tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79744796944877216412024-03-13T08:35:22.412-07:00Emerging Markets ConsultingRyan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-68057528685516532572015-07-24T06:29:00.000-07:002015-07-24T06:29:00.680-07:00U.S. jobless claims drop to 41-1/2-year low<div class="credit-bar clearfix " id="yui_3_18_1_1_1437658100831_2271" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 10px; zoom: 1;">
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By Lucia Mutikani</div>
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits last week fell to its lowest level in more than 41-1/2 years, suggesting the labor market maintained a solid pace of job growth in July.</div>
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The sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year.</div>
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Initial claims for state unemployment benefits declined 26,000 to a seasonally adjusted 255,000 for the week ended July 18, the lowest level since November 1973, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Claims for the prior week were unrevised.</div>
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However, last week's drop likely exaggerates the strength of the labor market as claims are volatile during summer when automakers usually shut assembly plants for annual retooling.</div>
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Some firms keep production lines running, which throws off a model the government uses to smooth the data for seasonal variations. A Labor Department analyst said there were no special factors influencing the data.</div>
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Still, the decline unwound the increase in claims in June.</div>
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The dollar pared losses against a basket of currencies, while prices for U.S. government debt fell. Most economists expect the U.S. central bank will hike interest rates in September. The Fed has kept its short-term lending rate near zero since December 2008.</div>
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The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it irons out week-to-week volatility, fell 4,000 to 278,500 last week.</div>
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The claims data covered the survey week for the nonfarm payrolls portion of July's employment report.</div>
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Though the four-week average of claims increased 1,500 between the June and July survey periods, payroll growth likely remained above the 200,000 threshold this month.</div>
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The four-week moving average of claims has been below the key 300,000 mark, which is normally associated with sturdy job gains, for 17 straight weeks - an unusually long stretch.</div>
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Payrolls increased 223,000 in June after rising 254,000 in May. Job growth has exceeded 200,000 in 14 of the last 16 months and at 5.3 percent, the unemployment rate is close to the 5.0 percent to 5.2 percent range that most Fed officials consider consistent with full employment.</div>
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Thursday's claims report showed the number of people still receiving benefits after an initial week of aid fell 9,000 to 2.21 million in the week ended July 11.</div>
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(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Andrea Ricci)</div>
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Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-87834627470699833692015-07-23T07:29:00.001-07:002015-07-23T07:29:47.741-07:00Effingham County Approves Moon River Studios Master Plan<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #092541; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 0.95em;">PR Newswire</span></h1>
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<span class="xn-location" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">RINCON, Ga.</span>, <span class="xn-chron" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">July 23, 2015</span> /PRNewswire/ -- <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39547/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffonu2.com%2F" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #565656; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">FONU2, Inc</a>. (OTCQB: FONU) ("FONU2") announced today that the <span class="xn-location" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Effingham County</span> Board of Commissioners ("Commission") has approved the Company's <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39549/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fmoonriverstudiosinc.com%2Fmaster-plan%2F" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #565656; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Master Plan</a> to develop a 1,560 acre full service film production facility. The approval by the Commission is another significant milestone that has been achieved, and was a necessary step prior to construction permits being issued. This follows a critical path that has been created by the Company's management team and its civil engineers. The milestones and dates completed include:</div>
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Survey for Water Line: April 2, 2015</div>
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Updated Master Plan (submission): April 13, 2015</div>
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Survey for Spine Road: April 15, 2015</div>
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Engineering Design for Water Line (submission): April 16, 2015</div>
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Topo Survey for Studio Site (57 +acres): May 13, 2015</div>
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Septic System Drain Field Survey (3+ acres): June 1, 2015</div>
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Septic System Soil Investigation: June 14, 2015</div>
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Engineering Design for Spine Road (submission): June 15, 2015</div>
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Revised Master Plan (submission): July 8, 2015</div>
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Further Revised Master Plan (submission): July 14, 2015</div>
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County Commission Approval of Master Plan: July 21, 2015</div>
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"This is an important project for the county and we are very excited to see the master plan approved," stated <span class="xn-person" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rick Lott</span>, Executive Director of the <span class="xn-location" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Effingham County</span> Chamber of Commerce. "This project is led by a hard working, down-to-earth team, and Moon River Studio's success will have a profound effect on economic development for the region. I congratulate the team on this latest milestone."</div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">About FONU2 Inc.: </b></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b>FONU2 is a public <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39551/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fmoonriverstudiosinc.com%2F" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #565656; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">private partnership film studio and production company</a> that is developing a 1,560 acre full service film production facility in<span class="xn-location" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Effingham, Georgia</span>. It also has an equipment rental subsidiary serving coastal <span class="xn-location" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Georgia</span> and beyond, and has an e-commerce division that is actively seeking acquisitions to integrate into the social media networks vis-a-vis the FONU2 platform. For additional information, visit our Website, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39553/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fonu2.com%2F" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #565656; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">www.Fonu2.com</a>. You can also follow us on our social network, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39555/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FFONU2%2F369417196417672" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #565656; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39557/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.google.com%2Fu%2F1%2F%2BFonu2" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #565656; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Google +</a> and <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39559/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Ffonu2" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #565656; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Safe Harbor Statement</i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "</i><i style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">safe harbor</i><i style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements related to the future anticipated direction of the industry, plans for future expansion, various business development activities, planned or required capital expenditures, future funding sources, anticipated sales growth, and potential contracts. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to development and expansion activities, dependence on existing management, financing activities, domestic and global economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company</i><i style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">'</i><i style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</i></div>
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SOURCE FONU2, Inc.</div>
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The above news release has been provided by the above company via the OTC Disclosure and News Service. Issuers of news releases and not OTC Markets Group Inc. are solely responsible for the accuracy of such news releases.</div>
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<span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px;">FONU2 Inc. is a film studio and social commerce company that is actively developing a 1,560 acre film studio complex in Effingham County, Georgia. The studio operates under the name Moon River Studios, Inc., inspired by Savannah musician Johnny Mercer’s song “Moon River” from</span><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px;">Breakfast at Tiffany’s</em><span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px;">. The facilities and the equipment will be available for rental to production companies as well as utilized by the Company for its own films.</span></h1>
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<span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30px;">Visit FONU's website: <span style="background-color: #e9e9e9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39565/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffonu2.com" style="color: #d96565; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://fonu2.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6b6b6b; font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 30px;">and for more information on Moon River Studios visit <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39567/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fmoonriverstudiosinc.com" style="color: #d96565; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://moonriverstudiosinc.com</a></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Social Commerce</span></b></div>
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Fonu2 is a social commerce company developing a website and mobile app that will provide post-and-list services that are functionally rich with a state of the art, visually appealing, modern look and feel. The primary focus is a post-and-list advertising service that targets and promotes local commerce. However, Fonu2 is looking to expand its product line to offer a full suite of services supporting all aspects of social commerce. These services range from:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Specialized applications like Professional Services Lead Generator, AutoFeeder, and ResiView, which focus on specific market sector needs to automate or simplify social commerce business functions.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Systems Integration Services: Business to Social Commerce (B2SC) – Custom applications written to allow specific types of businesses to integrate their social commerce needs thru Fonu2.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Social Commerce Middleware: Tools and utilities that support various aspects of social commerce, in order to simplify and make clients more productive and secure.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Custom Website Development: Websites that take advantage of unique SEO technology and optimize marketing effectiveness.</li>
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With the objective of becoming the premier full service social commerce company, Fonu2 will continue to develop its proprietary website and mobile app. In addition, the company will seek strategic partnerships or acquisition of companies with the necessary resources, capabilities, and relationships that will enable rapid attainment of our goals. These will include:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Technical workforce skilled in all aspects of web and mobile development technologies.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Expertise in infrastructure management, networking and security.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Expertise in SEO, social media marketing, traditional marketing with strong partner networks.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Online merchant with significant social media or web commerce client base.</li>
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<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; line-height: 22px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1em;">Stock Profile</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Symbol: FONU</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">52 Week Range: $0.0014-$2.36</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Shares Outstanding: 234 M</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Float: </span> <span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">43 M</span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Transfer Agent: ClearTrust</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Avg Volume (3m): 24,020</span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">FONU's Partners </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Effingham County Industrial Development Authority</b></span></div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is an economic development organization authorized by the Georgia State Constitution to promote trade and industry in Effingham County, Georgia. The IDA is responsible for planning sites for industrial development and recruiting new industries to support economic growth and well-being for the county. The IDA currently owns over 4,500 acres in planned industrial property. Effingham County is located within the Savannah, Georgia MSA and is well known for being business friendly, having an excellent public school system and great quality of life.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Foley Design Associates Architects, Inc.</b></span></div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Foley Design Associates Architects, Inc. is a multi-disciplined design firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. Bill Foley leads a team of professionals committed to design excellence, attention to detail, and personal service-responding to the needs of each client and achieving quality design solutions which will satisfy unique program and budget requirements.</div>
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Our team approach integrates the disciplines of architecture, land planning, and interior design assuring you a complete and fully coordinated project with design consistency throughout. This sole responsibility eliminates the need for you to intervene between consultants.</div>
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Our experience encompasses a variety of project types and has provided us with expertise in the design of sports and recreation facilities, country clubs, churches, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, corporate headquarters, broadcasting, and post-production facilities, schools, libraries, elderly housing, healthcare facilities, multi-family housing, community development, and development planning for commercial parks.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Hussey, Gay, Bell</b></span></div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />For more than 50 years, Hussey, Gay, Bell (HGB) has built a firm foundation across the globe by providing innovative engineering and architectural solutions for a diverse array of clients.</div>
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As a full-service, multi-disciplinary firm, we offer exceptional service and experience in a comprehensive range of engineering disciplines — civil, water, wastewater, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, and structural. HGB’s architectural division develops designs for a full range of facility types, including educational, industrial, commercial, military, recreational, medical and mixed-use facilities.</div>
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Whether expanding into developing markets and new technologies around the world or adding services in anticipation of our clients’ needs, HGB has successfully demonstrated that every project is afforded our commitment to a thoughtful design that is both leading-edge and distinctive, regardless of size or complexity.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Choate Construction</b></span></div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Choate Construction Company generates Value based upon the balance and optimization of Quality, Cost and Schedule. Choate Construction’s unique Project Control System, with its detailed time management protocol and meticulous procedures, actually shortens construction time and lowers cost without reducing quality. Projects are delivered on time and within budget. Value is maximized, and as a result, return on investment for our clients. Value is the client’s ultimate goal; integrity and an unflinching dedication to performance is Choate’s – every project, every time.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Enterprise Rent-a-Car</b></span></div>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Founded in 1957, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an internationally recognized brand with more than 7,000 neighborhood and airport locations throughout North America and Europe. Through tremendous leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit of our employees, Enterprise is the largest car rental brand in North America, well-known for its great rates, award-winning customer service and picking up local car rental customers at no extra cost.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1em;">Senior </span><span style="line-height: 44px;">Managment</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1em;"> Team</span></u></span></h1>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Roger Miguel</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Director and Chief Executive Officer</em></div>
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<i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i>Miguel has 30 years of successful experience working for Business and Information Technology Outsourcing leaders EDS/HP, Computer Sciences Corp (CSC) and Xerox Business Services. Miguel has achieved major successes managing business units with major Fortune 500 clients such as General Motors, Zurich Financial Services, DuPont, Nortel, Sears, and Johnson & Johnson.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Graham Bradstreet</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Chief Financial Officer</em></div>
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<i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i>Bradstreet joined the Working Title Group of Companies in 1986 which later grew to become the UK’s pre-eminent production company. Bradstreet developed innovative film financing structures and the concept of insurance-backed financing. Through ICE Media, he raised in excess of US$1 Billion of insurance-backed funding that contributed to budgets in excess of US$3 Billion covering more than 100 movies, that generated an excess of US$7 Billion, for both the studio and independent sectors of the film industry.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alice P. Neuhauser</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Chief Operating Officer</em></div>
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<i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i>Alice has a broad range of operational entertainment experience in financial management, establishment and oversight of corporate, legal and accounting procedures, and business development and strategic planning. Over the course of her career, Ms. Neuhauser has arranged and managed project financing for motion pictures ranging in budget from $2 million to $100 million each, totaling approximately one half a billion dollars. Such financings included some of the largest independently financed pictures including<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Terminator 2</em> (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) and <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cliffhanger</em>(starring Sylvester Stallone). Ms. Neuhauser also managed two $100 million revolving film production credit facilities with two separate syndicates of banks, which helped finance such movies as <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Basic Instinct</em> (starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone) and<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Total Recall</em> (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone). Alice developed a $100 million motion picture and television production facility from concept through 100% utilization. This 22-1/2 acre studio lot includes 14 state-of-the-art sound states, eight production buildings, a commissary, a four-story office building, and a parking garage. Alice is an honors graduate of Harvard College and earned her MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.</div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Board Members</span></b></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Jake A. Shapiro</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Chairman of the Board</em></div>
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<i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i>Mr. Joel “Jake” Shapiro, age 44, is a multi-decade financier and serial entrepreneur. He has served as a CEO, founder and consultant to a number of technology, infrastructure, entertainment, apparel and commercial product companies. Mr. Shapiro currently serves as Chairman of the Board of FONU2(OTCQB:FONU), and has previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Medient Studios, Inc.</div>
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Mr. Shapiro has been an entertainment executive for the past five years, beginning with his founding of Big Jake Music Inc., which was subsequently acquired by a Hollywood based film production company.</div>
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Mr. Shapiro served as President of Lincoln Center Capital, Belle Haven Partners LLC, and its predecessor JS Capital LLC. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of 360 Global Wine Company which had vineyard and winery operations domestically and overseas.</div>
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He began his finance career in 1992 at the investment-banking firm of M.H. Meyerson & Company. Mr. Shapiro was appointed as one of the youngest Senior Traders for the firm, where he served as a Principal and Executive Vice President, servicing institutional clients and specializing in domestic arbitrage. Mr. Shapiro graduated with honors from Rutgers University, where he also received his MBA with a concentration in finance. Mr. Shapiro also serves on the Tourism Committee of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Joe Giamichael</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Board Member</em></div>
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<i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i>Giamichael is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Umbrella Research and Advisory, an emerging growth research and advisory financial services boutique. He has extensive capital markets experience, including over a decade as a publishing analyst and several years as a trader with an emphasis on special situations, as well as having served as an advisor to a middle markets-oriented private equity firm. Giamichael earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Skidmore College and was previously employed by Global Hunter Securities LLC, Rodman and Renshaw LLC, CJS Securities LLC, and Knight Capital Group, and previously served as a board member for Medient Studios, Inc.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b>Team Members</b></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Robert DuVall</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vice President of Equipment Rental</em></div>
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Robert DuVall’s career spans 25 years in the technical and sales side of the entertainment industry. DuVall was previously the owner of Savannah Grip & Electric and Director of Audio Visuals at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. His expertise is in providing rental equipment, supplies, and crews, as well as consulting for live corporate events, commercials, music videos, television series, and feature films.</div>
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DuVall attended Savannah College of Art and Design for video and holds membership with I.A.T.S.E. Local 491 Studio Mechanics of the Carolinas and Savannah, GA.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Lisa Scarbrough</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vice President of Social Media & Community Relations</em></div>
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As the Vice President of Social Media, Lisa’s responsibilities include updates on the Company’s websites, Fonu2.com and MoonRiverStudiosInc.com, as well as their respective social media. Lisa also oversees community relations for the company.</div>
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Prior to Moon River Studios, Lisa served as the Digital Properties and Online Community Manager for Paula Deen Enterprises and Paula Deen Ventures after having worked for eight years as senior web developer with local web site design and marketing firm eMarketSouth.</div>
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Lisa currently holds degrees from Andrew College, Georgia Southern University, and Duquesne University, and will complete her Master’s Degree in public relations this December from Kent State University.</div>
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In her spare time, Lisa serves as the director for Coastal Pet Rescue, an all-volunteer non-profit organization she founded in 2003, and is “Mom” to four-year-old Ian and nine-year-old DaVinci (her Rottweiler/Husky mix). She also serves on the Tourism Committee for the Effingham Chamber of Commerce.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Aubrey Storie</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Executive Assistant</em></div>
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As Executive Assistant, Aubrey is responsible for providing upper management support to CEO Jake Shapiro and the Executive Management team. Prior to joining Moon River Studios, Storie was employed as a Business Manager for Keller Williams Realty and as an Executive Assistant for the Regional Directors with Verizon.</div>
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Aubrey earned an undergraduate degree in Pre-Medicine at Armstrong State University in Savannah and was an original founder of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority on Armstrong’s campus. The native of Kansas City, Kansas tutors undergraduates in Biology and Math and enjoys golf, kite boarding and bike riding in her leisure time.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Exciting News Release</u></b></span></div>
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News Alert: New Georgia film studio development a 'better Hollywood'? (FoxNews.com)</h1>
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<br /><em>posted July 13, 2015</em></div>
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Chairman Jake Shapiro says the Georgia facility is an even "better Hollywood" thanks in large part to its location.<br /><br />“Georgia is the place to be, its on fire here in terms of the amount of work going on,” Shapiro told FOX411. “You wouldn’t naturally think to shoot a scene for the Lower East side in Savannah Georgia, but that what’s great about Georgia. Savannah has neighborhoods that look like Brooklyn and the Lower East Side. It has beaches that look like the Caribbean and can pass for the Hamptons, and Atlanta is a phenomenal city that can pass for most big cities in the world.”<br /><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39569/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffonu2.us9.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D81ff0acc882d8b7fd40aa431f%26id%3D0858e14d3a%26e%3Df9acb5ac3f" style="color: #202020; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the full story.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b>Headlines</b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Thursday, July 9, 2015</span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Tuesday, July 7, 2015</span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Monday, July 6, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39575/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fmoon-river-studios-now-americas-135633813.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">UPDATE - Moon River Studios Is Now America's Largest Film Studio Project</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Thursday, June 25, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39579/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fstreet-introduces-five-companies-next-130000750.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">"New To The Street" Introduces Five Companies on the Next Two Shows</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Wednesday, June 24, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39581/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-inc-announces-website-122033506.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2, Inc. Announces New Website</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Wednesday, June 17, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39583/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Frubenstein-public-relations-announces-moon-162900310.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rubenstein Public Relations Announces Moon River Studios As New Client Win</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Thursday, June 4, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39585/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-inc-announces-greenberg-traurig-120000293.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2 Inc. Announces Greenberg Traurig as SEC and Corporate Counsel</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Monday, June 1, 2015</span></h3>
<ul style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39587/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fp-capital-iq-initiates-coverage-134800080.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">S&P Capital IQ Initiates Coverage on FONU2 Inc. in S&P Capital IQ Factual Stock Reports</a></li>
</ul>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Thursday, May 28, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39589/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-inc-announces-vice-president-120000485.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2, Inc. Announces New Vice President of Social Media for Moon River Studios</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Friday, May 22, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39591/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-announces-engineering-permitting-120000478.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2 Announces Engineering and Permitting Update</a></li>
</ul>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Tuesday, May 19, 2015</span></h3>
<ul style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39593/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-announces-engagement-lexden-capital-132311645.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2 Announces Engagement of Lexden Capital</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Thursday, April 30, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39595/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-inc-information-made-available-120000280.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2 Inc. Information to Be Made Available in the S&P Capital IQ Market Access Program</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Thursday, April 23, 2015</span></h3>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39597/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-inc-approved-listing-otcqb-120000345.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2, Inc. Approved for Listing on the OTCQB</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Wednesday, April 15, 2015</span></h3>
<ul style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39599/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-inc-announces-dustin-bernard-143245258.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2 Inc. Announces Dustin Bernard as Line Producer/Unit Production Manager for the Film "Effa"</a></li>
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<span style="line-height: 1.22em; padding-right: 0.5em;">Thursday, April 9, 2015</span></h3>
<ul style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://l.yimg.com/bm/lib/fi/common/p/d/static/images/2.0.356979/2.0.0/news-left-aligned-sprite.png); background-position: -1000px 0.1em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none outside; margin: 7px 0px; padding-left: 12px; zoom: 1;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39601/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffonu2-inc-announces-trailer-movie-120000596.html" style="color: #1a5488; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em; margin-right: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FONU2 Inc. Announces New Trailer for the Movie "Yellow" Directed by Nick Cassavetes</a></li>
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<u style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1em;">Contact Fonu2</u></h3>
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<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39603/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2Fmaps%3Fz%3D16%26q%3D135%2Bgoshen%2Broad%2Bext%2Bsuite%2B205%2Brincon%2C%2Bga%2B31326" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.2s; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #008e1e; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s;" target="_blank">135 Goshen Road Ext <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Suite 205 <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Rincon, GA 31326</a></div>
<div class="confit-phone" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px;">
(912) 655-5321</div>
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<div style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; padding: 0px !important;">
