Mes: enero 2021

MPOWER Financing raises a $25M investment round to increase educational access for International and DACA students

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MPOWER Financing, an innovative fintech platform and <a target="_blank"…

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MPOWER Financing, an innovative fintech platform and the leading provider of educational loans to high-promise international and DACA students, announced that it recently raised $25M from Tilden Park Capital Management LP, a New York-based investment management firm.

Funds will support platform automation and team growth as MPOWER finances thousands of additional international and DACA students at over 350 universities across North America

«We’re humbled to be working with Tilden Park, and will substantially benefit from their capital markets and credit expertise, as well as their global investment experience,» said Manu Smadja, MPOWER Financing’s CEO and co-founder. «Tilden Park was attracted to MPOWER’s strong credit quality and social mission,» added Manu.

The funds come in addition to $9 million that MPOWER raised last year and will be invested in further automating MPOWER’s digital loan platform, which leverages proprietary underwriting technology to provide a loan decision to students within minutes. The funds will also help MPOWER grow its team in Washington, DC, and Bangalore, India where it plans to hire 50+ employees this year across Engineering, Marketing, Operations, Underwriting, Analytics, HR, and Finance.

MPOWER was named one of the best places to work in Washington DC, one of the best tech workplaces for diversity, and one of American Banker’s top fintech firms to work for the third year in a row. Predominantly ex-international students themselves, the MPOWER team directly relates to the challenges that international students face due to Covid and fast-changing immigration policies, and the company is honored to support international students at this critical time in history.

MPOWER Financing, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with offices worldwide, is a mission-driven fintech company and provider of global educational loans. It is the only student lender in the world that leverages both overseas and domestic credit data, as well as future earning potential, to serve high-promise international and DACA students. MPOWER Financing works with over 350 top universities and colleges across the U.S. and Canada to provide financing to students from over 200 countries. Since 2014, it has received over $2B in loan application volume on its platform. MPOWER Financing helps students build their credit histories and provides them with personal finance education and career support to help prepare for life after school.

Tilden Park Capital Management LP is a multi-strategy fixed-income-focused alternative asset manager headquartered in New York City.  The firm concentrates primarily on structured products and mortgages, fixed income relative value and related corporate credit and equity strategies.  Tilden Park is led by Chief Investment Officer Josh Birnbaum, who previously co-managed trading at Goldman Sachs’ Structured Products Group. 

Media Contact:
Sasha Ramani
202-417-3800
sasha.ramani@mpowerfinancing.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1426042/MPOWER_Financing.jpg

 

SOURCE MPOWER Financing

50 Prominent Women Run Full Page Ad in The New York Times Calling on President Biden to Implement Marshall Plan for Moms in First 100 Days

NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fifty women today signed a letter in the New York Times, led by Girls Who Code founder and CEO Reshma Saujani, calling on the Biden Administration to create a task force dedicated to implementing a «Marshall Plan for Moms,» to pay mothers for their unpaid, unseen labor and to pass policies addressing parental leave, affordable childcare, and pay equity.

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NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fifty women today signed a letter in the New York Times, led by Girls Who Code founder and CEO Reshma Saujani, calling on the Biden Administration to create a task force dedicated to implementing a «Marshall Plan for Moms,» to pay mothers for their unpaid, unseen labor and to pass policies addressing parental leave, affordable childcare, and pay equity.

«This is not an isolated incident—it is a national crisis.»

«This pandemic has absolutely decimated the careers of working moms across the country,» said Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code. «This is not an isolated incident—it is a national crisis, and we can start to address it within the first 100 days of this Administration.»

According to a report from the National Women’s Law Center, more than 2 million women have left the U.S. workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. A December 2020 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that women were leaving the workforce at four times the rate of men.

«In December, all the jobs lost in the U.S. economy were lost by women,» said Saujani. «And the situation is particularly bad for Black women, 154,000 of whom left the workforce entirely. We need to put in place a plan for moms, and we need it now.»

«Sound crazy? It’s not,» says the letter—which ran as a full page ad in The New York Times today. «It’s time to put a dollar figure on our labor. Motherhood isn’t a favor and it’s not a luxury. It’s a job. The first 100 days are an opportunity to define our values. So let’s start by valuing moms.»

