Team OVRP

A Massachusetts company has recalled nearly two tons of chili products because they may not have undergone the proper federal inspections.

The Chili Station in Ludlow announced Thursday that it is recalling 3,800 pounds worth of products, including five-gallon containers and one-gallon bags of beef chili with beans; as well as five-gallon containers and one-pound bags of turkey chili.

The packaging may carry the code numbers EST 6380 or P-6380 inside the inspection mark.

The products were sold only in Massachusetts.

Editor:

After reading the recent newspapers stories about the working conditions in Apple-related factories in China, I just cannot bring myself to personally buy or use Apple products. In my opinion each dollar spent in purchasing Apple-related technology is an implicit vote that the purchaser approves of the Apple business practices, which these stories highlighted.

Those practices include working conditions and environmental degradation in China that in America we would not tolerate and would be against the law. Apple has grown to be the No. 1 company (by market capitalization) in the world. It does employ 40,000 workers in America – but it and its contractors employ 700,000 workers in China! By exporting jobs to other countries this American company has saved enough money to have amassed $100 billion in cash – great for Apple stockholders, lousy for American workers.

iPhone and iPads may be the cool and in things – but I would respectfully suggest that we in America need to look past simply being cool and in and start linking our purchasing decisions to the working conditions and philosophies that go into the making of the products we purchase. Every dollar spent purchasing a product that is produced outside this country using practices and methods that would be against our laws is casting a vote that you as an American approve of these type of practices.

There is nothing inherently wrong with being cool and in – but I would suggest there is a larger picture to consider. How do our individual actions collectively bundled together impact society and humanity as a whole? As most religious faiths teach, life is not solely about us and our self-gratification, it is also about how our actions impact those around us. Could our collective purchasing decisions be a part of this reason behind the stagnant job growth in our country and therefore could we be our own worst enemy in causing the economic problems with which we are dealing?

G. Herbert Pritchett

Henderson

NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
Action Products International, Inc. (otc pink:APII) reports that the company has filed its 2011 unaudited financial statements with OTC Markets. Copies of these documents can be obtained from
www.otcmarkets.com , or for additional information please visit the APII website at
http://www.actionproductsinternational.com .

2011 Results

For the year end, December 31, 2011, total assets increased to $939,481 compared to $639,533 December 31, 2010, while total liabilities decreased to $1,526,688 compared to $1,852,926 in the same period.

Our total income decreased to $712,230 compared to $1,481,421; Gross profit decreased to $312,915 compared to $433,349, and Net loss increased to $(651,325) compared to $(422,125.64) in 2010.

Operations:

We finished 2011 with lower than expected income that can be directly attributed to a change in Department of Transportation laws that resulted in NEEL running at approximately 50% of normal trucking capacity for most of 2011. We are expecting that trucking capacity will once again return to 100% in 2012, which will return NEEL income to that of prior years. Even though NEEL income was 50% lower than in 2010, NEEL produced a net profit of $11,309.

Profit margins within NEEL fell slightly due to the cost of fuel and other transportation surcharges.

We finished 2011 with an increased net loss compared to the 2010 fiscal year. This is attributed to several factors. First we saw a reduction in NEEL income. Then there were the contingency funds that were set aside for default judgments issued against APII in lawsuits filed by former employees of the toy company in 2008. Lastly APII encountered additional costs related to business operations, such as preparations for the acquisitions of NEEL and Core Wafer Systems, Inc., as well as in the establishment of new business practices.

Commentary:

Teresa McWilliams, CFO for APII, states, “We have uncovered many difficult financial issues as we have examined company records from the past few years. I believe we can now move forward in paying down old debt, and in returning profitability to the company. NEEL financial data has been included in our 2011 financials, but CWS will only be included in the financial statements issued starting in 2012. CWS income should greatly improve the financial position of the company. ”

Teresa McWilliams continues, “During 2009 to 2011, had the company chosen bankruptcy over working through known debt issues, shareholder equity would likely have been eliminated. We uphold our decision to retain shareholder equity by settling owed debt, and are proud of this milestone. We are beginning the new year with two active subsidiaries whom, I expect, will contribute significantly to the bottom line in 2012.”

