The Thalia Sodi™ Brand Launches New Hair Care Line, Adria By Thalia®

January 24, 2019

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Thalia Sodi, world renowned singer, songwriter, author, and entrepreneur, launches the newest extension of her lifestyle brand, Adria By Thalia. The 7-piece beautifully fragrant hair care collection includes salon quality shampoo, conditioner and five styling essentials. Formulated with a proprietary CAPPA 5™ Complex, the products offer women of all hair types red-carpet ready results at an accessible price point.

Designed to suit the dynamic lifestyle of today’s modern woman, the collection features:

“the foundation” Shampoo (10 fl oz.)
“the nourisher” Conditioner (8.5 fl oz.)
“all in wonderful” All-In-One Spray (6 fl oz.)
“the stylist” Styling Foam (8 oz.)
“the big deal” Volumizing Spray (6 fl oz.)
“the refresher” Dry Shampoo (5 oz.)
“the perfectionist” Hair Spray (9 oz.)

The unique CAPPA 5™ Complex, found in all of the Adria By Thalia products, includes coconut, agave, passion fruit, peony and avocado extracts full of proteins and amino acids that enhance the overall look, luster, and health of your hair. This blend of ingredients keeps hair vibrant, hydrated and strong while repairing damage and preventing split ends. The formulations offer noticeable results that last all day while being gentle enough for color-treated hair.

“I am so excited to launch my first hair care line, Adria By Thalia,” said Thalia. “My hair has seen it all – from the stage to the studio to the stylist chair. I created Adria by Thalia because I know the transformative effect that great hair can have on your confidence. Your hair should be as strong, vibrant and full of life as you are! It was also important to me to create products that work for all hair types and cater to different styling needs. I’m proud to have created a line of products that make every woman feel beautiful.”

The look and fragrance of the Adria By Thalia product line was very important to the development process, making sure it felt luxurious and decadent. Thalia hand-selected the notes of the fragrance, which include green leaves, rose petals, sheer musk, apple, pear, aloe, fresh cucumber, and violet petals, and played an important role in designing the light pink and rose gold packaging.

For daily glam shots, behind-the-scenes content, how-to hair tutorials and a glimpse into Thalia’s personal beauty style, follow the Adria By Thalia conversation on social media @adriabythalia.

The brand will begin rolling out this January to most Walmart stores, select Target locations and online at both retailers nationwide. Please check your local store for details. For more information please visit www.adriabythalia.com.

About The Thalia Sodi™ Brand
Thalia Sodi is a lifestyle brand encompassing multiple categories including, fashion, accessories and beauty. Created for the modern and feminine woman, the brand reaches consumers through multiple touchpoints with product lines in ready to wear, footwear, accessories and now beauty. The brand entered into the beauty market through product a collaboration with Eylure in 2018, and its newest 2019 launch, Adria by Thalia, an at-home collection of hair care products brought to you by Thalia, one of the most successful and influential Latino artists and entrepreneurs in the industry today.

About Thalia
Thalia is a superstar singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, actress, fashion designer and digital influencer. She rose to fame after starring in various telenovelas that have been translated in several languages and have aired in more than 180 countries with a viewership of more than two billion people worldwide. She has had 28 Top 10 singles — 15 of which went to No. 1 — and she has sold more than 45 million records, making her one of the bestselling Latina artists of all time. She has also received two Latin Billboard awards and several Premios lo Nuestro and Premios Juventud awards — and was recognized in 2013 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has been named one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful (Los Más Bellos) a record nine times (May 2012) and one of the top 25 most powerful Latinas by People en Español.

About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is a brand development, marketing, and entertainment company, which owns a portfolio of global entertainment and lifestyle brands. Headquartered in New York City, ABG manages, elevates, and builds the long-term value of more than 50 consumer brands and properties by partnering with best-in-class manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Its brands have a global retail footprint in more than 100,000 points of sale across the luxury, specialty, department store, mid-tier, mass, and e-commerce channels and more than 4,600 branded freestanding stores and shop-in-shops around the world. ABG is committed to transforming brands by delivering compelling product, content, business, and immersive brand experiences. It creates and activates original marketing strategies to drive the success of its brands across all consumer touchpoints, platforms, and emerging media. ABG’s portfolio of iconic and world-renowned brands includes Marilyn Monroe®, Mini Marilyn®, Elvis Presley®, Muhammad Ali®, Shaquille O’Neal®, Dr. J®, Greg Norman®, Neil Lane®, Thalia®, Michael Jackson® (managed brand), Nautica®, Aéropostale®, Juicy Couture®, Vince Camuto®, Herve Leger®, Judith Leiber®, Frederick’s of Hollywood®, Nine West®, Frye®, Jones New York®, Louise et Cie®, Sole Society®, Enzo Angiolini®, CC Corso Como®, Hickey Freeman®, Hart Schaffner Marx®, Adrienne Vittadini®, Taryn Rose®, Bandolino®, Misook®, 1.STATE®, CeCe®, Chaus®, Spyder®, Tretorn®, Tapout®, Prince®, Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, Above The Rim®, Hind®, Thomasville®, Drexel®, and Henredon®. For more information, please visit ABG-NYC.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812645/Adria_by_Thalia.jpg

SOURCE Adria By Thalia

La Cosecha Latin Market to Open this June in the Union Market District

January 24, 2019

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — La Cosecha, EDENS’ contemporary Latin market, will open this summer in the heart of the nation’s capital and the Union Market District at 1270 4^th Street NE with more than a dozen businesses in over 20,000 square feet of culinary, retail, entertainment and community space.

