Gerawan Farming Welcomes Court’s Order to ALRB, UFW to Suspend Efforts to Enforce State-Ordered Labor Contract on Gerawan Pending Judicial Review

November 7, 2014

Gerawan Farming Welcomes Court’s Order to ALRB, UFW to Suspend Efforts to Enforce State-Ordered Labor Contract on Gerawan Pending Judicial Review

Justices Find “Good Cause” to Consider Gerawan’s Challenge to the State’s MMC Process

FRESNO, Calif., Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On Monday, November 3, the California Court of Appeal in Fresno asked Gerawan and the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board to explain whether the ALRB “abused its discretion” by ordering Gerawan to comply with a Board-ordered, compulsory “collective bargaining agreement” “at a time when an election had been recently held that may have decertified the UFW as the employees’ bargaining representative” at Gerawan.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141106/157124

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141106/157125

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141106/157126LOGO

This request followed the Court’s grant last week of Gerawan’s petition to review the constitutionality of the Board’s forced contracting scheme. Finding “good cause” to hear Gerawan’s appeal, the Court stayed all proceedings to enforce the Board’s order pending review by the Court. Both the ALRB and the UFW opposed Gerawan’s petition.

“We are gratified that the Court accepted our case. Our family, our workers, and our industry need an answer to the fundamental question raised by this appeal – whether the state can legally write a contract and force it on employers without their consent, or impose the UFW on workers without their vote,” said Dan Gerawan, Co-Owner of Gerawan Farming.

After winning a contested election in 1990 and being certified by the ALRB in 1992, the UFW abandoned Gerawan employees without ever negotiating a collective bargaining agreement. Nearly twenty years later, the union resurfaced, declared itself to be Gerawan employees’ exclusive representative, and compelled Gerawan into the forced contracting process under state labor law. The Board then drafted and imposed a contract on Gerawan and its workers.

Following the Board’s order, thousands of Gerawan employees successfully petitioned for the right to hold an election to determine whether to oust the UFW. That election was held one year ago. The ballots still have not been counted, pending objections to the election filed by the UFW and the ALRB’s General Counsel.

The Court requested further briefing on two, related questions: “1. Should this court stay this appeal pending the ALRB’s determination of the decertification election? 2. In the event that the Board counts the ballots and finds that the UFW was decertified prior to the Board’s final order (to approve the CBA), would that fact nullify the CBA?”

The workers will not be told the outcome of the election or whether their ballots will be counted for months. Nonetheless, Gerawan stated: “I believe that the Court’s decision should give hope to thousands of workers who are still waiting for their votes to be counted before – not after – a forced contract may be imposed on them.”

The Court stayed further attempts by the UFW and the General Counsel of the Board to compel immediate contract enforcement pending this appeal. Gerawan called this decision a “victory for the rule of law.” The ALRB and the UFW previously asked two different trial courts to immediately enforce the contract. On both occasions the trial courts refused. “The Board and the UFW sought ‘enforcement first, judgment later.’ No person should be forced to submit to an order of a state agency without the right of judicial review. The Court of Appeal’s order vindicates that right.”

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

Maricopa County, Arizona, Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Maricopa Integrated Health System Bond Measure

November 7, 2014

Maricopa County, Arizona, Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Maricopa Integrated Health System Bond Measure

PHOENIX, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Voters in Maricopa County, Arizona, overwhelmingly approved a proposition this week that allows the Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) to move forward with critical upgrade’s to Arizona’s only public health care system.

Proposition 480 was approved 63.09 percent to 36.91 percent Tuesday in one of the most conservative and largest counties in the United States.

Voters joined a broad coalition of community and business leaders, police, firefighters, health care groups and elected officials to ensure MIHS receives the upgrades needed to continue providing Level One trauma services for adults and children, the Arizona Burn Center, the highly-respected public teaching hospital, Maricopa Medical Center, and an expansion of behavioral health services.

“We are honored to have the support of Maricopa County voters to move ahead with a fiscally prudent investment to upgrade our safety-net health care system,” said Steve Purves, MIHS President and CEO. “This overwhelming vote of support shows that – even in a difficult election year – voters understood what a valuable asset MIHS is for our community.”

