Seniors with Low Vision: Simple Home Adjustments Can Help Decrease Reliance on Others, Reduce Associated Health Risks

July 8, 2015

Seniors with Low Vision: Simple Home Adjustments Can Help Decrease Reliance on Others, Reduce Associated Health Risks

American Academy of Ophthalmology offers tips and adaptations to help older persons maintain independence

SAN FRANCISCO, July 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A significant obstacle for maintaining self-reliance for older people is low vision. A common condition for this age group, low vision can make everyday activities seem impossible, require the assistance of loved ones and caregivers and increase the risk of falls and mental health issues. In the same spirit as Independence Day, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has declared July “Celebrate Senior Independence Month,” and is providing tips to help older persons with low vision – and their loved ones – enhance the use of their remaining sight and maintain self-sufficiency at home.

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By definition, low vision occurs when a person only has partial sight that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. It is characterized by blurred vision, blind spots or tunnel vision and often caused by age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Currently, more than 2.5 million Americans age 65 and older have low vision, but this number is projected to increase to 7 million by 2050 due to the growing aging population.[1] While people with low vision disorders may depend on the support of loved ones and caregivers to help provide assistance at home, ophthalmologists – medical doctors that specialize in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions – say there are ways to lessen this dependency for those with less severe forms of low vision.

“Having low vision can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence,” said Charles P. Wilkinson, M.D., chair of EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology that provides eye care to medically-underserved seniors. “Just a few adjustments around the house can make a big difference in maintaining comfort and strengthening your ability to accomplish your normal daily activities with partial sight.”

Here are some tips from the Academy:

Set the scene
Place furniture in small groupings so less distance vision is required during a conversation. Avoid upholstery and rugs with patterns, which can create visual confusion. Instead, find furniture with texture, which provides tactile clues for identification.
Increase contrast and color
Set brightly colored accessories around the home to help with locating the items around them. Use contrasting colors to clearly define doorknobs, steps, doorframes, switch plates, outlets or stairway landings to help decrease risk of missteps and falls.
Make it bright
Brighter lighting can help with reading and activities such as sewing or cooking. Provide plenty of floor lamps and table lamps to enhance overhead lighting. Remove mirrors that reflect lights to create a glare. Use window coverings that can allow natural light through.
Embrace technology
There are a variety of technology-based tools for smartphones and tablets designed to aid people with low vision. One example is Spotlight Text, which can be configured to help people with particular patterns of low vision read with greater comfort.
Get rid of hazards
Use non-glare products to clean floors instead of wax. Tape down area rugs and remove electrical cords from pathways to decrease risk of falling and injury.
Keep up with eye exams
Several diseases that cause low vision, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, are progressive and can get worse without proper monitoring and treatment. During a comprehensive eye exam, an ophthalmologist can identify both the type and severity of vision loss, and in some cases refer patients to low vision rehabilitation.

Qualifying seniors may be eligible for a comprehensive eye exam and up to one year of treatment often at no out-of-pocket cost through EyeCare America. For over 30 years, the program has helped more than 1.8 million older Americans maintain their independence by providing information resources and eye care through its corps of over 6,000 ophthalmologist volunteers. EyeCare America has been recognized by every U.S. president since 1985, most recently President Barak Obama. Go to www.eyecareamerica.org to learn more.

Wondering if your senior loved one has low vision? Learn the signs and find more low vision tips at http://bit.ly/102fHFz.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology, headquartered in San Francisco, is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, serving more than 32,000 members worldwide. The Academy’s mission is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of ophthalmologists to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care. For more information, visit www.aao.org.

The Academy is also a leading provider of eye care information to the public. The Academy’s EyeSmart® program educates the public about the importance of eye health and empowers them to preserve healthy vision. EyeSmart provides the most trusted and medically accurate information about eye diseases, conditions and injuries. OjosSanos™ is the Spanish-language version of the program. Visit www.geteyesmart.org or www.ojossanos.org to learn more.

About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides year-round eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon and Genentech. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.

[1] https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/lowvision

Ken Rosen’s Documentary “Cuba in Transition” Kicks Off Kickstarter Campaign

July 8, 2015

LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — De La Cuenta Films announced the launch of a campaign on Kickstarter to raise funds for director Ken Rosen’s documentary “Cuba in Transition.” The 60-minute film is a colorful portrait of life in Cuba, with intimate conversations about the trade embargo and the changing relationship with the U.S.

(The Kickstarter campaign for “Cuba in Transition” is at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1842546989/cuba-in-transition).