Meaning “the harvest” in Spanish, La Cosecha, will be a central gathering place celebrating Latin American arts, culture and heritage. Fusing education and experience, La Cosecha will bring a collection of first-to-region restaurants, retail, cultural programming and pop-ups to Washington. The La Cosecha community will be comprised of artisans, businesses and entrepreneurs delivering authentic foods, flavors and craftsmanship to the nation’s capital.

“We are excited to open the doors of La Cosecha this summer, establishing an international stage for the beautiful, rich cultures of Latin America,” says EDENS CEO Jodie W. McLean. “We’ve been inspired by the support and enthusiasm of both the Latin American embassies and the wider Latin American community who have been instrumental and instructional in guiding our attempt at bringing forth an authentic, sophisticated representation of the rich heritages, cultures and experiences of their home countries. We look forward to inviting everyone to La Cosecha in June and know that, much like us, you’ll be inspired.”

The elevated, high-design market will serve as a gathering spot for celebrating contemporary expressions of Latin culture through food, art, music, fashion, film, sport, travel and dance. Along with key food and retail partners, Washington’s influential international community will play a pivotal role at La Cosecha, too.

The market’s partnerships with Latin embassies, cultural and diplomatic leaders and strategic stakeholders from the Latin community will solidify La Cosecha as a national platform for Latin culture and cuisine. Cultural opportunities for the larger community will include art exhibits, film screenings, live performances, media lab space and outdoor activations throughout the year.

Opening with 14 retail partners, EDENS is excited to highlight some of them:

Internationally renowned chef Juan Manuel Barrientos will bring the second U.S. outpost of his luxury elcielo restaurants to D.C. – following the first in Miami – offering his innovative take on cuisine from his native Colombia. Originally based in Medellín, elcielo first opened 14 years ago, adding a second location in Bogotá, which is continually ranked in the top 50 ranking of Latin American restaurants.

“Bringing elcielo to La Cosecha is a privilege,” Barrientos says. “The D.C. area has a large multicultural population from all over the world, and I’m proud of our food heritage from Colombia that we want to share with Washington.”

Brazilian native Carolina Furukrona‘s luxury lifestyle brand NOVA BOSSA promotes artisanal brands from the Latin world across art and home décor, bain couture, fashion accessories, handbags, jewelry and ready-to-wear.

“I am excited to give a platform to the cutting-edge design and masterful craftsmanship I saw from years of traveling throughout Latin America as a museum and corporate executive,” says NOVA BOSSA founder, creative director and CEO Carolina Furukrona. “NOVA BOSSA will be at the forefront of independent, mission-based brands that emphasize exclusive products, collaboration, focused curation and cultural exchange to give consumers authenticity and originality, and the women artisans we invest in opportunity and empowerment.”

Amparo comes from Mexico-born, longtime D.C. local Christian Irabién, whose cooking is inspired by his family’s traditions from Chihuahua, Distrito Federal (CDMX) and the coastal states of Veracruz, Yucatán and Guerrero. Irabién spent the previous five years cooking with Chef José Andrés and Chef Cathal Armstrong, discovering his love of fine dining and combining it with the traditional flavors he grew up with. Following a wildly successful pop-up last summer, he brings the eatery (named for his mother and grandmother) to La Cosecha, offering a modern-day take on Mexican cuisine alongside a mezcal-heavy beverage program.

“With Amparo, I’m aiming to dispel the notion that Mexican food is the same copy-and-paste menu most Americans are familiar with,” Irabién says. “We want to challenge the stereotypes around what Mexican food can be and want Amparo to be a place not just where people eat, but also experience as a hub for Mexican culture.”

Bolivian native Chef Sebastian Quiroga is behind the plant-based fine dining experience at Ali Pacha, which means ‘the plant universe’ in the Aymara language. Hailing from Le Cordon Bleu London, Astrid & Gaston in Lima and both Relae and Studio in Copenhagen, Quiroga pairs traditional Bolivian ingredients with modern culinary techniques to create artistic, sustainable vegan dishes. Ali Pacha was named one of the five most exciting Latin American restaurants to watch in 2019.
The signature fare from Venezuelan chef Federico Tischler‘s White Envelope Arepa + Ceviche Bar – a new concept from the Baltimore favorite – is inspired by the cultures, geographies and individual people that have influenced the chef’s career and personal taste over the years. White Envelope will feature a menu that mixes traditional preparations and recipes with modern adaptations, combining local products with global flavors.
Grand Cata owners and co-founders Pedro J. Rodriguez and Julio Robledo hail from Puerto Rico and Chile, respectively, but their wine shop in Shaw specializes in bottles from across Latin America and heritage nations. Grand Cata’s second D.C. location is a new grocery-wine bar concept for La Cosecha featuring a curated selection of classic and sustainable natural wines from Latin America in addition to artisanal gastronomic products from the region. Grand Cata will also feature a wine club, workshops and private events.

“La Cosecha is the perfect next step for Grand Cata as a natural meeting point of the diverse Latin American cultures in the nation’s capital,” say Rodriguez and Robledo. “We love connecting and telling our story through the products from our home countries. We think of ourselves as Latin American ambassadors of the culture and we love to share this with everyone.”

