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Crazy Eyes is BACK!

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Crazy Eyes is BACK! *From the Slope of Hope*: I saw a headline on December 24 which put a damper on my Christmas Eve:

Ummm - - so why on earth would this bug me? I don't have a dog in this fight. If Theranos goes bankrupt, it doesn't hurt or help me one bit. If they become the most valuable company in the world (ha!), the situation is the same. Utterly neutral and meaningless. So why should I care?

I've been pondering my reaction. Theranos is no stranger to the Slope of Hope, as I've written about this train wreck at length on eight separate occasions. For most of 2017, I wondered what had happened to them, because the media went completely silent on them. Ms. Holmes' own Twitter account hasn't issued a tweet for over two years (!), and every time I drive by the gorgeous Theranos headquarters here in Palo Alto, I see a completely empty parking lot. So I figured she basically got away with raising $900 million and having a ruined company without any consequence. But it seems I was wrong.

With the $100,000,000 that Fortress Investment is inexplicably throwing at Theranos, the company has now raised a billion bucks. I figure Holmes must have some SERIOUS dirt on somebody, because nothing about this makes any sense at all. Yes, yes, I realize her board of directors used to have every deep state slimeball imaginable, so maybe that helps, but let's face it, the Theranos name is mud. I would wager its brand has NEGATIVE value. If you were starting a brand new medical device company, and you could give it the Theranos name for, say, ten dollars, would you do it? Yeah, I didn't think so.

So, again, why should I care? Well, I think part of it is this:

Holmes' whole schtick was how she was the reincarnation of Steve Jobs. From the bizarre diet to the black turtlenecks to the secrecy ("Hey! Our stuff doesn't work at all! Shhhhhh! Don't say anything!"), she held herself out as a younger Steve Jobs who wore a B-cup. For a while, the media gobbled it up, and they actually put her on the front cover of national magazines, repeating the claim that she was worth $4.5 billion. She - - how shall I put this? - - wasn't.

*
Here we see Ms. Holmes describing the $100 million as a great investment on a conference call, whose listeners couldn't detect the air quotes.

I remain floored anyone would put another dime into this place. As the recent Wall Street Journal article mentioned, "An investigation by the Journal in October 2015 sparked a wave of scrutiny about Theranos' practices, at a time when the company had a valuation of around $10 billion. Holmes has continued to lead Theranos through settling multiple lawsuits. However, investigations opened by both the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission are ongoing." So they are tits-deep in lawsuits and angry shareholders, both Holmes and Theranos have been banned from running labs, and their name has become synonymous with smoke and mirrors. What's going on here? Just because you throw on a white lab coat doesn't make you a genius scientist.

Joking aside, I think for me what bugs the holy hell out of me is simply the disappointment. The past eight years have shown us an environment in which fraud, government bailouts, and crooked executives go unpunished, if not celebrated. Once in a blue moon, there's a piece of shit company which is finally exposed for what it is (other examples - - Color.com and Clinkle.com) and blow up in front of our eyes. We saw that with Theranos, and even though their success or failure doesn't affect my life one iota, it gave me some minuscule degree of satisfaction that there was still a little bit of judgment, discernment, and fairness to the world.

So when Theranos had an H-bomb dropped on them, and Holmes disappeared from the press, and their parking lot went empty, and their office space went up for least, I thought to myself: there's still a little bit of sense left out there. But I was wrong. There isn't. And if you're a mildly-attractive slender blonde with some razzle-dazzle and the right connections, you can get away with just about anything. Reported by Zero Hedge 17 hours ago.

Opportunities for research increase with more rocket launches

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Opportunities to launch experiments such as Colwell’s into space have grown as companies like Blue Origin, founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, have started to send rockets into low-Earth orbit. Reported by Seattle Times 15 hours ago.

David Clipper’s New Book “A Passion Remembered” is an Exciting Story About U.S. Air Force Members Who Are on an Overseas Mission That Deems Dangerous

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Recent release “A Passion Remembered” from Page Publishing author David Clipper is a beautifully written story about two lonely Air Force members who have to pose as husband and wife to accomplish a potentially dangerous overseas mission, having different characters and their accounts on the events that have transpired—from the basic training to gripping endings.

(PRWEB) December 27, 2017

David Clipper, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a proud father of two Korean-American children, has completed his new book “A Passion Remembered”: a touching story of Loren Cerva and the people he encounters, befriends, and gets involved romantically with, as he finds his way as a member of the U.S. Air Force, even if that means making a lot of sacrifices on desires and relationships.

Author Clipper writes about a man’s tendency to be doomed to stay alone forever: “Now, Diane saw dismay and confusion in Loren’s eyes. She explained, ‘I think you’re one of those unlucky people doomed to walk the earth alone. You might meet a million different women and you will never live happily ever after, only because that’s your heart’s desire.’ Then, Diane dropped her big bomb. She warned, ‘Loren, I truly believe you have a love curse. It’s a trade-off for your great looks. If you do meet someone who is special and exceptional and if you fall in love with her, she will meet her doom! Simply because she will sacrifice her life to keep your love.’
Diane gloomily predicted, ‘Loren, everywhere you walk in the future, trouble and tragedy will be your constant companions. I’m not saying in any way that you’re a bad person, it’s just your karma. I think you will accomplish great things, but the personal price will be devastating. You will never be able to keep anyone.’”

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, David Clipper’s poignant work handles many themes, mainly on the kinds and aspects of relationships as well as the human condition as missions and events become factors of every sacrifice.

Readers who wish to experience this thrilling work can purchase “A Passion Remembered” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.

TV tonight: 'Happy,' 'Knightfall' and 'Planet Earth II'

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What’s worth watching, and what might not be, in prime time.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Reported by USATODAY.com 11 hours ago.