The women who signed onto the letter are as follows: Toyin Ajayi, Cityblock Health; Katia Beauchamp, Birchbox; Katie Bethell, Paid Leave for the US (PL + US); Connie Britton; Jean Brownhill, Sweeten; Tarana Burke, ‘me too.’ Movement; Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar; Claudia Chan, S.H.E. Summit; Julia Collins, Planet FWD; Dr. Dara Kass; Tiffany Dufu, The Cru; Anu Duggal, Female Founders Fund; Sarah Eagle Heart, Eagle Heart Collectiv; Crystal Echo Hawk, Executive Director, IllumiNative; Sarah Sophie Flicker, Artist and Activist; Liuba Grechen Shirley, Vote Mama; Mindy Grossman, WW International, Inc.; Desiree Gruber, Full Picture; Sarah Harden, Hello Sunshine; Naomi Hirabayashi, Shine; Chelsea Hirschhorn, Frida Mom; Jennifer Hyman, Rent the Runway; Payal Kadakia, Classpass; Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest; Maria Teresa Kumar, VotoLatino; Marisa Renee Lee, Beacon Advisors; Cindi Leive, The Meteor; Marah Lidey, Shine; Eva Longoria; Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood; Paola Mendoza, Artist, Filmmaker and Activist; Alyssa Milano; Julianne Moore; Ana Ortiz; Hitha Palepu, #5SmartReads; Dee Poku, The WIE Suite; Mónica Ramirez, Activist and Organizer; Geena Rocero, Transgender Advocate; Eve Rodsky, Author, Fair Play; Katherine Ryder, Maven; Reshma Saujani, Girls Who Code; Amy Schumer; Rachel Sklar, TheLuckiest.com; Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs; Women’s March, Amber Tamblyn; Charlize Theron; Salamishah Tillet, A Long Walk Home; Gabrielle Union; Alexa von Tobel, Inspired Capital; Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble.

For more information, visit www.marshallplanformoms.com.

The full text of the full page ad in The New York Times reads as follows:

Dear President Biden:

You know this well: moms are the bedrock of society. And we’re tired of working for free.

We need a Marshall Plan for Moms — now.

Like the original Marshall Plan of 1948, this plan would be a financial investment in rebuilding from the ground up.

COVID has decimated so many of our careers. Two million of us have left the workforce, at a rate of four times that of men in September alone. Millions more have been forced to cut back our hours or work around the clock to keep our jobs and be full-time caregivers.

This is not an isolated incident — it is a national crisis. You didn’t create this problem, but your administration has an opportunity to fix it. In your first 100 days, we’re asking you to: 

Establish a task force to create a Marshall Plan for Moms.

Implement a short-term monthly payment to moms depending on needs and resources.

Pass long overdue policies like paid family leave, affordable childcare and pay equity.

Sound crazy? It’s not.

It’s time to put a dollar figure on our labor. Motherhood isn’t a favor and it’s not a luxury. It’s a job.

The first 100 days are an opportunity to define our values. So let’s start by valuing moms.

About Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is an international non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does. With their 7-week Summer Immersion Program, after school Clubs, and College Loops program, they are leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip young women with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities. Girls Who Code has reached 300,000 girls to date through its programs and 500 million people through campaigns, advocacy work, and New York Times best-selling series. To join the movement or learn more, visit girlswhocode.com. Follow the organization on social media @GirlsWhoCode.

 

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SOURCE Girls Who Code

2020 U.S. Housing Market Gains Were Biggest in 15 Years

SEATTLE, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. housing gained nearly $2.5 trillion in value in 2020 — the most in a single year since 2005, according to a new Zillow® analysis. The full stock of U.S. housing is now worth <span…

SEATTLE, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. housing gained nearly $2.5 trillion in value in 2020 — the most in a single year since 2005, according to a new Zillow® analysis. The full stock of U.S. housing is now worth $36.2 trillion. 

2020 was a remarkable year for the housing market. Strong demand drove intense competition among buyers, causing homes to fly off the market at the fastest pace Zillow has recorded and pushing prices higher. Housing demand was already strong coming into the year with the large Millennial generation aging into prime first-time home-buying age and mortgage rates hovering near record lows. The widespread shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many to reevaluate their housing options and supercharged demand. 

Zillow expects 2021 to be even stronger, possibly exceeding last year’s $2.5 trillion gain. With mortgage rates also likely to rise from today’s near-record low levels, buyers considering a move may want to do so soon before their potential monthly payments rise. 

«2020 was a record-breaking year for the housing market with intense competition among buyers driving up home prices,» said Zillow economist Treh Manhertz. «While many faced financial hardships because of the pandemic, others fortunate enough to maintain stable income took a step back to contemplate what they wanted their home to be and hopped on Zillow to help find a place that filled their wish list. Builder confidence, perhaps in reaction to the boosted demand, hit record highs and more homes are being built as a result. Add that together and you see why the housing market gained more than in any year since the Great Recession.»

More than a fifth (21.4%) of the nation’s housing value resides in California. Homes in California are worth a cumulative $7.8 trillion, more than the next three states combined, and the state boasts four of the 10 metro areas with the highest total housing value — Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and San Diego. 

North Dakota ($64 billion), Wyoming ($70 billion) and South Dakota ($72 billion), three of the least-populous states, have the smallest shares of the U.S. housing market. Alaska was the only state where the housing stock lost value in 2020, down 1.8% or about $1.5 billion. That was caused by relatively low levels of new construction and declining values among homes in Alaska’s top tier. 

Over the past decade, the total value of the housing stock has more than doubled in six states. Idaho leads the way, gaining 149% since 2011. Most of that growth comes from the Boise metro, where the total housing stock has more than tripled in value during that time, most of any of the 100 largest U.S. metros. Nevada (146.3%), Utah (126.2%), Arizona (116.5%), Colorado (111.6%) and Washington (108%) also saw their total housing market value double over the past decade. 

