News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Europe’

Telemundo Intl. prexy Marcos Santana, one of the TV industry’s biggest ambassadors for Latino product, will deliver his personal vision of Spain’s TV market and burgeoning production sector at Mipcom’s major territory conference spread this year, “Focus on Spain.””*

Starting today, the famous Spanish musician Julio Iglesias will perform a series of three concerts in the cities Cluj – Napoca, Iasi and Constanta, during the forthcoming week, as part of the ample world tour celebrating 40 year’s in the world’s best sold Latino artist’s career.

Today’s concert at Cluj-Napoca, featuring special guest Costel Busuioc – the Romanian singer who impressed the Spanish audience due to his outstanding performances as a tenor – was sold out.”*

The European Parliament approved new rules Wednesday designed to standardize the dramatic differences in member countries’ treatment of illegal immigrants, whose presence is one of the most heated political issues in Europe today.

The measure, which would allow countries to jail illegal immigrants for as long as 18 months pending deportation, was decried by human rights organizations as promoting excessive detention. Supporters defended it as providing greater protections for the foreigners in countries that now permit indefinite detentions and grant detainees few legal rights. “*

A new EU law that calls for the swift deportation of illegal immigrants has been loudly criticized by Latin America, which has threatened to halt trade talks as a result.

In an effort to have illegal immigrants treated equally across the bloc, the European Parliament has passed a controversial deportation law. Now, some Latin American countries, especially those with many immigrants in Europe, are protesting the measures.”*

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony’s baby twins are getting their first taste of life on the road. Given their parents’ superstar status four-month-old Emme Maribel and Max David are travelling in some luxury, of course.”*

European Union lawmakers voted Wednesday to allow countries in the bloc to hold undocumented migrants in detention centers for up to 18 months and ban them from EU territory for five years.

Approved in this medieval French border city, which is home to a significant population of North Africans and Turks, the legislation establishes common rules for expelling foreigners who are detained on EU territory without permission to be there.

Described by critics like Amnesty International as “severely flawed” and an erosion of human rights standards, but by supporters as a balanced approach, the so-called return directive passed in the European Parliament by a vote of 369 to 197, with 106 deputies abstaining.”*

Spanish speakers in Winston-Salem soon will be able to flip to a new TV program geared for them.

But unlike the Spanish-language cable channels that offer melodramatic novelas (soap operas) with Mexican actors, European soccer matches or news from Latin America, this one will have more local flavor.

Winston-Salem’s government channel, WSTV-13, plans to broadcast a public-service program called Tu Comunidad (Your Community) in Spanish. The goal is to make Hispanics aware of the services that the city offers, officials said yesterday.”*

One of the delights of dining in the South Bay is the chance to explore the flavors of so many cultures. We may not boast a critical mass of top tier restaurants, but we’re rich in eateries serving the native foods of immigrants from around the world.

Until recently, however, one cuisine that wasn’t easy to find was Peruvian - a lively, likeable blend of Latin, European, Asian and African influences. Martha and Jose Bohorquez fixed that when they opened Nazca Peruvian Cuisine in downtown San Jose in late March.”*

A jail’s inmate population generally is directly proportionate to the percentage of racial and ethnic groups in the surrounding community, Kaufman said.“Illegal immigration in Eagle County is probably about a third, maybe a little bit more than a third,” he said. “I think that’s what you’re going to see here.”

Some illegal immigrants come from Eastern European countries, but most come from Mexico and Central and South America, Kaufman said.

On Thursday, out of 91 inmates being held in jails under the auspices of Eagle County, 30 were illegal immigrants. Twenty-four inmates were being held ie Chaffee County jail, and 67 were being held in the Eagle County jail. “*

With the United States riven by calls to legalize millions of illegal immigrants, Americans might consider the possible effects by looking at southern Europe, where illegal immigration has abounded and so have forgiveness plans

In the last two decades, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece have run at least 15 legalization programs, including a Spanish effort three years ago that was among the Continent’s largest. With little domestic opposition, Spain legalized nearly 600,000 of the African, Latin American and eastern European workers who helped power its economy and brought this once insular land the strengths and strains of diversity.

Immigrants say their prized work cards have brought higher wages, peace of mind and reunions of separated families. But critics say legalizations have attracted more illegal migrants — with spillover risks to nearby countries — and warn that an economic slowdown now puts Spain and its foreigners at odds.”*

European Union states are studying ending sanctions on Cuba in defiance of U.S. calls but have yet to agree on how this would be done, diplomats said on Tuesday.
Closed-door talks on the move are continuing as EU leaders hosted U.S. President George W. Bush for a farewell summit in Slovenia. EU foreign ministers will decide on the sanctions at a meeting in Luxembourg next Monday, the envoys said.

