News (Noticias) for July 22nd, 2008

Blogante News Essentials –»

Mexico will no longer jail illegal immigrants detained within its borders.

Hurricane potential off S. Texas coast leaves some wondering if Border Patrol will make good on threat to screen for undocumented (Latina Lista)

The next extinct species: the Latino journalist - Esther J. Cepeda

FDA finds salmonella strain in Mexican-grown jalapeno pepper

Video: Danica Patrick “chats” with Milka Duno

Are Obama, McCain reaching Hispanic voters? - Tampa Bay area view

Las Vegas’ Hispanic Population Increase Cause May Surprise You - (Hint: it isn’t immigration)

Art Acevedo looks back, forward after one year - Austin’s first Hispanic police chief

In Tijuana, a Market for Death in a Bottle - finding pentobarbital, a barbiturate commonly known as Nembutal is easy there

Worse may come for epic lines at Tijuana crossing

Best of the Rest

From –» Top Stories | My Picks | Eye Openers | Did You Know Facts
+ don’t forget to check out Blogante Business & Blogante Entertainment below - just scroll down

Immigration law means a borderline existence for U.S. wife of Mexican

Poor financial advice, habits hurt many Hispanic

Houston Police Department’s first Hispanic woman cop shot - Belle Ortega

Gold, platinum rules eased for Latin musicians - numbers of albums needed to be sold cut in half!

Did You Know? Voter registration jumps in North Carolina - 10,000 identify themselves as Hispanic — a 25 percent increase in this new category.

Did You Know? That Nestor Carbonell from Cane plays the mayor of Gotham City in The Dark Knight

Election 2008 –»

View the latest 50 headlines or 25 excerpts

Are Obama, McCain reaching Hispanic voters? - Tampa Bay area view

Did You Know? Voter registration jumps in North Carolina - 10,000 identify themselves as Hispanic — a 25 percent increase in this new category.

Blogante Business

Drill Down: Business | Marketing | Real Estate | Media | Internet

Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) becomes an Official Licensee of Alianza Latina de Béisbol

Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund: Calling All Latina Entrepreneurs

Steelworkers Join Los Angeles Activists in Demanding Occidental Petroleum Stop its Complicity of Human Rights Abuses in Colombia

The Hispanic Game-o-sphere

SBS’s ‘EL CIRCO’ recognized by leading Marketing Association in Puerto Rico.

Poder acquires Hispanic Enterprise magazine

Meredith to Realign, Rename Hispanic Parenting Titles Under ‘Ser Padres’ Brand

MultiTax Boosts Productivity of Tax Preparers Serving Latinos and Immigrants

Connecticut gets a local Spanish-language station

Avaya IP Technology Enables Leading Hispanic Market Newspaper Publisher to Improve Contact Center and Customer Service Operations

Poor financial advice, habits hurt many Hispanic

El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce now runs Minority Business Enterprise Center

USHCC PLANS CONVENTION AND EXPO IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Undocumented worker ruling could rattle Oregon’s economy

Marketers Aim at Latino Youth via Univision’s ‘Premios Juventud’

Blogante Entertainment

More at: Entertainment | Musica

SERGIO MENDES To Perform July 30th On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

AS THE PINKER TONES TRAVEL ACROSS THE COUNTRY, LOCAL CRITICS RAVE

Lots of Chihuahuas and Disney Movie Making: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? » VivirLatino

Rendirán homenaje a José José

DIANA REYES PRESENTARA SU ÉXITO “ME MUERO” EN LOS “TECATE PREMIOS DEPORTE” PROGRAMADOS PARA EL HORARIO ESTELAR EL 27 DE JULIO POR UNIVISION

CABAS CONQUISTA ESTADOS UNIDOS CON AMORES DIFICILES

Galilea Montijo might be the next Aventurera

Eva Longoria takes her name out of the running for this year’s Alma Awards

Asegura Cristian que no volverá a casarse

Televisa offers Cristián de la Fuente a starring role

Mayrín Villanueva asks the press to respect her privacy

HITN to Give Salsa Congress a World Audience

Daddy Yankee brilla en el festival de cine de NY

The first-ever Mexican film festival in New York says ‘Hola’

Eva Longoria: ‘I can’t wait to have children’

THE 2008 ALMA AWARDS® HOST EVA LONGORIA PARKER AND NCLR PRESIDENT AND CEO JANET MURGUÍA ANNOUNCE NOMINATIONS AND SHOW HIGHLIGHTS, INCLUDING SPECIAL HONORS TO SHAKIRA, LINDA RONSTADT, AND NARCISO RODRIGUEZ

Eva Longoria grabbed lunch at Toast and shopped at Blck following her ALMA conference appearance

Eva Longoria hosted the nomination ceremony for the 2008 ALMA Awards

2008 Alma Awards Nominees

Responde Cristian Castro a Gabriela Bo

Shawn Kiehne, a k a El Gringo - Born in America, Heart in Mexico

Shakira, Juanes, sing to demand release of rebel-held hostages

Arcángel Is Rated PG?

