CR-Z Sport Hybrid Gets Supercharged with HPD Street Performance

August 21, 2014

American Honda Motor — HPD Supercharger Kit for the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid

CR-Z Sport Hybrid Gets Supercharged with HPD Street Performance

– Accessory supercharger kit boosts powertrain output to 197 hp

– Full range of CR-Z street performance parts from HPD now on sale

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Supercharged performance for the street is now available in the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe through a new dealer-installed Honda Performance Development (HPD) supercharger kit. Best known as Honda’s North American racing company, HPD developed a full line of street performance accessories for the CR-Z and first revealed them at the 2013 SEMA Show. With the debut of the supercharger kit this month, all of the HPD street performance components for the CR-Z are now available at Honda dealers in the United States.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140820/138311

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73520

“The CR-Z was the first hybrid to prove that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the cost of sportiness and fun,” said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development. “With HPD street performance accessories, including the new supercharger kit, the CR-Z will surprise everyone again with even higher levels of performance directly inspired by our on-track racing efforts.”

Available for the 2013 and 2014 CR-Z, the HPD supercharger kit boosts total powertrain output to 197 hp¹ (vs. 130 hp in the stock 2013 and 2014 CR-Z with manual transmission) and includes the HPD air-to-air intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, an ECU calibrated to meet CARB AT-PZEV regulations with 91 octane fuel and the HPD air filter system. Honda’s Suggested Retail Price of the kit is $5,495, not including dealer installation, which is priced similarly to popular aftermarket supercharger kits but is engineered and backed by Honda. The HPD supercharger kit maintains the balance of customer’s 5 year/ 60,000 mile Honda limited powertrain warranty when installed by a Honda dealer. The HPD supercharger kit is available exclusively for CR-Z manual transmission models and HPD has developed an optional limited slip differential and HPD sport clutch for those customers looking for an even higher level of performance.

When equipped with available HPD street performance accessories, the CR-Z (automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/hpd.aspx) can feature a variety of track-proven, street-reliable performance upgrades. HPD-developed powertrain modifications – tested on-track – include a high-efficiency centrifugal supercharger; HPD air-to-air intercooler; high-flow fuel injectors; an ECU calibrated to meet CARB AT-PZEV regulations with 91 octane fuel; HPD air filter system; and HPD sport exhaust. Chassis improvements include HPD sport dampers, coil springs with reduced ride height, 300mm diameter disc brakes and HPD 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The CR-Z is completed by a graphics package including front lip and tail spoilers, rear diffuser and HPD badge.

¹ 2013 and 2014 CR-Z estimated SAE Net horsepower. Output will vary by individual vehicle.

GE Hispanic Forum Hosts Back-to-School Event for Norton Park Elementary School

August 21, 2014

ATLANTA, Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, GE’s Hispanic Forum hosted a back-to-school community service event to support local students in need. More than 75 GE employees assembled back-to-school backpacks, which will be donated to North Park Elementary School. The backpacks are filled with supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks and healthy snacks.

The event is part of the GE Hispanic Forum’s ongoing initiative to promote academic achievement and healthy living amongst Hispanic students.

During the event, GE Hispanic Forum members also set a goal to raise $8,000 for scholarships to support its partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. GE launched the partnership in 2011 to provide financial resources to assist outstanding Hispanic college students. Within two years, the Hispanic Forum has successfully raised over $200,000, which has provided college scholarships to 58 Hispanic students, some of whom are first-generation college attendees.

“A solid education will open limitless opportunities for Hispanic students in Atlanta and around the country,” said Hernando Madronero, Senior Vice President of Nuclear Engineering at GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy. “Our goal is to inspire the next generation of Hispanic leaders and cultivate lasting interest in STEM careers among Hispanics across the country. These backpacks and school supplies will help local students on their journey to gain an education that will prepare them for the jobs of the future.”

Jeffrey Mosley, Norton Park Elementary Assistant School Principal, attended the event and thanked GE for its gift and support.