About Action Products International, Inc.

Action Products International, Inc. (otc pink:APII.PK) is the parent company of North East Expedite Logistics, a Transportation company; and Core Wafer Systems, inc., a technology leader with their propriety parallel measurement schema for physical phenomena of semiconductor structures. Additional company information can be obtained on the company website at.
http://www.actionproductsinternational.com .

Please refer all shareholder inquiries to info.apii@yahoo.com.

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The Global Online Investment Community – GLX provides interactive advertising, conference and event coordination, digital IR/PR, journalism, market intelligence, media/marketing, news dissemination, research, video production and ancillary specialty communications services to publicly traded companies worldwide.

The GLX Editor’s Desk+1 855 GLX INTL | +1 855 459 4685info@glx.com |
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Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company’s current plans and expectations, as well as its future results of operations and financial condition. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the effects of competition with existing enterprises and/or new entrants into the company’s markets and industries, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, domestic and global economic conditions generally, the company’s ability to obtain financing and attract suitable personnel where required to fully implement its business plan, the adoption and acceptance by the marketplace of the company’s technologies and product and service offerings, the possibility of new technologies that are competitive with the company’s planned product and service offerings and the effects of future political and economic developments both in the United States and abroad, among others. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Action Products International, Inc.

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Children try their hand at pottery making during the 2011 Korea Travel Expo. (The Korea Tourism Association)

Held just before the Lunar New Year holidays, the 2012 Korea Travel Expo will be offering special gift and travel ideas for visitors, the Korea Tourism Association said.

Some 400 local government organizations, travel agencies and related groups are participating in the largest travel expo in Korea, held under the theme Artistic Landscape of My Country this year. The Jan. 12-15 event will be held at COEX in Samseong-dong, southeastern Seoul with the opening day broadcast live on TV.

Aimed at drawing more people to local travel destinations, this years expo will also present some 1,000 different kinds of local products that can also be excellent gifts for relatives during the Lunar New Year season.

The products, offered at reasonable prices for expo guests, include rice, sweet potatoes, corn and traditional Korean liquor, as well as handcrafted accessories and ornaments.

Event organizers expanded the amount of products being offered during this years event four-fold compared to the previous year, expecting more people to buy gifts during the season.

One of the biggest tasks for the tourism industry this year will be creating a fair and reasonable tourism culture, Nam Sang-man, chairman of the association, said during a New Years conference last week.

We must come up with more ways to offer travelers local products at reasonable prices via direct transactions both for the sake of travelers and the local merchants, he said.

Also, during the four-day expo, travel agencies will offer visitors practical tips such as ideal destinations in Korea to visit for budget travelers or those with little time for vacation.

The expo will also offer performances from different regions of the country such as jultagi, or tightrope walking, and talchum, or mask dance, organizers said.

At least 100,000 people are expected to visit this years expo, which is the ninth consecutive event, the KTA said in a press release.

The event is open from 10 am to 6 pm Admission is 5,000 won for adults and free for students and children. For more information, visit www.naenara.or.kr or call (02) 6000-8133.

By Shin Hae-in (hayney@heraldm.com)

With the new year upon us, I turned to two close observers on opposite sides of the business travel industry to predict what road warriors will see in 2012.

In one corner we have Lane Dubin, deeply invested in business travel as a vice president and general manager for American Express Global Business Travel. In the other is Chris McGinnis, a travel consultant, blogger and observer based in San Francisco. Their predictions:

Lane Dubin

Airlines: As companies keep investing in business travel and growth, airlines will continue catering to the business-travel market with ancillary services, such as in-flight Internet, more legroom and preferred boarding, that are of interest to the business traveler needing to get work done en route. Rates will rise to meet the continued demand.

Hotels: Hotels traditionally have followed the ancillary fee system and now are charging for amenities that make a difference to the business traveler. This means road warriors could increasingly be paying additional fees for the services that allow them to be productive while theyre away. In 2012, hoteliers likely will focus more on total revenue rather than on occupancy levels, and as a result they may be more willing to accept lower room volume at higher room rates. This translates to hotel rates likely getting a little more expensive this year.

