March 2013 Blog Posts (184)

So last week we had an assignment in English Class. We had to write a poem with the topic "You in Puerto Rico", or in other words, our life in Puerto Rico. I've never written a poem and poems aren't in my best interest, so I was a bit skeptical with this assignment in particular. I took me a lot less time to write it than I expected and that gave me a sense of satisfaction. I wrote my very first poem!I know that my…

In one of my monthly articles I discussed the importance of nutrition. As a Latina, I value the relationship I have with food. Whether it is my mother's paella, pozole with my cousins, or arepas with coffee- food brings us together and helps create wonderful memories and lasting…

Hey Ladies,

When I was a teen, I was constantly inspired to change the world. Unfortunately my dreams of helping people would continually die every time I realized that I had no idea where to begin. I lacked the connections, financial backing, and time away from school to devote myself to many of the problems that existed. I had no notion of business or politics, but I cared deeply about the issues at hand.

Recently I read an…

There is this bazaar in Dallas called Bargin City. It is a Mexican bazaar like many bazaars just like it. Walk in and you will be greeted by the smell of tacos and leather cowboy boots. Bargin City hasn't corrected the erroneous spelling of its name, and it hasn't changed much since I was a kid. Even in the time of MP3's, there still remains a few booths with their walls adorned with discs and tapes of Tejano musicians. (Yeah, tapes!) I remember it was here that I first saw a poster of…

Yep. I’m talking about volunteering.

It is my recent addiction. I feel like what I imagine an extreme couponer and a hoarder must feel as they do what they do, yet I’m not crazy (Yeah, yeah, it doesn’t help that my name rhymes with crazy). The most frequently asked question I get as a volunteer is “Why do you do it?”. Well……

Cesar Chavez was a Latino, farm worker, and labor leader;  As president of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW),  he lead the very first successful farm workers union.  Using non violent means such as marches and boycotts, he obtained rights for farm workers and spread awareness about the dangers of pesticides. …

Trigger warning: This blog entry deals with child suicide

Nick Martinez would have turned 21 yesterday.

The red balloons his family released into the sky could have filled the room of his surprise birthday party.

The photos taken in his memory could have been memorable photos of him and his loved ones.

But 11 years ago, at the age of 10, Nick ended his life.

Suicide is the third leading killer among children aged 10 to 14. According…

With the current events of the case in review before the Supreme Court, I was not surprised this week when I came across a YouTube music video making a gay rights statement. It did surprise me though, which artist was making the statement. Like many others, I have heard Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" single all over radio stations. And I doubt many would disagree with me when I made the generalization that rappers are…

I am a great believer in the power of true beauty. Ignore the media’s definition of “beauty” as being reserved for tall supermodels or having sleek hair, and think about the examples…

*for those of you who may not know, this blog post has to do with SXSW. SXSW is week-long festival held in Austin, Texas. The festival goes over Music, Film and Interactive (video games, panels, etc.). 

SXSW 2013 was the year for a lot of big movies to be showing, and a lot of important celebrities performing. Which meant, that a lot of A-list celebrities were coming. I for one, enjoy celebrity/entertainment news the most out of the other types of news that I consume, so I…

I didn't grow up with Disney movies. The times I remember seeing Disney films was during recess on a rainy day. Obviously, I know about them now, along with the subtle racism within the films. I've noticed how minorities are often portrayed with comedic stereotypes. What is supposed to be funny and subtle is the oppression minorities have faced throughout history, when listened or watched closely.

Disney Classics

Buzzfeed published …

Hey girls, 

I hope you are all ready for a blog-a-thon contest!!!  The contest opens up tomorrow and will close April 12.  Those of you who enter the contest have a chance to win a prize for the best blog.  We have three topics for you to choose from which are:

1. What has been a specific event you've experienced as a Latina that has helped you become who you are today or grow as a…

This semester I was required by my theater class to go see a play created by my fellow students. Being someone who isn't very "cultured" in the theater community because I don't really go see plays very often, and the information about the play I was coming to see seemed like a very common topic that wouldn't be very moving. 

The topic? Beauty. Different scenes embodying interviewees' perspectives on beauty and their definition of it. Being a college student and having gone…

I am an independent filmmaker and I often find myself with a very small crew of 5 to 10 people

when I'm working on a project. At first, it seems like the perfect amount of people to work with

as you have a lot of space and more freedom to choose certain things. But you are then limited

to many film techniques and tricks that major motion picture crews can do with a crew of 100+

people.  

If you are struggling with these problems - check out this…

This is my arm. Isn't it lovely? I'm only joking. It's just an arm.  But these bracelets I'm wearing are special to me because they each have a story.

From top to bottom these are the meanings accompanying each bracelet.

1. The colorful wooden beaded bracelet was a gift from one of my…

PHOTO provided by Google stock photos.

As we approach Selena Quintanilla's passin by the founder of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar,  let us not forget her as an inspirational chicana, or would you ladies prefer the term, LATINA, who embarked on a singing career by performing music in Spanish.

She became a star as lead singer of her father's band…

My favorite show came back on television - NBC'S, The Voice!

I cannot say I am not disappointed to see Christina Aguilera come but at least we see some Latina presence on the show now. Thank you, Shakira! 

Shakira is joined by NBC veterans Adam Lavine and Blake Shelton along with fellow newcomer Usher. (And to think Cee Lo Green was once a judge!)

Shakira doesn't use her Latina charm until Cathia walks on stage. Cathia takes a risk by singing a song called "No Me Doy Por…

Las Fallas de Valencia is a festival with strong cultural traditions of the city of Valencia held from the 15 to the 19 of March celebrated in honor of St. Josep, the patron saint of carpenters. The term Falla (Falles in Valenciano) refers to both the celebration and the monuments that are created during the celebration. The five days and nights of las Fallas are a continuos celebration filled with a multitude of processions: historical, religious and comedic. Explosions can be…

Growing up, I learned the value of respect. Respect can open doors and earn you respect in the process. Having a disrespectful attitude towards the wrong people could get you in trouble, whether it's in school, at work, or out in the world. Respect extends much further than "yes mam'","yes sir'", or "please and thank you". Respect means to legitimately value those in your life and show that they are appreciated. We are often expected to respect our superiors and authority, such as teachers,…