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Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act Limits Upheld In Venezuelan Billionaire Mezerhane’s Lawsuit, Says Diaz Reus

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MIAMI, May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Expatriate Venezuelan billionaire Nelson J. Mezerhane’s attempt to sue his government and the Venezuelan equivalent of the FDIC in U.S. courts for alleged illegal expropriations has again been turned back, this time by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The May 7, 2015, decision affirms the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida’s earlier dismissal of Mezerhane’s lawsuit claiming that the government of Venezuela its agencies, including Fondo de Proteccion Social de los Depositos Bancarios (FOGADE) (Venezuela’s equivalent of the FDIC), had expropriated his property in violation of international law. The appellate court agreed that the district court lacked jurisdiction to resolve the dispute under the expropriation exception of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).

FOGADE’s attorneys, Diaz, Reus & Targ, LLP, had successfully argued for dismissal in the district court by pointing out that the facts as alleged by Mezerhane did not show a violation of international law – a requirement under the FSIA’s expropriation exception. Both the district court and the Eleventh Circuit agreed that the FSIA does not contemplate entertaining lawsuits between foreign citizens and their governments concerning property that is within the foreign government’s jurisdiction.

“The law is very clear. U.S. Courts cannot tell foreign sovereigns how to treat their own citizens,” said Diaz Reus partner Marta Colomar Garcia, representing FOGADE. “The facts here are obvious. Venezuela and its agencies were entitled to sovereign immunity because the events alleged by Mr. Mezerhane occurred in Venezuela, where he was a citizen.”

Diaz Reus partner Brant Hadaway added, “The courts of the United States recognize that issues revolving around the conduct of foreign sovereigns towards their own citizens is a matter that our Constitution’s Framers reserved to the political branches of government – Congress and the President. To hold otherwise would open the door not only to foreign citizens bringing their grievances against their governments in the U.S., but potentially to American citizens bringing claims against the U.S. government, or the government of one or more of the 50 States, in a foreign court.”

About Diaz Reus

Diaz, Reus & Targ, LLP (Diaz Reus) is a full-service, entrepreneurial international law firm offering comprehensive legal services to U.S.-based and international clients around the world. The firm’s global reach extends from its Miami, Fla., headquarters to its international offices, strategically located throughout Latin America, the Middle East, and in Asia and Europe. For more information, visit www.diazreus.com

Media Contact:
Jayne Navarre, Diaz Reus
[email protected]
P: 305-375-9220


Barefoot Refresh Celebrates Spritzer Season By Taking Americans Out To The Ball Game

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Barefoot Refresh Celebrates Spritzer Season By Taking Americans Out To The Ball Game


MODESTO, Calif., May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This spring, over 40 million Americans – nearly 13 percent of the total population – are expected to attend a Minor League Baseball game. More than 160 ballparks will play host to baseball fans looking to experience America’s favorite pastime, cheer for the home team and enjoy the concessions. In celebration of Spritzer Season – the time of year when weather heats up, memories are made, and light, fizzy drinks are in demand – Barefoot Refresh is hitting one out of the park for a number of Minor League Baseball fans.

It's Spritzer Season! The time of year when weather heats up and light, fizzy drinks are in demand. Great over ice and perfect for casual occasions, Barefoot Refresh is a light, vibrant wine inspired by the classic Spritzer style. Fans nationwide are invited to share how they celebrate this refreshing time of year by using #SpritzerSeason.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150506/214356LOGO

To kick off Spritzer Season, Barefoot Refresh will be buying out a part of five Minor League Baseball parks, giving away thousands of game tickets to those in the surrounding communities. These celebratory game nights will be complete with Barefoot Refresh sampling stations, wine and food pairings, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and plenty of swag. For fans looking to get a better view of the action, a ‘Refresh Your Seat’ digital upgrade challenge will offer attendees the opportunity to try their luck on social media for the chance to score a better seat. Fans across the country who cannot make it out to the ballpark can share in the excitement by using #SpritzerSeason to showcase how they are celebrating this refreshing time of year.

“Like Minor League Baseball, Barefoot Refresh recognizes the importance of building strong bonds in local communities across the country,” said Jen Wall, Winemaker for Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. “We look forward to introducing Barefoot Refresh and its unique versatility to baseball fans at Spritzer Season events across the country and knocking expectations out of the ballpark.”

Barefoot Refresh is a light-bodied, vibrant wine inspired by the classic spritzer style. Specifically created for the ever-increasing number of wine occasions that extend beyond the traditional dinner table setting, Barefoot Refresh is often served over ice and perfect for casual occasions and get-togethers, such as backyard barbecues or a day at the ballpark. 

