Tweets on a Spring Day

We all use Twitter for various reason. As you now know, I manage four Twitter accounts and all for different reasons. Companies across the nation and world are using it for sales, marketing, public relations, story ideas, etc. Here are today's unique and interesting Tweets.

Motorola gets it and responds quickly! I approve.

The Philly Cultural Alliance has several accounts; one specifically for careers!

Spreading the word about a great art exhibition.

Live tweeting experiences and photos is a plus in my book.

Not one more! Art for social change

Art for social change. That's a pretty big statement and that's what is coming to Drexel University's newest gallery, the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. Ni Una Mas is a powerful Drexel University-wide collaboration of academic, student and institutional departments intended to raise awareness about gender violence and, in particular, crimes against women in the Mexican bordertown of Juarez. With over 70 powerful images and works, twenty artists will demonstrate to students and the Philadelphia region that art can be a force for social change. Artists include Yoko Ono, Kiki Smith, Nancy Spero, Irish activist painter Brian Maguire and local artists Arlene Love and Jen Blazina.

A mass demonstration/performance art piece, ARTMARCH, will open the exhibition on the afternoon of May 15, 2010. Over 700 women (and men) will wear pink in honor of the victims’ memorial crosses in Juarez. Obviously a very sensitive subject, the images displayed will make you think about the world around you. People endure pain and suffering everyday and for these artists to use art to showcase this is astounding.

“Unknown/Desconocido” 2006

May 15th - July 16th
3401 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

How to manage 4 Twitter Accounts

That's right, if you haven't figured it by now I manage cuatro Twitter accounts. It gets a little overwhelming at times but I get the hang of it. Best part...they are 4 completely different accounts! We have:

1. @navaja1cortes - My personal account started out work-related but soon turned into a combo of work, personal, #latism and anything I can tweet about.
   
2. @GammaPhiSigma - Originally started by @_ALEX4NDER_, I didn't agree with it. However, soon I took over and started tweeting about community issues, frat events and Greek life. *adm* right?
3. @PPRA - The Philadelphia Public Relations Association knew social media but needed someone to officially start it...me. It has the biggest following with 1080+ followers, they best kinds of tweets are live-tweets; we get the most feedback.
4. @PhillyTeAma - What am I most passionate about at my trabajo? Taking it back to the Hispanic market. Events, exhibitions, nightlife, dining...if it's Latino related you'll see me there. Also, we don't just like Latino stuff, adoramos the mainstream attractions too! P.S. Tourism means business.
   

So how do I do it? Instead of signing back and forth on Twitter, I use HootSuite. I can add multiple accounts and I don't necessarily have to be looking at one account when tweeting from another; I just have to check off the right account. Plus I can schedule tweets from all accounts. I can also add Facebook to the streams but I don't; I strictly use it for Twitter. Photos? (Check)

Mobile device? When I had my BlackBerry I used UberTwitter which allowed multiple accounts but now with my Motorola BackFlip, I use TweetCaster; they're essentially the same. Now is it a time issue? Of course, but because I am passionate about social media, I make time and share my thoughts with the world.

The Phanatico Latino

Noticed something different about the Phanatic? Well yesterday at the Please Touch Museum, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia tourism office (my job) announced the "Phanatic Around Town" public art program during the kickoff event to the team's Paint the Town Red Week. According to an article on MLB.com, "Each of the six-foot, 100-pound statues were painted by local artists who were selected by the Phillies for their vision of the team's mascot. From 'Phrankenstein' to 'Ben Phranklin' to even the 'Mad Hatter' and an astronaut, the artists covered the gamut of possibilities."

There's even a Phanatic celebrating our cultura called the "Phanatico Latino". The statue was painted by Marta Sanchez and will be on display at the Independence Seaport Museum at Penn's Landing. As you can see from the image above, it looks like the Phanatico Latino is holding up some of the Latino Phillies' players. To check out all the Phanatic statues, click here.

What's wrong with our world today?

With earthquakes, snow storms, flash mobs and more in our nation today, since when is someone "coming out the closet" so newsworthy? Today one of the world's greatest (yeah I said it) musicians decided to "finally" reveal he is a fortunate homosexual. Cool. This is when Twitter and the news went crazy. This all started 10 years ago when Barbara Walters regrettably asked Martin if he was gay or not. She says she destroyed his career but obviously she didn't.

