News (Noticias) Tagged ‘book’

Unbridled Books is pleased to announce the publication of George Rabasa’s THE WONDER SINGER (publication date September 16, 2008), a must-read new novel about a Spanish opera diva and the ghost writer struggling to complete her memoir. Often funny, beautifully told, rich with history (the Spanish Civil War scenes are based on stories that Rabasa’s parents told him), this is a grand story — almost operatic in itself — that is sure to win over readers looking for that perfect fall story.

George Rabasa was raised in Mexico, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Americas in Mexico, and now lives in Minnesota. Rabasa’s story collection, Glass Houses, received The Writer’s Voice Capricorn Award for Excellence in Fiction and the Minnesota Book Award for Short Stories. His novel, Floating Kingdom, received the Minnesota Book Award for Fiction. His most recent novel, The Cleansing, was named a Book Sense Notable by independent booksellers nationwide. His short fiction has appeared in various prestigious literary magazines and in several anthologies.

THE WONDER SINGER is a story of second chances. As any freelance writer knows, plum jobs can be hard to come by, and for Mark Lockwood, who has labored for years with the mind-numbing series “How to Talk to Your Teen about…” landing the job as ghost writer for the esteemed diva Mercè Casals is a dream. Plus, the job comes with an unexpected perk for this newly restless married man: each day he gets to spend some time with Casals’ appealing young Latina nurse, Perla. What could be better? Finishing the job to great success. Having a romance.

But suddenly both became far less possible when, unexpectedly, the Diva dies in her bath. Now, her agent wants Lockwood’s interview tapes, which he plans to pass over to a renowned celebrity biographer. Perla, too, seems happy to move on.

So begins the chase (or chases!) in this charming, fun, and moving literary caper. In a page-turning tale about passion, great art, dramatic failures, and nice guys (hopefully) winning first, we follow Mark Lockwood as he moves from place to place, tapes often secured to his person. With the aid of Perla and the Diva’s greatest fan (a cross dressing mimic), Lockwood writes feverishly to beat his new competitor to New York with the final manuscript.

For complete author tour information, an iTunes playlist, and a downloadable reading group guide, please visit our website at unbridledbooks.com/thewondersinger.html

SELECTED PRAISE FOR THE WONDER SINGER

“Rabasa…includes vivid scenes from the Spanish civil war…but his novel is at heart an engaging exploration of the power of art.”—Booklist

“A storytelling beauty perfect for a relaxing weekend…a pure joy for the reader’s senses.”—Metro Spirit

“A wonder…highly recommended.”— Kingman Daily Miner

RE: THE WONDER SINGER

By George Rabasa

Pub date. September 16, 2008

ISBN: 978-1-932961-56-0, Hardcover, $24.95, 6 x 9, 336 pages, Fiction “

During the Democratic National Convention, the eyes of the world will be fixed on one presidential candidate, Barack Obama. He is the “rock star” politician, “the face of the Democratic Party’s future,” and the “skinny kid with the funny name” who has ascended to the summit of American politics. His religious faith is both the fuel of all that he has achieved and the source of the greatest challenges in his pursuit of the presidency.

With the need to provide a fair minded and objective examination of the candidate’s faith, best-selling author Stephen Mansfield writes La Fe de Barack Obama (The Faith of Barack Obama, Thomas Nelson Publishers, published in Spanish by Grupo Nelson, September 8, 2008). In this new book, Mansfield provides us with the most thoroughgoing examination of the role of religion in the Democratic presidential candidate’s life to date. The author provides an analysis of Obama that is sure to surprise people across the political divide — and provoke widespread discussion about an issue that continues to be front and center in this year’s election. In La Fe de Barack Obama, Mansfield:

– Provides greater facts and details to definitively refute many of the most incendiary charges against Obama — including the ever-present “theory” that Obama is a “Muslim Manchurian candidate.”

– Identifies the key issues that may prevent Evangelical Christians from ultimately voting for Obama — and tells us how Obama is still attempting to connect with this constituency, often more successfully than John McCain.