Barefoot Refresh will be kicking off Spritzer Season in the following cities:

  • Sacramento, CA
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Portland, ME
  • Des Moines, IA
  • Charlotte, NC

Sacramento River Cats

Las Vegas 51s

Portland Sea Dogs

Iowa Cubs

Charlotte Knights

May 21, 2015

June 12, 2015

July 23, 2015

August 7, 2015

August 20, 2015

For additional details and official rules for the open ticket giveaway, please visit BarefootWine.com.

About Barefoot Wine & Bubbly
Barefoot Wine is the most awarded wine brand in US competitions. Barefoot’s wines are attractively priced and can be found in bottles bearing the fun, iconic footprint label. Barefoot’s still wine portfolio includes 17 offerings and is available for a suggested retail price of $7 for 750-ml bottles, $12 for 1.5-liter bottles. Barefoot Bubbly ($10) is available in 11 offerings, including Barefoot Bubbly Fusions, and is the most awarded Sparkling Wine in US competitions. Barefoot Refresh ($7) is available in five new lively and light-style offerings. For additional information, visit BarefootWine.com or Facebook.com/BarefootWine.

About Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2014, Minor League Baseball attracted 42.4 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information about Minor League Baseball, visit www.MiLB.com.

 


Discovery U.S. Hispanic Networks Announce 2015-2016 Upfront Slate

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Discovery U.S. Hispanic Networks Announce 2015-2016 Upfront Slate


MIAMI, May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Discovery U.S. Hispanic today announced its networks’ 2015-2016 Upfront slate, expanding on popular genres such as adventure and motors for Discovery en Espanol as well as beauty, home and cooking on the female-focused Discovery Familia.

Discovery U.S. Hispanic enters this year’s Upfront season with its highest rated quarter on record for its portfolio. Discovery Familia saw significant increases, with growth of +93% YOY and +59% from the previous quarter[1] and double-digit growth in audience every single weeknight YOY among persons, men and women 18-49[2]. Discovery en Espanol continued to be the #1 Spanish language cable network in late prime time among its core target of adults, men and women aged 18-49[3] and tied its highest rated first quarter on record. The channel was also the #1 Spanish language cable network among persons and men 18-49 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.[4]

“Discovery en Espanol and Discovery Familia provide inspiration and knowledge that connects in remarkably intimate and relevant ways with our viewers, and this season we are inviting advertisers to be a part of the action as we take audiences even farther with some of the most timely and compelling content available on Spanish-language television,” said Ivan Bargueiras, General Manager of Discovery U.S. Hispanic. “At Discovery, we tell the stories that really matter.  We go way beyond the traditional as we travel to some of the most remote corners of the planet, show a new era of space exploration and take very personal journeys alongside bold and alluring new characters.”

Building on its record-breaking momentum, Discovery en Espanol will continue to enhance its key thematic programming nights including automotive and human adventure with new series Cuban Chrome (Motores: Ingenio cubano) as well as Lost and Starving (WT: Perdidos y con hambre) and the ground-breaking documentary Lunar XPrize (WT: Premio lunar or XPRIZE lunar), respectively.  The network is also premiering natural history specials such as To be King (Leyenda de un rey) and Racing Extinction (En vias de extincion).  Returning favorites include Fast N’ Loud (El duo mecanico), Alaska: The Last Frontier (Alaska: La ultima frontera) and Naked And Afraid (Supervivencia al desnudo).  

[1] 

Source: Nielsen, Live+SD, DFAM, Primetime, P18-49, 1Q15

[2] 

Source: Nielsen, Live+SD, DFAM, Primetime, P18-49, M18-49 and W18-49 compared to 1Q14

[3] 

Source: Nielsen, Live+SD, DSCE, Late Prime: 11pm-3am, P18-49,M18-49, W18-49, 1Q15

[4] 

Source: Nielsen, Live+SD, DSCE, Primetime, P18-49 & M18-49, 1Q15

Discovery Familia will also introduce new shows for its key genres which include home, beauty and cooking.   New shows include Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares (Pesadilla en la cocina de Ramsay), How Do I Look (Cambiame el look), Buying Alaska and new personalities such as Whitney Thore, star of My Big, Fat Fabulous Life (Gran-diosa).  The network will also showcase new seasons of series starring Buddy Valastro which include Cake Boss, Next Great Baker (El desafio de Buddy) and Bakery Boss as well as Pregnant in Heels (Embarazadas y Entaconadas) and What Not to Wear (¡No te lo pongas!).