Yes I'm writing about the issue even though I don't think it's "all that exciting", but really think about it. For some reason we all got nuts when friends and family out themselves. Okay sometimes we don't but most of the time Latinos get all bent out of shape. There have been numerous people who have come out to me and the rest of the gang; what do I say? Cool. Granted I'm there for their support but really you shouldn't live your life based on who you want to sleep with.

p.s. Like everyone, I don't think this is a shocker.

Thinking About Mother's Day?

In my 26 years of living, I have only been to one concert and that was a Shakira concert in 2003 in Philadelphia. Fast forward 7 years later and it looks like we (me and my brother) will be taking mom to a concert at the Ritz Theater in Elizabeth, NJ. Watch out though, because of seating, tickets range from $35 to $150! Maybe even more. I guess it is worth it, I mean it is Charlie Zaa and Leo Dan.

To purchase your tickets visit sonyticket.com.

What do you do when...

...someone calls you a racial slur. To be honest I think it all depends who the person is and what they call you. It also depends on the situation. Everything changes the situation whether you are a student, parent, political figure, actor or a common "Joe" right? There have been many times where a political figure calls someone a racial slur. However, most recently California's governor called Cubans and Puerto Ricans, "naturally feisty and temperamental because of their 'combination of 'black blood' and 'Latino blood.'" What exactly does that mean?

What would you do if someone called you a sp** or a ni**a? I bet it depends on who the person is right? I think cultural sensitivity is something to recognize in our society. I bet it would also differ if you were in Amsterdam or India. White-Americans would most likely be the minority in what "we" would call a foreign country. You also have to realize no matter what "race" you classify yourself as, you most likely will be an American in the Eastern world. And now with the 2010 census upon us, people are questioning "what" we are.

I say, be mindful of who you surround yourself with, but also take into account it shouldn't matter what you classify yourself as. We all come from the same planet. It's a shame it takes a "life threatening" event for us to come together.

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

People love to complain, I rarely hear some complimenting another person. However, there have been recent accounts of people actually helping out others! A compliment goes a long way, especially if it's from the right person. It's always funny when people in fraternities and sororities bicker too because one would think the bond is stronger. However, if you think about it, it's even worse because you actually act like brothers and sisters. People love to point fingers but at the end of the day, we all rejoice together and talk about the good and bad times.

p.s. As anyone does, I will always have my favorites haha.

A Sexy Colombian Party

Thank god for Twitter or else I probably wouldn't have known about this event/fiesta. Mi amigo @cperezcolon tweeted about a Colombian fiesta and I got real excited. This is the first time I hear about something colombiano even remotely close to Center City.

Surprisingly the event is at El Concilio which does a lot for the Philly Latino community including parenting classes, drug abuse counseling and more. They also produce the annual Philly Puerto Rican day parade. Anyways, if you're in Philly on Saturday, April 3rd and want some Colombian culture, be sure to stop by on 7th & Fairmount para musica, baile, comida y mas.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Flash Mobs

Seriously, I believe it's the end of the world. Not only do we have volcanoes erupting in Iceland, earthquakes in every single continent and snow storms out the wazoo, but we also have constant flash mobs. I mean come on, this is not a race issue, this is about uneducated kids thinking it's cool to beat up complete strangers and terrorize neighborhoods. I'd like to see them try to do that around their neighborhood. I mean to be honest, drug dealers are less dangerous than 50 kids running around fighting civilians. And it's not a matter of pools or libraries closing/opening, it's everything from parents to friends to education.

Sheeesh.

Tweets on a Funny Day

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. I mean really, if you can make someone laugh then you're a good friend. Here's today's tweets of the day.

Okay it's not funny but hey it's not negative ;).

LMAO. Don't we just love telling our business on Twitter. *awkward* ;)

We all love showing off what we won.

#TeamiPhone fail? Just sayin

Shakira and the 2010 World Cup

One day before the official start of the World Cup in South Africa, FIFA has lined up international music stars Alicia Keys, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and John Legend for a World Cup concert in Johannesburg. This makes me just want to take a random trip to South Africa, I mean they are building a whole airport just for the international event.