The measures were imposed after a crackdown on dissent in 2003 and include a freeze on visits by high-level officials. They were formally suspended in 2005 but an abolition would be the EU’s way of encouraging Cuban President Raul Castro, who took over after the Feb. 24 retirement of his brother Fidel.”*

Cuba’s urban farming program has been a stunning, and surprising, success. The farms, many of them on tiny plots like Bouza’s, now supply much of Cuba’s vegetables. They also provide 350,000 jobs nationwide with relatively high pay and have transformed eating habits in a nation accustomed to a less-than-ideal diet of rice and beans and canned goods from Eastern Europe.

From 1989-93, Cubans went from eating an average of 3,004 calories a day to only 2,323, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, as shelves emptied of the Soviet goods that made up two-thirds of Cuba’s food. Today, they eat 3,547 calories a day — more than what the U.S. government recommends for American citizens.”*

Beginning June 9, 2008, consumers will find a new face on Bimbo. As part of an exclusive partnership to promote healthy nutrition and exercise for Hispanics nationwide, world-renowned soccer star Giovani Dos Santos will begin appearing on packages of Bimbo favorites Pan Blanco e Integral Grande.

“This is an exciting partnership and a great honor for Bimbo,” said Juan Esaa, brand manager for Bimbo USA. “To be teaming up with the hottest young soccer star in the world is an opportunity that will allow us to relate directly to the many young Hispanic consumers of Bimbo. Giovani is a shining example to Hispanic children around the world through his success that has been achieved with a healthy diet and exercise. It is our hope to give them inspiration to model their nutritional and exercise routines after so that they too may achieve all that they wish.”

Giovani Dos Santos is widely considered to be one of the best young soccer players in the world. He currently plays in Spain for FC Barcelona, one of the premier soccer clubs in the world, where he signed a professional contract when he was 13 years old. In 2007, Giovani joined the first squad for the La Liga powerhouse alongside soccer legends Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and Lionel Messi. He is also a member of the Mexican National Senior Team, leading Mexico in an effort to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“As a child in Mexico, I always had a passion for soccer,” stated Giovani Dos Santos. “But passion alone was not enough to achieve my dream of playing professionally. I had to put in a lot hard work through exercise and practice while sticking to a healthy diet. I am proud to team up with a quality, family-first organization such as Bimbo to show Hispanics that a balanced diet and exercise are truly a winning combination.”

In support of the partnership with Bimbo, Giovani Dos Santos will also be appearing on billboards, POS in-store displays, and radio spots throughout the United States.

Giovani Dos Santos is represented by Philip D. Button at the William Morris Agency in partnership with Pini Zahavi and David Chissick.

Bimbo is a subsidiary of Bimbo Bakeries USA. Bimbo Bakeries USA operates 13 bakeries and distributes top brands such as Mrs Baird’s, Oroweat, Thomas’, Entenmann’s, Francisco, Tia Rosa, Bimbo and Marinela. Bimbo Bakeries USA is headquartered in Fort Worth and is the U.S. Division of Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, one of the world’s largest baking companies with 97,480 associates and operations in 18 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and China. Its stock has been trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange since 1980 under the ticker BIMBO. More information about Bimbo’s full line of products can be found at www.bimbousa.com .”*

A major effort is underway to register Valley Hispanics to vote in the November election.

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon was among those launching the Si Se Puede Voter Registration Drive Wednesday.

“I ask everyone who can to register to vote — brown, black, white, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, European — new residents in this country who have earned the right to vote to please do so.,” Gordon said.”*

HSBC Holdings PLC, Europe’s biggest bank, said Friday it plans to continue to invest primarily in fast-growing emerging markets where it expects “reasonable growth” this year against a weaker outlook for the United States and Europe.

However, Chairman Stephen Green also said that HSBC would invest further in the United States, particularly in markets that target Hispanic customers, despite criticism from some investors about its exposure to the U.S. subprime crisis.”*

With inventions like parmesan snow, chilled sauces that “boil” with dry ice and green olives made of “spherified” juice, Spain’s avant-garde chefs have created an international buzz for a national cuisine that was long considered an also-ran. Gazpacho and paella were just no match for the specialties of French and Italian cuisine.

But dozens of restaurants around the country now rate a star from the revered Michelin guide. (Six currently hold its top honor: three stars.) Spanish chefs grace the pages of international gastronomic magazines, and some food critics believe they have replaced their French counterparts at the vanguard of culinary innovation.”*

If you ever just pick a judicial candidate randomly at the polling place– I mean who really knows one from the other, right– I hope that after you read this, you’ll never do it again. On page 7 of the Los Angeles “Official Sample Ballot” for next Tuesday’s primary is a race for Judge of the Superior Court (Office number 125). The contest hasn’t gotten any publicity. But I want you to read this:

“No person shall be a citizen of the United States unless he is a non-Hispanic white of the European race, in whom there is no ascertainable trace of Negro blood, nor more than one-eighth Mongolian, Asian, Asia Minor, Middle Eastern, Semitic, Near Eastern, American Indian, Malay or other non-European or non-white blood, provided that Hispanic whites, defined as anyone with an Hispanic ancestor, may be citizens if, in addition to meeting the aforesaid ascertainable trace and percentage tests, they are in appearance indistinguishable from Americans whose ancestral home is in the British Isles or Northwestern Europe. Only citizens shall have the right and privilege to reside permanently in the United States.”