<span style="color: white;">Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC ("EMC"), its principals, affiliates, representatives, subcontractors or agents (hereafter referred to as "EMC" or "we" or "us") prepare and/or assist others in preparing and publishing oral and written information on selected companies (the "Profiled Company" ) and their securities (the "Securities") in various contexts, including but not limited to corporate and business profiles, alerts, summaries, reports, and press releases (hereafter referred to as the "Information") through various methods, including but not limited to: (a) double opt-in spam compliant emails; (c) mail and courier; (d) EMC's website's at profiling the Profiled Company and otherwise through the worldwide web. In certain cases, we are merely a distributor of such publications, i.e. a Profiled Company's press release, in which case, as in all other situations, EMC conducts no review of said publications received from any party such as an investor relations firm that directly contracts with a Profiled Company or a third party shareholder. We do not conduct any due diligence whatsoever for any of our publications, whether we act only as a distributor pursuant to an agreement with another publisher or investor relations firm or directly contract with the Profiled Company or third party shareholder; rather, we rely upon the information of the Profiled Company we receive from the Profiled Company or other investor relations firm or third party shareholder, which similarly may not conduct any due diligence upon the Information.<br /><br />Many of the stocks of the Profiled Company qualify as "penny stocks" under the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") penny stock rules and regulations because, among other things, they have a price of less than $5.00 per share. Penny stocks are subject to material risks that you should be acutely aware of, as detailed in the bulleted risk factor section presented below.<br /><br />We are paid to publish the Information about companies that are quoted on the OTCBB, OTC Markets or Pink Sheets or the American Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Small Cap and/or NASDAQ National Market. We are paid for our services in either money or securities or a combination of cash and securities compensation. The publicly traded companies or third party shareholders or other publishers or investor relations firms that subcontract with us for the services that they have directly contracted for with a publicly traded company or a third party shareholder pay us for our advertisements.<br /><br />We are not independent and the Information published by us is and should be construed as a paid advertisement. We do not conduct research or evaluate if the Information is true, accurate or complete. We are not qualified to give you investment advice. The Information should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase the securities of the Profiled Company or as providing any information that may be construed as investment advice. We are not: (a) an investment advisor; (b) a stock picker; (c) a securities trading expert; (d) a securities analyst; (e) a financial analyst; (f) one that provides stock recommendations, price targets, buy recommendations, stock recommendations for assembling a portfolio of stocks, represents that stocks are undervalued or providing advice about buy and/or sell or hold recommendations as to specific securities; as such, any interpretation of the Information that we furnish should not be construed in any of the foregoing manners.<br /><br />Our advertisements involve an actual conflict of interest, since we receive compensation in the very securities we are promoting and then sell the securities during our advertorial activities or thereafter. The Profiled Company or investor relations firm or third party shareholder from whom we receive compensation also has an actual conflict of interest since it or he or she pays us securities compensation for advertising services and then may sell their own shares of the Profiled Company while we are publishing the Information about the Profiled Company or its securities. A Profiled Company or third party shareholder or another advertising or investor relations firm that pays us for our advertising services also has a conflict of interest since they are paying us compensation to advertise on their behalf for their own benefit.<br /><br />The Information is disseminated to broker-dealers, members of the general public, readers of our website, and the financial community (collectively the "Recipients") at the direction of the Profiled Company or other investor relations firms or third party shareholders of the Profiled Company or firm hired by the Profiled Company for which we provide subcontracting services or through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blog spots. The Information should only be used by as a beginning point for further investigation into the Profiled Company and its securities because EMC: (a) only presents neutral or positive information regarding the Profiled Company and its business; (b) does not present the risks or negative aspects associated with the Profiled Company or its securities; and (c) the Information is wholly inadequate to formulate any investment decision; as such we strongly advise against making any investment decisions solely based on the Information. It is imperative that you consult with your professional advisor, financial adviser, financial planner, registered broker or attorney regarding the advisability of investing in any securities, especially penny stocks. In addition, you should consult with government or other websites that are available free of charge at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39605/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39607/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>, Google, or other sources that offer specific business and financial information about the Profiled Company, investment guides, valuable information pertaining to penny stocks, penny stock frauds and penny stock investment risks. Where applicable, you should review the quarterly (Form 10-Q) and annual (Form 10-K) financial and disclosure reports available at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39609/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a> by visiting said website and inserting the name of the company you wish to inquire about under "Company Search". For those companies that are not SEC reporting companies, you should review the quarterly and annual reports available for your review at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39611/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a><br /><br />Statements contained in the Information that are not historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will", or "should", or "anticipates". Such statements should be read as being applicable to all related forward looking statements wherever they appear in any of the Information. The actual results of a Profiled Company's operations, financial condition or other aspects of its business could differ materially from those discussed in the Information.<br /><br />We do not make any implied or express warranties regarding the Information -- you should not solely rely upon the Information; rather, again you should use the Information and/or its securities as an initial introduction to the Profiled Company to initiate an investigation into a Profiled Company through, among other sources, information and reports available at the above-listed websites.<br /><br />EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Company or third party shareholders of the Profiled Company or third-party providers (i.e. another investor relations firm) in cash and/or compensation in the Securities in connection with preparation and dissemination of the Information, most frequently in the form of Securities in the name of a Profiled Company. EMC regularly and routinely sells its securities compensation before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Company, most frequently during the dissemination of the Information. You should be acutely aware that EMC repeatedly sells its stock compensation while it is engaged in the dissemination of the Information, as well as before and after such dissemination. Many such securities sales occur during the dissemination of the Information and often occur within minutes, hours or days after EMC first disseminates the Information to the Recipients. EMC's dissemination of the Information has resulted in the past and may in the future result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities trading volume, enabling EMC to sell those Securities at a profit. Additionally, EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities.<br /><br />The Securities and Exchange Commission's regulations provide that "stock scalping", the illegal practice of recommending that others purchase a security, while secretly selling the same security, contrary to the purchase recommendations is in violation of the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. We do not recommend that you purchase the securities of the Profiled Company - we only introduce a company to the readers of our publications as a starting point for investigating the securities and the Profiled Company through publicly available sources. We do not conduct any independent analysis regarding a Profiled Company's Information. We always disclose the compensation we receive in connection with our publications of the Profiled Company. We do not provide price targets for the companies that we profile. We do not act in the capacity of an investment advisor. We do not have control or access over any securities brokerage accounts other than in our own name. We do not verbally or in writing recommend that the readers of our publication open brokerage accounts to purchase the securities of a Profiled Company or otherwise recommend that they purchase the Profiled Company's securities. Nonetheless, you should be acutely aware that:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<li><span style="color: white;">Pursuant to an agreement between EMC and a Profiled Company, EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Company or third party shareholder or other investor relations firm in cash and/or securities compensation of the Profiled Company for the services that EMC performs in connection with preparation and/or dissemination of the Information.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">EMC regularly and routinely sells the Profiled Company's securities before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Company (most frequently during the dissemination of the Information), which may result in substantial profits to EMC;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">EMC may purchase shares of the Profiled Company before, during and after dissemination of the Information disseminated by EMC, which may result in substantial profits to EMC;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">EMC's dissemination of the Information may result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities total trading volume or in the purchase volume of the Profiled Company's securities, enabling EMC to sell its Securities at a profit from the securities compensation it receives for providing services involving publications of the Profiled Company.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities as a result of EMC™s selling activities.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">EMC does not express any opinions, recommendations or viewpoints regarding the Profiled Company or the Securities, and has not conducted and due diligence of any data or information contained in the Information. The Information is based solely upon data and information provided by the Profiled Company or third party providers hired by a Profiled Company, a primary distributor of the Information or in connection with subcontracting services that we perform for other investor relations firms. EMC does not endorse, independently verify, or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information; as such, the Information is presented in an "as is" format and the Recipients should not rely on the data or information contained in the Information in making an investment decision and should conduct their own research of the Profiled Company. </span><br style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The Recipients should be especially cautious about any revenue predictions, projected revenues, revenue expectations or any revenue estimates whatsoever (the "Revenue Projections" because: (a) we conduct no due diligence whatsoever on whether the Revenue Projections have a foundational basis and such information should be accepted by us on an "as is" basis; (b) the Revenue Projections may not be in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principals or SEC guidelines for projections; (c) the Revenue Projections may not contain required assumptions upon which they are based or the assumptions lack a foundational basis for making such Revenue Projections, i.e. based upon a projected agreement with a third party or an actual agreement with a third party, which in of itself may lack or have any foundational basis; (d) we caution you to never use Revenue Projections as a basis for considering an investment in the subject securities and to proceed with extreme caution regarding the Revenue Projections; instead, only use all of the Information as a starting point for a thorough investigation of the Profiled Company from publicly available sources and determine whether the Revenue Projections have any foundational basis whatsoever; (e) beware and use extreme caution for any Revenue Projections that fail to include the assumptions upon which they are based; (f) beware and use extreme caution of Revenue Projections that fail to include an evaluation of the support for such assumptions underlying the projections; (g) the Revenue Projections may be inherently unreliable because they are subject to future events wherein a Profiled Company does not update the Financial Projections due to events and circumstances that occur after said projections are released, which may materially and negatively impact upon the Financial Projections; (h) if the Profiled Company is an SEC reporting company the Financial Projections should be in accordance with standards released by the Public Company Accounting Board, the SEC or standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which often a Profiled Company fails to do; (I) beware of any Financial Projections that fail to include disclosure of the basis of accounting used in preparing the Financial Projections; (j) beware of any Financial Projections that are not prepared or do not indicate whether they are prepared by an independent third party, rather than simply the Profiled Company itself; (k) consult with your registered investment advisor, registered broker, attorney, or financial advisor regarding any such Revenue Projections. </span><br style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The Recipients should not assume that material changes have not occurred since the publication and/or dissemination of in the Information. Again, each of the Recipients should consult with his or her legal, accounting, tax and financial advisers regarding any investment in the Profiled Company or its Securities and not rely solely upon the Information. </span><br style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /></span><div style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; padding: 0px !important;">
<span style="color: white;">Use of the Information as well as any investment in micro-cap or penny stock securities is subject to the following risks:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
<li><span style="color: white;">EMC is not a registered investment advisor or registered securities broker dealer and no information contained within the Information should be construed as investment advice or as a solicitation to offer, purchase or sell the Securities; therefore, you should never use the Information as the only basis upon which you make an investment decision and understand that the use of our Information does not provide you with the benefits of receiving advice from a registered investment adviser or registered representative or a broker or dealer and/or conducting an in-depth investigation of a Profiled Company.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">EMC does not provide stock recommendations; as such, none of the Information should be construed directly or indirectly or explicitly or impliedly, as stock recommendations and you should rely upon your professional adviser regarding such matters, including your registered broker, investment adviser or other qualified financial adviser.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">EMC does not endorse, independently verify or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information and conducts no due diligence whatsoever of the Profiled Company.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Penny stocks are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules, which may cause difficulties in liquidating micro-cap securities;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Penny stocks by their very nature involve a high degree of risk and may involve the loss of one's entire investment.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Energy, biotech, and other companies are subject to increased regulations, which subject them to material costs and possible fines and liabilities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Because we may sell material amounts of the Securities during the dissemination of the Information, shortly thereafter, or at anytime, our selling activities may negatively cause price volatility, stock price declines and/or increased/decreased selling volume.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Because we may purchase material amounts of the Securities in the open market before, during or after the dissemination of the Information, such activities may cause price volatility, stock price increases or declines or increased/decreased volume.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Because we only present positive or neutral information regarding the Profiled Company and do not provide negative information in our Profiles, it is all the more important that you conduct further investigation of the Profiled Company, consult with outside sources (i.e.<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39613/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>) and consult with your professional adviser. Additionally, because we only present selected positive or neutral information, when conducting your investigation into the Profiled Company and its securities you should determine what information is material or immaterial.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Because EMC is a Shareholder of the Profiled Company, it has an inherent conflict of interest with the Recipients, wherein EMC may favor their own interests over that of the Recipients in light of the fact that EMC may be selling its own securities of the Profiled Company during its publication and/or distribution of the Information or at anytime.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">The buying and selling of the Securities by EMC may negatively affect the volume or price of the Securities, including price declines or price and volume volatility.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Penny stock securities are often thinly traded, in which case you may have difficulties in liquidating your securities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Penny stock securities by their very nature involve an extremely high degree of risk.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Because the Securities are penny stocks they are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission's penny stock rules; as such, any investment in the Securities involves a high degree of risk and it may be difficult for any investor or Shareholder to resell the Securities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">An investment in the Profiled Company's Securities could result in the loss of some or all of an investment in the Profiled Company's Securities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">The issuance of the Securities to EMC may cause shareholders and/or investors of the Profiled Company to experience immediate and substantial dilution of their holdings and/or investments in the Profiled Company</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Future securities issuances to EMC for services may also result in a reduction of (i) the book value or market price of the Profiled Company's securities, (ii) shareholder voting power; and (iii) each shareholder's proportionate ownership of any Profiled Company.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">You should consider whether the Profiled Company is a development stage company or has little or no operations or no revenues or assets, the conditions of which may increase the risk investment level of investing in the Profiled Company.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">You should consider the financial condition of the Profiled Company in your analysis by accessing such information from <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39615/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a> or <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39617/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>; if such financial information is unavailable from either one of these sites, the risk investment level of investing in any such Profiled Company will be increased.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Many of the companies are subject to numerous risks particular to the industry that they engage in.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">We conduct no due diligence whatsoever regarding: (a) the Issuer; (b) the third party shareholder; and (c) the relationship, if any, between the third party shareholder and the Issuer;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Our trading activities described above may cause: (a) significant volatility in the Issuer's; (b) price declines from our selling activities; (c) an unrealistic report of trading volume, without denoting publicly that we are the primary seller; (d) permit us to make substantial profits while we are disseminating profiles or information about the issuer, yet may result in a diminished value of the Profiled Company's Securities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">We conduct no due diligence on the press releases or profiles we receive from OTC Markets News Service or other publicly available source, nor do we conduct due diligence on any other information we disseminate to the public.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Penny stocks are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules and subject broker-dealers to customer suitability rules and other requirements, which may lead to low volume in the securities and/or difficulties in selling the shares.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">We do not assume any responsibility for forward-looking statements nor do we assume any responsibility for updating forward-looking statements.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Use of this information is at your own risk and is presented only on an "as is" basis - in other words, you must conduct your own analysis of the risks associated with use of the Information, including its accuracy or reliability.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Many penny stocks are thinly traded, which may lead to difficulties in selling your securities and extreme price volatility.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Penny stock companies are often subject to extreme regulatory oversight in the industry that they participate in.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Penny stock companies are often subject to extreme competition and most frequently have less brand name recognition, operational and personnel resources, technical resources, capital resources, or financing sources.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">There is no "right time" to purchase or sell penny stocks or set of factors making it advisable to purchase a Profiled Company's securities "now", since at any time such stocks may be subject to price volatility, stock manipulation forces and other negative market forces.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">A Profiled Company may have negative signs on the <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39619/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">otcmarkets.com</a> website that indicate various risks of investing in that individual issuer, as follows: (i) "Limited Information" for companies with financial reporting problems, economic distress, or that are unwilling to file required reports with the Pink Sheets; (ii) "Pink Sheets - No Information", which indicates companies that are unable or unwilling to provide disclosure to the public markets, to the SEC or the Pink Sheets; and (iii) "Caveat Emptor", signifying "Buyer Beware" that there is a public interest concern associated with a company's illegal spam campaign, questionable stock promotion, known investigation of a company's fraudulent activity or its insiders, regulatory suspensions or disruptive corporate actions.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">The Issuer may be delinquent in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39621/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">otcmarkets.com</a>, which you will be able to determine by accessing the websites at<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39623/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a> or <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39625/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">The stock price and trading volume of any Issuer that we advertise may increase significantly as a result of our dissemination of the Information and then significantly decrease as a result of our or others selling significant or massive quantities of an Issuer;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Many penny stock companies are subject to risks pertaining to the development stage nature of their business, including that they have failed to provide a proof of concept to their technology or business or their business plan has little if any merit whatsoever.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Many penny stock companies are in need of financing, which they may be unable to obtain on favorable terms or at all.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Our advertising activities may cause trading volume of a Profiled Company's securities to temporarily increase by hundreds or thousands of percent, yet such trading volume may cease at any one time;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Our advertising activities may cause trading volume in Issuers to materially increase, yet such trading volume may cease at any one time, especially if we cease disseminating Information about the Issuers, which will cause difficulties in selling your securities or may be an unrealistic indicator of interest in the Issuer's securities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">The Information has no predictive value whatsoever of the future stock price of the Profiled Company's securities or its ability to be successful in its business objectives.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">Should the SEC determine that inadequate information or irregularities have occurred with a Penny Stock Issuer, they may issue a trading suspension, which will suspend trading in the Issuer's securities and may for all intents and purposes permanently cease trading because broker-dealers may not accept trades in that particular Issuer's securities.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">The press releases, issuer profiles and information we provide represent only a small amount of information regarding the Issuer, which is insufficient to formulate an investment decision; as such, that information should only be a starting point from which you conduct an in-depth investigation of the issuer from available public sources, such as <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39627/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>,<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39629/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39631/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fyahoofinance.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">yahoofinance.com</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24446817/39633/{tracking_hash_merged_here}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #d96565; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.google.com</a> and other available public sources; and</span></li>
<li><span style="color: white;">You should conduct an in-depth investigation of the Profiled Company and its securities from the above or any other credible available sources, especially because we only present positive information and limited specific information which is an insufficient basis to invest in any stock, yet alone a penny stock; accordingly, you should proceed with an investigation to determine, among other things, information pertaining to the issuer's financial condition, operations, business model, and risks involved in the issuer's business.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: white;"><br style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /></span><div style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; padding: 0px !important;">
<span style="color: white;">Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 requires that any person that uses the mails to publish, give publicity to, or circulate any publication or communication that describes a security in return for consideration received or to be received directly or indirectly from an issuer, underwriter, or dealer, must fully disclose the type of consideration (i.e. cash, free trading stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock warrants) and the specific amount of the consideration. In connection therewith, EMC has received the following compensation and/or has an agreement to receive in the future certain compensation, as described below.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; padding: 0px !important;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; padding: 0px !important;">
<span style="color: white;">We may purchase Securities of the Profiled Company prior to their securities becoming publicly traded, which we may later sell publicly before, during or after our dissemination of the Information, and make profits therefrom. EMC has a contract to receive 1,000,000 shares and $4,000.00 dollars a month from FONU. </span></div>
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</tbody></table>
Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-40737598038439138442015-07-21T12:22:00.001-07:002015-07-22T11:49:59.927-07:00FONU2 Announces Engagement Of HDH Advisors<div id="yui_3_18_1_1_1437506562093_1237" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.1em;">
("FONU2") announced today that it has engaged Atlanta, Georgia based HDH Advisors, LLC ("HDH") to prepare the feasibility study in support of the Company's EB-5 application. EB-5 financing is a federally created program that facilitates foreign investment in United States based companies that generate new job creation. The proceeds from the financing will be utilized for the Company's construction of sound stages, offices, and film support services on its 1,560 acre property in Effingham County, Georgia.</div>
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<img alt="FONU2 Inc logo." border="0" class="editorial" src="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/GJQvC0ZPbte5RBTn1YhaDA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150707/232348LOGO" data-preembed="image" id="prnejpg1631left" name="prnejpg1631left" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.3333s ease 0ms; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; display: inline; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; min-height: 1px; opacity: 1 !important; transition: opacity 0.3333s ease 0ms; vertical-align: bottom; visibility: visible !important; width: auto !important;" title="FONU2 Inc logo." /></figure></div>
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HDH will be working closely with Lexden Capital, LLC ("Lexden") who are advising on and managing the EB-5 financed initial loan process expected to be between a minimum of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) and a maximum of Forty Nine Million Dollars ($49,000,000).</div>
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Corley Thomas, Director in HDH's Atlanta office stated, "We are looking forward to working with the FONU2 management team and Lexden Capital on this substantial project."</div>
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Graham Bradstreet, CFO of FONU2, added, "Having worked previously with HDH, we have a huge level of respect for the skills and competence that HDH brings to our EB-5 application, and look forward to them working closely with us and the Lexden team."</div>
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<b>About HDH:</b>Founded in 2007, HDH Advisors is focused on delivering high quality business appraisal, litigation support, financial advisory, and related professional services. It serves clients across the United States from offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Des Moines, Iowa. HDH Advisors provided analytical work on a previous iteration of the studio project in Effingham Country, GA.</div>
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<b>About FONU2 Inc.:</b>FONU2 is a public <a data-rapid_p="11" href="http://moonriverstudiosinc.com/" id="yui_3_18_1_1_1437506562093_2392" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">private partnership film studio and production company</a> that is developing a 1,560 acre full service film production facility in Effingham, Georgia. It also has an equipment rental subsidiary serving coastal Georgia and beyond, and has an e-commerce division that is actively seeking acquisitions to integrate into the social media networks vis-a-vis the FONU2 platform. For additional information, visit our website, <a data-rapid_p="12" href="http://www.fonu2.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.Fonu2.com</a>. You can also follow us on our social network, <a data-rapid_p="13" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/FONU2/369417196417672" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a data-rapid_p="14" href="https://plus.google.com/u/1/+Fonu2" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Google +</a> and <a data-rapid_p="15" href="https://twitter.com/fonu2" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
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<i>Safe Harbor Statement</i><br />
<i id="yui_3_18_1_1_1437506562093_2357">The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "</i><i>safe harbor</i><i id="yui_3_18_1_1_1437506562093_2390">"for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements related to the future anticipated direction of the industry, plans for future expansion, various business development activities, planned or required capital expenditures, future funding sources, anticipated sales growth, and potential contracts. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to development and expansion activities, dependence on existing management, financing activities, domestic and global economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company</i><i>'</i><i id="yui_3_18_1_1_1437506562093_2367">s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Disclaimer: <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;">Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC ("EMC"), its principals, affiliates, representatives, subcontractors or agents (hereafter referred to as "EMC" or "we" or "us") prepare and/or assist others in preparing and publishing oral and written information on selected companies (the "Profiled Company" ) and their securities (the "Securities") in various contexts, including but not limited to corporate and business profiles, alerts, summaries, reports, and press releases (hereafter referred to as the "Information") through various methods, including but not limited to: (a) double opt-in spam compliant emails; (c) mail and courier; (d) EMC's website's at profiling the Profiled Company and otherwise through the worldwide web. In certain cases, we are merely a distributor of such publications, i.e. a Profiled Company's press release, in which case, as in all other situations, EMC conducts no review of said publications received from any party such as an investor relations firm that directly contracts with a Profiled Company or a third party shareholder. We do not conduct any due diligence whatsoever for any of our publications, whether we act only as a distributor pursuant to an agreement with another publisher or investor relations firm or directly contract with the Profiled Company or third party shareholder; rather, we rely upon the information of the Profiled Company we receive from the Profiled Company or other investor relations firm or third party shareholder, which similarly may not conduct any due diligence upon the Information.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />Many of the stocks of the Profiled Company qualify as "penny stocks" under the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") penny stock rules and regulations because, among other things, they have a price of less than $5.00 per share. Penny stocks are subject to material risks that you should be acutely aware of, as detailed in the bulleted risk factor section presented below.<br /><br />We are paid to publish the Information about companies that are quoted on the OTCBB, OTC Markets or Pink Sheets or the American Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Small Cap and/or NASDAQ National Market. We are paid for our services in either money or securities or a combination of cash and securities compensation. The publicly traded companies or third party shareholders or other publishers or investor relations firms that subcontract with us for the services that they have directly contracted for with a publicly traded company or a third party shareholder pay us for our advertisements.<br /><br />We are not independent and the Information published by us is and should be construed as a paid advertisement. We do not conduct research or evaluate if the Information is true, accurate or complete. We are not qualified to give you investment advice. The Information should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase the securities of the Profiled Company or as providing any information that may be construed as investment advice. We are not: (a) an investment advisor; (b) a stock picker; (c) a securities trading expert; (d) a securities analyst; (e) a financial analyst; (f) one that provides stock recommendations, price targets, buy recommendations, stock recommendations for assembling a portfolio of stocks, represents that stocks are undervalued or providing advice about buy and/or sell or hold recommendations as to specific securities; as such, any interpretation of the Information that we furnish should not be construed in any of the foregoing manners.<br /><br />Our advertisements involve an actual conflict of interest, since we receive compensation in the very securities we are promoting and then sell the securities during our advertorial activities or thereafter. The Profiled Company or investor relations firm or third party shareholder from whom we receive compensation also has an actual conflict of interest since it or he or she pays us securities compensation for advertising services and then may sell their own shares of the Profiled Company while we are publishing the Information about the Profiled Company or its securities. A Profiled Company or third party shareholder or another advertising or investor relations firm that pays us for our advertising services also has a conflict of interest since they are paying us compensation to advertise on their behalf for their own benefit.<br /><br />The Information is disseminated to broker-dealers, members of the general public, readers of our website, and the financial community (collectively the "Recipients") at the direction of the Profiled Company or other investor relations firms or third party shareholders of the Profiled Company or firm hired by the Profiled Company for which we provide subcontracting services or through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blog spots. The Information should only be used by as a beginning point for further investigation into the Profiled Company and its securities because EMC: (a) only presents neutral or positive information regarding the Profiled Company and its business; (b) does not present the risks or negative aspects associated with the Profiled Company or its securities; and (c) the Information is wholly inadequate to formulate any investment decision; as such we strongly advise against making any investment decisions solely based on the Information. It is imperative that you consult with your professional advisor, financial adviser, financial planner, registered broker or attorney regarding the advisability of investing in any securities, especially penny stocks. In addition, you should consult with government or other websites that are available free of charge at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38893/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.sec.gov/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a></span>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38895/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.otcmarkets.com/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>, Google, or other sources that offer specific business and financial information about the Profiled Company, investment guides, valuable information pertaining to penny stocks, penny stock frauds and penny stock investment risks. Where applicable, you should review the quarterly (Form 10-Q) and annual (Form 10-K) financial and disclosure reports available at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38897/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.sec.gov/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a> by visiting said website and inserting the name of the company you wish to inquire about under "Company Search". For those companies that are not SEC reporting companies, you should review the quarterly and annual reports available for your review at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38899/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.otcmarkets.com/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a><br /><br />Statements contained in the Information that are not historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will", or "should", or "anticipates". Such statements should be read as being applicable to all related forward looking statements wherever they appear in any of the Information. The actual results of a Profiled Company's operations, financial condition or other aspects of its business could differ materially from those discussed in the Information.<br /><br />We do not make any implied or express warranties regarding the Information -- you should not solely rely upon the Information; rather, again you should use the Information and/or its securities as an initial introduction to the Profiled Company to initiate an investigation into a Profiled Company through, among other sources, information and reports available at the above-listed websites.<br /><br />EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Company or third party shareholders of the Profiled Company or third-party providers (i.e. another investor relations firm) in cash and/or compensation in the Securities in connection with preparation and dissemination of the Information, most frequently in the form of Securities in the name of a Profiled Company. EMC regularly and routinely sells its securities compensation before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Company, most frequently during the dissemination of the Information. You should be acutely aware that EMC repeatedly sells its stock compensation while it is engaged in the dissemination of the Information, as well as before and after such dissemination. Many such securities sales occur during the dissemination of the Information and often occur within minutes, hours or days after EMC first disseminates the Information to the Recipients. EMC's dissemination of the Information has resulted in the past and may in the future result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities trading volume, enabling EMC to sell those Securities at a profit. Additionally, EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities.<br /><br />The Securities and Exchange Commission's regulations provide that "stock scalping", the illegal practice of recommending that others purchase a security, while secretly selling the same security, contrary to the purchase recommendations is in violation of the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. We do not recommend that you purchase the securities of the Profiled Company - we only introduce a company to the readers of our publications as a starting point for investigating the securities and the Profiled Company through publicly available sources. We do not conduct any independent analysis regarding a Profiled Company's Information. We always disclose the compensation we receive in connection with our publications of the Profiled Company. We do not provide price targets for the companies that we profile. We do not act in the capacity of an investment advisor. We do not have control or access over any securities brokerage accounts other than in our own name. We do not verbally or in writing recommend that the readers of our publication open brokerage accounts to purchase the securities of a Profiled Company or otherwise recommend that they purchase the Profiled Company's securities. Nonetheless, you should be acutely aware that:<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Pursuant to an agreement between EMC and a Profiled Company, EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Company or third party shareholder or other investor relations firm in cash and/or securities compensation of the Profiled Company for the services that EMC performs in connection with preparation and/or dissemination of the Information.