Astros advance to ALDS, extend Twins’ postseason misery with series sweep
Through scandal and plague, injuries and insolence, the Houston Astros remain unstoppable in the American League playoffs.
Gifted a berth only because a 16-team, pandemic-inspired workaround granted them a reprieve after a 29-31 regular season, the Astros pitched with precision and got just enough punch from their scandal-plagued stars to defeat the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, on Wednesday at Target Field, and sweep the best-of-three wild-card series.
Carlos Correa, caught in a spring war of words with fellow big leaguers after he pushed back against criticism of the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scheme, hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning and Houston got another excellent long relief outing to stifle the Twins and advance to the AL Division Series.
Minnesota, meanwhile, lost its 18th consecutive postseason game, a streak that extends to 2004, and exited in the opening round of the playoffs – including two wild-card game losses – for the eighth time since 2003.
The Twins’ tormentors traditionally are the New York Yankees, but this year, in winning the AL Central, they drew the No. 6 seed Astros, who looked dispirited in finishing the regular season with five losses in their final seven games.
And why not? With November 2019 revelations of their 2017 sign-stealing scandal casting a pall over their lone World Series title and resulting in the firings of general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch, the Astros faced withering criticism all spring. After the shutdown mandated by the novel coronavirus, they received just one start from ace Justin Verlander before he suffered an elbow injury that will sideline him into most of 2021.
Yet while scorned, the Astros are still laden with stars, and they got just enough from them to subdue the Twins.
In Game 1, it was Jose Altuve’s bases-loaded, ninth-inning walk pushing the run home. In Game 2, Correa’s 12th career postseason home run snapped a 1-1 tie in the seventh.
Meanwhile, Cristian Javier followed in Framber Valdez’s Game 1 footsteps with three innings of hitless relief, keeping the Astros tied after reliever Luke Raley gave up a game-tying double to Nelson Cruz.
Luis Arraez was thrown at the plate on a relay from Kyle Tucker to Correa to Martin Maldonado, and the Twins scarcely threatened after.
They were shut out in 16 of 18 innings in this series, with Valdez giving the Astros five innings of two-hit, shutout relief in Game 2.
So it is on to the ALDS and a date with the winner of the White Sox-Athletics series, and a date in a fourth consecutive AL Championship Series in the offing. The Astros blew a 3-2 lead in losing the 2019 World Series to the Washington Nationals, and it seemed the sign-stealing scandal robbed them of their mojo.
Perhaps that’s the case. But in two games at Target Field, Houston showed it will be hard to eradicate, naysayers be damned.
U.S. Travel Announces New Dates for IPW 2021 in Las Vegas
WASHINGTON (SEPTEMBER 30, 2020)
The U.S. Travel Association today announced that IPW, its annual international inbound travel trade show, will be a live, in-person event held in Las Vegas from September 18-22, 2021.
The September dates are revised from previously released 2021 event dates. U.S. Travel, together with premier sponsor Brand USA and our hosts, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Travel Nevada, secured later dates to provide additional time for international long-haul travel to the United States to broadly resume.
“Next year’s IPW will reunite the global travel community and be the keystone for safely rebuilding international travel to the United States,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “While IPW will look a bit different next year, expect it to be the turning point for the all-important inbound travel sector.
“We are grateful for the support and flexibility of our many sponsors and attendees, both in the U.S. and around the world, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Las Vegas next September.”
“As the nation’s destination marketing organization, Brand USA values IPW because it is the single largest gathering of the global network of stakeholders dedicated to driving travel to the USA,” said Christopher Thompson, Brand USA president and CEO. “We look forward to reconnecting face-to-face with industry colleagues and welcoming the world back to the diverse destinations and experiences across the United States. We will see you in Las Vegas in 2021.”
“IPW is crucial to reviving international travel, and we’re pleased that the U.S. Travel Association is dedicated to holding an in-person show in Las Vegas next September,” said Steve Hill, CEO/President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “These new dates will allow greater flexibility for attendees and will ensure the best possible experience for a successful and productive trade show. We look forward to welcoming delegates to the new West Hall expansion at the Las Vegas Convention Center as well as showcasing new and exciting developments throughout the destination.”
U.S. Travel plans to open registration for IPW exhibitors in mid-November. IPW buyer and media registration will open in early 2021.
IPW 2021 will be held in the newly constructed West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Planning for IPW show floor and media marketplace activities, as well as related official events, is underway by the IPW Host Committee.