“On behalf of Norton Park Elementary School, I would like to thank GE for its generous gift of 250 school backpacks including healthy snacks and meals for our students. The backpacks and their content will provide critical support to our students who work hard each day to succeed. As a Title-I school we are often faced with the challenge of meeting basic needs before we can focus on academic readiness and achievement. In some cases, access to food during non-school hours is a challenge. Your support and generosity will support families that otherwise may be unable to provide adequate and nutritious food for their children,” said Assistant Principal Mosley.

The GE Hispanic Forum was established in 1996 as an employee-based affinity group created to attract, retain and develop Hispanic talent within GE. GEHF currently has over 3,100 members in the U.S. and globally who work to engage and support Hispanic communities around the country.

About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com.

For more information, contact:
Dan Nelson
GE
Digital Energy
+1 678 742 1462
[email protected]

Rancho Mirage, California Physician Saves Casino Worker from Deadly ‘Flesh Eating Disease’

August 20, 2014

Rancho Mirage, California Physician Saves Casino Worker from Deadly ‘Flesh Eating Disease’

Working at the Eisenhower Medical Center, Dr. Anibal R. Gauto saves a patient using a groundbreaking new treatment: NovaBay’s NeutroPhase Wound Cleanser

RANCHO MIRAGE, California, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation (NNFF) today announced that a patient named Fernando Davila has been successfully treated for a life threatening form of necrotizing fasciitis, or “flesh eating disease”, by Dr, Anibal R. Gauto, Medical Director of Inpatient Wound Care and founder of The Wound Care Center, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California.

Video – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/Fernando_Davila_Necrotizing_Fasciitis.mp4

Dr. Gauto used a new treatment pioneered by Dr. John Crew at Seton Hospital in Daly City, California. “Without this treatment Mr. Davila could have had both legs amputated or even lost his life. This is a significant advancement in treatment and I believe we will be able to significantly improve the care of patients suffering from this disease”, said Dr. Gauto.

Despite suffering from diabetes, chronic kidney failure and being on dialysis, Mr. Davila had led an active life working full time as a casino employee. He enjoyed his family life and taking his grandchildren to the park and swimming. He developed small discolored darkened lesions on both lower legs that became painful and infected. He was admitted to the hospital, treated with antibiotics, and a surgeon took him to the operating room to debride his wounds. The real nature of the infection was not initially recognized and he was discharged and sent home to be cared for by visiting nurses. He became progressively worse, his wounds enlarged, and the infection extended to his left foot. He was readmitted to the hospital once again, but this time Dr. Anibal R. Gauto was consulted.

Dr. Gauto treated his first severe case of necrotizing fasciitis in 1971, while in training at the University of Cincinnati’s General Hospital. This hospital was a major tertiary referral center for all kinds of severe “surgical infections”. In the ensuing 43 years of general surgery, vascular surgery and wound care practice, Dr. Gauto operated upon close to one hundred cases of necrotizing soft tissues infections.

“Many victims of necrotizing fasciitis lose limbs and about 20-70% lose their lives, even with aggressive treatment because doctors often don’t diagnose the disease early enough, failing to recognize its biological behavior and severity,” said Dr. Gauto. “Many physicians believe that antibiotics alone can stop the infection and cure the disease. That is wrong and far from reality. Infections such as these require early surgery and antibiotics,” explains Dr. Gauto. “What makes necrotizing fasciitis especially deadly is that the invading bacteria in the wound produce toxins that kill tissue but they also diffuse away from the dead tissue and soak surrounding live tissues. These areas of tissue soaked in toxins, not visible to surgeons’ eyes, are frequently left behind during surgeries. They go on killing more tissues and are responsible for the subsequent progression of infection and the repeated surgeries frequently necessary to ultimately control this disease. Also when bacteria die, killed by antibiotics, and their cell membranes rupture, they release more toxins into the wound.”

In the traditional treatment, surgeons treat the disease by cutting away all dead infected tissue, with reasonable margins to stop the damage from toxins. The tissue that is alive looks viable, but it is soaked in invisible toxins and if left, will later die and the patient will have to return to surgery to cut more tissue out. Dr. Gauto had patients that have had 4, 5, and 6 operations over a period of 8 to 10 days.