Scientists Discovered North Korean Defector Carried Anthrax Antibodies

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Scientists Discovered North Korean Defector Carried Anthrax Antibodies As we’ve reported here and here, there have been several high-profile defections this year involving Korean soldiers sprinting across the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas – *a feat that had not been previously accomplished since 2007.*

In the first incident, the soldier was shot seven times as he staged a daring escape that ended with him being dragged to safety by American and South Korean forces. That incident was caught on video, which can be viewed below.

In the second incident, a North Korean soldier simply walked across.

Two other soldiers also escaped in incidents that apparently weren’t picked up by the western media.

Now, *doctors examining one of the soldiers have reportedly discovered that he possesses antibodies to Anthrax* – a potent chemical weapon that was notoriously used in the 2001 Anthrax attacks in the US.

According to the New York Post, a South Korean intelligence official who spoke on condition of anonymity did not say which of the four soldiers who fled the hermit kingdom this year had the antibodies in his system. *But the discovery is causing concern in Seoul because, once the bacterium is released, it can kill 80% of those infected within 24 hours unless antibiotics are taken or vaccination is available.*

And while the US has stockpiles of the vaccine, *South Korea has yet to produce it.*

Defense Ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyun-soo said an anthrax *“vaccine is expected to be developed by the end of 2019,”* but likely not before then.

The restive North Korean regime has been suspected of developing biological weapons after publicizing the works of the Pyongyang Biological Technology Research Institute in 2015. The institute is run by the North Korean army.

Pyongyang claimed the facility specializes in pesticide research, but analysts have said its dual-use equipment suggests biological weapons are being manufactured in North Korea.

North Korea’s neighbors fear Pyongyang is conducting illegal biological weapons tests to see if anthrax-laden warheads can be loaded onto its missiles, the Sun of the UK reported.

Media reports earlier this year suggested that North Korea had begun to test loading anthrax onto them.

The report said the US is aware of the tests, which are meant to ascertain whether the anthrax bacteria could survive reentry into the Earth's atmosphere - as we pointed out last week.

Seoul believes North Korea has a chemical weapons stockpile of up to 5,000 tons and can produce biological warfare agents such as anthrax and smallpox.

Last week, the White House pointed to the dangers posed by North Korea in the National Security Strategy released by President Trump.

*"North Korea - a country that starves its own people - has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on nuclear, chemical and biological weapons that could threaten our homeland,"* read the report.

*"[North Korea is] pursuing chemical and biological weapons which could also be delivered by missile."*

Pyongyang denied the Asahi report through the state media Korean Central News Agency.

*"As a state party to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), [North Korea] maintains its consistent stand to oppose development, manufacture, stockpiling and possession of biological weapons," *the KCNA reported.

A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea last week - the second known defection from the North in about five weeks. Another North Korean soldier suffered critical gunshot wounds during a defection dash across the border Nov. 13.

North Korean soldier who defected to the South was found to have antibodies to anthrax - triggering concerns that the rogue regime has weaponized the deadly bacteria, according to reports Tuesday. Reported by Zero Hedge 9 hours ago.

7 things to know today and which specialty license plates we really liked in 2017

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Good morning, Orlando! OK, so it's just a day after Christmas and there's no earth-shattering business news to speak of right this moment, so I figured it was safe to blog about a fun item: the top 10 specialty license plates that Orange County drivers selected. Fortunately for me, Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph compiled the list of the most popular specialty license plates sold through his office, which has seven locations in Orange County.  The University of Central Florida (1,117… Reported by bizjournals 7 hours ago.

Now streaming: ‘Planet Earth II,’ ‘Cosmopolis,’ ‘The Mountain Between Us’

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A list of titles available for home viewing and streaming this week. Reported by Seattle Times 15 minutes ago.

Thousands of people think Earth is hollow and filled with aliens

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Despite overwhelming evidence, thousands of people believe the Earth is shaped like a doughnut and filled with aliens. Sean Dowling (@seandowlingtv) has more.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Reported by USATODAY.com 4 hours ago.

Solar Eclipse Bow Waves Invisibly Ripple Through Earth's Atmosphere

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The 2017 solar eclipse actually created bow waves in the Earth’s atmosphere, scientists have confirmed, after theorizing for more than 40 years that the phenomenon could occur. Reported by Newsmax 1 hour ago.

Headlines Like These are Why Trump Isn’t Worried…

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Headlines Like These are Why Trump Isn’t Worried… Via The Daily Bell

What does desperation look like? This:

The weird thing about trees is that someday, like all of us, they die.

This tree was on its way out. In fact, the tree was removed in order to protect anyone standing under it from danger. Who usually stands under it? The press. Melania was trying to protect the same press that now attempts to skewer her over landscaping.

(Of course, if the tree broke and killed a member of the press, then they could all have a field day reporting that Trump is responsible for killing a journalist.)

The tree will actually be removed on the advice of the National Arboretum. It is only held in place by an intricate maze of cables. And Melania actually made sure they saved cutting from the tree to replant.

I felt very silly writing the past few paragraphs because the issue is so trivial. This is not important news. The media that originally reported this story (starting with CNN) should be laughed out of town. And in one way or another, they will be.

It’s not so much the reporting of this non-news that is a problem. I suppose it may be of some interest to someone somewhere. Perhaps a side link, or maybe a half page in Arborist Monthly. But the headlines! That is what really does it.

You know, the tree was actually planted by Andrew Jackson. So the media could have said, “Melania Orders Removal of Symbol of Racism,” or “Two-Hundred Year Old Monument to the Trail of Tears to Be Cut Down.”

The substance of the article missed an opportunity too. The White House had to call in tree experts, who made a report which was delivered to Melania, who sat down with the arborists and staff to thoroughly explore every option before making the call to remove the tree.

