Chica Latina

We’ve Moved!

2007-03-14T11:36:00.000-04:00

Hey….where did everyone go? The party has moved over here. Update your feeds, links and bookmarks to: http://bloglatina.wordpress.comIt's better than ever :)See you there!

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib

2007-02-25T15:48:00.000-05:00

Rated TVMA: ADULT CONTENT, ADULT LANGUAGE, NUDITY Running Time: 77 minutesGenre: DocumentaryAcclaimed filmmaker Rory Kennedy depicts the disturbing abuses that occurred at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq when the dire photos, which included detainees in simulated sexual positions, were leaked to the press in 2003. Through the perspective of perpetrators, witnesses and victims, the documentary

A bit of Distance for Revision

2007-02-25T15:43:00.000-05:00

You can't adequately edit a story you poured your soul into withoutfirst removing some of your ego. So get a bit of distance. Put themanuscript away for at least a week--two weeks is better. Then, as youread through the story from start to finish, pretend that someone elsewrote it.~Laura BackesThe Writer, Feb 2007

Largest audience for Premio Lo Nuestro

2007-02-24T22:56:00.000-05:00

Latinos and Latin Americans make up one of the largest populations in the U.S. Therefore, it is no surprise that Premio Lo Nuestro drew its largest naaudience ever last night (February 22, 2007) according to MediaWeek. This Univision televised awards show, which recognizes the elites of Latino music, has drawn 6.3 million viewers across the nation, and this statistic has broken several records

Hispanic Stereotypes

2007-02-24T11:48:00.001-05:00

Here's a video that examines Hispanic stereotypes.

Dominican Independence Day Concert

2007-02-22T22:58:00.000-05:00

WHAT: Dominican Independence Day ConcertThe Museum’s sixth annual Dominican Independence Day Concert featuring Dominican poetry and performances. Presented in collaboration with the Association for Puerto Rican – Hispanic Culture as part of the Museum of the City of New York’s Uptown Sounds music series.Free with museum admission.Free museum admission between 10am and 12 noon Sundays.WHEN: Sunday

The bad marksman

2007-02-22T11:44:00.001-05:00

Samuel Johnson: A man who uses a great many words to express his meaning is like a bad marksman who, instead of aiming a single stone at an object, takes up a handful and throws at it in hopes he may hit.

Netflix for Books

2007-02-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

I read at Publishing News that audiobooks can now be rented at audiobooksonline. I think many of you will agree with me when I say, "It's about time!" Audiobooks are too expensive for the average consumer to purchase at a regular basis, and they last only six to eight hours. As Rodney Burbeck explains, "Also, by their very nature they are a 'one listen-to product'. They are therefore an ideal

Big Apple Recognition of Hispanic Writers

2007-02-20T15:12:00.000-05:00

Críticas Magazine has recently written that a new literary group, Café New York, has been started to recognize Hispanic writers who have lived in New York City. Its members include Mexican writer Naief Yehya, Spanish novelist Eduardo Lago, Argentine writer and literary critic Sylvia Molloy, Bolivian poet Eduardo Mitre, Cuban novelist José Manuel Prieto, and its mastermind Mexican writer Carmen

Email me

2007-02-20T08:53:00.000-05:00

Contact FormFirst and Last Name: E-Mail Address: Message:

Chess on the Street

2007-02-12T18:56:00.000-05:00

Scene from Season 1 of HBO's The WireThis clip shows what chess and street-life have in common.

Caribbean "Love Drink" Launches in Time for Valentine's Day

2007-02-03T18:47:00.000-05:00

Caribbean "Love Drink" Launches in Time for Valentine's DayToday, Don Ramon Mamajuana announced the launch of it's Mamajuana liqueur drink mix in the U.S starting February 27th. This will be the first time that such a product from the Dominican Republic is available for the U.S. market starting.(I-Newswire) - Miami, Florida- ( I-Newswire ) Jan 30, 2007 -Dominican herbal liqueur mix manufacturer;

Racism Documentary

2007-02-02T14:11:00.000-05:00

The young student Kiri Davis has released a documentary that covers an issue that is still prevalent today.The theme of this short documentary may relate to perceived racial issues in the Dominican Republic.

