Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 100 List Ranks New American Funding #11 in the Nation

March 22, 2016

TUSTIN, California, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New American Funding, a national mortgage banker, today announces that Mortgage Executive Magazine ranked them one of the Top 100 Mortgage Companies in America 2015 at #11. New American Funding has been on this list since 2011, when they ranked #28. Last year, the company was ranked at #14, and their current #11 position demonstrates the company’s continued growth in the industry.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160322/346920

“New American Funding has moved up the ranks on this list every year since 2011. This not only demonstrates our tremendous growth, but the tenacity and strength of the company. The incredible drive of our loan officers and employees is what makes this possible, and I’m proud that Mortgage Executive Magazine recognized us again on this list,” said Rick Arvielo, CEO of New American Funding.

Mortgage Executive Magazine compiles this annual list based on mortgage companies’ total dollar volume. New American Funding’s 2015 total annual dollar volume was valued at over $9.6 billion, up from $5.5 billion in 2014. The company almost doubled their total loan units funded by growing from 18,880 loan units in 2014 to 33,000 in 2015, further increasing their market share. The company added 30 retail branches nationwide and increased their number of employees in 2015, bringing their number of branches to over 100 and employee count to just under 2,000.

The compilation of the list is part of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s effort to recognize and celebrate the service, dedication, and hard work that mortgage originators, managers, and executives put into building their companies and serving their clients. The list can be viewed at http://mortgageexecutivemagazine.com/MEM2016Spring/#?page=38

About New American Funding

New American Funding is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement and VA Automatic mortgage lender. The company is licensed in multiple states across the nation, has over 100 branch locations and offers a variety of purchase home loan and refinance loan options, including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages.

Statement by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC)/CONEL Regarding the terrorist attacks in Brussels

March 22, 2016

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National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference logo.

SACRAMENTO, California, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “We pray for Brussels. The terrorist attack speaks to a world darkened by intolerance, bigotry and hatred. Jihadist terrorism exists for no other purpose than to rob us of peace, kill love, and destroy hope. For that matter, we must condemn this corrupt agenda while supporting all efforts aimed at defeating this perverted ideology.

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“May God’s peace comfort those that mourn and empower all of us to speak out against terrorism, hatred and intolerance. Let us pray and be vigilant.”

NHCLC/CONEL is the world’s largest Hispanic Christian organization. It serves as a representative voice for the more than 100 million Hispanic Evangelicals assembled in over 40,000 U.S. churches and another 500,000 congregations spread throughout the Spanish-speaking diaspora. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.

(Español) América TeVe, retransmite discurso del Presidente Obama en Cuba

March 22, 2016

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New Jersey and San Antonio Students Eligible for Collegiate Scholarships

March 22, 2016

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PRINCETON, New Jersey, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Graduating seniors in the New Jersey and San Antonio public education system are invited to apply for a 2016 ETS Employees’ Community Action Fund (ECAF) scholarship.

ECAF will offer awards up to $10,000 each to selected students who are pursuing a degree in the United States.

Student applicants will be evaluated based on their educational experience; community involvement and activities; demonstrated leadership as indicated in the application materials; writing samples; academic transcripts; recommendation; and need, as determined using the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or any hardship defined on the scholarship application.

The application materials will be reviewed by an independent selection review committee whose goal is to identify the most well rounded individuals to receive awards.

Eligible students must be:

a New Jersey or San Antonio public high school senior graduating in May/June 2016
facing difficult circumstances or serious and verifiable hardships affecting their ability to attend college
in active pursuit of a degree in a nonprofit postsecondary institution (2- or 4-year college/university, or vocational/technical school)
enrolled full-time in an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the fall of 2016

The scholarship program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS).

Interested students must complete the ECAF Scholarship application, which can be accessed online at https://aim.applyists.net/ECAFNJ for New Jersey students and https://aim.applyists.net/ECAFSA for San Antonio students. It must be submitted along with a current, complete official transcript of grades to ISTS by no later than April 22. The transcript can be uploaded to the application.

Applicants will receive immediate confirmation that the application was submitted on their home page.
Applicants are responsible for gathering and submitting all necessary information. Applications are evaluated on the information supplied; therefore, answer all questions as completely as possible.
Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Information provided by applicant is considered confidential and is reviewed only by the ISTS Selection Review Committee.

For additional information regarding the scholarship program, please visit http://www.applyists.com/contact-us/contact-us-customer-care/ to contact ISTS.

