Ismael Cala Foundation and Westfield Business School will grant MBA scholarships to students from the USA and Latin America

October 7, 2018

MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ismael Cala Foundation (ICF) and Westfield Business School (WBS), have partnered to help our youth in developing their highest potential by providing new scholarships to Hispanic professionals from Florida, in the USA. This is part of the many projects that will originate from this successful teamwork agreement signed last April.

Last Tuesday, at the end of the second round of competition, Ismael Cala gave away seven MBA and Executive MBA scholarships to Hispanics residing in Florida, and they are 90% financed.

At the same time, a third competition is coming soon, created to assist four organizations allied to the ICF in Latin America: World Vision (Mexico), Fundación Jean Maggi (Argentina), Aprendo & Emprendo (Venezuela) and Junior Achievement (Honduras). Five MBA scholarships and an equal number of Executive MBA scholarships were awarded, financed up to 75%, this will enable winners to identify opportunities, create innovative projects, and face challenges in a constantly evolving corporate environment.

The Ismael Cala Foundation aims to bring support to disadvantaged children, teenagers and youngsters from the Latin American and Hispanic communities in the USA. The main goal is to give them a chance to become educated leaders, emotionally balanced and with a great willingness to succeed in life. To achieve its mission, the ICF has created several programs, including Channeling Scholarships, in partnership with educational institutions, companies and other social development organizations that serve the same purpose.

Westfield Business School is positioned as a Global Business School that offers MBA and Executive MBA programs fully in Spanish and partially online. WBS connects its students and graduates to the world through strategic alliances with the Munich Business School, Alcalá Global School, Ivey Business School of Western University, Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, and the Polytechnic University of Madrid. WBS is also deeply committed to improving the lives of its students.

“We do not want to train directors in the same way that traditional business schools do; we want to train human beings to be able to lead successful and profitable businesses that have a positive impact on the environment and on the community,” WBS’ President, Carlos Mazo, said.

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

Consult an Eye Care Professional if Your Halloween Costume Includes Scary Eyes

October 5, 2018

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Creepy costume lenses might add a spine-tingling thrill to your Halloween costume, but wearing costume contact lenses without a prescription can lead to serious eye infections or permanent vision loss. Decorative lenses are medical devices, not costume jewelry. They must be prescribed and fitted by an eye care professional, just like regular contact lenses. That’s why the American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging people to buy decorative contact lenses only from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products.

A poorly fitted contact lens can easily scrape the cornea, the outer layer of the eye, making the eye more vulnerable to infection-causing bacteria and viruses. Sometimes scarring from an infection is so bad, a corneal transplant is required to restore vision. The most extreme cases can end in blindness.

Although it is illegal to sell non-prescription contact lenses, they are available at costume shops, gas stations, corner shops, and online. Research shows that people who purchase contacts without a prescription face a 16-fold increased risk of developing an infection.¹

Mamie Gaye, 19, is one of those people. She wanted blue eyes, so she purchased a pair of colored contact lenses at her local beauty shop in Cleveland. There was no indication on the package that she needed a prescription. After wearing them for about a week, her eyes were red, burning, and sensitive to light. She had to go to the emergency room just to get them removed. She was terrified that she was going blind. Fortunately, the scratch on her eyes healed after a few days of treatment with antibiotic eye drops.

“My advice to friends is to never buy contact lenses without a prescription, no matter how beautiful you think they will make you,” Gaye said. “It’s not worth it.”

The Academy offers the following tips to help ensure your Halloween costume won’t haunt you long after Oct. 31:

See an eye care professional to get a prescription for costume contact lenses. Packaging that claims “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye doctor” is false. Get properly fitted by an ophthalmologist (physicians and surgeons who specialize in medical and surgical eye care) or optometrist (healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care).
Properly care for contact lenses. Even if you have a prescription for contact lenses, proper care remains essential. Watch this video to learn the eight steps to protect your eyes from contact lens infections.
Never share contacts. Pink eye isn’t a good look, even for a costume. Sharing contacts can spread germs, causing conditions such as pink eye, which is highly contagious.
Spread the word to others about the dangers of costume contacts. Don’t let friends make the mistake of wearing costume contacts without a prescription.