In The Heights

2007-02-02T11:40:00.000-05:00

WHAT:In the Heights, musicalThe new musical In the Heights captures three days in the community of Washington Heights as it centers on a bodega owner and his neighbors. Besides, its unique setting and plot, its Latin beat sets it apart from many musicas. Charles Isherwood says it has “the inspiriting flavor of a morning pick-me-up on a warm summer day.” Its energetic cast, joyful choreography "..

MLK's Dream in Latin America

2007-01-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous political activist in the U.S. Civil Rights movement. He was the youngest man to win the Nobel Peace Prize (for for his work as a peacemaker, promoting nonviolence and equal treatment of different races). On April 6, 1968, he was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1986, he was celebrated as a U.S. holiday. Interestingly, he is one of the four individuals

A Latino Christmas

2007-01-03T20:49:00.001-05:00

Many Latinos in the United States combine both U.S. norms and Latin American conventions in the Christmas season. Many children in Latin America view Christmas as centered on the myths of the gift-giving baby Jesus and the generous Three Kings, whereas a jolly old man dressed in red offers rewards to the good and merciful in the United States. How can these disparate festivities be combined?

Red Hot Salsa (book review)

2006-12-22T14:59:00.001-05:00

Red Hot Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Being Young and Latino in the United States. Lori M. Carlson, Editor. New York: Henry Hold and Company, LLC, 2005. 140 pp. Following the 1994 publication of Cool Salsa, Lori Marie Carlson has recently published its sequel Red Hot Salsa, a poetry anthology that chronicles the bicultural experiences of young U.S. Latinos. The Editor’s Note explains how a

Fatal Fifty Shots

2006-12-09T10:19:00.000-05:00

A black man and his friends are shot at 50 times killing the groom to be. Unfortunately, after this murder, more police shootings have followed. Is this the season of shootings? Please leave a comment on this video and this tragedy.

Kramer's Racist Outburst

2006-12-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

About two weeks ago, one of the most beloved and hilarious TV characters shocked the world with his repetitive use of the N word during a stand up comedy skit. Michael Richards has been recovering from his rage disorder for some time. Then in November when he was teased by a African American individuals in his audience at Laugh factory, he retaliated with racist comments which astounded even

Thanksgiving, Latino Style

2006-11-23T23:17:00.000-05:00

Many of us in the United States are straddled between the culture of our parents and the U.S. culture. In this position as cultural middle-man (or middle-woman), we pick and choose holidays that simultaneously celebrate both sides of the cultural coin and do not insult either cultures. This is especially true of Latinos in the United States who exemplify the bi-cultural lives of many U.S.-born

Democrats are in the House. Does MTV care?

2006-11-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

Those who have seen TV know. Those who have caught a glimpse of the headlines (online or print) know. Democrats have taken control of the U.S. House of Representatives. This change of political party affects every aspect of U.S. life. The Democrats can transform the Iraq operation, taxation, heath care to name a few.Therefore, one would think that this big news would be blasted everywhere: the

Iraqi Girl Blog

2006-11-06T20:49:00.000-05:00

As many of my U.S. readers already know, tomorrow is the 2006 Senate Election. Consequently, many of us are probing into the politicians' thoughts on many important issues, especially the Iraq War. Therefore, in commeration of the election week, posting a link to a blog of someone who experiences the effects of our country's decisions.Baghdad Burning, the blog of a young woman living in Iraqhttp:

Story of the Week :D

2006-10-30T15:30:00.001-05:00

Hi sugar plums!Well, I have news to share. Good news that is. My short story "Missing Doctor" has been published as the Story of the Week at LiterateNubian.org. Check it out, and tell me what you think.Missing DoctorHugs!Cynthia

Adios a Colon

2006-10-27T19:25:00.000-04:00

On October 9th, 2006, the streets of New York were crowded with the city’s children. Even though it was a Monday, many youngsters were found playing hopscotch and basketball, and attending the Columbus Day festivities. Columbus Day is a school-free, work-free (for some adults) day of parades and festivals, in which we celebrate the invasion of the Americas. Christopher Columbus has become a U.S.

