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Mariposa Holdings and ROK Mobile Join Forces To Unveil “Libertad,” A New Mobile and Music Plan For The Hispanic Community

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Mariposa Holdings and ROK Mobile Join Forces To Unveil “Libertad,” A New Mobile and Music Plan For The Hispanic Community


LOS ANGELES, April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — ROK Mobile and Mariposa Holdings Group have joined forces to bring to market the Libertad Plan, an MVNO offer for the Hispanic community with specific calling packages to include unlimited talk, text, data and music for just $49.99 per month.  ROK and Mariposa have entered into a joint venture bringing the power and passion of their companies together to address this important market.

The companies will expand their joint efforts in Latin America with a common approach to a mobile music combing the value of music, data services, and operator bundles.

The Libertad plan includes a music service offering subscribers access to a massive catalog of music and the ability to personalize their listening experience. Partnering with Mariposa brings together two companies with extraordinary experience with Mobile Music across North and South America.

“Hispanic consumers love music, and they’re more likely than most to use a mobile device to enjoy it. This makes Mariposa the perfect partner to fulfill our collective mission to provide the most advanced mobile music services available to the broadest audience of music lovers.  Mariposa brings the go to market strategy, proven track record in developing mobile content retail strategies, and deep understanding of the Hispanic Consumer to assist in fulfilling this vision,” said Jonathan Kendrick, CEO of ROK Mobile.

“The fact that we are bringing this incredible music offering helps us bring our community together with value and passion, we must put the music offering at the center, so that consumers understand its core value. If you simply add it as one extra service in a wide portfolio, consumers will not recognize its true value,” says David Fondots CEO Mariposa.

About ROK Mobile  
Founded by John Paul DeJoria and Jonathan Kendrick, ROK Mobile provides unlimited voice, data and SMS on their nationwide 4G LTE network, as well as ROK Music.  ROK Mobile is committed to delivering the best quality mobile service and enhanced music experience possible. http://www.rokmobile.com

About Mariposa 
Mariposa RBT and music solutions are live across 9 countries In Latin America plus the USA. Driven by hands on, analytics approach, Mariposa’s innovative applications drive revenue, loyalty, and profit from Music Streaming, Radio, Self Expressing RBT, and Cloud. ### http://www.mariposahg.com ###


Arpa Music LLC honored at BMI Latin Awards

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Arpa Music LLC honored at BMI Latin Awards


MIAMI, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Journalist and businesswoman Elisa Beristain, together with Alejandro Garza, directors of the prestigious and successful music publisher Arpa Music, were assigned to receive 3 Awards, underscoring the continuing success of the Garza family’s Musical emporium.  

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150403/196495

During the 22nd edition of the BMI Latin Awards held this Tuesday at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Arpa Music once again demonstrated its leadership, winning high profile awards.  

Elisa Beristain received three awards on behalf of Arpa LLC for the authentic 2014 radio hits: “Me Gustas Mucho” by Código FN, “El Ruido de Tus Zapatos,” by La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, and “Te La Pasas,” by Tito Torbellino Featuring Espinoza Paz.

And “El Ruido de Tus Zapatos” in particular by La Arrolladora Banda El Limón won an award as the most-played song with the highest number of plays over its competitors.  For the third straight year, Arpa LLC is the number one publisher in the market and is receiving major recognition with these awards.  

The company was founded in 1997, and to date has won more than 50 awards at the BMI Latin Awards, two years as BMI Publisher of the Year, 3 years as publisher of the year on Billboard and the same years in Monitor Latino. Since its beginnings, Arpa LLC, founded by Pepe Garza and his brother Alejandro Garza, has played a decisive role in developing the careers of writers who have achieved great respect and impact in the music industry.  

Pepe Garza is considered the “King Midas” of regional Mexican music, and has been responsible for the success of stars like Jenni Rivera, Espinoza Paz and Gerardo Ortiz, among others.

Alejandro Garza has been director of the company since its founding, and has 20 years’ experience in the music industry.

Elisa Beristain combines her distinguished career as a musical entrepreneur with a blossoming role as a show business columnist and reporter.   

Elisa Beristain is available for interviews.