– Describes the titanic shifts in how religion is playing a role in the 2008 election.

– Walks the reader through a moving account of Barack’s journey to faith.

La Fe de Barack Obama is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Illinois senator’s spectacular leap into the national spotlight — and the role that religion will play in this year’s election and will continue to play in future politics and culture. As Mansfield writes, “In short, [Obama] is going to be a political and religious force to be reckoned with in American society, and both his supporters and his detractors are well served by understanding why.”

To read a sample chapter click: issuu.com/gruponelson/docs/lafedeobamacapi1

To view video click: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m423an3V1M8

STEPHEN MANSFIELD is the New York Times best-selling author of The Faith of George W. Bush, The Faith of the American Soldier, Then Darkness Fled: The Liberating Wisdom of Booker T. Washington, and Never Give In: The Extraordinary Character of Winston Churchill, among other works of history and biography. Founder of both The Mansfield Group, a research and communications firm; and Chartwell Literary Group, which creates and manages literary projects, Stephen is also in wide demand as a lecturer and inspirational speaker.

For interviews or reviews please contact Claudia Duncan at 615.902.1871 or by e-mail at cduncan@thomasnelson.com.

La fe de Barack Obama
Stephen Mansfield
Available at bookstores or Amazon.com
Book also available in English: The Faith of Barack Obama “

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) proudly announces its support of a new PaycardUSA program that will offer its business members the convenience of paying their workers through the La Moneda (The Coin) Card Prepaid MasterCard.

“As a business owner in the construction industry we employ hundreds of Hispanic workers. I was so excited when we discovered how the PaycardUSA payroll cards worked for us and our workers, our company invested in PaycardUSA. We are honored to be endorsed as the USHCC payroll card and will work diligently to keep bringing critical financial services to workers — using the card as the registration and payment vehicle.” James Hammer, owner WestCor Construction & PaycardUSA.

The La Moneda Card is essentially a prepaid MasterCard card, allowing workers to avoid check cashing lines and fees and offering key benefits such as:

– Easy on-line bill pay
– State of the art mCash mobile commerce application
– The ability to purchase special discounted goods and services
– Additional cards can be ordered for other family members, allowing the employee to move funds to the family card. No more wiring fees to send family members money or having to send cash with family members on vacation.
– Workers have the freedom to rent movies, purchase online, or make everyday purchases without having to walk around with a lot of cash.

“The USHCC is proud to support PaycardUSA as it provides our business members with a system that will truly meet the most pressing needs of Hispanic workers,” said Elizabeth Gallagher, USHCC Vice-Chair. “The La Moneda Card Prepaid MasterCard is the preferred solution for our business members’ Hispanic workforce and we recommend the card for any worker.”

A Paycard saves small and medium size businesses both time and money as it is less costly to pay workers through a Paycard than paper checks. As a modern twist for “pay day,” it is a much more efficient and safer way for employees to receive their paycheck.

“It is costly for employers to pay workers by writing checks, money that businesses can save using the Paycard,” said Rafael Sanchez, USHCC Board Finance Chair. “The ROI calculator website feature is an easy tool that will allow you to calculate your savings per employee per year based on check printing and bookkeeping.”

For more information on the partnership and the La Moneda Card Prepaid MasterCard program, please visit www.paycardusa.net/lamonedacard or www.ushcc.com .

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $388 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.

About PaycardUSA, LLC
PaycardUSA offers payment solutions that allow you to pay dozens, hundreds or even thousands of employees with a single transaction that takes mere minutes. With the paperless PaycardUSA MasterCard(R) Payroll Card program, you can make your payroll process simple and easy and save your company money while providing your employees the benefit of a Prepaid MasterCard card. PaycardUSA is a registered MSP of Palm Desert National Bank. The La Moneda Card Prepaid MasterCard is issued by Palm Desert National Bank pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated.

