Sojern’s Q4 Global Travel Insights Report: Thanks to Summer Olympics, Brazil Is a Rising Destination in 2016 with US and European Travelers

February 3, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sojern, the world’s leading performance marketing platform for travel brands, today released its Q4 2015 Global Travel Insights report based on the rigorous analysis of more than a billion traveler intent data points across the globe, offering a long-haul travel forecast for the year and regional trends around seasonal events such as Easter in Latin America and Lunar New Year in Asia-Pacific.

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Q4 2015 Global Travel Trends: The Bird’s Eye View

The list of the top eight countries that attracted the most interest in Q4 2015 overlapped with the top eight of the most booked: United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Portugal. Rounding out the top 10: India and Turkey captured the imagination of travelers searching for travel in Q4, while Switzerland and the Netherlands claimed enough bookings to gain two spots in the top ten of the most booked. Unlike in previous quarters, neither Thailand nor Greece made it into the top 10. October was by far the heaviest month for both search and bookings, capturing 37 percent and 38 percent respectively of the quarter’s searches and bookings.

Travel to Paris in Aftermath of November 13 Attacks

Few things can hurt a tourist destination like a terrorist attack and the impact of the events in Paris reverberated across the globe. Travel intent to Paris from North America dropped by as much as 33 percent week-on-week in the days immediately following the attacks, not nearly as dramatic of a decrease as intent from Western Europe, which dipped as low as 50 percent week-on-week for the same period. First signs of recovery started one week thereafter, especially with French travelers, and more recovery is under way with US travelers displaying a 46 percent week-on-week increase in travel intent on January 1 2016 and UK travelers hitting a strong 57 percent week-on-week increase on the same date.

US Ski Season Predictions

For the 2016 ski season, Sojern examined searches conducted by North American travelers (US and Canada) to ski-specific airports in the US for travel dates between February 1st and April 30th and found that, for early bookers, Vail and Jackson Hole were the top two ski destinations for both sets of snow lovers, while Steamboat Springs came in third for Americans and Aspen third for Canadians.

Four-day ski trips are the most popular with Americans, at 26 percent, followed by five-day trips (17%). US-bound Canadians take longer ski vacations: 41 percent take seven or more days to hit the slopes. The most searched dates for ski-specific travel in the upcoming months are February 11 and 12 and they revolve around Valentine’s day and Presidents’ Day weekend.

US Long-Haul Travel in 2016: Top Rising Destinations

Sojern data on outbound long-haul travel this year shows that Brazil is the destination with the biggest jump in 2016 so far, compared to 2015, for both Americans and Europeans, thanks to a boost from the Summer Olympics in Rio later in the year.

In the country rankings, Brazil climbs nine places to position 14 in the US and 12 positions to fifth place in Europe, over the entire year. Other notable destination countries include Cuba and Haiti which both climbed in ranking year-on-year, continuing a trend that started earlier in 2015. The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Jamaica all dropped down the list of top ten destinations for US travelers in 2016, the latter by as much as four spots to position 10.

As far as city rankings go, for US travelers, Rio de Janeiro climbs 30 spots to position 28 for the entire year, but during the summer months, it moves up 58 places to position six. Other rising cities include Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sydney, Australia; and Reykjavik, Iceland.

Download the full Q4 2015 Global Travel Insights report and infographic.

For more information, please visit www.sojern.com.

About Sojern

Sojern is travel’s leading data-driven performance marketing engine. Through its Sojern Traveler Platform and billions of traveler intent signals across online and mobile channels, Sojern puts more heads in beds and travelers in town for its clients worldwide. Currently one of the fastest growing travel tech companies, Sojern works with top travel brands and independent hotels in North America, Latin America, Europe, MEA and APAC. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with key offices in Dubai, London, New York, Omaha and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.sojern.com.

UGG Spring Campaign Reminds Us That It’s Always UGG Season

February 2, 2016

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The UGG® brand (a division of Deckers Brands NYSE: DECK), known for its products that offer unparalleled warmth and comfort throughout the winter months, is proud to offer product that is equally comfortable and cool this spring. The concept of the latest campaign was to bring Spring in Your Step with imagery that captures the feeling and energy that surrounds the first warm days of the year while showcasing the breadth of product the brand has to offer outside of the fall and winter seasons.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328737

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328738

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328739

Campaign assets are available for download here

Shot by world renowned photographer and LA-native Cass Bird recognized for her fresh and youthful artistic style, the campaign, shot on location at Rolling Stone Ranch in upstate New York, encapsulates the emotional and physical connection we all have with the first days of spring – to be outside and free in the moment.

“The new spring collection infuses timeless silhouettes with signature UGG comfort,” says Jennifer Somer, Vice-President of UGG®, Women’s. “We are bringing the incredible comfort the brand is so synonymous with for fall and winter and infusing it into our spring line so that now all of our sneakers, sandals and slippers encapsulate the famous UGG DNA. In short, UGG is a brand that is worn and loved all year round”.

Alex White; a fashion industry veteran, well-known stylist and Fashion Director at Large for Porter Magazine, styled the campaign created in partnership with The Wednesday Agency NYC under the creative direction of Semjon von Doenhoff. The cast included three of the most notable models in today’s industry: Andreea Diaconu, Jasmine Tookes and Rj Rogenski—whose chemistry brought to life the inspiration and emotion of being outdoors.