IPW is the country’s leading international inbound travel trade show, driving $5.5 billion in future travel to the United States. At IPW, travel buyers (including international tour operators, wholesalers and receptive operators) meet face-to-face with sellers of U.S. travel product (representing accommodations, destinations, attractions, retail, transportation companies and more), transacting business that would otherwise be generated only through an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips.
Additional information about IPW 2021 will be available in the coming weeks. Event updates will be sent to the IPW community and posted at IPW.com. You can follow @ustravelipw on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as well.
CARLOS VIVES SERA DISTINGUIDO CON EL PREMIO BILLBOARD SALON DE LA FAMA
CARLOS VIVES SERA DISTINGUIDO CON EL PREMIO BILLBOARD SALON DE LA FAMA DURANTE LA CEREMONIA DE LOS PREMIOS BILLBOARD DE LA MUSICA LATINA EL 21 DE OCT. POR TELEMUNDO
El cantante, compositor, actor y empresario colombiano ha sido elegido para recibir este premio por su carrera artística que va más allá de la interpretación musical y toma en cuenta su increíble influencia como artista a nivel global en múltiples campos
Miami, FL – 30 de septiembre de 2020 –Telemundo y Billboard anunciaron hoy que el cantante, compositor, actor y empresario colombiano de fama mundial, Carlos Vives, será distinguido con el Premio Billboard Salón de la Fama para celebrar su carrera artística que va más allá de la interpretación musical y toma en cuenta su increíble influencia como artista a nivel global en múltiples campos. El intérprete que ha llevado la música tradicional de vallenato por el mundo también cantará en los Premios Billboard de la Música Latina que se transmitirán en vivo por Telemundo el miércoles, 21 de octubre comenzando con “La Alfombra de Premios Billboard” a las 7pm/6c, y seguido por la premiación a las 8pm/7c desde el BB&T Center en Sunrise, Florida.
El Premio Billboard Salón de la Fama está reservado para aquellos artistas que han logrado reconocimiento mundial por su labor, trascendiendo fronteras de géneros e idiomas. Entre los ganadores anteriores del excepcional premio se encuentran José José, Vicente Fernández, Rocío Dúrcal, Marco Antonio Solís, Mongo Santamaría, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Banda El Recodo, Joan Sebastian, Marc Anthony, Franco de Vita y Alejandro Fernández.
Vives recibirá este premio, porque, además de su carrera como cantante, es también actor, presentador de televisión, juez de “La Voz” y dueño del restaurante y club musical Gaira. Adicionalmente, es fundador de “Tras la Perla”, una iniciativa para mejorar la calidad de vida en su natal Santa Marta y sus alrededores con programas educativos y de medio ambiente. Y como si fuera poco, también es fundador de la escuela de música de Rio Grande en Bogotá, donde niños desarrollan sus habilidades artísticas.
Este difusor de la música tradicional colombiana y latinoamericana a nivel mundial es intérprete de temas como “La gota fría”, “Fruta fresca”, “Volví a nacer”, “Bailar contigo” y “La bicicleta” (con Shakira), mismos que ha llevado en giras por las plazas más importantes del mundo incluyendo Estados Unidos, Europa y Latinoamérica.
Tras iniciar su carrera artística en 1982 como actor, fue en 1986 que comenzó a cantar baladas y en 1991 que se inclinó por los vallenatos clásicos que lo convirtieron en la cara del nuevo sonido colombiano a nivel mundial. Su enfoque para tocar esta música tradicional con elementos pop y rock expandió el género a un público internacional.
Su más reciente álbum, Cumbiana, explora los orígenes de la cumbia en la Colombia más profunda y en los instrumentos creados por los pueblos originarios, destacados en el documental “El mundo perdido de Cumbiana”. Vives le pone imagen a ese viaje personal que en realidad comenzó 25 años atrás con otro álbum suyo, La tierra del olvido.
Ganador de múltiples premios a nivel internacional, el artista ha vendido más de 20 millones de álbumes en todo el mundo, y sus canciones y álbumes han llegado en 33 ocasiones al No. 1 de las diferentes listas de música latina de Billboard.
En total, 26 de sus temas se ubicaron en la lista de Hot Latin Songs de Billboard. De ellos, 13 llegaron al top 10 y 5 de estos alcanzaron el No. 1, incluido su éxito “Fruta fresca”, que encabezó la lista durante seis semanas en 2000. En la lista de Latin Airplay logró colocar 26 títulos, con 15 encabezando la lista, incluido su más reciente éxito “Si me das tu amor”, con Wisin, que lideró la lista en agosto de 2019; mientras en la lista de Tropical Airplay, logró ubicar 27 títulos en total, de los cuales ocho alcanzaron el No. 1, incluido “Hoy tengo tiempo (Pinta Sensual)” que gobernó durante seis semanas en 2018.