If that’s not a metaphor for the government, I don’t know what is! A dying tree, being held up by cables to preserve some remnant of a long-gone past. The desperate bid to save a symbol, to hold onto something rotting and dangerous. And then the intricate process, bureaucracy, time, and money that it takes to just cut down the freakin tree!

The media is absolutely desperate to criticize the Trump administration over anything they can get their hands on. Except that this is exactly the type of coverage Trump relishes in. Big nothing-burgers which keep his name in the news, but don’t hurt him in the least. Only anti-Trump zealots will latch on to a story like this. The rest of us, not even just the Trump supporters, will roll our eyes and stop paying attention.

And that is the dangerous part of these types of stories. What are they masking?

Did you hear about Trump’s terrible picks for the Federal Reserve Board?

Or about how Trump’s Justice Department settled the old IRS Tea Party targetting lawsuits for peanuts?

While this story played out, and Trump was “caught” golfing by CNN, here’s some other stuff that happened:

Did the FBI Conspire to Stop Trump?

Ironically the FBI investigation into the Trump Russian collusion charges has done a 360 and now points to the Democrats and FBI agents as the real criminal manipulators. But they are in too deep and have overplayed their hand.

But how bad has this government gotten that this sort of corruption at the FBI is considered boring? The FBI has long been a political tool of suppression.

Police in China Target Bloggers and Profile Communities for DNA Collection

China is a big red flag to the rest of the world on how not to govern. They intimate journalists and dissidents and monitor every aspect of their citizens’ lives. A “social credit” system has even started to score citizens based on things like patriotism and neighborliness.

But Melania approved a tree getting cut down, and that is just too fun an opportunity for the media to ignore! It fits the scorched-earth-Republican narrative too well.

She also ordered all the tree’s progeny uprooted and burned. As for the tree itself, she plans to fashion a throne, from which she will rule for a thousand years. Reported by Zero Hedge 2 hours ago.

Israel Braces For "Earth Shattering" Indictments Against Netanyahu

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Israel Braces For Earth Shattering Indictments Against Netanyahu As Israeli police conclude their corruption investigation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former advisor to the force, Lior Chorev, says the indictments to follow will be "earth-shattering" and will result in early elections - possibly as soon as May 2018, which would end the political career of the longest-serving Israeli leader since founding father David Ben-Gurion. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

Chorev, who resigned last month under pressure from Netanyahu's allies, told The Jerusalem Post “When they [the recommendations] will be announced, *they will have information such as the specific charges and a complete list of the people involved*,” he said, adding “Netanyahu is not running a campaign for his innocence but a campaign to keep the coalition intact. It is a political campaign, not a legal one, and so far he is succeeding. *He is keeping his coalition in one piece despite very complicated investigations*.”

The indictment recommendations will bear "a lot of information that we didn't know - *and it will cause an earthquake here*." 

While police recommendations in Israel aren't binding, and prosecutors can choose to proceed with indictments, an official recommendation to indict would turn Israel's political landscape on its head. Netanyahu has been questioned *seven times* by investigators in connection with two corruption cases.

In the first, he's suspected of receiving tens of thousands of dollars worth of cigars and champagne from wealthy friends. In the other case, Netanyahu is accused of offering to pass legislation favorable to a newspaper publisher in exchange for favorable coverage, however the bill never passed. Another case involving bribery related to the purchase of submarines from Germany does not involve Netanyahu, however at least two of his confidants are under investigation for suspicion of wrongdoing. 

Israel police claims that Chorev, as an external investigator, wouldn't have access to information on the Netanyahu investigation: 



“In these sensitive subjects, the Israel Police is providing information to the public via official statements that are released in accordance with the attorney-general and the state’s attorney,” the police said. “We are asking the public to focus only on official statement... Not once was the police blamed for leaking information by ‘different entities,’ but what they said was completely false.”



In response to the police wrap-up, *Netanyahu's allies in parliament are pushing through a bill that would forbid police from submitting written recommendations to the state prosecutor's office on whether to indict a suspect* - in what critics are calling a tool to silence investigators and interfere with police work.



“It’s ludicrous legislation because there’s no precedent for legislating those two complementing law enforcement agencies,” said Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute research center, referring to police and prosecutors. “There’s no logic to it unless one wants to create some sort of deterrence vis-a-vis the police.” -Bloomberg



Relations between Netanyahu and police have grown sour throughout the investigations, nearly a year after they became public knowledge. As Bloomberg reports, the prime minister and his supporters have accused police of deliberately leaking information about the investigations to Israeli media, claiming he’s the target of an organized campaign by the press and left-wing opponents to unseat him. *Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in recent weekends, rallying against government corruption and calling on Netanyahu to step down*.

Sara Netanyahu

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara, is mired in three legal disputes; two involving the receipt of illegal gifts and favors from businessmen in exchange for advancing their interests. In another case, Mrs. Netanyahu is accused of fraudulently receiving some $100,000 for her participation in a scam to order meals at Israel's expense without authorization. 


According to a Justice Ministry announcement, between 2010 and 2013, Sara Netanyahu colluded with Seidoff “to create a false impression that the prime minister’s official residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem does not employ a cook, despite the fact that throughout the entire period they employed cooks.” This was done, allegedly, to bypass a procedure that forbids ordering meals from restaurants and hiring chefs who cook at the residence when cooks are on hand. -Jewishpress.com


In a third case, 24 year old Shira Raban claims that Netanyahu incessantly insulted her while she worked for a cleaner at their residence for one month. Raban is seeking $64,000 for "verbal abuse and unreasonable requests" by Sara Netanyahu, and says she feared for her safety. Netanyahu allegedly forbade Raban from eating, drinking or resting, *and required that she change her clothes dozens of times per day. *Raban claims she was also required to *wash her hands about 100 times a day with hot water, drying them on a separate towel from the Netanyahu family. *

Several other former employees have claimed mistreatment by Sara Netanyahu, with one caretaker receiving an award of around $43,000 last year for mistreatment.  Reported by Zero Hedge 27 minutes ago.