The earlier surgeons start the surgical treatment, the greater the chance that more lives and limbs will be saved. But too often the correct treatment is not started soon enough. “I have been terribly frustrated for years and years,” said Dr. Gauto. “When doctors don’t quickly recognize the disease, the consequences are devastating and terrible: multiple surgeries, amputations and/or death. The suffering of patients and their families is absolutely atrocious.”

In addition to the need to diagnose and properly treat the disease sooner it is obvious, what has been badly needed is a way to neutralize these deadly toxins. “We never had a toxin neutralizer,” said Dr. Gauto. But now, doctors have that crucial toxin-neutralizing weapon in the fight against this disease. A few years ago, Dr. Gauto learned that Dr. John Crew, an old friend and colleague who directs the San Francisco Center for Advanced Wound Care at Seton Medical Center in Daly City, California, has been working with an Emeryville, California biopharmaceutical company, NovaBay^® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: NBY), to develop a wound cleanser named NeutroPhase. The active ingredient in NeutroPhase is a substance called hypochlorous solution (HOCl), which mimics a natural chemical produced by white blood cells as a first defense against microbial invaders. Laboratory studies have shown that in addition to killing bacteria, hypochlorous solution neutralizes the toxins and appears to stop the spread of the dying tissue. Dr. Crew developed a method of irrigating wounds with NeutroPhase in combination with a common vacuum technique called negative pressure wound therapy. He has now used the treatment for more than 20 patients, saving the lives and limbs of every patient treated, as he has reported in journals like WOUNDS.

When Dr. Gauto learned of the new method he said “In theory sounds great, if it works it will be extraordinary and I would love to be part of it”. The first patient Dr. Gauto treated with NeutroPhase in 2012 had a spectacular recovery. So when Fernando Davila came back to Eisenhower Medical Center in danger of losing his legs – and even his life – and Dr. Gauto took over his care. He applied the new treatment method. By then 50% of the soft tissue of the back of Mr. Davila’s right lower leg including his Achilles tendons, two thirds of the anterior surface of his left lower leg and the dorsum of his left forefoot including tendons and two toes were infected, dead or dying. Davila felt very sick and was in excruciating pain. He and his wife knew that the situation was grim.

Dr. Gauto performed extensive surgical removal off all dead soft tissues, including his right Achilles tendon and also, the dorsum of his left foot, tendons and the left 4th and 5th toes. His wounds were treated with NeutroPhase instillations and negative pressure wound therapy as recommended by Dr. Crew, stopping the potential spread of the disease. All of his wounds were eventually skin grafted successfully. His legs and foot were saved. He was discharged from Eisenhower Medical Center to go home. Mr. Davila’s wife, his children and grandchildren were very happy to have him back home.

“I am now able to stand up on my own legs and feet and I am very excited to get back into life and do things I was not able to do” said Mr. Davila.

After seeing the results from the use of NeutroPhase, Dr. Gauto is now eager to work with the National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation and other doctors and hospitals on a national awareness campaign to spread the work about the dangers of the disease and the benefits of new NeutroPhase – based treatment. “I think this has the potential to be really big and if we can continue with these types of results we not only minimize deaths and amputations but we will significantly decrease the number of operations we will need to do on these patients,” said Dr. Gauto.

The NNFF is equally eager to publicize the efforts and successful results of doctors like Dr. Gauto who are bringing new hope to patients like Mr. Davila. “For years I could only offer emotional support to those struggling with this devastating disease” said Jacqueline Roemmele, Executive Director of the NNFF (herself a survivor of the disease). “But now, we can direct them to a new life –saving treatment and to a growing number of doctors like Dr. Gauto who are experienced at using this treatment.

Dr. Gauto also personally knows the pain and suffering of necrotizing fasciitis patients. As Jacqueline Roemmele, executive director of the NNFF describes in her new book, “Surviving the Flesh-eating Bacteria: Understanding, Preventing, Treating and Living with Necrotizing Fasciitis”. Dr. Gauto contracted the disease himself in his right shoulder two days after operating on a patient with a highly virulent infection. He was urgently hospitalized, underwent three operations in four days, spent 16 days in the hospital and took four months to heal his wound and to recover.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL NECROTIZING FASCIITIS FOUNDATION

The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation (NNFF) is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1997 by two survivors of the disease. Since that time, NNFF has evolved to become the world’s leading resource for information regarding necrotizing fasciitis, as well as repository of cases reported worldwide. Its mission is to educate for public awareness regarding recognition of symptoms and preventative measures; to advocate research; to offer resources; and to offer support for those affected by necrotizing fasciitis, so that it may help save lives. The two founders of the organization, Jacqueline A. Roemmele and Donna Batdorff, have a second edition of their top-selling non-fiction book “Surviving the Flesh-eating Bacteria” being released this summer.