Nita Francis, co-chair of the ‘Yes on 480’ campaign, added: “The passage of Prop. 480 marks a new beginning to improve health care access to those most in need, as well as protecting invaluable health care assets. The positive health and economic benefits will be felt across the state. We are excited to begin the next phase of providing Maricopa County residents with world-class facilities for their public county hospital.”

Planning for the bond measure began over a year ago, when a 15-member citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee conducted a series of 18 meetings, including five public town halls, to assess the condition and needs of MIHS. The Maricopa Medical Center, the most visible part of the system, is more than 40 years old and considered functionally obsolete.

The MIHS Board of Directors, after conducting an independent review of the Bond Advisory’s recommendation to put a bond measure of up to $935 million on the Nov. 4 ballot, agreed in May to seek the election. The measure generated opposition from anti-tax activists, but won endorsements from key elected officials, ranging from U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, a Democrat, to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

The Arizona Republic, the state’s largest newspaper, also endorsed the proposition, saying that despite the Affordable Care Act, “We still need a safety net health care provider.

“The hospital in which those (MIHS) doctors work is an embarrassment, a Nixon-era structure whose obsolescence is a daily obstacle to quality care. If the Maricopa Integrated Health System is to continue playing its role serving an otherwise neglected population, it will need new facilities,” the newspaper’s editorial page said.

The election victory will kick start a public planning process to help make critical upgrades to the health care system, which is licensed for 515 beds (325 acute and 190 psychiatric). MIHS includes two behavioral health centers, 11 neighborhood Family Health Centers located across Maricopa County, the McDowell Healthcare Center, the county’s first HIV/AIDS clinic and the Arizona Children’s Center.

About Maricopa Integrated Health System

Maricopa Integrated Health System, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, is the state’s only public health care system. MIHS has been serving the residents of Maricopa County for more than 140 years. MIHS has 515 licensed beds – 325 acute and 190 psychiatric and more than 4,000 employees. MIHS includes the Maricopa Medical Center, the Arizona Burn Center, Level I Trauma Center, the Arizona Children’s Center, two behavioral health centers, 11 neighborhood family health centers and the McDowell Healthcare Center, the region’s oldest HIV/AIDS clinic. Mission: Maricopa Integrated Health System is committed to offering comprehensive and safe care to all who live in Maricopa County, including the underserved and medically needy, through a seamless continuum of care that keeps our community healthy and self-sufficient and effectively treats illness. We are committed to fostering academic programs that train physicians for the community and conduct clinical research to improve health care outcomes. Website address is www.MIHS.org. Main telephone number is (602) 344-5011.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Michael Murphy
, Communications Director,
Maricopa Integrated Health System,
602-344-1231,
[email protected]

Alma Partners with Rokk3r Labs to Generate New Models for Innovation and Creativity

November 7, 2014

Alma Partners with Rokk3r Labs to Generate New Models for Innovation and Creativity

MIAMI, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alma, one of the top U.S. multicultural advertising agencies, announced today a strategic partnership with Rokk3r Labs, an innovative platform for entrepreneurs to create and launch companies through proven methodology and cobuilding. Alma will be an integral part of Rokk3r Labs’ expert team, which includes engineers, creatives, and strategists, who work directly with the entrepreneurs to turn ideas into a scalable business through cobuilding.

In this mutually beneficial relationship, Alma will assist Rokk3r Labs’ portfolio companies with marketing, communications, and positioning, and in turn, Rokk3r Labs will provide ad-hoc consulting to Alma to better understand how today’s technology can be leveraged to enhance and improve the agency’s services.

“Technology is changing by the second and this not only spurs new kinds of businesses, but also affects how companies currently do business – the best way to stay cutting-edge, is to combine the innovation and creative processes,” said Isaac Mizrahi, SVP, Managing Director, Alma. “For Alma, innovation is everything, and investing our focus in early stage technology companies is the right strategy to stay relevant.”

Rokk3r Labs offers established entrepreneurs the cobuilding approach; a paradigm focused on the changing face of entrepreneurship, where experience and diversity matter. Cobuilding is the fusion of entrepreneurial vision and professional execution that transforms great ideas into successful companies through collaboration. Since inception, Rokk3r Labs has introduced 21 select and proven entrepreneurs into its ecosystem, and eight companies this year achieved their funding and strategic milestones.

