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!