Jaslene Suffers From Mal De Amores

Gold, platinum rules eased for Latin musicians - numbers of albums needed to be sold cut in half!

Did You Know? That Nestor Carbonell from Cane plays the mayor of Gotham City in The Dark Knight

Pide Gloria Trevi la ‘prueba de amor’

Simply Blogante News

La Bloga: Homeless musician’s story is also about the columnist who wanted to help

JCPenney Honors Hispanic Youth Scholars at Univision’s 5th Annual ‘Premios Juventud’

Mujer Dominicana en Nueva York exhibit

Guatemala: Forced Disappearance and the Search for Justice in El Jute

LAXART Presents the Debut of Miguel Angel Rios’ Video Crudo

New Hispanic Campaign Targeting Obesity, Created by PlanetWoot

Frank McLynn’s top 10 books about Mexico

U.S. Latinos may get a national museum of their own

Abilene’s first Cuban refugees brought by the International Rescue Committee arrive - Texas

Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber rallies behind May Town Center

Industrial/Cesar Chavez votes haven’t changed - Dallas

Food rise has Bolivia’s coca farmers planting rice

5 dead, president safe after Bolivian helicopter crashes

Hazleton mayor named Pennsylvania’s Mayor of the Year - Lou Barletta

Ochoa, Fuentes, leave time capsule messages atop Mexico cathedral

4,881 Peruvians in Spain could accept to voluntarily return to Peru

Illinois Rep. Foster travels to U.S.-Mexico border

43% of people reported missing in Peru are minors

Cuban-Venezuelan ties boom under Raul Castro

Wave of arrests targets Cuban activists

With Special Guest Ledisi, The Legendary Brazilian Musician Will Perform “Waters of March” From His Chart-Topping New Album Encanto

Encanto Is Currently The #1 Contemporary Jazz Album In The Country For a Fifth Consecutive Week, And Also Holds #1 On CMJ’s World Music Chart

The Group’s Live Show Has Been So Well Received On The Warped Tour That They Have Recently Been Added To The Skate Stage In Addition To The Skull Candy Tent For The Rest Of The Summer’s Dates

Upcoming Tour Stops Include Northeast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest and California

Read The Pinker Tones Regularly-Updated Tour Blog: www.thepinkertones.wordpress.com

“This Barcelona duo hit like a spicier Daft Punk, keeping the retro electronica but trading the po-mo mind games for hip-twisting grooves. Bring oil if you catch them on Warped Tour this summer–you will be doing the electric slide.” - SPIN (6/08)

“The Pinker Tones ruled. So up my alley, three dudes dressed alike — in silver and black, no less — bumping electro jams that reference the DFA’s urban chic, Daft Punk’s fun and Eurodisco’s overall danceability. The Barcelona trio also appeared to be having the most fun of any group there.” - RIVERFRONT TIMES (St. Louis, MO - 7/1/08)

“Warped pioneers.” - ORLANDO WEEKLY (Orlando, FL - 7/10/08)

“These Barcelona synth-rockers have found a way to become the next big Daft Punk confection without seeming derivative.” - NEWSDAY (Long Island, NY - 6/29/08)

“Spain’s dynamic DJ duo The Pinker Tones blow the laces off the Vans Warped Tour and defy (or maybe redefine) music genres.” - HISPANIC MAGAZINE (6/08)

“Barcelona’s playful Pinker Tones just might be the most eclectic group to play America’s Warped Tour. - FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM (Fort Worth, TX - 7/20/08)

“Mister Furia and his partner Professor Manso reflect the diversity of their city and serve up an fantastic mix of pop, funk, soul, bossa-nova, break-beat, swing, lounge, and psychedelia beats–a surreal and über happy and upbeat cocktail of booty-shaking bass electronica.” - ON TAP MAGAZINE (Washington, DC - 7/2/08)

“Amid the sound and fury of this year’s Vans Warped Tour… fans will hear a unique blend of pop, rock, funk, bossa nova, lounge, psychedelia, Euro-dance and electronica emanating from one of its many stages.” - VIRGINIAN-PILOT (Norfolk, VA - 7/14/08)

“Wild Animals is a series of synth-gilt pelvic meditations on the the real world stars and audience both occupy, with tracks like “Worker Bees” and “Sexy Robot” distilling the anomie into bootilicious joy.” - MEANSTREET MAGAZINE (Los Angeles, CA - 6/08)

“Global dance party: Pinker Tones give Warped Tour international flair.”
- ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH (St. Louis, MO - 6/28/08)

“[Pinker Tones' 'Wild Animals' is] an endorphin-goosing dance album.”
- ROLLING STONE (6/12/08)