The sibling duo behind D.C.’s popular Peruvian Brothers – Giuseppe + Mario Lanzone – were born and raised off the coast of Lima, pursuing separate professional paths (including Olympic rowing for Giuseppe) for more than a decade before teaming up for their culinary venture. With their first brick-and-mortar location and the expansion of the business, they’ll bring Peruvian-style sandwiches, empanadas, desserts and hot sauces to the market.

Designed in collaboration with Gensler, La Cosecha will feature beautiful concessions and gathering spaces, including a private event space, reflecting some of the most intriguing aspects of Latin American architecture and interior design.

“Growing up in Colombia, I drew on my experiences of being at the plaza for market day and holidays,” says Gensler Principal Design Director Walter Trujillo. “Our goal with La Cosecha was to design a rich tapestry of spaces centered around a ‘plaza,’ celebrating Latin culture and community through food and experience.”

Future La Cosecha retail partners include a coffee shop, mezcaleria, books + paper boutique and more, adding to an already rich cultural district that has hosted the annual James Beard Foundation Sunday Supper fundraiser at Union Market, as well as world-renowned artists Yoko Ono and Mr. Brainwash.

Additionally, La Cosecha’s Culinary Immersion Studio will offer artists, chefs and the public the opportunity to dive head-first into Latin American kitchens, sampling cuisines that can only be shared through hands-on experience. The studio will also be a hub for other creative activations and education, such as language classes, workshops, art exhibitions, talks and pop-ups, serving as a place to get creative, share stories and learn from doing.

Also as part of its community outreach, La Cosecha will work in tandem with the Carlos Rosario School, which has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of immigrants in D.C. by investing in and supporting their development and skills. The complementary Carlos Rosario Culinary Arts Internship Program will provide internship job placement opportunities, work experience and exposure via La Cosecha’s retail partners.

Another highlight is EDENS’ newly established La Cosecha Foundation, which will contribute to and support important causes in Latin America. Retail partners will donate a portion of sales to the Foundation to achieve this goal. The Foundation will also be supplemented by additional fundraising and support from strategic partnerships and sponsorships.

La Cosecha is slated to open in June 2019. For more information, visit www.lacosechadc.com and @lacosechadc.

ABOUT LA COSECHA
La Cosecha is a contemporary market in Washington, D.C. celebrating Latin American culture and conversation by telling the stories that unite the Americas: love of family, community and life; pride in values; credence in hard work; and celebration through food and art. At La Cosecha, a place designed for community, we discover seasonal experiences in music, film, culinary learning and creative tourism all grounded in the cultures it serves with a philanthropic mission to foster business education throughout Latin America. Our unique and rich experiences are curated in partnership with Latin American embassies and cultural tastemakers. The harvest, la cosecha, is the natural time of joyfully reaping what has been cultivated by a dynamic community. Celebremos.

ABOUT EDENS
EDENS is a retail real estate owner, operator and developer of a nationally-leading portfolio of 125+ retail places. Our purpose is to enrich community through human engagement. EDENS has 250 employees across offices in key markets including Washington, D.C., Boston, Dallas, Columbia, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, Houston and Denver. For additional information about the company and its retail real estate portfolio, visit www.edens.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/565778/EDENS.jpg

SOURCE EDENS

The Money Services Business Association (MSBA) Elects New Board Members for 2019

January 24, 2019

For additional Information: www.msbassociation.org

MONTVALE, New Jersey, Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Money Services Business Association, Inc. (MSBA), a US-based trade association for the non-bank money services industry, has elected four new Board Members for the 2019 – 2021 term.

Kathy Tomasofsky, Executive Director of the MSBA, said: “We are very excited to continue to broaden the Board with business leaders who represent different business models, offer a variety of products and operate across multiple corridors.”

“We are grateful to the existing Board Members, who founded the Association and continue to make a huge contribution. The new Board members will join them to support the Association’s work with members, regulatory agencies that supervise our businesses in the United States and abroad, member and non-member banks, and legislative authorities.”

The MSBA is currently comprised of 75-member companies specializing in a wide range of non-bank money solutions, from payment card issuers and distributors to digital international remittance services. Last year, the Association integrated the National Money Transmitters Association (NMTA) into its operations and welcomed the Regional Money Services Business Association members.

The Board and MSBA members will continue to increase awareness of the critical services provided by the non-bank money services industry, with the aim of encouraging continuous, safe innovation and improving the environment for the provision of banking services to the money services business industry.

The money services business industry handled $1.24 trillion in 2017, according to the MSB Call Report data released by CSBS. The World Bank reported that the annual volume of remittances (international money transfers) grew to almost $689 billion in 2018, with $68 billion outflowing from the United States.

New Board Members:

Jani Gode, CAMS, CFCS, Chief Compliance Officer of Payoneer
Laybaa Hernandez, CAMS, CFE, Chief Operating Officer of DolEx Dollar Express, Inc.
Ajit Paul, Director of Moneydart Global Services, Inc. DBA Xpress Money
Erick Schneider, Commercial Vice President at WorldRemit

Current Board Members:

Paul S. Dwyer, Jr. , CEO Viamericas Corporation. MSBA Chairman
Fernando Fayzano, CEO Pontual Money Transfer
Aurora Garza-Hagan, CEO, BBVA Transfer Services, Inc.
Ran Grushkowsky, President and Co-Founder, WireCash
Nicole Ibbotson, SVP and General Counsel, InComm Financial Services, Inc
Suresh Ramamurthi, CEO, Yantra Services
Jorge Raull, CEO, Transnetwork Corp.

