Attacking the Pit Bull Problem in Los Angeles - MuttShack Animal Rescue Launches Grassroots Campaign

Attacking the Pit Bull Problem in Los Angeles - MuttShack Animal Rescue Launches Grassroots Campaign

MuttShack Foundation for Animal Rescue has launched a campaign to attack the root of the Los Angeles pet overpopulation problem. The AngelinoÂ’s dog of choice, the Pit Bull.

(PRWEB) June 18, 2005

Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles Animal Services shelters are "Pit Bulls". American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull are various names used to describe the breed and any mix thereof.

Whatever name they go by, they refer to a breed that has been labeled ounce-for-ounce, the strongest dog in dogdom. These dogs have very adoptable traits like a good disposition, stability, and superior physical attributes but often these very characteristics are presented to provide justification for fighting them.

Owning a "Pit Bull" gives their guardians a badge of bravado. These dogs are considered to be "macho" and therefore many owners don't want to neuter and spay them resulting in many unplanned and accidental litters. Consequently, they are also the leading breed and breed mix in Los Angeles shelters.

According to the Villalobos Pit Bull Rescue, the fallout is devastating. According to them the pit bull population in the combined twelve shelters (six city shelters and six county shelters in Los Angeles) has now risen to 40% of all the dogs in shelters.

They say, "Approximately 10 pit bulls are brought in each day to each shelter. That's 120 pit bulls a day. Most are strays, tossed out like dirty laundry." They calculate, "At the end of a week the total comes to 840 pit bulls. Then, according to Animal Control records, only about 2 pit bulls a week get adopted. That means 838 pit bulls a week, die in local shelters." [Villabos Pit Bull Rescue: http://www. vrcpitbull. com (http://www. vrcpitbull. com).]

The MuttShack Animal Foster and Rescue Foundation, is dedicated to change this tragic statistic. "We need massive adoptions from shelters, a very aggressive spay and neuter program, and an inescapable dog IDÂ’ and micro-chipping campaign," says the founder, Amanda St. John.

Shelter dogs are in a life and death competition with Breeders and Pet Stores for potential homes. Shelter dogs need a LifeLine to get their profiles out there. Pounds are filled with purebreds and gorgeous pit mixes, puppies and trained older dogs.

To promote the adoption of at risk pit bulls from Los Angeles Animal Services, MuttShack has put together a slide show that may easily be forwarded to friends by e-mail. It is a grassroots effort and the Pound Pit Bulls' only hope in this competitive pet market.

A viewer can pause the slideshow at any time, read information about the particular dog and find out where to visit him.

The link is updated daily with new dogs, and fresh information. MuttShack's Lifeline for LA Pit bulls can be found at http://www. photochains. com/view/MuttShack_LifeLine_LA_Pit_Bulls (http://www. photochains. com/view/MuttShack_LifeLine_LA_Pit_Bulls)]

"Please copy the LifeLine link and forward it to your friends, looking to adopt, or bail one out of the shelter. If you know someone who has a pit bull, or mix, forward the link so that they can get free sterilization and microchipping information!" said Ms. St. John.

Http://www. photochains. com/view/MuttShack_LifeLine_LA_Pit_Bulls (http://www. photochains. com/view/MuttShack_LifeLine_LA_Pit_Bulls)

Several organizations have come forward to offer FREE spay and neuter of any domesticated Pit Bull or pit-mix.

> In Los Angeles, Actors and Others For Animals have declared their mission to curb the problem by offering free Pit Bull spay/neuter surgeries. (Telephone 818-755-6045, or 818-755-6323. Visit www. actorsandothers. com.)

> The Pasadena Humane Society, are offering spay and neuter through their SNiP program. (Telephone 626-792-7151 x106 or http://www. phsspca. org/SNiP/index. htm (http://www. phsspca. org/SNiP/index. htm))

Most dogs forever loose the families they love, because they lack a cheap six-dollar ID tag. A simple ID tag on every dog could save hundreds of dogs' lives. However, since collars can get pulled off during a rescue attempt, the soundest identification is a microchip. When a dog is micro-chipped and registered to a family, it reduces his chances of being lost. Most shelters and Vets provide micro-chipping services.

