A quick update from Navaja

So where have I been?

It's been months since I have written a post and years since I've regularly updated the blog. Probably not the best strategy. Since 2008 I've enjoyed accepting pitches and just regularly writing about anything of interest. Yes it is difficult maintaining a blog and finding new ideas so I welcome anything you think would be great to discuss!

My continued journey through life

A colleague of mine in Philadelphia, +Jessica Lawlor, recently published a blog post about her reflections from the real world. It had me thinking as well about how far we've come from college. I graduated from Temple University in January 2007 and have since accomplished many things; but there's still a lot to do. I have been blessed to have great family and friends that support me and vice versa.

So what has happened in the past six years:

• Honored as one of the "Most Influential Latinos in the Delaware Valley" from Impacto Latin Newspaper and the Multicultural Affairs Congress.
• Awarded the "Hispanic Professional of the Year" by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Accepted into the Writing Studies Program at Saint Joseph's University. I'll be done with my master's program May 2014!
• Maintained four amazing jobs in communications/marketing/social media. 
• Moved back to the state of New Jersey...never thought I would but I'm here to #DOAC!
• Because of the move, I had to purchase a brand new car (my first one). 

And this is just the beginning. I've done a few speaking engagements to high school students and other groups and if there's one thing I always say, it's to just keep on doing their thing. Never take no for an answer because there's nothing you can't do. 

I did also however think about how many students are going straight into a Master's program as soon as they graduate from undergrad. The job market is super competitive but keep your heads high...it's important. With more resources, networking and a support group, you are bound to find what you're looking for. It may take a while, but just keep trying. 

Navaja's blog is back in action

Well folks I'm back in action. I know I didn't even give a hint of being on hiatus but things were hectic. First I purchased a car, then I moved to Atlantic City and finally I began my new job. Read about my role in my about.me page. Again if there's anything you'd like me to review or write about let me know. I'm pretty flexible with topics; just as long as they deal with my ever lasting love to the Latino culture. I like videos and photos :).

In the meantime, here are some interesting recent articles by some great Latino outlets:

• Online guide to holiday shopping gone good
• For Latino Groups, Grass-Roots Efforts Paid Off in High Number of Voters}
• A Mamma's Boy gives back to his community
• Puerto Rico rinde homenaje a "Macho" Camacho en su último adiós

And don't forget you can always Tweet me at @navaja1cortes. Hasta pronto.

My 2012 voting experience

I must say for the past two months I have seen and heard so many political ads that it drove me insane. I think this year it was far worse than others. Last night while watching the news there were five ads in a row...all attack ads. My feeling is will these last minute ads change your mind? Probably not. Regardless, this morning I woke up like any other day and went to vote. Last night during my random Twitter search, @anniemal tweeted a link to find my polling place. While I already knew where it was from my 2011 experience, I clicked on it to humor myself. Low and behold I had a new polling place with no notice.




So today I did go to the new location and it was the easiest 10 minutes of my life. The volunteer did ask for my ID but all I said was, "My name is Eric Cortes," and she found my name. It was interesting because not once did I actually hand over my ID to prove it was me. Maybe she took my word for it. Polling volunteers are hilarious because they are always yelling at each other. Right after I pushed my buttons someone handed me a I VOTED sticker which felt great. And while most people tweeted and Facebooked photos of long lines, I only had six people in front of me...all older citizens. Regardless of who you vote for, just vote...not because someone told you to, but because you want to make a difference.

My car buying experience

This post will be a little personal but I thought it would be interesting. For reasons I cannot announce right now I had to purchase a vehicle. Eric...with a car? Imagine that! Luckily I have friends who are car fiends and know everything there is to purchase a car. Also in my favor, I have driven ZipCars for the past two years and have improved my driving. Right? The next step would be to look up cars and narrow it down to three make/models as well as get quotes for insurance.

On a not-very-sunny Wednesday morning (considering I didn't have to work) my friend Randy and I went into South Jersey to look at Mazda, VolksWagen and Ford dealers all within a few blocks of each other. To be honest I didn't expect to be there for about five hours looking at cars and speaking with sales people. If you know me, I do not like salesmen...at all. They throw all these numbers at you, pretend to be your friend, feed you (I didn't get fed) and then make you sign all this paperwork. But luckily I turned down all three offers and made my own decision; thanks to Randy as well.