” Raising the bar for electronica used to be the realm of bands like Depeche Mode and New Order  – but now groups like The Pinker Tones are bringing a wild energy and ambitious focus to a new generation.” - ASSOCIATED PRESS (6/2/08)

” Whatever crops up in the music — retro-funk breakdowns, bachelor-pad bossa novas, catchy choruses in Romance languages — the beat endures and thrives [on Wild Animals].” - NEW YORK TIMES (6/1/08)

“The boys from Barcelona hit the streets with [Wild Animals], a surprisingly confident and joyful collection of jaunty hooks and mondo beats that fully exploits all that the Pinker Tones hear and integrate in their port city.”
- THE WASHINGTON POST (5/6/08)

“This group from Barcelona has developed a brilliant way to bring people to a musical climax thanks to their genius fusion of languages and rhythms in an electronic mood. ‘Wild Animals’ is one of the most amazing albums of the year.”
- PEOPLE EN ESPAÑOL (5/08)

“Like some sort of hipster virus, the Pinker Tones’ poppy electronica has spread from the duo’s hometown of Barcelona.”
-BILLBOARD (4/13/08)

THE PINKER TONES ON VANS WARPED TOUR 2008
(SKATE STAGE + SKULL CANDY TENT)

Wed Jul 23 - Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts, Mansfield, MA
Thu Jul 24 - Darien Lake P.A.C., Darien Center, NY
Fri Jul 25 - Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
Sat Jul 26 - Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
Sun Jul 27 - Toyota Pavilion, Scranton, PA
Mon Jul 28 - Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ
Tue Jul 29 - Post Gazette Pavilion At Star Lake, Pittsburgh, PA
Wed Jul 30 - Riverbend Amphitheatre, Cincinnati, OH
Thu Jul 31 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Noblesville, IN
Fri Aug 01 - Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee, WI
Sat Aug 02 - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Sun Aug 03 - Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN
Tue Aug 05 - Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK
Wed Aug 06 - Race City Speedway, Calgary, AB
Fri Aug 08 - Idaho Center Amphitheatre, Nampa, ID
Sat Aug 09 - Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
Sun Aug 10 - Columbia Meadows, St. Helens, OR
Wed Aug 13 - Save Mart Center, Fresno, CA
Thu Aug 14 - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA
Fri Aug 15 - Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
Sat Aug 16 - Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Marysville, CA
Sun Aug 17 - The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA

For more information about The Pinker Tones and Wild Animals, please contact:
Paul Dryden (paul.dryden@cookman.com) or
Jennifer Sarkissian (Jennifer.sarkissian@cookman.com)
at Nacional Records - 818.763.1397.

www.NacionalRecords.com

A measure that takes effect Tuesday eliminates jail times for illegal immigrants caught in Mexico. Most are crossing the country from Central America en route to the U.S.”*

We can only hope that it doesn’t come to that point, but if the situation worsens where people will have to be evacuated for their own safety, we hope that common sense prevails and the appreciation of the value of human life surpasses the enforcement of any misguided policy, no matter if it is the law or not.”*

UNITY 08, the quadrennial gathering of the National Associations of Asian American, Black, Native American and Hispanic journalists, hits Chicago this week surrounded by wall-to-wall bad news about minorities and the media.
…
In January of this year when the Chicago Sun-Times let go dozens of journalists, I made headlines (visit my Press Room and read from the bottom up) by being let go even though I was Chicago’s only Hispanic metro columnist and the newsroom’s only Latino reporter. With no seniority on a roster that included people who had been there for over twenty years, I was out on my can despite the fact there are 1.7 million Latinos in the six-county Chicago metro region and the number grows every day.”*

Went to the movies this weekend and saw the preview for Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Can you say extreme unease? What could possibly go wrong with a movie about dancing, Spanish-accented Chihuahuas”*

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music (Putnam, $25.95 hardcover) by Steve Lopez

Book review by Daniel Olivas

In 2001, columnist Steve Lopez moved to the Los Angeles Times after building an award-winning career at respected publications including the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Oakland Tribune, Time magazine and the San Jose Mercury News.”*

La Academia Latina de la Grabación honrará este jueves al artista mexicano José José en un evento en el que figuras como Marco Antonio Solís, Cristian Castro, David Bisbal, Ana Bárbara y Alicia Villarreal, darán voz a sus más grandes éxitos.”*

Miami, Julio del 2008 - El próximo Domingo 27 de Julio ,Diana Reyes, junto a una gran variedad de estrellas de la industria del entretenimiento y los deportes desfilaran en la primera entrega anual “Tecate Premios Deportes”. Estos premios estaran honrando a los mejores atletas hispanos en una ceremonia de “Alfombra Roja” desde el histórico “”Pasadena Civic Auditorium en Pasadena, California. La transmision sera a las 7:00pm Este/Pacifico (6:00pm Centro).

La  exitosa  cantante  presentara  su  éxito  musical  “Me Muero”   de su mas reciente producción titulada “Insatisfecha”.