Microchipping also protects dogs from "bad guys". When owners are identifiable on a database, the dog is secure against being abused or used in pit bull fighting.

Spay and neuter posters in Spanish and in English can also be printed from the website at http:/www. muttshack. org/freespay. html (http://www. muttshack. org/freespay. html).

MuttShack is asking everyone to print up copies of the poster, and to put them up at Pet Stores, Vets Offices, and animal related facilities, and put them local bulletin boards and coffee shops. Think it is a waste of time? - Consider this: Every poster put up and broadly circulated so far has resulted in an adoption!

When you find the dog of your choice and want to adopt a LAAS Pit Bull, there is no need for a home-check. According to Heidi Heubner, the LAAS Volunteer Coordinator, all the applicantÂ’s information is collected and processed. Then the pet gets micro-chipped and sterilized before going to his new home. The Microchip is the new dog's security blanket. It will keep track of the owners if he ever turns up at the shelter.

There is a fee of course, but it is a fraction of what a pet store or breeder charges, and essentially covers the medical bills.

See LAAS' recent program in pit bull handling at http://www. muttshack. org/news-pitbull. html (http://www. muttshack. org/news-pitbull. html).

According to Pia Salk of 1-800-Save-A-Pet. com, adopting an adult Pit Bull is an instant friend for life. "Ask anybody who has adopted an adult dog, and they'll swear their bond with their rescued pal is as deep as they come. When you open your heart and your home to a dog that needs help, they really do show their appreciation for the rest of their life! No matter what circumstances brought them to the shelter or rescue group, most dogs for adoption are exceptionally affectionate and attentive pets and extremely loyal companions. But first you have to adopt one!" she says.

MuttShack sees abandoned dogs daily. A recent E-mail sent on behalf of the Linda Blair World Heart Foundation read. "Attached you will find a picture of Peetie. Peetie is a 9-month-old pit/boxer/dalmation mix that was rescued by Linda Blair. He had been used as "bait" in Pit bull fights. His ears had been cut half way off. You would think that this would make Peetie an unapproachable dog and aggressive. However it is quite the opposite. He is friendly, playful, trusting and loves to be petted even on the ears. He has all his shots and has been neutered, is house trained and is the best little boy!!! He loves dogs and people. He wants to be loved and he gives love. (He is not great around cats however.) We really need someone to foster him until he finds his new incredible family." Looking at his picture was just a validation of everything they said! Link to Peetie's photo at http://www. muttshack. org/news-pitbull. html (http://www. muttshack. org/news-pitbull. html).

About Muttshack:

Muttshack Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit, a project of the National Heritage Foundation, established in 1968. MuttShack Foster and Animal Rescue promotes the education and creation of foster homes for abandoned and abused animals.

Muttshackers rescue animals from shelters, and from the streets, rehabilitate and nurture them to health in homes (MuttShacks) and find them quality, permanent new families.

By intervening and rescuing shelter animals about to be put to sleep, MuttShack fostering stops the senseless killing of healthy animals in overcrowded shelters.

Donations Saves Lives. Visit animals online that are in danger of being put to sleep at http://www. muttshack. org (http://www. muttshack. org). Join us in preventing animals from entering shelters that kill.

Support Muttshack Animal Rescue at our secure site https://www. registrationfactory. com/v3/?EventUUID=B47421FD (https://www. registrationfactory. com/v3/?EventUUID=B47421FD).

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Furia Rubel Communications Receives Golden Web Award

Furia Rubel Communications Receives Golden Web Award

Furia Rubel Communications, Inc. receives the 2002-2003 Golden Web Award from the International Association of Web Masters and Designers (I. A.W. M.D.).

Perkasie, Pa. (PRWEB) August 30, 2002

Furia Rubel Communications, Inc. receives the 2002-2003 Golden Web Award from the International Association of Web Masters and Designers (I. A.W. M.D.).