Jacqueline Roemmele

Executive Director

National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation

[email protected]

908-422-7744

Cal/OSHA Cites Menzies Aviation for LAX Worker Fatality

August 20, 2014

Cal/OSHA Cites Menzies Aviation for LAX Worker Fatality

Investigation Determines Menzies’ Flawed Safety Policy Discouraged Employee Seatbelt Use, Led To Death Of A Worker At Los Angeles International Airport

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cal/OSHA today cited Menzies Aviation $77,250 for three serious accident related, one serious and one regulatory violation following an investigation into the February death of a worker at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), who was thrown from the vehicle he was operating without a seatbelt.

Cal/OSHA’s investigation determined that Menzies’ safety policy on the operation of tow tractors in and around LAX did not require, and in fact discouraged, the use of safety belts in certain areas of the airport. Tow tractors are used to pull luggage and cargo trailers throughout the airport. Menzies was issued citations for one regulatory, one serious and three serious accident-related violations of state safety standards.

“This fatality could have been prevented with a well thought-out and implemented safety plan, as is required for all worksites in California,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Cal/OSHA, formally known as the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, is a division of DIR.

Cesar Valenzuela, a 51-year old ramp agent employed by Menzies, was driving a tow tractor the morning of February 21 to pick up cargo at the airport. He was later found with his head pinned underneath one of the tires. Cal/OSHA’s investigation found that a portion of the vehicle’s seat belt was missing on the tow tractor. State safety regulations require the use of a restraint system such as seatbelts when originally installed on tow tractors and industrial trucks. The employer’s vehicle inspection procedures were also inadequate.

“Employers must follow and adhere to applicable safety regulations, especially when workers are operating equipment such as tow tractors,” said Acting Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum.

The Cal/OSHA safety inspector investigating the accident at LAX noted that numerous employees were observed operating tow tractors without using seatbelts or other restraints. Menzies’ written safety program only required workers to use seatbelts when traveling on marked roadways or vehicle service roads, not when traveling to adjacent airport gates or aircraft parking areas.

Menzies Aviation, which has its headquarters in Scotland and operates in more than 30 countries, also inaccurately reported the fatal accident to Cal/OSHA as a heart attack. Regulations require employers to accurately report work-related fatalities within eight hours to Cal/OSHA.

A serious workplace safety violation is cited when there is a realistic possibility that death or serious physical harm could result from the violation. A regulatory violation is cited when an employer fails to comply with record keeping, posting or permit requirements.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who want to learn more about California workplace health and safety standards or labor law violations can access information on DIR’s website as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Program provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from the Cal/OSHA Consultation Program.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may call the toll-free California Workers’ Information Line at (866) 924-9757 for recorded information, in English and Spanish, on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA District Offices.

For media inquiries contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.

Milk Fuels A Better Future

August 20, 2014

California Milk Processor Board Got Milk — Milk fuels a better future, new got milk? ads remind parents how today's choices last forever

Astronaut Jose Hernandez reminds parents how today’s choices last forever

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Although parents don’t always realize it, the advice they give and the nutritional choices they make can have a life-long effect on their children. This parental influence is the motivation behind the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB)’s new campaign launching today. The new ads by the creator of got milk? and toma leche remind parents how choosing milk sets the foundation for proper nutrition and future success. Former NASA Engineer Jose M. Hernandez knows this first-hand and is partnering with got milk? to bring the ads’ message to life for Californians. Hernandez will visit select markets and relate to audiences how early choices, like choosing milk, set the foundation children need to reach for the stars, especially around Back to School.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140820/137991

Despite Hernandez’ humble upbringing, his family – migrant farm workers who travelled from Mexico to California’s Central Valley nine months out of the year to work the strawberry fields – encouraged his dream of one day traveling to space. His father, with only a third grade education, ingrained in him that school and positive choices could help him achieve his life-long goals. Eventually, after a series of positive choices, Hernandez became an award-winning engineer who flew on Space Shuttle Discovery aboard the 128th shuttle mission in 2009.