The film follows the lives of four ordinary Cubans with candid interviews shot during a 15 year period. The goal of the Kickstarter campaign is to raise funds to finish the project with additional interviews and footage as diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba are restored. The campaign will run through August 4, 2015.

“I fell in love with Cuba when I visited as a tourist in 1998,” Rosen said about the film. “I wanted to understand what it was like to live under an economic embargo from the most powerful country in the world, while living so close to it and having such close ties.”

Rosen decided to make the film because he felt that Cuba was often misrepresented in the media and he wanted to “create the possibility for real Cubans to tell their story and for Americans and the world to hear it.”

“Cuba in Transition” is produced by Rosen, Mimi Fuenzalida and Michelle Fiordaliso. Fuenzalida is also the film’s Director of Photography and Alonso Llosa serves as its Editor. The project was initially funded by Rosen.

Rosen’s previous producing credits include the independent feature length documentary, “Rubber Tramps,” which was distributed by 7th Art Releasing. He also served as a Story Editor at Phoenix Pictures and began his career as an Executive Assistant to producer Mark Gordon and as an Assistant Producer at HBO Films.

For more information about “Cuba in Transition” visit www.cubaintransitionthemovie.com

The Well-known Coach Alejandra Llamas, Dr. Pepe Bandera and Melanie Shapiro Debut TV Show “Palabras al Aire TV”

July 7, 2015

The Well-known Coach Alejandra Llamas, Dr. Pepe Bandera and Melanie Shapiro Debut TV Show “Palabras al Aire TV”

– Living your truth: a journey to transform your life – via VIMEO on Demand
Vimeo.com/ondemand/palabrasalaire

MIAMI, July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Renowned ontological coach Alejandra Llamas, Director of the MMK Coaching Institute (Instituto MMK de Coaching) and best-selling author of Maestria de vida (Mastery of Life), Una vida sin limites (A Life without Limits) and El arte de conocerte (The Art of Self-Awareness), announced, along with the physician Pepe Bandera and well-known film and TV producer Melanie Shapiro, the debut of their new TV program Palabras al Aire TV to be broadcast weekly over the Internet via Vimeo on demand. https://vimeo.com/ondemand/palabrasalaire

Palabras al Aire TV was created at the request of more than 300,000 fans of the show’s hosts Alejandra Llamas, Dr. Pepe Bandera and Melanie Shapiro, not only throughout the United States, but also Mexico and Latin America. “We decided to create Palabras al Aire TV because of the overwhelmingly positive response that we’ve been receiving every week on the show Palabras al Aire Radio, broadcast Wednesdays at 12PM ET over the Internet via SoundCloud, which has had more than 300,000 playbacks all over the world,” said Alejandra Llamas, Director of MMK Coaching and one of the hosts of the new Internet TV program.

Palabras al Aire TV, which is being broadcast weekly over the Internet via VIMEO on Demand, seeks to inspire and motivate listeners by means of relaxed, straightforward conversations by hosts Alejandra, Pepe y Melanie.

“Your self knows what is best for you, it knows the deep desires of your heart. To achieve this, you must silence your mind, take courage by the hand and create an existence consistent with our great truth, one that knows the force of our spirit. We invite every one of you to accompany us on this great journey that will change your lives,” said Melanie Shapiro, co-host of Palabras al Aire TV and Palabras al Aire Radio.

Dr. Pepe Bandera, co-host of Palabras al Aire TV, said, “We are excited to bring about this project, requested by so many of our radio program listeners, and so we invite you to transform your lives, starting with the first episode for free, a six-video series available for $12.95 through VIMEO on Demand.“

The weekly topics include:

Week 1: Being the witness
Week 2: The power of being honest
Week 3: Your relationship with yourself and your body
Week 4: Your relationship with others
Week 5: Money and work
Week 6: Living in order to serve

About Alejandra Llamas: A best-selling author and director of the MMK Coaching Institute, Alejandra Llamas is certified with the International Coach Federation. Her coaching training has allowed her to deliver lectures on “Technology of Thought.” She currently directs and provides certification programs, in person and online, approved by the ICF. She is the best-selling author of Una vida sin limites (Penguin Random House), El arte de conocerte (Penguin Random House) and Maestria de vida, coauthored with Gloria Calzada and a no. 1 best seller on Amazon.com. Born in Mexico and now residing in the United States, she delivers lectures all over the world and is constantly being invited to appear on TV and radio shows such as CNN, Univision, Telemundo, Bayly, La opinion, Mamas Latinas, to name a few. http://www.mmkcoaching.com

