Are you Being Latino!?

Check out this great video produced by the good folk at BeingLatino.



This is def one of the fastest fan pages I've seen; it has over 17,000 fans. The moderaters are good about updating the site with content as well as branching out to other pages including BeingLatino Press, BeingLatino (insert city) and BeingLatino Comida.

A Natural Thrill Seeker

So yesterday I went to Dorney Park and I really came to the conclusion "most" Latinos are thrill seekers. I myself love roller coasters and everything in between. My favorite ride had to have been Possessed. Here's the description from their web-site:

Possessed takes command when the harnesses lock. Riders will be thrust back in their seats as they are propeled into a 90 degree vertical ascent up the forward spike only to freefall in reverse through the station as Possessed flaunts the fear for spectators. The LIMs kick in and the curse gets stronger as the train gains speed and races up the reverse spike. The next pass forward through the station will bring riders to a top speed of up to 70 mph as they head into the 184-foot helix.

Crazy I know. Although some roller coasters aren't that exciting in the front row, this one is worth the wait. The only thing you see before blasting off is a small tunnel and once your "possessed", a quick 90 degree ascent is upon you. Check out the video I posted on Twitter.

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Philly Murals

Ahhh yes if there's one thing I had to name about Philadelphia that is so unique and exciting, it would have to be our murals. They are just so vibrant and full of life; and there's plenty of them. And just in case you guys didn't know, they have a new project called Love Letters.

You really have to see it for yourself; the project will be unveiled September 09. The image below is self-explanatory, click on the image to read the full story in the New York Times.

Steve Legato for The New York Times

That Really Grinds My Gears...Bag fees?!

For some odd reason, both Continental and US Airways have decided to add on additional bag fees. As if traveling wasn't already a hassle with fees including travel to airport, snacks on board, movie fees, etc. What if I buy souvenirs during my trip?

According to a Bloomberg article online: US Airways also increased its fee by $5 to check bags on domestic flights, to $20 for the first piece of luggage and $30 for the second. Passengers who wait to pay the fee at the airport instead of online beforehand will be charged $25 and $35, the Tempe, Arizona-based airline said in a statement.

Thank god for SouthWest Air though, they have absolutely NO BAG FEES on any flight. They also allow you to sit anywhere you want.

What was Pepsi Thinking

In the latest issue of Hispanic Business, I quickly looked at the back cover and found the above ad. I mean I'm all for diversity but why does Pepsi think this attracts people. Maybe I'm looking into this too much but the first thing I noticed were the different bottle types they produce. I wonder who they think is the Latino, Black, Asian, etc. of the group?

What say you?

PSA: Don't Text and Drive

Main reason why you should never be on your phone while driving. It's even worse with Latinos! However, it doesn't help that some companies are targeting Latinos via texting.

Attn Job Seekers!

Philadelphia's Largest Fall Career Fair Sponsored by Job Circle & NJTC. Jobadelphia is a chance to start your new career or looking for change. Remember to dress professional and bring plenty of copies of your resume.

Thursday, September 10, 2009
10:00am - 2:30pm
Wachovia Center
Philadelphia, PA
1-877-966-0050

Coincidence? El Toro at Six Flags

So I think it's funny that one of my favorite rides at Six Flags Great Adventure is El Toro. I mean not only does it have a Spanish language name, but it also has the name of my frat's mascot. Why is it my favorite? I mean just look at it.

El Toro has a max speed of 70 mph, lasts almost 2.5 minutes and "features the steepest drop of any wooden roller coaster in the country at a record-breaking 76 degrees." As you can see above that's a steep drop! For those thrill seekers, please sit in the complete back of the ride. You may think the front seat is the best, it's really not. Oh an p.s., if you want to get the most of your trip, go on a Sunday :).

Six Flags Great Adventure
1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ‎
(732) 928-1821‎

Phillies celebrate our heritage

Ahhh yes, Hispanic Heritage Month is right around the corner, but some organizations are kicking things off a little early. On Wednesday, September 2nd, our very own Philadelphia Phillies are joining in on the celebration as they present the annual Goya Latino Family Celebration. The event will feature performances by some of Philly's greatest dance crews including Grupo Fuego Dance Company.

The best part? You get to sit in on a Phillies game; they play the San Francisco Giants. To help honor the Latino community, the event features a $4 ticket discount off $18 - $32 regularly-priced tickets. When purchasing your ticket online, enter the promotion code SALSA to take advantage of this special ticket offer.