UGG® Women Spring Collection
From classic silhouettes to strappy sandals and sneakers, the spring collection evokes a feeling of casual confidence, timeless style and versatility. Setting the stage with iconic silhouettes in bold colors; the Classic Short and Classic Mini are available in bright Skyline and Primer colorways while the new Auburn Serape takes cues from traditional Latin American textiles. Bridging the heritage and casual styling with the lightweight comfort of Treadlite By UGG™ soles; the Rella is a spring iteration of the Classic Boot with a subtle heel while the sneaker-inspired Laurelle, and luxe sport-sandal Kari round out the collection. Adding a playful touch, 70’s styling makes the platform Janie sandal an easy retro pick with nailhead details and vintage inspired leather.

UGG® For Men Spring Collection
Classic chukkas, driving mocs, and sneakers encompass a range of options that deliver UGG® quality, craftsmanship and comfort. The UGG® For Men collection features the popular Classic Boot-inspired Neumel chukka, the Hulman Perf and Freamon Capra chukka – both grounded in a Treadlite By UGG™ sole, the slip-on Henrick Perf driving moc, and the Bueller casual sneaker in a fresh, all-white colorway.

Beginning February 2016, the brand’s new spring collection can be purchased online at www.uggaustralia.com or experienced firsthand at all UGG® concept stores worldwide and at select retailers. To find an UGG® location near you, please visit http://www.uggaustralia.com/storelocator.

About the UGG® brand
Founded in 1978 in California, the UGG® brand has built a reputation on luxury and comfort by using only the finest materials in the world, employing the highest standards of craftsmanship, and delivering new and innovative styles. The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand with more than $1 billion in annual sales, offering men’s, women’s and kid’s footwear as well as loungewear, outerwear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags. The brand’s concept and outlet stores offer the ultimate brand experience with 150 locations worldwide, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. For more information please visit www.uggaustralia.com or the brand’s official blog at blog.uggaustralia.com. @UGGAustralia #thisisUGG

About Deckers Brands
Deckers Brands is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories developed for both everyday casual lifestyle use and high performance activities. The Company’s portfolio of brands includes UGG®, Teva®, Sanuk®, Ahnu®, HOKA ONE ONE® and Koolaburra®. Deckers Brands products are sold in more than 50 countries and territories through select department and specialty stores, 154 Company-owned and operated retail stores, and select online stores, including Company-owned websites. Deckers Brands has a 40-year history of building niche footwear brands into lifestyle market leaders attracting millions of loyal consumers globally. For more information, please visit www.deckers.com.

*NPD Point-of-Sale Fashion Footwear Data

Media Contacts:
Lindsey Dicola / 212-247-8552 / [email protected]
Matthew Magnin / 212-247-8552 / [email protected]

American Honda Reports January 2016 Car and Truck Sales; New Civic Leads Honda Division to January Record

February 2, 2016

2016 Civic, the North American Car of the Year, helps Honda and itself to January sales records

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported January sales of 100,497 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 1.7 percent in an unusual month as the industry endured winter weather on both coasts along with two fewer selling days and one less weekend than January 2015. Honda Division set a new January record with 90,247 units sold; Honda car sales reached 50,812 while truck sales totaled 39,435 for the month. Acura sales totaled 10,250 with sedan sales of 3,570 and trucks reaching 6,680 units in January.

Honda

Despite the rains of El Nino on the West Coast and ice and a crippling snow storm on the Eastern seaboard, along with two fewer selling days and one less weekend due to quirks in the calendar, Honda sales crested its previous January record set just last year, led by the all-new 2016 Civic Sedan and strongly supported by Accord and HR-V.

The Civic demonstrated why it is the newly crowned North American Car of the Year with sales of 26,741, leaping 54.9 percent to set a new January record.
Accord held its own despite the winter challenges with sales of 20,765 units.
HR-V posted sales of 4,177 to also defy the unusual month.

“Led by incredibly strong demand for the all-new Civic, the Honda brand persevered rain, snow and two fewer selling days to post a strong first month of the year,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “With Honda’s strong cadence of new models throughout 2016 we will continue our momentum and remain positive about 2016.”

Acura

With a thick blanket of winter snow covering one of the Acura brand’s strongest markets in the Northeastern U.S., Acura sales dimmed slightly in January, but the performance of gateway model ILX defied the challenges.

Acura’s gateway luxury sedan, ILX gained a substantial 24.3 percent on sales of 1,233 in January

“The blowing snow obscured the fact that Acura’s momentum continued in January, with both sedan and truck sales essentially on track,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. “2016 will be an exciting year for Acura with the 2017 NSX on the way to help celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the Acura brand.”