About Pepe Bandera: Pepe Bandera studied medicine, specializing in internal medicine, gastroenterology and endoscopy. He studied therapeutic endoscopy at the Fujigaoka hospital in Yokohama, Japan. After returning to Mexico, he had his own gastrointestinal practice and taught at the Panamerican University. He then went into radio joining Simple y Genial with Gloria Calzada, where he met Alejandra Llamas. Together they hosted “Una Vida Sin Limites” (A Life without Limits) on the TV network Proyecto 40, and following that, “Refleja Tu Salud” (Reflect Your Health) and “Doctores” (Doctors). He was most recently on the Fox series “Salud Emocional” (Emotional Health). He obtained his certification as a MMK Coach from Alejandra Llamas’ MMK Coaching Institute and joined Palabras al Aire Radio. He is the author of “El Poder de la Prevencion” (The Power of Prevention).

About Melanie Shapiro: For Melanie Shapiro, life is constantly changing and has proven to be not only interesting but relatively peaceful. Born the youngest of five children in Caracas, Venezuela, she quickly learned how to take care of herself. She learned at an early age that she possessed an innate talent for numbers and a desire to create. As an adolescent she started her own clothing line, and by her twenties was already a partner in a television production company. Twenty years later, she married an American, and has three grown children in Miami. Her hobbies include the stock market, fashion, beauty, dogs and yoga. When the stress becomes too much, she heads to her cabin in the mountains of Maine.

Contact for interviews: Aleyso Bridger – Bridger Communications – Phone: 1-786-488-5683 [email protected]

Esther Beniflah – Bridger Communications – [email protected]

Superior Court Judge Upholds Labor Commissioner’s Decision That Truck Driver Was Misclassified as Independent Contractor

July 7, 2015

Superior Court Judge Upholds Labor Commissioner’s Decision That Truck Driver Was Misclassified as Independent Contractor

Driver to Receive Nearly $180,000 in Back Wages and Expenses

LOS ANGELES, July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A Superior Court judge last week sided with the Labor Commissioner’s Office in finding that a Los Angeles trucking company misclassified an employee as an independent contractor. The court affirmed that Laca Express Inc. owes driver Ho Woo Lee $179,390 in back wages and expenses unlawfully deducted from his paycheck.

“The Labor Commissioner determines the employment status of an individual based on the facts of each case,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR.) “This decision shows the laws are in place to ensure that workers are properly classified.” The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, also called the Labor Commissioner’s Office, is a division of DIR.

In his December 2012 claim filed with the Los Angeles Labor Commissioner’s office, Lee said Laca Express unlawfully deducted $83,292 from his paycheck in violation of Labor Code section 221. Lee’s claim included more than $80,000 in weekly lease and insurance payments that were deducted from his paycheck for a truck that Laca repossessed after terminating Lee’s employment. The Labor Commissioner’s Office issued an Order, Decision or Award (ODA) in Lee’s favor for $161,205.

Laca appealed the ODA, and the Labor Commissioner’s Office represented Lee in the Los Angeles Superior Court case. Judge Ross Klein determined that Lee was owed $179,390 plus costs and attorney’s fees for unlawfully deducted wages, reimbursable expenses (such as fuel and truck repair costs), interest and penalties.

“Judge Klein’s ruling will go a long way toward making Mr. Lee whole for the unlawful behavior of Laca Express,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. “The judgment will also serve as a deterrent to wrongful misclassification of workers and other forms of wage theft.”

Among its wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities, the Labor Commissioner’s Office inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses and educates the public on labor laws.

The Wage Theft is a Crime public awareness campaign, launched last year by DIR and its Labor Commissioner’s Office, has helped inform workers of their rights. The campaign includes multilingual print and outdoor advertising as well as radio commercials on ethnic stations in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hmong and Tagalog.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 also offers recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.

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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 Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

(Español) El presidente de la Comisión de Seguridad de Productos del Consumidor recuerda a las familias seguir 10 simples pasos para la seguridad en las piscinas durante el fin de semana del Día de la Independencia

July 7, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Tecate Announces Chivas Del Guadalajara Summer Schedule For The U.S.

July 7, 2015

Tecate Announces Chivas Del Guadalajara Summer Schedule For The U.S.

Tecate Continues their Role as the Official Sponsor for Chivas Del Guadalajara Activities in the U.S. with a Five Game Summer Soccer Season in California and Texas

LOS ANGELES, July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today Tecate, which brought Chivas Del Guadalajara back to the U.S. in February by becoming the official sponsor for the team’s U.S. activities, is excited to announce the next chapter of their “Bold Alliance” with Mexico’s most popular football club. Kicking off on Tuesday, July 7^th, Chivas Del Guadalajara will begin a special five game season – taking place in stadiums throughout California and Texas.

