New Study Finds Balance Not Bias At Venezuela’s Globovision

May 19, 2015

New Study Finds Balance Not Bias At Venezuela’s Globovision

Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University Releases

Analysis of Venezuela’s Globovisión

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American University’s Center for Latin American and Latino Studies (CLALS) study Bias or Neutrality? An Assessment of Television News Coverage in Venezuela by Globovisión shows that even amidst Venezuela’s stringent press regulations, the television news network, Globovisión, has “no significant bias in favor of the government or the opposition.” The independent study was released in full today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

CLALS’ director Eric Hershberg and his team of research fellows Michael McCarthy and Michael Danielson, who are experts in Venezuela and its politics and Latin American politics and quantitative analysis respectively, and doctoral candidate Paula Orlando, an expert in media analysis, carried out the rigorous examination covering the polarized time period from the fall of 2013 through the summer of 2014.

Globovisión commissioned this independent study from CLALS to examine the network’s content. The final study was the result of a six-month study undertaken to review the network’s news coverage since it changed ownership in 2013.

The 61 page study analyzed three central questions:

Does Globovisión provide regular and fair coverage and airtime of the opposition in Venezuela re: stories, policies and interviews?
Does Globovisión provide coverage that presents the government in a negative light or holds it accountable?
Is there balance in the airtime afforded to opposition and government coverage?

Through its application of quantitative and qualitative analysis, the researchers examined 88 hours of Globovisión’s primary weekday and weekend evening news programs that aired over four distinct periods of time identified as “critical junctures”. They included the 2013 municipal elections, opposition street demonstrations in early 2014, international efforts to convene talks between the government and opposition in the spring of 2014, and the shortages of basic goods during the summer of 2014.

The team reviewed several hundred news stories and interviews during the time period featuring more than 1000 individuals and the discussion of 36 topics. Specifically, the CLALS team compared coverage of news events across multiple days, assessing bias, tone and editorial approach for Globovisión’s flagship program Noticias Estelar (nightly) and Noticias Globovisión (weekend). Five themes were considered: economy, politics, security situation, student protests, and “other” (one-off stories such as road closures, entertainment, sports, natural disasters, etc.)

The study does note with concern that Globovisión during the time period studied had not given the attention to the jailing of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez that international outlets such as CNN in Spanish or NTN24 have given to the story.

Overall, the study states, however, that Globovisión “covered the most important issues and problems facing the country.” Shifting away from the previous ownership’s overtly pro-opposition perspective, the study establishes that Globovisión under present ownership provided balanced coverage of the issues facing Venezuela today.

The Center for Latin American and Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University, established in January 2010, is a campus-wide initiative advancing and disseminating the state-of-the-art research. The Center’s faculty affiliates and partners are at the forefront of efforts to understand economic development, democratic governance, cultural diversity and change, peace and diplomacy, health, education and environmental well-being. CLALS generates high-quality, timely analysis on these and other issues in partnership with researchers and practitioners from AU and beyond.

American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world.

(Español) BabyCenter en Español lanza innovadora Webnovela: “40 semanas… ¡y media!”

May 19, 2015

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The Home Depot Announces First Quarter Results; Raises Fiscal Year 2015 Guidance

May 19, 2015

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The Home Depot Announces First Quarter Results; Raises Fiscal Year 2015 Guidance

ATLANTA, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today reported sales of $20.9 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2015, a 6.1 percent increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Comparable store sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 were positive 6.1 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 7.1 percent.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030502/HOMEDEPOTLOGO

Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 were $1.6 billion, or $1.21 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $1.4 billion, or $1.00 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2014. For the first quarter of fiscal 2015, diluted earnings per share increased 21.0 percent from the same period in the prior year.

First quarter of fiscal 2015 results reflect a benefit to earnings of $71 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, primarily attributable to the settlement of a tax audit.

“We had a stronger than expected start to the year as we experienced a more normal spring across much of the country and continued recovery of the U.S. housing market,” said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president. “I would like to thank our associates for their hard work and dedication.”