Remember our friends the Muppets

I'm not sure if it was my mom and/or dad whom introduced me to "los Muppets" but I sure do remember watching it. It was such an informational show that not only made me laugh but it also taught lessons. My personal favorite was Fozzie bear, not really sure why; maybe because he was equally as awkward as I am now haha.

If you were one of those people that grew up on it, coming in September the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA has just the thing for you. "Jim Henson's Fantastic World is the inaugural show in the Della Penna-Fernberger | Paton | Smith Galleries, the new exhibition space that is the center-piece of the Museum's $12 million expansion. This exhibition features 100 original artworks, including drawings, cartoons and storyboards that illustrate Henson's talent as a storyteller and visionary." You can also bring the kids along because I hear they'll have a muppet theater and interactive games.

James A. Michener Art Museum
138 S. Pine St.
Doylestown, PA 18901
215.340.9800

Yumm...try the Pan de Bono

For the past 2 days I've been eating a pan de pono for breakfast and let me tell you it's amazing! According to About.com: Pandebono is a delicious cheese bread, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with coffee. It's a simple recipe made with cheese and two kinds of flour - tapioca flour (cassava or yuca starch) and precooked cornmeal.

So what is it to me? It's clearly a delicious Colombian breakfast that I can eat for the rest of my life. Can someone help me find a place in Philadelphia that sells them!? I think there is a spot past Roosevelt Boulevard, but that's too far for me.

14th Annual PSLC Conference

This year’s 14th annual conference: "Census 2010: Defiende Lo Tuyo! Will you be counted?” will be held in Philadelphia on October 22-24, 2009 at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel. The conference will highlight the importance of the upcoming census. Among other important issues, the conference will emphasize the social and political aspects and ramifications of the census count.

I've attended in previous years and I must say they do get interesting. A lot of our community's Latino leaders gather and discuss the importance of our future.

For more information about PSLC, please visit their web-site.

Miss Universe 2009

So for the first time this year the same country won Miss Universe (back to back years). Is this even possible? Who knows? However, everyone was very excited (on Twitter) that 3 out of 5 finalists were Latina.

I believe it was similar last year but this year the finalists were Miss Venezuela, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Australia and Miss Kosovo. I believe we all knew a Latina was going to win but we didn't know which country. Even fans who voted in an online poll thought Latinas were going to take it. Although I believe Miss Dominican Republic should have taken the crown, it was Miss Venezuela.

And sorry to all my Puerto Rican friends, she placed 4th; I believe it was due to her ridiculous boxing outfit in the beginning of the show.

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Laughing

An essential part of everyone's life, laughing. I always tell myself and others, "Why so serious!?" During these difficult times I don't believe we should put ourselves down. Life is too short to be serious. Whether it's a funny video on YouTube or a joke someone told us, I think laughing is a common cure.

Do you speak Boriqua, Mexican, Colombian...?

Nice :30 sec video brought to you by the genius folks of Latism.org.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month is right around the corner, so what are you doing to celebrate? Some quick facts about HHM from the US Census:

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

So is this perfect timing? Are we celebrating our accomplishments in the United States or are we celebrating our own culture period. To be honest we should all be happy about what we are doing in the United States. Although we struggle a lot, we should still be fighting for what we believe in; whether it's teaching our colleagues at work about ourselves or opening up a Latino restaurant in the middle of a Caucasian neighborhood.

And no matter what happens, remember this fact::

42.7 million - The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2005, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or race minority. Hispanics constituted 14 percent of the nation’s total population. (This estimate does not include the 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico.)

Vote for Your Fav Latino Now...

because voting is almost over! The Hispanic Choice Awards honors and celebrates Pennsylvania, New Jersey & Delaware’s FAVORITE Hispanic people, organizations and businesses as chosen by its community in a variety of categories. The event promotes professional, personal and cultural achievements for Latinos living and working in this area. You have the opportunity to vote for your favorite government official, organization, restaurant and much more. But hurry because voting ends August 31st.

After all the votes are tallied, the winners will be announced Tuesday, October 13th; just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month closing.

To vote or more info, click here.

Hispanics...we sort of run things

If this doesn't describe our ability to grow and succeed, then I suggest you look the other way. (CLICK ON THE PICTURE THEN THE VIDEO)



Video produced by my friends at WWSI Telemundo & Hola Ciudad! And if you click on the "Presentacion Telemundo 2009", you might find some pictures featuring me! :)

Today's plug in goes to...

