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HealthCareForYouNow.com Offers Consumers a Chance to Minimize Their Tax Penalty by Enrolling in a Health Insurance Plan

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HealthCareForYouNow.com Offers Consumers a Chance to Minimize Their Tax Penalty by Enrolling in a Health Insurance Plan


BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a special enrollment period for consumers who did not know or understand there was a tax penalty for being uninsured in 2014 or who learned they may face a penalty for 2015. “For the first time, health care and taxes now are linked arm in arm,” C.E.O. of Access Medical Jim Jalil said.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150224/177661LOGO

“We had a tremendously successful second open enrollment period, with many new individuals signing up or continuing their health coverage through our website HealthCareForYouNow.com,” said Jim Jalil. “However, we believe that many Americans did not realize those who do not obtain health coverage could face significant penalties when they file their taxes. And given that the personal risks of not having health coverage are even greater than the penalties, CMS has decided to continue a special enrollment period to allow those individuals more time to sign up.”

  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) penalty for not obtaining health coverage for the 2014 calendar year is $95 for each household member or one percent of income, whichever is greater.
  • That penalty will increase in 2015 to $325 for each household member or two percent of income, whichever is greater.

Individuals taking advantage of this special enrollment period will still owe a fee for any months they were uninsured and did not qualify for an exemption in 2014 and 2015. This special enrollment period is designed to allow such individuals the opportunity to get covered for the remainder of the year and avoid additional fees for 2015.

For many, subsidies may make the cost of health coverage less than the potential tax penalties. For example:

  • In 2015, a 30-year-old in Lexington making $20,000 would qualify for a subsidy and pay $37.44 for a full year of bronze coverage or pay a $400 penalty and remain uninsured.
  • In 2015, a 25-year-old in Louisville making $40,000 would qualify for a subsidy and pay $604.08 for a full year of bronze coverage or pay an $800 penalty and remain uninsured.

On February 15, the second year of Open Enrollment came to a close with about 11.4 million consumers selecting plans or being automatically re-enrolled through the HealthCare.gov platform or State-Based Marketplaces. This week’s snapshot extends through midnight EST on Sunday, February 15 to capture those consumers who signed up for affordable coverage in the final nine days.

Of the 11.4 million, 8.6 million consumers selected a plan or were automatically re-enrolled in the 37 states that use the HealthCare.gov platform. In addition, preliminary analysis of data provided by State-Based Marketplaces show that about 2.8 million consumers selected plans or were automatically re-enrolled between November 15 and February 15 in those states. Further details about plan selections from State-Based Marketplaces may be announced by the states and will be included within the upcoming monthly enrollment report.

“We had a strong open enrollment. About 11.4 million Americans signed up or were automatically re-enrolled in affordable, quality coverage nationwide since November 15,” HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. “And in the final day, more new consumers signed up for health coverage than on any other day this Open Enrollment or last. In the 37 states using HealthCare.gov, nearly 8 in 10 consumers had the option of getting covered for as little as $100 a month or less with financial assistance that lowered the cost of their monthly premium. The Affordable Care Act is now an important part of the everyday lives of millions of Americans. They finally have the financial and health security that comes with affordable health coverage. They now can fill prescriptions and take their children to the doctor. Some no longer have to choose between paying for health care and paying their utility bill. While we have more work to do, the numbers tell the story, and the story is clear. The Affordable Care Act is working, and families, businesses, and taxpayers are all better off as a result.”

About HealthCareForYouNow.com

HealthCareForYouNow is a leader in bringing innovation to the personal insurance industry. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations by providing un-biased recommendations and high quality service. We have cutting edge technology, which allows us to provide our members the ability to compare all of their options. This gives our members the most up to date tools to make the best decision on the plans that fit their specific needs and budget. As the world is evolving, Healthcare For You Now will introduce the insurance world to a new hassle-free way to obtain personal and group health coverage.

Visit http://www.healthcareforyounow.com or call 1-855-495-6510 to learn more about affordable health care options.

 


Ismael Cala announces his tour, “EsCALA a otro nivel”

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Ismael Cala announces his tour, “EsCALA a otro nivel” 


MIAMI, Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The television host, inspirational author and lecturer Ismael Cala is pleased to announce that his expected tour, “EsCALA a otro nivel,” will be visiting 15 countries in North and South America this year.   