Hoy, Diana Reyes entrega lo mejor de sí en un nuevo disco compacto titulado “Insatisfecha”, en el que nuevamente hace mancuerna con el productor musical Raymundo Sáenz, responsable de galardonados discos de la mexicana. La placa fue grabada en Monterrey, Nuevo León y editada bajo el sello DBC Entertainment. Dicho sello en el que ella participa directamente en la producción,  y sirve de fundadora. “Insatisfecha” logro debutar en el 1er lugar de las listas de soundscan en el género “Regional Mexicano” y 2do lugar en las listas generales.
El álbum encierra doce canciones: Volverte a Amar, Tu Nuevo Cariñito a Dueto con Los Caminantes, La Tentación Que Me Enamora, La Lámpara, Me Muero, Me Estoy Volviendo Loca, La Infiel, Vulgar Mamarracho, Sedúceme, Quédate Junto a Mí, Francamente e Insatisfecha.

BIOGRAFIA
El sólo escuchar el nombre de Diana Reyes pensamos en pasión, armonía y éxito. Y es que desde el lanzamiento de su álbum debut en el 2004, su primer sencillo “Rosas” la colocó rápidamente en los primeros lugares de popularidad, conquistando con esta producción un Disco de Oro a poco tiempo de haber salido a la venta. ¡Todo un suceso para una novel artista!

Inmediatamente, Diana se convirtió en una de las artistas más solicitadas de su género, conquistando éxito tras éxito. Festivales y presentaciones en los principales programas de la televisión nacional con alcance internacional la consolidaron como la más grande en la música al estilo de Durango, siendo bautizada como La Reina del Pasito Duranguense.

Navidad Duranguense (2005) fue su segundo material discográfico con el que logró superar las 70 mil copias vendidas. El disco, que también contó con la inigualable producción de Raymundo Sáenz, fue uno de gran madurez artística sorprendiendo a la misma artista quien aseguró en esa ocasión que Sáenz le “sacó un potencial que no conocía” de ella misma.

En agosto de ese mismo año, una tercera producción La Reina del Pasito Duranguense, supera las 250 mil copias. De este disco surgieron temas como: “El Sol No Regresa”, “El Me Mintió” y “Mentiras”. El álbum le consiguió su primera nominación a Premios Lo Nuestro como Artista Femenina del Año. “¡Ese día quería gritar!” – mencionó Diana. Eso era sólo el comienzo de un año lleno de triunfos. Dos meses después es tres veces nominada por la prestigiosa revista Billboard como Artista Nueva Generación, Artista Femenina del Año y Disco del Año por el tema “Como Una Mariposa”.

Para reciprocar el reconocimiento no sólo otorgado por la industria especializada sino por los miles de fanáticos que fielmente la siguen desde su primer álbum, la mexicana editó Las No. 1 de la Reina (2006), certificado por la RIAA como Disco de Oro y que vendió sobre 100 mil copias. Con esta producción, Diana Reyes debutó en el número uno en listas de Billboard en el género Regional Mexicano. Asimismo, la mexicana conquistó el primer lugar como artista femenina y ocupó la posición veintidós de ventas en el género Regional Mexicano a nivel mundial, ubicándose entre los 10 discos Latinos más vendidos, además de ocupar el segundo lugar como el artista de mayor venta de su compañía discográfica.

El 2007 da la bienvenida a su quinta placa discográfica titulada “Te Voy a Mostrar”, disco que a dos semanas de su lanzamiento obtuvo un Disco de Oro  en Estados Unidos. Esa producción lleva a Diana a experimentar nuevos matices musicales dándole un nuevo giro al género duranguense. Interesantes fusiones mezcladas con el pop son expresadas en canciones con un estilo único que convierte a la artista en una gran representante de la música contemporánea.

Los logros de Diana Reyes también se hacen notar en trabajos como su dueto con el cantante español David Bisbal, que lleva por nombre “Quién Me Iba a Decir”, incluido en el segundo tiraje del disco de Bisbal titulado “Premonición”. Igualmente, en importantes presentaciones como cuando fue solicitada a participar en la final del popular ‘reality’ Objetivo Fama, de la cadena Univisión, que se realizó en Puerto Rico y donde Diana cantó su éxito “Cuando Baja La Marea” interpretación que le ganó miles de adeptos en suelo puertorriqueño. Asimismo, una popular gira de bailes con la que ha obtenido una enorme aceptación en la República Mexicana.

Más de MEDIO MILLÓN de copias vendidas avalan el éxito de esta cantante. Su inconfundible voz y un estilo único no solamente le han adicionado fanáticos este pasado año sino suma nuevos reconocimientos como su reciente nominación a Premios Lo Nuestro como Artista Femenina del Año, en la categoría de Regional Mexicano.

