Gracias, Gustavo.

Rocker. Poet. Icon. Gustavo Cerati, Soda Stereo lead singer now rests in peace after four years in a coma. He lit up stages, dance floors, and many hearts.
Hoy, lloramos por ti, pero seguiremos buscando ese "Zoom" en tu honor.

Gracias, Gustavo.

unHappy Birthday to the Rey of L.A.

Steven Patrick Morrissey. Countless numbers of Latinos in L.A. can claim this man as an essential part of their musical library. He is 55 today. There are documentaries and articles following and dissecting the abundance of Latino Moz fans. Those who are fans can claim passion for his music which has depicted subjects including heartbreak,obsessive and devoted love, and political outrage...themes that have and will continue to strike a chord with Latinos in L.A. #alatinamericaninla #morrisseyfansinla #moz #morrissey # unhappybirthday

Miercoles de Musica: Los Fabulosos Cadillacs

Vicentico and Sr. Flavio, core members/founders of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, constructed a band whose sound is as diverse as spanish rock gets. To even label the Argentine band as purely "rock" is useless. Tracking their 20 plus years, one can listen to their influence in all of their songs: Refences to the Panamanian salsa legend Ruben Blades, who they collaborated with on "Hoy Llore Canción." Reggae covers in the Cadillacs' native Spanish tongue of The Specials' "Rudy," The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go," as well as "Revolution Rock,"and The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever," which was a collaboration with unmistakable vocals by Debbie Harry. Jazz cannot be left out of the styles that influenced Los Fabulosos: They throwback to Thelonious Monk in "La Marcha del Golazo Solitario," and a tribute to Dave Bruebek's famous "Take 5" quintuple meter in "Niño Diamante."

Whether Los Fabulosos sang songs of heartbreak, ("Venganza," or the mournful "Rio de Lagrimas,") love's happiness or scornfulness: (the tender collaboration with Celia Cruz in "Vasos Vacios" and "No Pienses Que Fui Yo,") songs with sense of humor which showed of every brass and percussion instrument within the band: ("Surfer Calavera,"/ "El Muerto,") and politics: The defiant "Manuel Santillan el Leon," Latin Americans in L.A. have had plenty of canciónes to draw upon and relate to. For those who are not so diehard fans, one can at least remember dancing at fiestas or singing along to "El Matador,"which, thanks to D.J.s at numerous backyard fiestas and clubs has turned into a pop dance tune despite its political undertones, as well as "Mal Bicho." 

Fabulosos, you are as ecclectic as our Latino culture itself. Gracias for giving us much to choose from and appreciate. 

Miercoles de Musica:Caifanes

From the sacred to the secular ("Miercoles de Ceniza"/ "Hasta Morir") to the mysical ("Ayer me Dijo Un Ave,") to the traditional, be it indigenous influence or Latin scales ("La Celula Que Explota"/ "Piedra,"/ "La Negra Tomasa"). This band has been passed on by family to our first generation L.A. Latinos. Their records shall be passed on through countless "Rock en Español nights" in clubs, many quinces you've been to when they played "Ojo De Venado" to death, and dark, dark, bedrooms. Gracias, Caifanes.  #miercolesdemusica #alatinamericaninla #loscaifanesnosgustan #lalatinamerican

Photo: plug.mx

La Ventana

A mother with her two daughters looking into a bridal store window in Azusa, CA. One can only hope these little girls, no matter what career path they choose, do not succumb to a stereotype and statistic and settle to make marriage the one and only priority, as past generarions have within our culture. One hopes they understand it is alright if they decide to fit into the framework of marriage if they desire, but if they choose to marry, that these girls would be able to buy their own dresses from their own  income if they wanted to.

A Fine Fania Find

Ruben Blades. Tito Puente. Celia Cruz. Johnny Pacheco. Hector Lavoe. Eddie Palmieri. These names echo in the ears and memories of those of us who saw our mamás dancing beautifully to these salsa greats' songs. They made up the legendary salsa collective Fania All-Stars. Music transcends boarders, of course, and without excluding our Mexican hermanos,we can say: To find this shirt as a non-Mexican individual warms our hearts and we are proud to claim salsa as ours.  In between t-shirts donning Jenni Rivera and Vicente Fernández's faces on them and with speakers constantly blasting Banda el Recodo through them, and finding Mexican food joints on every corner, a South American,Central American, and the Caribbean person can get over whelmed. Where are we? Well, we are here. Not just near MacArthur Park, but in a thrift store in Covina as well. We are everywhere. This shirt is a reminder that we brought our rhythms with us to SoCal when making our migration here. It was an amazing find in a thrift store for two dollars, but what it means is priceless.