Rental cars: Competition in the rental car market remains stiff, so rates will likely remain flat or even decrease slightly. Businesses also likely will continue to pursue the relatively new trend for negotiating longer-term contracts as long as three years in exchange for discounted rates.

Miscellaneous: Mobile technology is going to be a continued focus in 2012 as companies look to make traveling employees more productive, create utility on the road, and help enhance control and compliance during business travel.

We also expect that companies will be challenged to think strategically about how they continue to invest in travel, to grow their business, in the face of flat travel budgets and rising prices.

Chris McGinnis

Airlines: There will be a growing gap between frequent business travelers (who will get better seats, shorter lines, earlier boarding, more access to clubs and fee waivers) and low-fare vacation travelers, who will see more fees and poorer back of the plane service.

Hotels: Hotel prices in large coastal cities such as San Francisco, New York, Boston or Washington, where demand is growing fastest, will continue to creep up. However, hotels in smaller, secondary or tertiary markets that are still struggling to recover will offer better deals and probably better service because they are hungrier for the business.

Rental cars: More business travelers will be turning to rental cars since airlines are abandoning service to smaller cities. They will fly to the nearby larger city and then drive. Nonetheless, the increased demand wont increase rates much in this highly commoditized market where there are too many cars chasing too few renters.

Miscellaneous: While in-flight Wi-Fi has been a largely American experience, airlines in other countries will adopt newer systems based on satellite technology that enable travelers to log on over land and, more important, sea for international flights.

Do you have ideas for Business Class about the latest in business travel? Write to Josh Noel at jbnoel@tribune.com. Include Business Class in the subject line.

Alta Sierra Ski Resort in California is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. As part of a series on ski resorts, Huffington Post Travel offers our guide to Alta Sierra Ski Resort, featuring all the key information snow lovers need to know before they hit the slopes.

The BasicsNestled in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Alta Sierra Ski Resort sits about an hours drive away from Bakersfield, which is home to the resorts closet airport. Right in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest, Alta Sierra lures visitors with 80 acres of skiable land and low prices for lift tickets and equipment rental. Prior to 2006, the resort was named Shirley Meadows.

The MountainShirley Peak at Alta Sierra reaches 7,100 feet high at the summit. The vertical drop at the park runs 400 feet down the mountain. Annual snowfall at Alta Sierra can reach up to 80 inches. The resort also has snowmaking capabilities to help Mother Nature along as needed. Opening and closing dates at the resort largely depend on snowfall amounts, but the park typically opens in mid-December and runs through March.

Trails And LiftsThe mountain at Alta Sierra has eight groomed trails, two of which are designated for beginners. Four trails are designed for intermediate skiers, and the remaining two are appropriate for advanced skiers. Advanced skiers can also try out an additional four ungroomed black-diamond trails. Visitors can use one of the resorts two chairlifts to get up the mountain. Alta Sierra also features a terrain park and a snow tube area.

In The NewsShirley Meadows Ski Resort opened in the early 1980s. In 2003, a group of businessmen brought the property, intending to keep local skiing alive in the Bakersfield area. In 2006, the group changed the name of the resort to Alta Sierra to indicate major changes at the resort, including the addition of snow machines and upgraded rental equipment. Buildings at the resort were upgraded and renovated in 2007 and 2008.

CostAlta Sierra prides itself on being an affordable ski destination. Full-day lift tickets for skiers 13 and older cost $40, while kids 4 to 12 pay $30 for tickets. Visitors can buy lift tickets in packages of six for $210. Season passes are available for $340 for adults 13 and older. College students and military personnel receive a 20-percent discount on lift tickets at Alta Sierra. Ski and snowboard equipment costs $30 and $35 per day to rent, respectively. One-hour private lessons for skiers age 5 and younger cost $35. Skiers 6 and older pay $65 for each hour of private lessons.