“The FDA oversees the safety and effectiveness of all contact lenses because they are a medical device, even the ghoulish ones people wear on Halloween,” said Thomas L. Steinemann, M.D., a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “It’s important that you use only FDA-approved lenses prescribed for your eyes.”

Find more information about eye health and how to protect your eyes on the Academy’s EyeSmart website.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart^®program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.

¹ Sauer, A., & Bourcier, T. 2011. Microbial keratitis as a foreseeable complication of cosmetic contact lenses: A prospective study. Acta Ophthalmologica 89 5, pp. e439-e422. DOI:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02120.x

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/287412/american_academy_of_ophthalmology_Logo.jpg

SOURCE American Academy of Ophthalmology

3D-Printed Implants Successful in Foot and Ankle Surgery

October 5, 2018

American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society logo.

ROSEMONT, Illinois, Oct. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to a new study published in Foot & Ankle International (FAI), advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing have allowed foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to use custom-made implants for difficult foot and ankle cases. The implants offer a new approach to treat complex lower extremity pain and deformities.

Researchers at Duke University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery studied 15 patients who received custom 3D-printed titanium implants between 2014 and 2016 to treat poor bone quality, bone loss, and deformity. In each case, the implants were initially developed by obtaining a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient and uploading the data to a software program that allowed 3D manipulation of the bones and joints. From there, the senior surgeon and company engineers designed and approved the implant. The benefits of 3D-printed implants include unlimited shapes, increased options in size, and less morbidity or complications.

“This is the first case series looking at the use of 3D-printed implants in foot and ankle surgery,” said Samuel B. Adams, MD, director of foot and ankle research at Duke University Medical Center and senior author of the study. “This short-term study is also the first to demonstrate improvement in patient-reported outcomes with the use of 3D-printed implants. The injuries of many of the patients treated in this study would have required an amputation without this technology.”

CT scans showed that the custom 3D-printed titanium implants were successful in 13 of 15 of the patients who took part in the study. The patients with successful outcomes reported significant improvement in pain and stated they would undergo the same procedure again to save their foot or ankle.

The authors of the study suggest that 3D printing could revolutionize medical care, specifically in modeling for medical education and creating custom artificial body parts. The study notes that longer-term follow-up is needed to understand the longevity and potential complications of these 3D-printed implants.

“The future of 3D printing is very bright. Surgeons who may have been skeptical about using this technology can now use this data to make an informed decision about using it to improve patient care,” said Dr. Adams.

The study, “Use of Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Titanium Implants for Complex Foot and Ankle Limb Salvage, Deformity Correction, and Arthrodesis Procedures,” appears in the August 2018 issue of Foot & Ankle International, the official journal of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). FAI is published by SAGE Journals. Author conflicts of interest and funding information are provided within the study.

About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consists of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists care for patients of all ages, performing reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma.

About the AOFAS
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) mobilizes our dynamic community of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to improve patient care through education, research, and advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot and ankle care, AOFAS delivers exceptional events and resources for continuous education, funds and promotes innovative research, and broadens patient understanding of foot and ankle conditions and treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS inspires ever-increasing levels of professional performance leading to improved patient outcomes. For more information visit the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society online at aofas.org.

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SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

Bird Takes Flight in Latin America

October 5, 2018

VENICE, Calif., Oct. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Bird, the leader in Rideshare 2.0, today announced it is expanding into Latin America. The company launched a program in Mexico City that will allow millions of residents to opt for Bird’s clean, shared e-scooters instead of short car trips that create congestion and harmful emissions. Bird also announced it will expand its operations to Brazil.

With more than twenty million people living in the metropolitan area, Mexico City residents suffer from some of the worst congestion and pollution in the world. Daily commute speeds average 5-7 miles per hour due to automobile traffic, and daily commute times can reach up to 2.5 hours. With Bird’s clean energy Bird e-scooters, residents can easily and efficiently travel to and from work, university, and around the City without battling traffic or increasing emissions.

