For you to see!

The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is hosting two exhibits that are sure to intrigue! So brake from the routine, go see some art, and get ready to get in touch with some history!


The first is called The Baroque World of Fernando Botero which are works from the Colombian artist's collection. As the museum's website states, "...this is an opportunity to view many never exhibited works that the artist reacquired or never parted with." This exhibit will run from September 12-December 6, 2009.


The second is called Latitudes: Latin American Masters from the FEMSA collection. It is running from September 12,2009-January 17,2010. This exhibition includes eclectic "contemporary works" from artists such as Orozco, Rivera, Siqueiros, and many more!


Check them out here:
-Botero


-Latitudes

Music to their ears...

What has been all over the news this week (thanks, Maria Elvira Live for extensive interviews and reports,) has been the concert in Cuba headed by Colombian poprock idol Juanes along with Miguel Bose, Olga Tañón, and more. The purpose was accompanied really by no political agenda, though this was disputed by immigrants from Cuba residing all over the world ranging from the 40 years of age onward. They disputed that this would only fuel the Castro regime. The show was enjoyed by predominantly youthful crowd who was overwhelmed with the once in a lifetime experience of seeing a mainstream artist(after this courageous show, which was titled "Paz Sin Fronteras"/Peace Without Borders," hopefully it will not be the last.)

How could anyone in their right mind oppose this? The oppressed people have a right to see,breathe, and listen to all that live music has to offer. To hear the uplifting rythms of artists is something that the Cuban people, scarce income and who do not have much technology at their fingertips as we in the U.S. do, is something they have probably only dreamt of. Did I mention the masses walked to the show? No guagua would transport them there. The footage that was shown on the television of the concert was enough to perplex those that have the freedom,(and I emphasize FREEDOM) to attend as many shows as they want a year, or a month,even.

Bottom line: This had to happen. Rumor has it that Placido Domingo wants to next. Looks like our elders do not always know what's best.

Desfile Centroamericano/Central American Parade 2009

Just as the billboard indicates, many friendships must have been formed among spectators of the 2009 Central American Parade established by COFECA (Comite de festejos centro americanos.) The parade, which was proceeded by a festival, reached its goal of sending a message of unity among the central american community and continued with a euforic and festivo atmosphere.

"Aqui te espero..." (I'll wait for you here.)

-On Alvarado St. in Los Angeles during the Central American Independence Festival.

Apparently, Target in West Covina's Eastland Shopping Center has been carrying these for...well, they couldn't tell me exactly when these popular candles came in...must've been divine intervention...la virgen de guadalupe will cost ya 40 cents more,though.

"obsesion total" over novelas

"No. Hoy no. Mañana. Tengo que ir a ver mis novelas," I heard as I was walking through Big 5 Sporting Goods in Chino. I turned to see a man trailing behind his aggressive wife, defeated upon hearing her plan and wrecking whatever his was.

What is with obsesion de novelas? People will put their lives on hold completely (and their spouse's) just to have an hour of fantasy. Sure, people argue that television is an escape from reality. But who's reality is so horrible that they'd prefer to watch women with double d's throwing painfully obvious fake punches, betraying their husbands with their best friend's cousin's step-brother. The point is probably that novelas pull the viewer so far away from the mondane, it becomes addicting.

Don't discriminate; men watch too. 80 year old men. A Nicaraguan native, Mr. Ben Lacayo could list off all of "his" novelas.(yes, the Spanish speakers refer to them as "Mis novelas" or "my novelas," another sign of intimacy,standing for posession, making them feel that much closer to their nightly outlet.) "Veo La Tormenta,El Amor Es Para Siempre...me gustan las novelas venezolanas/I love Venezuelan novelas," he said. "So you and your wife have a good time watching them together?" I asked. "No. She has her own novelas. We don't have the same tastes." I couldn't say anything after that.

It's true, it depends on the country. Venezuelan novelas may have more storyline than the overly shallow Mexican ones, as do the Colombian ones. If I had to choose, I'd say the Brazilian novelas often set as Period pieces beat them all, for their beautiful scenery, and costumes, and beautiful actors and actresses. Uh-oh.I guess I may have some novelera in me after all.

Por cuanto?

I found this gem at the Community Thrift Store on Arrow Highway in Covina. Let your imagination take you wherever it does as to how the picture got into the frame. The final result: Amigo Mayor Villaraigosa,
vales 1 dolar con noventa y cinco centavos!!