The 2015 tour is organized by Cala Enterprises Corporation, in coordination with national producers at the highest levels. 

“I’m happy to announce the tour for 2015, which under the name of ‘EsCALA a otro nivel’ will be introducing a new format. I can assure you that it is going to be an inspiring experience to take the next step in your life, your business and your relationships,” as Ismael Cala explained.

The activities in each city will feature the participation of Cala as well as local experts.

Initial dates and cities confirmed: 

March 20: San Salvador. Hotel Sheraton. El Salvador
March 27-28: Cuenca, Ecuador
April 16: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
April 25: Miami. La Scala de Brickell Concert Hall & Event Space. United States
July 2: Managua, Nicaragua
July 8: Guatemala City. Hotel Barceló. Guatemala

The remaining cities and dates will be posted soon at:  www.IsmaelCala.com

ABOUT ISMAEL CALA

Ismael Cala, host of the CALA show on CNN en Español, has more than 25 years of media experience in Cuba, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, notably at Televisa, Univisión, TLN and AméricaTevé.

His books, “El poder de escuchar [‘The power of listening’],” (2013) and “Un buen hijo de P” (2014) have become best sellers in Latin America and the U.S. Ismael directs the digital magazine “Cala 3.0,” and publishes a weekly column in more than 25 newspapers and magazines. He has received a number of awards, among them Iberoamerican Personality (Organization of Iberoamerican Journalists, 2014), the John Maxwell Leadership Award in media, and the Golden Palm Award of the National Circle of Journalists of Mexico.

The program CALA is broadcast on CNN en Español at 9:00pm (U.S., EST) – 8:00pm (Mexico DF) – 9.30pm (Caracas). Follow him on Twitter: @cala y @calabienestar. And at facebook.com/IsmaelCala


“Fifty Shades of Grey” Wins Box Office Again: We Ask, Do Women Want Sexual Submission?

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LAS VEGAS, Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With a worldwide total of $410.6 million, “Fifty Shades of Grey” is the top grossing U.S. film for a second, straight weekend.  Tantalized by explicit depictions of female sexual submission, American women flocked to the film’s debut, and made up 68 percent of theater audiences. Which begs the question, do women really want to be dominated in the bedroom? Yes and no, says Passion Parties Chief Executive Officer Joanne Harvie.

“We talk to real women, about their real sexual desires, every day,” said Harvie. “Many of our clients are enticed by the fantasy of their partners taking control, but they aren’t interested in hardcore sadomasochism. Like most fictional movies, “Fifty Shades of Grey” pushes the boundaries of reality. So, a woman may enjoy furry handcuffs and a firm spanking, but she might not want to be chained to a bedpost and beaten with a whip. At Passion Parties, we help women live out their actual fantasies.” Founded in 1994, Passion Parties is the premier company in the United States and Canada selling sensual products at in-home parties.

Unlocking Female Sexual Submission
Harvie went onto to elaborate, “Women have romanticized the fantasy of sexual submission since before ‘Gone with the Wind.’ The idea of relinquishing control to a partner can be a powerful aphrodisiac for many. It can tap into an individual’s desire to feel wanted and needed. Today, we all have busy lives with work and kids. And some women are craving this type of affirmation from their partners. When someone ties you to a bed, it screams I want you. I need you. I have to have you now!”

This concept can be confusing for men, Harvie admits. “There may be a woman who saw ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’ and now her lover wants to know if he should be more like Christian Grey. It is a fine line, but a woman can help communicate her comfort level, so that her sexual boundaries are respected. Respecting limits is paramount.”

Giving Him Control, While Setting Limits
“If a woman wants her lover to be more commanding, she can give him a sexy gift that illustrates her desire,” Harvie says. “For example, if she wants him to take charge in the bedroom, she could give him a blindfold or handcuffs with a playful note that indicates her level of comfort. If it says, ‘Tease me until I scream,’ that suggests more foreplay. If it says, ‘I’ve been naughty, spank me,’ he’ll know she wants a spanking. With all roleplaying, setting and respecting safe words are extremely important. They communicate when limits have been reached, and play needs to stop.”