Tampa Bay circus producer takes Kid Rock to court over tour title

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Feld Entertainment, the Ellenton producer of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, says in a lawsuit that singer and songwriter Kid Rock is infringing on its trademarked phrase, “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Feld is asking a federal court in Tampa to stop Kid Rock, a Jupiter, Florida resident whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, and production company Live Nation Entertainment, from using the phrase as the name of the ongoing “The Greatest Show on Earth 2018” tour. The words… Reported by bizjournals 7 hours ago.

How the ancient Greeks proved Earth was round over 2,000 years ago

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An Ancient Greek mathematician calculated the Earth's circumference without ever leaving home Reported by Independent 7 hours ago.

Rock On! Close Encounter Expected As Asteroid Flies Past Earth

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Reported by RIA Nov. 5 hours ago.

EARTH SCIENCE TECH, INC. CELEBRATES  A YEAR OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AND LOOKS FORWARD TO A BANNER 2018

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Doral, FL, Dec. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC PINK: ETST) ("ETST" or, the “Company"), an innovative biotech company that operates in the fields of hemp cannabinoid (CBD), nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and  medical device R&D shares the Company’s achievements throughout the year ended 2017 and what’s to come in 2018.“This past year has been amazing,” stated Michel Aubé PhD, Chief Science  Officer. “I am elated about the start of the New Year given all that we accomplished in 2017. We implemented a development plan for the coming three years and opened new manufacturing and shipping facilities which position us perfectly to realize our long-term vision. We have built the foundation and infrastructure the Company needs to succeed long-term. Fiscally, we began the process of up-listing from the Pink Sheet to OTCQB and we will complete this process early in 2018. This up-listing will position us to bring aboard institutional investors and I feel that we are now on the way to becoming the next billion-dollar (in-capitalization) company on the OTC Markets.”

ETST completed populating its Scientific Advisory Board with a team of recognized scientists. The Company also identified and secured an ideal research center to complete the development of three of its targeted nutraceuticals in its new-product pipeline. A year in review provides the following:

January:
In January, Earth Science Tech signed a Marketing & Media Agreement with Pearls of Health and appointed Gabriel Aviles as Chief Sales Officer (CSO).

Since the addition of Gabriel Aviles as CSO, the growth of the market has been appreciable. New partnerships with multiple distributors of dietary supplement stores all across USA have drastically increased the Company’s sales and exposure. Gabriel Aviles continued, “My team of representatives already has the best-quality, full spectrum industrial hemp oil and derived products on the market and our product offerings will become still better with the launch of the incredible products we are developing. In 2017 we nearly doubled our sales over 2016 and sales will continue to skyrocket in the coming years  both in the USA, and in the new markets we plan open in neighboring and overseas countries.”

January also saw the launch of a chocolate product manufactured through a joint venture with Karmavore SuperFood, which was a great success, complimenting the Company’s CBD line. As well as signing Sergio Castillo as the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer, enhancing ETST’s image and achieving successful brand exposure, the market for products derived from hemp oil is growing and ETST will continue to surprise consumers with new innovative recipes in 2018.

February:
In February the Company launched Cannabis Therapeutic Inc., a new division whose purpose is to develop proprietary cannabinoid-based nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products using Earth Science Tech’s existing Cannabis CBD Patent, IP, and future technologies to be developed. The Company engaged two new Cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical drugs and three new advanced Cannabinoid-based nutraceutical products in collaboration with Smart Medicine, Inc. an independent laboratory based in Le Centre Québecois d'Innovation en Biotechnologie (CQIB) in Laval, Québec

ETST also acquired Canna Inno Laboratories Inc., a company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This acquisition is allowing the Company access to government grants offered to companies for innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Applications for grants have already been filed and the Company anticipates announcing a responses to the first request in Q1 2018. The existence of this Canadian division will help extend the collaboration between ETST resources in Canada and USA, and allow the company to have up to 50% of all R&D expenditures covered by grants from governmental or private sources.

March:
In Marsh ETST commenced leasing the required manufacturing facility for the production of the MSN-2 medical device and began the first round of negotiations with foreign health authorities for the MSN-2’s commercialization. This product will be launched in select countries in 2018, which will be the beginning of the success story for this unique tool that will allow women to take their health needs in their own hands. It will allow women to protect themselves and their future babies from Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). ETST is proud to participate in the fight to counter the spread of STI and their devastating effects on the sexual organs of women.

April:
In April ETST joined the fight against the most common cancer that afflicts women, breast cancer. For a couple of years, ETST has known that Cannabidiol (CBD) - the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp oil - has proven anti-breast cancer properties. ETST launched the development of proprietary prophylactic therapies to prevent breast cancer, and a treatment to help women with aggressive breast cancer.

May:
At the end of May, ETST launched several new products, including Strawberry Orange Blossom CBD oil, its CBD Organic Chocolate line, and Pet CBD oil; ETST’s management team found an opportunity to step into the recreational vape/smoke market by partnering with Varsity Group, LLC(a Kanna ingredient based e-liquid company).

June:
ETST launched its new wholly-owned subsidiary, KannaBidioid Inc., entering into a joint venture with Varsity Group, LLC. The new subsidiary is manufacturing and distributing vape products/e-liquids and gummy edibles to fulfill the demand and product needs in many vape/smoke shops.

In June ETST signed an agreement with Absolu Communications, one of Canada’s most prestigious integrated web and communications companies, for the branding and rollout of ETST’s much-anticipated MSN-2 medical device. At year end, the branding - including the brand name, visual identity (logo, packaging, artwork), and marketing language around the new product are close to being announced. In 2018, Absolu will develop a secure transactional website for online sales, and then deliver a communications and marketing plan for the rollout of the new device.