	American Honda Vehicle Sales for January 2016
						Month-to-Date				Year-to-Date
						January 2016	January 2015	DSR % Change**	MoM % Change	January 2016		January 2015	DSR % Change**	YoY % Change
	American Honda Total					100,497	102,184	6.5%	-1.7%	100,497		102,184	6.5%	-1.7%
	Total Car Sales					54,382	50,015	17.8%	8.7%	54,382		50,015	17.8%	8.7%
	Total Truck Sales					46,115	52,169	-4.2%	-11.6%	46,115		52,169	-4.2%	-11.6%
				Honda Total Car Sales		50,812	45,931	19.8%	10.6%	50,812		45,931	19.8%	10.6%
				Honda Total Truck Sales		39,435	44,271	-3.5%	-10.9%	39,435		44,271	-3.5%	-10.9%
				Acura Total Car Sales		3,570	4,084	-5.3%	-12.6%	3,570		4,084	-5.3%	-12.6%
				Acura Total Truck Sales		6,680	7,898	-8.4%	-15.4%	6,680		7,898	-8.4%	-15.4%
	Total Domestic Car Sales					51,450	49,377	12.9%	4.2%	51,450		49,377	12.9%	4.2%
				Honda Division		47,978	45,475	14.3%	5.5%	47,978		45,475	14.3%	5.5%
				Acura Division		3,472	3,902	-3.6%	-11.0%	3,472		3,902	-3.6%	-11.0%
	Total Domestic Truck Sales					46,115	52,169	-4.2%	-11.6%	46,115		52,169	-4.2%	-11.6%
				Honda Division		39,435	44,271	-3.5%	-10.9%	39,435		44,271	-3.5%	-10.9%
				Acura Division		6,680	7,898	-8.4%	-15.4%	6,680		7,898	-8.4%	-15.4%
	Total Import Car Sales					2,932	638	397.9%	359.6%	2,932		638	397.9%	359.6%
				Honda Division		2,834	456	573.3%	521.5%	2,834		456	573.3%	521.5%
				Acura Division		98	182	-41.7%	-46.2%	98		182	-41.7%	-46.2%
	Total Import Truck Sales					0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0		0	0.0%	0.0%
				Honda Division		0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0		0	0.0%	0.0%
				Acura Division		0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0		0	0.0%	0.0%
MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION
	Honda Division Total					90,247	90,202	8.4%	0.0%	90,247		90,202	8.4%	0.0%
		* ACCORD				20,765	21,011	7.1%	-1.2%	20,765		21,011	7.1%	-1.2%
		* CIVIC				26,741	18,699	54.9%	43.0%	26,741		18,699	54.9%	43.0%
		CR-Z				192	196	6.1%	-2.0%	192		196	6.1%	-2.0%
		FCX CLARITY				0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0		0	0.0%	0.0%
		* FIT				3,095	5,802	-42.2%	-46.7%	3,095		5,802	-42.2%	-46.7%
		INSIGHT				19	223	-90.8%	-91.5%	19		223	-90.8%	-91.5%
		CROSSTOUR				266	661	-56.4%	-59.8%	266		661	-56.4%	-59.8%
		* CR-V				19,208	23,211	-10.3%	-17.2%	19,208		23,211	-10.3%	-17.2%
		HR-V				4,177	0	0.0%	0.0%	4,177		0	0.0%	0.0%
		ODYSSEY				7,221	7,870	-0.6%	-8.2%	7,221		7,870	-0.6%	-8.2%
		PILOT				8,561	12,315	-24.7%	-30.5%	8,561		12,315	-24.7%	-30.5%
		RIDGELINE				2	214	-99.0%	-99.1%	2		214	-99.0%	-99.1%
			***		Memo: Accord FHEV	71	805	-90.4%	-91.2%	71		805	-90.4%	-91.2%
					Memo: Accord PHEV	0	28	-100.0%	-100.0%		0	28	-100.0%	-100.0%
					Memo: Civic Hybrid	161	320	-45.5%	-49.7%	161		320	-45.5%	-49.7%
					Memo: Fit EV	0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0		0	0.0%	0.0%
	Acura Division Total					10,250	11,982	-7.3%	-14.5%	10,250		11,982	-7.3%	-14.5%
		ILX				1,233	992	34.7%	24.3%	1,233		992	34.7%	24.3%
		RLX / RL				98	176	-39.7%	-44.3%	98		176	-39.7%	-44.3%
		TL				0	18	-100.0%	-100.0%	0		18	-100.0%	-100.0%
		TLX				2,239	2,892	-16.1%	-22.6%	2,239		2,892	-16.1%	-22.6%
		TSX				0	6	-100.0%	-100.0%	0		6	-100.0%	-100.0%
		MDX				3,576	4,381	-11.6%	-18.4%	3,576		4,381	-11.6%	-18.4%
		RDX				3,104	3,517	-4.4%	-11.7%	3,104		3,517	-4.4%	-11.7%
		ZDX				0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0		0	0.0%	0.0%
			***		Memo: ILX Hybrid	0	3	-100.0%	-100.0%	0		3	-100.0%	-100.0%
					Memo: RLX Hybrid	18	14	39.3%	28.6%	18		14	39.3%	28.6%
					Memo: TSX Wagon	0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0		0	0.0%	0.0%
	Selling Days					24	26			24		26
	**** Hybrid					461	1,589	-68.6%	-71.0%	461		1,589	-68.6%	-71.0%

	* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts
	** Daily Selling Rate
	*** Memo line items are included in the respective model total
	**** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid and RLX Sport Hybrid

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328702

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Estrella TV Bolsters News Division With Hiring Of Esteemed Journalist To Anchor Nightly News Broadcast

February 2, 2016

BURBANK, California, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Liberman Broadcasting, the owner and operator of the Estrella TV network, announced today that esteemed Mexican journalist Pedro Ferriz Hijar has joined the company as news anchor of Cierre de Edición, the network’s leading national evening newscast.