Harvie adds, “Also know that some women aren’t interested in submission at all, and that’s fine. The trick is to find your passion and share it with your partner. That’s the thing that’s great about Passion Parties. There is something for everyone.”

For more sex tips, visit PassionParties.com or call 1-800-4-PASSION to connect with a Passion Parties Consultant.

About Passion Parties
Passion Parties has been in the bedrooms of American women for more than 20 years. At confidential, in-home parties, Passion Parties Consultants showcase a wide selection of romance and sensual products. 

A customer (also known as the hostess) invites her friends, family, and co-workers into her home for a party for women, who are 18 and older. In this setting, a Passion Parties Consultant provides a presentation about sensual products that is entertaining, educational and fun. Women view, taste, and touch romance items before they buy. In this unique setting, women have intimate discussions about their inner most sexual desires.

Passion Parties has been featured by The New York Times, NBC Today, Good Morning America, ABC PrimeTime, E! Entertainment Television, The Doctors, TIME, National Public Radio, Glamour, O: The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Essence, Men’s Health, The Globe & Mail, and many more.

Passion Parties Inc. is not associated with the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, trademarks, intellectual property or anything therein. 

For media inquiries and interviews, please contact:
Passion Parties Public Relations
Corporate Office: 866-642-6428
Direct: Karen Frost, 512-451.7770, [email protected]

New Partnership Rewards Women for Sharing Beauty Advice

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New Partnership Rewards Women for Sharing Beauty Advice

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant and Rocksbox inspire trend sharing with friends


ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Feb. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — When women find their latest beauty obsession, it can be hard to keep it to themselves. It is not a surprise that sharing the latest “it” product is common, given that 84 percent of people say they trust recommendations from their friends and families and that 79 percent actually take action on those recommendations.* To promote the benefits of sharing among friends and family, Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is partnering with Rocksbox, the innovative jewelry subscription company that was created out of the practice of sharing the latest fashion finds with friends. The partnership will kick-off with interactive experiences in New York City and Los Angeles where women will have the opportunity to share the latest innovative products and trends at the Dove Dry Spray Friendship Suite.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150224/177558

The events will highlight the brand’s latest innovation – Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant – a product women are already talking about and sharing with their friends. Through a series of fun and engaging activities, event attendees will have the opportunity to experience the premium benefits of this new product, which is formulated with ¼ moisturizers that offer all the care of Dove in a spray antiperspirant that goes on instantly dry for a cleaner feel.

“New Dove Dry Spray provides a breakthrough experience, with benefits that elevate the antiperspirant category into the realm of beauty,” says Matthew McCarthy, senior director of deodorants/antiperspirants, Unilever. “Spray antiperspirant is the format used most globally and we think women across the U.S. will absolutely love it once they try it. In fact, those who have tried the product are already sharing their experience with friends and family, telling them what they think in their online reviews and in social media.”

Women who attend the New York City and Los Angeles events will also receive a stylist consultation to identify new jewelry trends that fit their individual style, plus a necklace to take home and a one-month Rocksbox subscription to try unlimited designer jewelry offerings for themselves.

“Your jewelry is a reflection of your personality and your friends know you best,” said Rocksbox co-founder Meaghan Rose. “Being able to experiment with your style and try new things with the help of your girlfriends makes accessorizing fun and unique for everyone.”

#TryDry for a Chance to Win** with Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant
Dove is inviting women across the U.S. to #TryDry with Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant for the chance to win over $10,000 in prizes, including spa, dining and entertainment gift cards. Consumers can get involved by visiting Dove.com/TryDry, write their review on new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant and then share it on their Twitter or Facebook pages for a chance to win prizes.

Dove Dry Spray Friendship Suite Dates and Locations
New York City

  • Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2015
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: 312 Bowery, New York, NY 10012

Los Angeles

  • Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2015
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: 1538 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

About the Products
Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant provides all the care of Dove for softer, smoother underarms. It goes on instantly dry for a cleaner feel while offering the brand’s signature ¼ moisturizing technology. The collection provides 48-hour odor and wetness protection and is available in a wide variety of Dove fragrances. The full line of products can be purchased at mass, food and drug retailers nationwide for SRP $5.49 (3.8 oz.).