Los álbumes de Vives también han gozado de gran éxito. En la lista de Top Latin Albums, ha logrado 10 entradas, con nueve de ellas dentro del top 10 y tres de sus títulos alcanzaron el No. 1, incluido Corazón profundo. En Tropical Albums logró un total de ocho entradas, con siete de ellas llegando al top 10 y dos alcanzando el No. 1, incluida La tierra del olvido, que reinó durante siete semanas en 1995.
Los Premios Billboard de la Música Latina coinciden con Latin Music Week(Semana de la Música) de Billboard, una experiencia virtual de tres días dedicada a la música, cultura y entretenimiento latino. Celebrando su 30 aniversario, el evento tendrá lugar del 20-23 de octubre y presentará conversaciones íntimas con artistas, paneles con personalidades de la industria, actuaciones exclusivas y más. Para más información y para reservar su cupo, visite BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com. Para ver las últimas noticias, visite Billboard.com/Latin.
Los Premios Billboard de la Música Latina también se emitirán simultáneamente en el canal de cable hispano de entretenimiento, Universo y a través de las Américas por Telemundo Internacional. Para más información, visite PremiosBillboard.com, la página web oficial de los “Premios Billboard de la Música Latina”, y siga el evento en las redes sociales:
Entire first Trump – Biden presidential debate
4 key moments from tonight’s messy debate
Presidential debate made for a chaotic first foray between Joe Biden and Donald Trump since the start of the general election race.
Trump was intent on interrupting Biden on nearly every question and the former vice president wasn’t above name-calling, calling the President a “clown” and telling him to “shut up.”
In case you missed tonight’s debate, here are four key moments:
Trump addresses the New York Times report on his taxes
The President offered a simple defense for the low amount of income taxes he’s paid over the years: “I don’t want to pay tax.”
At the same time, however, Trump also insisted that he pays millions in taxes, contradicting the New York Times’ reporting, which indicated that he paid $750 in income taxes in 2016 and 2017.
Different realities on the coronavirus
Biden, citing the staggering coronavirus death toll and case number in the US, said, “The President has no plan. He hasn’t laid out anything.”
Trump, however, insisted that Biden “could not have done the job we did.”
The President also brought up his administration’s plan to quickly distribute a coronavirus vaccine, but Biden questioned why Americans should trust someone who lies so frequently.
“This is the same man who told you by Easter this would be gone away. By the warm weather, it’d be gone — like a miracle. And by the way, maybe you could inject some bleach into your arm,” Biden said.
Biden responds to Trump’s attacks on his son, Hunter
Reacting to Trump’s repeated unfounded and false claims about Hunter Biden acting corruptly in Ukraine, the former vice president said, “This is not about my family or his family, this is about your family — the American people.”
“He doesn’t want to talk about what you need,” Biden added.
At another point in the debate, Trump raised Hunter Biden’s past issues with drug addiction.
“My son had a drug problem, but he’s overcome it and I’m proud of him,” Biden responded.
Trump refuses to condemn white supremacists
Trump refused to explicitly call out white supremacists for inciting violence at anti-police brutality demonstrations across the country, saying during the debate that the violence wasn’t an issue caused by the right and telling one far-right group to “stand back and stand by.”
“Sure, I’m willing to (tell them to stand down), but I would say almost everything I see is from the left wing, not from the right wing. I’m willing to do anything. I want to see peace,” Trump said.
“Who would you like me to condemn?” Trump asked moderator Chris Wallace. “Proud Boys — stand back and stand by. But I’ll tell you what. … Somebody’s got to do something about Antifa and the left because this is not a right wing problem(.)”
Mayor Sylvester Turner Authorizes Cite and Release Program
Program allows officers to issue tickets for low-level offenses instead of making arrests
HOUSTON – Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29, Houston Police officers will be able to issue citations instead of arresting individuals for certain Class A and Class B misdemeanors. Mayor Sylvester Turner signed Executive Order No. 1-68 Monday afternoon, authorizing the City of Houston to join Harris County’s Cite and Release Program.
The Cite and Release policy is expected to help reduce the jail population for non-violent offenders, reduce the amount of time police officers spend on jail processing procedures, and improve response times by getting officers back into service more quickly.