Updated Fiscal 2015 Guidance

The Company has provided a range of sales, comp sales and diluted earnings-per-share growth to reflect the difference between 2014 average exchange rates and current exchange rates. The low-end of the Company’s sales, comp sales and diluted earnings-per-share growth guidance reflects the U.S. dollar remaining at current foreign exchange rates.

Based on its year-to-date performance, the Company raised its fiscal 2015 sales guidance and now expects sales will be up approximately 4.2 percent to 4.8 percent and comp sales will be up approximately 4.0 percent to 4.6 percent. The Company also raised its diluted earnings-per-share guidance for the year and now expects diluted earnings per share to grow approximately 11 to 12 percent from fiscal 2014 to $5.24 to $5.27.

This earnings-per-share guidance includes the benefit of a favorable settlement of a tax audit, the Company’s year-to-date share repurchases and the Company’s intent to repurchase $3.4 billion in additional shares over the remainder of the fiscal year.

The Company’s fiscal 2015 diluted earnings-per-share guidance does not include an accrual for contingent losses related to the data breach discovered in September 2014. Other than $7 million of net breach-related costs contained in the Company’s first quarter fiscal 2015 earnings, at this time the Company is not able to estimate the costs, or a range of costs, related to the breach. Costs related to the breach may include liabilities to payment card networks for reimbursements of credit card fraud and card reissuance costs; liabilities related to the Company’s private label credit card fraud and card reissuance; liabilities from current and future civil litigation, governmental investigations and enforcement proceedings; future expenses for legal, investigative and consulting fees; and additional expenses and capital investments for remediation activities. Those costs may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results in fiscal 2015 and/or future periods.

Change in Accounting Policy

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company voluntarily changed its accounting policy for certain shipping and handling costs from the Company’s stores, locations or distribution centers to customers and for online fulfillment center costs. Under the new accounting policy, these costs are included in cost of sales, whereas they were previously included in operating expenses. Including these expenses in cost of sales will better align these costs with the related revenue in the gross profit calculation.

The Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 have been reclassified to reflect this change in accounting policy. The impact of this reclassification was an increase of $128 million to cost of sales and a corresponding decrease of $128 million to operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2014. There is no impact from this reclassification on net sales, operating income, net earnings or earnings per share.

The Home Depot will conduct a conference call today at 9 a.m. ET to discuss information included in this news release and related matters. The conference call will be available in its entirety through a webcast and replay at earnings.homedepot.com.

At the end of the first quarter, the Company operated a total of 2,270 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The Company employs more than 300,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the demand for our products and services; net sales growth; comparable store sales; effects of competition; state of the economy; state of the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets; state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit; demand for credit offerings; inventory and in-stock positions; implementation of store, interconnected retail and supply chain initiatives; management of relationships with our suppliers and vendors; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation, including those related to the data breach; issues related to the payment methods we accept and the timing of upgrades and enhancements impacting point of sale devices; continuation of share repurchase programs; net earnings performance; earnings per share; dividend targets; capital allocation and expenditures; liquidity; return on invested capital; expense leverage; stock-based compensation expense; commodity price inflation and deflation; the ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; store openings and closures; guidance for fiscal 2015 and beyond; and financial outlook.

Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control or are currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended February 1, 2015 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 3, 2015 AND MAY 4, 2014 (Unaudited) (Amounts in Millions Except Per Share Data and as Otherwise Noted)
	Three Months Ended
	May 3, 2015		May 4, 2014		% Increase (Decrease)
NET SALES	$	20,891	$	19,687	6.1	%
Cost of Sales	13,712		12,930		6.0
GROSS PROFIT	7,179		6,757		6.2
Operating Expenses:
Selling, General and Administrative	4,163		4,067		2.4
Depreciation and Amortization	419		413		1.5
Total Operating Expenses	4,582		4,480		2.3
OPERATING INCOME	2,597		2,277		14.1
Interest and Other (Income) Expense:
Interest and Investment Income	(4)		(100)		N/M
Interest Expense	197		191		3.1
Interest and Other, net	193		91		N/M
EARNINGS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	2,404		2,186		10.0
Provision for Income Taxes	825		807		2.2