Mas informacion - visita
www.dianareyes.net

CABAS CONQUISTA ESTADOS UNIDOS
CON “AMORES DIFÍCILES”

EL CANTANTE FUE RECONOCIDO COMO UN “CIUDADANO HONORABLE” POR PARTE DEL CONCEJO DE LA CIUDAD DE NUEVA YORK

SU HIT RADIAL “BONITA”
DESPUÉS DE 21 SEMANAS CONTINÚA LIDERANDO LOS LISTADOS EN COLOMBIA CONVIRTIENDO EL ÁLBUM - “AMORES DIFICILES” -
EN UNO DE LOS MÁS VENDIDOS Y ESCUCHADOS EN COLOMBIA

Miami, Julio 21 del 2008 -  Luego de terminar con éxito una extensa gira de promoción por los Estados Unidos; visitando territorios como Puerto Rico, Miami  y Nueva York,  el cantautor Colombiano CABAS recibió un gran reconocimiento por parte del  Concejo Municipal de la ciudad de Nueva York este pasado jueves 17 de julio - en el marco de la celebración de los 198 años de Independencia de Colombia.  El cantante recibió este gran homenaje de manos del Honorable Concejal Hiram Monserrate, Primer Concejal Latino en Queens.
“Me siento súper agradecido y honrado por este reconocimiento que me hace el gobierno de los Estados Unidos, y sobre todo la ciudad de Nueva York. Yo tuve la oportunidad de vivir dos  años allí y guardo gratos recuerdos de esta gran ciudad” comento el artista.

(CABAS junto al Cónsul General de Colombia en Nueva York
el Honorable  Sr. Francisco Noguera Rocha)
Foto Suministrada LMC Media Group LLC

Luego de esta celebración, el cantante regreso a Miami a cumplir con varias actividades de su agenda promocional y partió a primera hora, del día sábado, hacia Medellín - a formar parte del majestuoso Concierto Nacional por la Paz en celebración del 20 de Julio – día de la Independencia de Colombia.  CABAS fue el artista invitado a cerrar este gran concierto en la ciudad de Medellín ante más de 50 mil personas.
Vale la pena mencionar que su hit radial ‘Bonita” lleva mas de 21 semanas ocupando el puesto #1 a nivel radial en su país natal  - Colombia – convirtiendo su mas reciente álbum “Amores Difíciles” en uno de los mas vendidos y escuchados en Colombia. “Bonita” de igual manera ocupa los primeros lugares en Bolivia, Argentina y Republica Dominicana respectivamente.

www.cabasmusic.com

Various stars have been named to replace Edith González in the Mexican musical Aventurera, but this time Carmen Salinas publicly announced she would be like for Galilea Montijo to play the role while she was on TV show La oreja (Televisa). Even though the producer recognizes that that 34-year-old actress isn’t a professional singer, she’s still flirting with the casting idea.”*

When Cristián de la Fuente and Eva Longoria announcement the nominees of the 2008 Alma Award nominees, Longoria explained that she wanted to shine the light on some new talent: “Everybody knows Desperate Housewives, let’s recognise the people that you may not know on certain shows,” she said. Despite being one of the most famous Latino faces in Hollywood, Longoria didn’t feel right about putting her own name in the running”*

Cristian Castro, con una actitud bromista muy al estilo de su papá, Manuel “El Loco” Valdés, accedió a hablar en esta ciudad de sus dos divorcios. Declaró que no volverá a casarse.”*

After various weeks of speculating that Cristián de la Fuente might be working with for the Televisa family, Mexican producer Salvador Mejía publicly announced that he offered the actor a starring role in his next production based on the miniseries Kane & Abel. “*

In the past few days Mayrín Villanueva has been in the eye of the hurricane. She’s in the midst of a seperation with Jorge Poza, while rumors have been spreading that she’s having a fling with her co-star Eduardo Santamarina (the romance was confirmed by Cecilia Galliano, the wife of Sebastián Rulli). And now the 32-year-old actress is acting the press to respect her privacy. “*

JCPenney awarded three Hispanic high school graduates each a $15,000 college scholarship for educational excellence during Univision’s “Premios Juventud” live show on Thursday, July 17, 2008. The “Premios Juventud” youth awards program is Hispanic television’s #1 awards show honoring Latin entertainment and pop culture icons as voted on by this country’s Hispanic youth. This year’s show was hosted by Univision novela stars Eduardo Santamarina and Mayrín Villanueva, along with celebrity presenters and entertainers.

In appreciation for their accomplishments, JCPenney provided the winning students a star -studded experience including a “spa day” at a local Miami, FL, JCPenney salon complete with hair, make-up and beauty services. In addition, the winners were outfitted by a celebrity stylist who illustrated how they can achieve their own red carpet Back-to-School styles from an array of JCPenney’s new Juniors and Young Men’s lifestyle brands. Each winner showcased their favorite chosen outfit on that evening’s red carpet and awards presentation. The selected winners were judged on their school grade point average, extra curricular activities and an essay on what obstacles they have overcome in their lives.