Fellow Greekster DJ Phnx. I started listening more and more to his music and it's actually pretty good. Although he is not Latino, he blends a lot of music together into a great mix. He has a variety of mixes including a King of Pop tribute and his patented WE MAKE PARTY mixes. Check them out here.

For more info or bookings, DJPHNX@DJPHNX.COM / 201-887-3249

Being Latino...

What exactly does that mean? Are you Hispanic? Today a colleague asked me if there was a difference with Hispanic and Latino and appropriate times to use them. Honestly, it's very hard to answer this question. Last June the New York Times blogged about this very question.

There are a lot of people who prefer Hispanic and a lot of people who prefer Latino. Like the NY Times article states, "While both “Latino” and “Hispanic” are generally acceptable, some people have a strong preference. We should respect those preferences as much as possible in referring to individuals and groups; reporters and editors should routinely ask."

No matter what you prefer, remember to respect who you are and your culture. Being Latino may not be an option, but it is important.

Bolt Bus or Mega Bus

This past weekend I finally tried out BoltBus; I've already ridden on MegaBus twice and I must say, MegaBus wins my vote. I know I should give BoltBus another try but this past weekend's experience was a little sketchy. I do have lots of patience but I don't think another trip will help them out.

1. Double deck seating
2. Friendly conductors
3. Comfortable seating
   
4. Needs more departures from Philadelphia (i.e. Philly to D.C.)
5. Location around 30th street is easy to find

1. Great space between each seat.
2. Web-site is much easier to use
3. Needs more departures from Philadelphia (i.e. Philly to D.C.)
4. Boarding procedure is unnecessary
5. Conductors need to know all proper procedures when boarding wheelchair passengers
   

We have a winner- Poll Closed!

Starting next Friday I'll have a new column/post called That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears. As you all know every Thursday I blog about That Really Grinds My Gears, and you all voted last week; so now I'm taking a positive outlook on the column. Enjoy!

Are you part of the Census?

So why is there controversy with Census 2010? The reason why is over illegal immigration. Open border advocates are demanding that the US ICE stop raids while the census is taking place. The reason they argue is make sure everyone, legal and illegal, are counted.

I do believe everyone should be counted, however i do understand some people are scared. This can come out negative or positive.

Check out WFMZ 69 En Español's story below:

That Really Grinds My Gears...music today

If it's one thing I really hate it's the song below. Honestly what is wrong with music today?

Night of Music, Poetry and Art

Share your talent with the community at Isla Verde Restaurant on Friday, August 21st. Come and help support Taller Puertorriqueño.

We can all be a Wise Latino/a

Check out the featured video from Latina.com and don't forget to get your "Wise Latina" shirt.

Integration or Segregation?

This is the questions today's educated Latino ask themselves. Do I want to work with the people I relate to the most or do I work in a totally unrelated field where we are under represented? An article in Chicago Business says we are stepping into the mainstream.

But today, a wave of mostly second-generation children of immigrants is stepping outside those old cultural roles. While their community and ethnic roots remain a large part of their identity, these young people are seeking a foothold in professions where Hispanics are underrepresented: technology, engineering, finance and law.

That's the struggle I tell myself every day. When I started working at my current employer I came in as "the minority". I was going to specialize in niche marketing which obviously meant Hispanic; I did come from Taller Puertorriqueño. What I find interesting is that I studies journalism and I'm pretty sure I would've worked for a mainstream paper. So what do I do now?

I look at my job in 3 directions:

1. Promote the City of Philadelphia (and the region) to local and national media.
   
2. Promote the City of Philadelphia (and the region) to local and national Hispanic media.
3. Promote the Hispanic neighborhood (and all it's assets) to local and national media

So what do you do? Do you work for a Hispanic organization, are you a Hispanic working in a mainstream organization or are you a Hispanic working in a mainstream org attempting to reach out to your audience?

Hispanics in Texas Getting More

Ahhh yes, not only has a Latino themed Wal-mart opened in Texas, but now Sam's Club is opening a new store called 'Mas Club'.

"Our objective is to create an additional shopping choice that provides currently unavailable value for families, restaurant owners, convenience stores and more," said Doug McMillon, president and chief executive of Sam's Club, in a statement.