NET EARNINGS	$	1,579	$	1,379	14.5	%

Weighted Average Common Shares	1,298		1,367		(5.0)	%
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	1.22	$	1.01	20.8

Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares	1,305		1,376		(5.2)	%
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE	$	1.21	$	1.00	21.0

	Three Months Ended
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS	May 3, 2015		May 4, 2014		% Increase (Decrease)
Number of Customer Transactions	360.2		344.5		4.6	%
Average Ticket (actual)	$	58.60	$	57.59	1.8
Sales per Square Foot (actual)	$	353.70	$	334.01	5.9

N/M – Not Meaningful

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF MAY 3, 2015, MAY 4, 2014 AND FEBRUARY 1, 2015 (Unaudited) (Amounts in Millions)
	May 3, 2015		May 4, 2014		February 1, 2015
ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	2,827	$	2,511	$	1,723
Receivables, net	1,839		1,831		1,484
Merchandise Inventories	12,306		12,343		11,079
Other Current Assets	1,023		830		1,016
Total Current Assets	17,995		17,515		15,302
Property and Equipment, net	22,562		23,238		22,720
Goodwill	1,359		1,293		1,353
Other Assets	594		583		571
TOTAL ASSETS	$	42,510	$	42,629	$	39,946

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Short-Term Debt	$	—	$	—	$	290
Accounts Payable	8,070		7,739		5,807
Accrued Salaries and Related Expenses	1,283		1,233		1,391
Current Installments of Long-Term Debt	3,054		34		38
Other Current Liabilities	4,598		4,259		3,743
Total Current Liabilities	17,005		13,265		11,269
Long-Term Debt, excluding current installments	13,818		14,707		16,869
Other Long-Term Liabilities	2,483		2,511		2,486
Total Liabilities	33,306		30,483		30,624
Total Stockholders’ Equity	9,204		12,146		9,322
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	42,510	$	42,629	$	39,946

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 3, 2015 AND MAY 4, 2014 (Unaudited) (Amounts in Millions)
	Three Months Ended
	May 3, 2015		May 4, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Earnings	$	1,579	$	1,379
Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	454		447
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	69		67
Changes in Working Capital and Other	1,302		675
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	3,404		2,568
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital Expenditures	(322)		(287)
Proceeds from Sales of Property and Equipment	5		7
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(317)		(280)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of Short-Term Borrowings, net	(290)		—
Repayments of Long-Term Debt	(10)		(12)
Repurchases of Common Stock	(1,125)		(1,250)
Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock	47		69
Cash Dividends Paid to Stockholders	(769)		(646)
Other Financing Activities	146		133
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(2,001)		(1,706)
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,086		582
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	18		—
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	1,723		1,929
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	2,827	$	2,511

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS ITEMS AS RECLASSIFIED FOR CURRENT PRESENTATION FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 1, 2015 (FISCAL YEAR 2014) AND FEBRUARY 2, 2014 (FISCAL YEAR 2013) (Unaudited) (Amounts in Millions Except Per Share Data and as Otherwise Noted)
	Fiscal Year 2014
	As Previously Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		Reclassification		As Currently Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net Sales	$	83,176	100.0	%	$	—	$	83,176	100.0	%
Cost of Sales	54,222		65.2		565		54,787		65.9
Total Operating Expenses	18,485		22.2		(565)		17,920		21.5
Operating Income	10,469		12.6		—		10,469		12.6
Net Earnings	6,345		7.6		—		6,345		7.6
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	4.71			$	—	$	4.71


	Fiscal Year 2013
	As Previously Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		Reclassification		As Currently Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net Sales	$	78,812	100.0	%	$	—	$	78,812	100.0	%
Cost of Sales	51,422		65.2		475		51,897		65.8
Total Operating Expenses	18,224		23.1		(475)		17,749		22.5
Operating Income	9,166		11.6		—		9,166		11.6
Net Earnings	5,385		6.8		—		5,385		6.8
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	3.76			$	—	$	3.76