USDA and HHS Seek Public Input by May 8 on Recommendations for 2015 Dietary Guidelines

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USDA and HHS Seek Public Input by May 8 on Recommendations for 2015 Dietary Guidelines


WASHINGTON, April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee presented evidence-based recommendations to the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services in February 2015. The Advisory Report is not the Dietary Guidelines for Americans policy or a draft of the policy. The Federal government will determine how it will use the information in the Advisory Report as it develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. HHS and USDA will jointly release the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015 later this year.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155566LOGO

But before the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are drafted, HHS and USDA want to hear your thoughts on the Committee’s Advisory Report. You are invited to submit comments online by May 8, 2015. The submissions will be posted for viewing by May 22.

To learn more about health and nutrition, see USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. Government’s official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

 


(Español) Arpa Music LLC es Galardonada en los premios BMI Latin Awards

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Judge accepts the petition for Judicial Recovery of OAS

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SAO PAULO, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Judge Daniel Carnio Costa, of the 1st Section of Bankruptcy and Judicial Recoveries of the Court of Justice of the State of Sao Paulo, accepted yesterday the petition for Judicial Recovery placed by nine companies of OAS Group.

According to Costa’s decision, Construtora OAS, OAS S.A., OAS Imoveis S.A., SPE Gestao e Exploracao de Arenas Multiuso, OAS Empreendimentos S.A., OAS Infraestrutura S.A., OAS Investments Ltd., OAS Investments GmbH and OAS Finance Ltd. have, from now on, 60 days to submit to the creditors and suppliers the Plan for Recovery of the debts contracted until March 31, 2015.

All debts contracted as of the month of April will be fully paid. Payments of salaries and benefits of more than 100 thousand direct or indirect employees will not be affected by the process of Judicial Recovery.

The office of Alvarez & Marsal Consultoria Empresarial do Brasil was appointed as the Court-Appointed Trustee. It is the Court-Appointed Trustee’s responsibility to inspect the operations of the companies under Judicial Recovery, verify the list of creditors, chair the General Creditors’ Meeting and, finally, inspect compliance with the Judicial Recovery Plan approved by the creditors. Alvarez & Marsal will have no administrative role in any of the companies of OAS Group.

The initiative to go into Judicial Recovery was the best path found by OAS Group to negotiate its debts with creditors and suppliers due to the intense credit restriction observed since the end of last year for the companies in the infrastructure sector due to investigations at Petrobras.

“With almost 40 years of existence, OAS is compelled to take measures which allow it to continue operating in a healthy debt renegotiation process, preserving thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” said Fabio Yonamine, chairman of OAS Investimentos.

According to Diego Barreto, director of Corporate Development of Construtora OAS, the Group “will take to the negotiation of this process contributions which are very different from the ones observed in other Judicial Recoveries. A company with resources to maintain its activities, valuable assets and a team of professional managers provides clients, creditors and suppliers with a much safer environment for negotiations.”

OAS will sell some of its assets in the process of Judicial Recovery to provide safety to the investors who will take no risk of having their business contested by the creditors of the Group. The disinvestment in assets is also caused by the decision to concentrate efforts on what is its main vocation, heavy construction.

The participation of OAS S.A. in Invepar, the participation in Enseada Shipyard, OAS Empreendimentos, OAS Soluções Ambientais, OAS Oleo e Gas and OAS Defesa will be offered for sale. Arena Fonte Nova and Arena das Dunas will also be traded.

Construtora OAS goes into Judicial Recovery for technical matters, as it is already the guarantor of the Group’s loans, rather than for lack of liquidity.

“Construtora OAS bets on a professional governance, a corporate remodeling, revision of its management processes, strengthening of the compliance and internal audit areas, besides tough guidelines for reducing risks in the business conduction. The aim is making the company leaner, more agile, more competitive, focused on productivity and costs,” said Yonamine.

OAS – Comunicacao+
+ 55 11 3874-2020

American Honda Reports March 2015 Sales Results

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American Honda reports March 2015 sale results; Honda Fit leads model gains with 58 percent increase.