For additional information visit Dove.com.

*According to the Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising and Brand Messages Report, 2013

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Try Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant or tell us why you would like to try it for a chance to win. The Dove Dry Spray Instant Win is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to individual, legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., who are 18 or older. Begins 12:00 p.m. ET on 1/28/15 & ends 12:00 p.m. ET on 3/11/15. For complete rules, visit https://secure.promo.dove.us/TryDry/Rules.aspx 

About Dove®
Dove®, manufactured by Unilever, is the #1 recommended skin care brand by dermatologists. One in every three households uses a Dove® product, which includes beauty bars, body washes, face care, anti-perspirant/deodorants, body mists, hair care and styling aids. Dove® Men+Care™ launched in 2010 with products developed specially for men. Dove® is available nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores.

About Unilever North America
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in more than 190 countries. Working to create a better future every day, we help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States and Canada, the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, Consort For Men, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Fruttare, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Just for Me!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Magnum, Motions, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Ragu, Simple, Slim-Fast, St. Ives, Suave, TIGI, TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe, TRESemme and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies.

Our ambition is to double the size of our business, while reducing our overall environmental footprint (including sourcing, consumer use and disposal) and increasing our positive social impact. We are committed to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020, and decoupling our growth from our environmental impact. Supporting our three big goals, we have defined seven pillars, underpinned by targets encompassing social, environmental and economic areas. See more on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at http://www.unileverusa.com/sustainable-living/ or http://www.unilever.ca/sustainable-living/.

Unilever employs approximately 11,500 people across North America – generating more than $10 billion in sales in 2013. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com or www.unilever.ca.

About Rocksbox
Rocksbox (www.rocksbox.com) is the destination for “borrow before you buy” jewelry. Through the Rocksbox Shine Insider membership service, Rocksbox gives women access to an unlimited closet of designer jewelry, with the option to borrow, buy or swap at any time.  Shine Insiders can have pieces selected for her by a stylist or can request specific items on her Wish List.  Shine Insiders are granted with $10 of Shine Spend every month to purchase the pieces they can’t part with. Rocksbox features 30+ premium designers including Kendra Scott, House of Harlow, Gorjana, and Loren Hope. 

Founded in Silicon Valley by Meaghan Rose and Maia Bittner, Rocksbox has now shipped over 100,000 boxes – inspiring women across the country to be their brightest every day. 

Media Contact:
Chad Ballantyne
212-704-8174
[email protected]

 


St. Thomas University Business Students – Finalists On MBA Case Competition

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St. Thomas University Business Students – Finalists On MBA Case Competition


MIAMI, Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — St. Thomas University School of Business MBA High Performance Team is eager and ready to compete in the prestigious 11th Annual KeyBank Foundation & Fisher College of Business Minority MBA Student Competition at the end of this week. The competition will be held February 27 – March 1, 2015 at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/STULOGO

This is the first time the School of Business Graduate Program at St. Thomas University has been invited to participate among top business schools in the nation, which includes teams from Yale, American University, Penn State, Boston College, UC-Berkeley, University of Chicago and others. The team representing St. Thomas is formed by Soledad Filgueira, Candy Sincle, and Alicia Llamazares. St. Thomas University’s School of Business team is the only team from South Florida invited to compete. For additional information on St. Thomas University programs please contact Chief Marketing Officer Marivi Prado at [email protected].

About St. Thomas University:

The only Catholic Archdiocesan-sponsored university in Florida, St. Thomas University places an institutional emphasis on social justice and ethical behavior. The STU School of Law boasts one of the most culturally diverse student bodies in the country, ranking first among all ABA-approved law schools in the proportion of Hispanic students, and sixth among African-American students. STU is one of the only law schools in the nation with a Human Rights Institute and offers a joint M.B.A./J.D. in Accounting, International Business, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Sports Administration. The University offers 25 undergraduate and 12 graduate degrees at its 145 acre campus in Miami Gardens, Florida, and through distance learning, including the oldest (and highly ranked) undergraduate program in Sports Administration in the Country. Approximately 90% of the faculty holds the highest degree in their fields and the university offers low student/teacher ratios. Rich in diversity and small in size, St. Thomas University is one of cohesiveness and collegiality where faculty are accessible and approachable, sharing a commitment to respond to student needs and support the University’s motto: “Developing Leaders for Life.”