For additional information on the Association and to become a member, please visit: www.msbassociation.org

About the MSBA

The Money Services Business Association, Inc. or MSBA is a national trade association focused on the non-bank money services industry, including licensed money transmitters their agents/authorized delegates, payment card issuers and distributors, payment processors, international remittance companies, bill payment companies, mobile payment application providers, money orders, payment aggregators, virtual currency exchanges and administrators, eWallet providers and other similar money services providers that are engaged in payments.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/739824/MSBA_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Money Services Business Association, Inc.

Powerful is Now Available at Publix–January 24th, 2019

January 24, 2019

MIAMI, Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Powerful Foods announces that, starting January, Powerful Protein Drinks and Powerful Yogurt will be available at Publix stores in South Florida.

Three hundred stores will now be stocked with all four flavors of the Powerful Protein Drink, and two of the Powerful Greek Yogurts.

Made with a Greek yogurt base, our Chocolate, Vanilla Maple, Mocha Double Espresso, and Coconut flavored Drinks offer 20g of protein, 160 calories, and low sugar and fat levels that make them a unique refreshment option. Powerful Drinks are a convenient, on-the-go alternative to fuel active lifestyles.

Powerful Blueberry Acai and Powerful Key Lime Greek Yogurts are to stand next to the Powerful Drinks on the shelf. Offering 21g of protein, made with Whole Milk and no added sugar, Powerful Greek yogurt is meant to be a satisfying healthy snack. Its 8 ounce serving size–50% larger than most single serve options– make Powerful Yogurt an ideal breakfast or meal replacement alternative meant to keep fueling active lifestyles.

“We are excited to bring Powerful products to Publix’s customers,” says CEO and Founder, Carlos Ramirez. “It is a promising match, considering consumers are on the lookout for more health-conscious choices in the grocery aisles; and we are thrilled to deliver just that.”

Powerful products are now available at nearly 12,000 stores across the States, as well as online platforms like powerful.co, Amazon.com, and Walmart.com. Powerful Foods products are also available through distributors including KeHe, UNFI, Lipari Foods, and Dora’s Naturals.

Moreover, Powerful is increasing and strengthening–along with its footprint–its presence in the South Florida region. The brand will participate in The Miami Marathon this coming January 27th, and is also expected to attend more than ten Spartan Races across the US in its quality of brand partners.

For more information on Powerful products, store locations, and online deals, visit powerful.co.

SOURCE Powerful Foods

Herb Scannell Named President And Chief Executive Officer Of Southern California Public Radio

January 24, 2019

Media veteran Herb Scannell named to head Southern California Public Radio/KPCC in Pasadena, CA

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Herb Scannell, who has successfully led global media and digital organizations ranging from Viacom’s Nickelodeon, Next New Networks, BBC Worldwide North America and Mitú, has been selected by the Southern California Public Radio (SCPR) Board of Trustees to be its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Scannell will join SCPR in February and succeeds founding president and CEO Bill Davis, who announced his retirement last June. SCPR operates Los Angeles’ award-winning local journalism leader KPCC and is the publisher of the newly re-launched innovative digital Angeleno news website LAist.

“I began my career in radio, and I couldn’t think of a better time, place or city to return to this medium I love,” Scannell said. “We’re experiencing an audio renaissance. Podcasts are blossoming and local public radio is filling a journalistic void left by the diminishing number of local newspapers. At the same time technology is changing the game with the emergence of smart speakers and – very soon – smart cars. California and Los Angeles are the hub of both culture and innovation, and what happens here matters everywhere. I want to congratulate Bill Davis for what he has accomplished, and I thank the SCPR Board for giving me the opportunity to build upon his legacy.”

“We are incredibly excited that Herb will lead SCPR through its next period of innovation and growth,” said SCPR Board Chair Ana Valdez. “Herb has the perfect mix of media experience and commitment to public service journalism. And through his Puerto-Rican heritage, he brings a very deep and personal understanding of the power of diversity and the importance of authentically representing the audience we serve. We are also thrilled that Bill Davis will continue his relationship with SCPR as President Emeritus.”

“I am profoundly honored to pass the baton to Herb Scannell,” said Bill Davis. “I’ve had an amazing run during the past 18 years, and I’m confident that Herb will lead SCPR to new heights. I look forward toward supporting Herb and everyone at SCPR through this transition as we move forward and realize our potential as a diversified media company.”

Part of the American Public Media Group, SCPR is a national leader in public service journalism and civic engagement. With award-winning programs such as “AirTalk with Larry Mantle,” “Take Two” and “The Frame,” KPCC produces more local news and public affairs programming than any other public radio station in the country. KPCC/LAist newsroom has won more local, regional and national awards than any other broadcast news station—commercial or public—in Los Angeles. It is also one of the most diverse news organizations in the country, with more than 50% of its journalists being people of color.

These initiatives and investments resulted in impressive audience growth and an equally impressive expansion in membership and funding. SCPR’s broadcast audience has grown from 200,000 in 2000 to 800,000 in 2018. SCPR’s audience is one of the most diverse—if not the most diverse—audiences in all of public media. One in five KPCC listeners is Latino, and more than 40% of the station’s weekly audience are people of color. LAist has added a digital audience that now totals 800,000. Current memberships at SCPR are also at an all-time high of 73,196 members. SCPR’s revenues for 2019 are projected to reach a record $32.5 million.