While the Mazda dealer was a little aggressive, VolksWagen brought out three different people and even ran out to offer us more random crap when we were driving away. The manager also spoke Spanish to us expecting us to feel more at ease. Sorry, that doesn't work with me. The Ford dealer was the nicest and less pushier of the three. His motto was if you're going to buy the car, you're going to buy it. And it's true. If we want something we're going to get it. Point blank. After a lunch break and some candy shopping I went with my top two: 2012 Mazda 3 and 2013 Ford Focus.So who did I go with? Well the top photo just says it all.

Now came the bad news. Since Hurricane Sandy closed down the entire world, the DMV wasn't able to process temporary tags. I had to wait one more day to actually drive off with the car. Luckily, the sales reps at Mazda were nice enough to pick me up from work the following day to go back to the dealer (it's 30 minutes away). Luckily I handled all the insurance information the previous night; thanks Geico! I signed a lot of paperwork, and then boom! Overall, the experience was tiring. But I am happy to have my own vehicle, awesome credit and now the ability to do a lot more.

Reflection on the year

The year is 2012 and the highlighted theme of the year seems to be the Mayan calendar and the end of the world. While most people scramble to say goodbye and assume the worst, let's begin to assume the best. There was a quote in the movie Jurassic Park that said it best, "Life will find a way." And it's true. When we are at our worst, we assume all is lost and there's no way of getting back up. However, with enough good energy coming from friends, family, colleagues and even yourself, life will find a way.

It was May 2012 (roughly) when I finally got word my legal issues were finally cleared. Don't worry, nothing major. But in the last year since April 2011, it was interesting to see what transpired, who was there for me, who wasn't there and how people are reaching out today. Now I don't hold grudges nor do I think it's necessary for you to be mi amigo, but it always works vice versa. As we grow older it's a little more difficult to maintain those so called friendships we made throughout the years. As we get to know each other more and more, we gravitate to those we can relate to more.

So what does happen as we get older? It's obviously even more difficult to make new friendships. People are in relationships, they get married, they have kids and want friends in similar situations. Right? I try to stay at piece with everyone no matter what they have done (or not done). Life is too short to have quarrels with people and although it's easy to hate, it's not healthy at all. I wish it was possible to maintain all these friendships, but it' natural to grow apart. When you push too much to "hang out" and there's nothing on the other end, why keep trying? I say let time run its course and just maintain focus on you and your goals.

This week's social articles of interest

• Is Zoe Saldana Right For The Role As Nina Simone In New Biopic? A lot of people didn't like Zoe's role in Colombiana because...well because she wasn't a colombiana. And now there are others questioning her role as Nina Simone. Seriously? 
• Eyeing Latinos, NBC News Snuggles Up To Telemundo - As if you needed another reason to engage in the Hispanic market right? NBC and Telemundo are becoming a force that will eat up the competition...or so we think. 
• Llego la Feria del Barrio - Now in it's 28th year, Feria del Barrio is the event of the summer (next to the Hispanic Fiesta). The only outdoor festival located in the neighborhood, it always brings out la gente. 
• Closing Ceremony: Spice Girls Reunion - I mean seriously. Who doesn't love a Spice Girls reunion?! Sure it was only 2 minutes, but in those two minutes Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham) reaffirmed that she is the best Spice of them all.  

My articles of interest

I just finished my second graduate school class Multimedia Writing and it feels great. Although it's only been my second class, I feel as though this one was intense. We had four major projects due in four weeks plus an additional daily tumblr photo post. Below you'll find all four interviews I recorded, edited and produced. Enjoy!

• Juntos interview with Erika Almiron and Miguel Esteban - Immigration is clearly a hot topic and with the presidential election right around the corner, there are organizations looking to make change. Erika and her team are doing just that.
  
• A Cortes-Velasquez Family Wedding - My brother and his fiancee are getting married in August 2013. Here's the story of how they met and their future.
  
