Make a difference!

October in Philadelphia means community service for every local/university organization. I've been walking in the AIDS Walk for about 4 years now. It's a great cause especially when you actually raise money. AIDS Fund, supports HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and services in the Delaware Valley Region by raising dollars and increasing public awareness about the impact of HIV on our communities. Currently, 30 partner organizations are receiving funding as a result of AIDS Fund’s activities to provide critical HIV prevention education and care services.

According to The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource, "Although Latinos represent only 13% of the U.S. population, they account for 19% of the country's new HIV infections. In addition, AIDS-related illnesses represent the fourth leading cause of death among Latinos ages 25 to 44, according to CDC." My goal this year was to raise $150 and so far I up to $135! If you can spare anything (even $5.00) please donate here.

When
7:30AM, Sunday, October 18, 2009
Where
Begins and ends at Eakins Oval, in front of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

CNN - Latino in America Free Screening

Back in July CNN announced the airing of Latino in America. Well guess what DC folk, you get an advanced screening of the show! RSVP now because seats are limited. The preview will be followed by a Q&A with CNN's Juan Carlos Lopez.

To RSVP, click here.

The Mayan Calander

So what is everyone's fascination with the Mayan calendar. There are a lot of people that have this tattoo but do they really know the meaning behind it? Do they know how to read it? Maybe they do maybe they don't. I actually was able to read it a few years back but have since forgot what the symbols meant. The entire calendar is quite fascinating. The Maya calendar uses three different dating systems in parallel, the Long Count, the Tzolkin (divine calendar), and the Haab (civil calendar). Of these, only the Haab has a direct relationship to the length of the year.

Check out this interactive calendar which explains each symbol.

Accepted! A Latino leader in the making

As you all know I applied to be a part of the 2009/2010 Latino Leadership Institute...well I was accepted! From October 17th - February 2010 I will be taking Saturday morning courses that will eventually develop me into a (better) Latino leader. Courses include career development, grant writing and the history of Latinos in Philadelphia. Hopefully I can get more involved with the community here in Philadelphia and maybe even U.S. Latinos in general. For the 6 years I've been in Philly, I've seen nothing but positive things in our community including the first ever Latina to serve as councilperson and the first person of color serving as PPRA president.

So what does this all mean? It means you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. Even with little or no support, surround yourself with positive people and listen to what they have to say.

Carnival Cruise in Photos

You fill in the caption!

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Scary Movies

Maybe it's me or maybe it's the "man" in all Latinos but why do we love scary movies?! Although i don't think there is such thing as a scary movie anymore I like getting frightened. Is that a disorder? For example I've watched every single Saw movie in theaters and they were awesome. Although it wasn't scary, the shock factor was amazing. Other notables include Jeepers Creepers, Drag Me to Hell (crazy, messed up ending), Quarantine, 28 Days (& Weeks) Later, Silent Hill, The Strangers and The Hills Have Eyes.

What's next...Paranormal Activity! I hope it lives up to the hype.

That Really Grinds My Gears...Dancing Salsa?

Not necessarily Latinos or Salseros dancing, but the people who when they listen to reggaeton or even Pitbull, they have to start pretending to dance salsa. I mean that doesn't even make sense...Pitbull does not rap/sing Salsa music!

Worse when you're at a non-Latino party and you request "your" music, the DJ decides to play Suavemente by Elvis Crespo. Really? His song unfortunately has become every party's official Latino song. *smh*

Vote for Your Fav. Latino In Social Media

The masterminds behind Latism are bringing you the (first?) ever Latinos in Social Media tour! And um FYI, it's this weekend so if you haven't registered already, do so ASAP. It's not just a conference, it's an awards ceremony. You know Latinos love winning stuff (because we usually never get that Oscar).

Categories include Best NY Latino Blogger, Best NY Latino Tweep, Best NY Latino(a) Social Network Leader and Best NY Media/PR Firm using Social Media. And these are just for New York, the conference will visit Florida and Texas in the next few weeks. To view the full conference schedule and awards nominees, click here.

Sadly I will be missing this tour, but I'm sure they'll understand...I'll be here.