Herb brings to SCPR a track record of successfully launching and scaling a wide range of successful media companies and platforms, as well as a long connection to public radio. Since 2000, he has been on the board of New York Public Radio (NYPR) where he served as Chairman of the Board from 2009-2013. During his time as Chair, the organization went through its most expansive period, purchasing WQXR, the leading classical music station, and acquiring half of the NJ Public Radio stations closest to NYC. With WNYC management Scannell helped plot a strategic course resulting in the station becoming a leading producer of podcasts, including such hits as Here’s the Thing, 2 Dope Queens, Freakonomics Radio, and more. Regularly, NYPR appears among Apple’s most popular podcasts.

As president at Viacom’s Nickelodeon, Scannell led the network to an unprecedented stretch of 10-years as the top-rated network in cable television. Under his leadership Nickelodeon birthed some of the most iconic properties in youth entertainment, including Dora, the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Rugrats, all of which became multi-billion-dollar global licensing powerhouses. In addition to his role at Nickelodeon, Scannell was the Vice Chairman of MTV Networks and oversaw adult brands Spike TV and TV Land, among other businesses.

After leaving Nickelodeon, Scannell served as founding CEO of Next New Networks, a pioneer in the online video network space, partnering with independent web creators to produce and package innovative original web content. Next New Networks was acquired by YouTube in 2011. Scannell subsequently joined BBC Worldwide as President, North America, where he oversaw a portfolio that included the flagship cable channel BBC America, as well as sales of the vast BBC library and original shows via its LA-based original production group. In 2017 he moved to Los Angeles at CEO of the Latino-targeted digital media company Mitú.

Former SCPR Chair and long-time media analyst Gordon Crawford was effusive in his praise for Scannell and referenced his leadership at NYPR as an important factor in the Board’s decision. “Herb Scannell’s executive media experience speaks for itself,” said Crawford. “Herb’s combination of executive leadership, understanding of non-profit governance and track record of building audiences and brands makes him singularly qualified to fulfill SCPR’s strategic ambitions.”

About 89.3 KPCC-FM and Southern California Public Radio
Southern California Public Radio (SCPR) is a member-supported public radio network that operates the following stations—89.3 KPCC-FM in Los Angeles and Orange County, 89.1 KUOR-FM in the Inland Empire and 90.3 KVLA-FM in the Coachella Valley, 89.9 FM in Santa Barbara, and 89.5 KJAI Ojai in Ventura County—and publishes the digital news site LAist. Reaching more than 900,000 listeners every week, SCPR is the most listened-to public radio news service of any kind in Southern California and recognized nationally as a leader in public service journalism and civic engagement. SCPR serves the diverse communities of Southern California with award winning local news coverage, as well as the most National Public Radio (NPR) content available anywhere in the region. SCPR’s flagship station, KPCC, has garnered more than 400 journalistic honors since 1999, more than all the other radio stations in Los Angeles combined. SCPR features signature public radio programs from APM, the BBC, and PRI. Listeners around the globe can access news, join blogs, download podcasts, as well as hear a live web stream at www.scpr.org. LAist is an innovative news site that combines in-depth coverage with unique insights into life in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. LAist’s audience is more than 700,00 monthly readers.

About American Public Media Group
American Public Media Group is the largest station-based public radio organization in the U.S., combining multi-regional station operations, national programming creation and distribution and innovative digital, social and mobile services in one organization. Supported financially by contributions from individual donors, sponsors, philanthropic foundations as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio®, a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states, and Southern California Public Radio, a four-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County and the Inland Empire. Programs produced by MPR’s national programming division, American Public Media®, reach more than 20 million listeners via 1,000 radio stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, Live from Here, and the leading classical music programming in the nation. APM also offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on American Public Media Group, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org.

Contact:	Robert Alaniz
	Milagro Strategy Group
	(626) 437-3354
	Dan Martinsen
	Martinsen Communications
	(917) 620-8379

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/811929/herb_headshot.jpg

SOURCE Southern California Public Radio

The new book by Romert Díaz Méndez, “¡Sigue La luz!” is a work that tells the story of Palmera, a developing country and how a leader achieves social progress.

January 24, 2019

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Romert Díaz Méndez was born in the Dominican Republic, studied at the Technological University of Santiago “UTESA” and graduated with a degree in Computer Science, he completed a master’s degree at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, obtaining the title of Magister in Business Administration in August of the year 1994. He has served as a university professor at the Technological University of Santiago “UTESA” and the Dominican University O & M extension of Santiago; as a systems analyst and computer programmer. In 2000 he published his first book entitled “The Hecatombe de Velos”. This is a work of a philosophical-political-religious nature. In September of 2016 he moved, along with his family, to live in the United States of North America; and from there he brings us his new work “¡Sigue La luz!” where he shows us the vicissitudes of a political leader and his participation in the development of a country.

The author Romert Díaz Méndez brings readers a fantastic story about the hope and determination of human beings when they propose an objective to activate the progress of the community: “The plot begins its development in a rural family of very scarce resources who sees how one of his children gets sick and faces death almost with resignation due to lack of resources. In this first part the faith, the sacrifice and the capacity of suffering of the father and the mother are put to the test.

After the first phase of the work, the story continues its development with the daily life of Palmera, where Ramón Duarte, the main character of the work, is persecuted and mistreated during his foray into revolutionary life in his high school years. The young man, during his growth, sees the great contrast between the life of a developed country and his country, which leads him to reflect deeply, becoming a leader that changed and restructured the entire state apparatus of Palmera, until it became a model country of democracy and development for the whole world. “

Published by Page Publishing, based in the city of New York, the work of Romert Díaz Méndez, “¡Sigue La luz!”, Is an interesting, refreshing and original story, written in a novelistic format, which suggests that a better world if possible, with effort and tenacity.