The highlights of Discovery U.S. Hispanic’s 2015-2016 Upfront offer include:

DISCOVERY EN ESPANOL:
Video and images available at:
https://discovery.box.com/s/rbn2ba6bhcb4gchp2mar5hzbizy75bbu

NATURAL HISTORY SPECIALS:

To Be King (Leyenda de un rey):
Produced by Aquavision Television Productions, this program will document lion behavior as seen within South Africa’s Mapogo pride. Set in South Africa’s Sabi Sands, the program documents the rise of the Mapogos as they grow from a litter of five cubs into fearsome young males, capable of killing more than 100 other lions over the course of a year and taking control of a vast territory. The special features animal trainer Dave Salmoni as well as other predator experts, who weigh in on the social dynamics that exist within lion prides.

Racing Extinction (En vias de extincion):
In this documentary film, Louie Psihoyos and the group behind the Academy Award®-winning film The Cove, assembles a team of artists and activists on a new undercover operation to expose the hidden world of endangered species and the race to protect them against mass extinction. Spanning the globe to infiltrate the world’s most dangerous black markets and using high tech tactics to document the link between carbon emissions and species extinction, the documentary reveals stunning, never-before seen images that truly change the way we see the world.

NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES/SPECIALS:

Special: Lunar XPrize (WT: Premio lunar or XPRIZE lunar):
It’s been 46 years since millions of television viewers witnessed man first set foot on the Moon in 1969. In 2016, history will be made again when Discovery partners with XPRIZE on the $30 million Google Lunar XPRIZE to bring an edge-of-your-seat international space competition to homes around the world. In this special, space exploration will reach new heights as teams from all over the world set off on a race of stellar proportions to launch and land a robot on the Moon.

Series: Cuban Chrome (Motores: Ingenio cubano):  
After the 1959 Cuban Revolution and the subsequent U.S. embargo, it has been illegal to import American cars to the island nation – as a result, Cuba’s vintage American vehicles are frozen in time, and each of these cars has a unique story to tell. For Cubans, these cars are not just a means of transportation, but a way of life. Cuban Chrome will give viewers an intimate look into this rarely seen country as they meet the men who put everything on the line to keep these classic cars running.

Series: Lost and Starving (WT: Perdidos y con hambre):
One know it all survivalist and one foodie are starved for a full week before being dropped into the wild. Their only way to get some calories and survive is to eat their way through a five-point checklist of some of the most disgusting foods imaginable. Long legged insects, poisonous plants, ugly animals even frog spawn slime – anything that the surrounding terrain provides.

RETURNING SERIES:

Kindig Customs (Al estilo Kindig):
Dave Kindig, owner and operator of Kindig-It Design turns out one-of-a-kind vehicles for his demanding (and sometimes famous) clientele.  Working on all types and periods of cars we’ll see cars rendered, designed, built, and restored from the ground up before being revealed to the owner.

Fast n’ Loud (El duo mecanico):
Motor mastermind Richard Rawlings and mechanical prodigy Aaron Kaufman are back searching for forgotten and neglected vintage cars. Most assume these old classics are rust buckets – but to this crew, they’re potential goldmines. Richard and Aaron need big projects and, more importantly, big profits to keep the doors open at Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas.

Alaska: The Last Frontier (Alaska: La ultima frontera):
This series follows the Kilcher family and their unique homesteader community outside Homer, Alaska. The Kilchers, led by patriarchs Atz and his brother Otto, have cultivated and lived on their homestead for four generations. These men, and their wives and children, live off the land, racing the clock during the limited months of summer and fall to hunt, fish, gather and grow enough food to last the harsh Alaskan winter. They proudly choose this rugged lifestyle in hopes that future generations carry on the family tradition of living off the land.

Tricked (Ciencia magica):
Trickster Ben Hanlin redefines magical entertainment mixing candid camera fun with illusion and wonder. Ben brings magic into our hearts as he wows his audience with amazing tricks and warm, charming banter, before taking his cunning conjuring to the world at large. Using the powers of trickery, disguise, illusion and even Twitter, Ben hunts down celebrities to give them the surprise of their lives. Tricked is a funny, friendly feast that will make you look and think twice.

DISCOVERY FAMILIA:
Video and images available at:
https://discovery.box.com/s/o9o9ita3w8wjrohmdmvgs07xn80rh0vk

NEW SERIES:

HOME:

Buying Alaska:
There’s no place on earth like Alaska, and there’s nothing like its real estate.  Selling Alaska features homes that you’ve never seen before with wild amenities and the people who buy them are just as unique.

COOKING:

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares (Pesadilla en la cocina de Ramsay):
This series showcases USA based episodes of the BAFTA-award winning series in which the famous chef Gordon Ramsay takes on some very different failing restaurants and has one month to turn them around.

Top Chef:
Top Chef is a hit reality competition series that celebrates the culinary arts with a fascinating window into the competitive, pressurized environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. Each one-hour episode features aspiring chefs who put their culinary skills to the test for the chance to earn the prestigious title of Top Chef. The competing chefs will live and breathe the high-pressure lifestyle that comes with being a master chef, and each week the judges will tell one to “pack up their knives and go.” In the end, only one chef will make it through the spectacular finale episode.