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This bold alliance with Chivas Del Guadalajara is part of Tecate’s sports engagement platform, dubbed, “Taste of Triumph,” which immerses bicultural Hispanic consumers 21 and older in the sports they love ranging from soccer and boxing to auto racing.

“In many ways, Tecate is to beer what Chivas Del Guadalajara is to soccer. Whether you’re an avid soccer fan, or new to the sport, the team represents the very best and boldest that soccer has to offer,” said Gustavo Guerra, brand director for Tecate. “Knowing how passionate our audience is about soccer, we wanted to thank them for their loyalty and great taste, and what better way to do that than to fill the summer with two of their favorite passions – Chivas and Tecate.”

The Chivas Del Guadalajara games will take place during the summer pre-season in July, wrapping up with a final match in September in California, which will be announced in the coming weeks. The current schedule includes:

7/7 (7:30pm) – Chivas vs. Club Leon – Raley Field (Sacramento)
7/10 (8:00pm) – Chivas vs. Club Atlas – Chukchansi Park (Fresno)
7/14 (7:30pm) – Chivas vs. Club Pachuca – Dell Diamond Park (Austin)
7/17 (8:00pm) – Chivas vs. Rayados de Monterrey– BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston)

For additional details on Tecate’s “Taste of Triumph,” the sponsorship of the Chivas del Guadalajara, or to speak with a Tecate representative about the brand’s support of soccer, please contact BRAYA US at [email protected].

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. HEINEKEN USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate Franchise, Dos Equis Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the HEINEKEN USA -sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

About Chivas
Club Deportivo Guadalajara was born in 1906, when a group of friends met in one of the most important stores, “Perla de Occidente,” (Pearl of the West). Their employees created a soccer team sponsored by the store owners. Headed by Belgian, Edgar Everaert, Mexicans, Belgians and Frenchs were brought together, and named their team “Union Club,” and two years later “Club Guadalajara.”

On October 21st 1943, Guadalajara makes their debut in professional soccer, winning 4-1 to the Atlante in the capital of the Republic. Since its inceptions, Chivas decided to implement the policy of admitting only Mexicans players in their ranks, and today, is the most beloved team in Mexico, with more fans and titles in the national territory, in addition to being the most important team in Mexico.

Chivas, is the most winning team in the history of Mexican soccer.

* 11 League titles: 1956-1957, 1958-1959, 1959-1960, 1960-1961, 1961-1962, 1963-1964, 1964-1965, 1969-1970, 1986-1987, Summer of 1997, and 2006 opening.

* 7 Champion of Champions 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1970.

* 2 Cup titles in 1963 and 1970.

* 4 Cups of gold in the West.

* 3 International Pentagonals.

* 3 CONCACAF championships.

* 5 Individual Champions Scorer, Adalberto “Dumbo” Lopez, (1953-1954) Crescenzio Gutierrez (1956-1957), El Salvador Reyes (1961-1962), Omar Bravo (Closing 2007) and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez with 10 goals (Bicentennial Closing 2010).

On October 30th, 2002, Jorge Vergara acquires Chivas, which meant a generational change in the way of leading a soccer team. Currently, Chivas consists almost in its majority by elements that have emerged from their basic forces, in addition to being the best quarry in Mexican soccer.

The achievements in the Vergara era include, the Runner Up Spot Closing 2004, Copa Libertadores Semifinalist 2005, Copa Libertadores Semifinalist 2006, Champion Opening 2006, Champions Cup Runner-up CONCACAF 2007, Finalist Copa Sudamericana 2008, Champion of the Interliga 2009, Runner-up of the Copa Libertadores 2010, new Record of Eight Games Won consecutively at the start of a championship, achieved in the Bicentennial Closing Tournament 2010. Chivas is the base of national selections with an age limit, as well as the Seleccion Mayor or Greater League.

Frosch Natural Cleaning Products To Enter U.S. Market

July 7, 2015

Frosch Natural Cleaning Products To Enter U.S. Market

Product Lineup Available for Purchase on froschusa.com

NEW YORK, July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, Frosch, Germany’s most trusted brand for natural cleaning agents with more than 25 years of experience in developing and manufacturing environmentally-friendly cleaning and personal care products, announced its entry into the U.S. market, with 12 products now available for purchase on froschusa.com. Ezzi Imports is the exclusive importer and distributer of Frosch products in the U.S.