Government's Broken Promise: Extension of Troops' Stay

2006-09-27T19:40:00.000-04:00

This week, over 10,000 soldiers received word that they won't be joining their families around the dinner table nor singing jolly carols this holiday season. They will be stuck in Iraq. This is the second time since August that the U.S. Army has extended the troopys' duty in Iraq beyond the promised year. In an attempt to control the heightened violence and the threat of civil war in Iraq, the

Hispanic Heritage Month

2006-09-05T21:15:00.000-04:00

Wow! Where has time flown? It seems like yesterday that I was trading in my school books for flip-flops. Now I'm buying books for this Fall semester. It's September! And besides a chill in the air and a prediction of falling leaves, there's plenty to celebrate. Among the many holidays, we Latinos have a whole month of celebrating our Caribbean-style dinners, our invention of the modern novel,

Little burning crosses buried in pockets and phones.

2006-08-14T20:29:00.000-04:00

The other day I called an agency to possibly model for them. I said the usual hellos and how are you's. You know, the cordial phone stuff. Then the receptionist went straight to business: "How tall are you?""5'5.""And whats your race?" he asked."Latina," I proudly told him."Oh, so you're Puerto Rican." he informed me."Noooooo. Actually I'm Dominican American." I didn't know that Puerto Rican

New News

2006-07-29T18:52:00.000-04:00

So I've been MIA for a few weeks. School has been keeping busy, and with all the political strifes going on, I just haven't had the strength of actually commenting on it. I can't imagine how the people in Lebanon and Israel feel. They must be heartbroken, enraged and helpless with the large number of innocents dying. I promise to comment on everything at a later date when my fingers are

Futbol (Soccer) Fever

2006-07-02T14:37:00.000-04:00

Sorry the post delay. I've been so busy w/school, work, and watching the World Cup. It's been an 3 weeks watching all the different countries play so hard to be awarded the World Cup. Even though the referrees can often be prejudice (as seen in the Spain vs. Australia game), their decisions are deemed as law on the game. Even though my countries (U.S. and Dominican Republic) are not playing

Lessons from "The Alchemist"

2006-06-25T22:59:00.000-04:00

Right now I'm reading "The Alchemist," and I'm loving this short and to-the-point allegory. It's extremely inspirational for anyone who has dreamed with the unlimited imagination of a five year old and the drive of a ten year old :) I'm about two-thirds in the book, and I've already highlighted some favorite passages. A lot of this book relates to my life right now. Here's one:Everyone,

Haters

2006-06-24T22:49:00.000-04:00

I checked my email today and I noticed that I received some interesting comments on my blog. To my surprise, I actually have some haters. It's remarkable how some people will insult me and hide themselves behind the "anonymous" veil. And it's shocking how someone will insult another without knowing them. How ignorant a person can be!! I'd like to say to whoever is smudging my blog with their

Happy summer!

2006-06-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it's only the first day of summer? Actually, it feels like New York has been deep in summer heat for weeks now!It's tough to stay in class or in the office on a beautiful day like today. But my girly readers will agree with me on this one: Being able to rock those cute sandals you bought last week does help just a tiny little bit :) El fourth isn't too far

The New York Shove

2006-06-20T20:04:00.000-04:00

Before I start ranting and before the hate mail rolls in, know that I am a New Yorker. I was born and raised and I still live in the Big Apple. I love New York City, especially its diversity, conveniences, and its people who don't take slack from anyone.But this New York guard has its drawbacks. Many tourists confuse it as rudeness. While I may the loudest in the city to refute such an

Happy Father's Day

2006-06-18T19:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Daddy's Day everyone!!! Now most of you know that today is a celebration of all the Papis out there, all the men who have been father figures in your life - whether as Stepfathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, or "Big Brothers."As any other Father's Day, get ready for the burnt toast and breakfast in bed, family gatherings, crayon scribbled "I Love You"s and, of course, that lovely new tie!HISTORY

Little Kid Games

2006-06-14T22:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday at school, my class talked about classical rhetoric. After an hour of Aristotle, logic, and syllogism, the conversation turned to something a bit less intellectual-- childhood games. My professor described the games he played as a child more than 40 years ago, and I noticed that the games I played about a decade and a half ago are not very different from the games he played.I remember

Racism in U.S.