Meet "El Palomero"

Bargains, food, and socializing. This is what swap meets have provided Latinos with for a long time. Among these staples, we also find one of a kind characters. 

At Bassett Swap meet in La Puente, everyone Sunday you can be sure to find Pedro Aguilera, songwriter and vendor, at his post near the second part of the swap meet.

 With his eccentric suits and warm personality, Aguilera proudly displays a collage at the front of his post, with which has had customers stopping and staring. It consists of shaking hands and posing with famed Mexican ranchera and regional artists and actors such as Vicente Fernández, Lola la Trailera, La Tigresa, and Pepe Aguilar. He has met and befriended many of these artists through his career as a songwriter and actor. One can look forward to him exchanging his stories of these encounters, among with some consejos:

"El exito no te lo van a dar en un papel celofán. Te lo tienes que ganar."

"El deseo es lo que lo lleva uno al éxito.

And referring to the youth and opportunities:
"Todas las puertad están abiertas para uds."

Gracias, Señor Aguilera. See you next Sunday.

United against Urban

I'm sweating...but I will not be buying an over priced tank from Urban Outfitters stay cool, (and I never have). I am heated over the article I read a short time ago. Urban used the official logo of the United Farm Workers on a trendy denim long sleeve...without permission. To think that an organization that has done so much for our community and who's workers have labored tirelessly over all of these years...just so that some oblivious hipster can wear it with "pride" that they finally got an "Native"/cultural article of clothing to make them seem more wordly. Urban took it down within hours of a photo post in Voto Latino's Facebook page. Social commentary website Latino Rebels said it best as a tagged category on their post..."No Mames."

http://www.latinorebels.com/2013/08/05/why-is-urban-outfitters-hawking-the-ufw-logo-on-a-denim-shirt/

Urban Outfitters Allegedly Uses United Farm Workers Of America Logo Illegally

El curioso

This child was growing curious at the sight of an elderly man selling rosaries and other religious items outside of the Basilica de Zapopan,Jalisco.

With my recent trip to Jalisco, I found a new sense of myself as a Latina. Though I am Central American, I married into a familia Jaliciense and after my adventures there, I could not be more proud of my tri-cultural life. This is an image I captured from a relaxing trip to Santa Maria del Oro,Nayarit,a lagoon approximately two hours from Zapopan,Jalisco where I stayed. This place is filled with beautiful scenery and is a true escape from the city noise and smog. My husband,a fishing fan,caught two bass.

A bitter translation

They didn't need to translate it all weird. Chocolate in Spanish is chocolate.

-Photo and post courtesy of Isai Rocha. Rocha is a contributor to both Foodbeast.com and Dodgernation.com blogs. He also served as sports editor on Mt. San Antonio College's award winning newspaper The Mountaineer.

Recuerdo,Recuero,same thing.

Many of us grew up with discos piratas, bootlegs, etc. We've had 'em sold to us discreetly anywhere from a restaurant in Los Angeles to on the street in broad daylight. But to have a misprint on the actual cover sleeve of the CD case and not be consistently incorrect on the side title? Esto si quedara en mi meoria por siempre!

Un clavo saca otra palabra: TACKall must tackle their translation issues

TACKall, a flooring supply distributer, has a few linguistic screws loose. 
" TACKall manufactures and distributes the best commercial grade flooring and carpet installation supplies...TACKall is committed to provide the best quality products at the most economical way. Quality and service will be the main goals TACKall strieve to reach and maintain. We take care of our people, value our relationships and fight to better the environment."
Their mission statement may seem locked tight, (unlike the rest of their bio which is filled with misspelling and punctuation errors,) but my bilingual hermanos who read the translation will see como metieron la pata /how the company put their foot in their mouth and did not live up to their statement. 
The City of Industry folks transformed a nail, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a slender usually pointed and headed fastener designed to be pounded, into a nail that is attached to the ends of your fingers. 
The correct word for nail in Spanish clavo. 
By no means am I crucifying the company but I am sure some Spanish speakers would want to show them what a middle finger nail looks like.  Maybe the company should hire day laborers who actually utilize these supplies as language consultants before they put their "best quality products" out.

Beben y beben...

Balthazar, ready to take a holy sip at Vineland swapmeet in La Puente.

The swapmeet:

Where anything can be found on one high school/drive-in theater blacktop,

 including a unique item to sugar coat your otherwise bland nativity scene.

The three wiseman

 must have built up quite a thirst delivering frankincense and myrr to el niño Jesus because at

 Vineland Swapmeet in La Puente, CA, among dollar blouses from Forever 21 from two seasons ago and rusty herramientas, was on full display. 

