful, unique and exotic environment. You will have a private chauffeur and enjoy flexibility, privacy and personalized service from your guide. You will visit two World Heritage sites in Laos, experience the finest in local food, take an elephant ride and trek through the hills, yet you will return to comfortable accommodations at night.” Said David Nguyen, Sales and Marketing Manager of Luxury Travel Ltd. “On this latest tour, you will discover the best places in southern Champassak, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Xieng Khoang and Luang Prabang. You can choose your departure dates, and itineraries can be tailor-made to suit individual interests and schedules within 24 hours”

Opened in 2004, Luxury Travel Company Limited (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is the first luxury tour operator and DMC in Indochina, Thailand and Myanmar, has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and serves thousands of high-end travelers every year. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance, including the most recent award: “Best Luxury Tour Operator”

Contact:
David Nguyen
Luxury Travel Group Ltd
5 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120
marketing@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com

Business

TD Service Garners More Performance Recognition

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Mortgage Service Company’s “Return To Quality” Initiative Earning High Marks From Industry Providers

Santa Ana, CA, February 22, 2012 — TD Service Financial Corporation, a leading provider of services to the mortgage industry, today announced the company was awarded two important recognitions for its fourth quarter 2011 performance.

LPS Default Solutions, a leading provider of integrated technology and services to the mortgage and real estate industries, named TDS named as an LPS Attorney Performance Report Performance Recognition Winner. LPS also recognized TDS for its work in foreclosure in last year’s third quarter.

In addition, American Home Mortgage Servicing Inc, one of the country’s largest servicers of Alt-A and subprime loans, granted TDS its 90-Day Exemplary Performance Recongnition, including an internal report card grade of A+.

According to company CEO and Chairman Dale L. Dykema, the positive recognition is a direct result of his firm’s efforts to improve relationships with the vendors that provide services to the mortgage industry.

“When we launched TD Service Company in 1964, our potential customers were primarily interested in quality service,” says Mr. Dykema. “That gradually changed over the years to where doing things well started taking a back seat to price and speed. Everything in my experience tells me that it’s time for a return to quality.”

TD Service Company, a subsidiary TD Service Financial Corporation, today provides specialized services in the areas of default, lien release, assignments, and document retrieval through the use of custom software. Another subsidiary, Trustee’s Assistance Corporation, provides posting and publishing services.

In December, the firm announced its acquisition of Security Connections, Inc., an Idaho-based company that provides outsource solutions to the mortgage banking industry. Mr. Dykema says the acquisition of Security Connections allows his company to offer an entirely new line of business to an evolving marketplace.

“Security Connections’ services were and are a natural fit for our ‘Return to Quality’ business model,” says Mr. Dykema. “Collectively, the whole of our combined company is rolling up to be more than than just the sum of its parts, which I have to think is a compelling value proposition for our clients.”

In addition to TD Service Company and Security Connections, TD Service Financial Corporation is the parent of TD Service Company of Arizona, TD Service Company of Washington, and Trustee’s Assistance Corporation.

About TD Service Company
TD Service Company, a division of TD Service Financial Corporation, has been providing best-in-class service to the mortgage banking industry since 1964. With corporate offices in Southern California, TD Service is committed to building and maintaining successful relationships with its customers and finding innovative ways to meet their needs. By leveraging both technology and the considerable experience of its employees, whose average tenure with the company is over 18 years, TD Service has become one of the nation’s largest and most successful trustee firms. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.tdsf.com.

Contact:
Dan Mahoney
CSG|PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
970-405-8060
dmahoney@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Business

Huffington Post Blog advocates Impact investment says AAA

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Alternative investment advocacy group AAA says that a recent blog in the Huffington Post offers a great endorsement of impact investing.

Boston, MA, February 23, 2012 – Alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), says that a recent blog in the Huffington Post offers a great endorsement of impact investing.

It explains how impact investment funds have an ethos of “doing good while doing well”, which highlights the fact that making profits and choosing ethical investments are not mutually exclusive.

The Huffington post blog explains that impact investing combines investment in projects that contribute to social and environmental good, and investing for maximum risk-adjusted returns. Although this is a somewhat unusual combination, it often works and is increasing in popularity among those who want to make a difference while making money.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “It’s really quite unbelievable that this kind of investment option is only just taking off.

“The model is quite simple, those with money to invest help those without money to make money by providing funding and the profits are then shared.”

Examples include housing projects, forestry projects, small loans for small businesses and farm investments. Most of these funds are setup in developing countries and most investors come from developed countries.

The level of return on impact investment funds differs dramatically but many investors put the social impact of a fund ahead of financial gains, in a refreshing turnaround to the norm.

“It’s not just small-time investors that are getting into impact investing,” said Mr Johnson. “Many of the world’s richest philanthropists are ploughing their money into socially and environmentally responsible projects.” An example is the $3 billion Rockerfeller Foundation. Bill Clinton is also a keen advocate of impact investment.

AAA supports ethical investment in many different forms. It advocates investing in environmentally friendly projects, such as sustainable forestry, through schemes like the teak, eucalyptus and other non-native tree plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. “These projects offer a tangible option for smaller-scale investor,” added Johnson.

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