The concert will last three-hours at the newly renovated Orlando Stadium in the famous Johannesburg township of Soweto. Let's just hope Johannesburg isn't visited by some strange cat-food loving creatures.

Also, if you plan on going, you might as well stay. Remember 2012?

Silk + Smooth = Que Que!?

For five years I have followed the wonderful world of the Silk Stroll Competition. Last year after two consecutive Batanga Beach Breaks, the show came back to New York City. Last year was very interesting because it was the first time the producers used non-Greek judges and it was called Smooth! And as much as we (the Greek community) wanted this, we saw it wasn't a good decision!

Well now Silk and Smooth have combined for this year's show. Entitled "The Reunion" this show is bound to be filled with surprises. Will we see your Greek organization represent? Last year (another shocker) for the first time both the fraternities and sororities tied. Imagine that banner!?

To register your team visit greekster.tv.

Everyone needs clean agua

A billion people worldwide do not have clean water to drink and every 15 seconds a child dies from a preventable water related disease. How do 1 billion people not have clean water to drink? To be honest this probably comes from our own faults. I am not an environment freak but I do believe in recycling and helping out our own planet.

Thankfully there are people dedicated to helping out the cause. PUR teamed up with a host of celebrity activists (including Jessica Biel, Lupe Fiasco, Kenna) and educators to create Summit on the Summit, the climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise action and awareness of the water crisis. I'm actually proud of these celebrity activists. Usually celebrities are spokespeople, however, these actually took the challenge. To watch the journey of these brave celebrities, go to MTV.com.

You can also text SEND to 90999 to donate $10 to the UN Foundation on behalf of Summit on the Summit to provide 1000 liters of clean water.

Today's Plug-in Goes to Me & Visiting Philly!

I normally don't do this but this was my first appearance on TV outside of Philly! Last week I recorded a segment on WZDC Telemundo; you can find on on holaciudad.com in the Entertainment section. So this goes out to all my Latinos in the Washington, DC area.

Win Some Kick-A** Tickets

When you're little, everyone dreams about having super powers. In fact even today I wish I had some power, even if it was for one day. And now with the release of Kick-A** it's anyone's game!

KICK-ASS tells the story of average teenager Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), a comic-book fanboy who decides to take his obsession as inspiration to become a real-life superhero. As any good superhero would, he chooses a new name -- Kick-Ass -- assembles a suit and mask to wear, and gets to work fighting crime. There’s only one problem standing in his way: Kick-Ass has absolutely no superpowers.

Although Kick-A** will be released on April 16, you can enter to win passes in the comment section below! Just comment about why you would be a great super hero (and please leave your e-mail) and you'll be entered! The contest is good for New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Houston on Wednesday, April 7th! If you don't live there no worries, you can still enter and if you win take just take a trip to the city.

Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night

So what a great way to start off Spring. I just got back from Virginia from recording a segment with WZDC Telemundo and it's a beautiful day. Later today I'll be checking in the hotel I got for the parents and then the Latino Partnership Institute graduation. What's in store for tomorrow? Birthday lunch, housewarming fiesta (not mine) and finally b-day celebration at Isla Verde.

This weekend's going to be a good weekend.

Model Latina

Do you want to want to be the next top Latina model? Sure your chances of getting on America's Next Top Model are slim but there are other competitions out there. SiTV is looking for 15 gorgeous Latinas to prove they have it all—style, sophistication, culture and smarts. If interested you hopefully you can make it out to the casting calls in NY, FL, CT and/or CA.

Contestants will live together and compete for:

• Cash and prizes
• Exposure on national TV
• Contract with a top modeling agency
• Opportunity to be a Sí TV host

For more information or to apply online, visit SiTV.com.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Shorts? Flip-FLops?

I'm wondering since when is it acceptable for people to wear flip flops and shorts before the beginning of actual spring weather. mean come on, I know it's 65 degrees but you there there's still some cold winds. Also, do you not feel the cold air in the morning and at night? Sometimes I even see people wearing shorts in February during strong cold winds. Seriously, I think "they" need a reality check. Or maybe it's because their immune system is much stronger?