“Our partnership with Alma is a great example of the convergence of entrepreneurship and creativity,” said German Montoya, co-founder and Chief Strategy & Creative Officer. “Alma is the best in the industry and being able to provide our portfolio companies access to them is key to the success of our cobuilding process.”

Alma will also provide marketing expertise to Rokk3r Labs portfolio companies, keeping a keen eye on potential marketing technology applications. For example, Alma has begun to work with Rokk3r Labs’ portfolio company, Katana, a product by Live Ninja, which has created a solution for web-based, real-time video chatting without the need to download external applications. Currently, Katana is selling their service as a customer service tool where companies can seamlessly integrate their solution into a website for customer service representatives to interact face-to-face with customers. Alma identified applications beyond that, including real-time ads, which could be useful when promoting products that require a deeper level of engagement or real-time exchange. The agency is now working with Katana on helping them find new ways to monetize their business.

“Imagine if you could click and speak to a travel agent face to face who can actually show you cruise specials and point to maps and give you real-time feedback, or if you are a person trying to quit smoking and are able to click on an ad that allows you to speak to someone and get immediate tips or help – this immediately represents where marketing is going,” adds Mizrahi.

About Alma
Founded in 1994, Alma is today the 7^th largest Hispanic Agency (based on Ad Age’s Hispanic Fact Pack.) Advertising Age named Alma the 2014 Multicultural Agency of the Year and included the agency on its “A-List” in 2012 and 2010. In 2013, Luis Miguel Messianu was named Diversity Trendsetter at the AAF Diversity Achievement Awards. The agency has won top industry awards including: Cannes Lions, Effies, Clios, D&AD, FIAP, Art Director’s Club and El Sol. Long-standing clients include McDonald’s, State Farm, Clorox, Tobacco Free Florida, and Goodyear, among others. For more information, visit www.almaad.com.

About Rokk3r Labs:
Rokk3r Labs launches companies through its comprehensive cobuilding approach, leveraging sound business practices and entrepreneurial experience with a proven and profound understanding of the modern digital world. Their specialized team of engineers, creatives, and strategists propel ideas into amazing companies. Structured to mitigate risks and maximize business opportunities, Rokk3r Labs is committed to the future of its portfolio companies. For more information visit www.rokk3rlabs.com.

CONTACT: Tatiana Bengochea,305-662-3175, [email protected]

SiriusXM to Broadcast Exclusive Town Hall Event with Juan Luis Guerra

November 7, 2014

SiriusXM to Broadcast Exclusive Town Hall Event with Juan Luis Guerra

Internationally acclaimed artist to answer questions in front of SiriusXM listeners and fans

Juan Luis Guerra to premiere track off his new album “Todo Tiene Su Hora”

In-studio Q&A special will air on SiriusXM Caliente

NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — SiriusXM announced today that internationally acclaimed star Juan Luis Guerra will sit down for an intimate Q&A session with an audience of SiriusXM listeners and fans for the SiriusXM “Town Hall” series on Friday, November 7.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101014/NY82093LOGO

Moderated by SiriusXM’s Johnny Salgado, “SiriusXM’s Town Hall with Juan Luis Guerra” will air on Saturday, November 8 at 3:00 pm ET on SiriusXM Caliente channel 150 and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com. For rebroadcast times, please visit www.siriusxm.com/townhall.

Inside SiriusXM’s Fishbowl studio in Rockefeller Center, listeners and fans will have the opportunity to ask the award winning singer, songwriter, and producer questions about his successful 30-year musical career, historic collaborations and highly anticipated album, Todo Tiene Su Hora, available on November 10. In addition, SiriusXM listeners across the country will hear the exclusive world premiere of the next single off of his album.

“We are thrilled to welcome Juan Luis Guerra to SiriusXM,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “Our ‘SiriusXM Town Hall with Juan Luis Guerra’ will give his fans the rare opportunity to listen firsthand from one of the Spanish-speaking world’s most respected musicians as he discusses his life, projects and music.”

“SiriusXM’s Town Hall with Juan Luis Guerra” is part of SiriusXM’s “Town Hall” series, featuring iconic musicians and figures sitting down with a studio audience of SiriusXM listeners. Previous “SiriusXM Town Hall” specials have featured Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Juanes, Gloria Estefan, Pele, Billy Crystal, Quentin Tarantino, Carol Burnett, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, KISS, Coldplay, Hugh Jackman, Dolly Parton, the surviving members of Nirvana, Gregg Allman, Usher and Tony Hawk.