• The woman behind the tattoos - Tattoos are something I absolutely love. We all get them for various reasons. However, sometimes people with tattoos/piercings do intimidate us. Meet Angie...the woman behind the tattoos.
  
• Rafael Alvarez and the Norris Square Neighborhood Project - Meet the man in charge of the garden programs. 

Saint Louis Cathedral full of emotion

Last weekend I visited New Orleans, LA (NoLa) for the first time. I must say it is always a great experience learning about other parts of the country. I also always forget that since the U.S. is so large, certain parts of the country still have French, English and Spanish influences. One of the locations that had a great impact was the Saint Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the U.S. So why was there an impact? I am not religious at all. Well maybe a tad bit.

I did grow up Catholic and went through the communion services but after a while my attendance was minimal. This church in NoLa is not just beautiful in sight, but you can feel a presence; whether good or bad it's up to you. I couldn't help but think about my family and those that have passed away. It was such a strong feeling that I was overcome with emotions and I did get tear-eyed. I left feeling a little more spiritual and yearning for more.

Congreso organizing our youth

Earlier today I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to Congreso de Latinos Unidos' work-ready program students. The program gets high school students ready for the working world in a variety of ways. This year the program has two components; the students have to do a community garden as well as a newsletter about the same garden. Students will be interviewing people from the community and professionals in the gardening field.

I usually get a little nervous when giving a speech, especially with teenagers. You know sometimes the attention span of our youth can be a little low. However, when I do give presentations I like it to be informal and a conversation. If I do all the talking, then we won't learn anything. There were about 25 students and although I did see some "why is he talking" faces I was happier to see the one or two students ask questions. And they were really interested! You know as long as those two people got something out of what I talked about, I know I did something right. My basic message: Anything is possible and don't let the 'haters' tell you NO.

Meeting Telemundo celebrities

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of meeting José Díaz-Balart at an event I put together. Mr.Díaz-Balart is the national anchor for Noticiero Telemundo and Enfoque, Telemundo's weekend public affairs program. I normally don't get star struck but it is a bit nerve wrecking considering they are the "face" of Telemundo and I'm just a simple marketing and promotions guy. You never know when a talent/celebrity might not be pleased with something. However, for the past year all the Telemundo celebrities I have met are bien simpatico.Considering I'm always at work when I meet them, I have to be on my A game.

Over the course of two years I have met Dra. Ana Maria Polo, Penelope Menchaca, Maria Celeste, Carmen Dominicci, Gabriel Valenzuela and now Jose Diaz-Balart. Of course when I tell my mom she says, "Por favor mandame una foto," which I of course do. Mom is the typical Telemundo viewer. She actually has a whole row of photos displayed at her house include some autographed talent cards. I wonder who I will be able to meet next!

This week's articles of interest

• Latino Support For Gay Marriage Outpaces General Population - While I'm sure there are a lot of people who still don't support gay marriage, it was interesting to read that Latinos are outpacing the general population. Egh.


• Una entrevista con Rafael Alvarez - For my multimedia writing class we had to record an audio interview with someone interesting. I choose the Director of Garden Programs at Norris Square Neighborhood Project. Enjoy!
  
• The 2012 Hispanic Fiesta Hits Penn’s Landing July 14-15 With Latin American Music, Dance, Food And Crafts - I mean honestly who doesn't love a free festival with awesome music, performances and delicious food. Sure the food is expensive, but it's worth it. If it's free, it's for me!
  
• 2012 All-Star Game Interns/Volunteers Needed - Talk about a wonderful volunteer opportunity. Sure it's unpaid but the experience is worth it. Everything is paid for including transportation, accommodation and meals.

This week's articles of interest

Asians Surpass Latino in Number of U.S. Immigrants - There goes the neighborhood. Soon AAJA will be boosting with members. 

Why we need minority media - This is pretty much self-explanatory. 

Telemundo Philadelphia now in HD - Oh how technology has advanced. Hispanic media has only been airing for the past 30 years...even more interesting huh? 