Bryan Adams Announces U.S. Dates For Reckless 30th Anniversary Tour

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Bryan Adams Announces U.S. Dates For Reckless 30th Anniversary Tour

– Tour to Hit Cities across the Country Starting on April 11 in Houston, Texas –

– Tickets On Sale Starting Feb. 28 at LiveNation.com –

“This was the concert everybody wanted, this was the concert everybody got.” – Vancouver Province

“Bryan Adams is back with a masterclass in anthemic rock ‘n’ roll.” – Express, UK

“It’s not hard to see why Bryan Adams album Reckless has stood the test of time. Thousands of fans piled into the Scotiabank Centre to celebrate the album’s 30th anniversary and what they got was a roaring performance that felt impossibly personal in the 11,000 seat arena.”  – Halifax Metro


LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Multi-platinum selling recording artist Bryan Adams will be plugging in once again and hitting the road with his full band in April to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his iconic rock album, Reckless. Promoted by Live Nation, the RECKLESS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR will kick off on April 11 in Houston, Texas at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, before hitting cities throughout the U.S., including New York City, Las Vegas, Chicago, Dallas and more. Tickets go on sale starting Feb. 28 at www.livenation.com. A complete list of tour dates is below.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150224/177417

Adams will be performing a set that will honor not only the 30th anniversary of Reckless — a deluxe version of which was released in November 2014 featuring exclusive expanded bonus material — but also his endless catalogue of rock classics. Originally released in 1984, Reckless produced a record six huge hits: “Run to You,” “Kids Wanna Rock,” “Somebody,” “Summer of ’69,” “One Night Love Affair” and “It’s Only Love,” a duet with the incomparable Tina Turner. Reckless also gave Adams his first U.S. #1 on Billboard with “Heaven,” as well as a Diamond Award for over a million copies sold in Canada. The album was the turning point in Adams’ career, resulting in his hugely successful World Wide in ’85 Tour.

As Canada’s best-known ambassador, Adams has spent the last three decades making music history. He has sold upward of 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world. He has been awarded the Order of Canada, has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and has a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Adams has also been nominated for — and won —several Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Grammy Awards. He has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into Wembley’s Square of Fame.

BRYAN ADAMS RECKLESS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR – U.S. DATES
All dates, cities and venues below subject to change.

Sat Apr 11

Houston, TX

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (on sale Feb. 28)

Sun Apr 12

Dallas, TX

Allen Event Center (on sale Feb. 28)

Tue Apr 14

Tulsa, OK

Hard Rock

Wed Apr 15

St. Louis, MO

Fox Theatre

Fri Apr 17

Atlanta, GA

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park

Sat Apr 18

Raleigh, NC

Red Hat Amphitheater (on sale Feb. 28)

Sat May 16

Las Vegas, NV

Mandalay Bay Arena (on sale TBA)

Mon May 18

Albuquerque, NM

Sandia Resort & Casino Amphitheater (on sale TBA)

Tue May 19

Phoenix, AZ

Comerica Theatre (on sale TBA)

Wed May 20

San Diego, CA

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre (on sale TBA)

Fri May 22

Irvine, CA

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (on sale TBA)

Sat May 23

San Francisco, CA

Shoreline Amphitheatre (on sale TBA)

Fri Jun 19

Bethel, NY

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (on sale TBA)

Sat Jun 20

Gilford, NH

Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook

Mon Jun 22

New York, NY

Beacon Theatre (on sale TBA)

Thu Jun 25

Nashville, TN

The Woods Amphitheater At Fontanel

Fri Jun 26

Greenville, SC

Charter Spectrum Amphitheatre

Sat Jun 27

Charleston, SC

Family Circle Tennis Center

Thu Jul 23

Detroit, MI

DTE Energy Music Theatre (on sale TBA)

Fri Jul 24

Cleveland, OH

Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park (on sale TBA)

Sat Jul 25

Chicago, IL

FirstMerit Bank Pavilion (on sale TBA)

