This week's articles of interest

• Latino Support For Gay Marriage Outpaces General Population - While I'm sure there are a lot of people who still don't support gay marriage, it was interesting to read that Latinos are outpacing the general population. Egh.


• Una entrevista con Rafael Alvarez - For my multimedia writing class we had to record an audio interview with someone interesting. I choose the Director of Garden Programs at Norris Square Neighborhood Project. Enjoy!
  
• The 2012 Hispanic Fiesta Hits Penn’s Landing July 14-15 With Latin American Music, Dance, Food And Crafts - I mean honestly who doesn't love a free festival with awesome music, performances and delicious food. Sure the food is expensive, but it's worth it. If it's free, it's for me!
  
• 2012 All-Star Game Interns/Volunteers Needed - Talk about a wonderful volunteer opportunity. Sure it's unpaid but the experience is worth it. Everything is paid for including transportation, accommodation and meals.

Global Fusion wants you to lip-sync

For the 6th year, Philly brings the world together again with an electrifying week of non-stop entertainment and the Summer's hottest festival, Global Fusion Festival (GFF)! And in the spirit of re-inventing the wheel, this year's GFF includes the 2012 Lip-Sync Video Contest.  I mean who doesn't want to sing their favorite song: The Boy Is Mine? Don't Let Go? La Quiero A Morir? What is your favorite GFF moment? I sure do have one ;).

Event: 2012 Minority Business Leader Awards

On August 9th, the Philadelphia Business Journal will recognize top level Corporate Executives and Advocates of ethnic backgrounds at the annual Minority Business Leaders Awards Program. This is a perfect opportunity to network with the region's top minority executives. Glad to see the Business Journal recognize minority business leaders. I have read lots of articles (and received several e-mails) about how to work with the Hispanic community, this is probably a good place to start. I've also had the pleasure of working with some of the nominees to some capacity.
Some of the people being recognized include:

Advocates:

• Steven Bradley, Bradley & Bradley Associates & African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE; Veronica Castillo-Perez, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas; ShinJoo Cho, Philadelphia Department of Commerce; Terrence H. Hicks, Ben Franklin Tech Partners; Sharon Humble, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP

Executives:

• Jorge Benito, PPI Photographics; Nadeem Bezar, Kolsby, Gordon, Robin, Shore & Bezar; John W. Chin, Chinatown Community Development Corp.; Will Gonzalez, Ceiba; Tanya Hall, Multicultural Affairs Congress, a division of the PCVB; Luis Mora, Finanta; Mike Munoz, Collection Revenue Bureau, Inc.; James E. Nevels, The Swarthmore Group; among others. 

Yo me llamo seeks your auditions!

Telemundo has taken a different approach for next year's programming. With the success of so many reality and singing competitions,  Telemundo is seeking your talent for "Yo Me Llamo”. A talent competition show that goes beyond the traditional formats by asking contestants not only to show exceptional musical talent, Yo Me Llamo also demonstrates a contestant's ability to convey the personalities, style and even the charisma of their most admired artists. The international success of “Yo Me Llamo” across 47 countries has established the show as one of the most successful international reality shows.

I can imagine this competition being real intense. True fans will know the little facts when impersonating Lady Gaga, Shakira, Marc Anthony or any other singer. In fact, it will be freaky if you get the real Jennifer Lopez standing next to the impersonator. Yo Me Llamo auditions will take place in 5 cities from July 7-23. Auditions's will take place in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas and Puerto Rico. Candidates who cannot attend the auditions can complete an online application and submit a 1-3 minute video at www.yomellamocasting.com.

AfroTaino is a lifestyle

Nothing like a creative website to get your going huh. A few weeks ago AfroTaino Productions rebranded themselves as well as launched a fancy new website. I have had the pleasure to work with both Rahsaan Lucas & Marangeli Mejia Rabell on various projects including the Philly Te Ama video series (below). A group of talented individuals, they probably have their hands tied to every single project in the city. I say, "Wepa," and kudos to continuing the journey.

AfroTaino Productions emerged in 2005 as a result of their partners combined expertise, passion for global arts & culture and commitment to serve as agents of change. AfroTaino brings over 40 years of combined experience in event planning/execution, audience development, promotions/marketing and special events/campaigns in the public and private arena targeting multicultural audiences.

Chuck E. Cheese goes shopping for a new look

He's gone! The Chuck E. Cheese mouse I knew growing up in the 80s (and some 90s) has turned into a 90s punk rock poster child. Although a new logo/brand is always exciting, I would have expected something different. The first thing that comes to mind is, "I wonder if he's playing XBOX Rock Band?" Which would make sense considering all people do these days is connect online and play video games. A Los Angeles Times article stated, "Chuck will be voiced by Jaret Reddick, the front man for Bowling for Soup, a pop-punk band whose hit songs include a ditty called '1985.' Reddick already has some experience doing voice work on Disney’s animated television show 'Phineas and Ferb.'"

The most important thing to worry about when rebranding or switching logos (in this case a character) is the mom factor. I wonder if the millions of moms appreciate the change? I don't mind the change, but I wish they would have given him a 2000 look...the 90s theme doesn't really work for kids these days. I would have laughed if the new mouse had a pizza in one hand and a cell phone in the other. But would that have worked? I want pizza now.

Pablo Escobar premiers on Telemundo

What's one of the first things that come to mind when you hear Colombia? Unfortunately it may be Pablo Escobar and the drug cartel. “Pablo Escobar, el Patrón del Mal” (Pablo Escobar, The Drug Lordl), a Spanish-language television production about the life of one of the most-wanted drug lords in history, premieres on Telemundo Monday, July 9 at 10 pm/9c. This series, told from the point of view of victims, will recount Escobar’s humble origins and early delinquent days through his world-wide recognition as one of the most hunted men in cartel history.

Will this hurt Colombia's image? Well for those that don't know anything about the country's history it just might. But for those that know the love and hate history with Escobar, they will appreciate the truth. Escobar was known for killing judges, journalists, magistrates, ministers and presidential candidates,  and also made four presidents’ terms a living nightmare, infiltrated authorities and defied the world. Talk about making an impact not only in their country, but the world. Will you be watching?

NBC launches NBCLatino.com

For the past few months the folks at NBCLatino.com have been cultivated hundreds and thousands of relevant content to the "new-age" Latino. According to an article on thewrap.com, "The site, which will feature English-language news and Latino perspectives and opinion pieces, officially two months after ABC and Univision announced plans to start a new English news channel with an accompanying website. The NBC site began as a Tumblr page in late 2011."

With 10 awesome contributors and one editor, the team has pushed themselves all over the social mediasphere. A clear continuing trend that the media landscape is quickly changing. The addition of English-language outlets focusing on the Latino consumer has increased dramatically within the last two years. Both Fox News and the Huffington Post have their own strategy but NBCLatino has the power of NBC News and Telemundo behind them. Will other media companies change their strategy? But what happens when being Latino is the norm and a new minority is born?