A seasoned journalist, Ferriz Hijar has extensive of experience covering politics, government and economic issues across Mexico at some of the country’s leading media outlets including Efeckto Noticias, Poder Mexico Radio, Poder America, Hola TV, TV Mexiquense and other news media. He earned a Masters Degree at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Madrid, Spain. He also attended Universidad Anahuac del Norte, Universidad Iberoamericana, and Universidad Panamericana in Mexico.

“I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to enter the U.S. market at this extraordinary and fraught moment in the history of North America,” said Ferriz Hijar. “The issues covered at Cierre de Edición, including immigration, the disturbing rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric in U.S. politics and the struggles of Latino families are essential. Covering them with one of the best news teams in front of and behind the camera is an amazing opportunity. I’m grateful to Liberman Broadcasting for that chance.”

Well known for his charismatic and articulate news delivery, Ferriz Hijar has become perhaps best known for his closing slogan “¡Hagámos historia!” (Let’s make history!) at the end of every news show. Ferriz Hijar is the third generation of his family to serve in the news media. His father, Pedro Ferriz de Con, is one of Mexico’s most outstanding radio and TV personalities, and his grandfather, Pedro Ferriz Santacruz, was a veteran radio and TV presenter and a pioneer of Mexican television from the early 50s. The family has been on the frontlines in defense of freedom of expression in Mexico, one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists according to Reporters Without Borders.

“We are delighted to have Pedro bolster our already surging news division,” said Andres Angulo, Vice President of News at Estrella TV. “He is the definition of ‘destination viewing’ for Hispanic families who value experience, knowledge and credibility.”

“This is an exciting time at Estrella,” added Lenard Liberman, CEO of Liberman Broadcasting. “In markets across America we are providing Latino viewers something they haven’t traditionally had on TV – real choice. As a Hispanic-owned broadcaster, we are proud to compete with Telemundo and Univision and to regularly deliver ratings that meet or beat theirs thanks to a robust lineup of entertainment, sports and news. The addition of talent like Pedro only makes us more competitive.”

ABOUT CIERRE DE EDICIÓN

Cierre de Edición is ESTRELLA TV’s leading national newscast, featuring news stories on U.S. Hispanics, national and international politics, entertainment, immigration, health care, education and other topics of interest to Hispanics/Latinos. Current events from Mexico, Central and South America are also a significant part of this news show’s content Monday through Friday, 10:30 p.m./9:30c.

ABOUT LIBERMAN BROADCASTING

Since its 2009 launch, Estrella TV has established itself as a top U.S. Hispanic television network across all demos and dayparts. The broadcast network has achieved its fast-track success by developing high-quality, all-original programming produced in-house at its Burbank, Calif. studios featuring well-known stars and popular personalities from the U.S. and Latin America. Estrella TV has built a catalog of more than 7,500 hours of programming now being distributed by the company to broadcasters worldwide. Estrella TV is owned and operated by Liberman Broadcasting, Inc., a leading Spanish-language, minority-owned media and entertainment company and one of the largest Spanish-language radio and television broadcasters in the U.S., based on both revenues and number of stations. For more information visit www.estrellatv.com.

More than 3 million US women at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancy

February 2, 2016

ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — An estimated 3.3 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 years are at risk of exposing their developing baby to alcohol because they are drinking, sexually active, and not using birth control to prevent pregnancy, according to the latest CDC Vital Signs report released today. The report also found that 3 in 4 women who want to get pregnant as soon as possible do not stop drinking alcohol when they stop using birth control.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328802
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151116/287595LOGO

Alcohol use during pregnancy, even within the first few weeks and before a woman knows she is pregnant, can cause lasting physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities that can last for a child’s lifetime. These disabilities are known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). There is no known safe amount of alcohol – even beer or wine – that is safe for a woman to drink at any stage of pregnancy.

“Alcohol can permanently harm a developing baby before a woman knows she is pregnant,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat, M.D. “About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and even if planned, most women won’t know they are pregnant for the first month or so, when they might still be drinking. The risk is real. Why take the chance?”

Healthcare providers should advise women who want to become pregnant to stop drinking alcohol as soon as they stop using birth control. Most women don’t know they are pregnant until they are four to six weeks into the pregnancy and could unknowingly be exposing their developing baby to alcohol. FASDs are completely preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

For this Vital Signs report, scientists from CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities analyzed data from the 2011–2013 National Survey of Family Growth, which gathers information on family life, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, infertility, use of birth control, and men’s and women’s health. National estimates of alcohol-exposed pregnancy were calculated among 4,303 non-pregnant, non-sterile women ages 15–44 years. A woman was considered to be at risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy if in the past month she was not sterile, her partner was not known to be sterile, she had vaginal sex with a male, drank any alcohol, and did not use birth control. A woman was considered to be trying to get pregnant if a desired pregnancy was the reason she and her partner stopped using contraception.

Overall, 3.3 million US women (7.3 percent of women ages 15–44 who were having sex, who were non-pregnant and non-sterile) were at risk of exposing their developing baby to alcohol if they were to become pregnant.