MasterCard is the registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. “

Todobebe, Inc., the leading media company dedicated to the adventures of parenting, announced that “Viva la Familia! de Todobebe” (Hooray for Families! from Todobebe), its new TV show for mothers and young families, debuted Friday night July 25th in Prime Time delivering 3.3 million viewers 2+ and made Univision the #1 network for the 10pm ET/PT (9pm Central) hour among all Adults 18-34, Adults 18-24, and Persons 12-34.

“If there is any question as to which families make up the new general market in the United States, this delivery says it all,” said Gillian Sandler, CEO & Chairman, Todobebe, Inc.

The new family show stars the actress, singer, and expecting mother Aracely Arambula, who is also a co-executive producer, and is co-hosted by Todobebe’s co-founder, Chief Editor, and author Jeannette Kaplun.

About Todobebe, Inc.
Founded in 1999, Todobebe, Inc. is the leading media company dedicated to the adventures of parenting; its award-winning branded properties have pioneered new advertising models and serve Spanish speaking families raising babies and children through: The Family TV show and multi-media promotions platform: Viva la Familia! de Todobebe; Todobebe.com the #1 Internet destination for Spanish-speaking families expecting and raising babies, Todobebe radio capsules syndicated via ABC Radio Networks, Todobebe TV, DVDs, and radio shows distributed in Mexico, South and Central America; The Todobebe Magazine distributed in the top newspapers in the United States; The Todobebe Book, the parenting guide for babies 0-12 months published by Harper
Collins-Rayo; Todobebe Parenting Tips, airing hourly in stores nationwide in the US via the Premier Retail Network, and in hospitals in Mexico via Canal Angeles. Among its prestigious awards are the 2007 Canyon Ranch Institute Prevention Pioneer Award, and its Suncoast Emmy(R) nomination as the best service TV program.

About Viva La Familia de Todobebe
Produced by Todobebe, Inc. in Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida, Viva La Familia de Todobebe’s Executive Producers include Julia Dangond, Melissa Escobar, Aracely Arambula, and co-executive producers: Luis Balauguer, Alejandro Asensi, and Latin World Entertainment. “

our Latina entrepreneurs, with businesses that capture the flavor and fiesta of Latino heritage, joined forces to send gift baskets brimming with color and culture to three new Latina moms – Salma Hayek, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez.

The gifts are a “Welcome to el Mundo” for their little ones and a warm embrace for the new mothers, each of whom proudly represents what it means to be a successful Latina in America. And now, each represents Latina motherhood.

“As business women and Latin mothers we want to support and encourage them on their new adventure,’’ said Monica Olivera, who owns the on-line boutique Latin Baby and blogs on products, services and trends for Latina mothers at www.micielitolindo.blogspot.com. “And, of course, to help them celebrate and pass on ‘la cultura’ to their new babies.’’

In addition to Latin Baby, the gift-givers are: Frijolitos, Los Pollitos Dicen and Proud Tots.

The Gifts Were Sent for:
- Max and Emme: the twins born to Puerto Rican-American superstar Lopez and Puerto Rican salsa king Marc Anthony.
- Valentina Paloma, daughter of Mexican-born star Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault.
- Max Liron, son of Ecuadorian and Irish-American singer Aguilera and Jordan Bratman.

The Gifts:
Latin Baby, an on-line baby boutique for Latino families, sent gifts from their infant and toddler lines - such as hooded towels and jean jackets - which feature designs with Spanish phrases and terms of endearment like “Precioso,” “Chicanita” and “Latina in Training.” www.latinbabyusa.com

Frijolitos, specializing in Latino toy and educational products, sent the children a “Picadillo the Armadillo” book and their popular character plush toys and puppets. www.frijolitosinc.com.