The man who wrote that– a proposed constitutional amendment– is asking for our votes for the Superior Court. His name– well he has many names– is Bill Johnson. He also goes by the names William Daniel Johnson, Daniel Johnson and James O. Pace. He’s an attorney, a Mormon, and, as you may have concluded, a white supremacist (and Ron Paulista)”*

Disney has signaled another shift in how it distributes the Disney Channel in Europe by announcing that Disney Channel Spain will relaunch as an ad-funded free channel.

The channel will bow on DTT in Spain July 1 in what Disney described as a global first.”*

Cherokee Inc. (NASDAQ: CHKE), a leading licensor and global brand management company, announced today that it has signed an exclusive brand representation agreement with award-winning fashion designer David Rodriguez.

Extraordinary style, focus and work ethic defines designer David Rodriguez, who is emerging as one of America’s brightest stars in the fashion world. Rodriguez has received well-deserved recognition from the fashion industry, winning major awards and nominations, including: the Moët and Chandon Designer Debut award, the MODA award for Hispanic Designer of the Year, the Gold Coast Award, the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, and the Smithsonian Latino Center Legacy Award. Combining his unique use of fine fabrics and styling to complement feminine curves, David Rodriguez has become a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, who rely upon his designs to make a major impact at red carpet events.

“We chose to collaborate with Cherokee based on the successful partnerships they’ve engineered with leading designers and premier retailers in the United States, including TJX Co., Target and Wal-Mart,” said Brandon Houchins, President, J.C. SOHO, LLC.

“We are excited to partner with David and help him bring his vision of reaching a broader consumer base to life,” said Shelly Marchetti, Business Development Director at Cherokee.

“We believe David Rodriguez’s unique design approach, coupled with a retailer’s cost effective sourcing ability, creates a formula for success,” said Larry Sass, Executive Vice President at Cherokee. “We look forward to expanding this talent.”

About Cherokee Inc.

Cherokee Inc., based in Van Nuys, is a marketer, licensor and manager of a variety of brands it owns (Cherokee, Sideout, Carole Little and others) and represents. Currently, Cherokee has licensing agreements in a number of categories, including family apparel, fashion accessories and footwear, as well as home furnishings and recreational products. Premier clients for the Cherokee brand around the world include Target Stores (U.S.), Tesco (U.K., Ireland and certain other European and Asian countries), Zellers (Canada), Pick ‘n Pay (South Africa), Fawaz Al Hokair (Middle East), Grupo Pão de Acucar (Brazil), S.A.C.I. Falabella (Chile and Peru), Arvind Mills (India), Shufersal LTD. (Israel), Comercial Mexicana (Mexico) and Grupo Eroski (Spain). Premier clients for Cherokee’s Sideout brand include Mervyn’s (U.S.) and Shanghai Bolderway (China), and for Cherokee’s Carole Little brands include TJX Companies (U.S., Canada and Europe).”*

South America’s Libertadores Cup has reached the quarter-finals and, for those lucky enough to see it (it’s sadly shunned by most tv networks outside the region), offers a refreshing change to the predictability of its richer European counterpart.

Only three of the eight teams reached this stage last year, there are no clear favourites for the title and all four ties remain wide open after last week’s first legs.

Titleholders Boca Juniors face a tough battle after being held 2-2 at home by Mexico’s Atlas but are far from dead and buried, especially if the mercurial Juan Roman Riquelme can hit form. They were in a similar situation last year after drawing at home with Libertad in the first leg, but hit back for a 2-0 win in Asuncion.”*

Two decades after Congress established the U.S. Office of Cuba Broadcasting, lawmakers and experts still can’t seem to agree on the program’s mission.

Should its TV and Radio Marti networks send the communist island unbiased news about Cuba and the outside world? Or should their stories only support the U.S. government’s policy toward Cuba, as they mostly do now?

The dispute is part of a larger debate over the U.S. government’s foreign broadcasts, but nowhere is it more noticeable than with the Martis. The taxpayer-funded Cuba broadcasts, which receive $34 million annually, belong to a network that includes the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Alhurra, among others. Most are run by veterans of top media outlets who are quick to defend their journalistic principles.”*

Gol TV continues to put more programming in its net.

The 24-7 soccer service announced four new shows during its upfront presentation to advertisers here Wednesday morning, while continuing to add 2010 World Cup qualifying matches from European sides to its roster.

Gol TV COO Rodrigo Lombello told media buyers that next month ithe network will kick off Kings of Clubs, a 10-episode documentary-style show assessing the history, structure, traditions and highlights of top teams on five continents. The clubs that will be examined: Italy’s AC Milan; Spain’s Real Madrid and FC Barcelona; England’s Manchester United and Chelsea; Germany’s Bayern Munich; Argentina’s Boca Juniors; Egypt’s Al-Ahly; The Netherlands’ AX Amsterdam; and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.”*