“We look forward to bringing Bird as a transportation alternative to the people of Mexico City who want a clean and equitable way to travel about their incredible city,” said Bird CEO and Founder, Travis VanderZanden. “Following our launch in Mexico City, we will provide other cities throughout Latin America access to Bird so that they can join the millions of people who have already traded in short car trips for clean ride sharing.”

Since introducing shared e-scooters as a clean transportation alternative in September 2017, Bird has expanded into more than 100 communities globally, has prevented more than 12 million pounds of carbon emissions from being released into the air, decreased congestion in city centers, and made parking more accessible. Starting today, Bird will be available to individuals 18 and older in Mexico City’s La Condesa, Nápoles, Polanco and Reforma neighborhoods. Birds will be collected each evening for charging and maintenance to help keep the City’s sidewalks clean and safe and to generate financial resources for residents.

Riders interested in finding a Bird near them can download the app and sign up at www.bird.co

About Bird

Bird is a last-mile electric vehicle sharing company dedicated to bringing affordable, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to communities across the world. It provides a fleet of shared electric scooters that can be accessed via smartphone. Birds give people looking to take a short journey across town or down that “last-mile” from the subway or bus to their destination a way to do so that does not pollute the air or add to traffic. Bird works closely with the cities in which it operates so that Bird is a reliable and affordable transportation option for people who live and work there. Founded in 2017 by transportation pioneer Travis VanderZanden, Bird is headquartered in Venice, Calif., and is rapidly expanding across the country. Follow Bird on Instagram (www.instagram.com/bird), on Twitter at @BirdRide, and find more information at www.bird.co.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/659765/Bird_Rides_Logo_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Bird

Labor Commissioner Cites Three Southern California Restaurants Over $1 Million for Wage Theft

October 5, 2018

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Labor Commissioner’s Office has cited three restaurants in Southern California $1,065,646 for wage theft violations owed to 22 workers. Most of the workers were paid less than $5 an hour and regularly worked more than 10 hours a day with no meal or rest breaks.

“These conditions—long hours with no breaks and subminimum wages—are classic examples of wage theft, and employers who make their profit by breaking the law will be held accountable,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A Su.

Sanamluang Cafe in North Hollywood was cited $833,707, with $708,457 payable to nine workers and $125,250 in civil penalties. Money due to the workers includes minimum and overtime wages, liquidated damages, waiting time penalties and meal and rest period premiums.
Orchid Thai Cuisine in Arcadia was cited $407,883, with $307,133 payable to 11 workers and $100,750 in civil penalties. Money due to the workers includes minimum and overtime wages, split shift premiums, liquidated damages, waiting time penalties and meal and rest period premiums.
Orchid Thai in Baldwin Park was cited $85,856, with $50,056 payable to two workers and $35,800 in civil penalties. Money due to workers includes minimum and overtime wages, split shift premiums, liquidated damages, waiting time penalties and rest period premiums.

The Labor Commissioner’s Office launched the investigation at Sanamluang Cafe in August 2017. Workers were represented by the Thai Community Development Center and Bet Tzedek Legal Services. Investigators determined that owners Surapong and Viriya Chinotaikul paid their workers a flat rate of $50 for a 10 to 11.5 hour shift each day with no meal or rest breaks. Even after investigators met with the owners to address the violations, the employer failed to comply with labor laws. As a result, additional penalties were assessed to recover the underpayments through April 2018. Snamluang Thaifood, Inc. DBA Sanamluang Cafe and its owners Viriya Chinotaikul and Surapong Chinotaikul are jointly and severally liable for the citations levied.

The Labor Commissioner’s Office launched an investigation last July into Orchid Thai and Orchid Thai Cuisine after receiving complaints from workers who had reported underpayment of wages to civil rights group Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles. Investigators discovered that both restaurants paid their workers a flat rate of $45 to $50 a day for shifts of up to 10 hours, ordered workers to prepare for the day and clean up afterwards off the clock and did not pay them split shift premiums as required by law.