7 Days Left Until Our "Perfect" Union

Yet again the number seven decides to hit my blog. Seven: that's the number of days left until the Philadelphia Union's first kickoff; they play against the Seattle Sounders FC. You can watch it all live on Thursday, March 25, 9:30pm on ESPN2/ESPN Deportes/ESPN360.com. Thank god you can watch online because I don't have any of those channels. Then on April 10th the Philadelphia Union play at home at Lincoln Financial Field against "so-called" rivals DC United. Click here for the full schedule.

Will you be part of the movement?

To watch the new commercial visit facebook.com/philadelphiaunion.

Tweets on a Beautiful Day

The weather is getting nicer and nicer so you know what that means! Now people are starting to come out their shell and just say and do whatever they want. Here are today's tweets on the start of what is going to be a nice spring.

The census is out and people are tweeting!

What doesn't Nat Geo do?

The census strikes again and she needs help.

Social Networking. It gets to your mind!

Lucky 7

That's the number of Latino countries represented in the 2010 World Cup...not counting Spain. I'd say there's a good representation out of 32. As always, Europe seems to be the dominating country with 13 teams. And what are the chances of one of our countries winning? As I look at the group settings, it does seem pretty low. It would've been ideal to have one team per group but unfortunately there are some groups with 2 Latino countries.

With only 85 days away, this worldwide is bound to bring tourism and everything in between to South Africa. Who are you rooting for? Wouldn't it be something if Chile went all the way?

Y TU ABUELA?

Y tu abuela? That's what the census and AfroLatinos are asking. The video above dramatizes an encounter between a Spanish-speaking youth whose grandmother rejects his friends because she assumes (incorrectly) that they are African Americans. I took two things from the video:

1. Abuelita doesn't like you hanging around black kids
2. I have to check off black and Latino on the census

Point two does make sense but I doubt all Latinos call themselves, AfroLatinos. This week's Al Dia article pointed out the question, "Do you claim both your roots?" Thoughts?

Speedy Hits the Big Screen

See the two "characters" above? Now please tell me a resemblance other than, "They are both Mexican." Well now you can say George Lopez has been casted as Speedy Gonzalez's voice in the new upcoming movie! But didn't the shoe get canceled due to "ethnic stereotypes"?

Cartoon Network spokeswoman, Laurie Goldberg said in an interview, "It hasn't been on the air for years because of its ethnic stereotypes." This is widely believed to refer to Speedy's fellow mice, who are all very slow, lazy, and sometimes even appear intoxicated. This past year during my leadership courses we discussed these stereotypes including the laziness factor. It may have stemmed from the heat some people endure in Mexico. The instructor even mentioned at one point you would see people sleeping on the streets because it was so hot.

Either way, will you watch the movie? Speedy will grace our screens in live-action/CG and will reportedly take place in present day.

When drama hits the Latino community

Every now and then something happens in the Latino community which causes a stir. Why is this? Well because for some reason people need scandals and in Philly it's no different. An incident that happened over a year ago is this causing issues today.

Today's Philly Daily News included a story about Concilio's "black eye". The article stated, "A recent finding by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission against Concilio has serious implications for the state's first Latino organization." But why aren't they highlighted for their achievements? Concilio is the first Latino organization in Philly and concentrates on foster care services, nutrition classes, tobacco education and more. Did you know they also produce the Hispanic Fiesta, Philly's Puerto Rican day parade and Delaware Valley's Most Influential Latinos?

The good and the bad and even sometimes the ugly will get through to the media regardless but sometimes it takes a little bit more convincing to talk about the good.

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Getting published

Okay so I love to write and although I have this blog, it's always great to expand my capabilities. I guess that's the beauty of freelancing. Unfortunately I'm not writing for the NY Times or USA Today but I always guest blog. I've blogged for Dos Lives, uwishunu and Being Latino. Also, it's one thing to blog, but you should always engage in conversations and comment. Your opinion is always valid and you never know when the paper will publish it; cue this week's Philly Weekly.

You may not think you can write, but give it a chance. Everyone has a different style.