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC ® tests, the GRE ® tests and The Praxis Series ® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org

(Español) Visionworks anuncia las principales tendencias en moda de gafas en la primavera de 2016

March 22, 2016

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MARIACHI USA Goes to Cuba

March 22, 2016

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STUDIO CITY, California and LA HABANA, Cuba, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MARIACHI USA, the premier mariachi music festival in the U.S., is headed to Cuba for a historic performance this Fall. Mariachi musicians, singers and dancers will converge in La Habana on October 4-11, 2016, as part of a seven-day, six-night tour offered by Cuba Tours and Travel, announced Rodri J. Rodriguez, MARIACHI USA founder and longtime concert producer. The show’s company of 25 artists will perform on Sunday, October 9, at Teatro América, a historic theater built in the 1940s that has hosted international top talent over the years.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160321/346624
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160321/346625LOGO

“My driving passion has always been to return to Cuba to entertain my people, to do what I do best,” says Rodriguez. “I’m taking a version of what we’ve been presenting at the Hollywood Bowl for 27 years. Our sole purpose is to entertain the people of Cuba in a unique cultural exchange, uniting the heritage of three countries. We are creating a labor of love, celebrating music and the spirit of humanity.”

In addition to the historic performance, MARIACHI USA’s musicians, singers and dancers will hold workshops with local performers and students.

Creating a space for mariachi music on a world stage has been Rodriguez’s passion since 1990. She founded MARIACHI USA believing “a world-class music deserves a world-class stage.” She was convinced more people would love mariachi when they experienced it in a proper forum. Securing that space for mariachi took hard work, grit, and an unshakable belief in the music. MARIACHI USA has since made history: when it sold out its first year, when it became the second longest running show to play at the Hollywood Bowl, and for being the Bowl’s only annual Latino-themed event. The five-hour festival features mariachi bands from the U.S. and Mexico, traditional folklorico dances and spectacular fireworks.

“I consider myself a guardian of this magnificent musical legacy,” emphasizes Rodriguez. That legacy extends to Cuba, her native country. Earlier generations of Cubans enjoyed the music of Mexican artists such as Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante, who visited in the 1940s and 50s. Recently mariachi has experienced resurgence in Cuba and is a popular choice for celebrations and even quinceañeras.

For tour travel and show information visit: http://mariachiusa.com/cuba/

Barcelona’s Electric Pop Touches Down in the US

March 22, 2016

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NEW YORK, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The duo BSide, formed by brothers Ethan and Nico, is making a breakthrough in the US thanks to their first single “Tell Everybody” (http://www.bside4everybody.com/). Their mixed, urban style transmits the cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic air of the European city of Barcelona, as did Alvaro Soto, also from Barcelona, and his song featuring Jennifer López, “El Mismo Sol”, which became the number-one hit in many European countries last summer.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160318/345687 )

Ethan and Nico are responsible for the entire creative process of their music, from start to finish: they write, compose, record and edit their own songs. The single, “Tell Everybody”, is the star of their first LP, which includes other songs with an American and indie influence that are perfect for dancing.

According to the Huffington Post, “Throughout history musical brothers have dominated the charts. The Everly Brothers, Bee Gees and Hanson have all found an audience and achieved success. Now, two brothers from Barcelona, Ethan and Nico, known as BSide, hope to join the ranks”.

“We are fighters. That’s why we call ourselves BSide, because we confront life”, says Ethan, 19. “Whatever the colour of your skin, your religion or your sexual orientation, nobody can tell you what to do”, adds Nico, 17.

The BSide brothers confirm that they find inspiration in Michael Jackson, One Direction and Justin Bieber, sound they mix with the music of the Mediterranean culture. In addition to this single, their next disc will feature some more eclectic numbers, dance beats and meaningful lyrics that will leave no one indifferent.

The BSide single is a production of Wave Music, a company that forms part of the Dídac Sánchez business group. Wave Music was created in 2015 in Barcelona to promote talent in all musical cultures. This spring Wave Music will launch its first groups, BSide and Two Servings of Vanilla.

“Tell Everybody” Audio & Video: (https://youtu.be/OJXqYFZTQz0)

Also available on iTunes: iTunes (http://apple.co/1QpdEUm).