For readers who wish to live an experience full of hope and determination, they can do so, through this wonderful work, by specifying the purchase of “Follow The Light!”, in any book store, or in Apple’s online stores iTunes, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or any questions, please contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/812418/Page_Publishing_Romert_Diaz_Mendez.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

2019 Mazda3: Leading Mazda Into a Bold New Era

January 23, 2019

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

IRVINE, California, Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda3 is part of a long line of groundbreaking Mazda vehicles that have helped make it the best-selling Mazda in the world. The 2019 Mazda3 sets a new milestone as the first production model to lead Mazda into a bold new era. Blending beautiful design and exhilarating driving dynamics, Mazda3 was developed to inspire and create an emotional bond with its customers in two very distinct ways. A completely new design approach was taken when styling the sedan and hatchback, each embodying strikingly different personalities.

Mazda’s further-evolved KODO design is skillfully applied to the sedan’s hood, cabin and trunk and evokes an air of elegance and sense of sleekness. The body features a horizontal flow that accentuates the look of a wide and low stance, while presenting a calmness that appeals to a sophisticated audience. In contrast, the hatchback is meant to be sportier and more emotional, featuring aggressive body sides and C-pillars that do away with traditional body lines and adopt constantly shifting reflections. The hatchback design is topped with a roofline that suggests speed and helps express a powerful presence. Exclusive to the Mazda3 hatchback, Polymetal Gray is a newly developed exterior paint option that fuses the hard appearance of metal with the glossy, smoothness of plastic to create an entirely new expression of style.

Mazda’s design ethos continues with an all-new interior and cockpit environment that helps drivers experience a perfect fit and connectedness while driving the 2019 Mazda3. The center console has been redesigned with the shift knob, new commander control and armrest moved forward, while the cupholders are repositioned to the front. This new configuration is meant to provide a more natural feeling for any driver. Mazda3 is the first to introduce an all-new 8.8-inch MAZDA CONNECT^™ infotainment screen to the brand, which comes standard on all models. Also standard is an all-new 3-way layout 8-speaker sound system, new steering wheel design featuring illuminated controls and switches, 7-inch TFT reconfigurable gauge cluster display, LED headlights and taillights, Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, HD radio, remote keyless entry, push-button ignition, electronic parking brake, new knee air bags, rearview camera and two USB audio inputs, amongst a long list of other standard features. The 2019 Mazda3 offers two new interior color options. First is a new Greige leatherette interior color that combines the cool tones of gray with the soft feel of beige to create a pleasing sensation of vitality, warmth and sophistication. The new Red leather interior color is exclusive to the Mazda3 hatchback and offers a deep, vivid appearance that helps heighten the emotion of the exterior design.

Mazda3 sedan comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating surfaces and door trims, power windows with one-touch down/up feature. Mazda3 hatchback is standard with a rear roof spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay^™ and Android Auto^™ infotainment technologies, leatherette seating surfaces and door trims, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic dual-zone climate control, power windows with one-touch driver down/up feature, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry. Standard i-ACTIVSENSE safety features in the Mazda3 hatchback includes an all-new, first for the brand Driver Attention Alert that displays an alert and sound when it detects driver fatigue or decreased attentiveness, along with Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, High Beam Control and Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

The 2019 Mazda3 will be introducing new package options meant to appeal to a wide range of customers. In addition to the standard models, Mazda3 sedan will be available in Select, Preferred and Premium packages, while Mazda3 hatchback will be offered in Preferred and Premium packages.

Mazda3 Select package, exclusively for sedan models, will be available with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. This package incorporates features such as Apple CarPlay^™ and Android Auto^™ infotainment technologies, leatherette seating surfaces and door trims, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, automatic on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry. Mazda3 Select package i-ACTIVSENSE safety features include new Driver Attention Alert, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, High Beam Control and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.

Building upon the features found in standard models and Mazda3 Select package, the Mazda3 Preferred package is highlighted by a BOSE® premium 12-speaker audio system with custom tuning to provide more powerful bass and higher audio quality. Other upgrades to the audio are an aluminum speaker grille, shark fin antenna and SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription. The driver is comforted with 8-way power driver’s seat, power lumbar support and 2-position driver memory system, while also including heated front seats. This package also features new memory position door mirrors.

The lineup is topped with the Mazda3 Premium package, which is also available with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and features windshield-projected Active Driving Display, leather seats, power moonroof, signature front and rear LED lighting and Adaptive Front-lighting System. Mazda3 Premium package sedan includes paddle shifters while Mazda3 Premium hatchback offers 18-inch black finish alloy wheels and paddle shifters when equipped with SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission.

As a brand that keeps purist drivers in mind, Mazda continues to champion the manual transmission, offering Mazda3 Premium package front-wheel drive hatchbacks with an available SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission.

All 2019 Mazda3s come equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine that is rated to deliver 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. While front-wheel drive is standard, Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available on the Mazda3 hatchback and Mazda3 sedan option packages. To build upon the fuel efficiency Mazda’s SKYACTIV engines are known for, cylinder-deactivation technology is standard on all Mazda3 hatchbacks, Mazda3 Premium package sedans and Mazda3 sedans equipped with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. Along with G-Vectoring Control Plus vehicle dynamic enhancements standard on all 2019 Mazda3 models, various improvements, such as redesigned seats, retuned body structure and an all-new suspension, absorb road vibrations to help provide a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.