Furia Rubel Communications, Inc. recently launched its first web site showcasing a full line of Integrated Strategic Marketing solutions. This clean, creative and client-centric site was immediately honored with a 2002-2003 Golden Web Award. This extremely prestigious award is given to the "Best of Breed" in the global, web-design marketplace.

Darin Carter, Chairman of the I. A.W. M.D. said, "Congratulations! Furia Rubel Communications, Inc. has been reviewed and chosen to bear the 2002-2003 Golden Web Award. You and your staff at Furia Rubel Communications, Inc. have obviously worked very hard - proudly display your award."

Furia Rubel Communications, Inc. is a Philadelphia-area integrated strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, marketing and business development. The firm represents a wide range of clients including law firms, marketing agencies, not-for-profit associations, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. For more information, go to www. furiarubelpr. com.

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Health Clubs: It's That Time Of Year

Health Clubs: It's That Time Of Year

Save Up To 30% on OEM and SPORTSMITH Brand Treadmill Running Belts, Decks and Rollers With The SPORTSMITH 2008 Fall Edition Catalog.

Tulsa, OK (PRWEB) September 29, 2008

SPORTSMITH™ is proud to announce the release of the 2008 SPORTSMITH™ Fall Edition Catalog, featuring the industry's largest selection of Fitness Equipment Parts, Treadmill Running Belts, Decks, Rollers, Strength Equipment and Fitness Products, all with express same-day shipping.

The 204-page catalog features savings of up to 30% on OEM and SPORTSMITH™ Brand Treadmill Running Belts, Decks and Rollers for popular brands such as Life Fitness, Star Trac, Precor and many more.

Each catalog is packed full of Maintenance Carts, Equipment Diagrams, Fitness Equipment Parts, Fitness Products (http://www. sportsmith. net/fitness-products. aspx? Category=7b5eba5a-1c33-4dc1-a31b-9a1e9138df6f) and Maintenance Information for the most popular brands of fitness equipment such as Life Fitness, Star Trac, StairMaster, Schwinn, Precor, Landice and many others.

The SPORTSMITH™ Fall Edition Catalog further offers new expanded selections of Sports Performance Training items such as Agility Dots, Agility Domes, Mini Hurdles, Agility Ladders, Lateral Power Trainer and Nutrition featuring Zola Acai Super Fruit Juice™.

Functional training items include Fitness Boxing, Balance & Stability, Exercise Mats (http://www. sportsmith. net/Categories. aspx? Category=040e254f-55ea-4576-ac84-46911ea4dcef), Speed & Agility, Sports Specific Training, Fitness Assessment, Audio Accessories, Resistance Tubing & Bands, Weighted Resistance and more.

SPORTSMITH Indoor Cycling Products include parts for Schwinn, Star Trac V2™, V-Bike™ and RevMaster™.

Innovative strength training (http://www. sportsmith. net/strength-products. aspx? Category=7da534ba-50ae-4cc4-a3af-f0001cb12229) products feature Cybex Classic and VR2 Upholstered Pads, Cable Attachment Bars, Hardware and Accessories, Kettlebells, Dumbbells, Racks and International Bars.

A variety of the most popular functional training and core/balance products include Polar® Heart Rate Monitors, SportStep, the Original Health Club Step™, SPORTSMITH Resistance Bands, Medicine and Stability Balls, Yoga and Exercise Mats.

"The SPORTSMITH mission is to supply the most popular fitness equipment parts (http://www. sportsmith. net/section. aspx? Category=9342fe78-c8a9-436e-b384-76a3b0dc7aa1), the best functional and personal training products in the fitness industry with the benefit of hassle-free customer service, 24/7 online ordering and express same-day shipments," reported Brad Schupp, President.

All SPORTSMITH fitness equipment parts meet or exceed OEM specifications and include the full SPORTSMITH warranty.

Call 800-713-2880 to request a free catalog by mail.

Phone: 800-713-2880
International 918-307-2446
Email: info @ sportsmith. net
Web: www. sportsmith. net

Media Contact:

Troy Mosley, Marketing Manager
SPORTSMITH LLC
800-713-2880 Ext 223

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Quixtar Ranks 71st on InformationWeek 500

Quixtar Ranks 71st on InformationWeek 500

Quixtar moves up from 147th in 2006 to 71st in 2007.

Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) September 21, 2007

Quixtar, Inc. was ranked 71st on the 2007 InformationWeek 500 list of the most innovative users of business technology, up from 147th in 2006.

"We're flattered to be included in Information Week's notable list as well as to be recognized for the innovative ways we use technology to best serve our IBOs," says Heather Anderson, Quixtar's Chief Information Officer. "For Quixtar, IT is all about providing suitable and innovative technology solutions to support our hundreds of thousands of Independent Business Owners, their Customers and our employees."

Quixtar operates the leading health and beauty retailing web site based on sales, according to Internet Retailer. More than just an online storefront, Quixtar provides the infrastructure support for the businesses of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs who drive the site's sales. Quixtar Independent Business Owners (IBOs) rely on the site to not only sell and order products, but also to track and transfer their business volume, register new IBOs they recruit, manage contact lists, obtain valuable business information, experience product tutorials, and much more.

"We'd like to extend our sincere congratulations to all InformationWeek 500 honorees. These companies represent today's leading technology innovators, many of whom have joined us this week," said InformationWeek vice president and publisher, John Siefert. "This group has prompted fascinating discussion on some of the most forward looking business technology initiatives to date."

For nearly 20 years, InformationWeek has identified and honored the nation's most innovative users of information technology with its annual listing. The list is unique among corporate rankings because it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders. Additional details on the InformationWeek 500 can be found online at www. informationweek. com/iw500/ (http://www. informationweek. com/iw500/).

About Quixtar
Quixtar Inc. offers a business opportunity that allows people to have a business of their own based on retailing products and sharing the opportunity with others who will do the same. Quixtar supports Independent Business Owners (IBOs) with a proven compensation plan, portfolios of quality products in health, beauty, and other consumer categories, plus the merchandising materials, training, and education they need to be successful. IBOs also are supported by communities of those who have succeeded in Quixtar businesses before them.

Since 1999, Quixtar IBOs have generated $6.8 billion in sales through Quixtar. com, plus more than $500 million for Quixtar Partner Stores. These sales have earned IBOs more than $2.2 billion in bonuses through the Quixtar® Independent Business Owner Compensation Plan plus other incentives. Their efforts have propelled Quixtar to be ranked the #1 online Health & Beauty retailer based on sales, and 22nd among all e-commerce sites, according to Internet Retailer magazine.

A subsidiary of Alticor Inc., Quixtar supports independent businesses in the U. S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and various trust territories and independent island nations in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and Caribbean Sea.

About InformationWeek (www. informationweek. com)
InformationWeek is the leading multimedia Business Technology brand - online sites, magazine, events and research - providing CIOs and IT decision makers with unique perspective and tools that work in lock step with their decision making process - from the setting of business strategies to the evaluation and recommendation of technology solutions. Through its cross-media platform, InformationWeek provides editorial content developed by both journalists and CIO and IT peers delivered when and how they want it, 24/7.

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Completely Eco-friendly Child Care Center Announces Green Updates, Child Care Innovations

Completely Eco-friendly Child Care Center Announces Green Updates, Child Care Innovations

FIO360, the first Eco Early Care and Learning Boutique, finalizes pioneering features such as solar tubing, heated Marmoleum flooring, Activboard technology and streaming video, to name a few.

Atlanta, Ga. (PRWEB) December 28, 2007

Within two months of announcing plans for the nation's first Eco Early Care and Learning Boutique, FIO360 (pronounced fē-oh) has hired an executive director and confirmed several exclusive eco-friendly and technology features.

FIO360 is one of the first child care centers in the United States to meet the U. S. Green Building Council's LEED standards for environmentally sustainable construction. Forgoing the formal LEED certification, FIO360's Eco Early Care and Learning Boutique will actually surpass the Council's standards, providing an entirely eco-friendly operation with organic/locally-grown food, natural/organic personal care products and earth-friendly cleaners throughout the facility.