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The Frosch brand offers consumers a powerful cleaning performance while maintaining the protection of human health, animal health and the environment. With their company-owned waste-recycling system and water treatment plant that returns only purified water from production into the waste water cycle, Frosch takes a holistic and comprehensive sustainable approach to manufacturing. Frosch facilities are certified by EMAS, the “Eco-Management and Audit Scheme” of the European Union, which is considered to be the most ambitious and comprehensive environmental management system worldwide.

The initial 12 products for sale in the U.S. include:

Aloe Vera Dishwashing Liquid
Pomegranate Dishwashing Liquid
Baking Soda Dishwashing Liquid
Sensitive Provitamin (Unscented) Dishwashing Liquid
PH Neutral Universal Cleaner
Lavender Universal Cleaner
Baking Soda All Purpose Cleaner Spray
Bio Spirit Glass Cleaner Spray
Grapefruit Kitchen Cleaner Spray
Lemon Shower and Bathroom Cleaner Spray
Lemon Cream Cleaner (Scouring cream)
Lemon WC / Toilet Bowl Cleaner

“This is an exciting day for Frosch, as we bring our products and expertise to the U.S. market,” said Peter Kloppe, Frosch Export Director. “As a family-owned company and pioneer in the German household care market since 1986, we look forward to expanding our reach from Japan and Europe to the U.S., where consumers are now embracing high-performance green living.”

“The U.S. green home cleaning market is growing rapidly, and we expect that Frosch will quickly differentiate itself with its exceptional performance and thorough, authentic green credentials,” said Benjamin Ezra, a partner at Ezzi Imports. “Consumers will feel good about the products that they are buying and also love how well they work.”

Ezzi Imports will continue to expand the Frosch lineup in the U.S.

About Frosch

The Frosch brand was launched in 1986 by Werner & Mertz with the intention of offering environmentally friendly cleaning products that were able to compete with traditional cleaning brands without compromise. With its trusted brands Frosch, Erdal and Tana Professional, the 148 year old Werner & Mertz is well established in the European market as an innovative company. More information about the Frosch brand and parent company Werner & Mertz can be found at http://frosch.de/index-en.html

About Ezzi Imports LLC

Ezzi Imports was founded in 2014 and is based in The Bronx, New York.

Allstate Named Official Protector of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ Trophy

July 7, 2015

NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) announced today that Allstate Insurance Company will be the Official Protector of the Gold Cup™ trophy as it makes its way to some of the biggest soccer matches across the country. The seven-city Gold Cup Trophy tour scheduled for this month, gives soccer fans across the United States the chance to interact with the Cup awarded to the winner of the region’s preeminent men’s national team soccer tournament.

Allstate, an official sponsor of the Gold Cup, will kick off the trophy tour today in Dallas ahead of the opening match at Toyota Stadium, during which defending 2013 champion United States takes on Honduras as part of a double header, also featuring 2013 runner-up Panama versus Haiti.

“As Protector of the Cup, CONCACAF is confident Allstate can protect one of our most precious symbols – the Gold Cup Trophy,” said CONCACAF Acting General Secretary Ted Howard. “The end result has yielded a great opportunity for fans at this summer’s Gold Cup – the chance to get up close and personal with the trophy and truly enhance their experience.”

The month-long trophy tour culminates at the final matches in Philadelphia, July 24-26. At each stop along the tour, the Gold Cup Trophy will be displayed at Allstate-organized community events benefiting local youth soccer leagues and at the Allstate Fan Zone – a fun and interactive experience where fans can take part in family-friendly activities and meet soccer legends Adolfo Rios or Brian McBride before heading into the match.

“Soccer has some of the most loyal and passionate fans in sports. There’s no better way to celebrate them than to provide exclusive access to the coveted Gold Cup Trophy,” said Pam Hollander, vice president of marketing for Allstate Insurance Company. “It’s a natural fit for Allstate to protect the Cup, just like we keep our customers in good hands, protecting them from life’s uncertainties.”