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC regularly and routinely sells the Profiled Company's securities before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Company (most frequently during the dissemination of the Information), which may result in substantial profits to EMC;</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC may purchase shares of the Profiled Company before, during and after dissemination of the Information disseminated by EMC, which may result in substantial profits to EMC;</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC's dissemination of the Information may result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities total trading volume or in the purchase volume of the Profiled Company's securities, enabling EMC to sell its Securities at a profit from the securities compensation it receives for providing services involving publications of the Profiled Company.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities as a result of EMC™s selling activities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC does not express any opinions, recommendations or viewpoints regarding the Profiled Company or the Securities, and has not conducted and due diligence of any data or information contained in the Information. The Information is based solely upon data and information provided by the Profiled Company or third party providers hired by a Profiled Company, a primary distributor of the Information or in connection with subcontracting services that we perform for other investor relations firms. EMC does not endorse, independently verify, or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information; as such, the Information is presented in an "as is" format and the Recipients should not rely on the data or information contained in the Information in making an investment decision and should conduct their own research of the Profiled Company.<br /><br />The Recipients should be especially cautious about any revenue predictions, projected revenues, revenue expectations or any revenue estimates whatsoever (the "Revenue Projections" because: (a) we conduct no due diligence whatsoever on whether the Revenue Projections have a foundational basis and such information should be accepted by us on an "as is" basis; (b) the Revenue Projections may not be in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principals or SEC guidelines for projections; (c) the Revenue Projections may not contain required assumptions upon which they are based or the assumptions lack a foundational basis for making such Revenue Projections, i.e. based upon a projected agreement with a third party or an actual agreement with a third party, which in of itself may lack or have any foundational basis; (d) we caution you to never use Revenue Projections as a basis for considering an investment in the subject securities and to proceed with extreme caution regarding the Revenue Projections; instead, only use all of the Information as a starting point for a thorough investigation of the Profiled Company from publicly available sources and determine whether the Revenue Projections have any foundational basis whatsoever; (e) beware and use extreme caution for any Revenue Projections that fail to include the assumptions upon which they are based; (f) beware and use extreme caution of Revenue Projections that fail to include an evaluation of the support for such assumptions underlying the projections; (g) the Revenue Projections may be inherently unreliable because they are subject to future events wherein a Profiled Company does not update the Financial Projections due to events and circumstances that occur after said projections are released, which may materially and negatively impact upon the Financial Projections; (h) if the Profiled Company is an SEC reporting company the Financial Projections should be in accordance with standards released by the Public Company Accounting Board, the SEC or standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which often a Profiled Company fails to do; (I) beware of any Financial Projections that fail to include disclosure of the basis of accounting used in preparing the Financial Projections; (j) beware of any Financial Projections that are not prepared or do not indicate whether they are prepared by an independent third party, rather than simply the Profiled Company itself; (k) consult with your registered investment advisor, registered broker, attorney, or financial advisor regarding any such Revenue Projections.<br /><br />The Recipients should not assume that material changes have not occurred since the publication and/or dissemination of in the Information. Again, each of the Recipients should consult with his or her legal, accounting, tax and financial advisers regarding any investment in the Profiled Company or its Securities and not rely solely upon the Information.<br /><br style="text-align: start;" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Use of the Information as well as any investment in micro-cap or penny stock securities is subject to the following risks:</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC is not a registered investment advisor or registered securities broker dealer and no information contained within the Information should be construed as investment advice or as a solicitation to offer, purchase or sell the Securities; therefore, you should never use the Information as the only basis upon which you make an investment decision and understand that the use of our Information does not provide you with the benefits of receiving advice from a registered investment adviser or registered representative or a broker or dealer and/or conducting an in-depth investigation of a Profiled Company.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC does not provide stock recommendations; as such, none of the Information should be construed directly or indirectly or explicitly or impliedly, as stock recommendations and you should rely upon your professional adviser regarding such matters, including your registered broker, investment adviser or other qualified financial adviser.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">EMC does not endorse, independently verify or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information and conducts no due diligence whatsoever of the Profiled Company.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Penny stocks are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules, which may cause difficulties in liquidating micro-cap securities;</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Penny stocks by their very nature involve a high degree of risk and may involve the loss of one's entire investment.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Energy, biotech, and other companies are subject to increased regulations, which subject them to material costs and possible fines and liabilities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Because we may sell material amounts of the Securities during the dissemination of the Information, shortly thereafter, or at anytime, our selling activities may negatively cause price volatility, stock price declines and/or increased/decreased selling volume.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Because we may purchase material amounts of the Securities in the open market before, during or after the dissemination of the Information, such activities may cause price volatility, stock price increases or declines or increased/decreased volume.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Because we only present positive or neutral information regarding the Profiled Company and do not provide negative information in our Profiles, it is all the more important that you conduct further investigation of the Profiled Company, consult with outside sources (i.e.<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38901/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.sec.gov/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a></span>) and consult with your professional adviser. Additionally, because we only present selected positive or neutral information, when conducting your investigation into the Profiled Company and its securities you should determine what information is material or immaterial.<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Because EMC is a Shareholder of the Profiled Company, it has an inherent conflict of interest with the Recipients, wherein EMC may favor their own interests over that of the Recipients in light of the fact that EMC may be selling its own securities of the Profiled Company during its publication and/or distribution of the Information or at anytime.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The buying and selling of the Securities by EMC may negatively affect the volume or price of the Securities, including price declines or price and volume volatility.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Penny stock securities are often thinly traded, in which case you may have difficulties in liquidating your securities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Penny stock securities by their very nature involve an extremely high degree of risk.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Because the Securities are penny stocks they are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission's penny stock rules; as such, any investment in the Securities involves a high degree of risk and it may be difficult for any investor or Shareholder to resell the Securities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">An investment in the Profiled Company's Securities could result in the loss of some or all of an investment in the Profiled Company's Securities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The issuance of the Securities to EMC may cause shareholders and/or investors of the Profiled Company to experience immediate and substantial dilution of their holdings and/or investments in the Profiled Company</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Future securities issuances to EMC for services may also result in a reduction of (i) the book value or market price of the Profiled Company's securities, (ii) shareholder voting power; and (iii) each shareholder's proportionate ownership of any Profiled Company.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">You should consider whether the Profiled Company is a development stage company or has little or no operations or no revenues or assets, the conditions of which may increase the risk investment level of investing in the Profiled Company.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">You should consider the financial condition of the Profiled Company in your analysis by accessing such information from <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38903/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.sec.gov/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a></span> or <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38905/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.otcmarkets.com/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>; if such financial information is unavailable from either one of these sites, the risk investment level of investing in any such Profiled Company will be increased.<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Many of the companies are subject to numerous risks particular to the industry that they engage in.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">We conduct no due diligence whatsoever regarding: (a) the Issuer; (b) the third party shareholder; and (c) the relationship, if any, between the third party shareholder and the Issuer;</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Our trading activities described above may cause: (a) significant volatility in the Issuer's; (b) price declines from our selling activities; (c) an unrealistic report of trading volume, without denoting publicly that we are the primary seller; (d) permit us to make substantial profits while we are disseminating profiles or information about the issuer, yet may result in a diminished value of the Profiled Company's Securities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">We conduct no due diligence on the press releases or profiles we receive from OTC Markets News Service or other publicly available source, nor do we conduct due diligence on any other information we disseminate to the public.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Penny stocks are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules and subject broker-dealers to customer suitability rules and other requirements, which may lead to low volume in the securities and/or difficulties in selling the shares.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">We do not assume any responsibility for forward-looking statements nor do we assume any responsibility for updating forward-looking statements.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Use of this information is at your own risk and is presented only on an "as is" basis - in other words, you must conduct your own analysis of the risks associated with use of the Information, including its accuracy or reliability.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Many penny stocks are thinly traded, which may lead to difficulties in selling your securities and extreme price volatility.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Penny stock companies are often subject to extreme regulatory oversight in the industry that they participate in.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Penny stock companies are often subject to extreme competition and most frequently have less brand name recognition, operational and personnel resources, technical resources, capital resources, or financing sources.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">There is no "right time" to purchase or sell penny stocks or set of factors making it advisable to purchase a Profiled Company's securities "now", since at any time such stocks may be subject to price volatility, stock manipulation forces and other negative market forces.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">A Profiled Company may have negative signs on the <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38907/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">otcmarkets.com</span></a> website that indicate various risks of investing in that individual issuer, as follows: (i) "Limited Information" for companies with financial reporting problems, economic distress, or that are unwilling to file required reports with the Pink Sheets; (ii) "Pink Sheets - No Information", which indicates companies that are unable or unwilling to provide disclosure to the public markets, to the SEC or the Pink Sheets; and (iii) "Caveat Emptor", signifying "Buyer Beware" that there is a public interest concern associated with a company's illegal spam campaign, questionable stock promotion, known investigation of a company's fraudulent activity or its insiders, regulatory suspensions or disruptive corporate actions.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The Issuer may be delinquent in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38909/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">otcmarkets.com</span></a>, which you will be able to determine by accessing the websites at<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38911/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.sec.gov/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a></span> or <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38913/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.otcmarkets.com/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>.<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The stock price and trading volume of any Issuer that we advertise may increase significantly as a result of our dissemination of the Information and then significantly decrease as a result of our or others selling significant or massive quantities of an Issuer;</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Many penny stock companies are subject to risks pertaining to the development stage nature of their business, including that they have failed to provide a proof of concept to their technology or business or their business plan has little if any merit whatsoever.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Many penny stock companies are in need of financing, which they may be unable to obtain on favorable terms or at all.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Our advertising activities may cause trading volume of a Profiled Company's securities to temporarily increase by hundreds or thousands of percent, yet such trading volume may cease at any one time;</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Our advertising activities may cause trading volume in Issuers to materially increase, yet such trading volume may cease at any one time, especially if we cease disseminating Information about the Issuers, which will cause difficulties in selling your securities or may be an unrealistic indicator of interest in the Issuer's securities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The Information has no predictive value whatsoever of the future stock price of the Profiled Company's securities or its ability to be successful in its business objectives.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Should the SEC determine that inadequate information or irregularities have occurred with a Penny Stock Issuer, they may issue a trading suspension, which will suspend trading in the Issuer's securities and may for all intents and purposes permanently cease trading because broker-dealers may not accept trades in that particular Issuer's securities.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The press releases, issuer profiles and information we provide represent only a small amount of information regarding the Issuer, which is insufficient to formulate an investment decision; as such, that information should only be a starting point from which you conduct an in-depth investigation of the issuer from available public sources, such as <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38915/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.sec.gov/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a></span>,<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38917/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.otcmarkets.com/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.otcmarkets.com</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38919/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fyahoofinance.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">yahoofinance.com</span></a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/24385695/38921/%7btracking_hash_merged_here%7d/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></a><a href="http://www.google.com/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.google.com</a> and other available public sources; and<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">You should conduct an in-depth investigation of the Profiled Company and its securities from the above or any other credible available sources, especially because we only present positive information and limited specific information which is an insufficient basis to invest in any stock, yet alone a penny stock; accordingly, you should proceed with an investigation to determine, among other things, information pertaining to the issuer's financial condition, operations, business model, and risks involved in the issuer's business.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 requires that any person that uses the mails to publish, give publicity to, or circulate any publication or communication that describes a security in return for consideration received or to be received directly or indirectly from an issuer, underwriter, or dealer, must fully disclose the type of consideration (i.e. cash, free trading stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock warrants) and the specific amount of the consideration. In connection therewith, EMC has received the following compensation and/or has an agreement to receive in the future certain compensation, as described below.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">We may purchase Securities of the Profiled Company prior to their securities becoming publicly traded, which we may later sell publicly before, during or after our dissemination of the Information, and make profits therefrom. EMC has a contract to receive 1,000,000 shares and $4,000.00 dollars a month from FONU. </span></div>
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Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-9243082788504610232015-04-01T07:16:00.001-07:002015-04-01T07:16:45.881-07:00US home prices rise modestly, weigh on affordability<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1427897715764_1973" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.1em;">
U.S. home prices rose at a steady pace in January, pushing prices up at a faster pace than wages and putting more homes financially out of reach for would-be buyers.</div>
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<li class="list-item story" data-uuid="e07e18d6-f401-302c-963c-cccc3cb34853" style="list-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 15px; overflow: visible; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><a data-rapid_p="1" data-ylk="itc:0;tar:finance.yahoo.com;ct:1;sec:lst-ct;cpos:1;test:;g:e07e18d6-f401-302c-963c-cccc3cb34853;pkgt:2;prov:Associated Press;" href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-home-sales-rebound-slightly-140126518.html" style="color: #324fe1; margin-right: 6px; text-decoration: none;">US home sales rebound slightly in February</a> <span class="source" style="color: #888888; font-size: 11px;">Associated Press</span></li>
<li class="list-item story" data-uuid="29c198cf-6b8c-3e35-aa85-980dfdac42bb" style="list-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 15px; overflow: visible; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><a data-rapid_p="2" data-ylk="itc:0;tar:finance.yahoo.com;ct:1;sec:lst-ct;cpos:2;test:;g:29c198cf-6b8c-3e35-aa85-980dfdac42bb;pkgt:2;prov:Associated Press;" href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-stocks-slightly-lower-day-141255868.html" style="color: #324fe1; margin-right: 6px; text-decoration: none;">US stocks slightly lower a day after big jump</a> <span class="source" style="color: #888888; font-size: 11px;">Associated Press</span></li>
<li class="list-item story" data-uuid="b97ff4e9-dd1f-391f-863b-f505746a4c77" style="list-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 15px; overflow: visible; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><a data-rapid_p="3" data-ylk="itc:0;tar:finance.yahoo.com;ct:1;sec:lst-ct;cpos:3;test:;g:b97ff4e9-dd1f-391f-863b-f505746a4c77;pkgt:2;prov:Associated Press;" href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ahead-bell-us-home-sales-102915297.html" style="color: #324fe1; margin-right: 6px; text-decoration: none;">Ahead of the Bell: US home sales</a> <span class="source" style="color: #888888; font-size: 11px;">Associated Press</span></li>
<li class="list-item story" data-uuid="03894112-cf81-3300-9609-5dfe88b8f730" style="list-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 15px; overflow: visible; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><a data-rapid_p="4" data-ylk="itc:0;tar:finance.yahoo.com;ct:1;sec:lst-ct;cpos:4;test:;g:03894112-cf81-3300-9609-5dfe88b8f730;pkgt:2;prov:CNBC;" href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/priced-housing-froth-discourages-buyers-150019103.html" style="color: #324fe1; margin-right: 6px; text-decoration: none;">Priced out: New housing froth discourages buyers</a> <span class="source" style="color: #888888; font-size: 11px;">CNBC</span></li>
<li class="list-item story" data-uuid="defa4e2b-40cd-39dd-b463-3904cf3df3e5" style="list-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 15px; overflow: visible; position: relative; zoom: 1;"><a data-rapid_p="5" data-ylk="itc:0;tar:www.thestreet.com;ct:1;sec:lst-ct;cpos:5;test:;g:defa4e2b-40cd-39dd-b463-3904cf3df3e5;pkgt:2;prov:TheStreet.com;" href="http://www.thestreet.com/story/13096890/1/home-prices-post-slight-gains-as-buyers-prep-for-feds-rate-hike.html?puc=yahoo&cm_ven=YAHOO" style="color: #324fe1; margin-right: 6px; text-decoration: none;">Home Prices Post Slight Gains as Buyers Prep for Fed's Rate Hike</a> <span class="source" style="color: #888888; font-size: 11px;">TheStreet.com</span></li>
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The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index rose 4.6 percent in January compared with 12 months earlier, S&P said Tuesday. That is up from growth of 4.4 percent in December.</div>
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Few Americans have listed their homes for sale, and the tight supply has kept prices higher. The increases have eclipsed earnings, making it more difficult for buyers to save for a down payment and afford a monthly mortgage. The modest wage gains have diminished the boost that robust hiring and low mortgage rates should provide the housing market during the spring buying season.</div>
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"Home prices are rising roughly twice as fast as wages, putting pressure on potential homebuyers and heightening the risk that any uptick in interest rates could be a major setback," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee for S&P Dow Jones Indices</div>
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The Case-Shiller index covers roughly half of U.S. homes. The index measures prices compared with those in January 2000 and creates a three-month moving average. The January figures are the latest available.</div>
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Housing inventories have been tight since December. The number of homes for sale in February was equal to just 4.6 months of sales, compared to an average of 5.2 months last year. Six months of supply is typical for a healthy housing market.</div>
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All 20 cities reported higher prices than a year earlier. Denver reported the largest gains, with prices up 8.4 percent. Miami prices jumped by 8.3 percent, while Dallas homes appreciated at 8.1 percent. Home appreciation nearly plateaued in Washington, DC, where prices rose just 1.3 percent.</div>
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Signed contracts in February suggest that sales will rebound after a sluggish start to 2015, when sales were running below last year's relatively pace.</div>
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The number of signed contracts rose 3.1 percent last month, which should be reflected by more sales being completed in March and April, according to the National Association of Realtors.</div>
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A new housing indicator by the insurer Nationwide suggests that the housing market was stable at the end of 2014. That index released Tuesday said the housing market is at its healthiest level since 2001, with few regional markets at risk of a downturn.</div>
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Based on employment, demographics, mortgages and home prices, the index found the healthiest markets to be in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Philadelphia metro areas.</div>
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Historically low mortgage rates and solid hiring have laid the foundation for stronger sales this year.</div>
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Average 30-year fixed rates were 3.69 percent last week, according to the mortgage giant Freddie Mac. The average has plummeted from a 52-week high of 4.41 percent, making it cheaper for would-be homeowners to buy.</div>
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Separately, employers have added 3.3 million jobs over the past 12 months, including 295,000 jobs in February. The hiring spree pace has caused the unemployment rate to drop to 5.5 percent from 6.7 percent. As more people in the economy hold jobs, more paychecks exist to fund home purchases.</div>
Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-24297488585899118202014-05-02T16:41:00.000-07:002014-05-02T16:41:05.651-07:00Financial strategies for 20-somethings <br />
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Many people in their <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101515719" style="color: #f15822; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">20s are dealing with large amounts of student loan</a> and credit card debt and are living paycheck to paycheck, while dreaming of the day they can allocate some of their money to reach their financial goals.</div>
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If you're a 20-something, you may think <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook0w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">financial</span></a> planning at this stage in your life is pointless. But the truth is, there are some basic strategies you can implement, regardless of how much debt you have or how much income you're earning. Learning these strategies will help you set up the financial foundation you need to move through this challenging time in your life and set the stage for a <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101316491" style="color: #f15822; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">strong financial future</a>.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">1. Create a budget</strong></div>
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Budgeting is critical, even if you're not making that much money yet, as it allows you to see how much money is coming in and going out every month. Although you may understand you should budget, the reality is you probably aren't.</div>
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Getting a budgeting system in place as early as possible and reviewing how money is being spent so that adjustments can be made, if necessary, ensures you are living within your means and able to save toward your financial goals.</div>
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The basic budget formula for after-tax income is:</div>
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<li>50 percent for fixed expenses, such as housing (allocating 28 percent or less for housing expenses), basic food and insurance premiums.</li>
<li>20 percent for financial goals. This would include extra debt payments, a cash cushion, retirement, etc.</li>
<li>30 percent for variable expenses, such as dining out, entertainment and travel.</li>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">2. Set up 'money dates'</strong></div>
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Set up weekly "money dates" to review your budget and manage and plan out your finances. By calling this allocated time with your money a "date," you can begin to bring a fun, exciting element into your financial life to help you stay committed for the long haul.</div>
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During your money date, you should pay your bills (although most should be set up as autopay), update and review your budget, and take care of any other financial concerns. </div>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">3. Save automatically</strong></div>
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Most people don't save, because they make it way too difficult for themselves. Instead, review your budget and aim to start saving toward your financial goals by following the "pay yourself first" strategy. Under this method, you set up your savings to be automated every month so that you save before spending money on variable expenses.</div>
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The goal is to save 20 percent of your net income — but don't let that amount scare you. Even if you can start with only $10 a month, that's better than nothing. Every year, review and see if you can increase your savings amount.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">4. Build a cash cushion</strong></div>
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The goal of a cash cushion is to have three to nine months' worth of your fixed expenses in a savings account to pay for life's unexpected incidents. Life always throws curveballs — your car breaks down, your <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook1w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">computer</span></a>crashes, or you receive an unexpected medical bill — and having money in the bank to cover those expenses will help you maintain your financial peace of mind.</div>
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If your fixed expenses are $3,000 per month, you should aim to build a cash cushion of anywhere from $9,000 to $18,000, depending on your comfort level, job <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook2" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook2w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">security</span></a>, etc.</div>
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That sounds like a lot, I know. But remember, just start with what you can to build your cash cushion over a few years. Again, even if it's $10 a week, that's still one step in the right direction.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">5. Mind <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook3" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook3w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">your credit score</span></a></strong></div>
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Your <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook4" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook4w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">credit score</span></a> affects nearly everything in your financial life. It affects the interest rate on the car loan you apply for, your mortgage loan, your credit cards — even your job and housing prospects, as potential employers and landlords can reference your credit score when reviewing your application.</div>
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By monitoring <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook5" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook5w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">your credit</span></a> score, you can see where you stand and what you can do to improve it if necessary. Use websites like <a href="http://www.creditkarma.com/" style="color: #f15822; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Creditkarma.com</a> to view your credit score (not your actual FICO score) regularly for free, and then pay to see your actual credit score at least annually using <a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com/" style="color: #f15822; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Annualcreditreport.com</a>.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">6. Reduce your debt</strong></div>
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The first step is to make a list of all your debts. Get clear about how much you owe, the interest rate of each debt and the minimum payment due.</div>
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Then review your budget to determine how much you can realistically add toward extra debt payments; start with the debt with the highest interest rate, while paying the minimums on the rest. This will allow you to save the most in interest payments. Once the debt with the highest interest rate is paid off, move on to the second highest and so on.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">7. Save for the future</strong></div>
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If you have the ability to <a href="http://www.today.com/money/sheila-bairs-memo-millennials-protect-your-finances-1D79562794" style="color: #f15822; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">start investing into your retirement accounts</a> after you've allocated some monthly funds toward building your cash cushion and paying off your debts, then set up an automatic contribution into your retirement account. </div>
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By starting early, you can allow compounding interest to work in your favor on your investment accounts. If you are new to investing, <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101211120" style="color: #f15822; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">make sure you do your homework</a> and <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook6" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook6w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">read</span></a> investment books so you are clear about what to expect when investing for your future.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: 700;">8. Grow your earning potential</strong></div>
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Income is one of the biggest factors in wealth creation over time. After all, if you don't make money — or don't make enough money — it is very difficult to save for your financial future. If you can't save as much as you would like to due to your income level, focus on ways to increase your earning <a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.today.com/money/financial-strategies-20-somethings-2D79608643#" id="itxthook7" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px none transparent; color: #f15822; cursor: pointer; display: inline; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook7w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; bottom: auto; color: #009900; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline !important; top: auto; white-space: nowrap !important;">potential</span></a> for the long run.</div>
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There are a lot of free courses you can take online. Watching YouTube videos to sharpen skills is something anyone can do. Also, there are so many ways you can earn extra money on the side. Entrepreneur, author and financial guru Ramit Sethi advocates for this at his online community, called "<a href="http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/" style="color: #f15822; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">I Will Teach You To Be Rich</a>," named for his self-help book for 20-somethings. Think outside the box, and continue to focus on increasing your earning potential every year.</div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding-left: 30px;">
<em>Brittney Castro is a CNBC Contributor and founder and CEO of Financially Wise Women</em></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding-left: 30px;">
© 2014 CNBC LLC. All Rights Reserved</div>
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Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-18761027525824433192013-09-03T18:47:00.002-07:002013-09-03T18:47:42.055-07:00Eagle Ford Oil & Gas Corporation Signs a $60 Million Debt Facility With Meridian SEZC <table align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 700px;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ff9900;">OTCBB: ECCE</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: maroon;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: silver; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #33cccc;">Website: <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12251/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ssenergyllc.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://www.ssenergyllc.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;"><span>Eagle Ford Oil & Gas Corporation Signs a $60 Million Debt Facility With Meridian SEZC</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;"><strong>Eagle Ford Oil & Gas Corp. (OTCMarkets:ECCE), a growing independent oil and gas exploration and production company is pleased to announce that Meridian SEZC("Meridian") and ECCE have entered into a definitive agreement through which Meridian will provide up to $60 million of debt with a first draw down scheduled to be $25 million for the purpose of the acquisition and further development of two producing properties located in Madison County and Hardin County, Texas.</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">This securitized commercial debt will be repayable on a straight line basis over 5 years. The arrangement does not require ECCE to issue any new equity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">The deal is subject to further due diligence and final documentation and is expected to be completed shortly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Management Comments</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Mr. Paul Williams, CEO of Eagle Ford Oil and Gas said, "This represents a very significant step forward for the Company and will provide the funds needed for the acquisition and further development of these two producing properties. With this acquisition it immediately adds a much needed revenue stream that will enhance shareholder value."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">About Meridian SEZC</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Meridian SEZC is a privately owned finance company located in the Cayman Islands that focuses on resource based, commodity and derivative investments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">About Eagle Ford Oil & Gas Corporation</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Eagle Ford Oil & Gas Corp. engages in exploration and development of oil and gas production properties. The Company specializes in acquiring, exploring and developing oil and gas producing assets in the Gulf Coast region of Texas and Louisiana. Eagle Ford Oil & Gas has a team comprised of senior professionals with distinguished records of achievement and success in the targeted focus area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Forward-Looking Statements</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of ECCE officials are "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Forward-looking statements include statements which are predictive in nature, which depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, which include words such as "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "expects," and similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible future ECCE actions, which may be provided by management, are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and to vary significantly from reporting period to reporting period. Although management believes that the assumptions made and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that the underlying assumptions will, in fact, prove to be correct or that actual future results will not be different from the expectations expressed in this report. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and ECCE has no specific intention to update these statements.</span><br />