BEAUTY:

How do I look (Cambiame el look):
The popular makeover series looks better than ever in a revamped version, with a new look and fabulous new host, Jeannie Mai. Two accomplices and a professional stylist will help Jeannie transform one willing fashion victim, one episode at a time.

FAMILY:

Quinceanera:
A series that follows cousins Alexis and Jarling, who are Miami’s premiere quinceanera party planners and dress shop owners servicing Latin American families as they celebrate their teenager’s transition into womanhood. From the cultural rituals of finding the perfect dress and the father daughter dance, to the new American traditions of shooting music videos and mid-party outfit changes – the cousins are constantly working their magic to create memories that will last a lifetime.

NEW PERSONALITIES:

My Big Fat Fabulous Life (Gran-diosa):
Whitney Thore was once a slender dancer, but over the course of just one year at college she gained 200 pounds due to a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It took her a long time to deal with the change, but now she is happy with her body, and through her active social life and love of dancing, she lives vivaciously and holds nothing back. She keeps busy with her dance, and though she currently lives with her parents, she is mustering up the courage to strike out on her own in a world that judges people by their size.

New Girls On The Block (Ahora mujeres):
The five part series, New Girls On The Block follows a group of highly inspirational and entertaining women from Kansas City, MO – all friends, some couples – who happen to be transgender. After years struggling with their gender identities, they are finally finding themselves and learning what it means to be the women they always knew that they were. Confronting issues with their relationships, their femininity, their families and friendships, New Girls On The Block is an authentic look at lives in transition.

RETURNING SERIES:

Long Island Medium (La medium):
Theresa Caputo lives in the real world, but she spends most of her time with spirits. Caputo is an average mom from Long Island, N.Y., in every way except one: she talks to the dead. This series chronicles the work Caputo does each day as she helps her varied clients find closure and connect with loved ones who have passed.

Love it or List it (Vivala o vendala):
When a house no longer feels like home, homeowners are left with a big financial and emotional question: renovate or sell? Love It or List It helps fed-up homeowners decide. In each hour-long episode Realtor David Visentin and designer Hilary Farr compete for the homeowners’ final decision to stay or go.

Pregnant in Heels (Embarazadas y Entaconadas):
This reality series follows maternity concierge, fashion designer, and pregnancy guru Rosie Pope as she guides expecting Manhattan mothers through the joys and perils of preparing to have a baby. Viewers join Rosie and her team as they tackle their clients’ pregnancy dilemmas. From shotgun wedding planning to daddy boot camps to getting the baby into British aristocracy, Rosie Pope is the maternity concierge to the most affluent–and hormonal–pregnant women in New York City!

What Not To Wear (¡No te lo pongas!)
¡No te lo pongas! is a makeover reality television series hosted by fashion stylists Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. In each episode, Stacy, Clinton and a team of hair and makeup advisors help revamp the look of individuals who have been nominated by their friends for makeovers.

About Discovery U.S. Hispanic

Discovery U.S. Hispanic, a division of Discovery Communications the world’s #1 pay-TV programmer, is comprised of Discovery en Espanol and Discovery Familia, two networks for Spanish-speaking audiences in the United States. Discovery en Espanol connects viewers to the world and all its wonder and possibilities through quality programming focusing on bold storytelling across core genres including adventure, ingenuity, natural, history, investigation and current affairs. Discovery Familia is dedicated to Hispanic women and what matters in their lives. During the day the network broadcast a Discovery Kids block, which provides a safe environment for children aged 2-6 with entertaining, curriculum-based programming. In the evening, the channel offers programming for women, focusing on home decor, food, health, beauty and parenting. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.


Netflix to Exclusively Premiere The Perfect Dictatorship on June 1st

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Netflix to Exclusively Premiere The Perfect Dictatorship on June 1st


Arriving several months after its theatrical release in Mexico, the film starring


Damián Alcázar will be available for Netflix members in the United States


BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world’s leading Internet television network, will exclusively premiere the Mexican movie The Perfect Dictatorship (La Dictadura Perfecta) starting on June 1st in the United States. The political satire, starring Damián Alcázar, was the country’s highest grossing local film in 2014, and will be arriving on Netflix months after its theatrical release.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101014/SF81638LOGO

Leading up to its debut on the service, Netflix will host a one-night-only special event screening of The Perfect Dictatorship (La Dictadura Perfecta) at The Hola Mexico Film Festival on May 13th in Los Angeles. There will be a Q&A with the film’s lead actor Damián Alcázar immediately following the screening.