MSRP¹ for all models is as follows:
TRIM	HATCHBACK	SEDAN
Mazda3 FWD 6AT	$23,600	$21,000
Mazda3 Select package FWD 6AT	–	$22,600
Mazda3 Preferred package FWD 6AT	$25,200	$24,200
Mazda3 Premium package FWD 6MT	$27,500	–
Mazda3 Premium package FWD 6AT	$27,500	$26,500
Mazda3 AWD 6AT	$25,000	–
Mazda3 Select package AWD 6AT	–	$24,000
Mazda3 Preferred package AWD 6AT	$26,600	$25,600
Mazda3 Premium package AWD 6AT	$28,900	$27,900

PREMIUM PAINT COLORS
Soul Red Crystal	$595
Machine Gray Metallic	$300
Snowflake White Pearl Mica	$200

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

¹ MSRP does not include $895 for destination and handling ($940 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/53154/mazda_north_american_operations_logo.jpg

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Kia Motors Teases Super Bowl Campaign With Launch Of “The Great Unknowns Scholarship” And Airs :30 Commercial During NFC Championship Game

January 23, 2019

IRVINE, California, Jan. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Millions of dollars will be spent on celebrity endorsements for Super Bowl LIII. But what if that money could be spent differently?

For Kia’s 10^th consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl, the auto brand known for its challenger spirit is taking an unconventional approach. This year, Kia isn’t using any celebrities. This year, Kia is launching “The Great Unknowns Scholarship” to help young people in need get a foothold in higher education.

A :30 teaser ad aired during Sunday’s NFC Championship game. Full details will be revealed on 2.3.19.

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/811734/Kia_Motors_America_The_Great_Unknowns_Scholarship.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/536166/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

Primo TV partners with Platinum Films to create Matt Hatter App “Realm Runner” (2019)

January 23, 2019

MIAMI, Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Primo TV (Vme Media Inc.) and Platinum Films have announced the launch of “Realm Runner” a new thrilling endless runner game for the hit series Matt Hatter Chronicles. Fans of the show can race down the busy streets of Carnival City, dodge traffic, collect the coins and unlock exciting new Hatter tech. And for the first time… Hatter fans can harness the power of the Villains trapped in the Villain Vault and transform into some of their favourite bad guys, Toxic Jack, Ghost Pirate Redbeard or super wrestler Magnífico, just keep them running to secure supersonic scores.

The game is now available for download from iTunes and Android stores and is the first app release from Platinum Films’ new digital division, Giant Pixel. The launch of the game coincides with the premiere of the Matt Hatter TV movie: “Matt Hatter Chronicles: Rise of Primal” on Primo TV.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Platinum Films and Giant Pixel on the Realm Runner game. Matt Hatter is an iconic character in animation and it thrills us to be able to bring a new format to reach our Primo TV viewers,” said Michael Fernandez, VP of Marketing for Vme Media.

Nigel Stone, CEO, Platinum Films commented, “Partnering with Primo to produce this exciting App, which showcases the globally popular characters from our Matt Hatter TV series has been fantastic. This unique partnership has allowed us to interact directly with the fans of the series and give them another platform on which to further explore the adventure.”

About Primo TV:

Primo TV is the first English language network targeting U.S. bicultural Hispanic Gen Z viewers (6-16) and their families with inspirational and educational programming. Owned and operated by Vme Media, Inc., Primo TV offers culturally relevant programming in English, appealing to parents as a way to keep their kids culturally engages with their Latino roots. Primo TV is currently available nationally on Comcast Xfinity. For more information please visit www.primotv.com or follow us on social media via www.facebook.com/primotelevision/ or www.twitter.com/primotelevision

About Platinum Films:

Platinum Films is a leading independent children’s media company who create, produce merchandise and distribute popular children’s entertainment brands for a global market that are made for and loved by kids.

Headquartered at the famous Pinewood Studios UK, Platinum Films has a refreshing attitude towards programme making and brand building.

Pinewood Studios offers state-of-the-art facilities so Platinum can partner award-winning feature film technicians with the best talent in children’s television.

Platinum’s talented creative and commercial divisions enable all aspects of brand creation and is recognised for its innovative, popular and commercial entertainment brands.

IP includes the international hit CGI animated adventure series MATT HATTER CHRONICLES which has sold into over 80 territories worldwide, BAFTA nominated preschool series DREAM STREET and the kid’s cooking adventure format, PLANET COOK, representing over 220 episodes of first class children’s programming.

New IP includes the much-anticipated MATT HATTER – TV MOVIE and a reversioning of its classic preschool series, DREAM STREET.

The latest edition to their brand portfolio is Bear Grylls Young Adventurer, an animated children’s entertainment brand based on the heroic adventures of a young Bear Grylls and the epic missions he faces as he explores and discovers the world around him.

About Giant Pixel:

Giant Pixel, Platinum Films’ newly created digital division, is headed up by Paul Brunton. He joins the team bringing over 20 years’ experience in the creative digital sector and has an enviable track record for delivering creative digital strategies and content for emerging and established brands, as well as global leaders such as Disney, Marvel, BBC, Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros, BBC, Nickelodeon, Turner, Mattel, Hasbro, eOne and Scholastic.