August:
In August ETST signed an agreement with the Centre de Développement Bioalimentaire du Québec (CDBQ), a major force in the agro-food industry in Canada. Based in La Pocatière, Quebec, CDBQ specializes in helping companies develop the processes needed to take a prototype agro-food or nutraceutical product to industrial-scale production for the marketplace. CDBQ boasts a bio-food incubator, a 30,000 square foot $10 million facility that houses seven separate factories equipped with cutting-edge equipment and technology.

ETST signed a new partnership with Brazilian company, Bionatus. Inc., to participate in the manufacturing, distribution, and development of cannabis (CBD) products. With Bionatus, ETST is working to develop a treatment against asthma that will be unique and sold across the country in the near future. This market is very huge and the product will represent a new income stream.September:
In September a strategic agreement was signed with Axcelon Biopolymers Corp. for the distribution of their Nanoderm™ medical device was signed. The agreement adds potential success to ETST’s foreign market development as – along with the MSN-2 medical device - ETST now has two medical devices to catch the eyes of foreign medical device distributors. 

October:
In October ETST announced it is cooperating with the Clinique SIDA Amité (AIDS Friendship Clinic) for a mini-clinical trial, the last trial needed before the MSN-2 device enters molecular diagnostic trials.

November

In November ETST initiated audit process to up-list to the OTCQB market and began a pre-launch human trials on a new CBD formula to fight against the U.S. opioid epidemic. The new formula is based on industrial hemp CBD oil mixed with a known natural ingredient proven to help increase dopamine levels. The formula is expected to decrease cravings and the alleviate negative effects of withdrawals in addicts.

The Company announced a new partnership agreement that will provide entry into the Vietnamese market. Our plan is to have Vietnam  join Djibouti and Morocco as the early launch markets for ETST medical devices while the Company waits for regulatory permission to launch in North America.

December:
In December the marketing efforts done in 2017 succeeded in significantly increasing the volume of sales in the USA and had great exposure with ETST’s first expo. ETST plans to revamp its cannabinoid products in the beginning of 2018 to promote its full spectrum hemp oil products, which are now ready to fully launch on market. The Company has taken the steps necessary to fully satisfy the demands of our consumers with our new major distributor.

At year end, The Company plans to have everything in place to initiate a Tier II round of financing under Regulation A+  in 2018. The goal will be to raise $4 million to complete all the actual planned projects. 

ETST’s president, Director, & COO concluded the year with the following statement, “We have had a very successful year building ETST’s brand, increasing our exposure, building a solid team of dedicated professionals, and positioning ourselves for an explosive sales growth and a successful 2018. We plan on bringing three new officers to our team to increase efficiency and continue our growth. Our audit is still in process  and looks to be finalized very soon, our new product revamp is planned to launch mid-January, and our OTCQB up-listing will take place along with the initiation of the Regulation A+ Tier 2 filing with the SEC. We greatly appreciate all who have believed in our vision and I look forward on what 2018 will bring for us all.”

*About Earth Science Tech, Inc. (ETST): *Earth Science Tech has among the highest quality, purity, and full spectrum High Grade Hemp CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil on the market. Made using the superior supercritical CO2 liquid extraction, our CBD Oil is 100% natural and organic. Our research, performed alongside the University of Central Oklahoma and DV Biologics laboratory, prove we are the top nutritional and dietary supplement brand for High Grade Hemp CBD Oil.

To learn more and to buy CBD Hemp Oil please visit: www.earthsciencetech.com

*About Earth Science Pharmaceutical: *Earth Science Pharmaceutical, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Earth Science Tech, Inc (ETST). Earth Science Pharmaceutical is focused on becoming a world leader in the development of low cost, non-invasive diagnostic tools, medical devices, testing processes and vaccines for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections and/or Diseases). Earth Science Pharmaceutical CEO, Dr. Michel Aubé, a renowned scientist, is committed to help grow ETST in the medical and pharmaceutical industry.

To learn more please visit: www.Earthsciencepharmaceutical.com

*About Cannabis Therapeutics: *Cannabis Therapeutics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Earth Science Tech, Inc. (ETST). Cannabis Therapeutics, Inc. was formed as an emerging biotechnology company poised to become a world leader in cannabinoid research and development for a broad line of cannabis cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals as well as other products & solutions. Cannabis Therapeutics mission it to help change the healthcare landscape by introducing their proprietary cannabis-cannabinoid based products made for both the pharmaceutical and retail consumer markets worldwide.

To learn more please visit: www.Cannabisthera.com

*About KannaBidioiD: *KannaBidioid, Inc. is wholly owned subsidiary of Earth Science Tech, Inc. (ETST). KannaBidioid, Inc. is focused in the recreational space to manufacture and distribute vapes/e-liquids and gummy edibles in the recreational space formulated by its unique Kanna and CBD formula. Kanna and CBD synergistically enhance one another, providing optimal relaxation, an uplifting sensation, enhance focus, and help with nicotine addiction based on their properties.

To learn more please visit: www.kannabidioidinc.com

*SAFE HARBOR ACT: *Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate,""if,""believe,""plan,""estimate,""expect,""intend,""may,""could,""should,""will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: Investor Relations Dave Demarest (305)-546-7640

Earth Science Tech, Inc. Nickolas S. Tabraue, P/D/COO (305)-615-2118 Reported by GlobeNewswire 6 hours ago.

'Santa Baby' wasn't the only song censors deemed too risque for tender 1950s ears

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To the editor: Anyone too young to recall the 1953 debut of Earth Kitt’s iconic “Santa Baby” may not understand how it could have been widely banned, even if it intimated that the song’s narrator was the mistress of a gent wealthy enough to play Santa Claus. (“‘Santa Baby’ composer Phil Springer,... Reported by L.A. Times 6 hours ago.