American Honda Reports March 2015 Sales Results

– Honda Fit continues to post major increases, gaining 58 percent in March on sales of 6,640 units while jumping 73.2 percent for the first quarter of 2015

– Honda Pilot had another hot winter month, netting 11,937 sales for a 34.2 percent increase

– Acura posts a month-over-month increase of 12.9 percent on sales of 14,670 vehicles in March


TORRANCE, Calif., April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported March 2015 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 126,293 units, with Honda trucks gaining 0.8 percent on sales of 51,516 units, while overall sales decreased 5.3 percent versus March 2014. The Honda Division sold 111,623 vehicles in March, a decrease of 5.2 percent for the month. The Acura brand posted sales of 14,670 units, down 5.8 percent over the same period last year.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150401/196003
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO

Honda
With consumers showing a growing appetite for light trucks, the Honda CR-V and Pilot continue to set a blistering sales pace, soon to be joined this spring by the new gateway crossover, the 2016 Honda HR-V. The Fit is also maintaining tremendous momentum, gaining 58 percent over March of last year.

  • Honda Fit had another big month, rising 58 percent on sales of 6,640 units while jumping 73.2 percent for the first three months of 2015.
  • Sales of the best-selling CR-V crested 27,000 units in March.
  • The Pilot had another strong month posting sales of 11,937 vehicles, an increase of 34.2 percent, helping build momentum for the all-new 2016 Pilot coming this summer.
  • Total Honda truck sales were up 0.8 percent in March.

“With the best-selling CR-V continuing to set the industry pace for SUVs and a brand-new HR-V and Pilot on the way, we’re in a great position to take advantage of the market shift toward trucks,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. “We’re also pleased with the stellar growth of Fit sales and the continued strength of our entire passenger car lineup.”

Acura
Acura posted a month over month sales gain as trucks continue to set the pace for the luxury SUV segment. Acura sedans continue to build momentum, led by the TLX and the redesigned, repowered ILX, which is just arriving at dealerships nationwide.

  • Total Acura sales are up 4.5 percent through the first quarter of 2015.
  • TLX notched its third straight month-over-month increase with sales of 3,430 in March.
  • MDX and RDX maintained a solid pace as total sales surpassed 9,400 units, even as significantly enhanced versions of each come to market.

“The continued leadership of the MDX and RDX in the luxury SUV segment demonstrates the positive direction we are taking with our Acura product lineup,” said Mike Accavitti, Acura Division senior vice president and general manager. “As we turn our attention to strengthening our lineup of Acura sedans, we are buoyed by the first Pirelli World Challenge series victory of the Acura TLX GT race car as a sign of good things to come.”