Although the membership price and logo are still to be determined, this is an excellent idea and it's bound to capture Hispanics in Texas.

Vote Vote Vote

No not for the next president but for "WHAT SHOULD NAVAJA'S NEXT COLUMN BE?" I hate plugging in my blog but that's what PR people do right? Your choices include:

1. Greekster Comments of the Day
2. Influential Latino of the Week
3. That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears (I know I have a lot of Grinds My Gears posts; this would be the opposite!)
4. Latinos Live Where!?

And just in case you were wondering where, it's at the top right of the blog :). Thanks!

Could ABDC be Latino!?

So last night MTV premiered America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 and to my surprise the Latino group made it! Crew Afroborike hailing from Las Vegas, NV represented for all the Latinos. The group mostly compiled of Puerto Ricans (plus 1 Cuban) showed ABDC viewers how Latinos do: Salsa + Hip Hop can exist together.

Last year's Latino dance crew, Shhh!, unfortunately didn't make it. We'll see what Afroborke can bring to the table this year because it is definetely on for Season 4.

Are Hispanics a Race?

When you think about Hispanics or Latinos...do you consider that a race? There was an interesting article last week entitled "What Race Are Hispanics?" and it came to the conclusion "that you simply can't organize it by race; there's just too many of us who don't fit the finite number of races."

Do you agree with this? The article made the point that a lot of Hispanics are just ONE RACE, it said we can be mixed races from White, Asian, Black, etc. Now I'm all for being of mixed race but do a lot of people claim being mixed? I know a good number of people who just claim HISPANIC but then when you continue asking them preguntas, they go on to say they have mixed roots. I suspect when Census 2010 comes around, a lot of people will still be confused. I just hope people understand why this is so important and to "check" off the appropriate categories.

Step Show el Sabado!

So tomorrow STEP 11 goes down at York College Performing Arts Center. This show is bound to be different from last year's due to new producers/management/etc. (really LatinosStep was taken over). And just in case you can't make the show or couldn't get tickets, you can watch it live on Greekster.tv! I know what you're saying, "That's what they said for Smooth." There were technical difficulties at the venue and internet was down.

So good luck to all the teams!

Fraternities

• Alpha Phi Alpha-NYC A Team
• Beta Kappa Psi
• Kappa Alpha Psi
• Lambda Upsilon Lambda
• Lambda Sigma Upsilon-'08 champs
• Sigma Lambda Beta

Sororities

• Lambda Pi Chi
• Mu Sigma Upsilon
• Omega Phi Beta (Soul Steppin' Divas)

Exhibition

• Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Unity Step Team - OPBSI, LUL, LSU, SLB, and much more..
• Unity Stroll Team - SIA, OPBSI, LSU and LAU

For more information visit: ArtofStepping.org

Do Humans Reign Supreme?

So last night I got a special preview of District 9. The movie isn't set to be released until next week so I won't ruin it for you. However, I can say it was a great movie and it made me realize that as human beings, what gives us the right to decide what is right or wrong in the universe? There are NO set of rules in this "giant" universe about interacting with other life forms. Since Earth is filled with political governance, this world would go crazy if other life forms came to our planet (whether good or bad). *SIGH*

This movie just proved how "wrong" we sometimes are.

Want to send a postcard?

I know it's probably been 100 years since anyone has ever sent a postcard but the folk at work want YOU (Philly residents) to send a postcard to a friend, colleague, family member, whoever! Besides, I'm sure you have family who don't have a cell phone or even access to a computer. I'm sure they would also appreciate you taking time out to actually WRITE something.

Seriously, if you want some postcards FOR FREE, let me know how many and I'll be sure to send them.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Loud Cell Phone Convos

Why do people find it necessary to talk loudly in public areas? I don't mean like a store where there is constant noise; I mean places like a train or an elevator. I know sometimes the convo leads to bad signal leading you to talk loudly or maybe bad hearing but sometimes people are just rude. Not too long ago I was on the R7 SEPTA train and everyone was minding their own business until this woman picks up her phone and has an entire convo for about 2 stops. She doesn't say, "LET ME CALL YOU BACK," no she continues to talk and talk while everyone is looking at her. Thank you SEPTA for your quiet trains though.

Oh and p.s. If you are ever annoyed by someone talking on the phone loudly, ask politely or else THIS might happen to you.