Orchid Thai Cuisine and Orchid Thai restaurant are both owned by Chakri, Revedee, Chavin, Charlene and Chanica Veranunt, who formed separate corporations for each of the restaurants, CTV Food, Inc. for Orchid Thai Cuisine, and C.LO Foods, Inc. for Orchid Thai. The corporations and each individual owner are jointly and severally liable for the citations at the respective restaurants.

“Organizations like the Thai Community Development Center, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles play an important role in enforcement by helping workers come forward and tell their story,” added Labor Commissioner Su. “We are grateful for their bringing these cases to our attention.”

Enforcement investigations typically include a payroll audit of the previous three years to determine minimum wage, overtime and other labor law violations, and calculate payments owed and penalties due. Civil penalties collected are transferred to the State’s General Fund as required by law.

When workers are paid less than minimum wage, they are entitled to liquidated damages that equal the amount of underpaid wages plus interest. Waiting time penalties are imposed when the employer intentionally fails to pay all wages due to the employee at the time of separation. This penalty is calculated by taking the employee’s daily rate of pay and multiplying it by the number of days the employee was not paid, up to a maximum of 30 days.

Most workers in California must receive a paid 10-minute rest period for every four hours worked. If workers do not receive rest breaks as required by Industrial Welfare Commission orders for their occupation, the employer must pay one hour of pay at the worker’s regular pay rate for each workday that the break is not provided, and civil penalties of $50 per worker per pay period for the initial violation, which increases to $100 each for subsequent violations.

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or the Labor Commissioner’s Office, is the division within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) with wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities including adjudicating wage claims, inspecting workplaces for wage and hour violations, investigating retaliation complaints and educating the public on labor laws.

In 2014, Labor Commissioner Su launched the Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign. The campaign defines wage theft and informs workers of their rights and the resources available to them to recover unpaid wages or report other labor law violations.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Paola Laverde at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR
http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations; California Labor Commissioner’s Office

Sean “Diddy” Combs And The Makers Of CÎROC™ Ultra Premium Vodka Toast Culture Creators With New Limited Edition CÎROC Black Raspberry

October 5, 2018

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today Sean “Diddy” Combs and the Makers of CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka unveil CÎROC Black Raspberry, the newest addition to the successful liquid portfolio. CÎROC Black Raspberry is a rich tasting spirit made with vodka five times distilled from fine French grapes, finished in a tailor – made copper pot still in Southern France. The vodka is masterfully infused with a distinctive blend of Black Raspberry and other natural flavors. CÎROC Black Raspberry finishes with a citrus zest flavor resulting in a smooth velvety finish. The product is packaged in a sultry all black bottle with sleek metallic gold lettering, commemorating a winter midnight celebration. The liquid can be enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with a variety of fresh ingredients such as lime, mint, or chamoy. Kicking off the holiday season, CÎROC Black Raspberry will be available for a limited time only.

“CÎROC always looks to be innovative. One of the strengths of our business is introducing new flavors. Welcoming Black Raspberry into our portfolio made sense, as its one if my favorite fruits. Packaged in a new, limited edition, sleek design, CÎROC Black Raspberry will be a drink everyone will want to enjoy and have on display in their bar this season,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chairman of Combs Enterprises. “We continue to deliver the most successful flavors, and this will be no exception.”

This weekend CÎROC Black Raspberry joins Hypebeast to ignite Hypefest, a two-day cultural event in Brooklyn that showcases the best in music, art, retail and panel talks. The festival puts the newest variant in front of thousands of culture creators. Programming continues throughout the season offering multi-cultural millennials the opportunity to sample the liquid at select events nationwide while reinforcing the importance of responsible celebration.

