Garcia backs out of serving as rodeo parade grand marshal
By BILL MURPHY Houston Chronicle Feb. 27, 2009
When the Houston rodeo holds its annual parade this morning, there will be one grand marshal — Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. But there were supposed to be two.
Sheriff Adrian Garcia said he accepted the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s invitation to serve as co-grand marshal but backed out after learning that some minority leaders were planning to assail the rodeo’s treatment of Hispanics and African-Americans.
“Obviously, there are some issues between (the minority) community and the rodeo,” said Garcia, who took office in January as the county’s first Hispanic sheriff. “I didn’t want my participation or lack of participation to be a distraction.”
A dozen minority leaders turned out at a news conference Friday to support a bill filed by state Sen. Mario Gallegos, a Houston Democrat. The bill would urge the rodeo to contract with more minority-owned businesses and require it to include minorities on its executive committee and comply with open record requests.
For several years, some minority leaders have urged the rodeo to address diversity-related issues, including why the 19-member executive committee includes no Hispanics, African-Americans or women.
Garcia said his backing out of the grand marshal’s post should not be interpreted to mean he agrees with the minority leaders’ positions.
“The rodeo and the community have some things to work out,” he said. “I have found both sides to be rational and reasonable enough to think we’ll get past these issues.”
Leroy Shafer, rodeo chief operating officer, declined to comment on Garcia’s withdrawal, other than to say he had been invited to serve as co-grand marshal.
“We assumed the invitation was accepted,” he said. “We thought we would honor Harris County this year by having two high-ranking officials in the parade.”
Gallegos said he and other elected minority officials separately told Garcia that they had “problems with the rodeo.”
“But it was his decision, strictly his decision,” Gallegos said. “But if I was in Adrian’s position and I had accepted the grand marshal’s post and my state senator and other elected officials called a press conference to criticize the rodeo, I would have felt a little intimidated.”
Garcia said he had thought about arranging for his wife to ride in a horse-drawn carriage if he had served as grand marshal. He still plans on being in the parade — he will ride at the head of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol.
African-American leaders, such as U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, and QuanellX, joined Hispanic leaders at the news conference across the street from the Harris County Administration Building. The county leases the Reliant Park complex to the rodeo to stage its show, running from Tuesday through March 22.
“We will not stop protesting until you place an African-American and a Hispanic on your board,” QuanellX said.
The minority leaders plan to protest outside Reliant Park March 13, when country singer Clint Black performs. They are asking people to boycott the rodeo and show that night. Similar protests were held before at the rodeo.
Jackson Lee said, “The rodeo and its leadership must change.”
Shafer said he doesn’t expect the Legislature to pass Gallegos’ bill. But if it passed, it would represent an unprecedented intrusion by government into a non-profit’s affairs, he said.
“It takes a not-for-profit corporation and turns it into a public entity,” he said. “This would be the most precedent-setting legislation to impact not-for-profits in the United States.”
The rodeo, Shafer said, welcomes minorities as attendees, volunteers and leaders of all its committees, including the executive committee.
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is color-blind and neutral in everything it does,” he said.
Service on the executive committee is based in part on years of volunteer service at the rodeo. The average years of service of current executive committee members is 37.5 years, Shafer said.
Minorities, he said, will make their way onto the executive committee in the coming years.
bill.murphy@chron.com
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Hispanic Cultural Center to activities for women
Women and Creativity at The National Hispanic Cultural Center
by Dana Herrera, Albuquerque Motherhood Examiner February 26
Moms, it's time to take a moment for you. The National Hispanic Cultural Center has teamed up with organizations throughout New Mexico to bring us Women and Creativity, a series of art exhibits, presentations, music and free classes to explore the power of female creativity.
All through the month of March, us creative gals can take a break from the everyday mundane and put our thinking caps on to explore topics close to our hearts - ourselves!
Events take place in various places throughout the state, making the event more accessible. There is no excuse not to let a close relative or your partner have some one-on-one kid time while you spend an hour or two working on yourself.
Women and Creativity
According to event sponsors Mark Pardo salons, "Women and Creativity 2009 is organized and presented by the National Hispanic Cultural Center in partnership with more than 35 art organizations, artists, writers and independently owned businesses." They go on to write, "We believe that creativity, art and self-expression are central to sustaining healthy individuals, families, organizations and communities."
I wholeheartedly agree!
Events for the creative mom
While geared towards women, these events are open to all. Here are some events for us mom-types:
Weaving Ourselves Whole: A Gathering of Women of Color. Saturday, March 7, 2009 9 a.m.-4 p.m, Salon Ortega at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (Avenida Cesar Chavez & 4th St.). 10-12 p.m. there are two motherhood related talks/discussions sessions.
* Revolutionary Motherhood: Discussion and Workshop
* Natural Mothering: Japanese food ways and child rearing - presentation and cooking demonstration
Take a break and find some lunch and come back for the afternoon sessions including, but not limited to:
* Healing through memory: Writing
Also, check out the Girls Day Out! Shopping Reception at La Tiendita at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on March 21 from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Note: There will be a special Kids Activity room available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this day!
The event is free, but you have to pre-registration is encouraged. E-mail Gina Diaz for more details and to pre-register.
Kid friendly events
* Science exploration: For a daytime outing, bring your kids to the Explora for different presentations on topics such as magnets, electricity and spinners and rollers. These Explora events take place from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. on March 1, 8 and 22.
* Peek-a-boo! Puppet Show: March 7 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center at 2 p.m.
* Beginning African Dance: The Maple Street Dance Space will give us a chance to learn African dance. Join in the fun on March 4, 6, 13 and 25 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Learn and experience something new
Creativity and Women is designed to explore a number of topics from women and art, to women and color and women and motherhood. Most of these events are free with the added bonus of meeting other women and moms in your area.
Note: Visit Creativity and Women for a complete schedule of events and any pre-registration requirements.
by Dana Herrera, Albuquerque Motherhood Examiner February 26
Moms, it's time to take a moment for you. The National Hispanic Cultural Center has teamed up with organizations throughout New Mexico to bring us Women and Creativity, a series of art exhibits, presentations, music and free classes to explore the power of female creativity.
All through the month of March, us creative gals can take a break from the everyday mundane and put our thinking caps on to explore topics close to our hearts - ourselves!
Events take place in various places throughout the state, making the event more accessible. There is no excuse not to let a close relative or your partner have some one-on-one kid time while you spend an hour or two working on yourself.
Women and Creativity
According to event sponsors Mark Pardo salons, "Women and Creativity 2009 is organized and presented by the National Hispanic Cultural Center in partnership with more than 35 art organizations, artists, writers and independently owned businesses." They go on to write, "We believe that creativity, art and self-expression are central to sustaining healthy individuals, families, organizations and communities."
I wholeheartedly agree!
Events for the creative mom
While geared towards women, these events are open to all. Here are some events for us mom-types:
Weaving Ourselves Whole: A Gathering of Women of Color. Saturday, March 7, 2009 9 a.m.-4 p.m, Salon Ortega at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (Avenida Cesar Chavez & 4th St.). 10-12 p.m. there are two motherhood related talks/discussions sessions.
* Revolutionary Motherhood: Discussion and Workshop
* Natural Mothering: Japanese food ways and child rearing - presentation and cooking demonstration
Take a break and find some lunch and come back for the afternoon sessions including, but not limited to:
* Healing through memory: Writing
Also, check out the Girls Day Out! Shopping Reception at La Tiendita at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on March 21 from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Note: There will be a special Kids Activity room available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this day!
The event is free, but you have to pre-registration is encouraged. E-mail Gina Diaz for more details and to pre-register.
Kid friendly events
* Science exploration: For a daytime outing, bring your kids to the Explora for different presentations on topics such as magnets, electricity and spinners and rollers. These Explora events take place from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. on March 1, 8 and 22.
* Peek-a-boo! Puppet Show: March 7 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center at 2 p.m.
* Beginning African Dance: The Maple Street Dance Space will give us a chance to learn African dance. Join in the fun on March 4, 6, 13 and 25 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Learn and experience something new
Creativity and Women is designed to explore a number of topics from women and art, to women and color and women and motherhood. Most of these events are free with the added bonus of meeting other women and moms in your area.
Note: Visit Creativity and Women for a complete schedule of events and any pre-registration requirements.
Hispanic Television Summit to join Ad Week 2009
Seventh Annual Hispanic Television Summit Joins Advertising Week 2009
PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading television industry trade publications Multichannel News and Broadcasting & Cable have announced that, for the first time, they will present the annual Hispanic Television Summit during Advertising Week 2009.