For more press information:
Newsline PR Agency
Mike Ramos
[email protected]
[email protected]

Eggs, Springtime Celebrations, and Food Poisoning

March 22, 2016

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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The egg has been regarded as a symbol of new life and has been associated with springtime celebrations, such as Easter and Passover, for many centuries. But, even during festive occasions, eggs can cause food poisoning (also called foodborne illness). That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reminds consumers to follow safe food handling practices when buying, storing, preparing, and serving eggs or foods that contain them during their springtime celebrations and throughout the year.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7790251-fda-egg-safety/

Learn more at:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm077342.htm
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm170640.htm

Salmonella can be found on both the outside and inside of eggs that look perfectly normal. These bacteria can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. Symptoms usually last 4 to 7 days and most people get better without treatment. However, certain people, such as children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems (such as transplant patients and individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes), are at greater risk for severe illness. In these individuals, a Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and then to other parts of the body, and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Protect yourself and your family by following these food safety tips to prevent food poisoning:

Clean

Wash hands, utensils, dishes, and work surfaces (counter tops and cutting boards) with soap and hot water after contact with raw eggs and raw egg-containing foods.
Discard cracked or dirty eggs.

Separate

Never let raw eggs come into contact with food that will be eaten raw (or with utensils that could cross-contaminate other foods).

Cook

Cook eggs thoroughly until both the yolk and white are firm. Lightly cooked egg whites and yolks have both caused outbreaks of Salmonella infections.
Casseroles and other dishes containing eggs should be cooked to 160° F. Use a food thermometer to be sure.
Eat eggs promptly after cooking. Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature (between 40° to 140° F) for more than 2 hours.
For recipes that call for raw or undercooked eggs (like Caesar salad dressing and homemade ice cream), consider using pasteurized shell eggs or pasteurized egg products.

Chill

Buy eggs only if sold from a refrigerator or refrigerated case. Keeping eggs adequately refrigerated prevents any Salmonella bacteria in or on the eggs from growing to higher numbers (which makes them more likely to cause illness).
At home, keep eggs refrigerated at 40° F or below until they are needed. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check.
Refrigerate unused eggs or leftovers that contain eggs promptly.
For school or work, pack cooked eggs with a small frozen gel pack or a frozen juice box.

Eating Out

Avoid restaurant dishes made with raw or undercooked, unpasteurized eggs.
When in a restaurant, ask if they use pasteurized eggs before ordering anything that might result in consumption of raw or undercooked eggs (such as Hollandaise sauce or Caesar salad dressing).

Contact: Media:1-301-796-4540 Consumers:1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free)

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(Español) Fisher-Price® comparte la visión del futuro de ser padres

March 22, 2016

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Carnival Corporation’s Fathom Granted Approval by Cuba to Cruise from U.S. to Cuba

March 21, 2016

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MIAMI, March 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Carnival Corporation & plc, (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, today announced that Cuba has granted approval for the company to begin travel to Cuba starting on May 1, 2016. Following U.S. authorization granted in July 2015, Carnival Corporation is now cleared to operate the 704-passenger MV Adonia to Cuba through its newest brand Fathom. This marks the first time in over 50 years a cruise ship is approved to sail from the United States to Cuba.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160321/346232

Cuban authorities from Havanatur Celimar, various other agencies and Carnival Corporation today signed agreements enabling cruising by Carnival Corporation to Cuba.

“Our Carnival Corporation and Fathom brand teams have worked closely with Cuba throughout this process and we are thrilled to begin regular sailings to Cuba from Miami starting on May 1, 2016,” said Tara Russell, president of Carnival Corporation’s new Fathom brand. “We have been told that we will be the first cruise line to sail from the U.S. to Cuba with our historic inaugural sailing.”

“We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travelers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “This is a historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand amongst Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and enriching experience with our Fathom brand.”

Fathom Cuban itineraries feature three ports of call
During each sailing, Carnival Corporation through its Fathom brand initially will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval.

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travelers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, where they can choose to partake in onboard experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired music and film options, as well as Cuban-inspired menu options.

Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, ranging from an orientation to Cuba’s history, customs and culture, to geographic-inspired entertainment, to casual and fun personal enrichment activities, to conversational Spanish lessons, to guided sessions with the Fathom team.

“We are humbled and honored to offer a one-of-a-kind Cuban experience to our travelers,” said Russell.

Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The MV Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time Sunday.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard experiences and on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season.

To secure a spot on future sailings, a $600 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may contact their travel professional or call 1-855-9Fathom. Learn more at http://www.fathom.org/.

About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest leisure travel company in the world, and among the most profitable and financially strong in the industry. With a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 99 ships totaling 216,000 lower berths with 17 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2020. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Additional information can be found on http://www.carnival.com/, http://www.fathom.org/, http://www.hollandamerica.com/, http://www.princess.com/, http://www.seabourn.com/, http://www.aida.de/, http://www.costacruise.com/, http://www.cunard.com/, http://www.pocruises.com.au/ and www.pocruises.com.