Sean “Diddy” Combs and the Makers of CÎROC have created the following signature cocktails to introduce CÎROC Black Raspberry and get fans prepared for the season of giving:

BLACK SMASH
2 oz CÎROC Black Raspberry
.5 oz Lemon juice
.5 oz Simple syrup
4 Mint leaves
5 Blackberries
Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Blackberry/Mint

Add all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice, shake it well. Double strain into a rocks glass and garnish.

BRAMBLE
1.5 oz CÎROC Black Raspberry
.5 oz Lime juice
.5 oz Simple syrup
3 Blackberries
Glass: Rock
Garnish: Blackberries

Muddle the blackberries in the rocks glass, add crushed ice. Add the rest of the ingredients in a shaker with one ice cube only. Strain into the rocks glass and garnish.

BLACK RASPBERRY ROYALE
1.5 oz CÎROC Black Raspberry
.5 oz Lemon juice
.5 oz Simple syrup
.5 oz Raspberry liqueur
Top up with Champagne
Glass: Champagne
Garnish: Twist

Add all ingredients in a shaker except the champagne. Add ice, shake well. Strain into a flute glass and add the champagne and garnish.

PREPARADA
1.5 oz CÎROC Black Raspberry
.5 oz Chamoy
.5 oz Lime juice
.5 oz Grenadine
2 oz of an Amber beer
Glass: Highball
Garnish: Rimmed salt with chili/smoked paprika. Add all ingredients in a shaker except the beer. Add ice, shake well. Add the beer and strain into a highball glass rimmed with salt.

CÎROC Black Raspberry will be available in very limited quantities at liquor stores and top hotspots nationwide this Fall. Pre-order now online to ensure that you can obtain a bottle before it is too late at https://www.reservebar.com/ciroc-black-raspberry.

ABOUT CÎROC ULTRA PREMIUM:

CÎROC Ultra-Premium is made from Fine French grapes, which are distilled five times, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. CÎROC Ultra-Premium launched nationwide in January 2003. In October 2007, DIAGEO – the world’s largest spirits and beer company – made spirits history by entering into a strategic alliance with entertainment entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs, in which Mr. Combs and Combs Enterprises assumed the lead on all brand management activities for CÎROC. The infused Vodka flavors in the portfolio to date include CÎROC Red Berry, CÎROC Coconut, CÎROC Peach, CÎROC Pineapple, CÎROC Apple, CÎROC Mango, and CÎROC French Vanilla in addition to CÎROC TEN Vodka. The brand received a 2013 Beverage Industry News Award of Excellence, was named 2011 Spirits Brand of the Year by Market Watch and earned a double gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Media Contact:

Alisa Jacobs
Diageo
646-223-2229
[email protected]

Ryan Stender
Blue Flame Agency
917-449-2447
[email protected]

SOURCE CIROC Ultra Premium

Wilshire Law Firm Sponsors the 1st Annual Badge of Heart 911 Ride

October 4, 2018

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — First responders put their lives on the line for us every day. In a show of gratitude to these brave men and women, Wilshire Law Firm proudly sponsored the 1^st Annual Badge of Heart 911 Ride on Sunday, September 30^th.

The inaugural ride was a rousing success with over 500 bikers participating and $10,000 plus raised. It was also the first event of its kind in bringing together firefighters, police officers and other first responders for a worthy cause. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the families of fallen first responders, including Long Beach Captain Dave Rosa, who was recently paid the ultimate price while in the line of duty.

The ride, which was co-sponsored by Long Beach firefighters, kicked off at Huntington Beach Harley Davidson. Riders made their way to Gaslamp restaurant and bar in Long Beach where they enjoyed lunch, live music, raffles and free giveaways.

Wilshire Law Firm Founding President and Managing Attorney Bobby Saadian was also on hand to lend his support. “Wilshire Law Firm is dedicated to the local community, motorcycle riders, police and first responders. In an effort to increase police safety on the field, Wilshire Law Firm purchased and donated 400 copies of the book ‘Blue Lives Matter’ by Hon. Steve Cooley (Ret.) to attendees. We look forward to continuing to work closely with local Police, Fire and First Responders to ensure the safety of those who put themselves at risk to protect our communities.”