In a similar vein, the new got milk? and toma leche ads encourage parents to make a positive impact in their children’s life through milk. One television spot, “Champion” shows a young girl meeting her future self in a supermarket. As the girl starts drinking milk, she watches herself become an Olympian – the more she drinks, the more she achieves! The girl’s mom excitedly loads up the shopping cart with milk. Another spot, “Brave” shows a firefighter reminiscing on his mother’s words of comfort and how that inspired him to conquer his fears and help others. When he drinks milk, he acknowledges his mother’s positive influence. Both spots reveal how one of the earliest choices parents face, proper nutrition with milk, can fuel children’s lives.

“To reach their dreams students need to prepare and focus,” said Hernandez, a California Central Valley native. “Good nutrition is an essential part of preparation. It helps kids perform their best in school and be on their way to a better future.”

Today Hernandez inspires students of all ages to learn about the importance of math, science and proper nutrition through his non-profit organization, The Reaching for the Stars Foundation.

“Hernandez’ life accomplishments mirror the message of our new ads,” said Steve James, Executive Director of the CMPB. “Whether we’re raising a future firefighter, Olympian or astronaut, the choices we make today, like drinking a glass of milk, can lead our children to a better tomorrow.”

To view the new got milk? and toma leche spots and to learn more on how got milk? is making a difference this school year, visit www.gotmilk.com, www.tomaleche.com or www.youtube.com/officialgotmilk. Join the online conversation using #fuelbetterfuture on Facebook and Twitter (@gotmilk) or on Instagram (@officialgotmilk).

About the CMPB
The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

NOTE TO EDITORS:A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/

Got Milk? Expands Communications in Unique Agency Partnership

August 20, 2014

CHAMPION — Got Milk? Expands Communications in Unique Agency Partnership; Goodby Silverstein & Partners and Grupo Gallegos help got milk? show parents how to fuel a better future for their children

Got Milk? Expands Communications in Unique Agency Partnership

Goodby Silverstein & Partners and Grupo Gallegos help got milk? show parents how to fuel a better future for their children

SAN CLEMENTE, California, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), creators of got milk? and toma leche, is launching a new advertising campaign highlighting how a person’s future self is determined by the nutritional choices he or she makes today — starting of course with milk.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140820/137999

Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), originators of the got milk? tagline, and Grupo Gallegos (GG), creators of toma leche, have worked in an unusually close partnership, to co-create work designed to appeal to all Californians, regardless of ethnicity. In a unique structure, personnel from both agencies worked side by side under the direction of GG Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer Andrew Delbridge and GS&P Co-Chairman Jeff Goodby.

The campaign, which starts today, includes two commercials, each in both English and Spanish. One spot makes use of the campaign’s traditional humor and surprise, while the other is a beautiful and emotional look back upon the lasting effect of a glass of milk between parent and child.

“It’s time to start addressing the California market on the basis of things we all share. California consumers are extremely diverse but when it comes to wanting what’s best for our children and their future, we are one united front,” says Jeff Goodby, chairman of GS&P. “This campaign embraces every parent’s personal desire, which is preparing our children for a successful and healthy future.”

The television spots, titled “Champion” and “Brave”, both show how a glass of milk can change a life. “Champion” depicts a young girl’s life being altered in a humorous but successful way through the nutritional value of milk. In “Brave” we watch as a fireman reminisces about a glass of milk shared with his mother that led him to become the strong, directed character he is today. Both ads remind consumers that a strong foundation begins with healthy choices today to create the best future possible.

“We have an emotional connection to milk,” said Steve James, Executive Director of the CMPB. “This is the first time our agencies have taken a one market approach to California audiences, with the creative that takes full advantage of that. I think the spots are reminders of the influential role parents’ nutritional choices and advice have on their child’s future.”