This Mexican Has $$

So we're not American Idols, nor are we America's Best Dance Crew; I'll tell you what though, we sure are rich! Two days ago, Carlos Slim Helú was named by Forbes magazine as the world's richest person, ousting Bill Gates. Slim, who is indeed Mexican, has an estimated $53.5 billion (£35.8 billion) fortune. What can one possibly do with all that money? According to an article in the Telegraph:

Through a sprawling empire of more than 200 companies – he has said he has "lost count" exactly how many – which encompass banking, retail, airlines, mining, printing, construction, restaurants and particularly telecoms, he has developed an economic stranglehold on his native country so vice-like that a new word – Slimlandia – had to be created to describe it.

Worth $40 million by the time he was 26, this guy really knows his business. While most of us at age 10 like to think about comic books and cartoons, this guy was hustling selling snacks and drinks. I'm pretty sure he can donate at least $100 to every person in the U.S. and still be the richest man in the world. Someone please get on that.

What Went Wrong

I can't believe my eyes (ears) when I read about a black man calling Latinos "imposters". You heard that right. Los Angeles Angels center fielder Torii Hunter says he meant no harm toward Latino players when he referred to them as "impostors" while discussing the number of African-Americans in the major leagues but it seems a little fishy. I know sports players aren't the best spokepeople but you have to be careful what you say when you're in the eye's of the media all the time; especially USA Today.

I'm pretty sure he didn't mean it in a negative way but you know how that goes. It's like having casual conversations with friends and you refer to a group as "them". We all know what you're talking about. Do you think he meant it in a negative way or just an idiot move?

That Really Grinds My Gears...Philly Youth

Since when is it okay for kids to just create havoc? Last week and even before that at about 4 p.m. a large group of teens began fighting around 15th and Chestnut Streets downtown. What makes matters worse is they brought innocent bystanders into the picture. Also, apparently two days ago some kids decided to jump a citizen on a SEPTA El train and video taped it. Really though? What is going on in these kids' lives, neighborhoods, and their parents?

Something ironic? Yesterday my coworker told me to be careful heading home because of all these incidents. Sure enough something happened on my way home. I won't get into detail but it dealt with 5-6 kids. Luckily nothing happened to me; not sure what I would've done if I did get hurt. So parents, friends, teachers, etc., please teach your kids responsibly!

Tweets of the Day

We all use Twitter for our own reasons. However, the one thing you should remember is to always engage in conversations. Here are some great tweets of today:

Hashtags are our fiends!

A great cause by some great people

So true. It's like the joker once said, "Why so serious?!"

TV shows can bring friends together

The world's longest-running television...

Well of its type. If you live in the Philadelphia region and know your media, then you should know 6abc's Puerto Rican Panorama has been around since 1970! Hosted by Diego Castellanos, the program deals exclusively with Hispanic issues and Latin culture; it is broadcast in English to encourage viewing by mainstream audiences.He must be doing something right for being on the air for 30+ years. I've been on the show twice so it's great to have a relationship with him.

Diego has been honored frequently both for his television persona and for his volunteer work in behalf of his community. He and Action News anchor/reporter Walter Pérez have both been recognized as two of the Delaware Valley's most influential Latinos. Coincidentally, both Diego and Walter co-anchor the 6abc live telecast of the Philadelphia Area Annual Puerto Rican Parade. Overall Diego is a great person. He himself said he's a Philadelphia cheerleadeer and believes in helping out the community; it's dear to him. I wish there were more people like him out there.

Catch Diego and his guests Sunday mornings at 5 and overnight between Sunday & Monday at 3:30.

Nominate a Latino for an Academy Award?

Interesting point brought up today via Twitter...where's the Latino representation at the Academy Awards? I'm pretty sure they are out there but I don't think it's getting recognized. Off the top of my head we have (sigh) Jennifer Lopez, Zoe Saldana, Salma Hayek, Edward James Olmos, and those whom "we" apparently don't' claim. There's even a Facebook fan page dedicated to seeing more Latinos in film and TV. With close to 900 fans, fans post pictures of up & coming actors and movies which include Latino actors.