The following Class A and B misdemeanors are eligible for tickets instead of jail time:
- Possession of a controlled substance, if the controlled substance is four ounces or less
- Criminal Mischief, if the amount of pecuniary loss is $100 or more but less than $750
- Graffiti, if the amount of pecuniary loss is $100 or more but less than $2500
- Theft, if the value of the property stolen is $100 or more but less than $750
- Theft of Service, if the value of the service stolen is $100 or more but less than $750
- Contraband in a Correctional Facility, if the offense is a Class B misdemeanor
- Driving with an invalid license
“Cite and Release is a more humane way to handle low-level offenders because the program allows them to face responsibility for their actions without the stain of an arrest or serving jail time,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “It is the equivalent of being given a second chance on the spot, as long as the suspected offender meets the requirements for Cite and Release and complies with the rules.”
The Houston Police Department’s Class C Policy is currently being revised in consideration of the new Cite and Release policy.
“This is not a matter of getting soft on crime. It’s about getting smart on crime,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said. “The Cite and Release program is a long time coming and long overdue. It is something we are very proud to implement.”
Mayor Turner acknowledged Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, Chair of the Council Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, who could not attend Monday’s news conference because of the Jewish Holiday Yom Kippur. The mayor also thanked the five City Council Members who sent him a list of recommendations on policing reforms, including Cite and Release.
“This is a great day in the City of Houston. On behalf of my city council colleagues, activists, and organizations that have worked on policing reforms, we are moving in the right direction. We all agree that Cite and Release is a policy that we can live with and something Houstonians deserve. This is a great step forward for policing reforms and the City,” said Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex Tatum.
Judson Robinson, CEO and President of the Houston Area Urban League also spoke in favor of Cite and Release.Mayor Turner also said the objective of implementing Cite and Release is to achieve a measurable change in how Houston Police offers are handling low-level offenses. Therefore, the Executive Order also clarifies that the Houston Police Department will track and report the data on citations issued under this program.
🎟 On Sale Now! Catch The Dynamo vs. SKC & Frisco!
The Houston Dynamo continue their season at BBVA Stadium and we are happy to welcome limited number of fans back to root on the boys as they push for the playoffs.
Tickets are on sale now for the Dynamo’s next two games of the season. Get yours today by clicking on the game below!
BBVA Stadium has worked to develop a plan to enable a limited number of fans to attend Houston Dash home matches in a manner that is as safe as possible, while following government regulations, required health and safety protocols and guidance from medical experts, including social distancing.
Matches will have additional measures to ensure the safest possible experience for Guests.
- Social Distanced Seating & Limited Capacity
- Digital Tickets Only via the AXS App (ios & Android) & Cashless Only Purchases In-Stadium
- Tickets will be Non-Transferable and Unavailable for Re-Sale
- Spectator Waiver will be Required for Ticket Purchase
- Masks Mandatory
- Touchless Temperature Checks at Gates
- Specific Gate & Timed Entry for All Fans
- Packaged Concessions & App Ordering
- CLICK HERE for complete details on Matchday Safety
We hope to see you again at BBVA Stadium soon!
We hope you enjoyed Studio Showcase!
HGO is proud to bring you HGO Digital and we are so excited to finally connect with you all. We hope you enjoyed the premiere of our popular annual event, Studio Showcase, an evening of operatic scenes highlighting the special talents of each of our 2020–21 Studio artists.
HGO is committed to maintaining our level of excellence and bringing you extraordinary productions. Please tell us about your experience by filling out a short 5-minute survey. We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
PREMIOS BILLBOARD DE LA MUSICA LATINA EL 21 DE OCT. 2020
ANUEL AA, BANDA MS, CARLOS VIVES, CHESCA, DADDY YANKEE, JESSIE REYEZ, KENDO KAPONI, LUIS FONSI, MANUEL TURIZO, PABLO ALBORAN, PAULINA RUBIO, PITBULL, RAUW ALEJANDRO, RAYMIX, REIK Y YANDEL CANTARAN EN LOS PREMIOS BILLBOARD DE LA MUSICA LATINA EL 21 DE OCT. POR TELEMUNDO
Esta constelación de estrellas de la música latina promete emocionantes actuaciones y espectaculares colaboraciones cuando se presenten en vivo por Telemundo desde el BB&T Center de Sunrise, Florida.