As part of the trophy tour, the Gold Cup will visit Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City, Charlotte, Baltimore, Atlanta and Philadelphia, in that order. The full schedule is as follows:

July 6 – July 7 – Dallas, Texas and Toyota Stadium (July 7)
July 8 – July 9 – Chicago, Illinois and Soldier Field (July 9)
July 12 – July 13 – Kansas City, Kansas and Sporting Park (July 13)
July 14 – July 15 – Charlotte, North Carolina and Bank of America Stadium (July 15)
July 16 – July 18 – Baltimore, Maryland and M&T Bank Stadium (July 18)
July 21 – July 22 – Atlanta, Georgia and the Georgia Dome (July 22)
July 24 – July 26 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and PPL Park/Lincoln Financial Field (July 26)

This year marks the first time Allstate has joined CONCACAF as a sponsor of the Gold Cup. The company has a well-established history of supporting soccer events in North America, including Major League Soccer and the Mexican National team, and is committed to aiding grassroots community initiatives to help the next generation of soccer fans and players.

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be played from July 7-26, involving 12 teams from the region. Qualifying countries for this year’s tournament are in alphabetical order: Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States.

The Gold Cup will take place in 13 cities across the United States and Canada. Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Toronto will all host group stage double-headers. Atlanta, Baltimore, New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia have been slated for knockout round matches, with the final match schedules set to be announced later this summer.

The winning team will qualify for a playoff to determine which CONCACAF team will participate in the Confederations Cup – a competition ahead of the World Cup which features the champion from each region of the world, as well as the host nation and the defending World Cup champion. Since clinching the Gold Cup in 2013, the United States has already qualified for the playoff, so a repeat performance this summer will automatically confirm its place in the Confederations Cup.

Taking place every two years, the Gold Cup has established itself as the region’s most popular national team tournament, routinely drawing capacity crowds and millions of viewers across the region. The Gold Cup has been played 12 times since the inaugural edition in 1991.

About CONCACAF

CONCACAF — the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football — is one of six continental confederations of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) and serves as the governing body of football in this part of the world. It is comprised of 41 national associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana in the south. Please visit www.concacaf.com for more information.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®.” The Allstate brand’s network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In the 20 years since Allstate became a fully independent public company, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners have donated more than $405 million to support local communities.

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Carnival Corporation Granted U.S. Approval for Travel to Cuba

July 7, 2015

Carnival Corporation Granted U.S. Approval for Travel to Cuba

— World’s largest travel and leisure company granted U.S. licenses to operate direct U.S.-to-Cuba travel for the purpose of providing cultural exchange

— Company intends for fathom, its new purpose-travel brand, to begin full-week sailings to Cuba, beginning in May 2016, in addition to fathom’s full-week sailings to the Dominican Republic

MIAMI, July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest travel and leisure company, today announced that the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Commerce granted approval for the company to begin travel to Cuba. Carnival Corporation intends to take travelers to Cuba beginning in May 2016 via its newly launched fathom brand – a new social impact travel brand providing purpose-oriented, social impact experiences, initially in the Dominican Republic.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150706/231394
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150706/231395
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150706/231396

Carnival Corporation intends to operate fathom travel itineraries directly to Cuba for the purpose of providing cultural, artistic, faith-based and humanitarian exchanges between American and Cuban citizens. Authorized under current U.S.-to-Cuba travel guidelines, the new Cuban itineraries on fathom will strictly comply with U.S. Department of Treasury rules that allow licensed travel companies to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities that support the Cuban people. Carnival Corporation is in active discussions and plans to work with the appropriate authorities in Cuba so that Cuban approval is granted.

Launched June 4th as Carnival Corporation’s 10th global brand, fathom is designed as a purpose-driven brand to enrich the lives of its travelers and in the case of the Dominican Republic, drive sustainable social impact on a significant scale. The brand expects to attract 37,000 annual travelers who collectively could spend a total of more than 100,000 days a year either volunteering or immersing in educational and cultural exchanges in local communities.

Beginning in April 2016, fathom will embark on weekly seven-day voyages from Port Miami aboard the MV Adonia, a 710-passenger vessel redeployed from Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises (UK) brand. fathom’s first impact destination will be the northern region of the Dominican Republic, where Carnival Corporation’s new port of call, Amber Cove, will serve as home base.

Following the inaugural April month of voyages to the Dominican Republic, fathom intends to offer both Dominican and Cuban itineraries on a systematic and regular basis, giving travelers the opportunity to choose from two destinations and a range of activities from social impact in the Dominican Republic and educational and cultural exchanges in both countries designed to have a positive, transformative effect on the lives of the travelers.

“We are excited about receiving U.S. approval as the very important first step to ultimately take travelers to Cuba under the existing 12 criteria for authorized travel. We look forward to working with the Cuban authorities for their approval to help make the social, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between U.S. citizens and the people of Cuba a reality,” said Arnold Donald, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation. “We know there is strong demand from travelers who want to immerse themselves in Cuban culture, so this is a historic opportunity for us to enable more people to experience Cuban society. It is also an important opportunity for our new fathom brand to expand its positive influence in the world with this potential to add full-week immersion sailings to Cuba to its already planned full-week social-impact itineraries to the Dominican Republic beginning in the spring of 2016.”