Among the confirmed FIO360 offerings, parents will have the option to view their children via the WatchMeGrow streaming video capability; teachers will enhance the children's learning experience with interactive whiteboard technology and software; and a solar tube lighting system will illuminate the facility with natural daylight (or moonlight).

"During the past few months, we've been extremely busy interviewing executive director candidates, finalizing vendors and executing our green development plans to make this eco-friendly child care vision a reality," says Crissy Klaus, FIO360 founder and CEO. "It hasn't been easy -- we're challenging convention and establishing precedent because many of the features we will provide don't already exist -- but it's worth it because parents and children will benefit in the end."

To date, FIO360 has finalized numerous vendors and building specifications for the center's unique features, including:
Solar tubing to conserve energy and provide natural daylight throughout the facility; Radiant, heated floors in all classrooms -- proven to reduce energy costs, enhance air quality and improve circulation, which contributes to a stronger immune system, a healthier heart and better sleep; Activclassroom whiteboard technology and software informed by teachers to foster an interactive learning environment that keeps students engaged, focused and enthusiastic; Streaming video capabilities in each classroom for parents who want to periodically join in on their children's learning and play experiences throughout the day; Waterless urinals and sensor-activated faucets in all lavatories to preserve water; Odor-free, zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, which have been linked to numerous harmful health effects, from headaches to cancer; Heated Marmoleum flooring in all the classrooms and main corridors, made up of all-natural, non-allergenic raw materials such as linseed oil, rosins and wood flour; Zero-PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rugs that are formaldehyde-free and made with natural fibers; and Eco-friendly, no-PVC play equipment and all natural, organic toys that exclude harmful chemicals and lead.

As FIO360's first executive director, child care veteran and former Bright Horizons director Dana Ginger's first order of business is to finalize the center's staffing plan. Ginger plans to begin hiring the first wave of the FIO360 administrators and child care team by January 2008.

"I am genuinely passionate about and dedicated to the child care industry, so I feel honored to take part in a vision that will advance dialogue and best practices in an industry that is shaping the world's future leaders and visionaries," says Ginger.

FIO360 is on track to gradually roll out enrollment openings for full-time care beginning April 2008, with plans to reach its full capacity of 238 openings by August 2008. For more information about FIO360, visit www. fio360.com.

About FIO360
FIO360 is an innovative, Eco Early Care and Learning Boutique where children are nurtured to become well-rounded, joyful and promise-filled individuals. The word 'fio' is a Latin verb that means 'to become' and '360' relates to wholeness or coming full circle, so FIO360 will provide an optimum setting for children to become their individual best--intellectually, physically and emotionally." The first FIO360 facility will open early 2008 in the premium Atlantic Station community in Atlanta, Ga. FIO360 will meet the U. S. Green Building Council's LEED standards for environmentally sustainable construction and providing an entirely eco-friendly operation with organic/locally-grown food, natural/organic personal care products and earth-friendly cleaners throughout the facility. The center will also offer many nontraditional features, including: a precedent-setting learning curricula and experienced staff; interactive learning exhibits in a children's museum set-up; an on-site workstation and coffee bar for parents; and massage therapy for children and parents, to name a few.

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Geonetric Featured in Article on Collaborative Board Extranets

Geonetric Featured in Article on Collaborative Board Extranets

Geonetric, one of the leading healthcare web technology companies, was featured in a recent article published by HCPro on Collaborative Board Extranets. The article, “Creating a Collaborative Extranet for your boards,” was written by Larry Stevens and published in the July 2005 issue of Healthcare Market Strategist. Ben Dillon, Vice President of Strategic Services and Healthcare Practice Director at Geonetric, was personally interviewed for the piece. Geonetric developed their own custom healthcare board extranet solution for Genesis Health System in 2002 and has many new clients looking to implement the software in the next few years.

Cedar Rapids, IA (PRWEB) July 30, 2005

Geonetric, one of the leading healthcare web technology companies, was featured in a recent article published by HCPro on Collaborative Board Extranets. The article, “Creating a Collaborative Extranet for your boards,” was written by Larry Stevens and published in the July 2005 issue of Healthcare Market Strategist. Ben Dillon, Vice President of Strategic Services and Healthcare Practice Director at Geonetric, was personally interviewed for the piece. Geonetric developed their own custom healthcare board extranet solution for Genesis Health System in 2002 and has many new clients looking to implement the software in the next few years.