2006-06-07T21:30:00.000-04:00

Here's a little history question for all Americans and scholars of American history: What is the foundation of the U.S.?ANSWER: Immigration.The U.S. was created because of immigrants and exiles. We are the only nation in the whole wide world that is comprised of mulitudes of races. Our population is made up of all the colors God deemd fit for humans. We are a quilt of colors, customs, and

Alma awards

2006-06-06T15:40:00.000-04:00

Did you catch the Alma awards last night? I've never actually heard of it before, but this is it's 7th year running. I'm so happy that I rushed through my homework to see it. The opening dance number with Eva Longoria, Roselyn Sanchez, Constance Marie, Carmen Electra and Paulina Rubio—Destiny's Chicas, if you will—was steaming, wasn't it? Eva Longoria was the host and the executive producer of

A lil girl's VaJJ Story

2006-06-02T20:57:00.000-04:00

A certain girl (whose name shall not mentioned) told her father that she couldn't use the bathroom yet since her father, who has a peanut, is in the bathroom. Her mother asked her "So carino what do you have." She replied, "Everybody knows that we girls got pinatas, Mami."

In the mood of the heat

2006-06-01T19:18:00.000-04:00

So the heat affects people's temperament, especially in today's Big Apple, which is suffocating under a very humid and muggy 80 degrees. Grannies are cranky. Little kids seek cool solace in playground fountains. Couples bicker and later make love under the stars and winds of the night.Today as I took the elevator in the train station, a woman suddenly called a man "estupido" (Spanish for

I Miss High School

2006-06-01T00:36:00.000-04:00

This morning I went to the gym. While I did my usual stretches from dance class, I noticed a group of women (friends) helping each other out with the workouts. They completely dismissed the stereotypical competitiveness between women. Rather, they nagged each other through the sweat and pain of losing those last 5 pounds.I smiled as I observed them from my solitary corner. I tried to remember

9.11 movies

2006-05-29T18:40:00.000-04:00

Recently, I went to the movies and I saw the preview for one of the several 9.11 movies that will be released this summer. I haven't felt to so used, betrayed, and chilled as the theater projected one of my worst memories on the white screen. The smoke, the dust, the police officers, the fire fighters, the coughing, the buildings (the giants) coming down. I felt goosebumps trail down my spine

Followers & Spies

2006-05-29T18:18:00.000-04:00

After an unsuccessful trip to the pool (it turns out that the public pools will be closed until June 24th), my mother and I decided to walk around 231st ST, which has numerous cheap shops. We went to a store that someone recommended my mother and we browsed its shoes' aisle. There were plenty of cute shoes for (get this) under $10. So we put my mother's $20 to good use.As my mother and I picked

Oprah & Elie

2006-05-24T17:30:00.000-04:00

I just saw Oprah's special w/Elie Weisel. Mr. Weisel's accent is so cute. It reminds me of my b/f's parents' accent. They're from Poland too.But oh my god: I've never felt so sad without tears able to sooth me. I read Anne Frank's diaries and I learned the Holocaust details in history class. But Mr. Weisel's personal account was extroadinary, remarkable, inspirational and daunting.Here's some

Plastic surgery

2006-05-23T00:19:00.000-04:00

A middle aged Chicana had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital.While on the operating table, the comadre was delirious, she had a neardeath experience. Seeing God, she asked, "Hay Dios Santo, is my timeup?" Dios said, "No mijita, you have another 43 years, two months andeight days to live." Upon recovery, the Chicana decided to stay in thehospital and have the works done: a face-lift,

The DaVinci Code

2006-05-20T20:19:00.000-04:00

So I saw the DaVinci Code on Opening Night with my brother and my boyfriend. Wow! I've never seen AMC so packed. There was a line of about 60 people to enter the actual theater. WOW! It's a good thing that we went early. We arrived about an hour before show time. Other DaVinci fans weren't as lucky. A girl actually got an usher to help her move a guy, who REFUSED to move because he didn't