Badge of Heart is a non-profit organization founded by Los Angeles police officer Ken Lew in 2014. To date this very worthy organization has helped hundreds of families in need by partnering with the very community they serve.

About Wilshire Law Firm
Wilshire Law Firm was founded in 2007 by Bobby Saadian, Esq. The firm represents victims of traffic collisions, catastrophic accidents, sexual assault, dangerous pharmaceuticals and defective products, against insurance companies and big business. The firm also fights for employee rights and equality in the workplace. For more information visit https://wilshirelawfirm.com.

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SOURCE Wilshire Law Firm

Acura True Touchpad Interface Scores Big with Rich Features and Intuitive Functionality

October 4, 2018

TORRANCE, California, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPNAIC PR WIRE/ — The new Acura True Touchpad Interface™ available in the 2019 RDX has significantly changed the way drivers interact with their vehicles. It’s an intuitive, easy-to-learn user interface designed from a clean sheet around the driver and the driving experience. The new interface recently received high praise from WardsAuto in their annual “10 Best UX” awards, proclaiming “It raises the bar for the industry.”

From cutting-edge features to an eye-catching design that aims to reduce the potential for driver distraction, Acura’s True Touchpad Interface combines the best elements of a conventional touchscreen with those of a remote-based interface. Below are some of the key features, applauded by media, that set the True Touchpad Interface apart from the rest:

Absolute Positioning

Unlike conventional pad-based systems, with the True Touchpad Interface, there is no cursor to navigate or relocate. Instead, the touchpad is precisely mapped, one-to-one, with the action on the center display – marking the world’s first application of absolute positioning in the driving environment. Simply, a touch at any location of the touchpad corresponds directly with that same location on the display.

“It’s one of the most unique and intuitive tech additions to any vehicle in this segment – and far superior to counterparts that have come before it.” – Motor1

High-Mounted HD Display

The True Touchpad Interface features a wide, 10.2-inch full-HD display mounted high atop the dash, close to the driver’s natural line of sight. The screen displays a newly designed operating system with simple, clean graphics and menu structures designed to work in concert with the touchpad.

“I was able to quickly grasp the system’s logic in terms of screens and menus and getting where I wanted to go with the least amount of effort and exasperation.” – TheDrive.com

Customizable App Layout

The Android-based operating system underlying the True Touchpad Interface allows for smartphone-like customization of “Apps”, such as audio sources and the available satellite-based navigation, as well as “Favorites”, frequently used content like destinations, radio stations and phone contacts. Apps and Favorites used most often can be placed directly on the user’s home screen, while those Apps not used (Auxiliary Audio for example) can be removed entirely.

“… it became clear that this is easily the most finely-tuned and tunable interface on the road.” – Gear Patrol

The Touchpad

The highlight of the True Touchpad Interface is the touchpad itself. Supporting ease-of-use, the touchpad has a subtle concave form factor with a physical boarder, so the user can identify the center and edges without looking down. While a touch on the pad highlights an item, a physical press is required to make a selection, preventing mis-selections. A naturally placed palm rest makes operating the touchpad comfortable while driving.

“… the goal of controlling that screen without your hand bumping and swaying as you aim for specific items on it…is solved with the True Touchpad.” – Forbes

Two Zone Interface

The primary and secondary zones on the touchpad correspond directly to the primary and secondary information featured on the high-mounted HD screen. This allows for multi-content viewing, quick screen swapping, and the ability to receive phone calls and messages without interrupting content displayed on the primary zone. Navigation on the left zone and music on the right zone is a common configuration.

“That’s what you want … something you can use without too much interference from driving and if possible without taking your eyes off the road.” – Engadget

Handwriting and Voice Recognition

The True Touchpad Interface offers two additional methods of input, handwriting and natural language voice recognition. Both allow the driver or passengers to quickly and easily enter destinations, search for contacts or play a specific song while the vehicle is in motion.