“Every woman who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant – and her partner – want a healthy baby. But they may not be aware that drinking any alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can cause a range of disabilities for their child,” said Coleen Boyle, Ph.D., director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. “It is critical for healthcare providers to assess a woman’s drinking habits during routine medical visits; advise her not to drink at all if she is pregnant, trying to get pregnant or sexually active and not using birth control; and recommend services if she needs help to stop drinking.”

CDC works to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies and FASDs through a variety of activities including:

Tracking alcohol use among women of reproductive age in the United States;
Supporting the implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce risky alcohol use and alcohol-exposed pregnancies, including through alcohol screening and brief intervention and the CHOICES program;
Collaborating with FASD Practice and Implementation Centers and national partners to promote practice changes among healthcare providers in the prevention, identification, and management of FASDs;
Promoting effective interventions for children, adolescents, and young adults living with FASDs and their families; and
Offering FASD-related educational information and materials for women of reproductive age, healthcare providers, and the general public.

For more information about alcohol use during pregnancy and FASDs, please visit www.cdc.gov/fasd.

Vital Signs is a CDC report that appears on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report provides the latest data and information on key health indicators. These are cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco use, motor vehicle passenger safety, prescription drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, alcohol use, health care-associated infections, cardiovascular health, teen pregnancy, food safety and viral hepatitis.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, stem from human error or deliberate attack, CDC is committed to respond to America’s most pressing health challenges.

Preventive health care can help Americans stay healthier throughout their lives. Those enrolled in health insurance coverage can use the “Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You” (English and Spanish) to learn about their benefits, including how to connect to primary care and the preventive services that are right for them, so that they can live a long and healthy life.

Ismael Cala presents “Be like the Bamboo,” his first children’s book, illustrated and bilingual

February 2, 2016

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — From the inspiration of Ismael Cala and based on his bestseller “El secreto del bamboo,” HarperCollins Español presents “Be like the bamboo,” a beautifully illustrated bilingual book that will allow parents from both sides of the border to spend quality time with their young ones. It deals with a story that will inspire your children to develop several values such as patience, perseverance, determination, independence and generosity.

Illustrated by Yunior Suárez, and through 32 pages, in this book Ismael Cala tells the story of Mommy Panda and Baby Panda, two bears that “look like two very big balls of cotton, with very black stains,” who live in a giant bamboo forest. Baby Panda looks very daring when he climbs to the end of the bamboo tree in order to eat its leaves and most tender stalks. Mommy Panda, wise and careful, teaches him through the characteristics of that plant an invaluable lesson for life that parents can also share with their little ones: The bamboo, tall and flexible, needs years to grow roots and strengthen itself in the soil before emerging as the member of the vegetable kingdom that grows at the fastest speed.

The bamboo, highly appreciated in the Far East, not only culturally but also because of its usefulness, teaches us that success in life does not necessarily mean reaching goals and becoming famous. Without strong roots that provide us with values to face adversities, we will never be flexible or strong enough. Baby Panda must learn that in order to be as tall and kind as the bamboo, that allows him to climb up and eat its leaves, he will first have to grow internally.

“For our children to be like the bamboo, we must teach them to be kind and strong, but flexible,” Cala says. “Bamboos live in communities but at the same time they act independently, adjust to and overcome difficult times, know how to train themselves for years with patience in order to succeed and be useful all of their lives. Let us help our children be like the bamboo!”

“Be like the bamboo” will develop the joy of reading to our little ones, besides generating conversations on the subject of the important qualities in life. This book is a valuable opportunity to learn a second language or to improve in its fluency, for the whole story appears in every page both in Spanish and English.

ABOUT ISMAEL CALA

Ismael Cala is a communicator, inspirational author, and international speaker on the subjects of leadership and self-improvement. He is the host of “Cala” the CNN’s Spanish interview show, an intimate program that goes through the most powerful and relevant characters in the international scenario, from politicians, writers, philosophers, artists and celebrities, to scientists and sports stars.

Cala is regular contributor at “Despierta América” show in Univision Network, he writes a weekly column for more than 50 periodicals in Latin America and the U.S., Cala is also the director of “Cala 3.0,” a successful app for iPad, iPhone, Android, and PC; besides being one of the most acclaimed motivational speakers in the Continent.

The author of bestsellers “El secreto del bambú” (2015), “Un buen hijo de P…” (2014), and “El poder de escuchar” (2013), Cala was born in Santiago de Cuba (1969) and received a Bachelor’s degree in History of Art from the Universidad de Oriente. He graduated with honors at the School of Communication in the University of York, in Toronto, and received a Seneca Diploma in TV Production.

(Español) Microsoft retira del mercado cables de alimentación de corriente alterna para dispositivos Surface Pro debido a riesgos de incendio y choque eléctrico

February 2, 2016

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Post Consumer Brands Announces NEW Honey Bunches of Oats® Chocolate

February 2, 2016

LAKEVILLE, Minn., Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Post Consumer Brands announces a new addition to the Honey Bunches of Oats family, Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate, available nationwide. With the one-of-a-kind unmistakable crunch of traditional Post® Honey Bunches of Oats cereals, new Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate gives families a tasty treat to satisfy their chocolate cravings. Each spoonful delivers the perfect combination of crispy flakes, crunchy bunches and now, the richness of real cocoa.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7734551-post-honey-bunches-of-oats-chocolate/

“Since day one, Honey Bunches of Oats has been dedicated to delicious. The new chocolate variety continues in the tradition of providing big flavor and the same great texture our fans love. We’re excited to offer families a wholesome and indulgent treat from a brand they know and love,” said Amanda Liu, Senior Director, Brand Management for Honey Bunches of Oats at Post Consumer Brands. “Whether poured into a bowl, eaten straight out of the box, or included in a tasty recipe, this new cereal appeals to every member of the family.”