“JCPenney is passionate about celebrating educational excellence. This is why the company has partnered with Univision’s ‘Premios Juventud’ to highlight the accomplishments of Hispanic youths who are making a positive impact in their communities,” said Olivia E. Vela, multicultural marketing director for JCPenney. “We are pleased to serve as a reminder that dreams are never beyond reach for those with determination, vision and perseverance. We believe that ‘Every Day Matters’ and these winners embody the spirit and energy that brings this statement to life.”

JCPenney Scholarships were presented to:

Cecile M. Vazquez (18 years old), Los Angeles, CA: Athletic Award. The Mexican-American star athlete is pre-med bound, for California State University, Los Angeles, and will enroll in the nursing program this fall, where her scholarship will help finance her ultimate goal of becoming a Doctor in Pediatrics.

Daigelis Rodriguez (18 years old), Miami, FL: Music Award. Born in Cuba, but raised in Florida, Daigelis is passionate about the performing arts and is well known in her community as a soloist and most importantly as a pianist. This fall, she will take center stage at Palm Beach Atlantic University where her scholarship will finance her Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance and a minor in Minister Leadership Skills.

Edwin Hernandez-Otero (17 years old), Puerto Rico: Academia Award. Born in Puerto Rico and raised as a literary artist, Edwin will continue his studies at the University of Mayagüez, where he will utilize his scholarship towards a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Engineering and Mathematics with an ultimate goal of becoming an Astronaut.

“Premios Juventud” Activities
Adding to the excitement of “Premios Juventud”, JCPenney held promotional activities leading up to and on the day of the awards show. Tickets to the show were given out to lucky listeners during live radio remotes at JCPenney retail stores in the Miami area. Also, prior to the start of the extravagant event, a special VIP tent was set up for celebrity guests, JCPenney student winners and hosts, where they could relax before the evening’s performances.

Also, for the first time in “Premios Juventud” history, the awards event emphasized the importance of protecting the earth by “going green”. To focus on this monumental undertaking, the JCPenney tent was outfitted with exclusive Simply Green(TM) accents. Simply Green(TM) is an exclusive-to-JCPenney designation that assists customers in making environmentally conscious purchases.

Finally, JCPenney scholarship winners also enjoyed being a guest on the nations’ leading Spanish-language TV morning show, Univision’s “Despierta America” the morning after the event. Winners were able to share their unique stories, future goals and unforgettable experience courtesy of JCPenney.

JCPenney Gears up for Back-to-School
To kick off the Back-to-School season, JCPenney recently launched an integrated marketing campaign on how to “get that look” for school. Exciting brands such as Decree, Kimora Lee Simmons Fabulosity, Le Tigre, American Living, created by Polo Ralph Lauren’s Global Brand Concepts and Whitetag, available only at JCPenney were featured in advertising and on TV spots. The campaign also launched a Back-To-School online sweepstakes “A Clases con Clase” which first aired the morning after the event. The sweepstakes began on July 18, 2008 and ends August 17, 2008 and is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age and older. Consumers have the opportunity to win a total of $4,000 in gift cards just by registering online. For more information on the sweepstakes visit www.univision.com . For more information on Back-to-School visit www.jcpenney.com “*

HITN (Hispanic Information Telecommunications Television Network) announced today that through its internet platform, HITN.tv, it will present the 12th Annual Puerto Rican Salsa Congress to a national and international audience.

Participants from over 30 countries will compete for the coveted title of “World Champion” in the World Open Salsa Championship. Dance competitions have grown immensely in popularity throughout the globe. In the United States shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” have attracted millions and created legions of new fans, while in Europe dance competitions have been in vogue for many years. The Salsa Congress brings together professional and non-professional Salsa dancers of all ages from all over the world to compete and have fun.

José Luis Rodríguez, CEO and President of HITN said, “We believe that broadcasting the Salsa Congress via our Internet platform will allow countless fans throughout the world the opportunity to enjoy this year’s competition and we are looking forward to being the vehicle for them to experience world-class Salsa.”

HITN.tv will provide complete coverage of all the competitions and events. People interested in viewing the Salsa Congress can do so by logging on to www.hitn.tv./puertoricosalsacongress

About HITN: The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. (HITN) was established in 1983 as a non-profit organization. HITN’s mission is dedicated to the advancement of Hispanics by providing engaging educational entertainment that invites individuals and families to live fuller, richer lives and enables them to serve as an ever-growing engine of intellectual power and progress. HITN-TV was created in 1987, becoming America’s first Public Television Network for Latinos. Today, HITN-TV can be found on cable, satellite, video on demand and online reaching over 31 million households.

HITN provides a unique source of educational, cultural, news and public affairs programs to the homes of Hispanics in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information log on to www.hitn.tv

HITN is available on Dish Network; DirecTV; Time Warner Cable (NY, NJ, TX); Comcast (IL, CO); Charter (CA, NV, WA, GA); AT&T U-verse and Verizon FiOs nationwide.