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<pre><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">CONTACT: Investor Contact: Paul Williams 281-383-9648 </span></pre>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">About Us</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Eagle Ford Oil & Gas, out of metropolitan Houston, Texas specializes in acquiring, exploring/analyzing and developing producing oil and gas properties in the Gulf Coast region, specifically in Texas/Louisiana Gulf region.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Eagle Ford Oil & Gas was established as an oil and gas developer/operator with a team comprised of senior, experienced professionals with distinguished records of achievement and success, and more specifically in the targeted Texas/Louisiana Gulf region as well as experience on a worldwide basis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">The management team, technical team, independent consultants and advisory board members, all have extensive educational backgrounds and degrees, plus comprehensive expertise in domestic and international projects, for Exxon, Atlantic Richfield, Anadarko, Unocal, Marathon, EnCana, Vaquero Oil & Gas, Emory International and so forth. The team members have completed highly successful oil & gas plays. Also, the team members each have an extensive lineage in oil & gas being raised with the business.</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Mission Statement & Vision</span></em></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Eagle Ford Oil & Gas's mission is to continue to develop, manage and operate oil & gas properties utilizing key risk metrics and detailed geological analysis--not common for smaller businesses--providing investors with a substantive return relative to their invested capital. Eagle Ford Oil & Gas offers an efficient method of development based upon the regional expertise and knowledge of its team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Our vision is to continue to be an important part of the energy production market providing energy while also providing its investor base with returns greater than the relative market.</span><br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Competitive Advantage</span></strong></em></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Our competitive advantages lie within the following: the experience and expertise of the management team and advisory board, current use of super majors' level geophysics and engineering analysis, the fact that the Company is able to access proven reserves and productive capabilities completely overlooked by the market on a cost-effective basis, the team's ability to add value in its process and finally Eagle Ford's ability to effectively operate at a lower cost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">The Company also clearly understands the oil and gas market and knows that in order to be operationally successful there must be systems in place to manage the operations of the projects effectively. The Company's competitive advantages include: it's ability to capture leases at exceptional pricing, its capabilities exceed the market requirements, and it is a strategic platform by which Eagle Ford Oil & Gas has been successful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: medium;"><b>Eagle Ford Oil & Gas Corp.</b><br />2951 Marina Bay Drive<br />Suite 130-369<br />League City, TX 77573<br />United States - <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12253/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fus.rd.yahoo.com%2Ffinance%2Fprofile%2Fmap%2F%2Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fmaps.yahoo.com%2Fmaps_result%3Faddr%3D2951%252520Marina%252520Bay%252520Drive%252520Suite%252520130-369%26csz%3DLeague%252520City%252520TX%25252077573%26country%3DUnited%252520States%26utm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Map</a><br />Phone: 281-383-9648<br />Website: <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12255/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ssenergyllc.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://www.ssenergyllc.com</a><br /> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Symbol: (OTCBB:ECCE)</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Co</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><b>ntact</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">James S. Painter III</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Emerging Markets Consulting LLC</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">10724 High Crest Court</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Howey In The Hills Florida 34737</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Office 321-206-6682</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Fax 352-429-0691</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.emergingmarketsllc.com/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.emergingmarketsllc.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.themicrocapreport.com/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.themicrocapreport.com</a></span><ul>
<li>Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC ("EMC"), its principals, affiliates, representatives, subcontractors or agents (hereafter referred to as "EMC") prepare and/or assist others in preparing and publishing oral and written information on selected companies (the "Profiled Companies") and/or their securities (the "Securities") in various contexts, including but not limited to corporate and business profiles, summaries, stock alerts, reports, and press releases (hereafter referred to as the "Information") through various methods including but not limited to: (a) facsimile; (b) double opt-in spam compliant emails; (c) mail and courier; and (d) the world wide web, including but not limited to EMC's website at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12257/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emergingmarketsllc.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.emergingmarketsllc.com</a>. Many of the stocks of the Profiled Companies qualify as "penny stocks" under the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") rules and regulations because, among other things, they have a price of less than $5.00 per share. Penny stocks are subject to important risks that you should be acutely aware of, as detailed in the bullet point presentation below.<br />
The Information is disseminated to broker-dealers, members of the general public, readers of our website, and the financial community (collectively the "Recipients") at the direction of the Profiled Companies or third party shareholders of the Profiled Companies and should be used by the Recipients for informational purposes only and even then the Information should only be used as a beginning point for further investigation. This is because EMC: (a) only presents neutral or positive information regarding the Profiled Companies and its business prospects; and (b) does not present the risks or negative aspects associated with the Profiled Company or its securities. Therefore, the Information is in of itself wholly inadequate to formulate any investment decision and we strongly advise against making any investment decisions solely based on the Information. It is imperative that you consult with your professional advisor, including your financial adviser, financial planner or attorney regarding the advisability of investing in any securities, especially with regard to penny stocks. In addition, you should consult with online services that are available free of charge at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12259/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12261/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinksheets.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.pinksheets.com</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12263/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finra.org%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.finra.org</a>, Google, or other websites that offer investment guides, valuable information pertaining to penny stocks and penny stock frauds and the risks of investing in penny stocks. Additionally, you should review the quarterly and annual financial and disclosure reports at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12265/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12267/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcbb.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.otcbb.com</a> and <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/19360533/12269/SJDP5EQ/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinksheets.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D19360533%26utm_campaign%3DHuge%252520Must%252520Read%252520News" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">www.pinksheets.com</a>.<br />
Statements contained in the Information that are not historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will", or "should", or "anticipates". Such statements should be read as being applicable to all related forward looking statements wherever they appear in any of the Information. The actual results of a Profiled Company's operations, financial condition or other aspects of its business could differ materially from those discussed in the Corporate Information.<br />
You should carefully review the bolded disclosure appearing immediately below:<br />
<b>EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Companies or third party shareholders in cash and/or compensation in the Securities in connection with preparation and dissemination of the Information, most frequently in the form of Securities in the name of a Profiled Company. EMC regularly and routinely sells its securities compensation before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Companies, most frequently during the dissemination of the Information. You should be acutely aware that EMC repeatedly sells its stock compensation while it is engaged in the dissemination of the Information, as well as before and after such dissemination. Many such securities sales occur during the dissemination of the Information and often occur within minutes, hours or days after EMC first disseminates the Information to the Recipients. EMC's dissemination of the Information has resulted in the past and will in the future result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities trading volume, enabling EMC to sell those Securities at a profit. Additionally, EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities. </b><br />
EMC does not express any opinions, recommendations or viewpoints regarding the Profiled Companies or the Securities, and has not conducted due diligence of any data or information contained in the Information. The Information is based solely upon data and information provided by the Profiled Companies and EMC does not endorse, independently verify, or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information. Recipients should not rely on the data or information contained in the Information in making an investment decision and should conduct their own research of the Profiled Companies. The Recipients should not assume that material changes have not occurred since the publication and/or dissemination of in the Information. Each of the Recipients should consult with his or her legal, accounting, tax and financial advisers regarding any investment in the Profiled Companies or the Securities.<br />
Use of the Information as well as any investment in micro-cap or penny stock securities are subject to risks and EMC's operational realities, as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>EMC is not a registered investment advisor or registered securities broker dealer and no information contained within the Information should be construed as investment advice or as a solicitation to offer, purchase or sell the Securities; therefore, you should never use the Information as the only basis upon which you make an investment decision and understand that the use of our Information does not provide you with the possible benefits of receiving advice from a registered investment adviser or registered representative or a broker or dealer.</li>
<li>EMC does not provide stock recommendations; as such, none of the Information should be construed directly or indirectly or explicitly or impliedly, as stock recommendations and you should rely upon your professional adviser regarding such matters, including your registered broker, investment adviser or other qualified financial adviser.</li>
<li>EMC does not endorse, independently verify or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information and conducts no due diligence of the Profiled Companies;</li>
<li>Penny stocks are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules, which may cause difficulties in liquidating micro-cap securities;</li>
<li>Penny stocks by their very nature involve a high degree of risk and may involve the loss of one's entire investment.</li>
<li>Energy, biotech, and other companies are subject to increased regulations, which subject them to material costs and possible fines and liabilities.</li>
<li>Because we will sell material amounts of the Securities during the dissemination of the Information, shortly thereafter, or at anytime, our selling activities may negatively cause price volatility, stock price declines and/or increased/decreased selling volume.</li>
<li>Because we will buy material amounts of the Securities in the open market before, during or after the dissemination of the Information, these activities may cause price volatility, stock price increases or declines or increased/decreased volume.</li>
<li>Because we only present positive or neutral information regarding the Profiled Companies and do not provide negative information in our Profiles, it is all the more important for you to conduct further investigation, consult with outside sources, and consult with your professional adviser.</li>
<li>Because we only present selected positive or neutral information, you should consult other recommended sources as we have referred to above, to determine what information is material or immaterial;</li>
<li>Because EMC is a Shareholder of the Profiled Companies, it has an inherent conflict of interest with the Recipients, in which EMC may favor their own interests over that of the Recipients, by selling its compensation during the publication of the Information or at anytime.</li>
<li>The buying and selling of the Securities by EMC and/or its principals, affiliates and representatives may negatively affect the volume or price of the Securities, including price declines or the common shares becoming unstable.</li>
<li>Penny stock securities are often thinly traded, in which case you may have difficulties in liquidating your securities.</li>
<li>Penny stock securities involve an extremely high degree of risk.</li>
<li>Because the Securities are penny stocks, they are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission&rsquos penny stock rules, and as such, any investment in the Securities involves a high degree of risk and it may be difficult for any investor or Shareholder to resell the Securities; an investment in the Securities could result in the loss of some or all of an investment.</li>
<li>The issuance of the Securities to EMC may cause shareholders and/or investors of the Profiled Companies to experience immediate and substantial dilution of their holdings and/or investments in the Profiled Companies</li>
<li>Future securities issuances to EMC for services may also result in a reduction of (i) the book value or market price of the Profiled Companies' securities, (ii) shareholder voting power; and (iii) each shareholder's proportionate ownership of any Profiled Company.</li>
<li>You should consider whether the Profiled Company is a development stage company or has little or no operations or no revenues or assets, any such conditions of which increase the risk investment level of investing in such companies.</li>
<li>You should consider the financial condition of the Profiled Company in your analysis.</li>
<li>Many of the companies are subject to numerous risks particular to the industry that they engage in, which may be disclosed in SEC and/or Pink Sheets reports and we urge you to review.</li>
</ul>
<div>
tion 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 requires that any person that uses the mails to publish, give publicity to, or circulate any publication or communication that describes a security in return for consideration received or to be received directly or indirectly from an issuer, underwriter, or dealer, must fully disclose the type of consideration (i.e. cash, free trading stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock warrants) and the specific amount of the consideration. In connection therewith, EMC has received the following compensation and/or has an agreement to receive in the future certain compensation, as described below: EMC has been paid 350,000 restricted shares from <b>Eagle Ford Oil & Gas Corp.</b></div>
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Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-42652321890223311312013-03-21T12:12:00.001-07:002013-03-21T12:12:23.789-07:00Results of NurOwn(TM) Clinical Trial Suggest Efficacy in ALS Patients <table align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; width: 700px;"><tbody>
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Results of NurOwn(TM) Clinical Trial Suggest Efficacy in ALS Patients</h1>
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Data Indicate Initial Clinical Benefit in Overall Clinical and Respiratory Function</h2>
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BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics ( OTCQB : BCLI ), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies for neurodegenerative diseases, today reported some of the final results from a clinical study evaluating the company's NurOwn™ technology in 12 ALS patients. NurOwn is a proprietary, first-of-its-kind technology for the propagation and differentiation of autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) into NeuroTrophic Factor (NTF)-secreting cells. The data were presented yesterday, Wednesday, March 20, 2013 during the 65<sup>th</sup> Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in San Diego, California.</div>
An oral and poster presentation were made in the Emerging Science Session by Principal Investigator Dimitrios Karussis, M.D., Ph.D., entitled, "Analysis of 12 Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Treated with Autologous Differentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells: a Phase I/II Clinical Trial." Karussis reported a significantly slower decline in overall clinical and respiratory function, as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Score (ALSFRS-R) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) score respectively, in the six patients that received an intrathecal (IT) injection of the cells in the six months following treatment, as compared to the three months preceding treatment. The study concluded that in addition to establishing the safety of the treatment protocol, initial indications of clinical benefit were observed, which require further confirmation in additional trials. The company is currently conducting a Phase IIa dose-escalating trial pursuant to recent acceleration by the Israeli Ministry of Health.<br />
"These encouraging results confirm the importance and therapeutic potential of NurOwn as a breakthrough treatment for patients with ALS," said Prof. Karussis, Head of the Neuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem. "Additionally, beyond its benefit in treating patients with ALS, NurOwn may have utility in the treatment of other severe neurodegenerative and neuroimmunological conditions including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease."<br />
"We are excited by these data and the potential of NurOwn to positively impact the lives of patients with ALS," said Alon Natanson, Chief Executive Officer of BrainStorm. "We look forward to continuing to advance this potentially important therapy. To that end, we have begun a Phase IIa dose-escalating trial at Hadassah and plan to launch a multi-center Phase II trial in the USA later this year in order to further validate the results that were presented today."<br />
<strong>About NurOwn™</strong>NurOwn is an autologous, adult stem cell therapy technology that differentiates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into specialized, neuron-supporting cells. These neuron-supporting cells (known as "MSC-NTF" cells) secrete neurotrophic, or nerve-growth, factors for PROTECTION of existing motor neurons, PROMOTION of motor neuron growth, and RE-ESTABLISHMENT of nerve-muscle interaction. The ability to differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into MSC-NTF cells, and confirmation of their activity and potency before transplantation, makes NurOwn a first-of-its-kind approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases. More information about NurOwn™ can be found at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7532/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fbrainstorm-cell.com%2Findex.php%2Fscience-a-technology%2F-nurown%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">http://brainstorm-cell.com/index.php/science-a-technology/-nurown</a>.<br />
<strong>About ALS</strong>One of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. As many as 30,000 people in the United States have ALS and an estimated 5,000 Americans are newly diagnosed each year. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as <em>motor neuron diseases,</em> which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons. There is currently no cure available for ALS.<br />
<strong>About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc.</strong>BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of first-of-its-kind adult stem cell therapies derived from autologous bone marrow cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The Company holds the rights to develop and commercialize its NurOwn technology through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Ramot, the technology transfer company of Tel Aviv University. For more information, visit the company's website at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7534/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brainstorm-cell.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">www.brainstorm-cell.com</a>.<br />
<em>Safe Harbor Statement - Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "may", "should", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "likely", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "predict", "potential", and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with BrainStorm's limited operating history, history of losses; minimal working capital, dependence on its license to Ramot's technology; ability to adequately protect the technology; dependence on key executives and on its scientific consultants; ability to obtain required regulatory approvals; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available at<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7536/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">http://www.sec.gov</a>. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.</em><br />
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Contact:</div>
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<strong>CONTACTS</strong>BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.<br />Mr. Alon Natanson<br />CEO<br />Phone: +972-3-9236384<br /><a href="mailto:info@brainstorm-cell.com">info@brainstorm-cell.com</a><br /><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7538/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brainstorm-cell.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">www.brainstorm-cell.com</a><br /><br />LifeSci Advisors, LLC<br />Michael Rice, Founding Partner<br />646-597-6979<br /><a href="mailto:mrice@lifesciadvisors.com">mrice@lifesciadvisors.com</a><br /><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7540/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lifesciadvisors.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">www.LifeSciAdvisors.com</a>
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Introduction</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7542/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brainstorm-cell.com%2Fimages%2Ffiles%2FBrainStormInvesto%2520Presentation0313r.pdf%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">Investor Presentation – March 2013</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics (<a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7544/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcmarkets.com%2Fstock%2FBCLI%2Fquote%2520%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">OTC.QB: BCLI</a>) is a biotechnology company developing innovative, autologous stem cell therapies for highly debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7546/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brainstorm-cell.com%2Findex.php%2Fscience-a-technology%2F-nurown%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">NurOwn™, </a>our proprietary, first-of-its-kind technology for the propagation and differentiation of autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) into NeuroTrophic Factor (NTF)-secreting cells and their transplantation at or near the site of damage, offers the hope of conquering neurodegenerative diseases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">We are currently conducting a Phase IIa ALS clinical trial with NurOwn at the Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem. In this safety and preliminary efficacy trial, 12 patients will receive combined intramuscular and intrathecal administration of NurOwn cells in three cohorts with increasing doses. The study participants will be followed for three to six months after transplantation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The company also plans to begin a Phase II clinical trial in the USA in 2013, pending FDA approval.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In February 2011, NurOwn was granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Over 20 publications in leading scientific journals demonstrating NurOwn's mechanism of action, pharmacology and <em>in vivo</em> efficacy have been published by the scientific team.</span></div>
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<div id="split_right">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Mission</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">BrainStorm is developing autologous, adult stem cell therapies to treat a variety of debilitating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease), Parkinson's Disease (PD), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Our approach uses the patient's own bone marrow to generate specialized NeuroTrophic Factor (NTF)-secreting cells, which are then transplanted into the spine or muscles, to protect existing motor neurons, promote new motor neuron growth, and re-establish nerve-muscle interaction.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">We are committed to developing an effective treatment that will overcome the devastating effects of neurodegenerative disease.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Stem Cell Therapy</span></h2>
<div id="ctlBody">
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Stem Cell therapies are one of the most promising areas of medicine today.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The aim of cell therapy is to support and repair damaged tissues and organs by providing healthy stem cell transplants. Bone marrow stem cell transplants for replacement and restoration of the haemopoietic system (blood and lymph) of cancer patients have been successfully used for the past 20 years.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Stem cells are generally described as cells that are capable of both self-renewal and differentiation. Stem cells have the ability to undergo asymmetric division such that one of the two daughter cells retains the properties of the stem cell, while the other begins to differentiate into a more specialized cell type. Stem cells are therefore central to normal human growth and development and a potential source of new cells for the regeneration of diseased and damaged tissue.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">BrainStorm is developing cellular therapeutics based on stem cell technologies. The medical benefits afforded by stem cell therapies offer hope to millions of patients suffering from many types of neuro-degenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).</span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: large;">Management Team</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Chaim Lebovits<br />President</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Alon Natanson, MBA<br />CEO</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Adrian Harel, Ph.D.<br />Director of R&D</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Liat Sossover, CPA, MBA<br />CFO</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Prof. Eldad Melamed, M.D.<br />Chief Medical Advisor</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Prof. Daniel Offen, Ph.D.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Chief Scientific Advisor</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Our Partners</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Our Partners</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">At BrainStorm we’re interested in exploring strategic partnerships that will further our clinical and technological goals. These academic and clinical collaborations with leading scientific and medical investigators, as well as technological alliances with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">We're proud to be partnering today with a leading university medical center and an innovative technology company in the areas of clinical and technology development: </span><br />
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7548/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hadassah-med.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" target="_blank"><img alt="brainstorm-cell.com/images/files/partners/hadassah logo1" border="0" height="82" src="http://www.brainstorm-cell.com/images/files/partners/hadassah%20logo1.jpg" width="85" /></a> </span></td><td><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem</strong>Since June 2011, BrainStorm has been conducting a Phase I/II clinical trial in patients with ALS at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. The trial, headed by Prof. Dimitrios Karussis of the Department of Neurology, is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of NurOwn™.</span><br />
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"> <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7550/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.octaneco.com%2F%3Fbiotech%26utm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="25" src="http://www.brainstorm-cell.com/images/files/partners/octane_logo_basic.jpg" width="143" /></a></span></td><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Octane Biotech, Kingston, Ontario</strong>BrainStorm is collaborating with Octane Biotech to develop a proprietary bioreactor that will optimize the scale-up of the NurOwn production process. Using Octane’s Automated Cell & Tissue Engineering System (ACTES) technology, we are working on a customized bioreactor that will increase our NurOwn production capabilities and reduce both costs and time. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2 class="inline">
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Headlines</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7554/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-cell-therapeutics-presents-11th-160902227.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Presents at the 11th International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease</a><cite>Marketwire(Fri, Mar 8)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7556/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fus.rd.yahoo.com%2Ffinance%2Fexternal%2Fpssa%2FSIG%3D13mp545l2%2F%2Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fseekingalpha.com%2Farticle%2F1254791-als-crisis-of-conscience-at-fda-spells-opportunity-for-neuralstem-brainstorm%3Fsource%3Dyahoo%26utm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">ALS Crisis Of Conscience At FDA Spells Opportunity For Neuralstem, Brainstorm</a><cite>at Seeking Alpha(Thu, Mar 7)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7558/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Frasheda-ali-national-local-news-142200810.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">Rasheda Ali on National and Local News: BrainStorm’s ALS Clinical Trial Results Exceeded Expectations</a><cite>Business Wire(Wed, Feb 27)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7560/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-present-8th-annual-york-135700931.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm to Present at the 8th Annual New York Stem Cell Summit</a><cite>Business Wire(Wed, Feb 13)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7562/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-announces-private-equity-financing-140900658.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm Announces Private Equity Financing of $250,000 with Individual Private Investor</a><cite>Business Wire(Mon, Feb 11)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7564/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fbiz.yahoo.com%2Fe%2F130208%2Fbcli8-k.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS INC. Files SEC form 8-K, Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities</a><cite>EDGAR Online(Fri, Feb 8)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7566/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Ffirst-patient-begins-treatment-brainstorm-140000061.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">First Patient Begins Treatment in BrainStorm’s Phase IIa Trial for ALS</a><cite>Business Wire(Mon, Feb 4)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7568/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fbiz.yahoo.com%2Fe%2F130128%2Fbcli8-k.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS INC. Files SEC form 8-K, Change in Directors or Principal Officers, Financial Statements</a><cite>EDGAR Online(Mon, Jan 28)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7570/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-cell-therapeutics-appoints-alon-144800109.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Appoints Alon Natanson as Chief Executive Officer</a><cite>Business Wire(Mon, Jan 28)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7572/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-ceo-issues-annual-letter-140000809.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm’s CEO Issues Annual Letter to Shareholders</a><cite>Business Wire(Wed, Jan 23)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7574/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-establishes-safety-repeat-doses-142400202.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm Establishes Safety of Repeat Doses of NurOwn in Mice; Pre-clinical Study Conducted at GLP-compliant Harlan Laboratories</a><cite>Business Wire(Thu, Jan 10)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7576/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-achieves-important-development-commercialization-144400256.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm Achieves Important New Development for Commercialization of NurOwn</a><cite>Business Wire(Wed, Jan 9)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7578/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fbiz.yahoo.com%2Fe%2F130108%2Fbcli8-k.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BRAINSTORM CELL THERAPEUTICS INC. Files SEC form 8-K, Other Events, Financial Statements and Exhibits</a><cite>EDGAR Online(Tue, Jan 8)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7580/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorms-clinical-trial-fast-tracked-133100287.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm's Clinical Trial is Fast-Tracked to Phase IIa, Representing a Major Milestone for the Company</a><cite>Business Wire(Mon, Jan 7)</cite></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7582/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Ffinance.yahoo.com%2Fnews%2Fbrainstorm-announces-shareholders-conference-call-140700569.html%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">BrainStorm Announces New Shareholders Conference Call Date to Discuss Upcoming Positive Developments</a><cite>Business Wire(Thu, Jan 3)</cite></span></li>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Company Address</b></span></div>
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<div style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><b><b>Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.</b><br />605 Third Avenue<br />34th Floor<br />New York, NY 10158<br />United States - <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7584/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fus.rd.yahoo.com%2Ffinance%2Fprofile%2Fmap%2F%2Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fmaps.yahoo.com%2Fmaps_result%3Faddr%3D605%252520Third%252520Avenue%25252034th%252520Floor%26csz%3DNew%252520York%252520NY%25252010158%26country%3DUnited%252520States%26utm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">Map</a><br />Phone: 646-666-3188<br />Website: <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7586/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brainstorm-cell.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News">http://www.brainstorm-cell.com</a><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times; font-size: small;">Share Structure</span></h5>
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Market Cap</span></td><td><span style="font-family: times new roman, times; font-size: small;">35.27M</span></td><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><br /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Avg Volume (3 M)</span></td><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">188,193</span></td><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><br /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">52 Week High</span></td><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">$0.17</span></td><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><br /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">52 Week Low</span></td><td><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">$0.38</span></td><td></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>Co</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>ntact</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">James S. Painter III</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Emerging Markets Consulting LLC</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">10724 High Crest Court</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Howey In The Hills Florida 34737</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Office 321-206-6682</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Fax 352-429-0691</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">www.emergingmarketsllc.com</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">www.themicrocapreport.com</span>
<ul>