According to Larry Dunn, Reed Television's Group Publisher for Multichannel News and Broadcasting & Cable, "We are pleased to add our Seventh Annual Hispanic Television Summit to the exciting line-up of major events scheduled during Advertising Week 2009. This marks the first time that the leading Hispanic television industry conference has been scheduled in tandem with the many other activities for members of the advertising community."
The Hispanic Television Summit has been presented annually since 2003. It is traditionally held in New York each autumn season and attracts more than 300 attendees from across the country, Latin America and Spain. The Summit has now become the television industry's signature conference for executives involved in the business of television and digital video targeted to the US Hispanic and Latin American viewing audience.
In 2008, Advertising Week's fifth anniversary edition attracted 55,000 industry leaders to nearly 200 thought leadership and special events featuring marquee participants including, the Founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, Founder of the Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, Facebook's COO, Sheryl Sandberg, Emeril Lagasse, CNBC's Maria Bartiromo, Lorne Michaels, producer of Saturday Night Live and recording superstar Jon Bon Jovi.
"The Hispanic Television Summit is a terrific addition to our lineup and furthers our deep commitment to leveraging the platform Advertising Week affords to shine a light on our diverse and ever expanding industry," stated Matt Scheckner, Executive Director of Advertising Week.
This year's Advertising Week will run from Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 25. Information about all Advertising Week events and registration information is available at www.advertisingweek.com
"Strategically, this is a great alliance for us," added Larry Dunn. "By joining our successful Hispanic Television Summit into the Advertising Week schedule, we are able to create a win-win for those in the multicultural television advertising community. It is simply a great way to accommodate the busy schedules of today's advertising and television executives."
The distinctive topic of the Hispanic Television Summit always focuses on the latest trends for generating revenues within the Hispanic television and digital media space. It delivers the "freshest" industry information in response to the current trends in the television and digital video marketplace. As a result, the Summit attracts speakers, panelists, and participants who are top executives from broadcast, cable, satellite, broadband and mobile, as well as those from related businesses like advertising, finance, consumer electronics, video technology and other consumer goods.
The Summit is being produced for the seventh time for Multichannel News and Broadcasting & Cable by New York-based Schramm Sports & Entertainment, Inc., a leading marketing and media services company which includes Hispanic marketing of TV content among its specialties.
To register: visit www.multichannel.com/hispanicsummit09 or call Sandy Friedman at 646-746-6740
Multichannel News covers multichannel television and communications providers, such as cable operators, satellite TV firms, and telephone companies, as well as emerging Internet video and communication services. www.multichannel.com
Broadcasting & Cable covers the business of television for industry professionals offering breaking news and analysis on programming, syndication, the station business, technology and advertising for broadcasting, cable, satellite, telco TV and the Web. www.broadcastingcable.com
PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading television industry trade publications Multichannel News and Broadcasting & Cable have announced that, for the first time, they will present the annual Hispanic Television Summit during Advertising Week 2009.
According to Larry Dunn, Reed Television's Group Publisher for Multichannel News and Broadcasting & Cable, "We are pleased to add our Seventh Annual Hispanic Television Summit to the exciting line-up of major events scheduled during Advertising Week 2009. This marks the first time that the leading Hispanic television industry conference has been scheduled in tandem with the many other activities for members of the advertising community."
The Hispanic Television Summit has been presented annually since 2003. It is traditionally held in New York each autumn season and attracts more than 300 attendees from across the country, Latin America and Spain. The Summit has now become the television industry's signature conference for executives involved in the business of television and digital video targeted to the US Hispanic and Latin American viewing audience.
In 2008, Advertising Week's fifth anniversary edition attracted 55,000 industry leaders to nearly 200 thought leadership and special events featuring marquee participants including, the Founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, Founder of the Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, Facebook's COO, Sheryl Sandberg, Emeril Lagasse, CNBC's Maria Bartiromo, Lorne Michaels, producer of Saturday Night Live and recording superstar Jon Bon Jovi.
"The Hispanic Television Summit is a terrific addition to our lineup and furthers our deep commitment to leveraging the platform Advertising Week affords to shine a light on our diverse and ever expanding industry," stated Matt Scheckner, Executive Director of Advertising Week.
This year's Advertising Week will run from Monday, September 21 through Friday, September 25. Information about all Advertising Week events and registration information is available at www.advertisingweek.com
"Strategically, this is a great alliance for us," added Larry Dunn. "By joining our successful Hispanic Television Summit into the Advertising Week schedule, we are able to create a win-win for those in the multicultural television advertising community. It is simply a great way to accommodate the busy schedules of today's advertising and television executives."
The distinctive topic of the Hispanic Television Summit always focuses on the latest trends for generating revenues within the Hispanic television and digital media space. It delivers the "freshest" industry information in response to the current trends in the television and digital video marketplace. As a result, the Summit attracts speakers, panelists, and participants who are top executives from broadcast, cable, satellite, broadband and mobile, as well as those from related businesses like advertising, finance, consumer electronics, video technology and other consumer goods.
The Summit is being produced for the seventh time for Multichannel News and Broadcasting & Cable by New York-based Schramm Sports & Entertainment, Inc., a leading marketing and media services company which includes Hispanic marketing of TV content among its specialties.
To register: visit www.multichannel.com/hispanicsummit09 or call Sandy Friedman at 646-746-6740
Multichannel News covers multichannel television and communications providers, such as cable operators, satellite TV firms, and telephone companies, as well as emerging Internet video and communication services. www.multichannel.com
Broadcasting & Cable covers the business of television for industry professionals offering breaking news and analysis on programming, syndication, the station business, technology and advertising for broadcasting, cable, satellite, telco TV and the Web. www.broadcastingcable.com
Friday, February 27, 2009
New Hispanic TV production venture launched
NALA Investments and Latin World Entertainment Launch Hispanic TV Production Venture
PRESS RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- NALA Investments, the parent company of NALA Films and one of the leading private investment companies in the Hispanic market, and Latin World Entertainment, one of the world's leading Hispanic talent management company, announced today the launch of NALA Entertainment. This new entity, with $100 million in funding already in place, will focus on the financing, development and production of Hispanic television programs. The first series set to kick off the company's slate of projects is EL DIEZ, about the life of a fictional soccer star and all that comes with being famous. The series was shot this past December in Mexico. One of NALA Entertainment's main focus is Soap Operas; it has begun preproduction of its first of many novelas, with Argos Mexico's leading independent telenovela production company.
"The Hispanic market was long overdue for a cross regional platform that could bring together top-notch talent, recognizable brands and financing to efficiently create quality content while leveraging the creative and production wherewithal from around the continent," says Emilio Diez Barroso, Chairman and CEO of NALA Investments. "In a time when network production budgets are shrinking, NALA Entertainment offers a valuable solution by becoming an independent provider of quality material and formats."
"We want to be the vehicle that facilitates great ideas coming to life. NALA Entertainment is committed to team up big stars, top producers, and great ideas with top-notch advertising brands to create quality commercial TV content with worldwide appeal," explained Latin World Entertainment's CEO Luis Balaguer.
EL DIEZ will follow the life of a character named Chava and look at the problems he is faced with in his new life as a famous soccer star. The series will look at Chava's love life, his friendships and what he needs to overcome as a human being.
"Though EL DIEZ is set in the world of soccer, it will deal with issues that are not solely about life in sports or dealing with fame, but also issues that any person in their mid 20s may be facing," says Balaguer. "The series content also is a strong example of how we can integrate brands given the fact that an event like the World Cup 2010 is right around the corner."
PRESS RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- NALA Investments, the parent company of NALA Films and one of the leading private investment companies in the Hispanic market, and Latin World Entertainment, one of the world's leading Hispanic talent management company, announced today the launch of NALA Entertainment. This new entity, with $100 million in funding already in place, will focus on the financing, development and production of Hispanic television programs. The first series set to kick off the company's slate of projects is EL DIEZ, about the life of a fictional soccer star and all that comes with being famous. The series was shot this past December in Mexico. One of NALA Entertainment's main focus is Soap Operas; it has begun preproduction of its first of many novelas, with Argos Mexico's leading independent telenovela production company.
"The Hispanic market was long overdue for a cross regional platform that could bring together top-notch talent, recognizable brands and financing to efficiently create quality content while leveraging the creative and production wherewithal from around the continent," says Emilio Diez Barroso, Chairman and CEO of NALA Investments. "In a time when network production budgets are shrinking, NALA Entertainment offers a valuable solution by becoming an independent provider of quality material and formats."