Mother Nature wasn't 'naughty' in 2017 — the humans who abused her were

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To the editor: We poison her air. Poison her water. Kill vast numbers of her wildlife.

We discard trash everywhere, even to the limits of her gravitational boundaries. We pump toxic chemicals into her earth. We have weapons of mass destruction at the ready to wipe out almost everything.

She has... Reported by L.A. Times 6 hours ago.

Itafos and GB Minerals Announce Merger

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*Transaction Highlights*· Itafos, the second largest investor in GB Minerals since January 2014, to merge with GB Minerals, which owns the Farim phosphate project in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, with a view to further develop the Farim project
· GB Minerals shareholders benefit from the opportunity to participate in a combined company with enhanced technical expertise, project management capabilities and financial resources
· Directors and executive officers of GB Minerals, as well as Aterra, collectively holding 48.67% of the outstanding common shares of GB Minerals, have entered into voting support agreements with Itafos in respect of the transaction
· Aterra to become and remain a shareholder in Itafos
· The disinterested members of the boards of directors of both Itafos and GB Minerals have unanimously approved the transaction which is expected to close in late February 2018

TORONTO, Dec. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itafos (TSX-V:IFOS) and GB Minerals Ltd. (“*GB Minerals*”) (TSX-V:GBL) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “*Arrangement Agreement*”) pursuant to which Itafos will acquire, by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “*Arrangement*”), all of the issued and outstanding common shares of GB Minerals (the “*GB Minerals Shares*”) in exchange for ordinary shares of Itafos (the “*Itafos Shares*”) or for a combination of Itafos Shares and cash, as further described below.Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, shareholders of GB Minerals (each a “*GB Minerals Shareholder*”), other than Itafos and its affiliates, will receive, at the election of each such shareholder, either (i) 0.035714 of an Itafos Share for each GB Minerals Share held (the “*Share Option*”); or (ii) a combination of C$0.05 in cash and 0.011905 of an Itafos Share for each GB Minerals Share held (the “*Cash and Share Option*” and, together with the Share Option, the “*Consideration*”). Outstanding options to purchase GB Minerals Shares (“*GB Minerals Options*”) will be cancelled in accordance with the terms of the Arrangement.The Arrangement is subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and (i) at least two-thirds of the votes cast by GB Minerals Shareholders at the GB Minerals Meeting (as defined below); (ii) at least two-thirds of the votes cast by GB Minerals Shareholders and holders of GB Minerals Options (together with the GB Minerals Shareholders, the “*GB Minerals Securityholders*”) voting as a single class at the GB Minerals Meeting; and (iii) a majority of the votes cast by disinterested GB Minerals Shareholders at the GB Minerals Meeting. In addition to the aforementioned approvals, completion of the Arrangement is subject to other customary conditions, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals. Subject to the receipt of these approvals, and timely satisfaction of the conditions contained in the Arrangement Agreement, the Arrangement is expected to close in late February 2018. If the Arrangement is completed, the GB Minerals Shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange (the “*TSXV*”).

The Arrangement Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of each party, and non-solicitation and interim operations covenants. The Arrangement Agreement also contains customary non-solicitation provisions which are subject to GB Minerals’ right to consider and accept a superior proposal subject to a matching right in favour of Itafos. In the event that the Arrangement is not completed as a result of a superior proposal or for other certain specified circumstances, GB Minerals will pay Itafos a termination fee.

GB Minerals’ Board of Directors (the “*GB Minerals Board*”) formed a special committee (the “*Special Committee*”) to consider the proposed Arrangement. The Special Committee has unanimously determined that the completion of the Arrangement is in the best interests of GB Minerals.

Deloitte LLP has provided a verbal fairness opinion (the “*Fairness Opinion*”), which determined that, subject to certain underlying assumptions, limitations and qualifications, the Consideration to be received is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of GB Minerals Shares, other than Itafos. The Special Committee unanimously recommended that the GB Minerals Board approve the Arrangement.

Taking into account the recommendation of the Special Committee and the Fairness Opinion, the GB Minerals Board has unanimously determined that the Arrangement is in the best interests of GB Minerals, and recommends that the GB Minerals Shareholders vote in favour of the Arrangement.

In connection with the Arrangement, directors and senior officers of GB Minerals, who in aggregate hold 1.09% of the outstanding GB Minerals Shares and 70.25% of the GB Minerals Options, as well as A.B. Aterra Resources Ltd. (“*Aterra*”) (a GB Minerals Shareholder who beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly 46.5% of the GB Minerals Shares), have entered into customary voting support agreements (collectively, the “*Support Agreements*”) with Itafos pursuant to which, among other things, they have agreed to vote their GB Mineral Shares and GB Minerals Options, as applicable, in favour of the Arrangement.

Concurrent with the signing of the Arrangement Agreement, GB Minerals will receive interim financing in an aggregate amount of US$7 million from Itafos (the “*Interim Financing*”). The Interim Financing will be evidenced by promissory notes that are pre-payable, in whole or in part, at any time, bear interest at a rate of 15% per year and mature six months from their respective dates of issuance (collectively, the “*Promissory Notes*”). GB Minerals will use the proceeds of the Interim Financing for expenses and development of GB Minerals’ Farim phosphate mineral property and to meet GB Minerals’ financial obligations and operational commitments. Itafos is a “related party” to GB Minerals under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“*MI 61-101*”) by virtue of indirectly holding more than 10% of GB Minerals’ issued and outstanding share capital.   Accordingly, the issuance of the Promissory Notes is a “related party transaction” under MI 61-101. The Interim Financing is exempt from (i) the formal valuation requirements under Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsections 5.5(b) of MI 61-101; and (ii) the minority approval requirements under Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101 because the Interim Financing consists of loans obtained by GB Minerals from Itafos on reasonable commercial terms that are not less advantageous to GB Minerals than if the loans were obtained from a person dealing at arm’s length with GB Minerals and are not convertible into, or repayable in, equity or voting securities of GB Minerals. A material change report with respect to the Interim Financing will be filed less than 21 days prior to the closing of the transaction. This time period is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances as GB Minerals wishes to complete the transaction in a timely manner.