American Honda Vehicle Sales for March 2015

Month-to-Date

Year-to-Date

March 2015

March 2014

DSR** % Change

MoM % Change

March 2015

March 2014

DSR** % Change

YoY % Change

American Honda Total

126,293

133,318

-1.5%

-5.3%

333,943

325,354

2.6%

2.6%

Total Car Sales

65,310

71,817

-5.4%

-9.1%

168,594

175,827

-4.1%

-4.1%

Total Truck Sales

60,983

61,501

3.1%

-0.8%

165,349

149,527

10.6%

10.6%

Honda

Total Car Sales

60,107

66,624

-6.2%

-9.8%

154,730

162,733

-4.9%

-4.9%

Honda

Total Truck Sales

51,516

51,114

4.8%

0.8%

139,569

124,673

11.9%

11.9%

Acura

Total Car Sales

5,203

5,193

4.2%

0.2%

13,864

13,094

5.9%

5.9%

Acura

Total Truck Sales

9,467

10,387

-5.2%

-8.9%

25,780

24,854

3.7%

3.7%

Total Domestic Car Sales

64,609

65,322

2.9%

-1.1%

166,673

159,195

4.7%

4.7%

Honda Division

59,609

61,635

0.6%

-3.3%

153,371

150,202

2.1%

2.1%

Acura Division

5,000

3,687

41.0%

35.6%

13,302

8,993

47.9%

47.9%

Total Domestic Truck Sales

60,978

61,501

3.1%

-0.9%

165,344

149,527

10.6%

10.6%

Honda Division

51,511

51,114

4.8%

0.8%

139,564

124,673

11.9%

11.9%

Acura Division

9,467

10,387

-5.2%

-8.9%

25,780

24,854

3.7%

3.7%

Total Import Car Sales

701

6,495

-88.8%

-89.2%

1,921

16,632

-88.4%

-88.4%

Honda Division

498

4,989

-89.6%

-90.0%

1,359

12,531

-89.2%

-89.2%

Acura Division

203

1,506

-86.0%

-86.5%

562

4,101

-86.3%

-86.3%

Total Import Truck Sales

5

0

0.0%

0.0%

5

0

0.0%

0.0%

Honda Division

5

0

0.0%

0.0%

5

0

0.0%

0.0%

   MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION

Honda Division Total

111,623

117,738

-1.4%

-5.2%

294,299

287,406

2.4%

2.4%

* ACCORD

26,018

33,962

-20.3%

-23.4%

68,645

79,188

-13.3%

-13.3%

* CIVIC

26,985

27,697

1.3%

-2.6%

66,722

71,096

-6.2%

-6.2%

  CR-Z

255

354

-25.1%

-28.0%

626

939

-33.3%

-33.3%

* FIT

6,640

4,201

64.4%

58.1%

18,094

10,444

73.2%

73.2%

  INSIGHT

209

410

-47.0%

-49.0%

643

1,066

-39.7%

-39.7%

  CROSSTOUR

742

1,017

-24.1%

-27.0%

2,046

3,318

-38.3%

-38.3%

* CR-V

27,618

28,657

0.2%

-3.6%

73,127

67,648

8.1%

8.1%

  ODYSSEY

11,142

11,008

5.3%

1.2%

27,088

27,832

-2.7%

-2.7%

  PILOT

11,937

8,894

39.6%

34.2%

36,881

22,031

67.4%

67.4%

  RIDGELINE

77

1,538

-94.8%

-95.0%

427

3,844

-88.9%

-88.9%

***

Memo: Accord FHEV

948

1,346

-26.8%

-29.6%

2,585

2,781

-7.0%

-7.0%

Memo: Accord PHEV

5

18

-71.1%

-72.2%

45

69

-34.8%

-34.8%

Memo: Civic Hybrid

351

338

8.0%

3.8%

1,029

1,220

-15.7%

-15.7%

Memo: Fit EV

1

37

-97.2%

-97.3%

1

100

-99.0%

-99.0%

Acura Division Total

14,670

15,580

-2.1%

-5.8%

39,644

37,948

4.5%

4.5%

  ILX

1,554

1,683

-4.0%

-7.7%

3,505

4,141

-15.4%

-15.4%

  RLX / RL

194

387

-47.9%

-49.9%

543

1,178

-53.9%

-53.9%

  TL

16

2,004

-99.2%

-99.2%

56

4,852

-98.8%

-98.8%

  TLX

3,430

0

0.0%

0.0%

9,741

0

0.0%

0.0%

  TSX

9

1,119

-99.2%

-99.2%

19

2,923

-99.3%

-99.3%

  MDX

5,503

5,793

-1.2%

-5.0%

14,437

14,597

-1.1%

-1.1%

  RDX

3,963

4,580

-10.0%

-13.5%

11,342

10,221

11.0%

11.0%

  ZDX

1

14

-92.6%

-92.9%

1

36

-97.2%

-97.2%

***

Memo: ILX Hybrid

4

46

-91.0%

-91.3%

12

115

-89.6%

-89.6%

Memo: RLX Hybrid

18

0

0.0%

0.0%

53

0

0.0%

0.0%

Memo: TSX Wagon

0

104

-100.0%

-100.0%

1

304

-99.7%

-99.7%

Selling Days

25

26

75

75

  **** Hybrid

1,790

2,512

-25.9%

-28.7%

4,993

6,190

-19.3%

-19.3%

*    Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts

**   Daily Selling Rate

***  Memo line items are included in the respective model total

**** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid and RLX Sport Hybrid

 

Honda Logo.

 


MADD Launches the Power of Parents Mayors Challenge in Texas with Houston Mayor Annise Parker

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HOUSTON, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Mayor Annise Parker of Houston along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) today launched Texas' first-ever Power of Parents® Mayors Challenge aimed at engaging communities in the fight to eliminate underage drinking and its potentially deadly consequences.

"Too many young lives are being lost due to this problem," said Mayor Parker. "We must not stand by and allow this completely preventable situation to continue. I urge my fellow Texas mayors to join me in this challenge and to support parents' efforts to prevent underage drinking."

In a
2013 survey of U.S. high school students, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 34.9 percent of students nationally and 36.1 percent of Texas students had drunk alcohol in the past 30 days. Of serious concern are the rates of drinking and driving, and those who had ridden with someone who had been drinking.