"We want to be the vehicle that facilitates great ideas coming to life. NALA Entertainment is committed to team up big stars, top producers, and great ideas with top-notch advertising brands to create quality commercial TV content with worldwide appeal," explained Latin World Entertainment's CEO Luis Balaguer.
EL DIEZ will follow the life of a character named Chava and look at the problems he is faced with in his new life as a famous soccer star. The series will look at Chava's love life, his friendships and what he needs to overcome as a human being.
"Though EL DIEZ is set in the world of soccer, it will deal with issues that are not solely about life in sports or dealing with fame, but also issues that any person in their mid 20s may be facing," says Balaguer. "The series content also is a strong example of how we can integrate brands given the fact that an event like the World Cup 2010 is right around the corner."
Latina composer releases new CD
Award-winning singer/composer Juanita Ulloa releases the world’s first Mariachi Children’s Bilingual CD “¡Canta mi Son!”
PRESS RELEASE
FEBRUARY 24, 2009 SAN ANTONIO, TX — Internationally renowned musician, Juanita Ulloa, produces the worlds’ first Mariachi children’s bilingual CD-Learn Spanish through the World of Mariachi. This CD is Volume 5 in the Canta Conmigo “Sing with Me” bilingual music series and already an iparenting Media (Disney) winner! This 12 song CD was arranged and recorded in collaboration with Juan Ortiz, director of one of the best Mariachi groups-MARIACHI CAMPANAS DE AMERICA and is the only one of its kind in the world!
"For this CD we were able to bring together an amazing collection of songs that truly reflects the festive spirit of Mariachi, which has led to its worldwide popularity. We are especially excited to share “Ranchera”, or Mariachi music with children in the USA, and at the same time sharing it with Latin America," said Juanita Ulloa, producer, singer and composer.
¡Canta Mi Son! CD includes 80 minutes of upbeat material, including Spanish pronunciation and karaoke tracks. The songs teach children bilingualism as well as phonetics using original song themes such as parts of the face, -ar verbs, Texas armadillos, Mexican “palomas” (doves) and “guajolotes” (turkeys) -all set to traditional mariachi “son” type rhythms. Children don’t even know they are learning Spanish through the world of mariachi!
Listen to songs at: www.juanitacantaconmigo.com
Juanita Ulloa’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence and to exploring a wide array of themes and Latin American music and language issues is made evident through her previous CD releases that include her children’s series, Canta Conmigo “Sing with Me”-a five-volume NAPPA, iParenting Media (Disney), Parent’s Choice and Parent’s Council award winning series. After the success of Juanita’s disc “Mujeres y Mariachi”, she wanted to create songs for kids that were similar to the spirited ranchera music she grew up hearing while living in Mexico City.
ABOUT JUANITA ULLOA
Juanita Ulloa received a BA in Music from Yale University and an MA in Music from UC Berkeley and Nice Conservatory, France. She is a Professor of Hispanic vocal Music and ethnomusicology at Texas State University and Northwest Vista College in Texas.
For more information and background on Ms. Ulloa, please visit www.juanitamusic.com.
PRESS RELEASE
FEBRUARY 24, 2009 SAN ANTONIO, TX — Internationally renowned musician, Juanita Ulloa, produces the worlds’ first Mariachi children’s bilingual CD-Learn Spanish through the World of Mariachi. This CD is Volume 5 in the Canta Conmigo “Sing with Me” bilingual music series and already an iparenting Media (Disney) winner! This 12 song CD was arranged and recorded in collaboration with Juan Ortiz, director of one of the best Mariachi groups-MARIACHI CAMPANAS DE AMERICA and is the only one of its kind in the world!
"For this CD we were able to bring together an amazing collection of songs that truly reflects the festive spirit of Mariachi, which has led to its worldwide popularity. We are especially excited to share “Ranchera”, or Mariachi music with children in the USA, and at the same time sharing it with Latin America," said Juanita Ulloa, producer, singer and composer.
¡Canta Mi Son! CD includes 80 minutes of upbeat material, including Spanish pronunciation and karaoke tracks. The songs teach children bilingualism as well as phonetics using original song themes such as parts of the face, -ar verbs, Texas armadillos, Mexican “palomas” (doves) and “guajolotes” (turkeys) -all set to traditional mariachi “son” type rhythms. Children don’t even know they are learning Spanish through the world of mariachi!
Listen to songs at: www.juanitacantaconmigo.com
Juanita Ulloa’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence and to exploring a wide array of themes and Latin American music and language issues is made evident through her previous CD releases that include her children’s series, Canta Conmigo “Sing with Me”-a five-volume NAPPA, iParenting Media (Disney), Parent’s Choice and Parent’s Council award winning series. After the success of Juanita’s disc “Mujeres y Mariachi”, she wanted to create songs for kids that were similar to the spirited ranchera music she grew up hearing while living in Mexico City.
ABOUT JUANITA ULLOA
Juanita Ulloa received a BA in Music from Yale University and an MA in Music from UC Berkeley and Nice Conservatory, France. She is a Professor of Hispanic vocal Music and ethnomusicology at Texas State University and Northwest Vista College in Texas.
For more information and background on Ms. Ulloa, please visit www.juanitamusic.com.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Comcast tunes in to Hispanics, adds more channels
Tuned in to Hispanics
Comcast adds networks to appeal to a growing viewer demographic
By Johnny Diaz Globe Staff / February 26, 2009
Comcast Corp. customers in Boston and Brookline may be seeing more breaking TV news reports, dramas, and sports coverage en español from such places as Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Venezuela. The cable provider this month introduced an expanded Hispanic programming package that imports 50 popular Spanish networks from Central and South America.
Current Comcast subscribers receive 20 local access and broadcast Spanish-language channels from Univision, TeleFutura, Telemundo, Azteca America, and Cuencavision networks. Traditionally, viewers who wanted channels from Latin America needed to subscribe to satellite television or special-order a specific channel from their cable operator.
Comcast's new package adds $14.95 a month to a subscriber's bill of $10 for basic cable, or $60 for expanded cable. Boston and Chicago are the first markets where Comcast is offering the Spanish-language package, because the company has the broadband capacity in those cities to add channels. Comcast is the largest cable operator in the United States, with 24 million subscribers or 30 percent of the national market.
"The industry has always had a couple of channels for lots of different groups," said Steve Effros, an adviser to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association in Washington, D.C. "But the Hispanic population is so large and so important that it's getting the attention it deserves. I'm sure a lot of people are going to follow Comcast's lead. . . . Adding 50 channels is quite a bite. You can't do it everywhere at once."
Cable operator RCN Corp. offers a Spanish-language package in Boston that includes 30 international channels for $19.95 a month. RCN plans to increase the lineup to 50 channels this year. "Other competitors have channels in their Hispanic package that we offer in our basic cable package," said Aleisha Bozin, senior programming manager at RCN.
Comcast officials say they are trying to fill a void on Spanish-language television. In Boston, many Spanish-speaking Dominicans, Colombians, and Venezuelans prefer to watch the same nightly news and sports games that are broadcast in their native countries. At restaurants such as El Cafetal in Allston customers watch news shows from Colombia as they dine.
"Dominicans here like to get their news from Santo Domingo through the Internet or television," said Frank Valenzuela, a Lynn resident who logs on to his computer to follow news from his native Dominican Republic.
Comcast's initiative mirrors a growing trend among news and media outlets that continue to plumb the Hispanic market to attract new customers. Latinos make up the largest minority in the country, and advertisers and media executives view them as an undertapped audience. In Boston, the Latino population surged by 17 percent, according to the most recent Census data. New England is home to 900,000 Hispanics, including 437,000 in the Bay State, the 2000 Census shows.
"The Latino members of the community are very important to us from a growth perspective, but they also reflect our employee base," said Mary McLaughlin, area vice president of Comcast. "We want to have the programming reflect the multicultural nature of our consumer base."
The Spanish-language package also includes 125 additional Hispanic on Demand programs such as Bloomberg TV News in Spanish or the recent Latin Pride Awards in Boston.
For now, the package is available only in Boston and Brookline, where Comcast recently expanded to a nearly all-digital network. That allows for more high-definition choices and faster Internet speed, representatives said.
"Digital channels take less space up on a system, so as there is more bandwidth available, more channels can be available to customers," said Joy Sims, spokeswoman for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.
After Boston and Brookline, McLaughlin plans to broaden the increased Spanish network lineup to the rest of Massachusetts by the end of the year. Comcast has 1.6 million customers in the state through its phone, cable, and high-speed Internet outlets.