The new effort will also include radio and digital installations. GG founder John Gallegos added: ‘California is a window into the Nation’s changing cultural make up. CMPB has always been at the forefront of embracing the cultural identity of its audience and this work is a great example of how to engage your audience as one brand – one market.”

To view the new got milk? and toma leche spots and to learn more about how milk enhances your future self, visit: www.gotmilk.com, www.tomaleche.com or www.youtube.com/officialgotmilk. Join “got milk?” on Facebook and Twitter (@gotmilk) and follow the conversation.

About the CMPB

The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/

GED Testing Service Releases MyGED Student Website In Spanish And Announces New GED Study Materials

August 20, 2014

GED Testing Service Releases MyGED Student Website In Spanish And Announces New GED Study Materials

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — GED Testing Service announced that the new comprehensive GED program student website MyGED is available in Spanish. Spanish-speaking adults who want to earn their high school equivalency credential can take advantage of the full suite of cutting-edge tools and resources available in MyGED, located online at GED.com. Adults can use MyGED to schedule their test, access study materials, and check their test scores. Beyond test support, MyGED provides guidance and support for students as they transition to college, career training, or jobs after the test.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120322/PH74825LOGO

The MyGED website gives students everything they need to prepare for the test, pass the test, and then move on to good jobs with good wages. Some of the features available in MyGED include:

A one-stop resource for registering, scheduling, checking scores, and more.
Tools to connect students with study materials and local in-person classes.
A skills assessment to help students match skills with well-paying jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree
Access to information and resources to help students apply for college or training programs, and fill out financial aid forms.
An official practice test that shows students their strengths and where they need to improve, and points them to specific pages to study in their study materials to help them score higher.

The MyGED student website is part of the 2014 GED program. Designed to better prepare adults without a high school diploma for success in college and the workforce, the 2014 GED program includes a new GED test that is fully aligned with leading college- and career- readiness standards and requires adults to demonstrate computer skills needed in today’s technology-focused job market.

GED Testing Service also announced that 2014 GED study materials are now available in Spanish from both Learning Express and Steck-Vaughn. These materials will help more adults who speak Spanish prepare for and pass the 2014 GED test.

For more information about the MyGED website, visit www.GED.com. For more information about Spanish-language GED study materials, visit www.GEDmarketplace.com.

About GED Testing Service: The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the one official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high school diploma.

New Report Shows Overwhelming Latino Support for Conservation, Underscores Potential Impact on Mid-term Elections in Western States

August 20, 2014

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, Latino Decisions and Hispanic Access Foundation released a new research brief — analyzing nine major public opinion polls from the last three years — that finds Latinos overwhelming support greater environmental protections, such as preserving parks and public lands, so much so that conservation issues could influence voting decisions in the mid-term elections.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140820/137887

"This report provides definitive proof to what we've seen across the country – there is a significant, growing Latino movement that is advocating for greater environmental protections of our parks and public lands and is willing to support candidates that share that same value," said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. "The Latino population is the fastest growing segment in the country — their engagement in conservation is critical and could have a far-reaching impact."

"Hispanic Voter Perspectives on Conservation and Environmental Issues" additional findings include:

When it comes to policy priorities, water and air pollution are especially important to the overwhelming majority of Latino voters.
Looking at Latino attitudes on a range of conservation matters, conservation is viewed as essential to a better quality of life.
There is ample evidence Latinos in the West and Southwest have strong ties to the region and regularly partake in outdoor activities, all of which serve to sharpen interest in conservation and clean air and water.
Latino voters believe individuals and governments have important roles in protecting natural resources and promoting healthy, clean communities.
Latinos prefer policies and candidates that actively promote a cleaner environment and preserving public lands. They are more likely to vote for candidates based on their environmental positions.

"Clean air and water, preserving public lands, climate change and promoting clean energy solutions are all matters of concern for this rapidly growing electorate," said Dr. Adrian Pantoja, Senior Analyst for Latino Decisions and Professor of Political Studies at Pitzer College in Claremont, California. "Decision makers and advocates with national and regional constituencies will need to demonstrate their attention to these concerns and policy preferences as the Latino population and electorate continues to grow into the foreseeable future."