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS ITEMS AS RECLASSIFIED FOR CURRENT PRESENTATION FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIODS DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 1, 2015 (FISCAL YEAR 2014) (Unaudited) (Amounts in Millions Except Per Share Data and as Otherwise Noted)
	First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2014
	As Previously Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		Reclassification		As Currently Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net Sales	$	19,687	100.0	%	$	—	$	19,687	100.0	%
Cost of Sales	12,802		65.0		128		12,930		65.7
Total Operating Expenses	4,608		23.4		(128)		4,480		22.8
Operating Income	2,277		11.6		—		2,277		11.6
Net Earnings	1,379		7.0		—		1,379		7.0
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.00			$	—	$	1.00

	Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2014
	As Previously Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		Reclassification		As Currently Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net Sales	$	23,811	100.0	%	$	—	$	23,811	100.0	%
Cost of Sales	15,650		65.7		154		15,804		66.4
Total Operating Expenses	4,713		19.8		(154)		4,559		19.1
Operating Income	3,448		14.5		—		3,448		14.5
Net Earnings	2,050		8.6		—		2,050		8.6
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.52			$	—	$	1.52

	Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2014
	As Previously Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		Reclassification		As Currently Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net Sales	$	20,516	100.0	%	$	—	$	20,516	100.0	%
Cost of Sales	13,331		65.0		142		13,473		65.7
Total Operating Expenses	4,632		22.6		(142)		4,490		21.9
Operating Income	2,553		12.4		—		2,553		12.4
Net Earnings	1,537		7.5		—		1,537		7.5
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.15			$	—	$	1.15

	Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2014
	As Previously Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*		Reclassification		As Currently Reported		*% of* *Net Sales*
Net Sales	$	19,162	100.0	%	$	—	$	19,162	100.0	%
Cost of Sales	12,439		64.9		141		12,580		65.7
Total Operating Expenses	4,532		23.7		(141)		4,391		22.9
Operating Income	2,191		11.4		—		2,191		11.4
Net Earnings	1,379		7.2		—		1,379		7.2
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.05			$	—	$	1.05

Smartphone Use While Driving Grows Beyond Texting to Social Media, Web Surfing, Selfies, Video Chatting

May 19, 2015

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Smartphone Use While Driving Grows Beyond Texting to Social Media, Web Surfing, Selfies, Video Chatting

DALLAS, May 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — When you see the driver next to you looking at their phone, it’s no longer safe to assume they’re texting. New research¹ from AT&T* shows nearly 4-in-10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving. Almost 3-in-10 surf the net. And surprisingly, 1-in-10 video chat.

7-in-10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving. Texting and emailing are still the most prevalent. But other smartphone activity use behind the wheel is now common. Among social platforms, Facebook tops the list, with more than a quarter of those polled using the app while driving. About 1-in-7 said they’re on Twitter behind the wheel.

AT&T will expand the It Can Wait^® campaign from a focus on texting while driving to include other smartphone driving distractions that have emerged as our relationships with our devices have changed.

“When we launched It Can Wait five years ago, we pleaded with people to realize that no text is worth a life,” said Lori Lee, AT&T’s global marketing officer. “The same applies to other smartphone activities that people are doing while driving. For the sake of you and those around you, please keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone.”

Smartphone activities people say they do while driving include:

Text² (61%)
Email² (33%)
Surf the net (28%)
Facebook³ (27%)
Snap a selfie/photo (17%)
Twitter³ (14%)
Instagram³ (14%)
Shoot a video (12%)
Snapchat³ (11%)
Video chat (10%)

Other unsettling findings include:

62% keep their smartphones within easy reach while driving.⁴
30% of people who post to Twitter while driving do it “all the time.”
22% who access social networks while driving cite addiction as a reason.
Of those who shoot videos behind the wheel, 27% think they can do it safely while driving.

AT&T will use the survey findings to help drive awareness of the dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel, and to encourage life-saving behavior change. It will collaborate with social platforms to share the message, and will launch a nationwide virtual reality tour this summer to help people understand that it’s not possible to drive safely while using a smartphone.

Twitter will collaborate with AT&T to share messages on their platform about the dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel.

Samsung, Bose and Google will support the immersive tour experience, which will be delivered through Samsung Gear VR, with premium sound from Bose QuietComfort^® 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling^® Headphones. Google Cardboard will make it possible for people to use their own smartphones to see the 3D virtual reality program.