Juan Luis Guerra has sold over 30 million records and has won numerous awards including 15 Latin GRAMMY® Awards, 2 GRAMMY® Awards, and two Latin Billboard Music Awards. His popular style of merengue and Afro-Latin fusion has earned him success throughout Latin America. He is often credited with popularizing the bachata genre internationally.

“SiriusXM’s Town Hall with Juan Luis Guerra” will be available on SiriusXM On Demand for subscribers listening via the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other mobile devices or online at siriusxm.com. Visit www.siriusxm.com/ondemand for more info on SiriusXM On Demand.

Caliente plays a mix of the biggest tropical, salsa, merengue and reggaeton hits, playing, among others, Marc Anthony, Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos, Daddy Yankee and Prince Royce.

For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com.

About SiriusXM
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the world’s largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has 26.7 million subscribers. SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S. and from retailers nationwide as well as at shop.siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM also provides premium traffic, weather, data and information services for subscribers in cars, trucks, RVs, boats and aircraft through SiriusXM Traffic™, SiriusXM Travel Link, NavTraffic®, NavWeather™, SiriusXM Aviation, SiriusXM Marine™, Sirius Marine Weather, XMWX Aviation™, and XMWX Marine™. SiriusXM holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers.

On social media, join the SiriusXM community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: our competitive position versus other radio and audio entertainment providers; our ability to attract and retain subscribers, which is uncertain; our dependence upon the auto industry; general economic conditions; failure of our satellites, which, in most cases, are not insured; the interruption or failure of our information and communications systems; the security of the personal information about our customers; royalties we pay for music rights, which increase over time; the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation; our failure to realize benefits of acquisitions; rapid technological and industry change; failure of third parties to perform; changes in consumer protection laws and their enforcement; failure to comply with FCC requirements and other government regulations; and our indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

P-SIRI

Media Contact:
Michelle Dominguez
[email protected]
212-901-6792

Celebrity Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz Partners with Merck on Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas to Urge Hispanics With Type 2 Diabetes to Get to Their A1C Goal

November 7, 2014

WHITEHOUSE STATION, New Jersey, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, is teaming with celebrity chef and cookbook author Leticia Moreinos Schwartz on Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas, an educational program encouraging Hispanics with type 2 diabetes to achieve better control of their blood sugar — a key treatment goal to help reduce the risk of serious health problems. Hispanics in the United States are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults, and it is the fifth leading cause of death within the Hispanic community. Chef Leticia, who has a family history of type 2 diabetes, will visit select cities to cook up some of her favorite diabetes-friendly Latin recipes, urge Hispanics to know their A1C (average blood sugar level over the past two to three months), and work with their doctors to set and attain their own A1C goal.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141028/154991LOGO
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141028/154992LOGO

For many people with diabetes, it is recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) that they have an A1C of less than 7 percent to help reduce the risk of complications^.For certain individuals, a higher or lower A1C goal may be more appropriate, which is why it is important for people with diabetes to speak with their health care providers to discuss the A1C goal that is right for them. Nearly half of people with diabetes have an A1C greater than 7 percent.

“After living with type 2 diabetes for many years, my grandfather passed away from a stroke, one of the serious complications of diabetes, so I know how important it is for people with diabetes to know their A1C and make a commitment to get to their A1C goal,” said Chef Leticia. “I’m proud to work with Merck on Desafiando La Diabetes to help urge Hispanics to learn about how to control blood sugar and inspire them to eat healthier as part of an overall plan to reach their goals.”

Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as medications (if prescribed by your doctor), are all important to help you get to your A1C goal. Because diabetes is progressive, sometimes adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary, including changes to medications, diet, and activity level. As part of the program, Chef Leticia is sharing some of her favorite diabetes-friendly Hispanic dishes through cooking demonstrations at the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Feria de Salud event in Los Angeles at the Historic Placita Olvera on November 9. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample one of these dishes.

“We are excited to feature Merck’s Desafiando La Diabetes as part of this year’s Feria de Salud,” said Franco Reyna, Associate Director, American Diabetes Association of Greater Los Angeles. “The American Diabetes Association is committed to raising awareness of diabetes and providing relevant resources for people with diabetes to help them get to their treatment goals. This program is providing important information for Hispanics living with diabetes, as well as their friends and family.”