At a local level, the New York metro area continues to hold the most housing value, though its lead is shrinking. New York metro homes are worth $3.1 trillion in total, with Los Angeles ($2.8 trillion) and San Francisco ($1.7 trillion) homes also exceeding $1 trillion. Seven metros gained more value than New York in 2020, reducing the gap at the top of the list. The value of Los Angeles’ housing stock grew the most last year, up $262 billion — that’s more than the total value of homes in Las Vegas, Orlando and Nashville, to name a few. 

Total Housing Market Value by Metro

Metro Area*

Total Housing
Market Value
(Billions)

Total Housing Market
Value Growth: 2020
(Billions)

Total Housing Market Value
Growth: 2011-2020 (Billions)

New York, NY

$3,132

$57

$639

Los Angeles, CA

$2,813

$262

$1,358

Chicago, IL

$849

$44

$195

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

$625

$38

$333

Philadelphia, PA

$622

$49

$143

Houston, TX

$533

$42

$272

Washington, DC

$978

$75

$334

Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL

$698

$35

$327

Atlanta, GA

$570

$50

$287

Boston, MA

$955

$79

$398

San Francisco, CA

$1,712

$90

$913

Detroit, MI

$354

$32

$189

Riverside, CA

$551

$45

$285

Phoenix, AZ

$563

$67

$328

Seattle, WA

$791

$73

$433

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

$399

$29

$167

San Diego, CA

$713

$90

$360

St. Louis, MO

$230

$16

$63

Tampa, FL

$310

$34

$164

Baltimore, MD

$313

$20

$56

Denver, CO

$497

$48

$283

Pittsburgh, PA

$184

$8

$60

Portland, OR

$382

$34

$194

Charlotte, NC

$263

$28

$158

Sacramento, CA

$377

$38

$202

San Antonio, TX

$167

$9

$74

Orlando, FL

$230

$15

$127

Cincinnati, OH

$187

$23

$74

Cleveland, OH

$149

$12

$43

Kansas City, MO

$189

$18

$79

Las Vegas, NV

$233

$18

$140

Columbus, OH

$186

$20

$90

Indianapolis, IN

$166

$18

$80

San Jose, CA

$747

$53

$418

Austin, TX

$264

$27

$152

Virginia Beach, VA

$181

$18

$48

Nashville, TN

$213

$12

$114

Providence, RI

$218

$18

$67

Milwaukee, WI

$134

$8

$42

Jacksonville, FL

$149

$15

$73

Memphis, TN

$92

$11

$39

Oklahoma City, OK

$88

$7

$33

Louisville, KY

$94

$4

$29

Hartford, CT

$112

$7

$15

Richmond, VA

$126

$8

$35

New Orleans, LA

$127

$5

$40

Buffalo, NY

$97

$9

$37

Raleigh, NC

$149

$14

$71

Birmingham, AL

$76

$5

$23

Salt Lake City, UT

$164

$19

$85

*Table ordered by market size 

About Zillow Group
Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z and ZG) is reimagining real estate to make it easier to unlock life’s next chapter. 

As the most-visited real estate website in the U.S., Zillow® and its affiliates offer customers an on-demand experience for selling, buying, renting or financing with transparency and nearly seamless end-to-end service. Zillow Offers® buys and sells homes directly in dozens of markets across the country, allowing sellers control over their timeline. Zillow Home Loans™, our affiliate lender, provides our customers with an easy option to get pre-approved and secure financing for their next home purchase. Zillow recently launched Zillow Homes, Inc., a licensed brokerage entity, to streamline Zillow Offers transactions.  

Zillow Group’s affiliates and subsidiaries include Zillow®, Zillow Offers®, Zillow Premier Agent®, Zillow Home Loans™, Zillow Closing Services™, Zillow Homes, Inc., Trulia®, Out East®, StreetEasy® and HotPads®. Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 

 

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SOURCE Zillow

In Honor of National Plan for Vacation Day, Discover Puerto Rico and JetBlue Invite You to Block Time Off for a Future Vacation

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s non-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), JetBlue and San Juan Marriott invite travelers to pick any week of 2021 and block their calendars to vacation in Puerto Rico and enter…

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s non-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), JetBlue and San Juan Marriott invite travelers to pick any week of 2021 and block their calendars to vacation in Puerto Rico and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win round-trip travel certificates and lodging to Puerto Rico. Studies show that taking the simple first step of blocking the time for a future vacation will increase chances of following through with plans, while also increasing happiness levels.

Starting today on National Plan for Vacation Day, through February 10, travelers are encouraged to simply block time off for an upcoming trip. Participants itching for an escape to Puerto Rico can then enter the sweepstakes by following three easy steps after reading the official rules:

  • Pick any week in 2021 to block on a digital calendar as vacation
  • Include «Fly JetBlue to Puerto Rico» as the subject line
  • Include Vacation@DiscoverPuertoRico.com as a participant on the calendar entry and press send

Three (3) Grand Prize winners will be selected to win two roundtrip JetBlue travel certificates to Puerto Rico (not inclusive of government taxes and fees), plus a 6 day/5 night stay at the San Juan Marriott, a beachside resort in the heart of Condado, with easy access to explore the city or spend time on the beach. Additionally, one hundred (100) participants will receive a goodie bag with travel swag to use once they take a vacation.