But did you know Colombian actress Catalina Sandino was nominated for an Oscar in 2006? Following her searing cinematic debut in Maria Full of Grace, Catalina found herself nominated for a plethora of awards -- including an Oscar, an Independent Spirit Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. So far the closest we've gotten has been during the 2009 Oscars when Penelope Cruz won Best Supporting Actress. She is Spain's first female Oscar winner and also becomes the sixth Hispanic person to win an Oscar after José Ferrer, Rita Moreno, Benicio del Toro (Puerto Rico), Anthony Quinn (Mexico), and fellow Spaniard Javier Bardem.

Hopefully the years to come bring more great actors and actresses. So do you think Latinos are underrepresented or is there no need to change?

Modern Family's Oscar Charades Promo

So I recently started watching Modern Family and I must say it's one of my favorite TV shows...sorry Lost fans. I mean who wouldn't want to watch Sofia Vergara over and over. Check out their Oscar Charades promo below. I must say I really LOLed.



p.s. Follow this Colombian queen on Twitter!

The Hispanic PR Census

On May 10 - 12 Hispanic PR will host the first ever Hispanic PR and social marketing conference in Dallas, TX. To get people excited about the conference and this ever growing industry, HispanicPR wants you to take the Hispanic PR Census for a chance to win an Apple iPad.

The Hispanic Public Relations Association and the Hispanic PR Blog are conducting a national Hispanic PR Census that attempts to count every marketing professional – Latino and non-Latino alike – who spends 30 percent or more of their time in Hispanic PR and/or social marketing. The survey will help our industry compile information that will lead to more opportunities for all of us. It only takes two minutes to complete and the results of the census will be unveiled nationally at the Hispanic PR & Social Marketing Conference in Dallas, May 10-12.

After you take the Hispanic PR Census, please pass this message along to 10 other industry colleagues. There’s no curse for not forwarding the note but if you let 10 other colleagues know about it you will qualify to win one of two Apple ipads that the Hispanic PR Blog is raffling. Contest rules are posted at www.HispanicPRBlog.com and winners will be announced on March 31 and April 30.

Our kids are overweight!

No big surprise here but did you know 38% of Hispanic children are overweight or obese? Let's generalize it more; one in three kids in our nation today are (overweight or) obese. I wonder if this number has increased over the years due to TV and texting. Now that pre-teens are able to use cell phones instead of playing outside, I'm not at all surprised.

Thankfully our wonderful first lady, Michelle Obama, has launched a campaign at ending childhood obesity. The program is simply called “Let’s Move,” an actionable name that speaks volumes about the goals of the first lady and the organization. So what does this program include? Everything from access to healthy food and educational programs. Let's not forget about affordable eating because for some reason to eat healthy, we need to be rich.

"Let's Move" just makes sense. Think about all the arroz con pollo and carne asada you like to eat. I'm not saying stop eating this great food, I'm saying add a little green in there. A salad never hurts anyone. Yes even I'm at fault sometimes, but as you get older you start to realize how your health will be affected.

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...No Work

You have to love personal time off. I haven't been to work since Wednesday and to be honest it feels great. I've been able to relax with no worries. Although I can still see my e-mails, I kept them unopened until Monday.

See you all el lunes!

Kids Count Too You Know

When thinking about the upcoming census all we usually hear about is getting counted no matter your citizenship status. But don't forget to count your kids too! According to the census, kids have been undercounted since the first one in 1790. Remember, the data are also used to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds each year to communities for establishing and improving schools, hospitals, roads and senior services. That means if you schools don't get funded properly some of it will have to do with you not checking off one of those boxes.

ON March 3rd, the census teamed up with one of our favorite Nichelodeon character, Dora The Explorer. After all, kids count too! Dora is a young girl who embarks on a trip in every episode in order to find something or help somebody (hence the census). She asks the viewers at home to help her find new ways to reach places with the help of Map. She also teaches viewers Spanish, introducing them to short words and phrases. I say good job census for reaching out to children, Americans who are interested in Latino culture and parents.

p.s. Fill out the "10 minute" form and mail it back ASAP!

That Really Grinds My Gears...Second Surgery

So my second surgery was yesterday and I forgot how horrible it feels. Everything from changing clothes to not playing video games is starting to irk me. Although the surgery was almost the same, I noticed some differences. The biggest difference includes me taking off the splint myself because the doctor will be off all next week...doctors gone wild anyone?

Note: Thank god I kept the splint from two years ago. Apparently I have to reuse it.