Since its launch in 2010, the It Can Wait campaign has:

Helped drive awareness of the dangers of texting while driving to about 90% for all audiences surveyed.
Inspired more than 6.5 million pledges not to text and drive.
Worked with departments of transportation in Texas, Kentucky and other states on research that suggests a correlation between It Can Wait campaign activities and a reduction in crashes.

Visit www.ItCanWait.com to learn more.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

1 Research commissioned by AT&T and conducted by Braun Research. Polled 2,067 people in the U.S. aged 16-65 who use their smartphone and drive at least once a day. Additional information available here.

2 Read, send or reply.

3 View or post.

4 In their hand, lap or cup holder, or on the passenger seat or dash.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) helps millions of people and businesses around the globe stay connected through leading wireless, high-speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. We’re helping people mobilize their worlds with state-of-the-art communications, entertainment services and amazing innovations like connected cars and devices for homes, offices and points in between. Our U.S. wireless network offers customers the nation’s strongest LTE signal and the nation’s most reliable 4G LTE network. We offer the best global wireless coverage. We’re improving how our customers stay entertained and informed with AT&T U-verse^® TV and High Speed Internet services. And businesses worldwide are serving their customers better with AT&T’s mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.

Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at http://about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

© 2015 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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Platinum-Selling Recording Artist, Nick Jonas, Announces North American Dates Of His Solo Tour

May 18, 2015

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Platinum-Selling Recording Artist, Nick Jonas, Announces North American Dates Of His Solo Tour

THE NICK JONAS “LIVE IN CONCERT” TOUR KICKS OFF SEPTEMBER 6

– BeBe Rexha Will Join Tour As Special Guest –

– Tickets On Sale May 22 at LiveNation.com –

CONTINUES HIS ASCENT WITH NEW SINGLE “GOOD THING” (SAGE THE GEMINI, NICK JONAS), AVAILABLE VIA ALL DIGITAL RETAILERS TODAY!

LOS ANGELES, May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Just off the heels of his performance at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, music’s newest leading man, Nick Jonas, announced today details behind his upcoming North American solo tour. The NICK JONAS “LIVE IN CONCERT” TOUR, produced exclusively by Live Nation, will kick off on September 6 as the versatile recording artist, performer and actor sets out on the road in support of his critically-acclaimed self-titled solo album via Island Records. The much anticipated tour will make stops in 19 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada with dates in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago and San Francisco. Pop music breakout, BeBe Rexha, will join the tour as a special guest. A full list of dates for the NICK JONAS “LIVE IN CONCERT” TOUR is below and includes dates supporting Kelly Clarkson’s tour in Canada. Tickets go on sale starting May 22 at 10 a.m. local time on www.livenation.com. (Photo credit: Andrew Zeah)

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150518/216615

Citi® cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. local time through Citi’s Private Pass® Program. For complete pre-sale details, visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

As 2015 proves to be another breakthrough year – with captivating performances of his chart-topping singles, “Chains” and “Jealous,” on countless award and TV shows including the Academy of Country Music Awards, Kids Choice Awards, The Voice, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the breakout solo powerhouse has now joined forces with Republic Records’ West Coast rapper-producer, Sage the Gemini, to release their sultry summer collaboration, “Good Thing.” The single is available now via all digital retailers (purchase links are below).

In addition to his musical accomplishments, this spring, Jonas began production on the James Franco-produced film, GOAT and Ryan Murphy’s upcoming horror-comedy series, Scream Queens. Jonas will make multiple guest appearances in Scream Queens, which airs on FOX this Fall and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Roberts and Lea Michele. The multi-talented recording artist and actor will also return to his lead role as prized MMA fighter, Nate Kulina, in Season 2 of DirecTV Audience Network’s television show, Kingdom, which premiered to stellar reviews last October.