«Puerto Rico is a great option for travelers seeking warm temperatures, rich history, abundant natural attractions, delectable cuisine and an international flair,» said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. «The Island is an ideal place to visit when responsible travelers are ready, given the prioritization of health and safety measures and entry requirements in place to ensure a safe vacation.»

«As the largest airline in Puerto Rico, we’re excited to launch a partnership with Discover Puerto Rico encouraging travelers to choose days for a future vacation to the island,» said Elizabeth Windram, vice president of marketing, JetBlue. «With so much pent up travel demand, we look forward to welcoming customers whenever they are ready to Fly JetBlue to Puerto Rico, knowing they can count on us to deliver a safe travel experience and an award-winning service.»

For more information about Puerto Rico and travel inspiration, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Discover Puerto Rico
Discover Puerto Rico is a newly established private, not for-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) whose mission is to make Puerto Rico visible to the world as a premier travel destination. The DMO brings prosperity to the people of Puerto Rico by collaboratively promoting the Island’s diversity and uniqueness for leisure and business travel, and events. It is responsible for all global marketing, sales and promotion of the destination and works collaboratively with key local governmental and non-governmental players throughout Puerto Rico’s visitor economy and community at large, to empower economic growth. To discover all the beauty the Island has to offer, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

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SOURCE Discover Puerto Rico

WSSA Cautions Against Poor Choices That Can Spread Invasive Weeds

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Last year many people across the U.S. and Canada received unsolicited packets of seed believed to originate in China. Scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) were among those to raise the alarm and say the seeds shouldn’t be planted. Authorities had discovered some packets contained noxious weed seeds that could threaten both agricultural and natural…

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Last year many people across the U.S. and Canada received unsolicited packets of seed believed to originate in China. Scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) were among those to raise the alarm and say the seeds shouldn’t be planted. Authorities had discovered some packets contained noxious weed seeds that could threaten both agricultural and natural areas.

Jacob Barney, Ph.D., an associate professor at Virginia Tech who specializes in invasive plants, says the caution is well warranted.

«The decisions each of us make can have long-lasting results that impact future generations,» he says. «When we intentionally or unintentionally plant species that originate outside the region where we live, we run the risk of introducing weedy invaders that can harm our environment, our economy and even human health.»

In fact, some of North America’s most troublesome invasive weeds owe their origins to poor decisions, inattention, or a lack of understanding of the potential risks that non-native plants can represent. Even public organizations haven’t been immune – embarking on ill-informed planting initiatives that have triggered new invasions.

Here are a few examples of the many ways new invaders can become established:

  • Bradford pear trees are a variant of the callery pear, a species that originated in China. They were introduced to the U.S. in the 1960s through the horticultural industry, and millions were planted. Unfortunately, they’ve proved to be a real pest when growing outside their native environment. The trees can crowd out native species and create dense thickets that are virtually impassable. Many cities and states are fighting back by banning the trees and by offering bounties or buy-back incentives to residents who cut them down.
  • Japanese knotweed was introduced to North America in the late 1860s when a nursery owner in New York received a specimen as a gift from his brother working in Japan. Once planted and shared, knotweed went on to become an aggressive invader that has spread widely across the U.S. It has roots strong enough to grow through foundations, roads, walls, and other structures, and it is also hard to eliminate. The New York City Parks Department, for example, has spent more than $1 million over the past decade battling knotweed on city property, but says it is still «out of control.»
  • Cheatgrass, also known as downy brome in the eastern U.S., is believed to have been introduced to the United States from Europe in the 1800s via contaminated grain and packing materials made from its dense thatch. It then traveled across the country by railway as a contaminant in grain, straw and manure. At one point it was even purposefully planted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remediate degraded rangelands. Today cheatgrass infests every region of the U.S. It overtakes native plant species and wildlife habitats, and it is a common pest in crop fields, nurseries, and orchards. It also contributes to the spread of wildfires by creating an abundant fuel source that wouldn’t be present in a native sage brush habitat.
  • Hydrilla made its way to the U.S. a half century ago when a Missouri tropical fish dealer imported the plant from Sri Lanka for use in aquariums. It is now one of the most aggressive aquatic weeds in the South. A separate biotype introduced in the 1980s has now spread across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Today hydrilla is among the most widespread of the 112 weeds on the Federal Noxious Weed list. It can form dense mats of vegetation that grow rapidly and quickly take over a body of water. Hydrilla is known to clog waterways, displace native vegetation, promote fish kills by depleting oxygen, and contribute to harmful algal blooms by disrupting waterflow. It also negatively impacts tourism.

Think Before You Act

To protect against new invasive species and to avoid spreading those that are already entrenched, it is important to think before you act. Here are six tips to help.

1. Don’t bring it back. You may fall in love with the exotic plants you spot during a cruise or a tour of a foreign country. But take photos and resist the temptation to bring specimens home with you. Federal regulations place strict limits on ANY non-native plant or plant parts you hope to grow back at home. You’ll need a special certification that the plant is safe for import.