Tacos y lonche y dinner...

Jessie's Mexican and Seafood restaurant on Fourth and Azusa Ave. in Azusa serves it all. Walking down the street exploring the remodeled downtown area, I came across their banner advertising what they offer as food: "Tacos y Burritos y Breakfast." This menu on their marquee is an insightful example of how California has morphed into bilingual status and Spanglish has become acceptable enough for display on Latino businesses. Desayuno is not necessary because Spanglish is embedded into our way of speaking...and that's enough to full up the already diverse Latino culture. Now, vamos a comer!

Huerta got 'em to The Greek

The Greek Theater in Los Angeles was the place to be a year ago on August 13 for inspiration, dancing, and to pay tribute to greats. Famed activist Dolores Huerta celebrated her 80th birthday there at the fun, but also enlightening fiesta along with an almost packed house of supporters and fans. Acts that performed included guitar legend Carlos Santana, Lila Downs, Zack de la Rocha, and the Pete Escovedo Orchestra.
The night opened with the orchestra, and the smell of marijuana among the back of the theater, as the audience began taking their seats. They were amazingly rhythmic and were only a taste of what was to come for performances, as strong as the movements that Huerta is known for.
Speakers read admiring words for Huerta, such as Ina Coleman, managing director of the Feminist Majority Foundation: "At 80 years old, doing what she's doing...my respects for her," she said.
15 cities around the country were participating in celebrating Huerta's 80 years, and a few were broadcast on the giant screens.
Lila Downs was first up with her group of multi-cultured musicians, hailing from counties such as France and Chile. Downs's voice, with range to go loud and full force accompanied with Latin, and sometimes rhythm and blues, was enough to get the crowd out of their seats. Songs like her popular "Cumbia de Mole" was appropriate when a full row of young girls in regional Mexican dress to get up and groove along. Next in the set, Downs and company played "Los Pollos." Lyrics seemed with an activist undertone:

"Y a los pollos les aviso
Para que corran la voz,
porque van a ser un guiso de pollos en arroz,
Y a los pollos les aviso
Para que corran la voz."

This, if read between the lines, could be an indirect hit to those who feel anti-immigrant sentiment, warning of the stew that will be made with them,the "pollos" or chickens. I doubt that the stew would symbolize violence, but it seems that it does state resistance from those who support legalization of undocumented immigrants.
Downs payed her respects as well. "I am very greatful to Dolores Huerta," she said at the end of her set.
Zack de la Rocha, with his band Once As A Lion, also pumped up the crowd, with the Rage influence that was expected. Their song "The Last Letter" proved for a modern feel of activism, with his afro-like hair do to go along with it. The driving beats would prove a great background track for anyone wanting to fight for a just cause.
De la Rocha openly criticized Sheriff Joe Arpaio form Arizona and also spoke of Huerta's relentlessness, using an anecdote as an example. He once asked Huerta what her plans were and she spoke of traveling to various specific cities in the United States. Rocha then asked if she was going to get some rest after that and Huerta responded "I don't rest!" This comment drew a roar from the crowd, showing their support for Huerta.
The benefit concert having taken place in Los Angeles, a celebrity touch was not absent. Actors Benjamin Bratt and Martin Sheen spoke. Bratt talked of his Peruvian mother and Sheen yelled it loud and proud that he was of Irish and Spanish decent, emphasizing that his birth name is actually Ramon Estevez, both men showing solidarity with the mostly Latino crowd that was present and the immigrant population.
The headliner and the one whom Huerta noted as, in the few words she spoke, "The real voice of God," was Carlos Santana. He was joined on stage with the Pete Escovedo Orchestra. They opened up with "Corazon Espinado," a rock,"danzon" fueled song made famous by Santana and the veteran Mexican group Mana, which made the overwhelming majority sing the chorus in unison.
The Latin flavored night went on as Lila Downs accompanied Santana by singing vocals on "Black Magic Woman," which added a fierce, first person point of view. The ending of the song, which enters into"Gypsy Woman" was played slower than usual and provided a soothed and relaxed air than the recorded sped up version, which surely those "smoking out" enjoyed.
Santana and the orchestra then send the audience off with "Oye Como Va," and Escobedo attributed the great Tito Puente for the classic song.
Happy birthday Dolores Huerta.
Here is an old clip of another song performed by Santana at the benefit.
 Samba Pa Ti

La Yuma Trae Pegue

Producer Miguel Necoechea speaks to the audience.