  • Nationally, 10 percent of students have driven when drinking alcohol and 21.9 percent rode with someone who had been drinking. (Source: CDC, 2014.)
  • In Texas, 11.2 percent of students have driven when drinking alcohol and 28.7 percent rode with someone who had been drinking. (Source: CDC, 2014.)
  • In Houston, 10.1 percent of students have driven when drinking and 32.1 percent rode with someone who had been drinking. (Source: CDC, 2014.)

The Power of Parents Mayors Challenge will continue through PowerTalk 21® Day on April 21, 2015. PowerTalk 21 Day is the national day for parents to talk with their children about alcohol. While each city's mayor will decide how they will make the issue of underage drinking a priority in their community, the goal of the challenge and PowerTalk 21 is to urge parents to talk with their teens about the dangers of drinking early and often before they're 21 years old.

The Power of Parents Mayors Challenge is being launched at a crucial time because many teens will be attending celebratory events like spring break, proms and graduation parties where they may encounter more
opportunities or peer pressure to drink. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 108 people between the ages of 12 years old and 20 years old were killed in DUI – Alcohol motor vehicle traffic crashes last year. Nineteen people between the ages of 12 and 20 were killed in Harris and Montgomery counties alone. (Source: TxDOT, 2015.)

Parents who may think it's too soon to talk to their children about alcohol need to reconsider that position. The fact is that 27 percent of middle school students try alcohol before graduating from 8th grade. (Source: Institute for Social Research, the University of Michigan, 2015.)

"As hard as it is, we know that we have to draw the line with kids and let them know that drinking under the age of 21 is unacceptable. One parent talking to one child could save a life," said MADD Texas Executive Director Jaime Gutierrez.
"But this is not a one-time conversation. Parents need to talk with their children early and often about the dangers of underage drinking to reinforce the message that it is not safe – especially as their children mature and face new pressures to drink."

A national survey conducted by MADD and Nationwide Insurance in 2014 showed that teens who receive the message from their parents that it is completely unacceptable to drink are more than 80 percent less likely to drink than teens who receive other messages. PowerTalk 21 Day and the Power of Parents Mayors Challenge is intended to help parents realize their power to prevent underage drinking. MADD provides to parents two handbooks to help them lead these conversations; one is geared toward parents of high school students and a new handbook released this spring is for parents of middle school-aged
children.

To incentivize more parents to talk with their teens about underage drinking, parents downloading the Power of Parents handbooks from MADD's website will be entered for a chance to win weekly prizes, culminating with an Apple Watch grand prize to be awarded on April 22, 2015. Additionally, the mayor representing the city with the most downloads of MADD's Power of Parents handbooks will be nationally recognized for their support.

About Power of Parents® and PowerTalk 21®

Parents remain the number one influence on their teen's decisions about drinking and the single biggest influence on their teen's decision to not drink. PowerTalk 21 encourages parents to use the MADD's Power of Parents handbook to help initiate these conversations with their children. MADD partnered with Dr. Robert Turrisi from Pennsylvania State University and adapted his handbook model to reach parents of high school students. The Power of Parents handbook is the cornerstone of this community-based program and is available free to communities through the website and through local parent workshops.

Nationwide Insurance is the national presenting sponsor for the Power of Parents program. In Texas, PowerTalk 21 is supported by the Texas Department of Transportation Highway Safety Program through the MADD Take the Wheel
program.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving®

Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is celebrating its 35th anniversary by creating a future of NO MORE VICTIMS™. MADD is the nation's largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every ten minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end drunk driving through increased law enforcement, all offender ignition interlock laws and advanced vehicle technology. PowerTalk 21® is the national day for parents to talk with their teens about alcohol, using Power of Parents®' proven approach to reduce underage
drinking. Learn more by visiting MADD's new website at madd.org or calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.