NICK JONAS “LIVE IN CONCERT” NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
* Dates on Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece By Piece” Tour; on sale now

Sunday, September 6	Hershey, PA	Hershey Theatre
Monday, September 7	Syracuse, NY	New York State Fair
Wednesday, September 9	New York, NY	Terminal 5
Thursday, September 10	Boston, MA	House of Blues Boston
Friday, September 11	Uncasville, CT	Mohegan Sun Arena
Sunday, September 13	Detroit, MI	The Fillmore Detroit
Monday, September 14	Chicago, IL	House of Blues Chicago
Tuesday, September 15	St. Louis, MO	The Pageant
Thursday, September 17	Denver, CO	Fillmore Auditorium
Sunday, September 20	Phoenix, AZ	The Marquee
Tuesday, September 22	Houston, TX	House of Blues Houston
Wednesday, September 23	Dallas, TX	House of Blues Dallas
Friday, September 25	Atlanta, GA	The Tabernacle
Saturday, September 26	Lake Buena Vista, FL	House of Blues Orlando
Sunday, September 27	Miami Beach, FL	The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater
Tuesday, September 29	Silver Spring, MD	The Fillmore Silver Spring
Thursday, October 1*	Ottawa, ON	Canadian Tire Centre (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Friday, October 2*	Montreal, QC	Bell Centre (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Saturday, October 3	Toronto, ON	The Phoenix Concert Theatre
Sunday, October 4*	London, ON	Budweiser Gardens (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Tuesday, October 6	Saint Paul, MN	The Myth
Wednesday, October 7*	Winnipeg, MB	MTS Centre (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Saturday, October 10*	Saskatoon, SK	SaskTel Centre (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Monday, October 12*	Calgary, AB	Scotiabank Saddledome (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Wednesday, October 14*	Edmonton, AB	Northlands Rexall Place (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Thursday, October 15*	Dawson’s Creek, BC	EnCana Events Centre (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Saturday, October 17*	Vancouver, BC	Rogers Arena (supporting Kelly Clarkson)
Friday, October 23	Los Angeles, CA	The Wiltern
Sunday, October 25	San Francisco, CA	The Masonic

“GOOD THING” PURCHASE LINKS
Explicit Version
Music: http://smarturl.it/SageJonasGoodThing
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/SageJonasGoodThingGP
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/SageJonasGoodThingAZ

Edited Version
Music: http://smarturl.it/SageJonasGoodThingEd
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/SageGoodThingEdGP
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/SageGoodThingEdAZ

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.

Markel announces Cathryn Curia’s retirement

May 18, 2015

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Markel announces Cathryn Curia’s retirement

RICHMOND, Va., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced today that Cathryn Curia, Managing Director, North American Property Reinsurance, is retiring effective August 1, 2015.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73238

“Cathryn’s underwriting and leadership contributions have been invaluable to the growth and profitability of Markel Global Reinsurance,” said Jed Rhoads, President and Chief Underwriting Officer of Markel Global Reinsurance. “She has had a truly remarkable career in the industry, and we are indebted to her for her many years of service.”

Curia has been in the reinsurance industry for the past 46 years. She joined Markel as part of the Alterra acquisition in May 2013. Curia served in a similar capacity for Alterra, having joined the company in 2005. Prior to joining Alterra, she served as Executive Vice President – North American Property Treaty for Platinum Underwriters Re. She was employed by St. Paul Re, Inc. from 1983 to 2002 in various positions including Executive Vice President, North American Property Treaty. She began her career as a trainee at Atlantic Mutual Companies, where she ultimately served as Secretary, Reinsurance. Curia earned a CPCU designation and is a member and past president of the Association of Professional Insurance Women.

“Cathryn is well known and deeply respected by her colleagues and our reinsurance brokers and clients. She will be sorely missed, and we wish her all the best in the years to come,” said Rhoads.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.

(Español) LéaLA consolida su liderazgo como evento cultural en favor de español y la lectura

May 18, 2015

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Sprint Expands Direct 2 You Availability to Include New Customers in Kansas City, Chicago and Miami

May 18, 2015

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sprint (NYSE: S) is expanding its Direct 2 You service to all well-qualified consumers in Kansas City, Miami and Chicago beginning June 1. The unprecedented service brings an in-store experience directly to customers whenever and wherever they want – for free.¹ Originally available to existing Sprint customers seeking an upgrade, Sprint will now offer Direct 2 You to all consumers in these three markets who want to switch to Sprint.