Catering to the diversity of the Hispanic community - which includes people from many countries and races - has been a challenge for networks such as Univision and Telemundo, which provide news and programming to Latinos but do it with a singular pan-Hispanic approach, using Spanish as the common thread.
Other networks and broadcast companies have stepped up to tailor to specific Latinos in the United States with niche programming. There's SiTV, a cable channel that highlights Latin entertainment and culture. V-me, pronounced "veh-meh" or Spanish for "see me," debuted in 2007 and partners with PBS to air educational and cultural programming for children and adults. MTV expanded its portfolio of youth programming with MTVTr3s, a music channel that caters to adults 18 to 34 who speak English, Spanish, or both.
In recent years, Comcast has reached out to Boston's Hispanic community to become a more visible player. The cable provider cosponsored the annual Latino Family Festival at Fenway Park. Last fall, Comcast launched an English on Demand service, which uses instructional videos to teach basic English as a second language to viewers. The program was designed with Operation Bootstrap, a nonprofit group in Lynn, which has a large Latino community.
"Comcast, by launching this new programming tier, gives us a sense of how important the Latino consumer is," said Alberto Vasallo III, publisher of El Mundo, Boston's oldest Spanish-language weekly newspaper. "You have a very diverse Latino community in Boston. You have some Puerto Ricans who are going to watch Channel 7 news, but you have others who have arrived who have a vested interest in El Salvador, Venezuela, or Colombia. It's bringing the world even smaller together, closer together."
Johnny Diaz can be reached at jodiaz@globe.com.
Comcast adds networks to appeal to a growing viewer demographic
By Johnny Diaz Globe Staff / February 26, 2009
Comcast Corp. customers in Boston and Brookline may be seeing more breaking TV news reports, dramas, and sports coverage en español from such places as Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Venezuela. The cable provider this month introduced an expanded Hispanic programming package that imports 50 popular Spanish networks from Central and South America.
Current Comcast subscribers receive 20 local access and broadcast Spanish-language channels from Univision, TeleFutura, Telemundo, Azteca America, and Cuencavision networks. Traditionally, viewers who wanted channels from Latin America needed to subscribe to satellite television or special-order a specific channel from their cable operator.
Comcast's new package adds $14.95 a month to a subscriber's bill of $10 for basic cable, or $60 for expanded cable. Boston and Chicago are the first markets where Comcast is offering the Spanish-language package, because the company has the broadband capacity in those cities to add channels. Comcast is the largest cable operator in the United States, with 24 million subscribers or 30 percent of the national market.
"The industry has always had a couple of channels for lots of different groups," said Steve Effros, an adviser to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association in Washington, D.C. "But the Hispanic population is so large and so important that it's getting the attention it deserves. I'm sure a lot of people are going to follow Comcast's lead. . . . Adding 50 channels is quite a bite. You can't do it everywhere at once."
Cable operator RCN Corp. offers a Spanish-language package in Boston that includes 30 international channels for $19.95 a month. RCN plans to increase the lineup to 50 channels this year. "Other competitors have channels in their Hispanic package that we offer in our basic cable package," said Aleisha Bozin, senior programming manager at RCN.
Comcast officials say they are trying to fill a void on Spanish-language television. In Boston, many Spanish-speaking Dominicans, Colombians, and Venezuelans prefer to watch the same nightly news and sports games that are broadcast in their native countries. At restaurants such as El Cafetal in Allston customers watch news shows from Colombia as they dine.
"Dominicans here like to get their news from Santo Domingo through the Internet or television," said Frank Valenzuela, a Lynn resident who logs on to his computer to follow news from his native Dominican Republic.
Comcast's initiative mirrors a growing trend among news and media outlets that continue to plumb the Hispanic market to attract new customers. Latinos make up the largest minority in the country, and advertisers and media executives view them as an undertapped audience. In Boston, the Latino population surged by 17 percent, according to the most recent Census data. New England is home to 900,000 Hispanics, including 437,000 in the Bay State, the 2000 Census shows.
"The Latino members of the community are very important to us from a growth perspective, but they also reflect our employee base," said Mary McLaughlin, area vice president of Comcast. "We want to have the programming reflect the multicultural nature of our consumer base."
The Spanish-language package also includes 125 additional Hispanic on Demand programs such as Bloomberg TV News in Spanish or the recent Latin Pride Awards in Boston.
For now, the package is available only in Boston and Brookline, where Comcast recently expanded to a nearly all-digital network. That allows for more high-definition choices and faster Internet speed, representatives said.
"Digital channels take less space up on a system, so as there is more bandwidth available, more channels can be available to customers," said Joy Sims, spokeswoman for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association.
After Boston and Brookline, McLaughlin plans to broaden the increased Spanish network lineup to the rest of Massachusetts by the end of the year. Comcast has 1.6 million customers in the state through its phone, cable, and high-speed Internet outlets.
Catering to the diversity of the Hispanic community - which includes people from many countries and races - has been a challenge for networks such as Univision and Telemundo, which provide news and programming to Latinos but do it with a singular pan-Hispanic approach, using Spanish as the common thread.
Other networks and broadcast companies have stepped up to tailor to specific Latinos in the United States with niche programming. There's SiTV, a cable channel that highlights Latin entertainment and culture. V-me, pronounced "veh-meh" or Spanish for "see me," debuted in 2007 and partners with PBS to air educational and cultural programming for children and adults. MTV expanded its portfolio of youth programming with MTVTr3s, a music channel that caters to adults 18 to 34 who speak English, Spanish, or both.
In recent years, Comcast has reached out to Boston's Hispanic community to become a more visible player. The cable provider cosponsored the annual Latino Family Festival at Fenway Park. Last fall, Comcast launched an English on Demand service, which uses instructional videos to teach basic English as a second language to viewers. The program was designed with Operation Bootstrap, a nonprofit group in Lynn, which has a large Latino community.
"Comcast, by launching this new programming tier, gives us a sense of how important the Latino consumer is," said Alberto Vasallo III, publisher of El Mundo, Boston's oldest Spanish-language weekly newspaper. "You have a very diverse Latino community in Boston. You have some Puerto Ricans who are going to watch Channel 7 news, but you have others who have arrived who have a vested interest in El Salvador, Venezuela, or Colombia. It's bringing the world even smaller together, closer together."
Johnny Diaz can be reached at jodiaz@globe.com.
Reaching Hispanics in English works too
Translating Not Enough to Reach Hispanic Audiences
By Cathy Castillo ibtimes.com 25 February 2009
Late last year a movie called Under the Same Moon, or in Spanish La Misma Luna, broke records, becoming the highest grossing Spanish-language theatrical release in U.S. movie history. The reason: The marketing wasn’t just a translation from English to Spanish. “We started [the Spanish-language marketing] from the ground up,” Rick Ramirez of Fox Entertainment Group told MBA students.
The English-language previews promoting the movie were aimed at art house patrons, featured orchestral music, and compared the story—about a young Mexican boy who sneaks into the United States where his mother is a domestic worker—to the Italian art-house hit film Cinema Paradiso. For the mainstream Latino audience, as well as rewriting the description the Grammy Award-winning Mexican band Los Tigres del Norte played upbeat norteño dance music while the preview highlighted a half dozen famous Spanish-language movie greats starring in the film.
“The Hispanic consumer audience is not determined by the language. It is determined by the culture,” said Ramirez, vice president for emerging markets at Fox and one of the speakers at a program called the Hispanic Media Summit sponsored Jan. 30 by the School’s Hispanic Business; Latin American; and Arts, Media, and Entertainment clubs.
Marketing executive Roberto Orci said he broke into advertising by introducing the Hummer to the U.S. military. Facing the need for Congressional appropriations to buy the vehicles “we went after those who didn’t like us,” (members of Congress) and won them over.
“No matter what you’re selling, it’s the same set of steps,” said Orci, president of Acento, one of the largest marketing agencies focused on the Hispanic market. “You identify who to target, ask what they care about, decide how to reach them, and ask if what you’re marketing is unique, and what makes it stand out from the competition.”
Today Hispanics are 17 percent of the U.S. population. By 2050 they will be one-third, Orci said. In some U.S. markets Hispanics will be the majority; in others the majority may be African American, Asian American, or Anglo American, aged 18-24.
“If you want to do business in this field you have to understand what this country is about. ... Proud as we are to be Latino, it would be a shame to have blinders on and not understand the whole market, because we all live in a total market and not in a segment,” he said.