Tara Russell, president of fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation, added: “We’re incredibly excited and humbled by this potential opportunity to help travelers experience the amazing beauty and culture of Cuba, while being able to provide educational and cultural exchange activities that will benefit both the traveler and the Cuban people. After establishing the Dominican Republic as our first partner destination, Cuba represents an important step for us to expand our ability to offer meaningful and enriching experiences to purpose-driven travelers. Our goal remains the same for both destinations – to enable travelers to immerse, learn, serve and flourish while making enduring, sustainable contributions on a scalable and systematic basis. We are looking forward to building what we intend to be a beautiful and lasting friendship with the Cuban people.”

Led by Russell’s strong background in social entrepreneurship, fathom seeks to develop lasting social impact partnerships that allow for meaningful personal enrichment of the traveler, while providing systematic, long-term educational, environmental and economic development benefits in its partner countries.

“We’re very interested in exploring the prospects of expanding our partnership with fathom to include Cuba, building new impact programs and lending our assistance to strengthen existing initiatives that will help educational, cultural and humanitarian efforts already going on in Cuba,” said David Luther, founder and executive director of IDDI, a non-profit organization with the mission to help alleviate poverty in rural and urban areas in the Caribbean. “IDDI has long-standing relationships in Cuba and more than a decade of experience working on the ground side-by-side with local officials to make a positive impact in Cuban communities. Nothing else like fathom exists to bring hundreds of like-minded travelers a week to communities of people who need ongoing support. With fathom and its travelers, the potential for making a lasting impact in people’s lives is tremendous. We look forward to partnering closely with fathom to take our programs to the next level, and support growth and prosperity for the citizens of Cuba.”

Travelers may reserve travel on future fathom voyages

Prices for the seven-day trip to the Dominican Republic start at $1,540 per person, which includes an exterior cabin with a view, all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences, three on-shore social impact activities and related supplies, taxes, fees, and port expenses. Prices will vary by season.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $2,990 per person, excluding taxes, port and other government and related fees, and including all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences and certain on-the-ground cultural immersion activities.

About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK) and fathom.

Together, these brands will operate 100 ships in 2015 totaling 219,000 lower berths with eight new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2018. 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&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

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

Live Nation and Shell Announce Integrated Music Sponsorship

July 6, 2015

Live Nation and Shell Announce Integrated Music Sponsorship

— Program Features Custom Backseat Pass Web Series Powered by Pennzoil®, Eight-Amphitheater Venue Alliance, Consumer Promotions & Prizing, and Artist Association —

LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Live Nation Entertainment and Shell Oil Products US today announce a marketing alliance for Shell to become the official fuel sponsor and Pennzoil to become the official lubricants sponsor at eight of Live Nation’s amphitheaters across North America. As part of this relationship, the Pennzoil brand is extending its collaboration with Live Nation, which began in October 2014 with Backseat Pass, a video series on a custom-designed site with musical artists performing a song in the backseat of a moving vehicle, bringing to life the natural connection between music and cars in a compelling way. The footage of artists performing is captured by Live Nation and distributed for fans on a Pennzoil-branded microsite (pennzoilbackseatpass.com) that also features a fan-facing promotion, awarding a lucky fan with a VIP flyway experience to a Live Nation festival of his or her choice and content highlighting Pennzoil’s new product technology.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150702/227908LOGO

Along with the continued excitement of the web series, the Shell and Pennzoil brands are aligning with the power of live music to create unique experiences for consumers and fans at select Live Nation venues.

“Over the past few years, Pennzoil has created an expanding footprint in the music category, enhancing fan passion for cars and music along the way. In 2015, together with Live Nation, Pennzoil will continue on their journey to take musical performances to the next level,” said Doug Kooyman, Pennzoil Global Brand Director. “Live Nation is always evolving the consumer music experience, making the collaboration a perfect fit for the Pennzoil brand that has built their own reputation for pushing the limits of innovation. With Pennzoil having a reputation of pushing the limits of innovation, it’s easy to see why this collaboration is a perfect fit.”