2. Go native. Select plant species native to the region where you live. Unlike non-native plants, you will find they are well behaved and won’t crowd out other beneficial native species. They also provide food and habitat for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. Have questions about which plants are native to your region? Consult the resources below:

3. Make smart purchases. If you are planting from seed, buy local seeds certified to contain minimal contaminants. Read the label carefully to see what’s included so you don’t plant non-native invaders that can overrun your garden.

4. Be careful outdoors. Take commonsense measures to make certain you aren’t transporting invasive weeds as you travel and enjoy camping, boating, hiking, or other outdoor activities. Carefully inspect and wash your boat, vehicle, ATV, hiking boots or other equipment to remove any plant fragments or seeds you’ve picked up along the way. And avoid carrying firewood with you from one location to another. For additional tips, visit:

5. Become a «spotter.» Early detection of new invasive weed outbreaks can help authorities take swift action to prevent further spread. Familiarize yourself with the invasive weeds most prevalent in your area – information that is available through the Invasive Plant Council covering your state or region.

These same organizations typically have reporting protocols for new infestations you might discover. If you snap a photo, the GPS coordinates on your phone can help authorities locate and eliminate the invaders you find. EDDMapS can be used across the U.S. to report these weeds from the web or your phone.

Another useful resource is Wild Spotter, a program devoted to engaging and empowering the public to help find, map and prevent invasive species in America’s wilderness areas, wild rivers and other natural areas. WSSA and its regional affiliates are partners in the initiative.

6. Stay informed. Take advantage of webinars and information resources available during National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), scheduled for February 22-26, and May 15-22, 2021.

About the Weed Science Society of America

The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Photos of the invasive weeds mentioned in this release are available at https://wssa.net/13440-2. Simply click on the image(s) you select and then right click to save to your computer. Credit lines for each image are on the download page.

Media Contact

Lee Van Wychen, National & Regional Weed Science Societies, 202-746-4686, lee.vanwychen@wssa.net

Twitter

 

SOURCE National & Regional Weed Science Societies

Jubilados chinos cantan al son latinoamericano

BEIJING, 26 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — En 2018, varios diplomáticos, reporteros y maestros retirados de la sección latinoamericana de la Asociación de Becarios Retornados de Occidente formaron el Coro de Amigos de América Latina y se convirtieron en el único en China de música latinoamericana en español, portugués y chino. El grupo atrajo a muchos interesados y su número alcanzó los 50. Sus muchas actuaciones le han valido el reconocimiento del público chino y extranjero. El…

BEIJING, 26 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — En 2018, varios diplomáticos, reporteros y maestros retirados de la sección latinoamericana de la Asociación de Becarios Retornados de Occidente formaron el Coro de Amigos de América Latina y se convirtieron en el único en China de música latinoamericana en español, portugués y chino. El grupo atrajo a muchos interesados y su número alcanzó los 50. Sus muchas actuaciones le han valido el reconocimiento del público chino y extranjero. El dinamismo y la energía de las personas de la tercera edad en China es ampliamente conocida.

Muchos de sus miembros aprendieron desde cero español, canto e instrumentos musicales. A fin de lograr una buena interpretación de las melodías originales, los ensayos son muy duros y el aprendizaje continuo, lo que les permite una mejora constante de sus habilidades.

«Mente positiva»y «vitalidad» caracterizan al adulto mayor en la China de hoy y su vida se ve enriquecida de distintas formas. Envejecer ya no es sinónimo de soledad y atraso, sino de vigor y encanto.

Contacto: Zhang Qi
Tel.: +86-17810287643
E-mail: 1326564755@qq.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sientechina/posts/1632725920233251

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C_vMUQV7WE
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1425743/China_org_cn_Logo.jpg

FUENTE China.org.cn

Jubilados chinos cantan al son latinoamericano

BEIJING, 26 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — En 2018, varios diplomáticos, reporteros y maestros retirados de la sección latinoamericana de la Asociación de Becarios Retornados de Occidente formaron el Coro de Amigos de América Latina y se convirtieron en el único en China de música latinoamericana en español, portugués y chino. El grupo atrajo a muchos interesados y su número alcanzó los 50. Sus muchas actuaciones le han valido el reconocimiento del público chino y extranjero. El…

BEIJING, 26 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — En 2018, varios diplomáticos, reporteros y maestros retirados de la sección latinoamericana de la Asociación de Becarios Retornados de Occidente formaron el Coro de Amigos de América Latina y se convirtieron en el único en China de música latinoamericana en español, portugués y chino. El grupo atrajo a muchos interesados y su número alcanzó los 50. Sus muchas actuaciones le han valido el reconocimiento del público chino y extranjero. El dinamismo y la energía de las personas de la tercera edad en China es ampliamente conocida.

Muchos de sus miembros aprendieron desde cero español, canto e instrumentos musicales. A fin de lograr una buena interpretación de las melodías originales, los ensayos son muy duros y el aprendizaje continuo, lo que les permite una mejora constante de sus habilidades.

«Mente positiva»y «vitalidad» caracterizan al adulto mayor en la China de hoy y su vida se ve enriquecida de distintas formas. Envejecer ya no es sinónimo de soledad y atraso, sino de vigor y encanto.