The notice of meeting of GB Minerals Securityholders and information circular containing information relating to the proposed Arrangement is expected to be filed with regulatory authorities and mailed to GB Minerals Securityholders in January 2018, with the meeting GB Minerals Securityholders in relation to the Arrangement expected to be held in February 2018 (the *GB Minerals Meeting*). Copies of the information circular, the Arrangement Agreement, the Support Agreements and certain related documents will be filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulators and will be available under GB Minerals’ profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

*Luis da Silva, President and Chief Executive Officer of GB Minerals, commented:*

“The transaction with Itafos provides a clear path for the Farim project to be fully financed and developed with a group that has rapidly demonstrated it can transact and operate fertilizer businesses and we look forward to further updating shareholders of this exciting progress.”

*Brian Zatarain, Chief Executive Officer of Itafos, commented: *

“With the consolidation of Itafos’ interest in GB Minerals, Itafos further diversifies its strategic positioning and asset base with the Farim project, what we believe to be one of the highest quality phosphate projects in the world, and we look forward to continue working with all its stakeholders as the project advances.”

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “*U.S. Securities Act*”), or any state securities laws, and any securities issued in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Itafos, which currently beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly 31.3% of the GB Minerals Shares, will file an updated early warning report in connection with entering into the Arrangement Agreement and the Support Agreements. A copy of the report will be available under GB Minerals’ profile at www.sedar.com.

Further information on GB Minerals can be found at www.gbminerals.com.

Further information on Itafos can be found at www.itafos.com.

*ABOUT ITAFOS*

Itafos is an integrated producer of phosphate based fertilizers and specialty products with an attractive portfolio of long-term and strategic phosphate assets located in key agricultural and fertilizer markets worldwide. Itafos is managed by an experienced and diverse team with extensive operations, commercial and financial expertise in the phosphate fertilizer industry. Itafos owns the Itafos Arraias 500,000 ton per year Single Super Phosphate (SSP) operations, which consists of an integrated fertilizer production facility comprised of a phosphate mine, a mill, a beneficiation plant, a sulphuric acid plant, an SSP plant and related infrastructure located in central Brazil. Itafos’ development portfolio includes a number of additional projects in Brazil, including the Santana project, a high-grade phosphate mine located in Pará State and the Araxá project, a high-grade rare earth elements and phosphate mine located in Minas Gerais State. In addition, Itafos owns the Paris Hills project, a high-grade phosphate mine located in Idaho, United States, the Mantaro project, a high-grade phosphate mine located in Junin, Peru and an approximate 31.3% interest in GB Minerals which owns the Farim project, a high-grade phosphate mine located in Farim, Guinea Bissau.

*ABOUT GB MINERALS LTD. *

GB Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on advancing its Farim phosphate project located in Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, which consists of a high grade sedimentary phosphate deposit of one continuous phosphate bed extending over a known surface area of approximately 40 km^2.  The Farim phosphate project is estimated to contain measured and indicated resources of 105.6 million dry tonnes at a grade of 28.4% P[2]O[5 ]and additional inferred resources of 37.6 million dry tonnes at 27.7% P[2]O[5].  The measured and indicated resources include 44.0 million dry tonnes of reserves based on a 25 year mine plan with a targeted final production of phosphate concentrate of 1.32 mtpa at a 34.0% P[2]O[5] grade at 3% moisture based on 1.75 mtpa of run of mine feed.  The life of mine operating costs are approximately US$52.13 per tonne of final concentrate.  The initial capital cost for the project is estimated at US$193.8 million (excluding owner’s costs of approximately US$11 million).  The Farim phosphate project is the subject of a feasibility study entitled “NI 43-101 Technical Report On the Farim Phosphate Project” (dated effective September 14, 2015).  For additional information, please visit us at www.gbminerals.com.

GB Minerals’ Qualified Person is Dan Markovic, P. Eng., who has reviewed and approves this press release.

*FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS*

Certain information in this news release relating to Itafos and GB Minerals is forward-looking and related to anticipated events and strategies. When used in this context, words such as “will”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “target” and “expect” or similar words suggest future outcomes. Forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, but may not be limited to the Arrangement, statements related to the closing of the Arrangement, statements related to the timing of the  GB Minerals Meeting, the receipt of GB Securityholder, court, regulatory and TSXV approvals in respect of the Arrangement, the Interim Financing, business plans, statements or information relating to the anticipated development activities of Itafos and GB Minerals, and their respective mineral assets, the potential to upgrade inferred mineral resources, the ability of GB Minerals to develop the Farim project into a commercially viable mine and the proposed plans relating thereto regarding operations, mine design, estimates relating to tonnage, grades, recovery rates, future phosphate production, future cash flows, life of mine estimates, expectations regarding production and estimates of capital and operating costs. By their nature, such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the failure to obtain shareholder, regulatory or court approvals in connection with the Arrangement, the synergies expected from the Arrangement not being realized, business integration risks, the ability to obtain adequate financing, political, social and other risks inherent in daily operations, industry risks such as commodity prices, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations, health, safety and environmental risks and competition.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as actual results could differ materially from the plans, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable law, Itafos and GB Minerals disclaim any obligation to update or modify such forward-looking information, either as a result of new information, future events or for any other reason.