"We know that
regardless of the issue, Latinos, like most Americans, will seek policy approaches that better the quality of life for them, their families, and their community," said Leo Murrieta, National Field Director of Mi Familia Vota. "From immigration reform to conservation, Latinos want candidates and elected officials who will best represent the issues they care about and will do so by promoting laws that will treat our community with dignity and respect. Ensuring that our families have access to clean air and water, cleaner environments, and preservation of outdoor recreational areas will continue to be important to Latino voters across the nation."

Since its founding in 2010, HAF has made building environmental awareness among Latinos, going outdoors and empowering advocates one of its top priorities. During the last four years, HAF has experienced a growing number of
Latino youth and community leaders clamoring for opportunities to participate in efforts for clean water, balanced energy development on public lands in the west, conservation funding, and enhanced protections for parks and monuments.

"When you recognize how many aspects of our lives are affected by the environment, it's not surprising that Latinos are so passionate about conservation," said Arce. "The outdoors provides a connection to their cultural heritage. Recreation, tourism and farming provide employment and financial security to many. Getting outdoors and experiencing nature benefits the physical and mental wellness of youth and adults. And unfortunately, Latinos are much more likely to suffer negative health issues due to environmental hazards," said Arce.

The full report can be downloaded at: http://hispanicaccess.org/sites/default/files/HAF_LatinoDecisions_ResearchBrief.pdf.

To arrange an interview, please contact Robert Fanger at [email protected].

About Hispanic Access Foundation

Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that improves the lives of Hispanics in the United States and promotes civic engagement by educating, motivating and helping them access trustworthy support systems. Our vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America. For more information, visit www.hispanicaccess.org.

About Latino Decisions

Latino Decisions is the leader in Latino political opinion research. Founded in 2007 by professors of political science, Dr. Gary M. Segura and Dr. Matt Barreto, Latino Decisions has built a national reputation based upon their unique combination of analytical expertise and cultural competence. For more information, visit www.latinodecisions.com.

Contact: Robert Fanger

P: 317-410-7668

E: [email protected]

Baltimore Latino Families to Improve Tech Skills and Job Prospects

August 20, 2014

Baltimore Latino Families to Improve Tech Skills and Job Prospects

O’Neill and Featherstone Foundations team up to bolster computer literacy among Hispanics in Charm City.

BALTIMORE, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Latino families in Baltimore City will improve their socio-economic and educational standing thanks to a $15,000 grant from the William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation.

The grant funds Empowering Latinos: One “Click” at a Time, a program organized by the Baltimore-based William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation that helps Latino families secure better paying jobs and better assist their children by learning to use computers and the Internet. At the end of the program, parents receive laptops for their homes to bridge the digital divide.

“We are thrilled to invest in a groundbreaking initiative that is improving the quality of life for families and communities where O’Neill family members live,” stated Leah Gary, president and CEO of the O’Neill Foundation.

The program, directed by Open Society Institute (OSI)-Baltimore Community Fellow Lanaea C. Featherstone, also teaches participants how to use the Internet, create resumes and apply for jobs online. “OSI-Baltimore is pleased to back such an important program that is helping underserved groups succeed,” said Pamela King, director of community fellowships at the Open Society Institute-Baltimore.

Graduates of the Empowering Latinos: One “Click” at a Time program will receive laptops for their homes along with a certificate of completion during a special luncheon on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Patterson Park Public Charter School’s cafeteria (2726 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21224).

“The program extends educational opportunities and creates support systems that promote successful children, thriving families, and strong communities,” said Dr. Elizabeth Obara, one of the school’s founders and Community School Coordinator.