Collaborative Board Extranets are the latest method for hospital board members to improve communication and centralize document delivery, while still working remotely. "The culture of boards has changed thanks to the series of public oversight failures that we have seen over the past few years. The result is that boards are more professional, more engaged, and more involved than in the past,” says Dillon. “Board members are asked to do more overall, and these are very busy people to begin with. It is important for our organizations to start providing tools to help them work more efficiently."

These new online workspaces where board members receive important hospital information, communicate with each other, and collaborate on documents, are also being used in other aspects of healthcare organizations, including internal committee management, project management, and innovation collaboration. The topic was also highlighted at GeonetricÂ’s May Webinar, "Collaborative Board Extranets: Creating virtual meeting centers to improve organization efficiency and transparency ", on May 24th and 31st at 2:00 pm CST. Interested registrants that would like a copy of the presentation or signup for future Webinars can visit the Geonetric site at http://www. geonetric. com (http://www. geonetric. com).

Geonetric provides hospitals and health systems with online content management and information management systems. Their eHealth webinar series is free of charge and covers different topics each month. The webinars began in September of 2004 and have become a success within the healthcare education realm, boasting a 375% registration growth rate in the past 5 months.

About HCPro

With over 20 years of experience developing trusted, independent content for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and senior healthcare management, HCPro has garnered a reputation as a leading provider of healthcare communications and training. They offer several services, including sales training, custom publishing, and single-sponsor publications. HCProÂ’s custom publishing services provide need-to-know content to the audience through a variety of different media.

For further information, visit their web site at www. hcpro. com.

About Geonetric

A healthcare web technology company founded in 1999, Geonetric is focused exclusively on advancing the way hospitals interact and communicate with their markets. Through its products and services, Geonetric provides hospitals and health systems with the online tools necessary to increase patient satisfaction, improve patient/physician communications, generate direct revenue, and streamline internal processes – advancing the industry towards the goal of achieving complete eHealth.

For further information, visit the company at http://www. geonetric. com (http://www. geonetric. com).

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Grant Life Sciences (''Grant'') Receives a Waiver from N. I.R. Group That Allows Grant to Pursue Alternate Financing

Grant Life Sciences (''Grant'') Receives a Waiver from N. I.R. Group That Allows Grant to Pursue Alternate Financing

Grant Life Sciences (OTC Bulletin Board: GLIF) announced today it has received a waiver from The N. I.R. Group, LLC ("N. I.R. Group"), a Roslyn, N. Y.-based hedge fund that allows Grant to pursue alternate financing to pay down, in whole or in part, an existing financing debt to N. I.R.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) March 31, 2008

 "The Company has greatly appreciated NIR's support over the last two years and these important developments related to N. I.R. Group will allow Grant to further advance its serum-based test for cervical cancer in the largest market in the world, China," said Hun-Chi Lin, Ph. D., Grant's President and Chief Scientist.

About Grant Life Sciences Inc.

Grant Life Sciences Inc., a development stage company, engages in the research, development, marketing, and sale of diagnostic kits for the screening, monitoring, and diagnosis of diseases with emphasis on women's health, infectious diseases, and cancers.

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements" that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of Grant Life Sciences could differ significantly from those statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as the inability to finance the company's operations or expansion, inability to hire and retain qualified personnel, changes in the general economic climate, including rising interest rates and unanticipated events such as terrorist activities, results of clinical trials, and market acceptance of the Company's products. In some cases, "forward-looking statements" can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," or other comparable terminology. Although Grant Life Sciences believes that the expectations reflected in the "forward-looking" statements are reasonable, such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that such "forward-looking statements" will be achieved. Grant Life Sciences undertakes no duty to update any of the "forward-looking statements," whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of the foregoing, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such "forward-looking statements." For further risk factors associated with our Company, review our SEC filings.