New Honey Bunches of Oats Chocolate features crunchy cocoa granola bunches, mixed with crispy, honey-kissed flakes. In addition to being a delicious chocolate treat, each serving provides nine essential vitamins and minerals and is a heart healthy option. This new cereal is also the first gluten free variety within the Honey Bunches of Oats family, serving as a delicious breakfast option for cereal lovers avoiding gluten in their diets.

For more information and chocolate recipe ideas, please visit www.honeybunchesofoats.com or connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/honeybunchesofoats, or on Instagram and Twitter by following @HBOats.

About Post Consumer Brands
Post Consumer Brands is a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., formed from the combination of Post Foods and MOM Brands in May 2015. Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands today is the third largest cereal company in the United States, with a broad portfolio spanning all segments of the category — from iconic household name brands and value ready-to-eat cereals to natural/organic and hot cereal varieties. As a company committed to high standards of quality and to our values, we are driven by one idea: To make better happen every day. For more information about our brands, visit www.postfoods.com and www.mombrands.com.

FPL to reduce rates again in April in tandem with anticipated early completion of new fuel-efficient power plant at Port Everglades

February 2, 2016

JUNO BEACH, Florida, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today filed a request with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to reduce customer rates beginning April 1, 2016, in tandem with the commissioning of the new FPL Port Everglades Next Generation Clean Energy Center, thanks to anticipated savings from increased fuel-efficiency and lower projected natural gas prices.

Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120301/FL62738LOGO

The fourth rate decrease in 16 months, the April reduction will trim $1.65 off a typical 1,000-kWh residential customer’s monthly bill – for a total reduction since 2014 of nearly $10. Importantly, FPL’s typical bill in April 2016 will be more than $16 lower than it was 10 years ago.

“Our long-term strategy of investing in fuel-efficient modernizations, including phasing out old, oil-fired power plants and replacing them with advanced clean energy centers that run on clean, low-cost, U.S.-produced natural gas, continues to pay off meaningfully for our customers,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL. “Today, our typical customer bills are more than 15 percent lower than they were a decade ago, and our continued investments in fuel efficiency will help keep fuel costs low over the long-term.”

The company confirmed today that the FPL Port Everglades Next Generation Clean Energy Center is expected to enter service on April 1, bringing the benefits of high-efficiency natural gas generation to customers approximately two months ahead of schedule and on budget.

When the plant enters service, a generation base rate adjustment will take effect at the same time the plant’s fuel-efficiency improvement reduces the fuel rate, as prescribed by the company’s 2012 rate settlement agreement. In addition, FPL is also requesting PSC approval to reduce the fuel rate further to reflect lower fuel cost projections for 2016, primarily due to lower projected natural gas prices. The net result of the April adjustments is a savings of $1.65 a month on a 1,000-kWh residential customer’s bill compared with current rates. FPL business customers are also expected to see a rate reduction – with typical business customer bills decreasing in the range of approximately 2 to 7 percent compared with current rates, depending on rate class and type of service.

Even before the latest rate reduction, FPL’s typical residential bill is already about 30 percent lower than the national average and the lowest among reporting Florida utilities.

FPL’s Typical 1,000 kWh Residential Customer Monthly Bill
2006	February 2016	Beginning April 2016	Net Decrease April 1, 2016
$108.61	$93.38	$91.73	Additional savings of $1.65/month vs. today and total decrease of more than 15% vs. 2006

Notes: Above figures reflect actual rates for 2006 and February 2016 and projected rates for April 2016. All rates are subject to change and must be approved by the PSC before implementation. Bill totals include the state’s standard gross receipts tax but do not include any local taxes or fees that vary by municipality.

The FPL Port Everglades Next Generation Clean Energy Center is designed to generate enough electricity to power about 260,000 homes and businesses using 35 percent less fuel than the original oil-fired plant that it is replacing. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, the new energy center will also cut the carbon emissions rate in half and reduce overall air emissions by more than 90 percent.

Investments in high-efficiency natural gas generation have enabled FPL to reduce its use of foreign oil by more than 99 percent – from more than 41 million barrels of oil in 2001 to less than 1 million barrels annually today. The company has been strategically phasing out older, less-efficient fossil fuel plants and replacing them with new, high-efficiency natural gas energy centers – like the FPL Port Everglades Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Since 2001, the effectiveness of these investments since 2001 has saved our customers more than $8 billion on fuel and prevented more than 95 million tons of carbon emissions.

FPL is the cleanest electric utility in Florida and among the cleanest in the nation. The company’s carbon emission rate is already cleaner today than the target rate that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently set for Florida to meet by 2030.