“…things — like the crazy-good character recognition that allows you to quickly enter addresses in the navigation system and the natural-language voice recognition — are spot-on.”– Gear Patrol

Physical Menu Shortcuts

Three easy-to-reach buttons at the top of the touchpad are critical to the ease of operation, and allow the user to quickly jump back one-step, return to the home screen, or list the cards available for display on the secondary zone.

“It offers the intuitive interaction of a touchscreen with fewer of the ‘glance time’ issues of such a system.” – Edmunds

Interactive Head-Up Display

When equipped with the Advance Package, the RDX features a full-color interactive 10.5-inch head-up display with a wide array of customizable information, projected within easy view of the driver.

“The new head-up display in the Acura RDX is one of the best we’ve seen.” – Motor1

About the 2019 RDX

The all-new RDX is the first in a new generation of products developed from the ground up around Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance brand direction, and is the top-selling nameplate in the compact luxury SUV segment¹ since RDX launched in 2006, with cumulative U.S. sales exceeding 400,000 vehicles. The Ohio-made² RDX is built on an all-new Acura-exclusive platform and features a new VTEC® Turbo powertrain, the segment’s only 10-speed transmission and the (available) next generation of Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®).

The new RDX offers a more luxurious and spacious interior, top-of-class power-to-weight ratio, and a long list of standard luxury features and technologies, including AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technology, an ultra-wide panoramic moonroof, next-generation Acura JewelEye™ LED headlights and the new True Touchpad Interface.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar.

Five of the six models in the Acura lineup are made exclusively in central Ohio, using domestic and globally-sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com. Follow Acura on social media at Acura.us/SocialChannels.


¹ Based on cumulative total sales 2006-2018CYTD August of models in the compact luxury SUV segment, excludes MY2003 – 2009 Cadillac SRX.
² Using domestic and globally sourced parts.

The True Touchpad Interface features a wide, 10.2-inch full-HD display mounted high atop the dash, close to the driver’s natural line of sight. The screen displays a newly designed operating system with simple, clean graphics and menu structures designed to work in concert with the touchpad.

The highlight of the True Touchpad Interface is the touchpad itself. Supporting ease-of-use, the touchpad has a subtle concave form factor with a physical boarder, so the user can identify the center and edges without looking down. While a touch on the pad highlights an item, a physical press is required to make a selection, preventing mis-selections. A naturally placed palm rest makes operating the touchpad comfortable while driving.

When equipped with the Advance Package, the RDX features a full-color interactive 10.5-inch head-up display with a wide array of customizable information, projected within easy view of the driver.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/750435/Acura_RDX_Advance_56.jpg
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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/750437/Acura_RDX_Advance_67.jpg
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SOURCE Acura

ATRESMEDIA and GLOBO seal strategic partnership to boost Atreseries signal

October 4, 2018

MADRID and SÃO PAULO, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — ATRESMEDIA Internacional and GLOBO have signed a strategic partnership through which ATRESERIES, where the Spanish group airs its flagship series, will broaden its reach in the Hispanic markets in Latin America and the USA.

This deal makes ATRESERIES the reference and unique series channel aiming to reach the public of all Latin America. As a result of the deal, over 500 yearly hours of the Brazilian powerhouse’s telenovelas, series and miniseries, well-known throughout the world, will be added to the channel, taking ATRESERIES programming to a new competitive compared to the current signals offered in Latin America and the Hispanic market in the US.

Beyond that, from now on, ATRESERIES has the option to be the first provider of GLOBO’s content in the US and Latin America markets, apart from Brazil, as has been the case with the Atresmedia group’s major productions.

Starting this October, ATRESERIES programming will feature, in their afternoon, primetime and late night slots, telenovelas such as Sparkling Girls (Cheias de Charme), Merciless (Dupla Identidade) and Empire (Império), which this season are added the premieres of the Spanish productions: Apaches, Presunto Culpable, and Matadero, among others.