The story begins when Mexico’s President commits an embarrassing gaffe while welcoming the U.S. ambassador. In an effort to divert public attention and help their longtime friend and ally from falling into yet another image crisis, one of the most powerful local TV networks releases a video that scandalously ties Governor Carmelo Vargas (Alcázar) to crime and illicit business. Afraid for his political future, “Gover Vargas” negotiates a secret million-dollar deal with the network. As a result, an ambitious producer, a star reporter and the host for the primetime news program are commissioned to shift public opinion about the corrupt Governor, as well as repackage him as a distinguished politician and potential presidential candidate — whatever the cost.

Directed and produced by Luís Estrada, The Perfect Dictatorship stars: Damián Alcázar (El Infierno, Metastasis), Joaquín Cosío (Quantum of Solace, The Lone Ranger, Cantinflas), Alfonso Herrera (El Capo, El Diez, Sense8), Dagoberto Gama (El Infierno, Amores Perros, Camelia la Texana), María Rojo (El Infierno, Under the Same Moon), Salvador Sánchez (El Infierno, El Ninja Mexicano, Lucha a Muerte), Osvaldo Benavides (Me late chocolate), Silvia Navarro (Labios Rojos), Flavio Medina (Fachon Models), Tony Dalton (Sr. Ávila) y Saúl Lisazo (Capadocia).

About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 57 million members in nearly 50 countries enjoying more than two billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.


Summer Marks The Beginning Of Home Makeover Season For Many

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CLEVELAND, May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sherwin-Williams National Painting Week comes at a perfect time this year, with more than four in five homeowners saying they see opportunity to improve their home's curb appeal, and more than two in three planning a painting project, according to the recent National Home Design Survey, conducted on behalf of Sherwin-Williams.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150511/214946-INFO

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150511/214945

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150511/214947

"Home improvements significantly impact how you feel while living in your home," said John Gidding, famed interior designer and landscape architect. "This is especially true for curb appeal, and this time of year is perfect for sprucing up your space."

To inspire homeowners, Sherwin-Williams is kicking off National Painting Week today with color inspiration, painting ideas, expert tips on how to increase a home's curb appeal, product information and one-of-a-kind DIY and designer projects – all available at swpaintingweek.com.

In addition, Sherwin-Williams is partnering with local affiliates of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Canada to help bring a colorful refresh to these
deserving community organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

Survey Highlights: Opportunity for Improvement

Homeowners chose landscaping as their first choice for improving curb appeal. Painting, which can be an affordable way to freshen up and improve any home's exterior, also rose to the top of the list. Exterior painting projects range from repainting the front door, to adding a fresh coat of paint to a fence, to repainting the entire outside of a home.

"A fresh coat of paint and some minimal landscaping updates can make a lasting impression and improve the overall personality and feel of your home," Gidding said.

In thinking about how to get these projects done, homeowners said they'd choose to landscape and paint the interior of their home themselves but are more likely to hire a professional for outdoor painting projects. Whatever a homeowner's painting needs, Sherwin-Williams more than 4,000 neighborhood stores are staffed with experts to help
homeowners make the right choice.

In addition to the resources available on swpaintingweek.com, consumers and professionals are invited to take advantage of all the Sherwin-Williams easy-to-use digital color tools including ColorSnap® for mobile, ColorSnap Studio™ for iPad® and a paint calculator.

Adding Color to Local Communities

As part of National Painting Week, thousands of Sherwin-Williams employees will join forces with painting contractors to refresh hundreds of community organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Sherwin-Williams will also donate paint and supplies for these projects.

A few of this year's inspirational projects include repainting the 2.4 mile long Seawall mural in Galveston, Texas; repainting a center that helps refugees find employment and receive medical treatment in Louisville, Kentucky; planting trees, painting and beautifying a popular park in downtown Indianapolis; and repainting more than 100 local Boys and Girls Club locations.

"Think about the impact a colorful, well-coordinated interior and exterior space can have on those that live or work in the space," said Gidding, who will also participate in one of the community projects. "A small
painting project can go a long way, whether painting for your own home or updating a deserving community organization, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this year's National Painting Week."

For additional information on National Painting Week 2015, visit swpaintingweek.com or follow the conversation using #swpaintingweek.

About the National Home Design Survey

On behalf of Sherwin-Williams, The Futures Company conducted online interviews of a representative sample of 1,356 homeowners ages 18 and older between March 23 and March 29, 2015. Completed interviews are weighted by five variables (age, gender, geographic region, education and race) to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. adult population.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation's largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit Sherwin-Williams.com/Hogar. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

Contact:

Brian Cockman

AC&M Group

[email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution images are available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/

LeaLA book fair makes Los Angeles the capital of books and reading in Spanish

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From May 15 to 17 LeaLA is presenting its 4th edition at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with a projected attendance of more than 85,000 people at this major cultural event open to all, absolutely free of charge.