Diabetes disproportionately affects the Hispanic community in the United States. Hispanic adults are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic white adults. In fact, almost 12% of U.S. Hispanic adults are already diagnosed, which is one of the highest prevalence rates among ethnic groups in the country. Hispanics comprise 48.3 percent of the population in Los Angeles County, which has an overall diabetes prevalence of 9.9 percent in the adult population.

“Many people with type 2 diabetes may not realize that high blood sugar levels over time can lead to serious long-term health problems, so it’s important that Hispanics and others living with diabetes learn how to better manage their disease,” said Robert Espinoza, MD, Family Medicine, Santa Ana California. “Desafiando La Diabetes will help educate Hispanics in Los Angeles County about the importance of working with their doctors to come up with an individualized treatment plan to help them get to their A1C goal, track their progress and adjust the plan if needed, since diabetes is a progressive disease.”

Most people with diabetes are aware of the importance of controlling high blood sugar, but it’s also important for them to understand why blood sugar can sometimes go too low. For people on certain diabetes medications, low blood sugar can be caused by skipping meals or excessive exercise and can make you feel shaky, dizzy, sweaty, hungry, and sometimes, faint. Make sure your doctor explains the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar to you and let him or her know if you are experiencing any of those symptoms.

At the Feria de Salud, Chef Leticia and Dr. Espinoza will encourage people with type 2 diabetes to pledge to know their A1C and to talk to their doctor about setting and attaining their own blood sugar goals. Friends and family can also pledge to challenge their loved ones to get to their goals. People with type 2 diabetes who take the challenge can stay motivated by completing missions and accessing important resources available on DesafiandoLaDiabetes.com that will help them work with their doctor to come up with an individualized treatment plan that is right for them.

For more information about Leticia’s story, the Desafiando La Diabetes program, bilingual resources, and diabetes-friendly recipes, visit DesafiandoLaDiabetes.com

About Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz

Chef Leticia Moreinos Schwartz is a chef, cookbook author, teacher, and food stylist with expertise in Hispanic and Latino cuisine. Diabetes is a topic that is very close to her heart, and Chef Leticia is now partnering with Merck on Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas to challenge Hispanics with type 2 diabetes to know their A1C and to work with their doctor to set and attain blood sugar goals.

About Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas

Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas is an educational program from Merck urging Hispanics with type 2 diabetes to know their A1C and to talk to their doctor about setting and attaining their own blood sugar goals. For more information on Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas, and to pledge to work with your doctor to reach your blood sugar goals, visit DesafiandoLaDiabetes.com.

About Type 2 Diabetes

Approximately 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 90% to 95% of these people have type 2 diabetes. One of three American men and nearly 2 of 5 American women born in 2000 will develop diabetes sometime during their lifetime.

When someone has type 2 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin, and/or the insulin that the body makes does not work properly. This causes blood sugar levels to become too high, and the body may also keep making sugar even though it does not need it. Once a person has type 2 diabetes, it does not go away, and having diabetes can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

People with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of serious complications by setting individual goals to manage the ABCs of diabetes – A for A1C, also known as blood sugar, B for blood pressure and C for cholesterol.

About Merck

Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact: Michael Close
(310) 617-1067

The Home Depot Reports Findings in Payment Data Breach Investigation

November 7, 2014

ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today disclosed additional findings related to the recent breach of its payment data systems. The findings are the result of weeks of investigation by The Home Depot, in cooperation with law enforcement and the company’s third-party IT security experts.

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

Additional Investigation Details Disclosed
In addition to details previously released, the investigation to date has determined the following:

Criminals used a third-party vendor’s user name and password to enter the perimeter of Home Depot’s network. These stolen credentials alone did not provide direct access to the company’s point-of-sale devices.
The hackers then acquired elevated rights that allowed them to navigate portions of Home Depot’s network and to deploy unique, custom-built malware on its self-checkout systems in the U.S. and Canada.
In addition to the previously disclosed payment card data, separate files containing approximately 53 million email addresses were also taken during the breach. These files did not contain passwords, payment card information or other sensitive personal information. The company is notifying affected customers in the U.S. and Canada. Customers should be on guard against phishing scams, which are designed to trick customers into providing personal information in response to phony emails. Information about how to avoid phishing and other email scams is available by typing https://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0003-phishing into your web browser.

