Today's plug in moment goes to...my work!

That's right folk sometimes people wonder what I really do at work. Well to put it in the easiest terms...I attempt to "place" positive Philly stories! And just recently I placed a great story in the USA Today. The above picture is a cropped JPEG of the actual story. Philly was named on of the 10 great places for Latino flavor and flair...how cool is that.

Enjoy and remember to celebrate you Hispanic Heritage all year long.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Cancer

So as simple as it sounds, I really really dislike cancer nowadays. Although it has not yet taken away someone close in my life, I still can't help that it surrounds me. First my Tia Fela was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago. Luckily it was in the early stages so she survived. Today my Tia Gloria is fighting breast cancer. The doctors only gave her 2 months but it's been over 1 year! Now a few days ago a fraternity brother found a tumor in his head and the cancer is spreading to his throat; he needs a 7 hour surgery then chemotherapy. Luckily he's a fighter and always has a smile on his face. I'm happy my aunt and him have good friends and family to support him.

Stay positive, stay strong.

8th Loisaida Cortos Latino Film Festival

The festival will take place on Sunday, September 13th at La Plaza Cultural Community Garden on 9th Street and Avenue C in New York. Our outdoor screening of Latino Shorts will be preceded by a Photography Exhibit & Panel “Latinos Creating Avenues to their Success” featuring: Carlos Berrios, Jose Casado, Adrian Martinez, Edwin Pagan, Ricardo Sean Thompson & R.Evolucion Latina.

Doors open at 5PM
Panel starts at 5:30PM
Photography Exhibit
Short Film Screening starts at Dusk around 7:30PM

Bring a blanket, your dog or some good company! For more info visit loisaidacortos.com.

So does Colombia have a chance?

Today Colombia has lost to Uruguay 1 - 3. Well what did you expect? Although Uruguay lost their last game and Colombia won their last game, it seems as though Uruguay was out for blood...in fact both of them. According to an article on Goal.com, "Both sides reduced to ten men in an ill-tempered battle for World Cup qualification."

In order for Colombia to even have a chance to qualify for South Africa 2010, they must beat Chile and Paraguay. Cross your fingers mis Colombianos!

A mi me enseñaron

Do you have a story to tell about how your parents taught you something? Well Cafe Magazine & SouthWest Air want to hear your story. If your story is published between July and December you will win 2 round trip tickets. I'm pretty sure everyone's parents taught their children the same thing, but I guess the difference would be how. Don't do drugs, go to college, love your family...typical Latino parental messages. Whether or not we took their advice is up to us...I know I did.

To submit your story click on Cafe Magazine.

English, Spanish or Both?

So Being Latino on facebook posed the question: What language is most comfortable for your parent/s to speak? Spanish or English? With me it's Spanish...24/7. There has never been a moment in my life where my parents out of nowhere decided to speak English. To be honest, they really can't. Although they can comprehend simple things, they need someone there to translate.

The funny part is that they've been here since 1980...yep for over 20 years and still haven't even wanted to learn. Why? My brother and me can't ask because that would be disrespectful. Why do you think? It can't be out of convenience because what if we both moved to far away countries. HHHMMMM?

Latino Partnership Leadership Institute

So this Friday my application is due for the 2010 Latino Partnership Leadership Institute. What exactly is this great opportunity you ask? The Latino Partnership Initiative (LPI) is a vehicle that serves our community as a catalyst to unify, build, advocate and implement a comprehensive common agenda. Recognizing our diversity and respecting our culture and spiritual identity, the Latino Partnership Initiative will fortify and voice our social consciousness to move to organized action.

Through the LPI, they developed the leadership institute in order to improve our community. It's designed to help our young leaders develop new skills and maintain organizations that exist today...maybe even start new ones. I wanted to apply two years ago but my schedule conflicted, so now is the perfect time!

And although I hate "tooting my own horn", I was very happy to receive a letter of recommendation from a fellow friend, Latino(a) and mentor. In her letter she writes, "Eric has stayed true to his Latino roots while promoting professional excellence and serving as a role model to younger Latinos looking for their place in the world."

Wish me the best.

Happy Labor Day

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Now back to our regularly scheduled program.