LeaLA book fair makes Los Angeles the capital of books and reading in Spanish 

The world of Spanish books is thriving and becoming stronger at unique cultural festival


LOS ANGELES, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — LeaLA, the Los Angeles Spanish-Language Book Fair returns for its fourth edition from May 15 to 17, 2015, with a program for the general public, especially for Latino families and the Hispanic community.  For three days at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this unique cultural festival will provide a space for connecting to the heritage and the most significant traditions of the language, all free of charge.  

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150507/214660LOGO

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150507/214661

Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35lbZz1hknY

More than one hundred authors from different countries will participate, notably distinguished writers such as the Italian Claudio Magris (2014 FIL award, nominated several times for the Nobel prize), Juan Villoro, Federico Reyes Heroles, Lydia Cacho, Mario Bellatin, Alberto Ruy-Sanchez, Javier Sicilia, Silvia Lemus, Benito Taibo, Rosa Beltran, Ana Clavel, Carmen Boullosa, Xavier Velasco and Maria Antonieta Collins, among others.

Major Hispanic community figures will be present including orchestra conductor Gustavo Dudamel and CNN journalist Ismael Cala, among others. A special children’s pavilion named “Cri Cri” will feature hands on activities, readings, theatre and musical programs.

The University of Guadalajara has prepared an academic program with two key themes: human rights and migration, to be addressed by specialists and journalists. Against the backdrop of the Fair, an homage will be held for the legendary social activist Cesar Chavez, with the attendance of his family.  

Mexico City will hold special pride of place in the proceedings as “guest of honor,” appearing in Los Angeles with a program featuring the cultural wealth and diversity of Mexico’s capital, its history, its international standing and its contributions to the contemporary world.  

“In their different ways, our two countries owe a debt to the Latino community living and working in the United States. Mexico is beginning to recognize the cultural and educational liability suffered by those who have had to migrate for economic reasons, and it is hoping to acknowledge this debt through LeaLA,” underscores LeaLA Director, Marisol Schulz.

LeaLA is an initiative organized by the non-profit University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, and supported by the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL – Guadalajara International Book Fair), as well as public and private institutions on both sides of the border. 

Website: www.lea-la.com.

LeaLA is becoming the capital of Spanish books in the United States, driven by the market and the most significant traditions of the language.

 

From May 15 to 17 LeaLA is presenting its 4th edition at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with a projected attendance of more than 85,000 people at this major cultural event open to all, absolutely free of charge.

NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution images are available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/

 


SB 863 Return-to-Work Program Offers Supplemental Payments for Injured Workers

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SB 863 Return-to-Work Program Offers Supplemental Payments for Injured Workers


OAKLAND, California, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today launches the Return-to-Work Supplement Program for injured workers.  This fund – which will quickly get an additional $5,000 to each eligible injured worker who has a disproportionate loss of earnings – is an important component of the workers’ compensation reforms in Senate Bill 863. 

“This program is another example of the benefits that SB 863 brought about for injured workers,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. “Many workers face economic hardship when they suffer disabling work injuries and this supplement will help them regain some of those lost earnings.”

DIR inaugurated the new program today with an online portal as well as kiosks that connect to the portal in its Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) offices across the state, allowing injured workers to easily file the application. All completed applications will be reviewed for eligibility within 60 days from the date of filing. Payment to workers will be made within 25 days of the eligibility determination.

Governor Brown’s landmark worker’s compensation reform, SB 863, became law on Jan. 1, 2013 with benefits to workers that included a 30 percent increase – more than $800 million per year – in permanent disability indemnity rates for workers, and an independent medical review (IMR) system for resolving medical treatment disputes with review by a physician to ensure that injured workers receive timely and appropriate medical treatment.  Included in the major benefit increase is up to $120 million annually in Return-to-Work special funds, for injured workers whose employers do not offer them continued employment after the injury at approximately the same pre-injury income levels.

SB 863’s cost savings to businesses are also significant, resulting in lower medical loss, indemnity and medical severities.  The recent proposal by the WCIRB for a reduction of 10.2% in pure premium rate from the approved average of Jan. 1, 2015 can be attributed in large part to the reforms’ cost-saving efficiencies.

Regulations for the Return-to-Work Supplement Program were approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) and filed with the Secretary of State on April 6, 2015. These regulations will be implemented on April 13 and are authorized by Labor Code section 139.48.

For media inquiries contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.