Orci’s son, Roberto Jr., was co-writer for the films Transformer and Star Trek and is co-creator and executive producer of the Fox TV show Fringe. Like Ramirez, the younger Orci agreed it is a mistake to assume Hispanic audiences will show up simply because the theme is Latin or marketing materials have been translated into Spanish. The movie Zorro, about the romantic, swashbuckling masked hero, did not do well in the Hispanic market because its promoters did not do targeted marketing. “Whatever market you’re targeting, you must approach that market freshly and sell to it,” Orci Jr. said.
He said major media producers are beginning to realize that by not taking full advantage of marketing possibilities “they’re leaving money on the table, although it’s not totally gotten to them yet. Half of the opening weekend audience [for a film] may be Hispanic” even with no targeted marketing. By increasing marketing to that segment, they could increase the film’s market share.
Turning to the topic of personal success, Orci Jr. said the barrier to Latinos’ success in the movie industry is in not first learning the rules and then learning how to break them. “You can sell your cultural life story, but save it until you’re really good.”
Elizabeth Espinosa, Emmy Award-winning reporter for KTLA news in Los Angeles, described her work in both Spanish-language and English television news. She received an Emmy for reporting on abandoned and disabled children in El Salvador and witnessed profound poverty while reporting in Uganda. She leveraged both her education and her language skills to build a career in television news. Yet, she observed: “There is still a lot of racism out there.”
By Cathy Castillo ibtimes.com 25 February 2009
Late last year a movie called Under the Same Moon, or in Spanish La Misma Luna, broke records, becoming the highest grossing Spanish-language theatrical release in U.S. movie history. The reason: The marketing wasn’t just a translation from English to Spanish. “We started [the Spanish-language marketing] from the ground up,” Rick Ramirez of Fox Entertainment Group told MBA students.
The English-language previews promoting the movie were aimed at art house patrons, featured orchestral music, and compared the story—about a young Mexican boy who sneaks into the United States where his mother is a domestic worker—to the Italian art-house hit film Cinema Paradiso. For the mainstream Latino audience, as well as rewriting the description the Grammy Award-winning Mexican band Los Tigres del Norte played upbeat norteño dance music while the preview highlighted a half dozen famous Spanish-language movie greats starring in the film.
“The Hispanic consumer audience is not determined by the language. It is determined by the culture,” said Ramirez, vice president for emerging markets at Fox and one of the speakers at a program called the Hispanic Media Summit sponsored Jan. 30 by the School’s Hispanic Business; Latin American; and Arts, Media, and Entertainment clubs.
Marketing executive Roberto Orci said he broke into advertising by introducing the Hummer to the U.S. military. Facing the need for Congressional appropriations to buy the vehicles “we went after those who didn’t like us,” (members of Congress) and won them over.
“No matter what you’re selling, it’s the same set of steps,” said Orci, president of Acento, one of the largest marketing agencies focused on the Hispanic market. “You identify who to target, ask what they care about, decide how to reach them, and ask if what you’re marketing is unique, and what makes it stand out from the competition.”
Today Hispanics are 17 percent of the U.S. population. By 2050 they will be one-third, Orci said. In some U.S. markets Hispanics will be the majority; in others the majority may be African American, Asian American, or Anglo American, aged 18-24.
“If you want to do business in this field you have to understand what this country is about. ... Proud as we are to be Latino, it would be a shame to have blinders on and not understand the whole market, because we all live in a total market and not in a segment,” he said.
Orci’s son, Roberto Jr., was co-writer for the films Transformer and Star Trek and is co-creator and executive producer of the Fox TV show Fringe. Like Ramirez, the younger Orci agreed it is a mistake to assume Hispanic audiences will show up simply because the theme is Latin or marketing materials have been translated into Spanish. The movie Zorro, about the romantic, swashbuckling masked hero, did not do well in the Hispanic market because its promoters did not do targeted marketing. “Whatever market you’re targeting, you must approach that market freshly and sell to it,” Orci Jr. said.
He said major media producers are beginning to realize that by not taking full advantage of marketing possibilities “they’re leaving money on the table, although it’s not totally gotten to them yet. Half of the opening weekend audience [for a film] may be Hispanic” even with no targeted marketing. By increasing marketing to that segment, they could increase the film’s market share.
Turning to the topic of personal success, Orci Jr. said the barrier to Latinos’ success in the movie industry is in not first learning the rules and then learning how to break them. “You can sell your cultural life story, but save it until you’re really good.”
Elizabeth Espinosa, Emmy Award-winning reporter for KTLA news in Los Angeles, described her work in both Spanish-language and English television news. She received an Emmy for reporting on abandoned and disabled children in El Salvador and witnessed profound poverty while reporting in Uganda. She leveraged both her education and her language skills to build a career in television news. Yet, she observed: “There is still a lot of racism out there.”
From Hispanic TV to NBC
Univision CMO Moves to NBC Universal Women's Group
Maryam Banikarim to Head Integrated Sales Marketing
By Brian Steinberg February 25, 2009
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- NBC Universal has hired former Univision Chief Marketing Officer Maryam Banikarim as senior VP-integrated sales marketing, effective immediately.
She will report to Mike Pilot, president-sales and marketing, NBC Universal, as well as Lauren Zalaznick, president, NBC Universal Women & Lifestyle Entertainment Networks. She will be responsible for finding advertising opportunities "outside of the transactional environment," NBC said in a statement.
She will also oversee sales marketing for NBC Universal's women and lifestyle cross-platform sales initiatives.
Ms. Banikarim is "creative, isn't afraid to experiment, and most importantly, understands how a media company can effectively function as a first-class marketing partner for its clients," Mr. Pilot said in a statement.
Ms. Banikarim was Univision Communications' first -- and only -- chief marketing officer, promoted to the role in 2005 from senior VP-strategic marketing for Univision's TV operations. (When Ms. Banikarim left Univision on Jan. 12, the company said her position would not be filled.) As Univision's CMO, she was responsible for coordinating the marketing of the company and its four divisions, TV, radio, music and online.
But she did much more. Ms. Banikarim started as CMO when Univision was still owned and run by secretive billionaire Jerrold Perenchio, making it a challenge to promote a company that didn't even allow its executives to speak to journalists, and reportedly even fined them for breaking that rule. She thrived after the company's sale to a group of private equity investors in 2007 and the very different management style of Univision's CEO, Joe Uva, who joined from Omnicom Group's OMD, where he was CEO.
Univision touted its position as the No. 1 Spanish-language network, far ahead of NBC Universal-owned Telemundo in ratings and ad dollars, but considers its real competition to be the English-language networks.
Prior to joining Univision, Ms. Banikarim worked as a management consultant specializing in marketing for a variety of clients including Time Warner, Deutsche Bank and Bacardi. Her previous experience includes roles as the marketing director for CitySearch and as a market planner for Turner Broadcasting. She began her career in 1993 as an account executive at Young & Rubicam.
Ms. Banikarim was named one of Ad Age's 40 Under 40 in 2006, and received a similar honor in 2008 as one of Crain's 40 Under 40 from Ad Age sibling Crain's New York Business.
Maryam Banikarim to Head Integrated Sales Marketing
By Brian Steinberg February 25, 2009
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- NBC Universal has hired former Univision Chief Marketing Officer Maryam Banikarim as senior VP-integrated sales marketing, effective immediately.
She will report to Mike Pilot, president-sales and marketing, NBC Universal, as well as Lauren Zalaznick, president, NBC Universal Women & Lifestyle Entertainment Networks. She will be responsible for finding advertising opportunities "outside of the transactional environment," NBC said in a statement.
She will also oversee sales marketing for NBC Universal's women and lifestyle cross-platform sales initiatives.
Ms. Banikarim is "creative, isn't afraid to experiment, and most importantly, understands how a media company can effectively function as a first-class marketing partner for its clients," Mr. Pilot said in a statement.
Ms. Banikarim was Univision Communications' first -- and only -- chief marketing officer, promoted to the role in 2005 from senior VP-strategic marketing for Univision's TV operations. (When Ms. Banikarim left Univision on Jan. 12, the company said her position would not be filled.) As Univision's CMO, she was responsible for coordinating the marketing of the company and its four divisions, TV, radio, music and online.
But she did much more. Ms. Banikarim started as CMO when Univision was still owned and run by secretive billionaire Jerrold Perenchio, making it a challenge to promote a company that didn't even allow its executives to speak to journalists, and reportedly even fined them for breaking that rule. She thrived after the company's sale to a group of private equity investors in 2007 and the very different management style of Univision's CEO, Joe Uva, who joined from Omnicom Group's OMD, where he was CEO.
Univision touted its position as the No. 1 Spanish-language network, far ahead of NBC Universal-owned Telemundo in ratings and ad dollars, but considers its real competition to be the English-language networks.