Media Contact:
Michael Fernandez
[email protected]
786-924-8330

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/811747/RealmRunner.jpg

SOURCE Vme Media Inc.

2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition Celebrates 60+ Years as SUV Icon

January 23, 2019

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition melds exclusive design with added function and will be offered as a two-row model to maximize cargo capacity.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Six decades and millions of adventurous miles in the making, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition melds exclusive design with added function for its debut just ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, where it will be shown to the public for the first time.

The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition honors this legendary vehicle’s continuous evolution, from bare-bones, mountain-climbing 4×4 to world-renowned, full-capability premium-luxury utility vehicle. The Heritage Edition also celebrates the Land Cruiser’s continuous place in Toyota’s U.S. lineup since 1958. For the 2020 model year there will be 1,200 Heritage Editions available, with units going on in late summer of 2019. Pricing will be announced closer to on-sale date.

The 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition, only offered as a two-row model to maximize cargo capacity, is dressed elegantly for the occasion. The choice of Midnight Black Metallic or Blizzard Pearl exterior color is uniquely styled with a black-accented grille and bronze-colored BBS 18 x 8.0-inch forged aluminum wheels featuring a “TOYOTA” center cap. A vintage-style Land Cruiser exterior badge evokes the vehicle’s long, accomplished history in an understated way.

To complement its purpose-built overlanding focus, the running boards and chrome lower body side moldings of the standard Land Cruiser are deleted, while darkened headlight housings, fog lights with dark chrome surrounds and side mirrors with darkened chrome details underscore the vehicle’s sophisticated presence.

Highlighting the Land Cruiser’s renown for blending luxury with capability, the Heritage Edition is exclusively outfitted with black leather-trimmed upholstery. The bronze wheel color carries inside for the contrast stitching used throughout the cabin, including the steering wheel, door trim, center stack, console and seats. Finally, the Land Cruiser Heritage Edition features all-weather floor mats and cargo liner, so it’s ready to get out and have fun.

V8, 4WD Powerhouse

The Toyota Land Cruiser remains a benchmark for combining no-compromise capability with coddling luxury. Its sole available powertrain is a brawny yet refined 381-horsepower 5.7-liter DOHC V8 engine, which produces 401 lb.-ft. of torque. The 8-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) teams with a versatile full-time 4WD system, which uses a TORSEN limited-slip locking center differential and a 2-speed transfer case with selectable low-range.

Land Cruiser’s off-road capability is rooted in high-strength body-on-frame construction and sophisticated double-wishbone front and four-link coil-spring rear suspension. Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) hydraulically adjusts the stabilizer bars to enhance on-road smoothness and off-road wheel articulation. Off-road prowess is supported by a plethora of advanced assist technologies, including Downhill Assist Control, Hill Start Assist, CRAWL Control, and Off-Road Turn Assist. Using the Multi-Terrain Select system, the driver can match wheel slip control to the surface and driving conditions.

Skid plates help to protect the front suspension, radiator, fuel tank, and transfer case, and Multi-Terrain Monitor provides nearly 360-degree visibility on tight trails. Equipped with a standard Trailer Towing Package, the Land Cruiser can pull a trailer up to 8,100 pounds.

Roughing It in Luxury

The 2020 Heritage Edition features Land Cruiser’s full complement of amenities, including ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping and memory, power moonroof, four-zone automatic climate control with 28 cabin air vents, and Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start. For additional storage options, the Heritage Edition removes the cool box in the center console of the front seat.

A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system features standard Premium JBL^® Audio with Integrated Navigation, 14 JBL speakers, split-screen capability, advanced voice recognition, Siri^® Eyes Free mode, SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth^® connectivity and music streaming, and Qi wireless phone charging with compatible phones.

Toyota Safety Connect (with three years of complimentary service) uses onboard cellular technology, independent of the driver’s phone, to provide such services as Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and GPS-enhanced Roadside Assistance.

All Land Cruiser models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). Using millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to detect a preceding pedestrian or a preceding vehicle, TSS-P Pre-Collision System is designed to automatically apply braking if necessary to help mitigate or avoid collisions in certain conditions. The system includes Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.

In addition to TSS-P, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also standard.

Land Cruiser Heritage

The Land Cruiser traces its origins to the 1951 BJ, Toyota’s bid to produce a small 4WD military vehicle. It was not chosen but went on to become the first motor vehicle to reach the sixth station on the trail to the top of Mt. Fuji. The BJ became the Land Cruiser in 1954, and an updated model, the 20-Series, was one of the first Toyota exports to the United States in 1958. The next Land Cruiser iteration, the 40-Series (a.k.a. FJ-40), arrived in 1960 and became an all-terrain icon (and now a collector’s item). A larger station wagon model followed in the late-1960s, putting the Land Cruiser on a path toward family adventures.

By 1991, the 80-Series Land Cruiser was well on its way to becoming a full premium model. The 100-Series codified that direction in the late-1990s with a V8 engine and full array of advanced chassis systems and luxury amenities. The current Land Cruiser, known internally as the 200-Series, is the most advanced and luxurious in the model’s history.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

The 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The Land Cruiser also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Media Contact:

Josh Burns
469-292-6449
[email protected]

Zachary Reed
469-292-3499
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/811941/2020_Toyota_Land_Cruiser_Heritage_Edition.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/785813/TOYOTA_MEDIA_RELATIONS_LOGO.jpg

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

1...2,2162,2172,218...3,061 Page 2,217 of 3,061