Los Pollitos Dicen (The Little Chicks Say), gifted the celebrities with onesies, t-shirts and newborn hats from their independent designer collection of vibrantly colored baby wear decorated with popular Spanish colloquialisms and phrases such as “Gordito,” “Pachanga” and “Pio Pio Pio.” www.piopio.biz

Proud Tots, which specializes in extraordinary and heirloom quality baby items at affordable prices, sent the babies soft and silky blankets. www.proudtots.com

More About the Businesses:
Latin culture comes alive through Frijolitos line of colorful bilingual books and plush toys for young children based on the antics of Picadillo the Magical Armadillo, Albóndiga the Mariachi Dog, and the little turtle, Tuguita Tere. The collections continues to grow with three new mariachi dogs, Fifi la Francesa, Buñuelo the bulldog, and Pepe the terrier; and three new hard-cover bilingual books Albóndiga the Mariachi Dog/Albóndiga el Perro Mariachi, Tuguita Tere:A Home for My Books/Tuguita Tere: Un Hogar Para Mis Libros and Picadillo the Armadillo/Picadillo el Armadillo. Founded in 2002 Frijolitos has been featured in Despierta America daily show, the L.A. Times, and magazines such as Tu Ciudad, Hogar, Hispanic Business and Hispanic Magazine. www.frijolitosinc.com.

Latin Baby is the largest on-line boutique specializing in baby products celebrating the U.S. Hispanic culture and spirit. Latin Baby carries a wide variety of products for babies and toddlers, as well as gift items for mamás and abuelitas (grandmothers.) Their comprehensive web site is family friendly and includes a number of resources for Latina mothers. www.latinbabyusa.com.

Los Pollitos Dicen’s garments are made in the U.S.A. and packaged in a custom wooden keepsake box. Los Pollitos celebrates the sayings and sweet nothings of Latino culture on vibrantly colored garments. They are available on-line and in boutiques across the country. The firm, founded in 2005 by two Cuban-Americans, has been featured in national media, including Working Mother, Ser Padres, and the Miami Herald. www.piopio.biz.

Proud Tots supplies affordable high-end merchandise to baby boutique owners and retail customers, including unique baby blankets, comfortable shoes and luxurious silk baby bedding. Proud Tots was inspired by owner Maggie Vitale’s dream of “making every little star twinkle.” www.proudtots.com.”

On Thursday, August 7th, Baby Abuelita Productions, creators of the popular Spanish-lullaby singing dolls, salutes Miami Children’s Hospital for its service to the children and the South Florida Hispanic community. The Neighborhood Salute, which is a prize awarded to Baby Abuelita by Edy’s SlowChurned ice cream for its written submission in appreciation of the Miami community, will be celebrated at Miami Children’s Hospital.
The salute will include free ice cream for 100 participants to attend and a premier showing of an episode of the new Baby Abuelita DVD, Family Fiesta. The first in a series of DVDs distributed by Baby Abuelita Productions, Family Fiesta was honored in July with the 2008 Outstanding Products award by iParenting Media Awards, a Disney company. Children patients, their families and Miami Children’s Hospital staff are invited. Baby Abuelita dolls and books will be raffled as part of this event.
At this celebratory event, information will also be distributed about Baby Abuelita’s Sing, Abuelita, Sing! contest. As part of the company’s desire to preserve the heritage from one generation to another, people of all ages can enter for the chance to win one of two Sing Abuelita Sing contests. The entire family can participate by either singing a traditional lullaby or nursery rhyme or by submitting a drawing or photo of family members that resemble one of the Baby Abuelita characters: Abuelita Rosa, Abuelito Pancho, Baby Andrea or Baby Tita.
Sing Abuelita Sing is a contest for the entire family, as an effort to embrace the family heritage. Dress up in a bata de casa, put on a pair of gafas or sing “Arroz con Leche” and submit your entry to Sing Abuelita Sing. Full contest rules and regulations can be found on the company website at www.babyabuelita.com.
Founded in 2005, Baby Abuelita Productions was created by a pair of working mothers — Hilda Argilagos-Jimenez, a dance teacher and Carol Fenster, a psychotherapist. “We wanted to create a doll that preserved tradition and warm memories,” said co-founder Carol Fenster. “But our dolls have managed to do that and more. We get emails from teachers and parents who are using these dolls to educate their children and teach them Spanish, which is a wonderful thing.”
Baby Abuelita dolls, books, and DVD are available at a wide variety of Wal Mart and Toys R Us locations and online at