Javier Nuche, general director for Atresmedia Internacional, considers this agreement “a watershed moment not only for Atreseries, but for the entire Atresmedia Group. Given the profound changes we are seeing in the audiovisual market, seeking out international partnerships has become vital. In that sense, we couldn’t have hoped to find a better partner than Globo. Their content is not only exceptional in quality, but also a perfect complement for that of Atresmedia.“

“We are thrilled with the deal signed with Atresmedia, which will strengthen our relationship with the public in what we consider key markets for our business. Through this deal, Globo content will reach over 10 million homes in Latin America and North America,” said Raphael Corrêa Netto, Globo’s executive director of International Business.

About Globo
In order to become a global leader, a communications company must have a great deal of creativity and professionalism and invest in innovation and quality. Globo produces roughly 3,000 yearly hours of telenovelas and entertainment content, along with over 3,000 hours of televised news programming. Programs, shows and interviews of the highest quality, which receive International Emmy Awards nominations year after year. The Globo network currently covers 98.6% of the Brazilian territory and reaches 99.5% of the Brazilian population through 122 distributors located in every state, representing the biggest network of TV stations in the country. More than 90% of the network’s programming is produced internally, making Globo the country’s biggest employer for artists, writers, journalists and producers. For more information: www.redeglobo.com.br.

About Atresmedia Internacional
Atresmedia Internacional is the governing body of the ATRESMEDIA group, which comprises its four international channels: Antena 3, Atreseries, ¡HOLA! TV and Atrescine. Positioned as a global leader in the production and distribution of Spanish-language content, Atresmedia is also the European service provider with the widest range of signals beyond its borders, particularly with its presence in all of Latin America’s Spanish-speaking countries, along with the US, Canada and Europe. Atresmedia Internacional, with over 50 million subscribers, its committed to quality and variety, giving each of their channels their own identifiable identity through complementary content offers for the whole family, including news programming, entertainment, information, brand-new shows and exclusive access to celebrities and the latest news from the movie, fashion and beauty industries: www.atresmediainternacional.com

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SOURCE Atresmedia Internacional

Healthfirst Community Office Opens In Hempstead

October 4, 2018

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Healthfirst, New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurance company with nearly 1.4 million members, today announced that it will open its newest community office on Long Island. A special grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 4, at the new location: 242 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY.

“One of our top priorities is to invest in, and expand our reach into, the communities we proudly serve”, said Paul Portsmore, Healthfirst’s Senior Vice President for Growth. “Hempstead, where we already serve more than 6,000 members, is a great example. We have had a presence there since 2012, and it has become an important resource for our members and area residents who count on us as a local health plan that understands their needs. This new office will be more convenient and offer greater access to those seeking quality, affordable care. We are excited about the opportunity to cultivate new relationships and strengthen our presence in Hempstead.”

Six years ago, Healthfirst opened the doors of its first community office in Hempstead. Since then, Healthfirst has expanded and is the fastest-growing health plan on Long Island. This is the second Healthfirst community office, and the company’s sixth retail location, on Long Island. Moving to a new location is important to Healthfirst’s promise of delivering high-quality customer service to its members. The modern, street-level office will be staffed with bilingual representatives fluent in English and Spanish who will answer questions and help enroll those interested in obtaining health insurance coverage. The location will serve as a hub for workshops and events held in partnership with local community-based organizations.

The Hempstead Community Office will be open to the public Monday to Saturday, 8:30am–5pm. For more information, please visit www.healthfirst.org.

About Healthfirst
Healthfirst is New York’s largest non-profit health insurer, providing Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care and other integrated plans, qualified health plans, and individual and small group plans to nearly 1.4 million members. Sponsored by New York City’s leading hospitals, Healthfirst’s unique advantage is rooted in its mission of putting members first by aligning goals with the healthcare providers who deliver care. This value-based care model has been a catalyst for sustained growth in one of the most dynamic markets in the country. As part of the community for 25 years, Healthfirst earns the trust of its members by offering consistently high-quality, market-leading products.

For more information on Healthfirst please visit www.healthfirst.org

Media Contact:
Channell Mellish
[email protected]
(212) 803-1856

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SOURCE Healthfirst

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