That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Upcoming Cruise

So my cruise is coming up in less than 30 days. Although the process of purchasing the cruise, flight, excursions, etc is a bit too much, I think it will all be worth it. Best part: All you can eat food!

Read about the Carnival Destiny here.

Dining - La Lupe

So what do you do on your day off? Why not try a new restaurant! For lunch a friend and me decided to check out La Lupe in South Philadelphia. One would think, "South Philly, it's only Italians right?" Nope there is a large Mexican population which means lots of Mexican food.

The menu is reasonably priced as well; anything from $2.50 to $13. I had the La Lupe sandwich and I expected something small, sure enough some huge sandwich came out. I had to save some for dinner. If you're hungry and in the area, skip the cheesesteaks and head on over to taste authentic Mexican food.

1201 S 9th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147-5005
(215) 551-9920

That Really Grinds My Gears...Cold Sores

I really really hate it when I get cold sores. First off, it's not cute; no one likes looking at a person with a cold soar. Secondly, it's annoying feeling the bump on your lip. Third...people assume TOO much. No matter what vitamins I take or chap stick I use, they always get to me...especially during weather change.

And after reading the definition of a cold soar, thanks to WebMD, I realized my dad is the culprit. He was the one that passed that gene on to me *shakes fist*.

A Step Show Like No Other

Please give it up to the producers of this show because the advertising has been amazing. The Sprite Step Off tournament is divided into four rounds: Qualifying, Regional Semi-Final, Regional Final, and National Final. Through each of these rounds(30 events in over 20 cities), teams from all across the country will compete for a share of $1.5 million prize pool.

And with all this fun comes what Greeks are known for (best)...community service. All competing teams will donate over 1 million hours of community service over the course of the competition. No matter what org, what colors or motto, Greeks from across the nation continue to be leaders in their community; that's what is important. The stepping and strolling is an expression of our bond and unity.

The first event will be held in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, September 12. There's still time to register your team so act fast! To see the schedule and register visit SpriteStepOff.com

Check out their 2 min video below....it's amazing.

Salsa Night in NoLibs

Every time I head to work I see this club, Fuzion Grill & Social Club. I've never been nor have I heard anything about it so I don't really know what to expect. I didn't really have an interest in going too until I got an invite to a Latin night on Thursday, September 17th.

Although I don't know what to expect, someone posted this comment: yea, they need help @ fuzion every time I've gone it was wack...so now they trynna reach out to the latino crowd jus to make the place packed...sad...so sad...lmao.

Music by Dj Jose Rodriguez spinning Salsa and Latin Rythms. Unlike most lounges, there's a $5 entry fee but drinks specials all night; $5 Mojitos, $5 Margaritas and $3 Coronas.

Tell Us Your Story

A lot of our parents or maybe even grandparents immigrated from other countries. They all have their own unique story of struggle and success. Well now is your chance to tell that story. The Latino Broadcasting Company is launching a new project called the Immigrant Archive Project. This is an initiative to document the experiences and thoughts of Latino immigrants of all socio-economic backgrounds.

Although my parents may not be the most successful, I am fortunate enough to be their successful son. Was it their intention to not be the BEST in what they do but to have their sons do it? I'm not really sure. All I know is that I appreciate everything they have done for my brother and me.

If you want to submit your story or someone else's, hurry! They'll be in Washington DC from Tuesday, September 1st (yesterday)to Friday, September 4th to record the interviews. All interviews will be done at the Grand Hyatt (1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C.).

Feria del Barrio Kick Off Party

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month early at Isla Verde on Thursday, September 10th, 2009. My good friends at WWSI Telemundo and Taller PR are hosting the Feria del Barrio Kick Off Party. Once a month Latino leaders gather at Isla Verde for a good cause...keeping Taller alive!

So come learn about why la Feria del Barrio is one of Philly's biggest and greatest celebrations of Latino arts & culture. Did I mention these guys are going to be there?

Your Hard Work Pays Off

Back in May the Mural Arts Project started the THIS WE BELIEVE project. Well on Friday, September 25th at 3:30 p.m. there will be a mural dedication for the above mural. The mural was created by artists Eric Okdeh, Michelle Ortiz and Kien Nguyen through eight months of community forums and public paint days.

These murals are so important to our community. If you believe in art and change in the community, visit muralarts.org and maybe one day we'll see your creation up in this city.