About Nationwide

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides customers a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, pet, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and specialty health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide frame mark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Honda Debuts Sportiest Civic Design in Brand History with 10th-Generation Civic Concept at New York International Auto Show

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Honda Debuts Sportiest Civic Design in Brand History with 10th-Generation Civic Concept at New York International Auto Show






Honda Debuts Sportiest Civic Design in Brand History with 10th-Generation Civic Concept at New York International Auto Show

-10th-generation, 2016 model year Civic focuses on sporty, fun-to-drive dynamics

–Civic lineup to include Sedan, Coupe, and 5-door Hatchback body types, as well as Si and Type-R versions

–First Honda model to apply new VTEC® Turbo engines in North America

–Civic, America’s most popular small car is designed, developed and produced in North America


NEW YORK, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show as the brand prepares to launch its completely reimagined 10th-Generation Civic models beginning this fall. With a sharper focus on spirited performance and class-leading versatility, the new Civic lineup will include Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Civic Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic also will be the first U.S. model to apply new VTEC® Turbo engines from the company’s Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrain series.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150401/196053

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73520

“The new Civic will be, flat out, the most dynamic, the most technologically advanced and the most refined and stylish Civic we’ve ever made,” said John Mendel, executive vice president, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “In every way, this will be an epic Civic.”

The Civic Concept provides a tantalizing glimpse forward to the thrilling design direction for the all-new 10th-generation Civic lineup launching in the U.S. this fall. Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic emphasizes its aggressive personality and the engaging experience it will provide behind the wheel. Proportionally it boasts a longer hood, a shorter front overhang, a more set-back greenhouse and a shorter rear deck, lending the Civic a more athletic and “in motion” appearance.

The low and wide proportions are underscored by its more aggressive wheel-to-body relationship and pronounced fender arches. Its sporty and expressive face is highlighted by bright new LED headlights flanking the “Flying H” Honda grille which is supported by deeply sculpted lower air intakes.

“Charismatic, connected and athletic, our goal was to create a design that is emotional and sporty yet with a sense of timelessness and simplicity,” said Guy Melville-Brown, Chief Exterior designer of the Civic concept, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “In this we set out to create a vehicle that goes beyond the superficial and embraces the very philosophy of what a true Civic should be; it’s a real game changer.”

The 10th-generation Civic is based on a compact platform that targets benchmark levels of efficiency, dynamic performance, safety and manufacturing productivity. Leveraging this new platform in conjunction with new Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains – including a new 1.5-liter VTEC® Turbo engine with direct injection, a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, more sporty and efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) – the Civic will target class-leading fuel economy ratings and fun-to-drive performance with near-luxury levels of cabin quietness and ride refinement.

The new Civic will also target class-leading levels of safety performance and will offer the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Honda LaneWatch™, along with Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

The new Civic marks the first time that global development of both the sedan and coupe models is being led by a North American R&D team, with design led by a team from Honda’s Los Angeles design studio and development centered in the company’s Raymond, Ohio vehicle development center. The North American version of the Civic Sedan will be produced in Greensburg, Indiana, and in Alliston, Ontario. The Civic Coupe and Si models will also be manufactured in Alliston. The VTEC Turbo engine will be produced in Anna, Ohio with engines also produced in Alliston. The CVT will be produced in Russells Point, Ohio. Together, these four Honda plants have invested in new equipment, processes and training to prepare for new Civic production, which will use domestic and globally sourced parts. Production of the five-door hatchback will take place at the company’s Swindon, UK plant.

Honda is in the midst of a series of major product launches that began with the freshened CR-V – 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year – and continues with the spring launch of the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V crossover and the summer launch of the redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot SUV. This will be followed by the new Civic release beginning this fall.

About Civic
The current generation Civic has been the best-selling small car in America with individual retail car buyers every year since its launch as a 2012 model in calendar year 2011, with sales in excess of 300,000 units in each of the past three years. The first-generation Civic debuted in America in 1972, and Civic has played a leading role in advancing fuel efficiency, small-car safety performance, design, technology and fun-to-drive performance over nine generations of development. American car buyers have purchased more than 10 million Civics over the course of 43 years and Civic has been manufactured in North America since 1986, with cumulative production in North America approaching 9 million units.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive automobiles for American car buyers through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Accord, Crosstour, Civic, Fit, and CR-Z along with the Pilot, and CR-V sport-utility vehicles and the Odyssey minivan.


Hospitality, Havana Style: Airbnb Opens Its Doors in Cuba

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Hospitality, Havana Style: Airbnb Opens Its Doors in Cuba

Starting today, licensed U.S. travelers can choose from over 1,000 Airbnb listings throughout Cuba


SAN FRANCISCO, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company, today announced that it will become one of the first U.S. companies to offer accommodations for licensed U.S. travelers since President Obama eased travel restrictions to Cuba in January. Starting today, travelers can choose from over 1,000 listings throughout the island.