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 non-media inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 1-844-LABOR-DIR (1-844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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US Latinas Put Selfies and Sacrifice First in Travel Experiences

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US Latinas Put Selfies and Sacrifice First in Travel Experiences

Annual Best Western Women in Travel Survey Shows Power of Latinas for the Travel Industry


NEW YORK, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — When it comes to family, U.S. Latinas put their children’s needs before their own, even when traveling, according to the annual Women in Travel survey released today by Best Western International.  In fact, approximately 68 percent of U.S. Latinas with children said their children’s needs come first when traveling, in comparison to only 61 percent of their non-Hispanic counterparts. As the busy summer vacation season approaches, Best Western looked at U.S. women to find out more about their travel preferences in a survey of 500 females living within the U.S. The findings were unveiled today at the Leisure Travel Summit in New York City.

“American women are the major decision makers for family travel, and their perspectives help define the leisure travel industry,” said Best Western’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Dorothy Dowling.  “As we look at trends in this space, we also know Latinas are a mighty, growing force that holds significant potential buying power and family influence, making their travel preferences an extremely important indicator for future hotel demand.”

On average, only 31 percent of U.S. female travelers take all or most of their paid time off from work each year. Sadly, U.S. Latinas rank even lower, with only approximately 27 percent taking all or most of their paid time off. Both groups agree that vacationing solely with their immediate family is more relaxing than visiting family who live elsewhere, and they also noted they would rather travel with family than friends, as well as a preference for traveling with people from the same generation.

Family structure and marital status are major factors in priorities and needs when vacationing for both groups. In fact, according to the survey, marriage generally leads to increased travel for all female travelers in the U.S., with Latinas holding just one percentage over their U.S. general market counterparts (54 percent versus 53 percent).

All female travelers are concerned about losing personal items and personal safety, though U.S. Latinas were more concerned with personal safety when traveling. In order to stay safe, both groups keep cell phones with them at all times and leave important items in a locked safe. Latinas indexed slightly higher with nearly 91 percent saying they have their cell phone on them at all times.

TripAdvisor also plays a major role in safety concerns for women in both groups with 40 percent citing they check the review site before booking.

Both groups also agreed that waiting in lines, worrying they’ve forgotten items at home and coming home to things to do are general themes that keep them from enjoying their trips. Interestingly, for U.S. Latinas, another frequent concern was having minimal to no phone reception, showing the true importance of constant contact and easily accessible mobility for this group. In fact, Latino Internet users are more likely than white internet users to go online using a mobile device (76 percent) versus their non-Hispanic counterparts with only 60 percent going online via mobile. 1

Speaking of connectivity, when it comes to mobile and social, Latinas are the social queens. U.S. Latinas are the most likely to share their travels on social media with approximately 47 percent saying they always or often do. In comparison, only 41 percent of other females in the U.S. share on social media. The reasons for posting vary, though most Latinas cited wanting to share their travels with friends and family that aren’t with them or wanting to capture the moment to remember it at a later date.

Facebook still dominates as the most popular platform to post about travels (approximately 56 percent of U.S. females) but, interestingly, Latinas use this medium less and less, with only 51 percent citing Facebook as their main social channel as Instagram and Snapchat become strong contenders for younger Latinas. Latinas also dominate in the selfie category. Approximately 78 percent of U.S. Latinas have taken a selfie while traveling compared to approximately 67 percent of the U.S. general market female population.

Both groups also agree they’d rather pay for hotel WiFi than checked luggage, showing the importance of connectivity for all female travelers.

While on vacation, U.S. Latinas differ from the general population on where they splurge the most. For Latinas, hotel rooms are the one item they would be more willing to splurge on upgrades. For their U.S. counterparts, activities and excursions are the number one splurge, followed by lodging and hotel upgrades. Both groups agree that spa treatments were the last thing they would splurge on while on vacation.

Women across the U.S. remain major decision makers for family travel, and Latinas are no doubt leading that charge.

1 Data from Pew Research Center article Closing the Digital Divide: Latinos and Technology Adaption, March 2013

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC. 
Best Western International, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,000+* hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers six hotel products to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS®, BEST WESTERN PREMIER®, BEST WESTERN PLUS EXECUTIVE RESIDENCYSM, VibSM and BW Premier CollectionSM. Now celebrating 69 years of hospitality, Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales and marketing support, and online and mobile booking capabilities. More than 22 million travelers are members of the brand’s award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can be redeemed at any Best Western hotel worldwide. The brand’s partnerships with AAA/CAA, Minor League Baseball, and Harley-Davidson® provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Best Western continues to set industry records and accolades, including Business Travel News naming BEST WESTERN and BEST WESTERN PLUS as the best mid-price and upper mid-price hotel chains, three consecutive Compuware Best of the Web gold awards for the best hotel website and six consecutive AAA/CAA Hotel Partner of the Year awards. Best Western-branded hotels worldwide won four times more TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence awards than industry average.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com. 
*Numbers are approximate and may fluctuate. 