Apres-SkiWhen its time to take a break from the snow, skiers can head into the Alta Sierra warming hut. Visitors warm up with hot coffee and hot chocolate. The hut serves simple lunches, offering hamburgers, hot dogs, soups and salads. Outdoor seating around two fire pits is also available.

WATCH: Alta Sierra

Snowboarders try their best to jump a pole during a 2011 ollie contest at Alta Sierra.

• Vayama.com, an online travel agency which caters to international traveling, listed twelve popular international travel destinations for 2012.

A high-speed rail project approved by the British government yesterday is seen by ministers as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the way people travel in Britain.

“I drove there with three buddies and we knew going in that it would be cold,” he said. “I’ll never feel cold like that again.”

Legg said Giants fans should also prepare themselves psychologically for the Packers fans.

“They’re actually nice,” he said. “There are no nicer fans than those in Wisconsin.”

Legg recalled how they were a lonely island of blue amid a sea of Packer green and gold when place kicker Lawrence Tynes booted the 47-yard game-winner that silenced the crowd.

“Other than us cheering, it was pure dead silence,” Legg said. “I looked around and it was like all the life was drained out the stadium.

“Then, as we were leaving, the Packers fans started telling us, ‘You outplayed us’ and ‘congratulations’ and ‘good luck with the Pats.’ It was really special, the complete opposite of what we expected to hear.”

While the forecast high for Sunday’s game is a relatively balmy (for Green Bay) 22 degrees, Legg recommends “dressing in lots of layers.”

And to expect the Giants to topple the Super Bowl champs.

“I think if the defense plays the way it has, they can shut the Packers down,” he said.

Legg won’t be making the trek to Green Bay this year, but more than 100 fans have already plunked down between $1,600 and $1,900 for a chartered trip to Cheesehead Land.

The package Big Blue Travel offering includes a private tour of historic Lambeau and a game-day “catered indoor tailgate party with unlimited beer.”

Emphasis on the “indoor.”

Big Blue Travel’s Michael Martocci said the fans he has spoken with have no doubt that the Giants of 2012 are Super Bowl-bound once more.

“They believe,” he said.

csiemaszko@nydailynews.com

NEW DELHI, Jan 11 (Bernama) — The Indian Government has ruled out barring Salman Rushdie from visiting the country in the wake of a demand by a top Islamic seminary to cancel his visa even as the controversial author said he does not need a visa to come to India.

Official sources said Tuesday the 65-year-old Rushdie holds a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card which entitles him to visit this country without a visa, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

The sources said since PIO card guarantees any such person hassle-free travel without any document, Rushdie is not required to apply to any authority of the Government of India seeking permission for his proposed visit to attend a literature festival in the northwest Indian city of Jaipur this month end.

He had travelled to India in the past using PIO card. We have never stopped him. We have no intention to stop any PIO card holder to travel to his or her home country in future either, a source said.

Rushdie remained unfazed over the demand by Darul Uloom Deoband to block his planned trip to India and suggested it was misplaced.

Regarding my Indian visit, for the record, I dont need a visa, posted Rushdie on microblogging site Twitter after Deoband demanded that the Indian government cancel the authors visa as he had hurt religious sentiments of Muslims in the past.

Indian-origin Rushdie also has a British passport. Vice Chancellor of Darul Uloom Maulana Abul Qasim Nomani said Monday that the

Indian government should cancel his visa as Rushdie had annoyed the religious sentiments of Muslims in the past.

Rushdie had earned the wrath of Muslims worldwide due to the alleged blasphemous content in his novel The Satanic Verses which was published in 1988.

The novel, which was banned by India, had sparked outrage in the Muslim world, including a fatwa against him by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, on February 14, 1989.

Sanjoy Roy, managing director of Teamworks Productions which is organising the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, A literary platform like the Jaipur festival provides a space for free speech in Indias best democratic traditions.

Salman Rushdie has attended several literary events and forums in India in recent years without incident.

This includes his attending the Commonwealth Writers Prize awards in 2000, and the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2007.

In plural societies such as ours, it is imperative that we continue to allow avenues for unfettered literary expression, said Roy.

— BERNAMA

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