Contacto: Zhang Qi
Tel.: +86-17810287643
E-mail: 1326564755@qq.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sientechina/posts/1632725920233251

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C_vMUQV7WE
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1425743/China_org_cn_Logo.jpg

FUENTE China.org.cn

Trending Destinations for Travel-Starved Americans Revealed: Tripadvisor Announces 2021 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards

NEEDHAM, Mass., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel platform, released its annual Travelers’ Choice® Best of the Best Awards for Destinations, highlighting the Popular, Trending, and Emerging Destinations around the world, as well as a new…

NEEDHAM, Mass., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel platform, released its annual Travelers’ Choice® Best of the Best Awards for Destinations, highlighting the Popular, Trending, and Emerging Destinations around the world, as well as a new category for 2021: National Parks. The awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations worldwide on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period.

The awards reveal where travelers ventured in 2020, while travel was still open, as well as where they dreamed of going while the pandemic kept them stuck at home. With travel restrictions in place for much of the year, travelers explored the world very differently — they took more local trips closer to home and favored outdoor spots, away from crowded cities. According to a recent survey of Tripadvisor travelers, more than half (52%) say they are more likely to take an outdoor or nature trip than they were before the pandemic1. As a result, the Travelers’ Choice Trending Destinations for 2021 are almost entirely outdoor destinations. Sun Belt destinations dominated the U.S. list, with Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, taking the top spot in the United States. On the global stage, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is the number one Trending Destination, seeing the biggest spike in top reviews and ratings last year.

While COVID-19 kept travelers from exploring too far from home last year, it couldn’t stop them from indulging their wanderlust dreaming of the destinations that would be on their go-to list once travel opens up again. Topping the world’s Travelers’ Choice Emerging Destinations list — the places travelers are «saving» on Tripadvisor, and that everyone will be talking about next— is Martinique in the Caribbean.

«Alongside the latest vaccine developments, pent-up demand is prompting the world to think more about travel in 2021,» said Christine Maguire, vice president and general manager, global media business at Tripadvisor. «But one result of the pandemic may be the destinations they’re interested in. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 74% of travelers will spend more time selecting a destination when planning their next trip2. If you’re like me and already imagining your first post-vaccine vacation, this list of travelers’ favorite destinations can serve as your inspiration.»

Top 10 Trending Destinations in the U.S.
Trending Destinations recognize destinations that saw the biggest increase in a combination of positive ratings and reviews over the last year.

  1. Gatlinburg, Tenn. 
    Good for    : hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, fishing, rafting
  2. St. Augustine, Fla.
    Good for    : history buffs, beaches, wildlife
  3. Fort Myers Beach, Fla.
    Good for    : beach lovers, exploring barrier reefs, kayaking
  4. Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
    Good for    : hiking, camping, rollercoasters and bluegrass at Dollywood
  5. Moab, Utah
    Good for    : mountain biking, rock-climbing, hiking
  6. Marco Island, Fla.
    Good for    : beach lovers, seashell hunting, playing golf
  7. Estes Park, Colo.
    Good for    : wildlife sightings, hiking Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry skiing
  8. Hilton Head, S.C.
    Good for    : sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, playing golf
  9. Clearwater, Fla. 
    Good for: beach lovers, family activities, sailing
  10. Jackson, Wyo.
    Good for:     skiing, rafting, fly-fishing

Check out the full list of the top Trending Destinations in the world here: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-TrendingDestinations

Top 10 Emerging Destinations in the World
Emerging Destinations showcase the spots with the greatest year-over-year increase in «saves» on Tripadvisor around the world. Different from the other categories, which highlight where travelers have already visited, the Emerging list identifies where they want to visit. These are the destinations travelers were dreaming of while they were stuck at home all year — and where they may go next.

  1. Martinique
  2. Panama City Beach, Fla., United States
  3. Armacao dos Buzios, Brazil
  4. Holbox Island, Mexico
  5. St Ives, United Kingdom
  6. Mazatlan, Mexico
  7. Colorado Springs, Colo., United States
  8. Shoalhaven, Australia
  9. Wroclaw, Poland
  10. Mudgee, Australia

Check out the full list of top Emerging Destinations in the world here: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-EmergingDestinations

Top 10 National Parks in the U.S.
When indoor activities shuttered in 2020, travelers headed to the great outdoors. Here are their favorite National Parks in the United States.

  1. Grand Teton National Park. Wyo.
  2. Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.
  3. Zion National Park, Utah
  4. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
  5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.
  6. Glacier National Park, Mont.
  7. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
  8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C.
  9. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
  10. Yosemite National Park, Calif.

Check out the full list of the top National Parks in the world here: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-NationalParks

Popular Destinations include the locations that travelers raved about most on Tripadvisor in the past year, comprising iconic world cities. Bali is the most popular destination in the world for 2021, rising from #4 last year to dethrone London. Check out the full list of Popular Destinations here:
www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations.

Methodology
The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Destinations honor travelers’ favorite destinations worldwide based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travelers for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations worldwide over a 12-month period (December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020).