CONTACT: Laura Zilverberg, 623-201-5556 , [email protected]  

 


AHAA to Contribute to Smithsonian’s Advertising History Collections

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AHAA to Contribute to Smithsonian’s Advertising History Collections


Leading Hispanic Organization to Host Fall Event for its 20th Anniversary


FAIRFAX, Va., May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing announced that it will donate the Sara Sunshine archives to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History where they will become part of the nationally recognized advertising collections held by the museum’s Archives Center. The Sara Sunshine archives feature advertising print, audio and visuals from the 1960s to 1990s and include artifacts from Ms. Sunshine’s tenure at Spanish Advertising and Marketing Services (SAMS), the first recognized U.S. Hispanic agency founded in 1962, and Siboney Advertising. Among the major advertisers showcased in the Sara Sunshine archives are companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Kimberly-Clark, Pepsi-Cola and Polaroid.

AHAA is the only national trade organization for the Hispanic marketing, communications and media industry. Since its founding in 1996, AHAA has championed the Hispanic Market in corporate boardrooms, advocated for increased investment in multicultural marketing strategies, and led the industry in defining Total Market strategy. The association has grown to represent more than 45,000 marketing, research and media executives who possess trusted Hispanic expertise. 

“On the cusp of AHAA’s 20th anniversary, the Hispanic marketing industry has undergone significant changes and now in many cases the Hispanic consumer is  at the forefront of corporate advertising strategy,” said AHAA Executive Director, Horacio Gavilan. “We are honored to find a home in our nation’s museum where this archive can be studied and showcased to show the origins of our proud industry and honor those luminaries who were the architects of change and development. The entire industry looks forward to joining AHAA to celebrate these achievements with a fall event.”

This collection will join artifacts from fellow AHAA pioneers Lionel Sosa, Ernest Bromley and Adolfo (Al) Aguilar, which include agency business records, public service announcements, awards and other printed materials and video landmark campaigns developed for companies such as American Airlines, Burger King, Coca-Cola, Kroger, Bud Light and Western Union.

“The National Museum of American History explores the richness and complexity of American history and helps people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future,” said AHAA Chair Aldo Quevedo. “That’s why it is so significant that the Hispanic advertising industry is being honored as an important part of marketing history, which has influenced the trends and pop culture of today.”

The National Museum of American History is opening its first-ever exhibition on American business, “American Enterprise” on July 1. A section of the exhibition explores branding and its role in engaging consumers from the 1700s to the present. “American Enterprise” places a special emphasis on the consumer-era, between 1940s and 1970s which is also the time period when television became a big business and changed the world of advertising and marketing.

American Enterprise chronicles the tumultuous interaction of capitalism and democracy that resulted in the continuous remaking of American business – and American life. Visitors will be immersed in the dramatic arc of labor, power, wealth, success and failure in America in an 8,000-square-foot gallery focused on the role of business and innovation from the mid-1700s to the present. The exhibition traces the country’s development from a small, dependent agricultural nation to one of the world’s most vibrant economies.

An immigrant from Cuba, in 1962 Ms. Sunshine, working in conjunction with Luis Diaz-Albertini, co-founded SAMS the first U.S. full service agency to focus on the Hispanic market. She then collaborated with Alex Berger and Gary McBride to establish the New York office of Siboney Advertising before joining the Bravo Group. A highly sought-after speaker at industry events, Ms. Sunshine has also been the recipient of many industry awards including the first CLIO ever awarded for Hispanic advertising. 

For more information on AHAA, please visit http://ahaa.org and follow @ahaa on Twitter. For more information on the National Museum of American History, please visit http://americanhistory.si.edu.

About AHAA: Founded in 1996, AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing is the national trade organization of all marketing, communications and media firms with trusted Hispanic expertise.

 


Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive Set for Saturday throughout Nation

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Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive Set for Saturday throughout Nation

National Organizations and Community Members Pitch in to Help Millions of Americans Facing Hunger in All 50 States


WASHINGTON, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its 23rd annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 9. Letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes.

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It is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, and is held annually on the second Saturday in May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

Hunger affects about 49 million people around the country, including millions of children and senior citizens.

“Letter carriers are honored to be able to help people in need,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “On a daily basis we see the needs in the communities we serve, and we believe it’s important to help meet those needs.”

On May 9, as they deliver mail, the nation’s 175,000 letter carriers will collect donations left by residents near their mail boxes. People are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods such as canned soup; canned vegetables; canned meats and fish; pasta; peanut butter; rice or cereal next to their mailbox before the regular mail delivery on Saturday.

Carriers will bring the donated items to local food banks, pantries or shelters.


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