When Twitter is Down...

what do we do? Obviously we would go to Facebook. Mashable makes a great point in their post about how users react to social media meltdown. Are you going to Facebook to update your status constantly? I hope not. I wonder what the 15% of Hispanic Twitter users are going to do now? Apparently Facebook is the number two social networking site for Hispanics, right below MySpace.

p.s. that 15% is Online Hispanics who prefer English, who prefer Spanish and who prefer both.

Join the fight?

Back in March I informed you about the National Congress for Puerto Rican Right and their convention. Let me know what you think about the video the NCPRR produced to promote the convention.

Join the Fight from J K on Vimeo.

Colombia: El Cocuy National Park

Photo: Dennis Drenner for The New York Times

As much as people don't think Colombia is a place to visit I say you're joking. The New York Times wrote a stunning piece on not just travel to Colombia, but to El Cocuy National Park.

The story reminded me of when I took the journey to Colombia...in 1995! Yes it was a long time ago but I distinctly remember each day of that July month. I remember that 11 hour bus from Bogota to the towns of El Cocuy. I remember greeting the mayor of the small town we staying in and I even remember when someone spilled a hot plate of food on my arm.

The journey up one of the mountains was great. It was the first time I had been on a horse and it wasn't cooperating. Although we made it near the summit, we dared not to go to the top without proper gear. I wish I had the photos online but back in '95, dad had his Polaroid camera. Come to think about it, he still has the Polaroid camera haha.

For more info on travel to Colombia, visit colombia.travel/en/.

This Week's Plug in goes to the Felton

As you can tell from the flier above, reggaeton artist Yomo is coming to Philadelphia. I just realized a lot of famous/good Latino artists usually come to Philadelphia; and not just reggaeton artists. They also seem to perform a lot at the Felton which is located at 4800 Rising Sun Ave.

Anyways, Friday, August 14th be sure to check out Yomo in concert. Anyone 14+ is able to go but you have to be 21+ to drink. Doors open at 7 p.m. until 3 a.m.

p.s. The first 25 people son gratis!

Are you taking ADvantage of Hispanics?

A few weeks ago Advertising Age produced the Hispanic Fact Pack for 2009. This booklet features data on the U.S. Hispanic market from Azteca to Zubi. "The U.S. Hispanic market eked out u1.9% growth in 2008 to $4 billion in measured media as U.S. ad spending in general fell by 4.1%, but 2009 is a tougher year for everyone," says Laurel Wentz.

Included in the booklet are some pretty interesting figures which advertisers or anyone wanting to engage in the Hispanic market might like including:

• Hispanic Electronic Media Usage
• Hispanic Social Networking Site Usage
• Top Hispanic DMAs by Media Spending
• Top 25 Hispanic Newspapers (By measured advertising revenue, excluding classified)
  

To view the entire booklet, click here.

There are also some pretty interesting ads throughout the booklet, some worth the read and some not. One that I found the most interesting and appealing was erasestereotypes.com

La feria is coming!

The Feria is right around the corner and it's bound to be a good one. Why? Just look at the list of musical acts:

1. Marino y Su Comando 7 (bachata) Philadelphia
2. Foto Rodriguez y la Orquestra Unica (salsa) Philadelphia
3. Tino Orquesta de Soneros (salsa) Philadelphia area
4. IluAye (bomba y plena) NY
5. Treo(fusion musical) Venezuela &Miami
6. Grandes Ligas (merengue) Rep. Dominicana & NY
7. Zion y Lennox (reguetón)-Puerto Rico & NY

Serving as one of Philadelphia's largest events celebrating Latino arts & culture, the Feria del Barrio brings hundreds, if not thousands of visitors to El Centro de Oro. Get your blood pressure checked, play with the kids, eat some banging food or just enjoy the music...you're bound to have a great time. The best part, it's free! Be sure to go early because it gets packed and the weather is always beautiful.

Feria del Barrio is done in collaboration with Congreso del Latinos Unidos, the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises, and Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas and Taller Puertorriqueño.

Feria del Barrio
9/20/09
12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

My Philadelphia Colombianos!

According to an article in Al Dia, the organization Action Colombia is hosting their first event tomorrow, August 2nd. If you're Colombian or near 8035 Jenkintown in Cheltenham, PA from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. then I suggest you attend. I didn't even know there was a Colombian organization in Philadelphia. Although they are requesting donations at the event, these funds will be used for future events to help out the Colombian community.

For more information please call 267-338-6787.