As the official fuels and lubricants sponsors of eight Live Nation venues in North America, Shell and Pennzoil will have naming rights on VIP pavilion decks and parking lots, providing impactful and relevant places to engage consumers throughout the summer, the unrivaled season for music. Live Nation will create exciting programs centered around the Pennzoil “Make the Switch” campaign e-launch of Shell V-Power Nitro Plus premium gasoline, and the Fuel Rewards® program, creating premium experiences for consumers connecting them closer to top live performance. By leveraging these music assets, Pennzoil and Shell will amplify each brand’s respective campaigns and drive incentives to engage consumers to sign up for the Fuel Rewards program.

On top of unique onsite engagements in each of the select amphitheaters, Live Nation will secure major music artists, including GRAMMY award-winning Zac Brown Band, to participate in exclusive promotions. The program will include the opportunity to win a trip to a Zac Brown Band concert as well as meet-and-greet prizes with the band in 20 different cities. This, among other artist associations, will run across Shell Retail branded media channels and offer a total of 200 artist experiences for consumers and key customer account hospitality.

“Through our collaboration with Pennzoil and MediaCom, we have the opportunity to provide a unique vantage point for a live musical performance — the backseat of a car,” said Jeremy Levine, SVP of Digital Sales for Live Nation. “Backseat Pass Powered by Pennzoil does just that — it powers the performance and allows us to share exclusive content online from an out-of-the-box location featuring today’s favorite artists.”

The “Backseat Pass Powered by Pennzoil” series re-launched April 15. Pennzoil will run eight all-new installments this year in addition to the four episodes that ran in 2014. Acts for 2015 include high-profile talent, such as OK Go and Plain White T’s, and premier emerging talent, including Madilyn Bailey, among other popular artists in a variety of genres such as rock, alternative and indie. Fans will be able to sit back, buckle up and watch these performances that are recorded from inside a customized SUV while cruising through Los Angeles. Join us at www.pennzoilbackseatpass.com for more.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

About Pennzoil®

At Pennzoil, we’re car people. We love cars and the role they play in our lives. That’s why we tirelessly strive to produce the most technologically advanced, highest performing motor oils on the market. Pennzoil has made the switch to natural gas technology to make purer synthetic motor oils that lead to better performance than motor oils made from crude oil. Every bottle of Pennzoil Platinum®, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ and Pennzoil Platinum® High Mileage Full Synthetic motor oil is formulated with PurePlus Technology™. PurePlus Technology™ is the revolutionary process, which converts natural gas into high quality full synthetic base oil, with fewer impurities than traditional base oils made from crude oil. Feel the difference of next level performance. Make the switch.

Pennzoil® is the most trusted motor oil brand in America.* The full line of Pennzoil® quality products includes Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® High Mileage Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® Euro Full Synthetic motor oil, Pennzoil Gold™ motor oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, Pennzoil® motor oil, and Pennzoil Marine® engine oil. For more information about the full line of Pennzoil® lubricating products, motor oils and filters, please visit www.pennzoil.com. Not just oil. Pennzoil®.

* Based on a survey of private motorists, between the ages of 18-64, who own or lease a car in the US, between January 2014 and December 2014.

About Shell Lubricants

The term ‘Shell Lubricants’ collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying more than 12% of global lubricants volume. a The companies manufacture and blend products for use in consumer, heavy industrial and commercial transport applications. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX® and Jiffy Lube®.

^*Kline & Company, “Global Lubricants Industry 2012: Market Analysis and Assessment.”

About Shell

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, with a network of approximately 6,000 Shell-branded gasoline stations in the western United States. Another 8,300 Shell-branded stations in the eastern and southern are managed by Motiva Enterprises LLC, a 50/50 joint venture between Shell Oil Company and Saudi Refining, Inc.

Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. [(NYSE:RDS.A) and (NYSE:RDS.B)]

About MediaCom

As “The Content + Connections Agency,” MediaCom works with its clients to leverage their brands’ communications systems to produce a step change in business outcomes. MediaCom delivers not just individual channel silo efficiencies, but also connected communications effectiveness by developing and optimizing all content – defined as any form of consumer messaging – as the fuel that drives high-performing systems. MediaCom measures and quantifies communications systems across paid, owned and earned media through its unique Connected System Audit.

MediaCom is one of the world’s leading media communications specialists, with billings exceeding US$29 billion (Source: RECMA 2013). It employs 6,250 people in 122 offices across 97 countries around the globe. Its client roster includes P&G, VW Group, Dell and Universal. MediaCom is a member of WPP, the world’s largest marketing communications services group, and part of GroupM, WPP’s consolidated media investment management arm.

For more information on MediaCom USA, visit www.mediacomusa.com.

Find us on Twitter @mediacomus.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MediaComUSA.
Join us on LinkedIn here.

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