“When we founded Airbnb in 2008, our dream was to help create a world where you could belong anywhere, and that vision has taken root in almost every country in the world,” said Airbnb co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk. “For over 50 years, Cuba has been out of reach for most Americans. We couldn’t be more excited that, starting today, licensed U.S. travelers will now be able to experience the unique culture and warm hospitality that makes the island so special through our new Cuban community.”

Cuba is renowned for its large network of casas particulares, traditional private home-stays run by local micro-entrepreneurs that have been a popular choice for visitors for many years. Over 1,000 casas particulares owners have added their homes to Airbnb’s global community. While some hosts have limited internet access, others are working with hosting partners to help them manage their online requests and bookings.

Today, around 40 percent of Airbnb’s listings in Cuba are available in Havana with the remaining 60 percent in cities including Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Santa Clara. Airbnb is eager to expand its presence to other areas of the island in the coming months.

Cuban hosts will receive the protection and benefits that the Airbnb platform offers. They will be eligible for Airbnb’s Host Guarantee program, which reimburses up to $1 million USD for property damage. Airbnb will also expand its photography program to Cuba, currently through a beta program that utilizes the work of local photographers in Cuba’s independent entrepreneur community, to capture images of hosts’ unique spaces.

Airbnb expects significant demand for Cuban accommodations from the U.S. After President Obama’s policy changes were announced in December, Airbnb saw a 70 percent spike in searches from U.S. users for listings in Cuba. In 2015, Cuba has already become one of the company’s most searched for destinations in Latin America, with more Americans searching for it than Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, or Mexico City.

Americans booking travel on Airbnb will be required to attest that they are traveling to Cuba under one of the twelve license categories permitted by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. To comply with current U.S. regulations, the Airbnb platform in Cuba is currently only open to licensed U.S travelers, but the company plans to seek authorization to support non-U.S. travelers in the future.

About Airbnb
Founded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world – online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and over 190 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.


Eggs: Handle Them Safely As You Celebrate!

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Eggs: Handle Them Safely As You Celebrate!


SILVER SPRING, Md., April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Since ancient times, the egg has been regarded as a symbol of new life and has been associated with springtime celebrations, such as Easter and Passover. But, even during festive occasions, eggs can cause food poisoning (also called foodborne illness) if they are not handled properly. That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reminds consumers to handle fresh eggs safely during their springtime celebrations and throughout the year.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:  http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7231951-u-s-fda-egg-safety/

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150401/196158

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

Salmonella can be found on both the outside and inside of eggs that look perfectly normal. These bacteria can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and fever. In otherwise healthy people, these symptoms generally last a couple of days and taper off within a week. But certain people, such as pregnant women, young children, older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk for severe illness from Salmonella. In these individuals, a Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and then to other parts of the body. In some cases, the infection can lead to death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Tips for Handling Eggs Safely

Keep Clean

The outside as well as the inside of eggs can be contaminated.

  • Wash hands and all food contact surface areas (e.g., counter tops, utensils, dishes, and cutting boards) with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.
  • Discard cracked or dirty eggs.

Separate

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

Cook Eggs Thoroughly

Cooking reduces the number of bacteria present in an egg; however, a lightly cooked egg with a runny egg white or yolk still poses a greater risk than a thoroughly cooked egg. Lightly cooked egg whites and yolks have both caused outbreaks of Salmonella infections.

  • Cook eggs thoroughly until both the yolk and white are firm. For recipes containing eggs mixed with other foods, cook eggs to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
  • Eat eggs promptly after cooking. Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature (between 40 degrees to 140 degrees F) for more than 2 hours.
  • For recipes that call for raw or lightly cooked eggs, consider using pasteurized shell eggs or pasteurized egg products.

Refrigerate Eggs Promptly

Keeping eggs adequately refrigerated prevents any Salmonella bacteria in or on the eggs from growing to higher numbers (which makes them more likely to cause illness).

  • Buy eggs only from stores that keep them refrigerated.
  • At home, keep eggs refrigerated at 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) until they are needed. Use a refrigerator thermometer to be sure.
  • Refrigerate unused eggs or leftovers that contain eggs promptly.

Eating Out

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

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

Prevent food poisoning! Handle eggs safely. www.fda.gov/food

 

Prevent food poisoning! Handle eggs safely.

 


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