Recording History

I'm a big fan of learning about what city's were like a long time ago. It always helps out knowing how a major city like Philadelphia became what it is today. I believe documented significant events and even little things help out in development. It was in 1982 when a threatened closure of an essential neighborhood shopping mall on North 5th sparked the formation of HACE — the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises.

On April 7th, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanes, Taller Puertorriqueño and HACE will premiere a community-produced documentary at the International House in West Philadelphia on El Centro de Oro. According to Scribe Video's Web site, by highlighting the Latino community’s sustainability and self-reliance, the video aims to confront mainstream media stereotypes through the imagery of this beloved central street. El Centro de Oro has changed over the last 20 years and it continues to do so. There are big projects coming up that will make the area we know today look completely different...a makeover you can say.

I do...With Someone Else

So what happens when a Latino/a marries someone outside their supposed "race". All hell breaks loose that's what happens. So much is the case in "Our Family Wedding" when newly engaged couple, and Lucia (America Ferrera) and Marcus (Lance Gross) decide to announce it right after college. With insults flying and tempers running high, it's anyone's guess if the alpha dads (Forest Whitaker and Carlos Mencia) will survive to make it down the aisle in one piece. We can only imagine what the mothers are thinking and even better yet, the grandmothers.

Is it me or are our old school familias very certain we're going to marry a Latina? God forbid we bring someone dark-skinned home because people will start asking questions. Yet I have seen time after time my cousins do just that! Almost all of my cousins (on mom's side) have married or dated someone who is not Latino. Did this spark controversy? I'm sure it did, but in the end everyone was happy with the decision. In fact, it was the Latino/Latina wedding which brought the most pain.

Mexican Culture in Philadelphia

About a week ago the Mexican Cultural Center (MCC) unveiled their new logo and executive director. The MCC is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting understanding and awareness of the cultural and artistic diversity of Mexico and its influence in the Delaware Valley in the United States. The new ED, Marcela Garza, will take over the 17 year-old organizations which works closely with the Mexican Consul.

The MCC produces the Mexican Independence Day Festival at Penn's Landing and other cultural events like the Day of the Dead.

Movie Review: Clash of the Titans

Not much has changed since the last Clash of the Titans but they sure did make it better. In both versions Perseus has to rescue Andromeda, before she has to marry a monster. Zeus has set up a few tests for Perseus on the way, like capturing Pegasus, defeating Medusa, and finding a way to kill the dreaded Kraken along with other things which were sure to kill everyone he was with.

The newly improved film brings the Gods, monsters and even heaven and hell into life in a whole new perspective. I was glad they kept the same elements including the three witches which can only see with one magic eye they all share, the sneaky Medusa and of course our favorite Kraken. However, why did they poke fun at Bubo? One would think a remake would pay homage to the original film, however this one did not.

Nonetheless, Gods coming to life and reeking havoc to mankind is always a plus in my book. I mean who wouldn't want to be on Zeus's side, or Hades? Moral of the story: Be what you want to be, not what someone tells you. You are your own destiny maker.

Latinos + Cell Phones = $$$

So I guess the research is true: BlackBerry users are more likely to abandon the brand than iPhone or Android users. When I read this I couldn't believe it but then I realized, "Wait I'm doing this right now!" As much as I loved the BBM and all the smiley faces, I had to give it up. The minute I saw the AT&T commercial for the new Motorola Backflip, it was love at first site.

To add some more statistics, we (Latinos) are avid cell phone users! We're more likely than the typical adult to have a cell phone, and are in the top spending brackets for cell usage. It's true, aren't you always on your phone 24/7? Do you get irritated when your cell phone's battery dies? If you answered yes to all these questions, then you're a statistic haha. So grab your cell phone (whether iphone, Android, Blackberry or Cricket) and use it to the best of it's ability, I know I am.

That Really Doesn't Grind My Gears...Nice Weather!

Seriously, who doesn't enjoy a nice/warm day on a Friday afternoon! Everyone starts getting happy at around 3 p.m. at work and they wonder, "I wonder if she'll let us out early?" With the weather at 72 degrees here in Philadelphia, people will most certainly be out and about. So what are you going to do with the rest of your day?

That Really Grinds My Gears...Reality Shows Today

Remember when reality shows were just that...reality! Nowadays we have programming which follows a group of people for a prize, goal or something outrageous and each character is just that, a character. Whether it's the Biggest Loser, the Amazing Race, or For the Love of Money, reality TV shows are not what they used to be.

It was actually in 1992 when the first Real World aired and changed everything there was on TV...including music videos. The show in New York sparked characters to be casted for future shows including the minority (most of the time black), the dunk, the white guy/girl who's never been out of the country and then the one everyone hates. And now, even TV sitcoms have that "reality" look to it (The Office, Modern Family).

Did TV production companies think they could make money from these type of shows? They sure did, but now to be honest, they are getting on my nerves.

P.S. When is "A Shot of Love" coming back? lol

Be the Change You Want in the World

We all have our own stories to tell as a child. Usually we add in a portion to thank those who have been there to support us whether it's parents, grandparents, older brother, etc. But honestly, not everyone is the same and not everyone is well educated. I mean think about it, why do you think you see all those commercials about "helping your child get through school." Something is wrong somewhere right? Who do you blame? Instead of blaming someone we should look at ways of improving.

The School District of Philadelphia has recently launched the Renaissance Schools Initiative in order to improve and turn around what they call low performing schools. The Renaissance Schools initiative will transform the District’s lowest performing schools by working with school communities to recruit and select individuals and organizations that have proven track records of operating and supporting high-achieving schools.

There are three major components of the Renaissance Schools initiative:

1. Identifying chronically low-performing District schools that are not likely to achieve dramatic improvements without transformative change,
   
2. Identifying individuals and organizations that have a track a proven track record in demonstrating student achievement and prepared to turnaround around failing schools in Philadelphia, and
   
3. Empowering school communities to play an active role in the turn around and ongoing support of their school.

On Saturday, April 6th at Roberto Clemente Middle School you too can get involved. From 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. the Roberto Clemente School Advisory Council will hold a community forum for parents, community members and stakeholders in order to better understand the Renaissance initiative. For more information contact 215-457-0371.