“As many utilities across the country look at significant costs to comply with the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, our history of smart, long-term investments in clean, fuel-efficient technology have positioned us well, mitigating the need for our customers to pay more for compliance,” noted Silagy. “By investing strategically over many years in clean, U.S.-produced natural gas, zero-emissions nuclear and solar energy, FPL has proven that it is possible for an electric utility to deliver service that is clean, reliable and low-cost.”

Last month, FPL initiated the process of setting new base rates to take effect when the current base rate settlement agreement expires at the end of 2016. In March, FPL plans to formally file a four-year rate plan proposal to include three base rate adjustments during the period 2017 through 2020 to support continued investments in advanced infrastructure and clean generation, including the FPL Okeechobee Clean Energy Center, which is scheduled to begin serving customers in 2019. Based on current cost projections, FPL projects that its typical bill through the year 2020 will remain lower than what customers paid in 2006, even with the full proposed base rate increase. More information can be found at www.FPL.com/answers.

Florida Power & Light Company

Florida Power & Light Company is the third-largest electric utility in the United States, serving more than 4.8 million customer accounts across nearly half of the state of Florida. FPL’s typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is approximately 30 percent lower than the latest national average and, in 2015, was the lowest in Florida among reporting utilities for the sixth year in a row. FPL’s service reliability is better than 99.98 percent, and its highly fuel-efficient power plant fleet is one of the cleanest among all utilities nationwide. The company was recognized in 2015 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Market Strategies International. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,800 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, including being ranked in the top 10 worldwide for innovativeness and community responsibility as part of Fortune’s 2015 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.” NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. For more information, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead represent the current expectations of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NextEra Energy) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) regarding future operating results and other future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s control. Forward looking statements in this new release include, among others, statements concerning FPL’s plans for requesting new base rates. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “will,” “may result,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “aim,” “potential,” “projection,” “forecast,” “predict,” “goals,” “target,” “outlook,” “should,” “would” or similar words or expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. The future results of NextEra Energy and FPL and their business and financial condition are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause their actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, or may require them to limit or eliminate certain operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: effects of extensive regulation of NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s business operations; inability of NextEra Energy and FPL to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise; impact of political, regulatory and economic factors on regulatory decisions important to NextEra Energy and FPL; disallowance of cost recovery by FPL based on a finding of imprudent use of derivative instruments; effect of any reductions to or elimination of governmental incentives that support utility scale renewable energy projects of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC and its affiliated entities (NextEra Energy Resources) or the imposition of additional taxes or assessments on renewable energy; impact of new or revised laws, regulations or interpretations or other regulatory initiatives on NextEra Energy and FPL; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of potential regulatory action to broaden the scope of regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) financial derivatives and to apply such regulation to NextEra Energy and FPL; capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities attributable to environmental laws, regulations and other standards applicable to NextEra Energy and FPL; effects on NextEra Energy and FPL of federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions; exposure of NextEra Energy and FPL to significant and increasing compliance costs and substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions as a result of extensive federal regulation of their operations; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of changes in tax laws and in judgments and estimates used to determine tax-related asset and liability amounts; impact on NextEra Energy and FPL of adverse results of litigation; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of failure to proceed with projects under development or inability to complete the construction of (or capital improvements to) electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget; impact on development and operating activities of NextEra Energy and FPL resulting from risks related to project siting, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements; risks involved in the operation and maintenance of electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities and other facilities; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of a lack of growth or slower growth in the number of customers or in customer usage; impact on NextEra Energy and FPL of severe weather and other weather conditions; threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism, cyber attacks or other attempts to disrupt NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s business or the businesses of third parties; inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage for protection of NextEra Energy and FPL against significant losses and risk that insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses; a prolonged period of low gas and oil prices could impact NextEra Energy Resources’ gas infrastructure business and cause NextEra Energy Resources to delay or cancel certain gas infrastructure projects and for certain existing projects to be impaired; risk to NextEra Energy Resources of increased operating costs resulting from unfavorable supply costs necessary to provide NextEra Energy Resources’ full energy and capacity requirement services; inability or failure by NextEra Energy Resources to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risk within its portfolio; potential volatility of NextEra Energy’s results of operations caused by sales of power on the spot market or on a short-term contractual basis; effect of reductions in the liquidity of energy markets on NextEra Energy’s ability to manage operational risks; effectiveness of NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s risk management tools associated with their hedging and trading procedures to protect against significant losses, including the effect of unforeseen price variances from historical behavior; impact of unavailability or disruption of power transmission or commodity transportation facilities on sale and delivery of power or natural gas by FPL and NextEra Energy Resources; exposure of NextEra Energy and FPL to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors; failure of NextEra Energy or FPL counterparties to perform under derivative contracts or of requirement for NextEra Energy or FPL to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts; failure or breach of NextEra Energy’s or FPL’s information technology systems; risks to NextEra Energy and FPL’s retail businesses from compromise of sensitive customer data; losses from volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in OTC markets; impact of negative publicity; inability of NextEra Energy and FPL to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate acceptable franchise agreements with municipalities and counties in Florida; increasing costs of health care plans; lack of a qualified workforce or the loss or retirement of key employees; occurrence of work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs; NextEra Energy’s ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions; NextEra Energy Partners, LP’s (NEP’s) acquisitions may not be completed and, even if completed, NextEra Energy may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions; environmental, health and financial risks associated with NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s ownership and operation of nuclear generation facilities; liability of NextEra Energy and FPL for significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums in the event of an incident at certain nuclear generation facilities; increased operating and capital expenditures at nuclear generation facilities of NextEra Energy or FPL resulting from orders or new regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; inability to operate any of NextEra Energy Resources’ or FPL’s owned nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses; liability of NextEra Energy and FPL for increased nuclear licensing or compliance costs resulting from hazards, and increased public attention to hazards, posed to their owned nuclear generation facilities; risks associated with outages of NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s owned nuclear units; effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets on NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s ability to fund their liquidity and capital needs and meet their growth objectives; inability of NextEra Energy, FPL and NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. to maintain their current credit ratings; impairment of NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s liquidity from inability of creditors to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings; poor market performance and other economic factors that could affect NextEra Energy’s defined benefit pension plan’s funded status; poor market performance and other risks to the asset values of NextEra Energy’s and FPL’s nuclear decommissioning funds; changes in market value and other risks to certain of NextEra Energy’s investments; effect of inability of NextEra Energy subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NextEra Energy or of NextEra Energy’s performance under guarantees of subsidiary obligations on NextEra Energy’s ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock; and effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets of the market price of NextEra Energy’s common stock. NextEra Energy and FPL discuss these and other risks and uncertainties in their annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other SEC filings, and this news release should be read in conjunction with such SEC filings made through the date of this news release. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and NextEra Energy and FPL undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