At the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif., Power Media Group, Inc. (PMG) President Patricia Gracia, Peruvian, and CEO Tony Gracia, Puerto Rican, are the winners of Latin Business Association Sol Awards 2008. The Sol Awards achievement is accorded in recognition and appreciation for exemplary commitment to the Latino business community through PMG’s leadership and service. Held each year, this year’s Sol Awards Gala held on July 26, 2008, set the backdrop for a premier Latino business networking and recognition event. The black-tie event attracts a who’s-who of the Latino entrepreneurial, corporate and political worlds. PMG qualified earlier in 2008 under very strict SBA guidelines for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Real Estate Loan, based on the firm’s projected productivity and on its delivery of innovative services to clients. Along with the beautiful Sol Awards Statue, PMG received Certificates of Recognition from:

– California Legislature, Assembly
– The Honorable Jhon Chang, California State Controller
– State Of California Board of Equalization

Also PMG and received an elegant LBA book program with warmest greetings from:

– The White House, President George Bush
– Ruben Guerra, LBA Chairman
– Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
– Lieutenant Governor Jhon Garamendi
– Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
– Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator
– Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Senator
– Grace Napolitano, House of Representatives (Washington, D.C.)

About POWER MEDIA GROUP

A premier advertisement agency offering innovative and effective media buying, marketing and public relations services. Situated in the #1 Hispanic market by research firm Syncopate, PMG crafts magnetizing messages designed to harness the Hispanic consumers buying power of a trillion-dollar market segment.

Power Media group, Inc. Clients: Universal Music Latin, Vivendi Visual Entertainment, NYX Cosmetics, Xenon Pictures, Creativa Interiors-Primor, The Perfume Club, AB Underwear, Costamar Travel Intl., New Concepts, Success Masters by Design, Laboratorios Mallo, and Selman Chevrolet, among others.

PMG serve clients with respect and care they’ve presented since the beginning of the firm and stand true to their motto: “We love your business, as we love our baby.” Visit www.powermediagroup.com/testimonials.html to view client testimonials.

Contact: Patricia Gracia

818.415.3230″

Imagine a night of sensual Latin performers, igniting the dance floor with their passion for life, and their spirit for living. The vibrant strains of the music, combined with the flavors and spicy taste of Tapas and Empanadas, along with the distilled liquid fire of premium Tequila cocktails - this sounds like the opening of a hot new, Latin dance club in Los Angeles, right? Something you would expect in the City of Angels - but this time there is a twist. It is not a new club; it is a charity fundraiser, and a book signing hosted by Rodrigo Iglesias on Tuesday, July 29th, 2008.

Rodrigo Iglesias, a local Real Estate agent and investor, ranking in the top 1% of the Real Estate professionals internationally, wants the L.A. community to experience Latin culture at its finest with a night of dancing, fine food, and cocktails. The evening starts with Salsa Lessons with Rodrigo and Vai, recognized instructors and performers that have appeared in major commercials and on national television including the hit ABC show, Dancing with the Stars.

The duo recently choreographed for Chris Brown and Rihanna at the 2008 BET Awards and now lend their talents to create an explosive night of entertainment with a special appearance by Sandor, a Tony nominated choreographer from the acclaimed London production Forever Tango and his partner, Parissa, Antonio Banderas’ dancing coach in the film Take the Lead.

The night continues with the debut of the vocal styling of the singer Kapovianco, from Bolivia, performing his new single “Dale Pa’lante.” And as a bonus, proceeds from the event will go towards two of Mr. Iglesias’ favorite local charities - Green Dot Public Schools, a non-profit working to change the public education system in Los Angeles to emphasize leadership, and life skills, and Chicar, a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of Latino youth through financial education, helping them to keep moving forward towards success, regardless of hardships or setbacks.