<li>Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC ("EMC"), its principals, affiliates, representatives, subcontractors or agents (hereafter referred to as "EMC") prepare and/or assist others in preparing and publishing oral and written information on selected companies (the "Profiled Companies") and/or their securities (the "Securities") in various contexts, including but not limited to corporate and business profiles, summaries, stock alerts, reports, and press releases (hereafter referred to as the "Information") through various methods including but not limited to: (a) facsimile; (b) double opt-in spam compliant emails; (c) mail and courier; and (d) the world wide web, including but not limited to EMC's website at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7588/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emergingmarketsllc.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" target="_blank">www.emergingmarketsllc.com</a>. Many of the stocks of the Profiled Companies qualify as "penny stocks" under the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") rules and regulations because, among other things, they have a price of less than $5.00 per share. Penny stocks are subject to important risks that you should be acutely aware of, as detailed in the bullet point presentation below.<br />
The Information is disseminated to broker-dealers, members of the general public, readers of our website, and the financial community (collectively the "Recipients") at the direction of the Profiled Companies or third party shareholders of the Profiled Companies and should be used by the Recipients for informational purposes only and even then the Information should only be used as a beginning point for further investigation. This is because EMC: (a) only presents neutral or positive information regarding the Profiled Companies and its business prospects; and (b) does not present the risks or negative aspects associated with the Profiled Company or its securities. Therefore, the Information is in of itself wholly inadequate to formulate any investment decision and we strongly advise against making any investment decisions solely based on the Information. It is imperative that you consult with your professional advisor, including your financial adviser, financial planner or attorney regarding the advisability of investing in any securities, especially with regard to penny stocks. In addition, you should consult with online services that are available free of charge at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7590/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7592/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinksheets.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pinksheets.com</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7594/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.finra.org%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.finra.org</a>, Google, or other websites that offer investment guides, valuable information pertaining to penny stocks and penny stock frauds and the risks of investing in penny stocks. Additionally, you should review the quarterly and annual financial and disclosure reports at <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7596/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>, <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7598/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.otcbb.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.otcbb.com</a> and <a href="http://app.streamsend.com/c/18256117/7600/{{{tracking_hash}}}/JTKY?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinksheets.com%2F%3Futm_source%3Dstreamsend%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_content%3D18256117%26utm_campaign%3DMore%252520Positive%252520BCLI%252520News" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pinksheets.com</a>.<br />
Statements contained in the Information that are not historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will", or "should", or "anticipates". Such statements should be read as being applicable to all related forward looking statements wherever they appear in any of the Information. The actual results of a Profiled Company's operations, financial condition or other aspects of its business could differ materially from those discussed in the Corporate Information.<br />
You should carefully review the bolded disclosure appearing immediately below:<br />
<b>EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Companies or third party shareholders in cash and/or compensation in the Securities in connection with preparation and dissemination of the Information, most frequently in the form of Securities in the name of a Profiled Company. EMC regularly and routinely sells its securities compensation before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Companies, most frequently during the dissemination of the Information. You should be acutely aware that EMC repeatedly sells its stock compensation while it is engaged in the dissemination of the Information, as well as before and after such dissemination. Many such securities sales occur during the dissemination of the Information and often occur within minutes, hours or days after EMC first disseminates the Information to the Recipients. EMC's dissemination of the Information has resulted in the past and will in the future result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities trading volume, enabling EMC to sell those Securities at a profit. Additionally, EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities. </b><br />
Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC ("EMC"), its principals, affiliates, representatives, subcontractors or agents (hereafter referred to as "EMC" or “we” or “us”) prepare and/or assist others in preparing and publishing oral and written information on selected companies (the “Profiled Company” ) and their securities (the "Securities") in various contexts, including but not limited to corporate and business profiles, alerts, summaries, reports, and press releases (hereafter referred to as the "Information") through various methods, including but not limited to: (a) double opt-in spam compliant emails; (c) mail and courier; (d) EMC’s website’s at profiling the Profiled Company and otherwise through the worldwide web. In certain cases, we are merely a distributor of such publications, i.e. a Profiled Company’s press release, in which case, as in all other situations, EMC conducts no review of said publications received from any party such as an investor relations firm that directly contracts with a Profiled Company or a third party shareholder. We do not conduct any due diligence whatsoever for any of our publications, whether we act only as a distributor pursuant to an agreement with another publisher or investor relations firm or directly contract with the Profiled Company or third party shareholder; rather, we rely upon the information of the Profiled Company we receive from the Profiled Company or other investor relations firm or third party shareholder, which similarly may not conduct any due diligence upon the Information.<br />
Many of the stocks of the Profiled Company qualify as "penny stocks" under the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") penny stock rules and regulations because, among other things, they have a price of less than $5.00 per share. Penny stocks are subject to material risks that you should be acutely aware of, as detailed in the bulleted risk factor section presented below.<br />
We are paid to publish the Information about companies that are quoted on the OTCBB, OTC Markets or Pink Sheets or the American Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Small Cap and/or NASDAQ National Market. We are paid for our services in either money or securities or a combination of cash and securities compensation. The publicly traded companies or third party shareholders or other publishers or investor relations firms that subcontract with us for the services that they have directly contracted for with a publicly traded company or a third party shareholder pay us for our advertisements. <br />
<br />
We are not independent and the Information published by us is and should be construed as a paid advertisement. We do not conduct research or evaluate if the Information is true, accurate or complete. We are not qualified to give you investment advice. The Information should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase the securities of the Profiled Company or as providing any information that may be construed as investment advice. We are not: (a) an investment advisor; (b) a stock picker; (c) a securities trading expert; (d) a securities analyst; (e) a financial analyst; (f) one that provides stock recommendations, price targets, buy recommendations, stock recommendations for assembling a portfolio of stocks, represents that stocks are undervalued or providing advice about buy and/or sell or hold recommendations as to specific securities; as such, any interpretation of the Information that we furnish should not be construed in any of the foregoing manners.<br />
<br />
Our advertisements involve an actual conflict of interest, since we receive compensation in the very securities we are promoting and then sell the securities during our advertorial activities or thereafter. The Profiled Company or investor relations firm or third party shareholder from whom we receive compensation also has an actual conflict of interest since it or he or she pays us securities compensation for advertising services and then may sell their own shares of the Profiled Company while we are publishing the Information about the Profiled Company or its securities. A Profiled Company or third party shareholder or another advertising or investor relations firm that pays us for our advertising services also has a conflict of interest since they are paying us compensation to advertise on their behalf for their own benefit.<br />
The Information is disseminated to broker-dealers, members of the general public, readers of our website, and the financial community (collectively the "Recipients") at the direction of the Profiled Company or other investor relations firms or third party shareholders of the Profiled Company or firm hired by the Profiled Company for which we provide subcontracting services or through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blog spots. The Information should only be used by as a beginning point for further investigation into the Profiled Company and its securities because EMC: (a) only presents neutral or positive information regarding the Profiled Company and its business; (b) does not present the risks or negative aspects associated with the Profiled Company or its securities; and (c) the Information is wholly inadequate to formulate any investment decision; as such we strongly advise against making any investment decisions solely based on the Information. It is imperative that you consult with your professional advisor, financial adviser, financial planner, registered broker or attorney regarding the advisability of investing in any securities, especially penny stocks. In addition, you should consult with government or other websites that are available free of charge at www.sec.gov, www.otcmarkets.com, Google, or other sources that offer specific business and financial information about the Profiled Company, investment guides, valuable information pertaining to penny stocks, penny stock frauds and penny stock investment risks. Where applicable, you should review the quarterly (Form 10-Q) and annual (Form 10-K) financial and disclosure reports available at www.sec.gov by visiting said website and inserting the name of the company you wish to inquire about under “Company Search”. For those companies that are not SEC reporting companies, you should review the quarterly and annual reports available for your review at www.otcmarkets.com<br />
Statements contained in the Information that are not historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "will", or "should", or "anticipates". Such statements should be read as being applicable to all related forward looking statements wherever they appear in any of the Information. The actual results of a Profiled Company's operations, financial condition or other aspects of its business could differ materially from those discussed in the Information.<br />
We do not make any implied or express warranties regarding the Information -- you should not solely rely upon the Information; rather, again you should use the Information and/or its securities as an initial introduction to the Profiled Company to initiate an investigation into a Profiled Company through, among other sources, information and reports available at the above-listed websites.<br />
EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Company or third party shareholders of the Profiled Company or third-party providers (i.e. another investor relations firm) in cash and/or compensation in the Securities in connection with preparation and dissemination of the Information, most frequently in the form of Securities in the name of a Profiled Company. EMC regularly and routinely sells its securities compensation before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Company, most frequently during the dissemination of the Information. You should be acutely aware that EMC repeatedly sells its stock compensation while it is engaged in the dissemination of the Information, as well as before and after such dissemination. Many such securities sales occur during the dissemination of the Information and often occur within minutes, hours or days after EMC first disseminates the Information to the Recipients. EMC's dissemination of the Information has resulted in the past and may in the future result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities trading volume, enabling EMC to sell those Securities at a profit. Additionally, EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities.<br />
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s regulations provide that “stock scalping”, the illegal practice of recommending that others purchase a security, while secretly selling the same security, contrary to the purchase recommendations is in violation of the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. We do not recommend that you purchase the securities of the Profiled Company – we only introduce a company to the readers of our publications as a starting point for investigating the securities and the Profiled Company through publicly available sources. We do not conduct any independent analysis regarding a Profiled Company’s Information. We always disclose the compensation we receive in connection with our publications of the Profiled Company. We do not provide price targets for the companies that we profile. We do not act in the capacity of an investment advisor. We do not have control or access over any securities brokerage accounts other than in our own name. We do not verbally or in writing recommend that the readers of our publication open brokerage accounts to purchase the securities of a Profiled Company or otherwise recommend that they purchase the Profiled Company’s securities. Nonetheless, you should be acutely aware that:<br />
<ul>
<li>Pursuant to an agreement between EMC and a Profiled Company, EMC always receives compensation from the Profiled Company or third party shareholder or other investor relations firm in cash and/or securities compensation of the Profiled Company for the services that EMC performs in connection with preparation and/or dissemination of the Information. </li>
<li>EMC regularly and routinely sells the Profiled Company’s securities before, during and after its dissemination of the Information regarding the Profiled Company (most frequently during the dissemination of the Information), which may result in substantial profits to EMC;</li>
<li>EMC may purchase shares of the Profiled Company before, during and after dissemination of the Information disseminated by EMC, which may result in substantial profits to EMC; </li>
<li>EMC's dissemination of the Information may result in increases in the Profiled Company's securities total trading volume or in the purchase volume of the Profiled Company’s securities, enabling EMC to sell its Securities at a profit from the securities compensation it receives for providing services involving publications of the Profiled Company.</li>
<li>EMC's sale of the Profiled Company's securities concurrently with the dissemination of the Information, including the Profiled Company's profile, may enable EMC to sell at a higher price for such shares, and may result in a diminished value to those buying the Profiled Company's securities as a result of EMC’s selling activities. </li>
</ul>
EMC does not express any opinions, recommendations or viewpoints regarding the Profiled Company or the Securities, and has not conducted and due diligence of any data or information contained in the Information. The Information is based solely upon data and information provided by the Profiled Company or third party providers hired by a Profiled Company, a primary distributor of the Information or in connection with subcontracting services that we perform for other investor relations firms. EMC does not endorse, independently verify, or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information; as such, the Information is presented in an “as is” format and the Recipients should not rely on the data or information contained in the Information in making an investment decision and should conduct their own research of the Profiled Company<br />
The Recipients should be especially cautious about any revenue predictions, projected revenues, revenue expectations or any revenue estimates whatsoever (the “Revenue Projections” because: (a) we conduct no due diligence whatsoever on whether the Revenue Projections have a foundational basis and such information should be accepted by us on an “as is” basis; (b) the Revenue Projections may not be in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principals or SEC guidelines for projections; (c) the Revenue Projections may not contain required assumptions upon which they are based or the assumptions lack a foundational basis for making such Revenue Projections, i.e. based upon a projected agreement with a third party or an actual agreement with a third party, which in of itself may lack or have any foundational basis; (d) we caution you to never use Revenue Projections as a basis for considering an investment in the subject securities and to proceed with extreme caution regarding the Revenue Projections; instead, only use all of the Information as a starting point for a thorough investigation of the Profiled Company from publicly available sources and determine whether the Revenue Projections have any foundational basis whatsoever; (e) beware and use extreme caution for any Revenue Projections that fail to include the assumptions upon which they are based; (f) beware and use extreme caution of Revenue Projections that fail to include an evaluation of the support for such assumptions underlying the projections; (g) the Revenue Projections may be inherently unreliable because they are subject to future events wherein a Profiled Company does not update the Financial Projections due to events and circumstances that occur after said projections are released, which may materially and negatively impact upon the Financial Projections; (h) if the Profiled Company is an SEC reporting company the Financial Projections should be in accordance with standards released by the Public Company Accounting Board, the SEC or standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which often a Profiled Company fails to do; (I) beware of any Financial Projections that fail to include disclosure of the basis of accounting used in preparing the Financial Projections; (j) beware of any Financial Projections that are not prepared or do not indicate whether they are prepared by an independent third party, rather than simply the Profiled Company itself; (k) consult with your registered investment advisor, registered broker, attorney, or financial advisor regarding any such Revenue Projections. <br />
The Recipients should not assume that material changes have not occurred since the publication and/or dissemination of in the Information. Again, each of the Recipients should consult with his or her legal, accounting, tax and financial advisers regarding any investment in the Profiled Company or its Securities and not rely solely upon the Information,<br />
Use of the Information as well as any investment in micro-cap or penny stock securities is subject to the following risks:<br />
<ul>
<li>EMC is not a registered investment advisor or registered securities broker dealer and no information contained within the Information should be construed as investment advice or as a solicitation to offer, purchase or sell the Securities; therefore, you should never use the Information as the only basis upon which you make an investment decision and understand that the use of our Information does not provide you with the benefits of receiving advice from a registered investment adviser or registered representative or a broker or dealer and/or conducting an in-depth investigation of a Profiled Company.</li>
<li>EMC does not provide stock recommendations; as such, none of the Information should be construed directly or indirectly or explicitly or impliedly, as stock recommendations and you should rely upon your professional adviser regarding such matters, including your registered broker, investment adviser or other qualified financial adviser.</li>
<li>EMC does not endorse, independently verify or assert the truthfulness, completeness, accuracy or reliability of the Information and conducts no due diligence whatsoever of the Profiled Company.</li>
<li>Penny stocks are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules, which may cause difficulties in liquidating micro-cap securities;</li>
<li>Penny stocks by their very nature involve a high degree of risk and may involve the loss of one's entire investment.</li>
<li>Energy, biotech, and other companies are subject to increased regulations, which subject them to material costs and possible fines and liabilities.</li>
<li>Because we may sell material amounts of the Securities during the dissemination of the Information, shortly thereafter, or at anytime, our selling activities may negatively cause price volatility, stock price declines and/or increased/decreased selling volume.</li>
<li>Because we may purchase material amounts of the Securities in the open market before, during or after the dissemination of the Information, such activities may cause price volatility, stock price increases or declines or increased/decreased volume.</li>
<li>Because we only present positive or neutral information regarding the Profiled Company and do not provide negative information in our Profiles, it is all the more important that you conduct further investigation of the Profiled Company, consult with outside sources (i.e. www.sec.gov) and consult with your professional adviser. Additionally, because we only present selected positive or neutral information, when conducting your investigation into the Profiled Company and its securities you should determine what information is material or immaterial.</li>
<li>Because EMC is a Shareholder of the Profiled Company, it has an inherent conflict of interest with the Recipients, wherein EMC may favor their own interests over that of the Recipients in light of the fact that EMC may be selling its own securities of the Profiled Company during its publication and/or distribution of the Information or at anytime.</li>
<li>The buying and selling of the Securities by EMC may negatively affect the volume or price of the Securities, including price declines or price and volume volatility.</li>
<li>Penny stock securities are often thinly traded, in which case you may have difficulties in liquidating your securities.</li>
<li>Penny stock securities by their very nature involve an extremely high degree of risk.</li>
<li>Because the Securities are penny stocks they are subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission's penny stock rules; as such, any investment in the Securities involves a high degree of risk and it may be difficult for any investor or Shareholder to resell the Securities. </li>
<li>An investment in the Profiled Company’s Securities could result in the loss of some or all of an investment in the Profiled Company’s Securities.</li>
<li>The issuance of the Securities to EMC may cause shareholders and/or investors of the Profiled Company to experience immediate and substantial dilution of their holdings and/or investments in the Profiled Company</li>
<li>Future securities issuances to EMC for services may also result in a reduction of (i) the book value or market price of the Profiled Company’s securities, (ii) shareholder voting power; and (iii) each shareholder's proportionate ownership of any Profiled Company.</li>
<li>You should consider whether the Profiled Company is a development stage company or has little or no operations or no revenues or assets, the conditions of which may increase the risk investment level of investing in the Profiled Company. </li>
<li>You should consider the financial condition of the Profiled Company in your analysis by accessing such information from www.sec.gov or www.otcmarkets.com; if such financial information is unavailable from either one of these sites, the risk investment level of investing in any such Profiled Company will be increased.</li>
<li>Many of the companies are subject to numerous risks particular to the industry that they engage in.</li>
<li>We conduct no due diligence whatsoever regarding: (a) the Issuer; (b) the third party shareholder; and (c) the relationship, if any, between the third party shareholder and the Issuer; </li>
<li>Our trading activities described above may cause: (a) significant volatility in the Issuer's; (b) price declines from our selling activities; (c) an unrealistic report of trading volume, without denoting publicly that we are the primary seller; (d) permit us to make substantial profits while we are disseminating profiles or information about the issuer, yet may result in a diminished value of the Profiled Company’s Securities. </li>
<li>We conduct no due diligence on the press releases or profiles we receive from OTC Markets News Service or other publicly available source, nor do we conduct due diligence on any other information we disseminate to the public. </li>
<li>Penny stocks are subject to the SEC's penny stock rules and subject broker-dealers to customer suitability rules and other requirements, which may lead to low volume in the securities and/or difficulties in selling the shares.</li>
<li>We do not assume any responsibility for forward-looking statements nor do we assume any responsibility for updating forward-looking statements.</li>
<li>Use of this information is at your own risk and is presented only on an “as is” basis – in other words, you must conduct your own analysis of the risks associated with use of the Information, including its accuracy or reliability.</li>
<li>Many penny stocks are thinly traded, which may lead to difficulties in selling your securities and extreme price volatility.</li>
<li>Penny stock companies are often subject to extreme regulatory oversight in the industry that they participate in.</li>
<li>Penny stock companies are often subject to extreme competition and most frequently have less brand name recognition, operational and personnel resources, technical resources, capital resources, or financing sources. </li>
<li>There is no “right time “to purchase or sell penny stocks or set of factors making it advisable to purchase a Profiled Company’s securities “now”, since at any time such stocks may be subject to price volatility, stock manipulation forces and other negative market forces.</li>
<li>A Profiled Company may have negative signs on the otcmarkets.com website that indicate various risks of investing in that individual issuer, as follows: (i) “Limited Information” for companies with financial reporting problems, economic distress, or that are unwilling to file required reports with the Pink Sheets; (ii) “Pink Sheets – No Information”, which indicates companies that are unable or unwilling to provide disclosure to the public markets, to the SEC or the Pink Sheets; and (iii) “Caveat Emptor”, signifying “Buyer Beware” that there is a public interest concern associated with a company’s illegal spam campaign, questionable stock promotion, known investigation of a company’s fraudulent activity or its insiders, regulatory suspensions or disruptive corporate actions. </li>
<li>The Issuer may be delinquent in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or at otcmarkets.com, which you will be able to determine by accessing the websites at sec.gov or otcmarkets.com.
</li>
<li>The stock price and trading volume of any Issuer that we advertise may increase significantly as a result of our dissemination of the Information and then significantly decrease as a result of our or others selling significant or massive quantities of an Issuer; </li>
<li>Many penny stock companies are subject to risks pertaining to the development stage nature of their business, including that they have failed to provide a proof of concept to their technology or business or their business plan has little if any merit whatsoever. </li>
<li>Many penny stock companies are in need of financing, which they may be unable to obtain on favorable terms or at all.</li>
<li>Our advertising activities may cause trading volume of a Profiled Company’s securities to temporarily increase by hundreds or thousands of percent, yet such trading volume may cease at any one time; </li>
<li>Our advertising activities may cause trading volume in Issuers to materially increase, yet such trading volume may cease at any one time, especially if we cease disseminating Information about the Issuers, which will cause difficulties in selling your securities or may be an unrealistic indicator of interest in the Issuer’s securities. </li>
<li>The Information has no predictive value whatsoever of the future stock price of the Profiled Company’s securities or its ability to be successful in its business objectives. </li>
<li>Should the SEC determine that inadequate information or irregularities have occurred with a Penny Stock Issuer, they may issue a trading suspension, which will suspend trading in the Issuer’s securities and may for all intents and purposes permanently cease trading because broker-dealers may not accept trades in that particular Issuer’s securities. </li>
<li>The press releases, issuer profiles and information we provide represent only a small amount of information regarding the Issuer, which is insufficient to formulate an investment decision; as such, that information should only be a starting point from which you conduct an in-depth investigation of the issuer from available public sources, such as www.sec.gov, otcmarkets.com, www.sec.gov, yahoofinance.com,www.google.com and other available public sources; and </li>
<li>You should conduct an in-depth investigation of the Profiled Company and its securities from the above or any other credible available sources, especially because we only present positive information and limited specific information which is an insufficient basis to invest in any stock, yet alone a penny stock; accordingly, you should proceed with an investigation to determine, among other things, information pertaining to the issuer's financial condition, operations, business model, and risks involved in the issuer's business. </li>
</ul>
Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933 requires that any person that uses the mails to publish, give publicity to, or circulate any publication or communication that describes a security in return for consideration received or to be received directly or indirectly from an issuer, underwriter, or dealer, must fully disclose the type of consideration (i.e. cash, free trading stock, restricted stock, stock options, stock warrants) and the specific amount of the consideration. In connection therewith, EMC has received the following compensation and/or has an agreement to receive in the future certain compensation, as described below. EMC has been Paid 250,000 restricted shares from Brainstorm<br />
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Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-61239042682302419592012-08-23T07:58:00.000-07:002012-08-23T07:58:00.740-07:00Questions to Ask Yourself Before Retiring By Jeanine SkowronskiWhat Kind of Lifestyle Do I Want in Retirement?
Several studies have tried to pinpoint how much money people should specifically have on hand before they retire. The truth is, though, that this amount is going to vary dramatically depending on what type of lifestyle you’re looking to lead once you’ve left the workforce.
“Your entire financial plan is going to stem from that vision,” says Suzanna de Baca, vice president of wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial. She suggests considering where you see yourself residing, whether or not you plan to get another job during retirement and how you plan on spending your free time.
“Free time is very expensive,” agrees Diana Palmer, a certified public accountant with Family Financial Planning. “If you like to travel, your budget needs to be set much higher.”
Will My Debts Be Paid Off?
Unpaid debts will contribute to your monthly expenses and play a huge part in how much money you will need to have on hand before you go ahead and leave the workforce. This is not to say that your house needs to be paid off in full before you retire.
“If you have a low interest rate [on your mortgage], you’ll have to ask, ‘Do I want to pay this off in full?’” Kinsey says. On the other hand, if the mortgage is more substantial, you may want to consider taking money out of your investment portfolio so you don’t have to worry about it moving forward. The point is, whichever option you do chose will have significant impact on your cash flow.
If you have other debts on the books, such as high credit card balances, you may want to look into what other factors may be behind the balances so you can get them paid off as much as possible before you abandon a steady paycheck.
Retirement Questions
Pulling the trigger on retirement can be a costly mistake if your finances aren’t in good shape.
“It’s a very uncertain time for people,” says Doug Kinsey, a certified financial planner with Artifex Financial Group. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make yourself feel more secure as you approach retirement age. How can you tell if you’re ready to retire the way you imagined? Here’s a checklist of questions every pre-retiree should examine.
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What Kind of Lifestyle Do I Want in Retirement?
Several studies have tried to pinpoint how much money people should specifically have on hand before they retire. The truth is, though, that this amount is going to vary dramatically depending on what type of lifestyle you’re looking to lead once you’ve left the workforce.
“Your entire financial plan is going to stem from that vision,” says Suzanna de Baca, vice president of wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial. She suggests considering where you see yourself residing, whether or not you plan to get another job during retirement and how you plan on spending your free time.
“Free time is very expensive,” agrees Diana Palmer, a certified public accountant with Family Financial Planning. “If you like to travel, your budget needs to be set much higher.”
less
Will My Debts Be Paid Off?
Unpaid debts will contribute to your monthly expenses and play a huge part in how much money you will need to have on hand before you go ahead and leave the workforce. This is not to say that your house needs to be paid off in full before you retire.
“If you have a low interest rate [on your mortgage], you’ll have to ask, ‘Do I want to pay this off in full?’” Kinsey says. On the other hand, if the mortgage is more substantial, you may want to consider taking money out of your investment portfolio so you don’t have to worry about it moving forward. The point is, whichever option you do chose will have significant impact on your cash flow.
If you have other debts on the books, such as high credit card balances, you may want to look into what other factors may be behind the balances so you can get them paid off as much as possible before you abandon a steady paycheck.
less
How Will I Pay for Health Care?
All of the financial advisers we spoke with reiterated the importance of factoring in health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs when deciphering how much money you will need in retirement.
Additionally, under federal law, most Americans are not eligible for Medicare until they are 65 or older, so if you’re looking to retire before then you will need to determine where your health care coverage would be coming from and then factor that plan’s cost into your overall budget.
You’ll also need to ask yourself how you plan to address your long-term care expenses, says Joe Alfonso, a certified financial planner with Aegis Financial Advisory.
“It’s not just about buying the insurance,” he says. “But you need to ask, ‘Do I plan on moving in with my children? Do I expect my spouse to be able to fulfill that need?’”
What Sources of Income Will I Have?
Of course, the second part of the equation involves looking at the sources of income you’ll have available upon retiring, Kinsey says. This can include could Social Security benefits, which you are eligible to receive – at least in part – at age 62. It could also include a pension you may have earned, paychecks produced from a potential second career or the revenue generated by your investment portfolio.
Retirement Questions
Pulling the trigger on retirement can be a costly mistake if your finances aren’t in good shape.
“It’s a very uncertain time for people,” says Doug Kinsey, a certified financial planner with Artifex Financial Group. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make yourself feel more secure as you approach retirement age. How can you tell if you’re ready to retire the way you imagined? Here’s a checklist of questions every pre-retiree should examine.
less
What Kind of Lifestyle Do I Want in Retirement?
Several studies have tried to pinpoint how much money people should specifically have on hand before they retire. The truth is, though, that this amount is going to vary dramatically depending on what type of lifestyle you’re looking to lead once you’ve left the workforce.
“Your entire financial plan is going to stem from that vision,” says Suzanna de Baca, vice president of wealth strategies at Ameriprise Financial. She suggests considering where you see yourself residing, whether or not you plan to get another job during retirement and how you plan on spending your free time.
“Free time is very expensive,” agrees Diana Palmer, a certified public accountant with Family Financial Planning. “If you like to travel, your budget needs to be set much higher.”
less
Will My Debts Be Paid Off?
Unpaid debts will contribute to your monthly expenses and play a huge part in how much money you will need to have on hand before you go ahead and leave the workforce. This is not to say that your house needs to be paid off in full before you retire.
“If you have a low interest rate [on your mortgage], you’ll have to ask, ‘Do I want to pay this off in full?’” Kinsey says. On the other hand, if the mortgage is more substantial, you may want to consider taking money out of your investment portfolio so you don’t have to worry about it moving forward. The point is, whichever option you do chose will have significant impact on your cash flow.
If you have other debts on the books, such as high credit card balances, you may want to look into what other factors may be behind the balances so you can get them paid off as much as possible before you abandon a steady paycheck.
less
How Will I Pay for Health Care?
All of the financial advisers we spoke with reiterated the importance of factoring in health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs when deciphering how much money you will need in retirement.
Additionally, under federal law, most Americans are not eligible for Medicare until they are 65 or older, so if you’re looking to retire before then you will need to determine where your health care coverage would be coming from and then factor that plan’s cost into your overall budget.
You’ll also need to ask yourself how you plan to address your long-term care expenses, says Joe Alfonso, a certified financial planner with Aegis Financial Advisory.
“It’s not just about buying the insurance,” he says. “But you need to ask, ‘Do I plan on moving in with my children? Do I expect my spouse to be able to fulfill that need?’”
less
What Sources of Income Will I Have?
Of course, the second part of the equation involves looking at the sources of income you’ll have available upon retiring, Kinsey says. This can include could Social Security benefits, which you are eligible to receive – at least in part – at age 62. It could also include a pension you may have earned, paychecks produced from a potential second career or the revenue generated by your investment portfolio.
less
Do I Want to Leave Money to My Loved Ones?
“People need to think about legacy planning,” de Baca says, explaining that those looking to leave money or assets to their next of kin end up writing a very different budget than someone who has no plan to do so.
As such, you may want to write out a will before formally leaving the workforce since it could actually delay your retirement or affect the lifestyle you adopt after you do so.
How Much Cash Flow Do I Need for My Desired Lifestyle?