  • The Popular Destinations category honors the locations that are the most popular among Tripadvisor reviewers. The methodology takes into account quality and volume of reviews to surface destinations that consistently deliver the best overall experience for travelers.
  • The Trending Destinations category honors the locations that showed the greatest year-over-year increase in a combination of positive traveler reviews and ratings for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do on Tripadvisor.
  • The Emerging Destinations category honors the locations that showed the greatest year-over-year increase in «saves» for accommodations, restaurants and things to do on Tripadvisor. Travelers can «save» their travel ideas and plans on Tripadvisor by tapping the heart icon on places to stay, restaurants, and things to do. Saves is a great indicator of what travelers are interested in doing in the future, as opposed to what they have done or are booking now.
  • The National Parks category honors the scenic and historically significant parks that are the most popular among travelers, according to reviews and ratings for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do on Tripadvisor.

Note to Editor

  1. Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of up to 2,400 consumers per survey, in partnership with Qualtrics, conducted approximately every two weeks from 3/27/20 through 10/21/20 across six countries – U.S., UK, Australia, Italy, Singapore and Japan.
  2. Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of 2,330 consumers, in partnership with Qualtrics, conducted between 12/28/20 through 1/10/21 across six countries – U.S., UK, Australia, Italy, Singapore and Japan.

About Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel platform*, helps hundreds of millions of travelers each month** make every trip their best trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to browse more than 878 million reviews and opinions of 8.8 million accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises. Whether planning or on a trip, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to compare low prices on hotels, flights and cruises, book popular tours and attractions, as well as reserve tables at great restaurants. Tripadvisor, the ultimate travel companion, is available in 49 markets and 28 languages.

The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP), own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps, including the following websites:

www.bokun.io, www.cruisecritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.bookatable.co.uk, and www.delinski.com), www.helloreco.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.housetrip.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.seatguru.com, www.singleplatform.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, and www.viator.com.

*  Source: SimilarWeb, September 2020
** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files

TRIP-G

 

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SOURCE Tripadvisor

LiqTech International Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Results and Provides Operational Update

BALLERUP, Denmark, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — LiqTech International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIQT) («LiqTech»), a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration technologies, today announced preliminary fourth quarter 2020 financial results and provided an operational update on various growth strategies, including marine scrubber, oil and gas, and black carbon reduction operations.

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BALLERUP, Denmark, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — LiqTech International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIQT) («LiqTech»), a clean technology company that manufactures and markets highly specialized filtration technologies, today announced preliminary fourth quarter 2020 financial results and provided an operational update on various growth strategies, including marine scrubber, oil and gas, and black carbon reduction operations.

«As we enter 2021, we see three key opportunities driving growth for LiqTech,» commented Sune Mathiesen, CEO of LiqTech. «First, a rebound in the marine scrubber market as fuel spreads return to pre-COVID levels and an increasing number of countries around the globe move to ban open loop systems in favor of closed-loop systems whereby a filtration system is included. Second, the launch of our water treatment solutions through our joint venture into the oil and gas market, particularly in the Middle East, where our solutions address water scarcity issues and increased regulations toward sustainable solutions. And finally, in the black carbon reduction market, particularly within the Chinese marine industry, where our history in the diesel particulate filters, and the marine market, positions us as an early entrant to this very large opportunity. Given the recent business developments and progress in each of our three lead market opportunities, we have decided to further double our manufacturing capacity in our facility near Copenhagen, Denmark in 2021.»

«We are excited about the development in our three main markets and we believe that 2021 will be an inflection point for LiqTech. Based on the progress to date, we are reiterating our expectation to achieve record revenue in fiscal 2021 and to return to profitability. Looking further out, we believe we are well positioned to grow LiqTech into a leading global filtration company addressing significant global sustainable development goals of clean water and sanitation, climate action and life below water. We look forward to sharing additional details at today’s analyst and investor day.»

Preliminary Fourth Quarter Financial Results

For the fourth quarter of 2020 ended December 31, 2020 revenue is anticipated to be $4.1 million compared to $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2020. The improvement compared to the third quarter of 2020 is driven by a modest rebound in the marine scrubber business following a slowdown in both inquiries and orders that occurred throughout much of 2020 due to the global economic effects of COVID-19.

LiqTech Investor Day

LiqTech will be discussing these preliminary financial results, along with an operational update during its January 2021 investor day being held today, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 commencing 8:00am ET.

The event will be webcast live on LiqTech’s website with a replay of the webcast available for 30 days following the event. Interested parties can access the webcast via the Company’s website at https://www.liqtech.com/investor-relations/events-presentations/ or https://streams.eventcdn.net/liqtech/investor-day/register.

Presentation: Presentation materials for the event will also be located on the Company’s website prior to the start of the event.

About LiqTech International Inc.

LiqTech International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, is a clean technology company that provides state-of-the-art ceramic silicon carbide filtration technologies for gas and liquid purification. LiqTech’s silicon carbide membranes are designed to be used in the most challenging water purification applications and its silicon carbide filters are used to control diesel exhaust soot emissions. Using nanotechnology, LiqTech develops products using its proprietary silicon carbide technology, resulting in a wide range of component membranes, membrane systems and filters for both microfiltration and ultrafiltration applications. By incorporating LiqTech’s SiC liquid membrane technology with the Company´s extensive systems design experience and capabilities, LiqTech offers unique, turnkey solutions for the most difficult water purification applications.