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The William J. & Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation‘s mission to partner with nonprofits to improve the quality of life for families and communities, in places where O’Neill family members live. For more information, visit www.oneill-foundation.org

Open Society Institute – Baltimore is a public charity and the sole field office of the Open Society Foundations’ U.S. Programs. We focus on the root causes of three intertwined problems in our city and state: drug addiction, an over-reliance on incarceration, and obstacles that impede youth in succeeding inside and out of the classroom. We believe that discussion and debate are critical to making positive, lasting changes. For more information, visit www.audaciousideas.org

Patterson Park Public Charter School‘s mission is to provide a community-centered learning environment that values diversity and embraces a whole child approach to develop well-educated citizens. For more information, visit www.pppcs.org

The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, inspiring and impacting the immigrant Latino community. The foundation strives to strengthen cultural understandings of diverse populations through educational training programs. For more information, visit www.thefeatherstonefoundation.org

Elliot Fineman CEO Of National Gun Victims Action Council Says We Must Ban “Smart Scope” Military-Style Precision Guided Sniper Rifles From Being Sold To The Public

August 20, 2014

Elliot Fineman CEO Of National Gun Victims Action Council Says We Must Ban “Smart Scope” Military-Style Precision Guided Sniper Rifles From Being Sold To The Public

CHICAGO, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — TrackingPoint, a gun manufacturer in Austin, Texas, has developed—and is selling to the public—”smart scope” military-style sniper rifles that allow someone who has never fired a gun before to hit a target the size of a soup can from 1,000 yards away—that’s 10 football fields or over half a mile. Until now, only a few, elite, military-trained snipers could ever achieve this skill level.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/65360-ngvac-national-gun-victims-tell-and-compel-we-re-done-asking/

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140820/137717

TrackingPoint’s rifles achieve this level of accuracy because their “smart scopes” include a computer that adjusts for key variables affecting a bullet’s trajectory – including range, target velocity, outside temperature, barrel temperature, wind speed and even the earth’s rotation – and indicate to shooters when they have a “kill shot.”

The scopes’ electronic guidance is enabled by TrackingPoint applications distributed by Apple and Google, which are featured in TrackingPoint’s promotional efforts. TrackingPoint continues to develop “smart” weapons and unveiled a prototype that allows a shooter, using Google Glass, to aim and fire around corners.

NO LEGITIMATE PURPOSE FOR CIVILIAN USE

Fineman believes hunters and target shooters have no need for TrackingPoint’s rifles because their accuracy eliminates the need for skill. And the rifles, designed to precisely hit a target at over half a mile away, have no use for self-defense, says Fineman, as one does not know they are at risk when the shooter is over half a mile away.

NGVAC believes that there are three groups who will buy these rifles—insurrectionists, terrorists and hate groups. Given the Sniper Rifle’s deadly accuracy, no one is safe—this cannot be allowed.

LETTERS SENT

On May 23, 2014 the National Gun Victims Action Council wrote to John Lupher, TrackingPoint’s CEO, concerning the threat to public safety posed by TrackingPoint’s rifles. The NGVAC called on TrackingPoint to immediately cease and desist from marketing and selling its rifles to civilians. TrackingPoint has not responded.

On June 5, 2014 and July 25, 2014, the NGVAC and its partners in this urgent appeal—The Newtown Victims & Clergy for Corporate Responsibility, Faiths United To Prevent Gun Violence, PICO National Network, United Physicians of Newtown, Newtown Action Alliance, and 100,000 Poets for Change—wrote to Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, and Larry Page, Google’s CEO, detailing our deep concerns about the dangers to public safety posed by TrackingPoint’s rifles.

We asked that they stop distributing the TrackingPoint application, which enables the rifles’ precision accuracy, and that they take steps to bar TrackingPoint from using their names in promotional efforts. We have received no response from either Apple or Google.

ACTION TO TAKE

TrackingPoint’s sniper rifles are a classic example of technology outpacing legislation. The weapons unquestionably pose a significant danger to public safety, and this danger will only grow as additional companies develop similar technology. Legislation will be required to effectively banish the threat posed by these weapons. To help stop this insanity, go to OPERATION SIDELINE at www.gunvictimsaction.org.

Elliot Fineman is CEO of the National Gun Victims Action Council, a non-profit network of 14 million gun victims, survivors, the faith community and ordinary people leveraging their buying power to change America’s gun laws. NGVAC initiated the successful action that caused Starbucks to change its gun policy. NGVAC pursues novel legal strategies to reduce gun violence and encourages corporations to be proactively involved in advocating for sane gun laws. NGVAC can be found at www.gunvictimsaction.org.

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