Tue Jul 28

Harrington, DE

Delaware State Fair

Wed Jul 29

Boston, MA

Blue Hills Bank Pavilion (on sale TBA)

Thu Jul 30

Holmdel, NJ

PNC Bank Arts Center (on sale TBA)

Sat Aug 1

Uncasville, CT

Mohegan Sun Arena (on sale TBA)

PBS is currently airing a concert featuring Adams on its acclaimed program, Great Performances (check local listings). Adams’ current album, Tracks of My Years, is his first studio release in six years, and features a wide range of musical styles reflective of a time when rock was played alongside pop, country and R&B. Great Performances captures Adams in peak performance during his current world tour, performing favorites from the new album as well as his own chart-topping hits. The performance — including “Here I Am,” “Summer of ’69,” “Heaven” and “Straight from the Heart” — was filmed at Toronto’s Elgin Theatre in July 2014 and marks the singer’s PBS debut. “Bryan Adams in Concert” will air on Great Performances on PBS. Check local listings for air times.

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


GRE® Popularity Among Business and Global Students Continues to Grow

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GRE® Popularity Among Business and Global Students Continues to Grow


PRINCETON, New Jersey, Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The GRE® Program continued its volume growth in 2014.  While other graduate school admissions tests saw a decline in volumes for the second straight year, GRE® revised General Test volumes grew by nearly three percent compared to 2013, and recorded double-digit growth among international and business-focused audiences.    

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150224/177450-INFO

U.S. volume continued to be stable in 2014 and international volumes increased a noteworthy 11 percent, including gains of 23 percent in Africa, 11 percent in Asia and nearly 28 percent in Latin America.

Notable trends in 2014 GRE volumes compared to 2013 include:

  • GRE volume in India grew almost 20 percent, reaching volumes of more than 110,000 from that country alone.
  • Volume in Korea grew more than nine percent.
  • The number of tests taken in China remained steady, but the number of Chinese citizens taking a GRE test in the United States has increased.
  • The intended graduate major fields of study that experienced the most significant growth in 2014 include Business (18 percent), Physical Sciences (13 percent) and Engineering (11 percent).

“The GRE Program continues to be vibrant. Total annual volumes have grown by 12 percent since 2009 and in 2014 we saw strong interest from test takers in all regions of the world,” says David Payne, ETS Vice President & COO of Global Education. “With the number of institutions accepting GRE scores at an all-time high, students can use GRE scores to apply to graduate programs, MBA programs and specialized master’s in business programs around the world.”

GRE scores are accepted at thousands of institutions around the world, including more than 1,200 business schools accepting GRE scores for their MBA programs. Currently, 93 of the 2015 U.S. News & World Report Top 100 business schools in the United States and nine of the top 10 institutions on The Financial Times 2015 Global MBA Ranking accept GRE scores. In addition, 29 of Bloomberg Businessweek’s top 30 U.S. MBA programs accept GRE scores.

Over the last year, business schools have become more vocal in stating that they consider GRE scores equally with other test scores in the admissions process. According to a recent Kaplan Survey, nearly eight out of 10 MBA programs have no preference between the GRE test and other admission tests.

Payne believes many test takers are choosing to take a GRE test because of its test-taker friendly features. “We want people to feel confident and do their best. The GRE revised General Test enables people to preview questions, skip and go back to more challenging questions, and even change answers, all within a section. We know these features can help test takers get to better results.” 

Payne added, “GRE test takers know they don’t need to make an immediate decision about their scores right after taking the test. If for some reason they feel they did not do their best, they can think about it and decide later if they want to retest. This means, that at any point in the five-year period during which their scores are valid, they can choose which test scores they want to report to schools. It’s about helping them succeed.”

To learn more about the GRE revised General Test, view a one-minute overview at http://youtu.be/mDv_VXTZK3E or to register to take a GRE test, visit ets.org/gre.