As previously disclosed, the malware used in the attack had not been seen in any prior attacks and was designed to evade detection by antivirus software, according to Home Depot’s security partners. As the company announced on September 18, the hackers’ method of entry has been closed off and the malware has been eliminated from the company’s systems.

The Home Depot’s investigation, cooperation with law enforcement and efforts to further enhance its security measures are ongoing. The company does not anticipate further updates on the breach outside of its quarterly financial disclosures.

The Home Depot continues to offer free identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to any customer who used a payment card at a Home Depot store in 2014, from April on. Customers who wish to take advantage of these services can learn more at www.homedepot.com or by calling 1-800-HOMEDEPOT (800-466-3337). Customers in Canada can call 800-668-2266.

Cyber Security Enhancements

Enhanced Encryption
The company has implemented enhanced encryption of payment data in all U.S. stores. The new security protection locks down payment card data, taking raw payment card information and scrambling it to make it unreadable and virtually useless to hackers. Home Depot’s encryption technology, provided by Voltage Security, Inc., has been tested and validated by two independent IT security firms.

Though initially launched in January 2014 as part of a strategic plan to expand security beyond those protections already in place, implementation of the project was accelerated after the breach and completed in all U.S. stores on September 13, 2014. The rollout to Canadian stores will be completed by early 2015.

EMV Chip-and-PIN Technology
The company is rolling out EMV chip-and-PIN technology, which adds extra layers of payment card protection for customers. Chip-and-PIN technology was deployed to Canadian stores in 2011. Launched as a project for U.S. stores in January 2013, the project will be completed ahead of the payment industry’s deadline.

Prior Guidance Confirmed
The Home Depot will release its third quarter results on Tuesday, November 18. The company today confirmed its previous fiscal 2014 sales growth guidance of approximately 4.8 percent and its fiscal 2014 diluted earnings per share growth guidance of $4.54, an increase of approximately 21 percent, which includes estimates for the cost to investigate the data breach, provide credit monitoring services to customers, increase call center staffing, and pay legal and professional services, all of which are expensed as incurred.

The company’s fiscal 2014 diluted earning-per-share guidance does not include an accrual for other yet-to-be determined estimable and probable losses related to the breach. At this time, other than the breach-related costs contained in the company’s fiscal 2014 diluted earnings-per-share guidance above, the company is not able to estimate the costs, or a range of costs, related to the breach. Costs related to the breach may include liabilities to payment card networks for reimbursements of payment card fraud and card reissuance costs; liabilities related to the company’s private label credit card fraud and card reissuance; liabilities from current and future civil litigation, governmental investigations and enforcement proceedings; future expenses for legal, investigative and consulting fees; and incremental expenses and capital investments for remediation activities. These costs may have a material adverse effect on The Home Depot’s financial results in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and/or future periods.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,266 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2013, The Home Depot had sales of $78.8 billion and earnings of $5.4 billion. The company employs more than 300,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Certain statements contained in this release constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions and expectations (which may change) and may relate to, among other things, (a) the impact of the breach on our results of operations, including (i) costs related to the breach (including any costs not currently reflected in our guidance), the related ongoing investigation and resulting liabilities, (ii) the outcome of our ongoing investigation, including our potential discovery of new information related to the breach, such as the discovery that additional information has been stolen, and our customers’ and other stakeholders’ reaction to that new information, (iii) our ability to recover any proceeds under our insurance policies, (iv) the uncertainty regarding the outcome of any current or future civil litigation, governmental investigations and enforcement proceedings, and their impact on our financial performance and operations, (v) loss of customer confidence in our ability to protect their information and the adverse impact this loss of confidence may have on sales, and (vi) our ability to effectively or timely implement adequate payment security enhancements and other remediation efforts and our potential inability to prevent future attacks; (b) the demand for our products, services and credit offerings; (c) net sales growth; (d) comparable store sales; (e) state of the credit markets; (f) continuation of share repurchase programs at previously announced levels; (g) net earnings performance; (h) earnings per share; (i) guidance for fiscal 2014 and beyond; and (j) financial outlook. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control or are currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended February 2, 2014, in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in any other materials or reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