The service will continue to roll out to more markets across the country throughout 2015, including New York City, San Francisco and Denver in early June.

"Customers have told us that they want to be served in
the comfort of their own homes or at a location convenient for them," said Rod Millar, vice president, Sprint. "Sprint Direct 2 You Xperts have a passion for people and technology, and our customers appreciate the extra attention. Some customers have even had us meet them in restaurants and hotel lobbies."

For the Direct 2 You experience, a customer schedules an appointment by calling an 800 number, which can be found at www.sprint.com/direct2you. At the appointed time, an Xpert meets the customer at his or her convenience, sets up the new phone and transfers all content, including contacts, pictures, games and apps. The Xperience also includes personalized training and tips to help the customer become more familiar with using their new mobile device.

Many customers have shared feedback about their
experiences with Direct 2 You:

"It's a great experience and I'm actually kind of shocked you guys came out today."

"I think this is an excellent feature that Sprint is offering and please keep up the good work."

"I really like the concept… this idea, feels more personal. It was great."

"He was so patient with me because I'm an older person. He took his time and explained everything in detail and spent all of his time with me and I really appreciated it. He was great!"

"Over the moon. Expert upbeat. Answered all questions, worked out all glitches. You don't know the benefit to be a professional and have someone come to your home and help you with your phone."

About Sprint:

Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served more than 57 million connections as of March 31, 2015 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the past four years. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint
and www.twitter.com/sprint.

¹Within participating markets, Sprint will have specific delivery zones. Upon setting up your appointment, the specialist will determine if your desired location is eligible for Direct 2 You.

California Appellate Court Strikes Down California’s Compulsory Contracting Statute As Unconstitutional, Sets Aside ALRB-Ordered Contract

May 18, 2015

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California Appellate Court Strikes Down California’s Compulsory Contracting Statute As Unconstitutional, Sets Aside ALRB-Ordered Contract

Gerawan Farming Calls Ruling Significant Victory

FRESNO, Calif., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On May 14, 2015, the California Court of Appeal in Fresno unanimously declared the Mandatory Mediation and Conciliation (MMC) Statute unconstitutional and set aside the California Agricultural Labor Relation Board’s order to force a “collective bargaining agreement” and to impose the UFW on Gerawan and its employees.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150515/216284

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150515/216285

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141107/157362LOGO

The decision holds that the “inequality and arbitrariness of the MMC process improperly delegates legislative authority to an unelected state agency. Calling the MMC statute “the very antithesis of equal protection,” the Court held that it unconstitutionally mandates “the imposition of a collective bargaining agreement by administrative edict” based on “a distinct, unequal, individualized set of rules” for each individual employer.

In a 58-page opinion, the Court held: “As the present case illustrates, where a union has arguably abandoned the employees but later returns to invoke the MMC process, that situation may create a crisis of representation.” The Court ruled that Gerawan Farming “should have been given an opportunity to prove abandonment to the Board once UFW requested the MMC process,” concluding that the Board “abused its discretion” when it compelled Gerawan into this forced contracting process “without properly considering Gerawan’s claim of union abandonment.”

“This is a significant victory for our employees, our family, and the entire industry. The Court’s ruling vindicates our argument that no state agency should be able to unilaterally impose a contract on workers without a vote or force it on employers without their consent,” said the company’s co-owner, Dan Gerawan. “This decision is a significant win for all agricultural workers, who justifiably deserve the freedom to choose representatives to speak for them at the bargaining table.”

After winning a contested election in 1990 and being certified by the ALRB in 1992, the UFW “disappeared from the scene for nearly two decades.” The Court continued: “It is clear that the employees’ right to a representative of their own choosing would be seriously jeopardized in the situation of abandonment by a union where, as here, the absentee union suddenly reappeared on the scene to demand the MMC process.”

As the Court held, under the MMC process, “a collective bargaining agreement will be imposed whether the employees want it or not; and it will be imposed with the formerly absent union, whether the employees want its representation or not.”

The Court concluded that Gerawan was permitted to raise the UFW’s abandonment as a defense to this forced contracting scheme, “because only that result will preserve the ALRA’s purpose of protecting the employees’ right to choose.”