After you’ve considered your vision for retirement and calculated your expenses, you should come up with the ideal amount of money you would need coming in to support that lifestyle. Palmer says every prospective retiree should ask themselves this crucial question: If you were to retire today, what check would you like to see in your mailbox each month?
“Once we know that number, we work out if that lifestyle is plausible,” she says.
Will My Assets Cover This Lifestyle?
After you’ve determined what your ideal retirement paycheck would be, you need to see if you will have enough money on hand to generate it.
“Depending on that answer, decisions have to be made,” Alfonso says. “If you don’t have enough money, there needs to be a trade-off.”
This could include delaying retirement, spending less, downsizing your home, moving to another state or adjusting your lifestyle requirements.
“Saving more isn’t always the best option due to the time constraints,” Alfonso says.
Do I Need to Make Changes to My Investment Portfolio?
As you near retirement, you may also want to make some adjustments to the investment portfolio you’re hoping will power it. This could involve switching to more conservative stock or bond options, but it doesn’t have to, Kinsey says.
“You need to ask yourself: ‘How conservative can I be and still reach my goals?’” he says. “This doesn’t mean you have to run to bonds. You can move to an asset-deduction model that makes sure you have enough [money] to cover the income gap and then invest for growth.”Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-64598134809906336842012-08-22T07:55:00.000-07:002012-08-22T07:55:00.316-07:00Changes Tough, but Social Security FixableSocial Security's financial problems could be solved with modest but politically tough changes
By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press | Associated Press – Mon, Aug 20, 2012 3:06 AM EDT
Despite Social Security's long-term problems, the massive retirement and disability program could be preserved for generations to come with modest but politically difficult changes to benefits or taxes, or a combination of both.
Some options could affect people quickly, such as increasing payroll taxes or reducing annual cost-of-living adjustments for those who already get benefits. Others options, such as gradually raising the retirement age, wouldn't be felt for years but would affect millions of younger workers.
All of the options carry political risks because they have the potential to affect nearly every U.S. family while raising the ire of powerful interest groups. But the sooner changes are made, the more subtle they can be because they can be phased in slowly. Each year lawmakers wait, Social Security's financial problems loom larger and the need for bigger changes becomes greater, according to an analysis by The Associated Press.
"Certainly, in the current environment, it would be very difficult to get changes made," Social Security's commissioner, Michael J. Astrue, said in an interview. "It doesn't mean that we shouldn't try. And sometimes when you try hard things, surprising things happen."
Social Security is ensnared in the same debate over taxes and spending that has gripped Washington for years. Liberal advocates and some Democrats say benefit cuts should be off the table. Conservative activists and some Republicans say tax increases are out of the question.
Others, including a deficit commission created by President Barack Obama in 2010, have called for a combination of tax increases and cuts to future benefits, including raising the retirement age again.
Janice Durflinger of Lincoln, Neb., is still working at age 76, running computer software programs for a bank. Still, she worries that a higher retirement age would be tough on people with more physically demanding jobs.
"No matter how much you exercise, age takes its toll," Durflinger said.
But at 20, Jared Macher of Manalapan, N.J., worries that Social Security won't be around for his generation without major changes.
"My generation sees Social Security as a tax, not an investment," Macher said.
Social Security's finances are being hit by a wave of demographics as millions of baby boomers reach retirement, leaving relatively fewer workers behind to pay into the system. About 56 million people get benefits today; that is projected to grow to 91 million in 2035.
For nearly three decades Social Security produced big surpluses, collecting more in taxes from workers than it paid in benefits to retirees, disabled workers, spouses and children.
But Social Security trustees project that the surplus, now valued at $2.7 trillion, will be gone in 2033. At that point, Social Security would only collect enough tax revenue each year to pay about 75 percent of benefits, unless Congress acts.
After the surplus is spent, the gap between scheduled benefits and projected tax revenue is big.
Social Security uses a 75-year window to forecast its finances, so the projections cover the life expectancy of every worker paying into the system. Once Social Security's surplus is gone, the program is scheduled to pay out $134 trillion more in benefits than it will collect in taxes over the next 75 years, according to data from the agency. Adjusted for inflation, that's $30.5 trillion in 2012 dollars.
The options for closing the gap fall into two broad categories: cutting benefits or raising taxes. There are, however, many options within each category.
The AP used data from the Social Security Administration to calculate how much of the shortfall would be eliminated by various options. To illustrate how Social Security's long-term finances have become worse in the past two years, the AP also calculated the share of the shortfall that would have been eliminated, if the options had been adopted in 2010.
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Taxes
Social Security is financed by a 12.4 percent tax on wages. Workers pay half and their employers pay the other half. The tax is applied to the first $110,100 of a worker's wages, a level that increases each year with inflation. For 2011 and 2012, the tax rate for employees was reduced to 4.2 percent, but is scheduled to return to 6.2 percent in January.
Options:
—Apply the Social Security tax to all wages, including those above $110,100. Workers making $200,000 in wages would get a tax increase of $5,574, an amount their employers would have to match. Their future benefits would increase, too. This option would eliminate 72 percent of the shortfall. Two years ago, it would have wiped out 99 percent.
—Increase the payroll tax by 0.1 percentage point a year, until it reaches 14.4 percent in 20 years. At that point, workers making $50,000 a year would get a tax increase of $500 and employers would have to match it. This option would eliminate 53 percent of the shortfall. Two years ago, it would have wiped out 73 percent.
___
Retirement age
Workers qualify for full retirement benefits at age 66, a threshold that gradually rises to 67 for people born in 1960 or later. Workers are eligible for early retirement at 62, though monthly benefits are reduced by about 25 percent. The reductions shrink the longer you wait to apply.
Options:
—Gradually raise the full retirement age to 68 in 2033. This option would eliminate 15 percent of the shortfall. Two years ago, it would have eliminated a little more than 20 percent.
—Gradually raise the full retirement age to 69 in 2039 and 70 in 2063. This option would eliminate 37 percent of the shortfall. Two years ago, it would have eliminated about half.
___
Cost-of-living adjustments
Each year, if consumer prices increase, Social Security benefits go up as well. By law, the increases are pegged to an inflation index. This year, benefits went up by 3.6 percent, the first increase since 2009.
Option: Adopt a new inflation index called the Chained CPI, which assumes that people change their buying habits when prices increase to reduce the impact on their pocketbooks. The new index would reduce the annual COLA by 0.3 percentage point, on average. This option would eliminate 19 percent of the shortfall. Two years ago, it would have eliminated 26 percent.
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Benefits
Initial Social Security benefits are determined by lifetime wages, meaning the more you make, the higher your benefit, to a point. Initial benefits are typically calculated using up to 35 years of wages. Earnings from earlier years, when workers were young, are adjusted to reflect the change in general wage levels that occurred during their years of employment.
Tinkering with the benefit formula can save big money, but cuts to initial benefits mean lower monthly payments for the rest of a retiree's life. The average monthly benefit for a new retiree is $1,264.
Option: Change the calculation for initial benefits, but only for people with lifetime wages above the national average, which is about $42,000 a year. Workers with higher incomes would still get a bigger monthly benefit than lower paid workers but not as big as under current law. It's a cut they would feel throughout their entire retirement. This option would eliminate 34 percent of the shortfall. Two years ago, it would have eliminated almost half.
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Associated Press writer Andres Gonzalez contributed to this report.
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Keep up with the AP Social Security series on Twitter: http://apne.ws/NRmPSQ
Follow Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stephenatap
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Online:
How would you fix Social Security? http://hosted.ap.org/interactives/2012/social-security/Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-82786512916629824262012-08-22T07:50:00.000-07:002012-08-22T07:50:00.147-07:00Gold, Silver & Copper Are All Heading Lower: Elliott Wave Analyst By Jeff Macke |"I'm bearish across the board in the metals," says Jeff Kennedy, Chief Commodity Analyst at Elliott Wave International. "I'm looking down in gold, down in silver, and down in copper." He lays out his case in the attached video, starting with the precious metals.
Gold and Silver
Kennedy dismisses the muted efforts of gold and silver to regain last year's momentum as classic corrective wave patterns. "Essentially the moves that we've seen the last few weeks, the last few months, are very indicative of a larger down-trending market," he explains.
Once he sees confirming price action, specifically a break below last week's lows in gold, Kennedy wants to get short. The analyst's favorite ways to play the dark side on gold and silver are via the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV).
Copper
The news is no better for copper bulls. In fact, it's much worse if you buy into the idea that "Dr. Copper" is a tell for the rest of the economy. Based on his wave work, Kennedy says copper is heading not just lower, but down as much as 55% to $1.50. This would take copper near lows last seen during financial meltdown of 2008, when global growth crumbled.
Kennedy's favorite short play off copper is Freeport-McMoRan (FCX). The copper and gold miner has the same chart characteristics as copper as well as a specific trigger point for the short. "Take out $30 a share in Freeport," he says, "and nothing's holding it up until you fall to $10."Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-28702411545272115802012-08-21T07:50:00.000-07:002012-08-21T07:50:04.881-07:00Why Apple’s Milestone Is “Not That Amazing” By Stacy Curtin | Daily Ticker
Another major milestone for Apple (AAPL) on Monday when it became the most valuable publicly traded company ever (before adjusting for inflation).
The tech stock ended the day up 2.63 percent to close at $665.15 a share, giving it a market capitalization of $623.52 billion. The stock is up more than 60 percent in the last year. Its market capitalization has doubled in the last 19 months.
In early trading Tuesday the stock was up another 6 percent to $671 a share.
Apple surpassed Microsoft's $616.34 billion market capitalization record set in 1999. However, after Apple eclipsed Microsoft's all-time high, many critics pointed out that Apple's blockbuster-figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Its stock price would need to top $900 in order to exceed Microsoft's record market value in real terms, which has been calculated by some analysts to be $850 billion.
Apple's achievement is "astounding," says The Daily Ticker's Aaron Task in the accompanying video, noting that Apple is currently worth more than Microsoft, Intel and Google combined while the number two most valuable company, ExxonMobil (XOM), trails Apple's valuation by more than $200 billion. "It is staggering, staggering stuff that I haven't seen in my years covering the market — any single company having this much value relative to the rest of the other major mega-caps out there," he says.
But our Henry Blodget is not that surprised by Apple's accomplishment for two key reasons:
Inflation increases the value of all companies over time.
Apple's mega-earnings support its valuation.
"It is actually not amazing that Apple is worth $623 billion," says Blodget, adding the company is reasonably valued because the stock is trading at 13 times earnings. He notes that Apple is delivering on earnings in all major product lines, including the iPhone, iPad and to a lesser extent the Macbook.
Apple's recent run-up in stock price — even after its lackluster earnings report last month due to lack of demand for its current iPhone — is largely attributed to the growing anticipation for the iPhone 5, which is rumored to be released Sept. 12.
"This quarter is going to be terrible…because we are in the waning days of the iPhone 4S and everybody is focused on the iPhone 5," says Blodget. If the company delivers on the new phone, it is clear sailing ahead for the rest of the year, but if the phone is a disappointment, "look out below," he says as more than half of Apple's revenues come from iPhone sales.
But Apple could still have a banner year. Consumers and investors are highly anticipating the company's release of the iPad mini and a new Apple TV. Plus, the last three months of the year include the holiday shopping season, which is always good for the company's bottom line.
Tell us what you think! Does Apple's valuation surprise you?Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-82361500616706644992012-08-16T07:42:00.000-07:002012-08-16T07:42:00.507-07:00China's Largest Broker Plunges on Loss Rumor<br />
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Shares of Shanghai-listed Citic Securities, China's largest brokerage firm, fell by 9.1 percent on Monday after rumors the company had suffered a large 2.9 billion yuan ($460 million) loss on overseas trading.</div>
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But a spokesperson for the company denied the rumors and told CNBC that reports the company's chairman had been arrested by the police were also untrue.</div>
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The drop in Citic's shares also affected other brokers on Monday with shares of Haitong Securities falling 8.6 percent. Reuters reported that traders were worried over earnings in the latest quarter.</div>
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Citic securities reports results on August 30th and the firm is currently in a quiet period, during which it cannot discuss its financials.</div>
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Dickie Wong, Executive Director of research at Kingston Securities said he had not been able to confirm any of the rumors and that investors would have to wait for a filing with the Hong Kong Exchange for more details.</div>
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Wong told CNBC that the shares of China's brokerages were no longer that attractive based on price-to-earnings ratios when compared to the major bank stocks. He said mainland-listed bank stocks were trading at valuations of between 5 and 6 times forward earnings. On the other hand, shares of Citic Securities are trading at 21 times forward earnings.</div>
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Chinese authorities have been trying to boost confidence in the country's stock market by allowing increased foreign participation. But pessimism over stocks has persisted, hurting brokers. The Shanghai Composite has fallen 13 percent from the year's peak and trades at just over 9 times earnings.</div>
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<em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">- By CNBC's Deepanshu Bagchee</em><em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://twitter.com/DeepBagchee" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;"><em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">@DeepBagchee</em></a></em></div>
Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-74425203265330315702012-08-15T07:16:00.000-07:002012-08-15T07:16:00.199-07:00America's Energy Seen Adding 3.6 Million Jobs Along With 3% GDP<br />
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On the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, about an hour upstream from <a href="http://topics.bloomberg.com/new-orleans/?cmpid=yhoo.hlinks" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">New Orleans</a>, the outline of Nucor Corp. (NUE)'s new $750 million iron-processing plant is rising between fields of sugar cane and sweet gum trees.</div>
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Surveying the facility from the road, Michael Eades, president of Ascension Economic Development Corp., says it's part of a wave of investment lured by low natural gas prices to this stretch of Louisiana's industrial riverfront. Companies such as Westlake Chemical Corp., Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. and Methanex Corp. (MX) have projects in the works. Ormet (ORMT) Corp. reopened an alumina refinery last year, bringing back 250 jobs.</div>
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"We're just seeing an incredible amount of activity," said Eades, who tallied $1.1 billion in new projects last year in Ascension Parish alone, where his private, nonprofit group promotes development. He expects twice that this year.</div>
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It's a harbinger of a nationwide investment boom spreading from the oil fields of North Dakota and the Marcellus gas shale in Pennsylvania to power plants in California and chemical refiners in Texas. A surge in U.S. natural gas development has spurred $226 billion in spending plans on pipelines, storage, processing facilities and power plants, most slated for the next five years, according to Industrial Info Resources, a market- intelligence provider in <a href="http://topics.bloomberg.com/sugar-land/?cmpid=yhoo.hlinks" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Sugar Land</a>, Texas.</div>
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U.S. energy supplies have been transformed in less than a decade, driven by advances in technology, and the economic implications are only beginning to be understood. U.S. natural gas production will expand to a record this year and oil output swelled in July to its highest point since 1999. Citigroup Inc. (C) estimated in a March report that a "reindustrialization" of America could add as many as 3.6 million jobs by 2020 and increase the gross domestic product by as much as 3 percent.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Narrow Gains</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
So far, the economic benefits have been confined to states such as Louisiana, Texas and North Dakota, while the national jobless rate has stayed above 8 percent for 42 straight months in the wake of the worst recession in seven decades.</div>
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"It is definitely a positive for the economy, but one can overstate how much of a positive," said<a href="http://topics.bloomberg.com/michael-feroli/?cmpid=yhoo.hlinks" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Michael Feroli</a>, chief U.S. economist for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) Oil and gas production account for about 1 percent of gross domestic product, and will have a limited impact on the country's unemployment, he said.</div>
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Even so, there are signs the economic gains have begun to expand beyond the oil and gas fields and that the promise of abundant, low-cost fuels will give a competitive edge to industries from steel, aluminum and automobiles to fertilizers and chemicals.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Jobs Debate</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
That would provide a boost to a U.S. manufacturing sector that has lost 5.12 million jobs since 2001 and become the focus of a national debate over how to revive factory employment. Manufacturers have added 532,000 jobs since January 2010 as the economy started to recover, Bureau of Labor Statistics data show.</div>
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The expansion of fossil-fuel production -- coupled with a weak economy and increased energy efficiency -- has helped the U.S. pare its crude oil imports by 17 percent since the 2005 peak, Energy Department data show. Imports in 2011 accounted for 45 percent of U.S. consumption of crude and refined products. The department predicts the share will fall to 39 percent next year, which would be the first time since 1991 that imports dropped below 40 percent of demand.</div>
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"The impact on the global petroleum market and the natural gas markets is really palpable and wildly underestimated," said <a href="http://topics.bloomberg.com/ed-morse/?cmpid=yhoo.hlinks" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Ed Morse</a>, head of commodities research at Citigroup Global Markets Inc. who led the team that wrote the March report. The economic activity that comes with higher energy production will boost incomes, increase consumption and create wealth, he said.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Cheaper Energy</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Increased production and swelling domestic stockpiles have helped make U.S. energy cheaper than in other countries. U.S. oil futures have slid to a $20 a barrel discount to London- traded Brent, a benchmark for more than half the world's oil. Natural gas in the U.S. fell to $1.902 per million British thermal units in April, the lowest in a decade. The fuel costs almost three times as much in the U.K. and more than five times as much in Japan.</div>
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"This is one of those rare opportunities that every country looks for and few ever get," said <a href="http://topics.bloomberg.com/philip-verleger/?cmpid=yhoo.hlinks" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Philip Verleger</a>, a former director of the office of energy policy at the U.S. Treasury Department and founder of PKVerleger LLC, a consulting firm in Carbondale, Colorado. "This abundance of energy gives us an opportunity to rebuild our economy."</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Cycle of Growth</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Verleger envisages a virtuous cycle of economic growth as producers, flush with cash from oil and gas sales, will buy more equipment and put more people to work, while low-cost energy puts cash back in consumers' pockets, stimulating spending.</div>
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Companies plan to invest $138 billion in more than 700 natural gas storage, pipeline and processing plants in the U.S., and another $88 billion in more than 500 gas-fired power generation units, according to Joseph Govreau, vice president and editor-in-chief of Industrial Info Resources. The firm tracks projects from planning stages through construction.</div>
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The IIR estimates don't include petrochemical and fertilizer projects, which are undergoing a revival because of the low cost of natural gas feedstock.</div>
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Cairo-based Orascom Construction Industries (OCIC) is investing $250 million restarting an ammonia and methanol plant in Beaumont, Texas. Another Orascom subsidiary may build a $1.3 billion fertilizer plant in Iowa that would create as many as 2,000 construction jobs and 165 permanent positions, according to Tina Hoffman, a spokeswoman for the Iowa Economic Development Authority.</div>
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"The amount of petrochemical investment that the U.S. will have in the next 10 to 15 years is massive," said Omar Darwazah, head of investor relations for Orascom. "Given the shale gas boom, gas prices in the U.S. are arguably more competitive than the Middle East, because you don't have the political risk."</div>
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Increased U.S. production has already wrought significant shifts across the energy industry. Plans for gas-import terminals, thought indispensable five years ago, have been shelved in favor of export facilities such as Cheniere Energy Inc. (LNG)'s $10 billion plant in Louisiana's Sabine Pass.</div>
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Enterprise Product Partners LP and Enbridge Inc. this year reversed the Seaway pipeline that once carried oil imports from the Gulf Coast to a storage hub in Oklahoma. Now, it carries crude produced in states such as North Dakota and Colorado to refiners in Texas and Louisiana, which process and, increasingly, export it. East Coast refiners, dependent on more expensive tankers of foreign crude, are working to develop rail links and pipelines to bring oil east.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Environmental Concern</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Environmentalists say cheap fossil fuels come with a high price, including air pollution that can cause respiratory difficulties, and drinking water contamination from hydrofracturing, or fracking, in which a high-pressure stream of fluid is shot underground to crack rock and release hydrocarbons. Lower gas and oil costs have also undermined investment in power sources that produce less carbon dioxide, including wind, solar and nuclear, raising concern that climate change will accelerate.</div>
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"The state is just overjoyed at all the jobs that will be coming to Louisiana without looking at the health side effects and environmental side effects," said Darryl Malek-Wiley, a community organizer at the Sierra Club in New Orleans.</div>
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The report from Citigroup -- "North America, the New Middle East?" -- estimated that the U.S. could become the world's largest producer of crude and natural gas liquids such as propane by 2020, overtaking Russia and Saudi Arabia.</div>
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U.S. natural gas prices may eventually rise if planned export terminals increase demand for the fuel, putting domestic consumers in competition with foreign markets willing to pay more. China will drive global gas consumption higher by 2.7 percent a year through 2017, the International Energy Agency said in a June report. The U.S. already competes with global consumers for refined products such as gasoline and diesel.</div>
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Still, the promised bounty from lower prices can be seen along the highways and back roads of Ascension Parish, in the heart of Louisiana's plantation country.</div>
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In November, cheap natural gas prices convinced Hannibal, Ohio-based Ormet to reopen the refinery that makes alumina, used in aluminum production. The facility was shuttered in 2006, said Chief Financial Officer James Riley.</div>
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In nearby St. James Parish, Nucor has begun construction on the plant that will process iron using natural gas. The product will supply its steel mills, said Katherine Miller, a spokeswoman for Charlotte, North Carolina-based Nucor. Five hundred people will be needed to build the plant and 150 will be employed there once completed, she said.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Doubling Workforce</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Eades gestures toward construction trailers parked on the site where Vancouver-based Methanex said in July that it will reconstruct a plant moved from Chile, white, football field- sized domes that will store Nucor's iron ore, and chutes that carry bauxite over the Mississippi River levy into Ormet's rust- colored plant.</div>
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All this construction means new jobs. MMR Group, a Baton Rouge-based industry contractor, will double its workforce of 2,800 in the next two years, said Grady Saucier, vice president of marketing.</div>
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A five-minute drive from MMR's offices in Ascension Parish, Associated Builders & Contractors, a trade group, can't keep up with demand for its training program for would-be electricians, pipefitters and welders. Steven Allen graduated from the school's pipefitting certification program this year. Now, he earns as much as $28 an hour working in petrochemical plants, up from the $9 an hour he made as a construction laborer.</div>
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"Being a laborer and a helper isn't going to cut it when you've got a family to support," said Allen, 30, a father of 6- year-old twins.</div>
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Smaller businesses, including valve manufacturers, electric-motor companies and rental lots packed with heavy equipment, also feed off the boom, Eades says. One company, Rain for Rent, provides fake downpours seen on movie sets -- as well as storage tanks and water pumps to the petrochemical industry.</div>
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Closer to Interstate 10, which connects New Orleans to Baton Rouge, a TownePlace Suites by Marriott and a Holiday Inn Express have opened in the past year next to an outlet mall and a Cabela's outfitters store, all benefiting from the influx of new workers to the region, Eades said.</div>
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"If you have gas prices in the U.S. that are substantially cheaper than Europe or Asia, it has to have a substantial impact," said James Brick, an analyst in Houston with Wood Mackenzie , an energy and metals researcher. "The question we're now asking is, ‘Is this the tip of the iceberg?'"</div>
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To contact the reporter on this story: Asjylyn Loder in New York at <a href="mailto:aloder@bloomberg.net" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" title="send_email_link">aloder@bloomberg.net</a>.</div>
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To contact the editor responsible for this story: Dan Stets in New York at <a href="mailto:dstets@bloomberg.net" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" title="send_email_link">dstets@bloomberg.net</a>.</div>
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Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-60198332965539678732012-08-14T07:20:00.000-07:002012-08-14T07:20:00.797-07:00Ross Stores Second Quarter Earnings Preview<br />
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ARTICLE LINK: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: STKaiti; font-size: small;">http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/EarningsPreview/RossStoresSecondQuarterEarningsPreview.aspx?partner=YahooSA#axzz23R6vyaTz</span></div>
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In the lead up to Ross Stores' (Nasdaq:<a href="http://www.investopedia.com/markets/stocks/ROST" style="color: #0066cc; text-decoration: none;">ROST</a>) announcement of its second quarter <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/EarningsPreview/RossStoresSecondQuarterEarningsPreview.aspx?partner=YahooSA#" id="itxthook3" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.1em; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static !important; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; top: auto; white-space: normal;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook3w0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">earnings</span></a> on Thursday, August 16, 2012, analysts' expectations have improved over the past month from 79 cents per share to the current projection of earnings of 81 cents per share.<br /><br />Investors care about earnings because they drive stock prices. Strong earnings generally result in the stock price moving up and vice versa. <b>SEE: <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/analyst/03/012903.asp" style="color: #0066cc; text-decoration: none;">Can Earnings Guidance Accurately Predict The Future?</a></b><br /><br /><strong>What to Expect:</strong> The consensus estimate for Ross' earnings is 81 <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/EarningsPreview/RossStoresSecondQuarterEarningsPreview.aspx?partner=YahooSA#" id="itxthook4" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.1em; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static !important; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; top: auto; white-space: normal;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook4w0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">cents</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook4w1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;"> </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook4w2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">per</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook4w3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;"> </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook4w4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">share</span></a>, up 26.6% from a year ago when the company reported earnings of 64 cents per share.<br /><br />In the last 90 days, this has risen from 75 cents. Analysts are expecting earnings of $3.45 per share for the fiscal year.<br /><br />Ross is expected to beat last year's reported revenue of $2.09 billion and come in at $2.32 billion for the quarter. Revenue of $9.59 billion is expected for the fiscal year.<br /><br /><strong>Company Performance:</strong> Compared to the industry average of 17.87, ROST's P/E ratio of 22.4 is quite high. Usually, if a stock has a high P/E ratio, it indicates that the market expects the company to grow earnings quickly in the future. There are generally two price/earnings ratios calculated: the first, called the trailing Price/Earnings ratio, is calculated using the previous years actual earnings; the second, called forward Price/Earnings ratio, is calculated using the next year's estimated earnings. High P/E <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/EarningsPreview/RossStoresSecondQuarterEarningsPreview.aspx?partner=YahooSA#" id="itxthook5" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 100, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.1em; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: static !important; right: auto; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; top: auto; white-space: normal;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook5w0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; bottom: auto; color: darkgreen; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-variant: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-align: left; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; white-space: normal;">stocks</span></a> could be "growth" stocks, while low PE stocks may be "value" stocks. SEE: <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/fundamental-analysis/10/should-you-trust-pe-ratios.asp#axzz1sJ2rquiJ" style="color: #0066cc; text-decoration: none;">Can Investors Trust the P/E Ratio?</a><br /></div>