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

(Español) Ismael Cala presenta su nuevo libro “Un buen hijo de P”

November 6, 2014

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

“Terra Live Music in Concert” to Feature Luis Fonsi in Star Studded Event Presented by Sprint

November 6, 2014

“Terra Live Music in Concert” to Feature Luis Fonsi in Star Studded Event Presented by Sprint

Las Vegas Concert will also Include Performances by J Balvin, Juan Magan and Pablo Lopez

MIAMI, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Terra will host the ultimate concert headlined by Latin GRAMMY® winner and nominee Luis Fonsi in the upcoming “Terra Live Music in Concert” presented by Sprint. Fans can watch the Las Vegas performance on November 18 at 7:30PM ET/4:30PM PT via video stream. The concert will also feature some of the most talented voices in Latin entertainment including three-time Latin GRAMMY nominated urban music superstar J Balvin, Latin Grammy winning artist/DJ/producer Juan Magan and Latin GRAMMY nominated artist/songwriter Pablo Lopez. The exclusive concert, taking place at the House of Blues, invites the Terra audience to enjoy a show encompassing the energy and excitement of the digital concert series, all ahead of the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

“We are thrilled to bring the Terra stage to life during one of the most important weeks in Latin music,” said Ingrid Otero, Director of Programming for Terra in the United States. “Having collaborated with so many talented artists through our ‘Terra Live Music’ series, we are thrilled to welcome sensational performers like Luis Fonsi, J Balvin, Juan Magan and Pablo Lopez to our stage.”

Earning the title as the “Leader of the New Generation of Latin Music,” Luis Fonsi will perform his critically acclaimed live show for the “Terra Live Music” fans. Fonsi boasts an incredible 17-year-career as a musician, songwriter and producer, winning a Latin GRAMMY for “Song of the Year” for his hit single “Aqui Estoy Yo,” 13 Premios Juventud Awards, five Latin Billboard Awards, eight Premio lo Nuestro Awards, among others. Fonsi‘s repertoire will include all of his greatest hits that has gained him platinum and gold record sales across Europe, South and Central America, as well as the new songs from his latest album, “8,” featuring “Llegaste Tu”, a duet with Juan Luis Guerra, “Corazon En La Maleta” and “Que Quieres De Mi”.

Latin GRAMMY award nominated emcee/singer, J Balvin, who burst onto the music scene with his critically acclaimed debut album, La Familia, and has become one of the most promising new talents in urban music will join Luis Fonsi and the rest of celebrity line-up. Balvin is familiar to “Terra Live Music” having performed on the “Terra Live Music in Studio” stage this past June. Fresh off of his North American tour alongside Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull, the Colombian will entice fans with an urban pop experience with hits that include multi-platinum breakthrough single, “6AM” and current chart-topping single “Ay Vamos.”

Juan Magan, best known as the creator of the “electro Latino” movement, is one of the most successful Spanish artists of recent times; over 100 concerts around the world, 1 million in attendance, currently has the #1 song in downloads, streams and views with his new single – Si No te Quisiera. Juan Magan will showcase his unique style dance and Latin music including 2013’s most streamed and downloaded song in Spain “Mal de Amores”. On the other spectrum of the musical wheel, Pablo Lopez brings the romantic sounds of his native Malaga. His debut album went gold in his Native Spain and has had a series of #1 tracks – including Vi and Mi Casa. Pablo Lopez will enamor everyone with soulful interpretations of his Latin Grammy nominated album “Once Historias y Un Piano”.

These four artists have revolutionized the Latin music genre with their unique sounds. Fusing together the rhythms of Latin pop, Reggaeton, EDM and Electro Latino into a sensational concert experience, Terra has found the most fitting way to celebrate its 15-year anniversary on the stage that started it all: “Terra Live Music”.

Don’t miss the incredible “Terra Live Music in Concert” event, presented by Sprint, in Las Vegas and enjoy every minute on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:30PM ET/4:30PM PT by visiting www.Terra.com.

Get social with @TerraMusicaUS, @LuisFonsi, @JBALVIN, @JuanMagan, and @PabloLopezMusic about #TerraLiveMusic as you watch the show on any of your devices! Thank you @Sprintlatino for helping us put on another great Terra event #MexicoYMas500.