HITN: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AS AMERICA’S FIRST PUBLIC Television NETWORK FOR LATINOS “*

The Giddy Gander Company has signed a deal with Skeye Inflight Entertainment, www.skeye.tv , to distribute THE WUMBLERS children’s television series and brand across the friendly skies.

Skeye Inflight Entertainment specializes in the distribution of airline audio-visual programming, distributing to over 200 airlines. Its CEO and owner, Isabelle Begin, is a 10-year veteran of sales and programming in the film and television industry. Skeye’s current children’s catalog includes Sesame Street and Pinky Dinky Doo, amongst a host of additional titles that make this company a premiere distributor of quality programming for children.

“With families spending so much more time on airplanes these days, THE WUMBLERS is a wonderful way to add fun and value to these family trips,” says Laura J. Wellington, CEO of The Giddy Gander Company and creator of THE WUMBLERS children’s television series and brand.

“The partnership between The Giddy Gander Company and Skeye Inflight Entertainment will support THE WUMBLERS children’s television series and brand in its commitment to teaching children about the world as a global community and making the world a better place. What better way to do this than through the airlines,” cites Heidi Schwartz, Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Business Development, The Giddy Gander Company.

For more information about THE WUMBLERS, visit www.wumblers.com .

For further information, please contact Heidi Schwartz, VP of Strategic Alliances and Business Development, The Giddy Gander Company, heidis@giddygander.com, (201) 944-9004 x 230, www.giddygander.com .

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Cultiva Entertainment announced today that Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) will exclusively offer uniforms, headwear and apparel for the Alianza Latina de Béisbol brand, which features the Serie del Caribe tournament as part of its product offerings.
Build-A-Bear Workshop has been granted an exclusive multi-year license to produce uniforms and apparel featuring the Alianza Latina de Béisbol participating country designs that include, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Alianza Latina de Béisbol celebrates the Serie del Caribe tournament (Carib Series), the annual championship tournament of Caribbean Winter Leagues endorsed by Major League Baseball(R) for player participation. The upcoming tournament will be hosted in Mexicali, Mexico beginning February 2 through February 7, 2009.

“This is all about fun. Our partnership with Alianza Latina de Béisbol is a great opportunity for us to extend the Build-A-Bear Workshop brand to more of our Guests and to make our products even more relevant to their lifestyles”, said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Executive Bear.

“We are very excited to offer young Hispanic baseball fans the opportunity to celebrate their country pride through Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Anthony Loarte, Principal of Cultiva Entertainment. “Hispanic youths represent a large percentage of the U.S. population and we are pleased to offer them a product that resonates with their affinity to baseball and their culture.”

About CULTIVA ENTERTAINMENT
Cultiva Entertainment is the producer of Alianza Latina de Béisbol(TM), whose mission is to entertain the 55+ million Latino baseball fans and salute professional Latino players. Cultiva Entertainment also holds the exclusive licensing rights for the Caribbean Confederation of Professional Baseball and the Serie del Caribe Tournament. Its website, www.ebeisbol.com, is the official website of the Serie del Caribe. Cultiva also develops, produces and markets Latino Entertainment. For more information on Cultiva, log onto www.cultivaentertainment.com. “*

LATINA Style Magazine, the premier magazine addressing the needs of Latina professionals in the United States, is pleased to announce the availability of ten (10) executive business education grants for Latina entrepreneurs.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund has been the most respected and coveted business award program for Latina business owners in the United States. The Fund was created to recognize the accomplishments of Anna Maria Arias, the late founder and editor of LATINA Style Magazine. Her drive and mission to empower Hispanic women is one of the true legacies in the Hispanic community. The Fund celebrates this spirit of entrepreneurship that was Anna Maria’s vision and that today serves to fuel the phenomenal growth of the Latina business sector.

Created in the spirit of Anna Maria Arias’ vision for Latinas in the business sector, this fund was designed to celebrate the perseverance and commitment that marked Anna Maria’s life. She was a pioneer as a publisher, businesswoman and champion of entrepreneurship. The fund provides these educational grants to selected Latina business owners from across the country who exemplify those business practices and principles that Anna Maria championed.

“When you are looking to jump start your business and take it to the next level of success, the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund could be available to help you achieve your goals,” stated Robert Bard, President and CEO of LATINA Style Inc. “We started these awards more than 6 years ago … we are now entering our seventh year, and the Fund has helped dozens of Latinas grow their companies. The awards have made a difference in the lives of dozens of Latina entrepreneurs, ensuring that business dreams become a reality … one woman at a time!”

We look forward to receiving hundreds of applications this year. The grant recipients will be showcased during a gala awards dinner at this year’s LATINA Style Annual Symposium taking place in Washington, DC on September 5, 2008, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in our nation’s capital. For more information or to apply for the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund visit http://www. latinastyle.com or call 1-800-651-8083.