"Nunca he visto una mujer boxeadora..." This devastating line was uttered by Culebra, played by Rigoberto Mayorga in the Nicaraguan film "La Yuma," which premiered as part of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival at Grauman's Chinese Theater last Sunday.
"La Yuma" was an international collaboration, with French director Florence Jaugey at the forefront (she wrote the script as well,) Mexican producer Miguel Necoechea (whose film "Chamaco" is also out now,) and Nicaraguan cast and crew.
La Yuma is a story of finding hope in seemingly discouraging places. This is what lead actress Alma Blanco portrays so well on screen playing Yuma, a strong young woman who uses boxing as her escape from the extremely littered and dangerous streets of Managua, Nicaragua. As she gets better, it seems that her home and personal life get in her way, with an unsupportive mother who she must support financially along with her innocent brother and sister and mother's disgusting, good-for-nothing boyfriend.
Throughout parts of the film, there are gleams of heroism coming from others, like the job Yuma takes under her comical patrona, and an intelligent young man she shares a romance with after "salvandole la vida," Ernesto. Overall, Yuma's uninterrupted courage and strength allow her to rise up on her own, without handouts, and does not allow herself to be distraught over the contaminated atmosphere she is surrounded by, this including her friends form the barrio, Culebra, El Down, and Polvorita, who throw their own punches to her, bringing her down for pursuing boxing.
The film does not discriminate in the slightest, incorporating actors like twins Emir and Raul Cabezas, who have down syndrome and surprisingly add comic relief to the film, as well as Yuma's close friend who is transgender and also delivers timely and fun lines.
The film was the first ever to premier at LALIFF in the 14 years of its existence. which is encouraging to the Nicaraguan community present who claimed their orgullo to Necoechea, answering questions after the film.
"I want to see if more films can be made" in Nicaragua, Necoechea said. "This took a lot of effort. It took four years to be made and represents great effort form the film making community in Nicaragua," which, until now, Necoechea said was non existent. "La Yuma" strongly demonstrates the reality and talent coming out of Nicaragua and will certainly change that.

La Dora Dorada

The adorable explorer has gone rubia...or at least she has on a jacket being sold in a business in Huntington Park,CA. This bootleg Dora la Exploradora was found in a peluqueria/floristeria in H.P. Surely, the kids won't notice and for those of us who do, reminds us of those days in our Winnie-the-Pooh track suits that our moms bought at the swapmeet (only OUR Winnie came in a neon green color...)

Para Cerati

From the 80s til the present, your music, lucious curls, and colored eyes have embraced many fans from Latin America to the United States. Whatever the true meaning, many words from Soda Stereo's track "La Ciudad de la Furia" speak to your current medical condition, which is why it brought tears to my eyes while listening to it. Sr. Cerati, todavia no te queremos ver volar por la ciudad de la furia. Aun sabemos de ti y por tu creatividad y talento, eres parte de todos nosotros. Por eso lo mantenemos a usted en nuestros pensamientos. You took so many people under your wing, asi es que no hay manera de que sus alas se derritan. Cuanto quisiera saber lo que estara pasando en su mentalidad...obscuridad? Nuevas creaciones? We are so proud of what you have let us borrow, your beautiful music, and as you go on throughout this past year and what is to come, your music is very much still in motion, which won you Latin Grammys, including "Mejor Album Artista de Rock." De verdad, por favor, haga como ha hecho durante todas estas decadas a traés de su music: mantenga su "Fuerza Natural."
Love,
Un Fan Anonimo
"Cuando pase el tembor,sera un buen momento."

Ranch Market findings

The King Ranch Market, located on Puente and Citrus in Covina is finally open. The market, once located in Azusa, was closed to make way for a new Target (coming soon) and the closest one was in Monrovia. Lucky for me I got a chance to go today and found some curiosidades  along the way.

We all are familiar with the alcancillas made of "felt." Well, these piggy banks are not your  abuelita's standard puerquitos that you slip coins into. Now, they are available in soccer balls, complete with your favorite Liga Mexicana team's logo on it. Not only that, but they come in various animal forms, such as lions, (por supuesto), dogs, and eagles. Finally included in the bank collection are lovable childhood icons such as Elmo, (with dots that look similar to nail polish,) "Bob Esponja," and an orange Winnie the Pooh. Let's just say it...they are cute and fun.

Finally, while browsing through the produce section, me di cuenta de que Columbian University grows its own bananas!

Why?! There is no excuse for this error.We are all culpables of misspelling...but it is the country...and in a popular market that prides itself on displaying where each specific type of produce comes from. All in all, I have a blast(an affordable blast) when in the King Ranch Market. Anyone can appreciate the quirky, and the low-priced in these times. Te quiero, Ranch!