WomenHeart & Burlington Stores Team Up with Wendy Williams for #HealthyHeartSelfie Challenge

February 2, 2016

BURLINGTON, New Jersey, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the fifth consecutive year, Burlington Stores, the national off price retailer, and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, are teaming up to educate women nationwide about the importance of their heart health, as heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Throughout the month of February, American Heart Month, Burlington Stores & WomenHeart are joined by Wendy Williams, Talk Show Host and heart health advocate, to serve as the voice and supporter of the #HealthyHeartSelfie Challenge.

This year’s campaign officially kicked off yesterday with a heart health panel discussion in New York City, featuring Wendy Williams, along with Mayo Clinic’s Sharonne N. Hayes, MD and WomenHeart Champions, who are women heart disease survivors trained by WomenHeart as community educators, spokespersons and advocates, as well as an in-store campaign launching in all 563 Burlington stores across the country. Customers have the opportunity to donate $1 or more at check out at any Burlington store location through March 31, 2016. All funds collected will support WomenHeart to further the organization’s mission of educating women about the importance of their heart health.

On February 5th, National Wear Red Day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 47 Burlington store locations across the country (a store in each state/US Territory/District where Burlington has locations) will host free women’s heart health screenings in partnership with WomenHeart. Customers will have the opportunity to get their blood pressure, pulse and BMI checked by a certified health professional, talk with WomenHeart Champions, and receive bi-lingual (English/Spanish) women’s heart health information and tips for living heart healthy. To find a screening near you, visit www.BurlingtonStores.com/HeartHealth.

Each day throughout February, people are encouraged to check the hashtag #HealthyHeartSelfie for fun and easy heart health tips from Wendy Williams, Burlington Stores and WomenHeart. They are then encouraged to snap a photo of how they are using that tip or simply show what heart health means to them using #HealthyHeartSelfie. For every photo posted with #HealthyHeartSelfie, Burlington will donate $1, up to $25,000, to benefit WomenHeart.

“At Burlington Stores we are committed to improving the communities we live and work in and to raising awareness about the importance of women’s heart health,” says Tom Kingsbury, Chairman and CEO, Burlington Stores. “We look forward to celebrating our fifth year of partnership with WomenHeart, introducing new campaign elements that will heighten the awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in women.”

“We are thankful to Burlington and their millions of customers and thousands of associates nationwide for their continued support to help us further our mission. We are thrilled to bring the #HealthyHeartSelfie Challenge to life as we continue our great work with Burlington Stores,” says Mary McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of WomenHeart. “It’s important that we get our message across through as many channels as possible, whether it’s our in store collection campaign, online or via social media, so that we have every opportunity to reach women across the country regarding their number one health risk – heart disease.”

During the past four years, Burlington and its generous customers have raised more than $4 million to support WomenHeart and its free education and support services for women living with heart disease in communities throughout the country. These funds have also enabled the organization to continue to support and educate Hispanic women – a high risk population for heart disease – through its Para la Mujer Hispana initiative.

About Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington is a national off-price retailer offering style for less with up to 65 percent off department store prices every day. Departments include ladies’ dresses, suits, sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, family footwear and children’s clothing. It also includes an assortment of furniture and accessories for baby at Baby Depot, home décor and gifts, along with the largest selection of coats in the nation for the entire family. Burlington has 563 stores in 45 States and Puerto Rico. For more, visit www.BurlingtonStores.com.

About WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the nation’s first and still only patient centered organization serving the 43 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease – the leading cause of death in women. WomenHeart is solely devoted to advancing women’s heart health through advocacy, community education, and the nation’s only patient support network for women living with heart disease. WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, physicians, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. To receive a free online heart health action kit or to donate, visit www.womenheart.org.

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