McDonald's Photo Shoot: Why Burgers Look Different in Advertisements - I've always wondered this myself. And in the video, it's clear they are completely fake. Sure it's the same product, but when you PhotoShop and give it some "makeup," it's not the real thing. 

New weekly post: Articles of interest

Since things have been a little slow on this end, I'm going to start a new post every Wednesday. sharing articles from other interesting sources. They will most certainly either have a Latino twist or come from a Latino news outlet. I'll also add a line or two on my take on the subject. Enjoy today's POSTS of the week!

• Three proven ways to improve your health without leaving home - I always wish I could cook...well. It seems as though every time I try to eat healthier, it doesn't work out. However, I'm glad to say I haven't had red meat in quite some time. BeingLatino gives you some steps on how to improve your healthy intake without leaving the casa.
• Lucas Rivera inicia nueva etapa musical en CA - That's right. Our longtime community leader, Lucas Rivera, is taking a leap. He found a calling in Los Angeles, CA and is taking the whole family. 
• Video: Ricky Martin Teaches Wendy Williams how to say “How You Doin’” in Spanish - I would have preferred to hear him actually say it; but hilarious nonetheless. 
• This week's EN PORTADA - Did you know I help produce a local public affairs program? Well I do. Sometimes I even get the opportunity to interview cool guests (on the field). This time I got to ask a few questions to Carli Lloyd who plays for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. 

Poetry: In my country

A week ago I shared with you a poem I wrote in my graduate school class. We're learning a lot about place, voice and travel in general so I wanted to share another poem. This piece compliments the En Mi Pais poem so enjoy!

___________________________

In my country

In my country...wait a minute, I don't even know where that is.
Jersey born to Colombian padres, people already pigeon hold me


In my country, tourists turn to citizens, undocumented turn away
and I'm left with a sense of not knowing where I came from.


In my country, the schools are biased depending on the color of
your skin. White or black, unfortunately it's all what people see.


In my country, I have to yell because people are so
inconsiderate. Why can't you be more like them? Wait...who's them?


In my country, the West Coast has a hidden war with
the East Coast. Laid back vs. hustle and bustle.


In my country, fighting to survive in corporate America
seems more important than family. Weird...I don't like family.


In my country I get called Latino.
In their country I get called Gringo.

Poetry: En Mi Pais

So I love my parents. They are what give me inspiration throughout the day, at work, life situations and now at graduate school. I'm currently taking a Travel Writing course at St. Joseph's University. One of our assignments in class was to free-write a piece describing our relationship with a parent along with a landscape. I found it difficult at first but then found my inspiration through something my dad does all the time. And what better way to portray it than through poetry. Enjoy.
___________________________

En Mi Pais

En mi pais you would never have your windows
open. Neither day nor night is safe for anyone.

En mi pais I-95 doesn't exist. Traveling to any
part of the country means holding on to dear life.

En mi pais the buses pack too
many people clenching their bags. Even the cars.

En mi pais climbing up the mountains of el cocuy means the total
opposite of the Appalachians. Be prepared for the extreme.

En mi pais I wouldn't let my niece walk down
any street, alley, highway or across the street.

En mi pais the policia are around every corner
carefully watching all suspects. It could be you.

But dad, when was the last time you were
in your pais?

En mi pais you don't talk back.

Precious Moments #8 - Back seat driving

What better way to end an awesome Hawaii trip than by sitting in the back of a truck!? Okay I know it's strange but that's all we saw during out stay.
See you all in Hawaii!

Precious Moments #7 - Beach diving

As we approach the last day in Hawaii we definitely had to go to the beach. In addition to dangerous and dramatic waves, we were also able to cliff dive (maybe) 40 feet. Amazing right? See you tomorrow in Los Angeles.

Precious Moments #6 - Parasailing

When in Hawaii, do something adventurous right? While I wish I could sky dive I think I have to lead up to that. We decided to go parasailing and it was the right choice. Although the boat ride there was a little queezy, we made it fun!

Precious Moments #5 - Reflecting on Pearl Harbor

After a long day of history we sat down at some diner-like restaurant to reflect. While people made fun of me and Jackie while ordering sandwiches with rice and french fries, we recorded our thoughts.