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC ® tests, the GRE ® tests and The Praxis Series ® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org


Ricardo Salinas Fund to Expand Latino Participation in Aspen Institute Events and Programs

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Ricardo Salinas Fund to Expand Latino Participation in Aspen Institute Events and Programs


WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program and Ricardo Salinas, president and founder of Mexico-based Grupo Salinas and a member of the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees, are pleased to announce the Ricardo Salinas Scholarship Fund, which seeks to increase Latino and Latin American participation in Aspen Institute programs. The Latinos and Society Program is a new initiative of the Aspen Institute dedicated to increasing the awareness of the growing Latino Community and its critical importance to the future success of the country.  http://www.aspeninstitute.org/policy-work/latinos-society

How to Apply
Latino and Latin American candidates who would like to attend Institute events should note their interest in and eligibility for receiving funds from the Ricardo Salinas Scholarship Fund directly with the relevant program when registering or inquiring about an event. A list of events open to the public and eligible for the Ricardo Salinas Scholarship Fund is below.

“Working with the Aspen Institute has encouraged and inspired me to think about the critical issues facing our society in new ways,” said Ricardo Salinas. “I am proud to be part of the Institute’s efforts to ensure more Latinos and Latin Americans are able to contribute to and benefit from these important discussions and leadership initiatives.”

The Ricardo Salinas Scholarship Selection Committee will meet twice a year to allocate funds to programs, with a preference for candidates needing financial assistance and programs able to increase Latino participation or offer Latinos an active role in the programming as a result of these resources.

“Ricardo’s generous contribution will not only expand the horizons of scholarship recipients, but will also enrich the experience for all participants and programs at the Aspen Institute,” said Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute. “We are grateful for this opportunity to improve our programming by augmenting Latino and Latin American participation.”

Opportunities open to the public and eligible for an award from the Ricardo Salinas Scholarship Fund include:

  • Aspen Words Young Writers’ Workshop 2015: The Graphic Novel: From July 27– August 1, Brooklyn-based teaching artist Tim Fielder will join Aspen Words to lead 20 high school-aged youth through the process of creating a graphic novel. www.aspenwords.org
  • Aspen Summer Words: Recognized as one of the country’s pre-eminent literary festivals, Aspen Summer Words celebrates writing and writers in Aspen, CO, from June 22 – 26, including morning workshops with some of the most renowned authors and teachers. www.aspenwords.org
  • The Aspen Seminar: The Aspen Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society is the Institute’s classic leadership seminar and the anchor of the Institute’s global leadership fellowship program. www.aspeninstitute.org/aspenseminar
  • Spotlight Health: From Ebola, climate change, and hidden hunger to cancer, personalized medicine, and death with dignity, speakers and audience members from around the world take on challenges and look at the future-facing solutions coming from the fields of science, art, technology, and design. www.aspenideas.org/spotlighthealth  
  • The Franklin Project: The Franklin Project Ambassadors Program is a year-long leadership development program and local engagement strategy that will catalyze support for universal national service. The Franklin Project will recruit up to 50 emerging leaders for this new initiative. www.franklinproject.org
  • The Socrates Program: The Socrates Program provides a forum for emerging leaders (ages 28-45) from various professions to convene and explore contemporary issues through expert-moderated dialogue. The program offers seminars to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the exploration of current, pressing leadership challenges. www.aspeninstitute.org/socrates
  • CityLab: Urban Solutions to Global Challenges. Hosted by the Aspen Institute, The Atlantic, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, CityLab 2015 will convene in London on October 18th– 20th. For more information, contact [email protected].  www.aspeninst.org/citylab

Additional questions regarding the Ricardo Salinas Scholarship Fund process may be directed to Sarah Alvarez at [email protected].

The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

The Latinos and Society Program is a policy program of the Aspen Institute committed to increasing the understanding of, and improving outcomes for, the growing US Latino population and therefore, the United States. The Latinos and Society program will convene meaningful dialogues among cross-sections of society with the goal of influencing more informed decision making, contribute to public awareness of Latino issues as America’s issues, infuse the work of the Aspen Institute with Latino voices, faces and ideas, and develop Latino leadership capacity.

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, building the Mexican middle class, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. These companies include: Azteca (www.azteca.com; www.irtvazteca.com) Azteca America (us.azteca.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Advance America (www.advanceamerica.net), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), Punto Casa de Bolsa (www.puntocasadebolsa.mx) Totalplay (www.totalplay.com.mx) and Enlace TPE (www.enlacetpe.com.mx). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. The group of companies shares a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.