For more information, please visit www.liqtech.com 

Follow LiqTech on Linkedln: http://www.linkedin.com/company/liqtech-international 

Follow LiqTech on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiqTech

Forward–Looking Statement

This press release contains «forward-looking statements.» Although the forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in the reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release.

We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release.

Company Contact: 
Sune Mathiesen, Chief Executive Officer
LiqTech International, Inc.                                                          
Phone: +45 5197 0908                                                               
www.liqtech.com                                                                      

Investor Contact:
Robert Blum
Lytham Partners, LLC
Phone: (602) 889-9700
liqt@lythampartners.com
www.lythampartners.com 

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SOURCE LiqTech International, Inc.

Say «I Do» to Zoom Weddings at World Famous Las Vegas Chapel

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Couples from around the world planning their upcoming wedding have been anxiously waiting for word of when it will be safe to gather for their special day. With many states limiting the capacities of weddings during the global pandemic, newly engaged couples have decided to postpone their ceremonies or elope in Las Vegas.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day weddings, Chapel of the Flowers has come up with a creative…

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Couples from around the world planning their upcoming wedding have been anxiously waiting for word of when it will be safe to gather for their special day. With many states limiting the capacities of weddings during the global pandemic, newly engaged couples have decided to postpone their ceremonies or elope in Las Vegas.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day weddings, Chapel of the Flowers has come up with a creative solution to have wedding guests safely attend ceremonies at their iconic Las Vegas wedding venue. The chapel just released their new «Zoom Wedding Broadcasting» feature that allows loved ones to virtually attend a ceremony from the comforts of home. Simultaneously, newlyweds getting married at the chapel will see their wedding guests on high-resolution television screens wall mounted in the back row of the chapel.

«Our couples have loved our online broadcasting for over 20 years,» says Donne Kerestic, CEO at Chapel of the Flowers. «The wedding live stream has always been a one-way viewing experience, and couples don’t know who is watching. We are excited that we now have the option where couples can see their guests during their ceremony as they are exchanging vows and have their first kiss.»

Chapel of the Flowers was one of the first Las Vegas wedding chapels to offer live wedding videos on their website. Each of their four indoor ceremony locations is equipped with high-definition cameras and operated by a highly skilled video technician. The professional videographer will edit the live online feed in a control room outside the ceremony space to avoid being captured in the background of candid wedding photos.

Like many other businesses, Chapel of the Flowers had to adapt to performing ceremonies during the pandemic. Some weddings have guest counts that exceed the Government mandated reduced capacity.

«We have also been using the TV monitors for overflow viewing,» exclaims Donne. «Some guest counts are larger than the capacity allowed. If the Victorian Chapel is available, we can take the late arrivals or guests that don’t fit in the chapel space and live stream the ceremony to watch on-site. This way, guests won’t miss the ceremony.»

With couples opting for small weddings now and celebrating with larger receptions later, the chapel is excited to offer the new «Zoom Wedding Broadcasting» exclusively in their Victorian Chapel location. Ceremony broadcasting is included in most of the chapel’s all-inclusive wedding packages, along with Facebook Live options in their simple celebrant ceremony packages.

About Chapel of the Flowers

Chapel of the Flowers has been celebrating 60 years of love on the Las Vegas Strip. Located near the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas (1717 Las Vegas Boulevard South), they are the largest free-standing chapel in Las Vegas.

Marrying over a quarter of a million couples, Chapel of the Flowers is known for its first-class wedding planners, ceremony & reception wedding packages, professional wedding photographer, and on-site floral shop. The expansive acre property features five newly renovated indoor and outdoor wedding locations perfect for an intimate elopement or larger celebrations with space up to 88 guests. From garden weddings to elegant ceremonies, the chapel has a ceremony space for almost any style.

The top-ranked chapel has earned top recognition and awards on TripAdvisor, The Knot, and Las Vegas Review Journal’s Best of Las Vegas. Chapel of the Flowers has also been featured in the media on TLC shows, «Say Yes to the Dress» and «90 Day Fiancé», as well as music videos for Carrie Underwood «Last Name» and Rascal Flatts «Why Wait».

In 2020, Chapel of the Flowers rolled out their «Safe and Clean Program,» which is their initiative to keeping couples, guests, and employees safe while performing unforgettable Las Vegas weddings. This COVID safety program was created to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by using CDC and Government guidelines with a robust cleaning routine using EPA/ FDA certified products and safety equipment. For more information, visit the company’s coronavirus Safe and Clean Program post, available on Chapel of the Flowers’ wedding blog.

Chapel of the Flowers aims for excellence and is honored to be one of the preferred Las Vegas chapels in the «Wedding Capital of the World».

###

Media Contact
Michelle Goldberg,
Head of Marketing
http://www.littlechapel.com
Phone: 702-735-4331
Email: media (at) littlechapel.com

Media Contact

Michelle Goldberg, Chapel of the Flowers, 702-735-4331, media@littlechapel.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

 

SOURCE Chapel of the Flowers