LATINA Style Magazine, a lifestyle magazine for the professional Hispanic woman. “*

Members of the United Steelworkers (USW), labor and community activists demonstrated in front of Occidental Petroleum headquarters today in support of a people’s tribunal in Bogota, Colombia that is hearing evidence of murders and death threats against union activists involving the company’s alleged approval.

“Corporations that operate in areas of conflict should not contribute wittingly or unwittingly to human rights abuses,” said USW District 12 Director Terry Bonds. “Occidental Petroleum should ensure human rights violations are not being committed by state agents or their proxies operating to defend the company’s interests.”

Bonds represents USW members in California, including about 80 workers employed at Occidental Petroleum in Long Beach.

Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Enough Violence, Basta Con La Violencia,” and held picket signs. They collected signatures for a petition to Congress and delivered a letter to Dr. Ray R. Irani, chairman, president and CEO of Occidental Petroleum.

In the letter, the United Steelworkers Union (USW) expressed concern over Occidental’s complicity in human rights abuses in Colombia. The union urged the company to “come clean” about the full extent of its involvement in the Dec. 13, 1998 bombing of Santo Domingo and expressed concern about its reported financial and logistical support for the Colombian 18th Army Brigade, which has committed numerous human rights abuses including the August 2004 murder of three union leaders. There is evidence the Brigade, which helps protect the company’s Cano Limon oil pipeline, continues to aid and abet the paramilitary groups.

The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal, Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos (TPP), being held today and tomorrow in Bogota is exposing transnational corporations like Occidental Petroleum, British Petroleum, Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Chiquita Brands International for their alleged participation with the Colombian security forces and rightwing paramilitary groups in silencing and sometimes killing trade unionists and community activists. The tribunal is composed of 130 members and includes experts in international law, human rights and international humanitarian law.

The lack of prosecution and conviction of those responsible for these killings of human rights activists, trade unionists, journalists, teachers, health workers, indigenous people, peasant farmers and elected officials has led Democratic congressional leaders to hold up the vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement until the Colombian government proves it is actively going after the perpetrators and brings them to justice.

Labor leaders continue to be murdered with impunity. Since 1991, over 2,300 trade unionists have been murdered. Under President Uribe’s tenure, convictions have been reported in 59 trade union homicide cases, an average of less than one per month, for the past five years. Of the 59 convictions, only 22 of them are for the over 450 murders committed since Uribe took office in August 2002.

Ever since it discovered the Cano Limon oil field in 1983, Occidental’s presence in the Arauca region of Colombia has attracted the participants of the civil war: leftwing guerrillas, the military and the paramilitaries. According to Amnesty International, many of the human rights abuses done by these groups has occurred in communities and areas that border the company’s Cano Limon oil pipeline. Occidental has admitted its personnel have paid the guerrillas in exchange for being left alone.

According to the LA Times, a security firm hired by Occidental to monitor guerrilla movements (another U.S. company known as AirScan) provided coordinates to Colombian military pilots when they dropped cluster bombs on Santo Domingo, a village near one of the company’s pipelines. Seventeen civilians, including seven children, died in the attack.

In the past, Occidental supported the Colombian military in its attempt to forcibly remove the U’Wa Indian tribe from its ancestral land to make way for the company’s pipelines.

The company successfully lobbied the U.S. for expanded military operations in Arauca and was a big supporter of Plan Colombia, a multi-billion dollar effort to fund the country’s military so it could ostensibly fight drug trafficking.

One of the other companies being charged is Drummond, which the USW sued for its alleged role in the murder of three union leaders in 2001. The leaders’ union has gone on strike in Colombia against Drummond, thereby increasing their vulnerability to violent reprisals. The USW stands in solidarity with those striking workers.

Besides the Los Angeles demonstration, events are being held today at the corporate headquarters of Coca-Cola in Atlanta and Chiquita Brands in Cincinnati. There are also community-based efforts in New York and Boston.

As the largest industrial union in North America, the USW represents 850,000 active workers employed in the oil, chemical, paper, metals, rubber and service sectors.

For more information on the USW’s campaign against human rights violations in Colombia and its opposition to the Colombia FTA, go to: www.usw.org .
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According to a recent study conducted by BIG Research, the following was found to be true of U.S. Hispanics 14+ who play video games, as measured against the general 14+ gaming population and all U.S. Hispanics 14 years of age or older. Key Indices are highlighted.”*

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS)announced that “El Circo”, the company’s hit morning radio show on WMEG La Mega 106.9 FM in Puerto Rico, was nominated by the Association of Executives in Sales and Marketing in Puerto Rico for the “Premios Excelencia en Mercadeo” award for its “¿Pa’ Donde Van?” campaign. “El Circo” is hosted by the renowned radio personalities Antonio “El Gangster” Sánchez and José “Funky Joe” Vallenilla. “*