Thousands of Gerawan employees successfully petitioned for the right to hold an election to determine whether to oust the UFW. That election was held 18 months ago. Though the Board has yet to count the ballots, it imposed the MMC contract after the election. Both the UFW and the General Counsel of the Board sought unsuccessfully to compel enforcement of the contract, which would have forced workers to pay dues or fees to the UFW, or be fired.

Rejecting the Board’s argument that employees could mount a decertification effort against a heretofore-absent union, the Court held that “[r]ealistically, a decertification option would often be too late to stop the MMC process.”

The Court awarded that the state of California pay Gerawan’s costs for bringing this appeal.

You can find copies of the Court’s decision here, and more background information here on the ALRB’s efforts to force a contract on Gerawan employees before ballots have been counted in the decertification election.

Mary Kay’s ‘Beauty That Counts’ Transforms Lives Around The World

May 18, 2015

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BTC Lipglosses w smear behind — Mary Kay Inc. will donate $1 from each sale of the limited-edition Beauty That Counts(R) NouriShine Plus(R) Lip Gloss available in colors 'Create Change' and 'In Harmony' to help change the lives of women and children around the world. Mary Kay's Beauty That Counts(R) program has raised $8.5 million for charitable organizations worldwide.

Mary Kay’s ‘Beauty That Counts’ Transforms Lives Around The World

Global Philanthropic Campaign Raises $8.5 Million and Counting For Charitable Organizations Worldwide

DALLAS, May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — What’s so special about a lip gloss? If it’s a new limited-edition* Mary Kay® Beauty That Counts® NouriShine Plus® Lip Gloss, it’s a feel-good gloss that has the ability to change lives. Through the iconic beauty company’s global cause-related program, Beauty That Counts®, customers worldwide can make a difference in the lives of women and children simply by purchasing a one-of-a-kind lip gloss.

Mary Kay Inc. will donate $1 from each sale of the limited-edition Beauty That Counts(R) NouriShine Plus(R) Lip Gloss available in colors "Create Change" and "In Harmony" to help change the lives of women and children around the world. Mary Kay's Beauty That Counts(R) program has raised $8.5 million for charitable organizations worldwide.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150515/216400

In the United States, from May 16 through August 15, 2015, Mary Kay Inc. will donate $1 from each sale of the limited-edition* Beauty That Counts® NouriShine Plus® Lip Gloss in two new shades, “Create Change” and “In Harmony.” The initiative provides funding to support The Mary Kay Foundation^SM. Over the past 15 years, the Foundation and Mary Kay Inc. have given $50 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs to women’s shelters across the country in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.

“One in four women in the United States will experience domestic violence in their lifetime,” said Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs for Mary Kay Inc. and a board member for The Mary Kay Foundation^SM. “The fact is most domestic violence shelters across the country operate on a very lean budget and therefore, rely heavily on donations. Each year the Foundation awards grants to at least one domestic violence shelter in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. With continued support through the Beauty That Counts® campaign, we are benefiting women and children in countless ways.”

Since the Beauty That Counts® program began in 2008, Mary Kay has donated $8.5 million (USD) to organizations worldwide that help women and children in need. As a driving force behind the global philanthropic campaign, Mary Kay independent sales force members have sold lipstick, fragrance, compacts and now lip gloss.

“Through the Beauty That Counts® initiative, women worldwide can wear a limited-edition* lip gloss and be part of a global movement aimed at transforming lives,” said Sara Friedman, Vice President of Marketing at Mary Kay Inc. “For more than five decades, Mary Kay has been committed to enriching women’s lives and making a positive impact while also offering irresistible products. Together with our independent beauty consultants and faithful Mary Kay brand lovers, we can make a difference one lip gloss at a time.”

*Available while supplies last.

About Mary Kay

Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For more than 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $4 billion in global annual sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what there is to love about Mary Kay by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant at marykay.com.

About The Mary Kay Foundation℠

The Mary Kay Foundation was founded in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. Since the Foundation’s inception, it has awarded $37 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and more than $20 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation℠, please visit www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or [email protected]

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