I was accepted!!!!! :-D

2006-05-17T12:19:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh!!This week is the best week ever. I just received the acceptance for an internship at Criticas magazine (sorry for the lack of an accent in Criticas, my tech ignorance won't let me do it). I can't wait to start working there. The editor I met last week, Carmen Ospina, carino. She was so sweet and helpful. She answered so many of my questions, and she even gave me her personal

Overdeveloped Teens and Disrespecting Males

2006-05-17T00:33:00.000-04:00

Today, I had lunch at a Dominican restaurant with two good friends, V and E, after an early dismissal from a class. We ate the underpriced overfilled plates of arroz, habichuelas, y pollo gizado. And in that hour, we did the Latina thing: contar chisme three-quarters of the time. In between mouthfuls and gossip, we started talking about girls in the current generation and their early development.

A funny chain letter

2006-05-12T03:22:00.000-04:00

Daddy's Gonna Eat Your FingersThis one is for everyone whoa) has kidsb) had kidsc) was a kidd) knows a kide) is going to have kidsI was packing for my business trip and my 3-year old daughter washaving a wonderful time playing on the bed. At one point she said,"Daddy,look at this," and stuck out two of her fingers.Trying to keep her entertained, I reached out and stuck her tinyfingers in my mouth

Soldiers in Iraq--Whats Not Seen

2006-05-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

Sadly you won't see any of this on the news....A Soldier petting a kitty.Soldier teaching an afghan boy a high 5Soldier with a letter.Little Iraqi Kids that would come to the tower and beg for sodas.Soldier helping a child.Soldiers giving Iraqi children paper, pencils, glue, and crayons.Iraqi girl with a beanie baby.Soldier greeting Iraqi children.Soldier playing soccer with an Iraqi boy.

Has the Latina Spectrum gone wangsta?

2006-05-10T09:32:00.000-04:00

Has our beauty complex returned to the King Kong days? I was just thinking how there are no black (as in dark skinned) women in Latina magazines. The last and only black actor I've seen in a Spanish soap opera was in "Andres" and I was in junior high then (I'm a junior in college now). Do we value light, blond, and skinny over our natural round, brown, brunnettes? Do we reject the various shades

Latinas as Yes Woman after the Wedding Day??

2006-05-09T22:04:00.000-04:00

So I wonder if women function only for agreement after they get married? Does Latino culture enforce this machismo?Now don't get me wrong. I'm not doing an Octavio Paz on Latinos and they're so called "inherent machismo." No! I love my origin. I love the mangos, plantains, smiling Caribbeans, and magical realism. I love the history and culture. Amo mi America, America Latina.However, after

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-05T13:51:00.000-04:00

Who said…? “You're going to put your eye out with that thing!”“Am I talking to a brick wall?”“Please act like a lady.”“I love you, unconditionally.” Have you guessed it? It's MOM!Happy Mother's Day!!Reminder for fellow Dominicans & Dominican Americans: only two more weeks for the Dominican Mother's Day :o)

A Day without Immigrants.

2006-05-01T22:11:00.000-04:00

So today was the national walkout. I saw on the news the many protests across the U.S. and how many immigrants linked together as chains in this national demonstration against the new anti-immigration legislations in various neighborhoods in New York City. But I wondered where they were. I didn't see a single protest today. More importantly, there were no protests by Wall Street when I was in the

It is just cruel to be forced inside on a day like today. Fake illness! Leave, leave, youngins and seek thy sunshine!

2006-05-01T14:42:00.002-04:00

Another gorgeous day in the city! I'm so happy that God is gracing the Big Apple with sunshine and wonderful spring weather. As some of you may know, New York will be blessed with great weather this entire week. Here's some places to go in the city in celebration of spring weather:Central Park or any area in your neighborhood with treesBrooklyn Bridge--deemed as the best makeout spot by

Fav Quotes

2006-04-29T01:50:00.000-04:00

Here's some of my favorite quotes. As U can C, I'm a huge Marquez fan. :o) Happy reading!As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll

Blog Newbie

2006-04-29T01:08:00.000-04:00

Hi ya everyone. I'm new here, trying out this blog thing. Wish me luck!Abrazos/ Hugs,Cyn*