Prior to joining Univision, Ms. Banikarim worked as a management consultant specializing in marketing for a variety of clients including Time Warner, Deutsche Bank and Bacardi. Her previous experience includes roles as the marketing director for CitySearch and as a market planner for Turner Broadcasting. She began her career in 1993 as an account executive at Young & Rubicam.
Ms. Banikarim was named one of Ad Age's 40 Under 40 in 2006, and received a similar honor in 2008 as one of Crain's 40 Under 40 from Ad Age sibling Crain's New York Business.
Latinos in Kansas plan celebration
Group plans ‘Celebration of Latinos in Kansas’
The Capital-Journal February 24, 2009
The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission will host Our Day: A Celebration of Latinos in Kansas, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the former fire department headquarters at 719 S.E. Van Buren.
The event in the Robert K. Weary Education Center will include a briefing on Latino issues in Kansas. Education, health care, business, legislation and social issues will be among the topics.
Seating is limited due to a luncheon and the size of the venue. A space can be reserved by contacting Irene Caballero at (785) 296-3465 or Irene.Caballero@ks.gov.
The Capital-Journal February 24, 2009
The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission will host Our Day: A Celebration of Latinos in Kansas, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the former fire department headquarters at 719 S.E. Van Buren.
The event in the Robert K. Weary Education Center will include a briefing on Latino issues in Kansas. Education, health care, business, legislation and social issues will be among the topics.
Seating is limited due to a luncheon and the size of the venue. A space can be reserved by contacting Irene Caballero at (785) 296-3465 or Irene.Caballero@ks.gov.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
MMA reaches out to Hispanics through title fight
Leonard Garcia on His WEC Title Fight And Attracting Hispanic Fans to MMA
by Michael David Smith Feb 23rd 2009 MMA Fanhouse.com
Leonard Garcia will fight for the World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight title on Sunday night, and in an interview on Monday night he said the opportunity to fight champion Mike Brown "excites the s**t out of me."
The 29-year-old Garcia also talked about his desire to fight nothing but the best opponents -- including former featherweight champ Urijah Faber and current bantamweight champ Miguel Torres -- and explained why he thinks MMA is about to blow up among Mexican fans. The full interview can be read by clicking HERE.
by Michael David Smith Feb 23rd 2009 MMA Fanhouse.com
Leonard Garcia will fight for the World Extreme Cagefighting featherweight title on Sunday night, and in an interview on Monday night he said the opportunity to fight champion Mike Brown "excites the s**t out of me."
The 29-year-old Garcia also talked about his desire to fight nothing but the best opponents -- including former featherweight champ Urijah Faber and current bantamweight champ Miguel Torres -- and explained why he thinks MMA is about to blow up among Mexican fans. The full interview can be read by clicking HERE.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
HBO Latino celebration
HBO Latino Celebrates Hispanic Diversity With On-Air 'Habla' Campaign
HISPANIC BUSINESS MAGAZINE
NEW YORK, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- HBO Latino has created a unique and entertaining on-air "Habla" campaign that showcases fresh voices from the Hispanic community and provides a very candid look at how U.S. Latinos see themselves today -- not how they are depicted in the media.
Interspersed throughout the day on HBO Latino, the vignettes consists of 34 very humorous and sometimes moving clips that speak directly to the cultural diversity of Hispanics in the U.S. The performances, ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length, target the Latino experience and deal with issues like what it's like to speak with an accent, cross-cultural dating, the growing popularity of "Spanglish," stereotypes, hair relaxants, catcalls, body images -- and even the strange fascination Latinos have with pork.
The performers in the campaign range from unknowns to comedians, poets and actors chosen during a recent open casting call. Some of the talent showcased includes comedians Eric Nieves and Jenny Saldana, Marilyn Torres (from the group Nuyorical Rule), Alba Sanchez (writer of "The Bronx Project"), La Bruja ("Def Poetry" and "BoogieRican Boulevard") and Armando Riesco (US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen).
CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
HISPANIC BUSINESS MAGAZINE
NEW YORK, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- HBO Latino has created a unique and entertaining on-air "Habla" campaign that showcases fresh voices from the Hispanic community and provides a very candid look at how U.S. Latinos see themselves today -- not how they are depicted in the media.
Interspersed throughout the day on HBO Latino, the vignettes consists of 34 very humorous and sometimes moving clips that speak directly to the cultural diversity of Hispanics in the U.S. The performances, ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length, target the Latino experience and deal with issues like what it's like to speak with an accent, cross-cultural dating, the growing popularity of "Spanglish," stereotypes, hair relaxants, catcalls, body images -- and even the strange fascination Latinos have with pork.
The performers in the campaign range from unknowns to comedians, poets and actors chosen during a recent open casting call. Some of the talent showcased includes comedians Eric Nieves and Jenny Saldana, Marilyn Torres (from the group Nuyorical Rule), Alba Sanchez (writer of "The Bronx Project"), La Bruja ("Def Poetry" and "BoogieRican Boulevard") and Armando Riesco (US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen).
CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
Review of Latino civil rights on TV
TV explores new black overclass, Latino civil rights
BALTIMORE SUN
This week's picks for TV programs that make us smarter feature an eye-opening PBS documentary on a 1954 Supreme Court case that redefined Mexican-America civil rights and a timely CNBC look at what correspondent Lee Hawkins sees as a new African-American overclass.
Most educated Americans know about Brown vs. Board of Education and where it stands in the history of African-American civil rights. But what do you know about Hernandez vs.Texas, a landmark case that radically altered Mexican-American identity and legal standing in the United States?
A Class Apart, part of the celebrated American Experience franchise, offers a look at the case that many Latinos think of as their Brown. At issue was the question of whether or not a Mexican-American could receive a fair trial in Texas courts where the juries were all-Anglo. The irony: Since Mexican-Americans were technically considered "white" under the law, there did not seem to be any chance to overturn the system that denied them the right to be judged by a jury of their peers.
The producers wisely tell the story through the personal lives of the legal team, and they are engaging stories to be sure. Gus Garza, the San Antonio attorney who played the same kind of role Thurgood Marshall did in Brown, was brilliant, handsome and a drunk. But he rallied when he came before the court -- once his colleagues sobered him up.
Pay special attention to the photography. It was done by Allen Moore, a Baltimore resident and longtime cinematographer for Ken Burns, who teaches at Maryland Institute Collge of Art. Great work once again from Moore.
Maryland residents who want to see the documentary tonight at 9, however, will once again have to watch on Washington's WETA (Channel 26). Guess who isn't carrying it? You got it, MPT (Channel 22) has taken a pass on another outstanding work of non-fiction TV.
Thursday at 9 p.m. comes Newbos: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass. It airs on CNBC. You know CNBC -- that's the financial news channel that recklessly lets correspondents like Rick Santelli deliver hotdog on-air rants rather than provide viewers with solid information in this time of economic crisis.
Correspondent Lee Hawkins, who is also a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of a soon-to-be-released book on the subject of this new class of wealthy Africvan-Americans, seems to be a serious-minded journalist, though, he does go incredibly soft in some of his interviews, like the one with Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Hawkins never really does lay out a thesis about the new class of African-American wealth. Instead the report mainly consists of interviews with the likes NBA star LeBron James, gospel artist Kirk Franklin and the Williams Brothers of Cash Money Records who he identifies as members of that class.
BALTIMORE SUN
This week's picks for TV programs that make us smarter feature an eye-opening PBS documentary on a 1954 Supreme Court case that redefined Mexican-America civil rights and a timely CNBC look at what correspondent Lee Hawkins sees as a new African-American overclass.
Most educated Americans know about Brown vs. Board of Education and where it stands in the history of African-American civil rights. But what do you know about Hernandez vs.Texas, a landmark case that radically altered Mexican-American identity and legal standing in the United States?
A Class Apart, part of the celebrated American Experience franchise, offers a look at the case that many Latinos think of as their Brown. At issue was the question of whether or not a Mexican-American could receive a fair trial in Texas courts where the juries were all-Anglo. The irony: Since Mexican-Americans were technically considered "white" under the law, there did not seem to be any chance to overturn the system that denied them the right to be judged by a jury of their peers.
The producers wisely tell the story through the personal lives of the legal team, and they are engaging stories to be sure. Gus Garza, the San Antonio attorney who played the same kind of role Thurgood Marshall did in Brown, was brilliant, handsome and a drunk. But he rallied when he came before the court -- once his colleagues sobered him up.
Pay special attention to the photography. It was done by Allen Moore, a Baltimore resident and longtime cinematographer for Ken Burns, who teaches at Maryland Institute Collge of Art. Great work once again from Moore.