ABOUT TERRA

Created in 1999, Terra is the leading digital content producer in Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries, reaching a monthly audience of over 100 million people. Terra reaches users through editorial content and is a pioneer in sports and entertainment live transmissions – from live concerts performed by artists like Paul McCartney, U2, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes and Kings of Leon, to all European League and championship matches as well as the Olympic Games. Terra’s content is offered in English, Spanish and/or Portuguese in 19 countries across the United States, Latin America and Europe, through multiple screens – computers, tablets and smartphones. Led by the Global CEO, Paulo Castro, Terra’s headquarters are in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the company has offices in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Spain and the United States.

Terra has just launched a new responsive layout providing an innovative content and advertising delivery with the objective to simplify user’s lives and allowing advertisers to reach consumers in a whole new way.

“Terra. Your World, Simplified.” Visit the New Terra at www.Terra.com or click here for more information on “Terra Live Music”.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is the world’s leading music company with wholly owned operations in 60 territories. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry’s leading global music publishing operation.

Universal Music Group’s record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Records, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Motown Records, Polydor Records, Universal Music Latino, Universal Republic and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalogue of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world’s most popular artists and their recordings. UMG’s catalogue is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes Global Digital Business, its new media and technologies division and Bravado, its merchandising company.

Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.

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

(Español) Mi Propio Nombre: ¡I See Me! lanza su cuento clásico personalizado My Very Own Name en español!

November 6, 2014

I See Me!, Inc. — Los animales nos muestran las letras una a una las letras que componen los nombres y apelidos del niño en forma de rima. Al final, los animales celebran el que hayan creado el nombre perfecto para el niño o la niña."

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Gerardo Mejia, A.K.A. “Rico Suave,” And Family Gear Up For New Comedic Docu-Series “Suave Says” Premiering Wednesday, December 3 At 10PM ET/PT

November 6, 2014

Gerardo Mejia y familia, Suave Says de VH1

Gerardo Mejia, A.K.A. “Rico Suave,” And Family Gear Up For New Comedic Docu-Series “Suave Says” Premiering Wednesday, December 3 At 10PM ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, California, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Gerardo – and his famously chiseled torso – rose to the top of the music charts in the early 1990’s thanks to his hit single “Rico Suave.” Now VH1 is giving you a sneak peek into his crazy family life in the new comedic docu-series “Suave Says” premiering on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10PM ET/PT. When fans eventually moved on, so did Gerardo Mejia, who transitioned into a career as a powerful music executive and a lay pastor, married a beauty queen and started a family. Now the former heartthrob is teaming up with VH1 as he passes the music torch to his children and manages a loco home life with “hot mom” wife Kathy, rapping son Jaden, and daughters Bianca, a fashionista, and Nadia, an aspiring singer and “Miss Malibu” title-holder. Rounding out the hectic Mejia household is Gerado’s mom, Mama Mejia.

After living out his own rock-n-roll dreams, “Rico Suave” went to work behind the scenes, becoming one of Interscope Records’ most valuable A&R executives and credited with bringing fellow Latin singer Enrique Iglesias and others into the mainstream. But reconciling a pop star past with modern parenting isn’t easy, as Gerardo and Kathy have discovered with kids who want to follow in their father’s famous footsteps. Add to that Kathy’s inclination to be a best friend to her son and control his budding love life and home life for the Mejias is never easy, even when it’s suave.

VH1’s “Suave Says” is executive produced by Gerardo Mejia and 51 Minds’ Christian Sarabia and Angela Aguilera. VH1 executive producers are Susan Levison, Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Fernando Mills. The series is also executed produced by Edward Paige and Liane Su for Blank Paige Productions.

Follow @SuaveSaysVH1 on Twitter and use hashtag #SuaveSays and #MyLocaFamily to talk about the show. You can also find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SuaveSaysVH1.

VH1 delivers the ultimate mash-up of music, pop culture and nostalgia for adults who still want to have fun. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, the VH1 App, VH1.com and @VH1, the hub for all things music and pop culture. Fans may also access current and retro VH1 programming via the VH1 App, the network’s three-in-one video, new form content and co-viewing app, available for free on iOS and Android platforms. VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information, go to www.vh1press.com, VH1.com, or the VH1 Facebook page. Follow us on Twitter @VH1PR.

*All times ET/PT

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

1...2,9562,9572,958...3,039 Page 2,957 of 3,039