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The stock price has increased from $61.18 on May 15, 2012 to $67.16 over the past quarter. The stock saw one of its worst stretches when its price fell $4.57 per share between June 26, 2012 and June 28, 2012.<br /><br /><strong>The Competition:</strong> Ross Stores operates two chains of off-price retail apparel and home accessories stores in the United States and Guam. The company's closest competitor in the retail (apparel) industry, Gap (GPS), will report earnings on August 16, 2012. Analysts are expecting earnings of 48 cents per share for Gap, up 37.1% from last year's earnings of 35 cents per share. Analysts are less optimistic about Ross than about Gap. Ten out of 23 analysts rate the latter a buy compared to nine of 21 for the former.</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span><br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/EarningsPreview/RossStoresSecondQuarterEarningsPreview.aspx?partner=YahooSA#ixzz23R7EumR8" style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;">http://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/EarningsPreview/RossStoresSecondQuarterEarningsPreview.aspx?partner=YahooSA#ixzz23R7EumR8</a></span></span>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-43979616821866150922012-08-13T07:13:00.001-07:002012-08-13T07:13:33.770-07:00In Superrich, Clues to What Might Be in Romney’s Returns<br />
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On the face of it, Senator Harry Reid’s explosive but flimsily sourced claim that <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Avx6TshpdNVBqoZz7MCyismauodG;_ylu=X3oDMTFqMDgxZXM0BG1pdANBcnRpY2xlIEJvZHkEcG9zAzEEc2VjA01lZGlhQXJ0aWNsZUJvZHlBc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTJuYm85MzY4BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDZDMxNDc4ZmQtMjYwMy0zNTRmLThjMjMtNmUzMWU5NmZhYmY0BHBzdGNhdANuZXdzBHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQ--;_ylv=0/SIG=137rbhqth/EXP=1346076781/**http%3A//elections.nytimes.com/2012/primaries/candidates/mitt-romney%3Finline=nyt-per" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" title="More articles about Mitt Romney.">Mitt Romney</a> paid no income tax seems preposterous. Mr. Romney has denied it, and without his returns no one can say for sure. But for someone who makes millions of dollars a year, would it even be possible?</div>
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Evidently it is.</div>
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It so happens that this summer the Internal Revenue Service released data from the 400 individual income tax returns reporting the highest adjusted gross income. This elite ultrarich group earned on average $202 million in 2009, the latest year available. And buried in the data is the startling disclosure that six of the 400 paid no federal income tax.</div>
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The I.R.S. has never before disclosed that last fact.</div>
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Not even Mr. Romney, with reported 2010 income of $21.7 million, qualifies for membership in this select group of 400. But the data provides a window into the financial lives and tax rates of the superrich. Since the I.R.S. doesn’t release data for the tiny percentage of Americans at Mr. Romney’s income level, the 400 are the closest proxy.</div>
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And that data demonstrates that many of the ultrarich can and do reduce their tax liability to very low levels, even zero. Besides the six who paid no federal income tax, the I.R.S. reported that 27 paid from zero to 10 percent of their adjusted gross incomes and another 89 paid between 10 and 15 percent, which is close to the 13.9 percent rate that Mr. Romney disclosed that he paid in 2010. (At the other end of the spectrum, 82 paid 30 to 35 percent. None paid more than 35 percent.) So more than a quarter of the people earning an average of over $200 million in 2009 paid less than 15 percent of their adjusted gross income in taxes.</div>
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How do they do it?</div>
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The data show that the ultrarich typically pay low tax rates every year, but 2009 was a special case. In 2008, people with large stock portfolios and other less liquid assets were disproportionately hit with large losses on paper. One of the oddities of the tax code is that capital gains taxes are discretionary, since they must be paid only when gains are realized. And they can be offset by losses. The silver lining in a bad year like 2008 for wealthy people is that they can “harvest” losses by selling assets, then use those losses to offset any gains. They can also carry forward the losses to offset gains in future years.</div>
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There’s ample evidence that happened in 2009 among the richest taxpayers. Their average income, $202 million, dropped from $270 million in 2008 and was the lowest since 2004. Like Mr. Romney in 2010, for the richest taxpayers most income comes from capital gains and other investment income. Their net capital gains (the data doesn’t include gross gains and losses) dropped by nearly 40 percent, from an average of $154 million in 2008 to $93 million in 2009, which accounts for nearly all of their drop in total income. Even with these lower gains, these 400 taxpayers, a minuscule fraction of the population at large, still managed to account for 16 percent of all capital gains. That is the highest percentage since the data was first released for 1992, when that percentage was less than 6 percent.</div>
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Tax experts I consulted said these results almost certainly reflected aggressive use of tax-loss carry-forwards from 2008, since the stock market bottomed in March 2009 and rallied strongly during the rest of the year.</div>
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The superrich also accounted for a disproportionate amount of dividend income, which averaged over $26 million for the top 400, or over 6 percent of total dividend income, also a record. Capital gains and dividends are both taxed at a maximum rate of 15 percent, as opposed to the maximum rate on earned income of 35 percent, which helps explain why so many of the superrich pay a relatively low rate. Still, that preferential rate doesn’t get them anywhere near zero, or even 10 percent.</div>
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Edward Kleinbard, professor of law at the Gould School of Law at the University of Southern California, explained it this way, “You start with income dominated by tax-preferred income — capital gains and qualified dividends. That gets you to 15 percent. Then you use charitable contributions of appreciated securities to reduce ordinary income. But the charitable contribution deduction is capped at 50 percent of adjusted gross income. Now you’re way down, but you’re not at zero.”</div>
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What does it take to get to zero, or close to it? According to Professor Kleinbard, there are only two additional ways: tax loss carry-forwards to offset capital gains, and tax shelters, many of which have been deemed abusive by the I.R.S., to offset any remaining ordinary income after other deductions.</div>
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(Other possibilities are the foreign tax credit and general business credit, but total tax credits averaged only $2.4 million for the top 400, and neither would seem to be of much benefit to Mr. Romney.)</div>
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Since Mr. Romney seems to have had relatively little ordinary income since leaving Bain Capital, he may have been able to get to a very low rate in 2009 using tax loss carry-forwards from 2008 to offset capital gains and charitable contributions to offset up to 50 percent of his ordinary income. Without access to the returns, it’s impossible to know whether he would also have needed some additional form of tax shelter, aggressive or otherwise, to get even lower, or even to zero.</div>
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Mr. Romney has been taken to task for an abusive tax shelter used by Marriott International in 1994 while Mr. Romney was on the board and audit committee there. But there’s been no direct evidence he knew the details, and in any event, the I.R.S. started cracking down on such shelters in 2000, making it highly unlikely Mr. Romney would have embraced the strategy for his own returns within the last decade.</div>
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He’s also been faulted for treating a horse partly owned by his wife as a loss-generating passive investment, rather than as a hobby. Even though that had little effect on his overall tax liability, Professor Kleinbard contends that that and other tax avoidance measures demonstrate a propensity to engage in aggressive tax strategies.</div>
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But even Professor Kleinbard doubts that Mr. Romney paid no income tax. “It’s possible theoretically that Romney didn’t pay, but improbable,” he said. Far more likely is that he paid a very low rate that would generate renewed criticism.</div>
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This may help explain why Mr. Romney is refusing to release more of his own returns, especially those for 2009. On the face of it, his stubbornness is perplexing. The electorate already knows that he’s immensely wealthy and that he pays a very low tax rate compared with many people who make far less.</div>
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There’s no reason to fault Mr. Romney for taking advantage of loopholes the tax code offers the superrich, however ill advised they may be as a matter of public policy. Mr. Romney didn’t make the law, and he’s called for broadening the tax base, which presumably means eliminating some of the breaks that benefited him. He could easily speak to that issue, since who would know better than he does which loopholes should be closed?</div>
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Senator John McCain, the former Republican presidential candidate who received 23 years of Mr. Romney’s returns as part of the vice-presidential vetting process in 2008, has volunteered that “I can personally vouch for the fact that there was nothing in his tax returns that would in any way be disqualifying for him to be a candidate.” Something that would disqualify, him, as opposed to merely alienating voters, may be a pretty high bar, but presumably it rules out anything illegal or unethical. Senator McCain declined to be more specific.</div>
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Which leaves plenty of room for speculation, informed or otherwise. Senator Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, set off a media storm <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AnNJxwoISDjl6BeEx8dsWx.auodG;_ylu=X3oDMTFqaWd2Ymg3BG1pdANBcnRpY2xlIEJvZHkEcG9zAzIEc2VjA01lZGlhQXJ0aWNsZUJvZHlBc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTJuYm85MzY4BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDZDMxNDc4ZmQtMjYwMy0zNTRmLThjMjMtNmUzMWU5NmZhYmY0BHBzdGNhdANuZXdzBHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQ--;_ylv=0/SIG=133v7t8cc/EXP=1346076781/**http%3A//www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/31/harry-reid-romney-taxes_n_1724027.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">when he told The Huffington Post</a> the week before last that a former Bain Capital investor had told him Mr. Romney “didn’t pay any taxes for 10 years,” adding, “I’m not certain” if that’s true. It can’t be — Mr. Romney must have paid sales, property and other taxes. Presumably Senator Reid’s unnamed source meant that Mr. Romney paid no federal income tax for years.</div>
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The candidate promptly denied the claim, saying he had paid taxes every year. Still, he was vague, telling ABC News he “couldn’t remember” whether he paid less than his 2010 federal income tax rate of 13.9 percent in some years and didn’t specify which taxes he meant.</div>
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And when Senator McCain said there was nothing “disqualifying” in Mr. Romney’s returns, he would not have seen Mr. Romney’s returns for 2009, which were filed after his vice-presidential vetting.</div>
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As long as Mr. Romney withholds his returns, continued speculation, and even outlandish conjecture, will probably flourish. “It’s reinforced my view that he’d be better off just releasing the returns rather than having people blindly speculating,” Leonard E. Burman, a tax specialist and professor of public affairs at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University, told me this week. “It seems like one of those slow-drip water torture things, and eventually he’s going to have to do it.”</div>
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For the record, I paid total tax of 37 percent in 2010 and <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AmbyDn26ypqSDozh8LMvprKauodG;_ylu=X3oDMTFqaTNjbzlmBG1pdANBcnRpY2xlIEJvZHkEcG9zAzMEc2VjA01lZGlhQXJ0aWNsZUJvZHlBc3NlbWJseQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTJuYm85MzY4BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDZDMxNDc4ZmQtMjYwMy0zNTRmLThjMjMtNmUzMWU5NmZhYmY0BHBzdGNhdANuZXdzBHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQ--;_ylv=0/SIG=137rl3j5e/EXP=1346076781/**http%3A//www.nytimes.com/2012/04/21/business/unfairness-permeates-the-tax-system.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">33 percent in 2011</a>. And should there be a groundswell of interest, I’ll release my results for as many years as anyone wants. I haven’t done the calculations for years before 2010, but I’d be surprised if they’re much different.</div>
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What’s abundantly clear, both from Mr. Romney’s 2010 returns and from the returns of the top 400, is that at the very pinnacle of taxpayers, the United States has a regressive tax system. The top 400 earn more than 1 percent of all income in the United States, more than double their share in 1992. These 400 earned a total of $81 billion in 2009 — but paid an average tax rate of just 19.9 percent.</div>
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“It’s regressive because capital gains and dividends dominate the top returns and are taxed at a preferential rate,” Professor Kleinbard said.</div>
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Professor Burman added: “Our tax code has a number of flaws, one of which is that it doesn’t do a very good job of discriminating based on income. It is progressive over all, but very high-income people can pay very little tax. How they avoid tax is an important and legitimate issue we should be talking about.”</div>
Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-17858430589149443622012-07-24T09:52:00.000-07:002012-07-24T09:52:00.189-07:00Wealthy Stash $21 Trillion in 'Pirate' Banks<br />
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There are two banking systems for the wealthy. Private banks. And "pirate" banks.</div>
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"Pirate banks" form a large and fast-growing virtual banking system that has helped the wealthy hide more than $21 trillion offshore, according to <span>a new report</span> from the left-leaning Tax Justice Network USA.</div>
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That hidden wealth is costing governments $280 billion a year in lost tax revenue, the report says.</div>
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The report says much of that wealth is held by fewer than 10 million of the global super-wealthy and is handled by the world's 50 largest banks. Today's "pirate banking" clients include everyone from "30-year-old Chinese real-estate speculators and Silicon Valley software tycoons to Dubai oil sheks, Russian presidents, mineral-rich African dictators and Mexican drug lords," the report said.</div>
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[More From CNBC: <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/48240956" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">What Would It Take for You to Feel Rich?</a>]</div>
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"The 'pirate banking' system now launders, shelters, manages and, if necessary, re-domiciles the riches of many of the world's worst villains, as well as the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of many of our wealthiest individuals," said the report.</div>
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The report was written by James Henry, a former economist for McKinsey & Co.</div>
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Of course, determining how much wealth is hidden overseas is an imprecise science. And many conservative groups contest the estimate.</div>
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The problem, says Dan Mitchell, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, is that the estimate is based on a series of assumptions aimed at making people "believe that much of cross-border investing is all about tax evasion and that all this money should go to government, and that this would be a good thing." The real problem facing governments, Mitchell says, is spending not revenues.</div>
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The Tax Justice Network used data from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, central banks and national accounts to model capital flows for 139 countries. It supplemented this with other data on transfer prices and reserve currencies, along with consulting firm research on offshoring.</div>
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All that data-crunching resulted in the estimate that the world's wealthy have between $21 trillion and $32 trillion stashed offshore, and that the world's top 50 banks collectively manage more than $12 trillion of that money. Smaller banks, investment banks, insurance companies, hedge funds and independent money managers oversaw the rest.</div>
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[More From CNBC: <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/48230531" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">No Sign of Hidden Cash for Missing Millionaire</a>]</div>
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The $21 trillion to $32 trillion estimate does not include real estate, yachts, thoroughbreds or gold bricks, which could also increase the number.</div>
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The report says that traditional offshore havens like Switzerland and Singapore hold substantial amounts. But much of the offshore fortune is held in a "virtual country" - a network of complicated cross-border entities designed to shelter wealth.</div>
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An asset may be "owned by an anonymous offshore company in one jurisdiction, which is in turn owned by a trust in another jurisdiction, whose trustees are in yet another jurisdiction," the report said.</div>
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<br /></div>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-53662271519272416202012-07-23T09:51:00.001-07:002012-07-23T09:51:06.458-07:00American manufacturers importing workers<br />
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U.S. manufacturers, frustrated by a shortage of skilled American factory workers, are going abroad to find them.</div>
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Business for factories has <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/02/news/economy/ohio_manufacturing/index.htm?iid=HP_LN&source=yahoo_hosted" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">surged recently</a>, creating a huge demand for machinists, tool and die makers, computer-controlled machine programmers and operators.</div>
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"These jobs are the backbone of manufacturing," said Gardner Carrick, senior director with the Manufacturing Institute. "These are good quality middle-class jobs that Americans should be <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/27/smallbusiness/youth_manufacturing_jobs/index.htm?source=yahoo_hosted" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">training for</a>."</div>
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The United States is experiencing a shrinking pipeline of manufacturing talent, said James Wall, deputy director of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.</div>
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"It's been in the making for years," he said. Factories didn't feel the labor pinch as much when manufacturing was in a slump. But the latest "Made in USA" resurgence has them scrambling.</div>
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Wall said some manufacturers have been relying on foreign workers to fill the gaps through H-1B visas.</div>
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The popular H-1B program allows high-skilled foreign workers to be employed in the United States for a maximum duration of six years. Each year, the government issues a quota of new H-1B work visa applications, and all industries compete against the quota. Last year's cap was set at 65,000.</div>
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High-tech companies tend to submit the most applications for H-1B visas. Manufacturers typically aren't big users of the program. Out of all the H-1B applications sent to the Labor Department less than 10% were from manufacturers.</div>
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A total of 39,551 foreign workers for manufacturing positions were certified by the Labor Department in 2011 for H-1B visas.</div>
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<a href="http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/27/smallbusiness/youth_manufacturing_jobs/index.htm?source=yahoo_hosted" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">A $100K factory job. What's uncool about that?</a></div>
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That number was up from 34,830 workers in 2010.</div>
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The agency certifies an application after a U.S. employer has demonstrated that it was unable to find a willing and qualified American worker for the job.</div>
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The H-1B visa still needs to be approved by the State Department to be granted. So the number of issued H-1B visas could be much fewer than the number of approved applications.</div>
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A majority of the applications for manufacturing last year were for architecture, engineering and other non-production related jobs, said Carrick, analyzing Labor Department data.</div>
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Less than 100 certified applications were for core factory jobs, such as machinists and computer-controlled machine operators, he added.</div>
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So even though manufacturers are going down this path, "H-1B is never going to be the answer to the skills shortage in production jobs in manufacturing," he said.</div>
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"The H-1B certainly isn't the best long-term solution," said Carrick. "We have to grow this talent at home."</div>
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But don't tell that to Vincent Spinali, general manager with Prattville Machine & Tool Company. The Peabody, Mass.-based manufacturer with 100 employees is a machine shop whose clients are in the aerospace and defense industries.</div>
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Spinali said the company invested a year and a "significant amount of money" to bring back one of its former machinists from Colombia through the H-1B visa program.</div>
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"He was in the U.S. on political asylum. We hired him, trained him and he was with us for 15 years after that. He was a great worker," said Spinali.</div>
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In 2010, Spinali said the worker's status changed, and he was sent back to Colombia.</div>
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The company got the worker back six months ago. "We realized he had become invaluable to us, and it would be hard to replace someone with his experience quickly," said Spinali.</div>
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Spinali said the H-1B program is difficult to maneuver, time-consuming and expensive, but he would consider using it again to hire more workers.</div>
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"Our business has picked up," he said. "Also, half of our workers are over 50. It's going to be very difficult to replace them when they retire because there's a shortage of young skilled workers."</div>
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<a href="http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/16/smallbusiness/manufacturing_jobs/index.htm?source=yahoo_hosted" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Desperately seeking Americans for factory jobs</a></div>
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Meanwhile, the Labor Department is trying to discourage American manufacturers from using H-1B visas, by offering grants to manufacturing associations and companies that train and hire domestically.</div>
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The agency recently awarded the National Institute of Metalworking Skills a $2.2 million grant that will encourage members to start in-house apprenticeships.</div>
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"We can and should develop our own skilled production workforce through career and technical institutes," Carrickn said. "These schools can provide U.S. manufacturers with the reliable supply of skilled production workers that they so desperately need."</div>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-61176166639138696642012-07-18T10:25:00.001-07:002012-07-18T10:25:45.356-07:008 Things Not to Keep in Your Wallet<br />
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<cite class="byline vcard" style="color: #777777; display: block; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: middle;">By <span class="fn">Emily Inverso</span> | <span class="provider org">Kiplinger</span> – <abbr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-variant: normal;" title="2012-07-09T17:00:13Z">Mon, Jul 9, 2012 1:00 PM EDT</abbr></cite></div>
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That overstuffed wallet of yours can’t be comfortable to sit on. It’s probably even too clunky to lug around in a purse, too.<br /><br />And with every new bank slip that bulges from the seams, your personal information is getting less and less safe. With just your name and Social Security number, identity thieves can open new credit accounts and make costly purchases in your name. If they can get their hands on (and doctor) a government-issued photo ID, they can do even more damage, such as opening new bank accounts. These days, con artists are even profiting from tax-return fraud and health-care fraud, all with stolen IDs.<br /><br />[More from Kiplinger: <a href="http://portal.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/how-to-protect-your-identity-if-you-lose-your-phone.html?topic_id=42" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone</a>]<br /><br />We talked with consumer-protection advocates to identify the eight things you should purge from your wallet <em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">immediately</em> to limit your risk in case your wallet is lost or stolen.<br /><br />And when you’re finished removing your wallet’s biggest information leaks, take a moment to photocopy everything you’ve left inside, front and back. Stash the copies in a secure location at home or in a safe-deposit box. The last thing you want to be wondering as you're reporting a stolen wallet is, “What exactly did I have in there?”<br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><br />1. Your Social Security Card...</strong><br /><br />...and anything with the number on it.<br /><br />Your nine-digit Social Security number is all a savvy ID thief needs to open new credit card accounts or loans in your name. ID-theft experts say your Social Security card is the absolute worst item to carry around.<br /><br />Once you’ve removed your card, look for anything else that may contain your SSN. As of December 2005, states can no longer display your SSN on newly issued driver's licenses, state ID cards and motor-vehicle registrations. If you still have an older photo ID, request a new card prior to the expiration date. There might be an additional fee, but it's worth it to protect your identity.<br /><br />Retirees, pull out your Medicare card, too, because it has your SSN on it. <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Instead:</strong> Photocopy your Medicare card (front and back), black out the last four digits of your SSN on the copy, and carry it with you instead of your real card.<br /><br />[More from Kiplinger: <a href="http://portal.kiplinger.com/slideshow/money-smart-money-dumb-states/" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The 5 Money Smartest (and 5 Money Dumbest) States</a>]<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">2. Password Cheat Sheet</strong><br /><br />The average American uses at least seven different passwords (and probably should use even more to avoid repeating them on multiple sites/accounts). Ideally, each of those passwords should be a unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and you should change them regularly. Is it any wonder we need help keeping track of them all?<br /><br />However, carrying your ATM card’s PIN number and a collection of passwords (especially those for online access to banking and investment accounts) on a scrap of paper in your wallet is a prescription for financial disaster.<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Instead:</strong> If you have to keep passwords jotted down somewhere, keep them in a locked box in your house. Or consider an encrypted mobile app, such as SplashID ($9.95; Android, Blackberry, iPad, iPhone), Password Safe Pro (free, Android only) or Pocket (free, Android only).<br /><br />[Related: <a href="http://yhoo.it/MNLeGR" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Common Money Traps to Avoid</a>]<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">3. Spare Keys</strong><br /><br />A lost wallet containing your home address (likely found on your driver's license or other items) and a spare key is an invitation for burglars to do far more harm than just opening a credit card in your name. Don't put your property and family at risk. (And even if your home isn't robbed after losing a spare key, you'll likely spend $100+ in locksmith fees to change the locks for peace of mind.)<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Instead: </strong>Keep your spare keys with a trusted relative or friend. If you’re ever locked out, it may take a little bit longer to retrieve your backup key, but that’s a relatively minor inconvenience.<br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><br />4. Checks</strong><br /><br />Blank checks are an obvious risk—an easy way for thieves to quickly withdraw money from your checking account. But even a lost check you've already filled out can lead to financial loss—perhaps long after you've canceled and forgotten about it. With the routing and account numbers on your check, anybody could electronically transfer funds from your account.<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Instead:</strong> Only carry paper checks when you will absolutely need them. And leave the checkbook at home, bringing only the exact amount of checks you anticipate needing that day.<br /><br />[More from Kiplinger: <a href="http://portal.kiplinger.com/columns/kiptips/archives/10-riskiest-places-to-give-your-social-security.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">10 Riskiest Places to Give Your Social Security Number</a>]<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">5. Passport</strong><br /><br />A government-issued photo ID such as a passport opens up a world of possibilities for an ID thief. “Theives would love to get (ahold of) this,” says Nikki Junker, a victim adviser at the Identity Theft Resource Center. “You could use it for anything”—including traveling in your name, opening bank accounts or even getting a new copy of your Social Security card.<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Instead:</strong> Carry only your driver’s license or other personal ID while traveling inside the United States. When you're overseas, photocopy your passport and leave the original in a hotel lockbox.<br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><br />6. Multiple Credit Cards</strong><br /><br />Although you shouldn’t ditch credit cards altogether (those who regularly carry a card tend to have higher credit scores than those who don’t), consider a lighter load. After all, the more cards you carry, the more you’ll have to cancel if your wallet is lost or stolen. We recommend carrying a single card for unplanned or emergency purchases, plus perhaps an additional rewards card on days when you expect to buy gas or groceries.<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Also:</strong> Maintain a list, someplace other than your wallet, with all the cancellation numbers for your credit cards. They are typically listed on the back of your cards, but that won’t do you much good when your wallet is nowhere to be found.<br /><br />[Related: <a href="http://yhoo.it/NbOoBL" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">How Hackers Attack</a>]<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">7. Birth Certificate</strong><br /><br />The birth certificate itself won’t get ID thieves very far. However, “birth certificates could be used in correlation with other types of fraudulent IDs,” Junker says. “Once you have those components, you can do the same things you could with a passport or a Social Security card.”<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Be especially cautious</strong> on occasions—such as your mortgage closing—when you may need to present your birth certificate, Social Security card and other important personal documents at once. “Everything’s together,” Junker notes, “and someone can just come along and steal them all. Take the time to take them home, and don’t leave them in your car.”<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">8. A Stack of Receipts</strong><br /><br />Beginning in December 2003, businesses may not print anything containing your credit or debit card’s expiration date or more than the last five digits of your credit card number. Still, a crafty ID thief can use the limited credit card info and merchant information on receipts to phish for your remaining numbers.<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Instead:</strong> Clear those receipts out each night, shredding the ones you don’t need. But for receipts you save, keep them safe by going digital. Apps such as <a href="http://lemon.com/" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Lemon</a> and <a href="https://landing.shoeboxed.com/iphone/1/?" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Shoeboxed</a> create and categorize digital copies of your receipts and business cards. </div>
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</div>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-81142287236254128822012-07-16T06:48:00.002-07:002012-07-16T06:48:33.036-07:00<br />
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LIBOR Scandal Is “Huge”: Eliot Spitzer</h1>
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By <span class="fn"><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/author/aaron-task/" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Aaron Task</a></span> | <span class="provider org"><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Daily Ticker</a></span> </cite><cite class="byline vcard" style="color: #777777; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; vertical-align: middle;"><br /></cite><cite class="byline vcard" style="color: #777777; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
The LIBOR scandal that has engulfed London's financial and political elites is entering its third week and picking up steam on this side of the Atlantic.</div>
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<em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">Among the latest developments:</em></div>