Maryland residents who want to see the documentary tonight at 9, however, will once again have to watch on Washington's WETA (Channel 26). Guess who isn't carrying it? You got it, MPT (Channel 22) has taken a pass on another outstanding work of non-fiction TV.
Thursday at 9 p.m. comes Newbos: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass. It airs on CNBC. You know CNBC -- that's the financial news channel that recklessly lets correspondents like Rick Santelli deliver hotdog on-air rants rather than provide viewers with solid information in this time of economic crisis.
Correspondent Lee Hawkins, who is also a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of a soon-to-be-released book on the subject of this new class of wealthy Africvan-Americans, seems to be a serious-minded journalist, though, he does go incredibly soft in some of his interviews, like the one with Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Hawkins never really does lay out a thesis about the new class of African-American wealth. Instead the report mainly consists of interviews with the likes NBA star LeBron James, gospel artist Kirk Franklin and the Williams Brothers of Cash Money Records who he identifies as members of that class.
Purdue celebrates Latino culture
Latino Cultural Center to celebrate Semana de la Raza in March
PRESS RELEASE
(Media-Newswire.com) - WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue's Latino Cultural Center will focus on issues of social justice and change from March 2-6 at the annual celebration of "Semana de la Raza," or Week of the People.
The week will include a discussion on protecting women against the sex slave trade and a talk by author and Purdue alumnus Fred Arroyo. Arroyo, an assistant professor of English at Drake University, was recently selected by LatinoStories.com as one of the 2009 top 10 new Latino authors to watch. All events are free and open to the public.
"This week of events serves to highlight issues of social justice, bring to the forefront issues plaguing the Latino community and begin the uncomfortable process of change," said Maricela Alvarado, director of the Latino Cultural Center. "Change in any manner does not come as easy or as fast as we would like, but for all of us to move forward it must come."
The celebration begins at 6 p.m. March 2 with the program "Feminicidio," a panel discussion about the missing women of Juárez, Mexico. The discussion will be followed with a candlelight vigil. This event is co-sponsored by Purdue's Women's Resource Office.
Other events include:
* March 3. 7 p.m. Lilly Hall, Room 3118. The film "Trade," about a teenager captured by sex slave traders from Mexico, will be shown. The viewing will be followed by a discussion on the international sex slave trade industry led by Kimber Nicoletti, director of Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault at Purdue.
* March 4. 6 p.m. Latino Cultural Center. "Redefining Your Roots." Participants will explore their personal heritage through tortilla painting.
* March 5. 7 p.m. Krannert Building, Drawing Room. "Visiting Author Fred Arroyo." Arroyo will discuss and read from his book "The Region of Lost Names," published in 2008 by the University of Arizona Press. He holds his master's degree in creative writing from Purdue. The event is co-sponsored by the Latino and Latin American studies department, Purdue's creative writing program and the English department.
* March 6. 7 p.m. Morton Community Center, 222 N. Chauncey Ave. "Dancing for Change." Various groups will take part in different dance performances. Donations will be taken for the YWCA of Greater Lafayette.
The Latino Cultural Center was established in 2003 as Purdue's first center for Hispanic and Latino culture. The center is a gathering place where people of similar cultures and backgrounds can come together to share events in the university community. The center is open to all interested in learning more about the Latino cultures.
Writer: Clyde Hughes, ( 765 ) 494-2073, jchughes@purdue.edu
PRESS RELEASE
(Media-Newswire.com) - WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue's Latino Cultural Center will focus on issues of social justice and change from March 2-6 at the annual celebration of "Semana de la Raza," or Week of the People.
The week will include a discussion on protecting women against the sex slave trade and a talk by author and Purdue alumnus Fred Arroyo. Arroyo, an assistant professor of English at Drake University, was recently selected by LatinoStories.com as one of the 2009 top 10 new Latino authors to watch. All events are free and open to the public.
"This week of events serves to highlight issues of social justice, bring to the forefront issues plaguing the Latino community and begin the uncomfortable process of change," said Maricela Alvarado, director of the Latino Cultural Center. "Change in any manner does not come as easy or as fast as we would like, but for all of us to move forward it must come."
The celebration begins at 6 p.m. March 2 with the program "Feminicidio," a panel discussion about the missing women of Juárez, Mexico. The discussion will be followed with a candlelight vigil. This event is co-sponsored by Purdue's Women's Resource Office.
Other events include:
* March 3. 7 p.m. Lilly Hall, Room 3118. The film "Trade," about a teenager captured by sex slave traders from Mexico, will be shown. The viewing will be followed by a discussion on the international sex slave trade industry led by Kimber Nicoletti, director of Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault at Purdue.
* March 4. 6 p.m. Latino Cultural Center. "Redefining Your Roots." Participants will explore their personal heritage through tortilla painting.
* March 5. 7 p.m. Krannert Building, Drawing Room. "Visiting Author Fred Arroyo." Arroyo will discuss and read from his book "The Region of Lost Names," published in 2008 by the University of Arizona Press. He holds his master's degree in creative writing from Purdue. The event is co-sponsored by the Latino and Latin American studies department, Purdue's creative writing program and the English department.
* March 6. 7 p.m. Morton Community Center, 222 N. Chauncey Ave. "Dancing for Change." Various groups will take part in different dance performances. Donations will be taken for the YWCA of Greater Lafayette.
The Latino Cultural Center was established in 2003 as Purdue's first center for Hispanic and Latino culture. The center is a gathering place where people of similar cultures and backgrounds can come together to share events in the university community. The center is open to all interested in learning more about the Latino cultures.
Writer: Clyde Hughes, ( 765 ) 494-2073, jchughes@purdue.edu
Monday, February 23, 2009
Latino music spices up fair
Latino music spices up fair
aldrich m. tan • The Desert Sun • February 22, 2009
It started out as several local acts on the Arabian Nights stage.
Now, Super Fiesta is bringing bigger names from the Latino music scene to the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival.
Super Fiesta is one of two days devoted to the Latino community, said Veronica Helgeland, assistant fair marketing manager. On Feb. 15, El Coyote y Su Banda Tierra Santa performed at the Fantasy Springs stage.
“We are aware that the majority of the population in this area is Hispanic and have deep Hispanic roots,” Helgeland said.
“We want to make sure that they know that they are a part of their community and that this is their fair.”
Oscar Castro, music promoter for the Indio-based Castro Productions, has held the event for 12 years. Super Fiesta caters to a very growing scene in the Coachella Valley, he said.
“I think everybody knows that there is a very large Latino community and I know many people are waiting for this day,” Castro said.
Super Fiesta's headliners this year are mariachi singer Rosenda Bernal and traditional Mexican music group Banda Pachuco, Castro said.
Castro said Bernal is the Dolly Parton of Mexico. The mariachi singer and actress published at least 20 albums. She is also famous for the 1984 movie called “La Silla Vacia” (The Lonely Chair).
Bernal will perform on stage with the mariachi band Mariachi Latino de Los Angeles California. Castro said she is coming by popular demand.
“People have been asking a lot for her throughout some of the other previous Super Fiestas and now I will be bringing her,” she said.
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The Los Angeles-based Banda Pachuco was formed in the 90s and their 1995 album “Sabor a Chocolate” went platinum, Castro said. The band is famous for their song “El Sinaloense.”
The band has performed in the Coachella Valley before at Spotlight 29 Casino with Lupillo Rivera, another very famous Mexican regional singer, Castro said.
People will be able to dance in front of the stage for Banda Pachuco's entire set, Castro said.
The show will also include a performance by “El Raton,” an imitator of Juan Gabriel, and a local Spanish rock group performing called Grupo Zinema Rock en Español.
Super Fiesta is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion. It is free with admission to the fair grounds. “People have been asking a lot for her throughout some of the other previous Super Fiestas and now I will be bringing her,” she said.
The Los Angeles-based Banda Pachuco was formed in the 90s and their 1995 album “Sabor a Chocolate” went platinum, Castro said. The band is famous for their song “El Sinaloense.”
The band has performed in the Coachella Valley before at Spotlight 29 Casino with Lupillo Rivera, another very famous Mexican regional singer, Castro said.
People will be able to dance in front of the stage for Banda Pachuco's entire set, Castro said.
The show will also include a performance by “El Raton,” an imitator of Juan Gabriel, and a local Spanish rock group performing called Grupo Zinema Rock en Español.
Super Fiesta is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion. It is free with admission to the fair grounds.
aldrich m. tan • The Desert Sun • February 22, 2009
It started out as several local acts on the Arabian Nights stage.