The event marks the WORLD PREMIERE of Rodrigo Iglesias’ new project, a complete Spanish translation and adaptation of the 1904 classic, “The Science of Getting Rich,” by Wallace D. Wattles. In 1995, Mr. Iglesias first experienced the impact of this book in its English form at a seminar conducted by renowned inspirational speaker, Bob Proctor. Proctor has inspired tens of thousands of people including Rhonda Byrne, writer of the extraordinarily successful book and movie, “The Secret.” Similarly, Rodrigo Iglesias was motivated to further his own career using the principals of the book, and then inspired to make this knowledge available to the Latin community for the first time - not only in Spanish, but in an easy “down to earth adaptation” of these teachings, and by integrating the training and methods into Latin music and lyrics. This unique music and lyrical combination will be heard for the first time at this special unveiling event - called Iglesias Nights.

When asked what moved him to use music as a teaching medium, Mr. Iglesias stated, “The lyrics and music help to lift the listener’s spirit, assist them in finding a sense of purpose, and open the mind and heart to a sense of passion and life that drives them to achieve anything they truly desire.”

This dynamic event is the first of many to follow with an emphasis on the flavors of Latin Culture, coupled with the much-needed encouragement of today’s youth towards achievement and prosperity. Mr. Iglesias plans to relentlessly continue his unique and powerful new approach to inspiring others to reach for their dreams - all while enjoying festive Latin music and culture at the same time. Iglesias Nights also promises to provide a great opportunity for upcoming Latin artists like Kapovianco to gain exposure, and to provide inspiration to the community, in a truly exceptional way. By combining the distinctive aspects of Latin food, music, and dancing, Rodrigo Iglesias has created a powerful method of delivering his message of personal and financial success to the public.

To learn more about Rodrigo Iglesias, Iglesias Nights, and the new Spanish language translation and adaptation of “The Science of Getting Rich” (ISBN - 978-0741446268), details can be found at the event’s website, www.iglesiasnights.com, or www.rodrigoiglesias.com. Tickets for the first event on Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 are available online for $30, with proceeds going to the two charities. A VIP package is also available, and media requests should be forwarded to Veronica Jacuinde, at (310) 508-1896.”

The Coca-Cola Telenovela Club celebrated the ugliest novela in the prettiest city in America this weekend. Several fans of the popular novela, “La Fea Más Bella,” were treated to a weekend getaway to Miami Beach, compliments of the latest Coca-Cola Telenovela Club consumer promotion. Fans and their guests attended a red carpet, Hollywood-style party at the popular Tantra Restaurant and Lounge on South Beach, where they met and dined with telenovela legend Angélica María and her daughter Angélica Vale.

“Our fans are such an important part of our lives and we strive to pick projects, such as ‘La Fea Más Bella,’ that they will enjoy,” said María and Vale in a joint statement. “Our association with the Coca-Cola Telenovela Club allows us to meet our fans and let them know just how much we appreciate them.”

“The Coca-Cola Telenovela Club reaches consumers online through My Coke Rewards as well as through local retail and radio promotions. With this promotion consumers have the opportunity to win prizes and experiences they may have only dreamed of,” said Reinaldo Padua, assistant vice president, Hispanic Marketing, Coca-Cola North America.

This year, the Coca-Cola Telenovela Club and Dress for Success Miami celebrated the importance of inner beauty and outer appearance, which was pivotal to the storyline of “La Fea Más Bella”. Dress for Success Miami is a women’s program that trains and suits women in Miami-Dade County who are struggling to secure and retain employment. The Coca-Cola Company gave the organization a cash donation and actual wardrobe items from the novela to auction off at future fundraising events.

“In partnering with Dress for Success Miami, the Coca-Cola Telenovela Club aims to take ‘dream making’ to a new level by making the dreams of women needing assistance in obtaining work also come true. We couldn’t be happier to work with an organization that has touched so many lives,” said Padua.

Coca-Cola North America also revealed details of the next phase of the Telenovela Club consumer promotion. Scheduled to run from September 1 to October 31, it will celebrate the novela, “Destilando Amor”. Telenovela fans will be able to redeem points for prizes related to “Destilando Amor,” such as recipe booklets, memorabilia, a flat screen television and DVDs.

In addition, participants will have another chance to enter a sweepstakes to meet their favorite celebrities during a dream weekend in Miami next year. “