Disclosure herein of exploration information and of mineral resources and mineral reserves relative to the GB Minerals’ Farim project is derived from the 2015 Feasibility Study.  Information relating to “mineral resources” and “mineral reserves” is deemed to be forward-looking information as it involves the implied assessment based on certain estimates and assumptions that the mineral resources and mineral reserves can be profitable in the future.  Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices.  Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available.  By their nature, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable.  If such estimates are inaccurate or are reduced in the future, this could have a material adverse impact on GB Minerals.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.  Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to inferred mineral resources, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will be upgraded to an indicated or measured mineral resource as a result of continued exploration.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

*FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:*

Itafos
Brian Zatarain, Chief Executive Officer
brian.zatarain@itafos.com 
www.itafos.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 6 hours ago.

Santa Fe Gold Expected to Announce At Least Four New Acquisitions in The First Quarter of 2018

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Dec. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa Fe Gold Corporation (OTC:SFEG), a U.S. based mining and exploration enterprise with emphasis on Gold, Silver, Copper, Precious, Industrial and Base metals and owner of multiple claims, including the Malone Mines complex incorporating 20 associated mine sites, the Playas Lake Bed area of Hidalgo County, New Mexico and a Silver mining opportunity with a potential major Porphyry Silver discovery, is pleased to announce it has received an additional US$849,958.17 with additional funding expected from International Investment Group and its associated investors, bringing their overall stake in SFEG to upwards of $6 Million converted to equity at prices close to recent market quotes.*Completion of Purchase of AG1 Silver Mines Group*

The Company expects to Complete 100% of Purchase of Bullard's Peak Corporation and Black Hawk Consolidated Mines comprising the AG1 Silver Mine and Potential Silver Porphyry Discovery and all other related assets within the first week of the New Year.

*Four Highly Prospective Exciting New Acquisitions* 

The Company also anticipates announcing at least four new acquisitions within the early part of the first quarter, details of which will be announced in the near future with other potential acquisitions already being negotiated or in the process of acquisition. Company's aim is to continue to add quality high grade Gold and Silver mines and valuable metals and mineral deposits to its portfolio as outlined from inception under its new management.

*President and CEO Tom Laws Comments* 

"We are delighted with the increased investment in Santa Fe Gold which demonstrates confidence in our ongoing near-term plans. We expect to close on the AG1 Silver Mines early in the new year as well as being able to give additional details on why we are excited about this and other new acquisitions. In addition, we are confident in our overall strategy and continued ability to secure very attractive properties and additional investments which reflects favorably on our capacity to identify, research, qualify and secure some exceptional additional acquisitions we are currently working on: We expect 2018 to be a very exciting year for Santa Fe shareholders."

About Santa Fe Gold

Santa Fe Gold is a U.S.-based mining and exploration enterprise and owns the following mining assets: The Knight’s Peak region of Grant County, New Mexico comprising the Malone Mines, Patanka, Hillcrest Barranca and Principal Mines, altogether incorporating some twenty mine sites and all located at Knight’s Peak, together with an expanded area surrounding the Malone Mines in the southern region of Burro Mountains, New Mexico. The company also owns very significant holdings in the Playas Lake Bed Area of Hidalgo County that includes the presences of Titanium ore and other rare earth minerals and deposits.

Santa Fe Gold is in the process of adding additional properties and two mining companies to its portfolio, with very substantial Silver holdings including Cobalt, Lithium, Manganese, Nickel and other rare earths currently being investigated. Currently historic data is being utilized to develop a current estimate of the gross value for these mines.

Santa Fe Gold’s Exploration and Development Team continues to be very active re acquisition of multiple additional properties as it finalizes analysis of a number of attractive, economically viable prospects. The company continues to execute on its aggressive acquisition program that is totally focused on positioning Santa Fe Gold to resume mining and production operations as expected in the near to medium term.

*Contact:*

Santa Fe Gold Corporation
Frank Mueller, CFO
(505) 255-4852

info@santafegoldcorp.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 6 hours ago.

This 'Transformer' car folds so you can park in tight spaces

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This 'Transformer' car folds so you can park in tight spaces · *The Japanese designed car is inspired by the "Transformer" toys.*
· *It is expected to be on the road by March 2018.*
· *It will cost around £52,000 and will be used at airports and tourist locations at first.*

--------------------

 

Finding a parking space may soon become much easier thanks to a car that can fold itself up and squeeze into small spaces.

Inspired by the "Transformer" toys, the electric vehicle, called Earth-1, was designed by Kunio Okawara, famous in Japan as the artist behind the long-running popular robot anime 'Gundam'.

Tokyo based next-generation car design and manufacturing company Four Link Systems say they hope Earth 1 will get approval to drive on the roads by March 2018.

And despite costing as much as a high-end Lexus at $70,000 (£52,000), the company has already accepted 30 orders from clients from Japan, China and Dubai since its launch at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

Four Link Systems say their goal is to sell 300 cars a year for use around airports or in tourist spots.

Hiroomi Kinoshita, President & Chief Executive Officer at Four Link Systems, Inc., who's worked on the creation of next-generation smart vehicle since 2008, said he was also hoping to appeal to a younger generation of drivers who are less interested in cars than previous generations.

"We developed a vehicle which make drivers feel as if they're steering something that's not a car," Kinoshita said.

Robots were the perfect fit, he said, adding that is why they asked Okawara of Gundam fame to design the two-seater vehicle.

"So we offered a robot-inspired shape and made people feel like they are operating a robot while driving. This what makes our car unique and enhances a sense of immersion with the vehicle," Kinoshita said.

The Gundam series, which has been on Japanese TV since the 1970s, captured the imagination of a whole generation and continues to be popular to this day, with a 'real-life size' 20 meter (65 feet) high Gundam robot mechanical statue even becoming the latest tourist attraction in Tokyo.

Produced by Leon Siciliano

Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 5 hours ago.
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