Miami, FL 28 de septiembre, 2020 –Telemundo anunció hoy un espectacular complemento de figuras de la música latina que se unen al brillante elenco que cantará en la ceremonia de los Premios Billboard de la Música Latina que promete un impresionante show en vivo. La lista incluye a consagradas estrellas internacionales como Anuel AA, Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, Carlos Vives, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Pablo Alborán, Paulina Rubio, Pitbull, Reik y Yandel, junto a jóvenes figuras como Chesca, Manuel Turizo, Raymix, Kendo Kaponi, Jessie Reyez y Rauw Alejandro. Estos se unen a los artistas anteriormente anunciados que incluyen a Armando Manzanero, Black Eyed Peas, Farruko, Gente de Zona, Gerardo Ortiz, Jesse & Joy, Maluma, Myke Towers, Ozuna, Sech y Wisin.
Telemundo desplegará la alfombra roja para darle la bienvenida a estos artistas y a otras grandes estrellas que se reunirán por primera vez este año para celebrar los Premios Billboard de la Música Latina, la premiación de mayor trayectoria y prestigio en la industria de la música latina, comenzando con “La Alfombra de Premios Billboard” a las 7pm/6c, y seguido por la premiación a las 8pm/7c desde el BB&T Center en Sunrise, Florida.
La Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga, finalista para tres premios Billboard Latinos de la Música Latina, se encuentra promocionando su más reciente producción discográfica “El trabajo es la suerte”, mientras sus compatriotas de Reik, finalistas para el premio Artista “Latin Pop” del Año, Dúo o Grupo, acaban de lanzar un disco de éxitos de música regional mexicana que incluye temas de grandes exponentes del género incluyendo “Háblame de ti” de Banda MS.
Luis Fonsi, quien es finalista para cuatro premios, incluido el Album “Latin Pop” del Año por Vida , acaba de estrenar “Perfecta” su nuevo sencillo junto a su compatriota Farruko, finalista en 10 categorías, incluida la Canción el Año, Airplay con “Calma” y “Baila, baila, baila”; mientras que la mexicana Paulina Rubio, lanzó en marzo pasado “Tu y Yo”, su nuevo dueto cumbiero junto a su compatriota Raymix, quien es finalista para el premio Artista Regional Mexicano del Año, Solista.
Daddy Yankee, finalista para 12 premios, incluida la Canción del Año por “Con calma”, llega tras firmar un contrato millonario con Universal Music Group y de lanzar su nuevo tema “Don Don”, una colaboración con Anuel AA, quien es finalista en 11 categorías, incluyendo Artista del Año/Redes Sociales, y el rapero y actor Kendo Kaponi; mientras que su compatriota Yandel, finalista para tres premios junto a Wisin, lanzó este año Quién contra mí 2, con 22 canciones y 28 invitados que incluyen a J Balvin, Rubén Blades y Snoop Dogg.
Pitbull llegará al escenario de los Billboard con toda su energía, luego de estrenar el videoclip del remix de “Mala” de su álbum Libertad 538, cuyo título rinde homenaje a su padre por ayudar a llevar cubanos a Estados Unidos en 1980, y luego de lanzar el tema “Te Quiero Baby (I Love You Baby) con la cantante de pop puertorriqueña Chesca; mientras el popular cantante y compositor Carlos Vives, se presentará tras lanzar su 14to álbum de estudio, Cumbiana, y un documental de 45 minutos sobre los principios de la cumbia y el vallenato, y su compatriota Manuel Turizo, se ha convertido en la nueva sensación del reggaetón y es finalista en la categoría de Artista del Año, Debut.
El español Pablo Alborán, acaba de dar a conocer el nombre de su nuevo disco Vértigo, mientras que la canadiense de origen colombiano Jessie Reyez, la nueva figura del R&B, lanzó hace unos días su primer disco, Before Love Came to Kill Us, y el puertorriqueño Rauw Alejandro, alcanzó el No. 1 de las listas Latin Airplay y Latin Rhythm Airplay de Billboard con su éxito “Tattoo-Remix”.
Los Premios Billboard de la Música Latina coinciden con Latin Music Week(Semana de la Música) de Billboard, una experiencia virtual de tres días dedicada a la música, cultura y entretenimiento Latino. Celebrando su 30 aniversario, el evento tendrá lugar del 20-23 de octubre y presentará conversaciones íntimas con artistas, paneles con personalidades de la industria, actuaciones exclusivas y más. Para más información y para reservar su cupo, visite BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com. Para ver las últimas noticias, visite Billboard.com/Latin.