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<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/07/14/u-s-is-building-criminal-cases-in-rate-fixing/" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">The NY Times reports</a> the Justice Department's criminal division is "building cases against several financial institutions and their employees."</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">State Attorneys General in New York and Connecticut are investigating whether states incurred losses because of LIBOR manipulation which "could lead to a wider multi-state enforcement action,"<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303612804577528882291676706.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">The WSJ reports</a>.</li>
<li style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Top officials of the British version of the SEC, the Financial Services Authority, will testify before Parliament on why regulators failed to respond to concerns about LIBOR rigging going back to 2008. Congress is set to hold similarly themed hearings later this week and Fed chairman Ben Bernanke is almost certain to be asked about the matter when he testifies on Capitol Hill Tuesday and Wednesday.</li>
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In the accompanying video, taped Friday, I discuss the scandal with former New York Governor and Wall Street prosecutor Eliot Spitzer.</div>
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"LIBOR is huge," Spitzer says. "This is about as big as it gets in the financial world. [LIBOR] goes to the heart of every piece of debt that's issued to consumers -- your auto loan, your credit card debt."</div>
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<strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">More from The Daily Ticker</strong></div>
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<span><span><a href="http://yhoo.it/PSYkWU" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Sheila Bair Sees "Significant More Fallout" from LIBOR Scandal: "It's Outrageous"</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/libor-scandal-latest-sign-financial-system-rotten-core-164703777.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">LIBOR Scandal Latest Sign of Financial System's Rotten Core</a></div>
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<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/why-libor-scandal-matters-destruction-confidence-nth-degree-144511452.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Why the LIBOR Scandal Matters: 'Destruction of Confidence to the Nth Degree'</a></div>
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<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/banks-safer-not-safe-enough-former-fdic-chair-154801935.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">Banks Are Safer But "Not Safe Enough": Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair</a></div>
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Aaron Task is the host of The Daily Ticker. You can follow him on Twitter at <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/SIG=11k8na5ut/EXP=1336586942/**http%3A//www.twitter.com/aarontask" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">@aarontask</a> or email him at<a href="mailto:altask@yahoo.com" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;"> altask@yahoo.com</a></div>
</span></cite>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-52916765767650392332012-07-11T08:10:00.003-07:002012-07-11T08:10:54.821-07:00Market Update<br />
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Market Update</h1>
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<b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em;">11:00 am</b> : The major averages hold near session lows during what has been a rather uneventful session. Both the Dow and Nasdaq trade down 0.5% to lead the decline while the S&P outperforms with a 0.2% loss. <br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />Luxury goods maker <strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em;">Burberry</strong> (BURBY 37.10, -2.50) is down sharply after announcing disappointing earnings. The company announced revenues increased 11.0% for the quarter to GBP408 mln, but that number fell short of the GBP418 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate. U.S. rival <strong style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em;">Coach</strong> (COH 55.60, -1.32) is down 2.3% as it piggybacks the move. DJ30 -53.78 NASDAQ -13.55 SP500 -2.49 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 817/424.8 mln/1653 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1026/174.2 mln/2008</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em;">10:35 am</b> : In the energy space, Aug crude oil is trading notably higher today and just extended their gains and hit a new session high of $85.68. Following inventory, oil was rather muted and is now trading +1.7% at $85.30/barrel. <br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />July natural gas is higher as well as rose as high as $2.80 a short while ago and is now just one penny below that HoD at $2.79, up 2.1%. <br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />In metals, August gold and Sept. silver rallied nicely in recent trade, while the dollar index only ticked lower. Gold pushed into positive territory, while silver hit a new session high of $27.22. In current trade, gold is now back in the red, currently -0.4% at $1574.20/oz, while silver has pulled back a little from its new HoD and is +0.8% at $27.09/oz. <br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" />In agriculture, the USDA released its July WASDE report, which showed notable cuts in production and yield forecasts. Dec corn is now +2.2% at $7.33/bushel, Sept wheat is +1.6% at $8.35/bu and Nov soybeans are +1.7% at $15.64/bu.DJ30 -29.86 NASDAQ -0.94 SP500 +1.31 NASDAQ</div>
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</div>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-33514728614871676942012-07-11T08:09:00.003-07:002012-07-11T08:09:51.696-07:00JPMorgan Clawbacks: Step in Right Direction, But Nowhere Near Enough<br />
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Compensation clawbacks are in store for JPMorgan's (<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=JPM&ql=1" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">JPM</a>) executives at the center of the bank's 'London Whale' trading losses, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303292204577519273423202112.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;">reports The Wall Street Journal</a>. The bank plans to revoke millions in pay in the form of unvested stock awarded to members of the Chief Investment Office (CIO), where the risky bet was made.</div>
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Ina Drew, former head of JPMorgan's CIO, will likely face the financial penalties as will Bruno Iksil, the London trader who oversaw the trades that are estimated to have lost $5 billion (and counting). Iksil's direct bosses are also said to face forfeiture of pay.</div>
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Clawbacks are certainly a step in the right direction as recourse for the huge trading loss. But as The Daily Ticker's Aaron Task and Henry Blodget discuss in the accompanying video, revoking unvested stock certainly does not go far enough to penalize the individuals responsible for the loss, which has cost the bank nearly $25 billion in market capitalization since May.</div>
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"We still have to have a system in place for both for individuals and for the banks where there is real recognition that the downside is not going to hurt so you just don't go to Vegas and roll the dice every day and if you lose $5 billion 'so what'?" says Henry.</div>
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Last year, Drew earned more than $15 million, half of which included compensation in the form of stock. But what really shocks The Daily Ticker team is how much her contract awards her for her termination from the bank. Proxy filings show Drew is set to receive almost as much as her total compensation in all of 2011 after resigning over the trading losses, reports WSJ.</div>
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Even if she wasn't technically fired, this kind of "golden parachute" is impossible to justify given the circumstances surrounding Drew's departure, even if was part of her employment contract, Aaron says.</div>
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The news of clawbacks comes ahead of JPMorgan's second-quarter earnings call Friday when more details are to be released about the details and size of the loss, which recent reports signal have grown to $5 billion from the original $2 billion estimates.</div>
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<em style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">Stay tuned for more coverage and tell us what you think: Do you believe the clawbacks go far enough to penalize the JPMorgan executives?</em></div>
</span></h1>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-86026808222818975852012-05-16T10:57:00.001-07:002012-05-16T10:57:51.891-07:00Facebook IPO triggers retail investor craze<br />
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By Alistair Barr and Olivia Oran</div>
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SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - If "<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1337187847_0">Facebook</span> For Dummies" helped you find friends and post pictures on the world's No. 1 online<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1337187847_1">social network</span>, then consider "Facebook IPO Confidential" which purports to teach you "How To Get Rich With The IPO Of The Century."</div>
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The e-book is one of about eight self-help manuals that appear to have sprung up overnight to try to capitalize on the frenzy surrounding Silicon Valley's biggest initial public offering.</div>
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With other titles such as "The Facebook IPO Pitch: Are You In?" and "How To Invest In Facebook", these books are far from bestsellers. But, along with countless online forums and news articles about the IPO, they underscore the desire of ordinary people - many of whom have never invested in stocks before - to get in on the $15.2 billion share sale.</div>
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"If you can't invent Facebook, the next best bragging rights would be to say that you had invested in the social media phenom when it was a dorm room project. If not then, perhaps the IPO," Nancy Miller wrote in a guide titled "The Facebook IPO Primer."</div>
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Many wealth managers are advising their clients to avoid Facebook, pointing to a sky-high valuation of up to $104 billion set by the IPO, and potentially much higher once it starts trading. The company also shows signs of slowing growth, has yet to figure out how to make money on mobile, and new shareholders will have little influence as nearly 56 percent of voting shares will be in the hands of one person: Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg.</div>
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But such warnings are falling on deaf ears as many people are drawn in by Facebook's brand name and the fact that one in seven people around the globe are on the social network. Facebook Inc (FB.O) on Tuesday increased the size of its IPO by nearly 25 percent and raised the target price range.</div>
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"I can't remember another IPO that got this much attention," said Max Wolff, a senior analyst at GreenCrest Capital. "Half the people talking about the Facebook IPO probably don't know what IPO stands for."</div>
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The strong demand means that most <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1337187847_2">retail investors</span> will have to wait until Facebook begins to trade on the Nasdaq on Friday to get hold of the shares - and risk getting trampled. If the stock skyrockets, the average person might end up getting orders filled at a price much higher than they wanted and then face the possibility of losses as funds steamroll in and then zip back out, taking the price off its highs.</div>
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"I don't know if buying on the day of the IPO is the best idea, but I like the novelty factor of it and being able to say that you bought on the first day," said Micah Stubbs, a first-time investor who works in the oil and gas industry and lives in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1337187847_4">Bartlesville, Oklahoma</span>.</div>
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Facebook's share price could surge 30 percent on debut day, said Reena Aggarwal, a professor of business administration and finance at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business in Washington. She suggested retail investors may be better off holding off for a few weeks until the share price settles.</div>
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"The market will try to figure out the right price for the stock and it's going to open really high," Aggarwal said. "There are lots of risks - the company is high growth but also high risk, and there is a lot of uncertainty, so retail investors have to be careful."</div>
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SLIM CHANCES</div>
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Facebook is going public after accumulating almost a billion users, nearly $4 billion in annual revenue and a brand name augmented by the 2010 Oscar-winning film "The <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1337187847_3">Social Network</span>", which charted the rise of Zuckerberg who started Facebook in his Harvard University dorm room.</div>
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Most ordinary people have only the slimmest of chances of getting hold of IPO shares as Facebook's 33 underwriters, led by Morgan Stanley (MS.N), JPMorgan (JPM.N) and Goldman Sachs (GS.N), are expected to give priority to their most important clients, usually institutional investors.</div>
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Typically, only 5 to 30 percent of IPO shares are set aside for retail investors, underwriters say.</div>
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Discount broker E*Trade Financial (ETFC.O), which was added to the list of IPO underwriters at the last minute, offers some help. Last week, its home page threw up a pop-up box explaining what investors need to do to get in on IPOs.</div>
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Would-be buyers have to answer about 25 questions about their financial status and investment habits. They are then prompted to place a conditional offer for at least 50 Facebook shares and a maximum price they are willing to pay per share.</div>
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Online prediction market Intrade, which lets investors bet on major events such as the U.S. presidential election, offers another alternative. It started a contract on Tuesday for bets on where shares of the social network will close on their first day of trading.</div>
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DAY TRADERS</div>
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Facebook reported $205 million in first-quarter profit, down 12 percent from the same period a year ago. While sales leapt 45 percent year-on-year to $1.6 billion, that lagged the 55 percent growth of the fourth quarter.</div>
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On Tuesday, General Motors Co (GM.N) said it will stop advertising on Facebook, amid concerns that the ads have had little impact on consumer spending. The auto maker continues to use Facebook pages for marketing its vehicles, but the news underscored the risks Facebook faces as it tries to boost revenue from its huge user base.</div>
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RegentAtlantic Capital is among the wealth managers recommending clients stay away, without much success.</div>
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"Most clients or their children have some interaction with Facebook, so I believe the demand will be high," RegentAtlantic wealth advisor Chris Cordaro said, warning that there could be "a lot of pain" ahead for investors who buy at inflated prices on Friday.</div>
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Because of such concerns, some retail investors plan to get in and get out of the stock quickly. That may be fine if they get in at the IPO price but if they end up buying once the shares have started trading up, they may not be so lucky.</div>
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"Retail participation is associated with more speculation and noise, and because of that there is more volatility," said David Sraer, a professor of economics at Princeton University. "They tend to herd together and be on the same side of the market, which drives imbalance."</div>
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Retired chemical engineer Alvan Sweet ordered through Schwab 10,000 Facebook shares worth $380,000 at the high end of the indicative IPO price range. If he is lucky enough to get an allocation, he plans to dump the shares on day one or two.</div>
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Sweet, whose son is a senior managing partner of the IPO Boutique advisory firm, has invested in IPOs before but says this is the first time friends in his Florida condo community have pestered him about getting shares. "They were hoping that because my son is in the business I would have access," he said.</div>
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One of his friends, Lucky Bloch, admits to losing money on an IPO before. But he is confident this investment will pay off.</div>
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"Initially Over-Priced is what IPO should stand for," he complained. "If you can get in before the first day, then sell a couple of days later, there's money to be made," he told Reuters. "Can you help me get shares?"</div>
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(Additional reporting by Alexei Oreskovic and Sarah McBride, editing by Edwin Chan, Tiffany Wu and Richard Chang)</div>Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-78391152315779788602012-05-11T07:28:00.001-07:002012-05-11T07:28:23.111-07:00Micro Cap Report<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At The Micro Cap Report we continue
to look for undervalued, under-followed growth stories. Please sign up to
receive a free copy of The Micro Cap Report at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.themicrocapreport\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.themicrocapreport.com</span></u></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are four micro caps to look
into.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/BRFH:US"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">BRFH (Barfresh Food
Group, Inc.)</span></a></span></b><span class="st"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Barfresh Food Group, Inc.
manufactures ready-to-blend drinks, which the company seeks to distribute to
the food-service industry. It specializes in smoothie and cocktail mixes. Barfresh’s
recipes are based on those of an Australian company that Barfresh recently
purchased the rights to. This Australian company was profitable and won a
variety of awards for its products. There’s always a summertime market for cold
beverages, and Barfresh stands to grow once it convinces more chains of the
superiority of its products. LONG 5000 SHARES BRFH<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For disclosure regarding Barfresh,
see <a href="http://sec.edgar-online.com/barfresh-food-group-inc/8-k-current-report-filing/2012/01/17/section5.aspx"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">sec.edgar-online.com/barfresh-food-group-inc/8-k-current-report-filing/2012/01/17/section5.aspx</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SHORT <a href="http://www.smallcapnetwork.com/DoMark-International-Inc/s/quote/p/s/DOMK/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">DOMK (Domark
International, Inc.)</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We called what we believe to be the top of DOMARK on
5-8-2012 at roughly 4.50. We were unable to locate shares to short<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Domark “i</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">s focused on acquiring
operating entities through acquisition and then providing marketing and
management services in support of the acquired entities.” They’re currently
promoting a nifty, potentially profitable accessory that can be used to provide
solar power to iPads. These stocks have risen in value exponentially over the
last few days in the wake of heavy promotion of the iPad accessory. Their value
dropped today, but it will be interesting to see if it picks back up.
Disclosure EMC is long but unable to sell 25,000 of domark. We would sell if
the restriction could be lifted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=XCO"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">XCO (EXCO Resources,
Inc.)</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.excoresources.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">EXCO</span></a> is an energy company engaged
in managing onshore oil and natural gas properties. After growth over the past
week, investment experts are projecting continuing increase in value for this
stock, as EXCO is on the brink of consummating transactions which should
positively impact shares. For more information on recent developments in this
company, see <a href="http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/xco"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/xco</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Disclosure EMC is long
100 call options of XCO</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/pfti">PFTI (Puradyn Filter
Technologies Inc.)</a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.puradyn.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Puradyn</span></a>
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">owns the
rights to manufacture and market its Puradyn by-pass oil filtration system for
use with internal combustion engines and hydraulic equipment. The Puradyn
system cleans oil by continually removing solid and liquid contaminants through
a filtration and evaporation process. This maintains the oil’s viscosity and
greatly reduces or even eliminates the necessity for oil changes.” It seeks to
market its technology to the oil and gas, construction, transportation, marine,
and hydraulics industries. The companies’ shares have decreased somewhat in
value after a relative high last summer, but its products have gained high
praise from industry investigators, and it stands to grow from its current low
if it is successful in executing some major contracts. Disclosure EMC is long
75,000 shares of PFTI<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Disclaimer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Information is disseminated to
broker-dealers, members of the general public, readers of our website, and the
financial community (collectively the “Recipients”) at the direction of the
Profiled Companies or third party shareholders of the Profiled Companies and
should be used by the Recipients for informational purposes only and even then
the Information should only be used as a beginning point for further
investigation. This is because EMC: (a) only presents neutral or positive
information regarding the Profiled Companies and its business prospects; and
(b) does not present the risks or negative aspects associated with the Profiled
Company or its securities. Therefore, the Information is in and of itself
wholly inadequate to formulate any investment decision, and we strongly advise
against making any investment decisions solely based on the Information. It is
imperative that you consult with your professional advisor, including your
financial advisor, financial planner or attorney regarding the advisability of
investing in any securities, especially with regard to penny stocks. In
addition, you should consult with online services that are available free of
charge at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.sec\.gov\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.sec.gov</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.pinksheets\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.pinksheets.com</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.finra\.org\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.finra.org</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Google, or other websites that offer investment guides,
valuable information pertaining to penny stocks and penny stock frauds and the
risks of investing in penny stocks. Additionally, you should review the
quarterly and annual financial and disclosure reports at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.sec\.gov\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.sec.gov</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.otcbb\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.otcbb.com</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.pinksheets\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.pinksheets.com</span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-76311604591197792742012-05-09T09:43:00.002-07:002012-05-09T09:43:57.735-07:00The Importance of Investor Relations Consulting for Startup Enterprises, Part II<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last time, we discussed the importance of
investor relations consulting for startup enterprises. As we recall, startups,
regardless of how sure they are of their product or service, face great
difficulty in establishing themselves in the market. Their offering may not yet
be trusted by customers or investors, and they have to compete for market share
with more established companies that possess much deeper resources. Such challenges
are greatly exacerbated in a struggling economy. A skilled investor relations
consultant can help startups navigate these difficulties by strategizing an
effective visibility campaign, helping startups navigate the oftentimes complex
world of regulations, and by putting the startup in contact with networks in
the investment world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To see the benefits of investor relations
consulting in such cases, it is useful to examine case studies. <a href="http://www.furnarischer.com/">Furnari Scher LLP</a> is a firm that, among
other services, provides investor relations counseling specializing in “helping
clients become attractive for investors and joint venture partners.” They
feature a team of consultants who have experience as both attorneys and
entrepreneurs. As such, they are specially equipped to provide legal expertise
to startups. A brief discussion of some of their <a href="http://www.furnarischer.com/case-studies.htmhttp:/www.furnarischer.com/case-studies.htm#funding_trials">success
stories</a> provides a glimpse into the benefits of effective investor
relations consulting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Technological and medical entrepreneurs oftentimes must pass stiff licensing
requirements in order to get their products to market. For example, <a href="http://www.furnarischer.com/case-studies.htm#funding_trials">Furnari
Scher LLP</a> worked with a group of scientists who sought to “develop a
minimally invasive tool to detect breast cancer using laser technology invented
at, and patented by, a preeminent national lab.” This technology “was at least
four years away from receiving the government approvals required to sell the
device.” Therefore, the company needed funding to pay for further research.
Furnari Scher LLP was able to introduce the client to an investor who was able
to produce the money necessary “to complete a 200 patient clinical feasibility
study and [to assist] the company in structuring and executing three rounds of
private placement securities offerings.” This story illustrates how an
effective investor relations consulting firm can take advantage of investment
networks to help a startup successfully place its product or services.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another challenge facing companies seeking
funding are trading regulations. A company that gets on the wrong side of state
and federal regulators can easily go under due to heavy fines and probationary
conditions. Furnari Scher LLP worked with a <a href="http://www.furnarischer.com/case-studies.htm#thinking_big">medical
technology company</a> that faced challenges while seeking funding. Those
problems included state investigations after a manager “made some technical
mistakes while offering securities in a private offering.” Furnari Scher LLP helped
this company by advising it regarding the removal of its rogue director and by
serving as a liaison between the company and the investigation. Management was
thus able to focus on company operations during a critical period, all the while
Furnari Scher LLP engineered “favorable settlements with state regulators,
often obtaining significant reductions (up to 80%) in fines originally
contemplated by regulators.” This story illustrates the potential benefits of
having access to investor relations specialists who have the knowledge and
experience needed to navigate regulations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7974479694487721641.post-78728166405459386862012-04-20T10:10:00.001-07:002012-04-20T10:10:00.482-07:00Two years later, fish sick near BP oil spill site Scientists, fishermen troubled by sick fish caught near spill site 2 years after Gulf disasterBARATARIA BAY, La. (AP) -- When fishermen returned to the deep reefs of the Gulf of Mexico weeks after BP's gushing oil well was capped, they started catching grouper and red snapper with large open sores and strange black streaks, lesions they said they'd never seen and promptly blamed on the spill.<br />Now, two years after the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank, killing 11 men and touching off the worst offshore spill in U.S. history, the latest research into its effects is starting to back up those early reports from the docks: The ailing fish bear hallmarks of diseases tied to petroleum and other pollutants.<br />Those illnesses don't pose an increased health threat to humans, scientists say, but they could be devastating to prized species and the people who make their living catching them.<br />There's no saying for sure what's causing the diseases in what's still a relatively small percentage of the fish, because the scientists have no baseline data on sick fish in the Gulf before the spill to form a frame of reference. The first comprehensive research may be years from publication. And the Gulf is assaulted with all kinds of contaminants every day.<br /><br />(AP Photo/Courtesy Steven Murawski)<br />Still, it's clear to fishermen and researchers alike that something's amiss.<br />— A recent batch of test results revealed the presence of oil in the bile extracted from fish caught in August 2011, a year after BP's broken well was capped and nearly 15 months after it first blew out on April 20, 2010.<br />"Bile tells you what a fish's last meal was," said Steve Murawski, a marine biologist with the University of South Florida who was chief science adviser for the National Marine Fisheries Service until November 2010 when he began working on oil spill studies for USF. "There was as late as August of last year an oil source out there that some of those animals were consuming."<br />Bile in red snapper, yellow-edge grouper and a few other species contained on average 125 parts per million of naphthalene, a compound found in crude oil, Murawski said. Scientists expect to find almost none of the toxin in fish captured in the open ocean.<br />"Those levels are indicative of polluted urban estuaries," he said.<br />— Last summer, a team of scientists led by USF has done what experts say is the most extensive study yet of sick fish in shallow and deep Gulf waters. Over seven cruises in July and August, the scientists caught about 4,000 fish — from Florida's Dry Tortugas to central Louisiana — using miles-long fishing lines dragged from close to shore out to depths of 600 feet. The work was funded with a federal government grant and help from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.<br />About 3 percent of the fish they caught displayed gashes, ulcers and parasites symptomatic of environmental contamination, according to Murawski, the lead researcher. The number of sick fish rose not only as scientists moved west away from the relatively clean and oil-free waters of Florida but also as they pushed into deeper waters off the coasts of Alabama, Mississippi and especially Louisiana, near where the Deepwater Horizon sank.<br />About 10 percent of mud-dwelling tile fish caught in the DeSoto Canyon, to the northeast of the well, showed signs of sickness.<br />"The closer to the oil rig, the higher frequency was" of sick fish, Murawski said.<br />Past studies off the Atlantic Seaboard found about 1 percent of fish suffering from diseases, Murawski said. For now, he's taking that as a historical reference point; but he says it's not possible to directly apply that baseline to the Gulf, which is warmer and because of that an incubator for bacteria and parasites that could be the cause of lesions and sicknesses. Other important differences are that oil and natural gas have been pouring out of fissures from the floor of the Gulf for centuries, and the muddy waters of the Mississippi River flush into the same spots where scientists and fishermen are finding sick fish.<br />— Laboratory work over the past winter on the USF samples indicates the immune systems of the fish were impaired from an unknown environmental stress or contamination. Other researchers say they have come to similar conclusions over the past year.<br />"Some of the things I've seen over the past year or so I've never seen before," said Will Patterson, a marine biologist at the University of South Alabama's Dauphin Island Sea Lab. "Things like fin rot, large open sores on fish, those were some of the more disturbing types of things we saw. Different changes in pigment, red snapper with large black streaks on them."<br />All of this has biologists — and many fishermen — worried.<br />James Cowan, a reef fish expert at Louisiana State University doing long-term sampling for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, received his first report of fish with what looked like ulcers in November 2010. He began reading up on what scientific literature was available on oil spills and fish.<br />"There is so much in the literature that links exposure to PAHs (the compounds in oil) to exactly what we are seeing: sicknesses, lesions and everything else," Cowan said.<br />Even if oil could be pinpointed as a contaminant, however, it's difficult to definitively tie it to BP's Macondo well. The Gulf is littered with natural oil seeps, pipelines and oil wells and pollution from passing ships. In addition, there are the discharge of the Mississippi River, salinity and temperature fluctuations and other ecological factors to consider.<br />These early findings with fish are not out of step with what researchers are turning up all over the Gulf two years after the spill: The oil disaster whacked the Gulf. In the past year, research has emerged showing deep-water corals, seaweed beds, inshore bait fish, dolphins and other species were injured by the spill.<br />"There is lots of circumstantial evidence that something is still awry," said Christopher D'Elia, the dean of LSU's School of the Coast and Environment. "On the whole, it is not as much environmental damage as originally projected. Doesn't mean there is none."<br />Portions of a few bays remain closed because of the spill.<br />For the second year, fishermen like Wayne Werner, a 53-year-old Louisiana captain who catches red snapper commercially, are calling in with reports of lesions.<br />He and other fishermen said they want to get to the bottom of a problem that's forcing them to take longer trips to fishing spots outside the spill zone and perpetuating their fear for their livelihoods.<br />"Every time we talked about bad fish, everybody kind of went nuts on us. Just like, 'You're hear-saying,' you know? And we're saying, 'Well, they're there,'" he said this week.<br />"They're still there. Now that the water is getting warm again, we're starting to see more and more again."Ryan Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10649916583432206474noreply@blogger.com0