Now, Super Fiesta is bringing bigger names from the Latino music scene to the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival.
Super Fiesta is one of two days devoted to the Latino community, said Veronica Helgeland, assistant fair marketing manager. On Feb. 15, El Coyote y Su Banda Tierra Santa performed at the Fantasy Springs stage.
“We are aware that the majority of the population in this area is Hispanic and have deep Hispanic roots,” Helgeland said.
“We want to make sure that they know that they are a part of their community and that this is their fair.”
Oscar Castro, music promoter for the Indio-based Castro Productions, has held the event for 12 years. Super Fiesta caters to a very growing scene in the Coachella Valley, he said.
“I think everybody knows that there is a very large Latino community and I know many people are waiting for this day,” Castro said.
Super Fiesta's headliners this year are mariachi singer Rosenda Bernal and traditional Mexican music group Banda Pachuco, Castro said.
Castro said Bernal is the Dolly Parton of Mexico. The mariachi singer and actress published at least 20 albums. She is also famous for the 1984 movie called “La Silla Vacia” (The Lonely Chair).
Bernal will perform on stage with the mariachi band Mariachi Latino de Los Angeles California. Castro said she is coming by popular demand.
“People have been asking a lot for her throughout some of the other previous Super Fiestas and now I will be bringing her,” she said.
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The Los Angeles-based Banda Pachuco was formed in the 90s and their 1995 album “Sabor a Chocolate” went platinum, Castro said. The band is famous for their song “El Sinaloense.”
The band has performed in the Coachella Valley before at Spotlight 29 Casino with Lupillo Rivera, another very famous Mexican regional singer, Castro said.
People will be able to dance in front of the stage for Banda Pachuco's entire set, Castro said.
The show will also include a performance by “El Raton,” an imitator of Juan Gabriel, and a local Spanish rock group performing called Grupo Zinema Rock en Español.
Super Fiesta is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion. It is free with admission to the fair grounds. “People have been asking a lot for her throughout some of the other previous Super Fiestas and now I will be bringing her,” she said.
The Los Angeles-based Banda Pachuco was formed in the 90s and their 1995 album “Sabor a Chocolate” went platinum, Castro said. The band is famous for their song “El Sinaloense.”
The band has performed in the Coachella Valley before at Spotlight 29 Casino with Lupillo Rivera, another very famous Mexican regional singer, Castro said.
People will be able to dance in front of the stage for Banda Pachuco's entire set, Castro said.
The show will also include a performance by “El Raton,” an imitator of Juan Gabriel, and a local Spanish rock group performing called Grupo Zinema Rock en Español.
Super Fiesta is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion. It is free with admission to the fair grounds.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Latino art student exhibit now open
San Diego Public Libraries Exhibits Work of Latino Art Students
La Prensa San Diego
A partnership between Platt College San Diego, School of Art and Design and the San Diego Public Library has created an opportunity for Latino art students to display their work while beautifying local libraries. At the downtown, Spring Valley and Rolando branch libraries, dozens of vibrant pieces of graphic art and photography were recently displayed and will remain available for public viewing through March.
Among the art students selected to participate in the library are Latinos: Jorge Cervantes, Alejandra Santos, Melina Mendoza and Eduardo Duarte. The art students say they are honored to have their work selected for the exhibit because it allows them to share their artistic vision with the community. “In order for any local art exhibit to truly reflect the spirit and vitality of the San Diego culture, it must prominently display the work of Latino artists,” says chairman, Bob Leiker. “This region was built largely on the vision and work of Latinos, and that is especially true of the art and culture of California.”
Platt College opened its doors in San Diego more than twenty years ago, providing the first computer graphic department in San Diego. Today, the purposefully small art school offers 300 students bachelor of science, associate of applied science and diploma programs in such fields as graphic design, 3D-animation, digital video production and web design and development.
La Prensa San Diego
A partnership between Platt College San Diego, School of Art and Design and the San Diego Public Library has created an opportunity for Latino art students to display their work while beautifying local libraries. At the downtown, Spring Valley and Rolando branch libraries, dozens of vibrant pieces of graphic art and photography were recently displayed and will remain available for public viewing through March.
Among the art students selected to participate in the library are Latinos: Jorge Cervantes, Alejandra Santos, Melina Mendoza and Eduardo Duarte. The art students say they are honored to have their work selected for the exhibit because it allows them to share their artistic vision with the community. “In order for any local art exhibit to truly reflect the spirit and vitality of the San Diego culture, it must prominently display the work of Latino artists,” says chairman, Bob Leiker. “This region was built largely on the vision and work of Latinos, and that is especially true of the art and culture of California.”
Platt College opened its doors in San Diego more than twenty years ago, providing the first computer graphic department in San Diego. Today, the purposefully small art school offers 300 students bachelor of science, associate of applied science and diploma programs in such fields as graphic design, 3D-animation, digital video production and web design and development.
Latino film makers encouraged to submit entries
HBO® & THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL LATINO FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE THE 6TH ANNUAL “CALL FOR ENTRIES” FOR THE HBO/NYILFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Pitch Engine.com
New York, N.Y., February 18, 2009 – HBO and The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) today announced the 6th annual open call for entry for the HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition. Jointly created in 2004, the competition seeks to foster films by Latino filmmakers and/or about the Latino experience.
One winner will be chosen from among applicants to receive $15,000 in funding from HBO to produce and direct a short film based on an original script entry. The completed short will be presented on screen this summer at the 2009 New York International Film Festival, July 28 - August 2, and considered for broadcast on one of HBO’s programming services.
“This year, as the NYILFF celebrates its tenth anniversary, the Latino community at large can take pride in all the festival’s accomplishments” said Lucinda Martinez Desir, vice president, Market Development at HBO. “We heartily congratulate the NYILFF on this milestone, and as creators and producers, are proud that our enduring partnership continues to promote and advance new Latino talent.”
Pitch Engine.com
New York, N.Y., February 18, 2009 – HBO and The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) today announced the 6th annual open call for entry for the HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition. Jointly created in 2004, the competition seeks to foster films by Latino filmmakers and/or about the Latino experience.
One winner will be chosen from among applicants to receive $15,000 in funding from HBO to produce and direct a short film based on an original script entry. The completed short will be presented on screen this summer at the 2009 New York International Film Festival, July 28 - August 2, and considered for broadcast on one of HBO’s programming services.
“This year, as the NYILFF celebrates its tenth anniversary, the Latino community at large can take pride in all the festival’s accomplishments” said Lucinda Martinez Desir, vice president, Market Development at HBO. “We heartily congratulate the NYILFF on this milestone, and as creators and producers, are proud that our enduring partnership continues to promote and advance new Latino talent.”
Latino stars headline the 2009 San Diego Latino film festival
Las estrellas are lining up for the 2009 San Diego Latino Film Festival
by Robert Aguilar Jr., San Diego Film Industry Examiner February 19,
Barbara Mori in Amor, Dolor, y Viceversa
around the world, the San Diego Latino Film Festival proudly announces its 16 anniversary edition. San Diego Latino Film Festival is much more than just films. Some of the Special Presentations include: 3rd Annual Cine'Mation, 4th Annual Cine Gay, 3rd Annual Borders on Film, this year's Hecho en Espana: A Celebration of Spanish Cinema, Annual Free Student Outreach Screening, tributes, Top 10 to Watch, parties, and much more!
The Festival will be held from March 12-22, 2009 at UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center (7510 Hazard Center Dr. San Diego, CA 92108). Close to 20,000 festival goers will have the opportunity to attend over 150 screenings, meet approximately 100 actors and filmmakers and attend workshops, live music events, parties and other exciting events.
Some of the movie stars that are spotlighted in this year’s films include: Angelica Aragon, Plutarco Haza, Barbara Mori, Pedro Armendanz Jr., Jaime Camil, Ana De La Reguera, Daniel Gimenez Cacho, John Leguizamo, Dagoberto Gama, Julio Bracho, Dolores Heredia, Gabriela Vergara, Javier Camara, Lazaro Ramos, Martha Higadera, Federico Luppi, Carmen Maura, Andy Garcia, Ana Serradilla, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, and many more.
This year, San Diego Latino Film Festival 2009 once again proudly presents different categories of films including Animation, Feature Documentaries, Shorts, and Feature Narratives. Some of this year’s feature films include:
Aproposito de Alexa (Mexico, dir. Rene Bueno)
All Inclusive (Chile/Mexico, dir Rodrigo Ortuzar Lynch)
Bajo la Sal (Mexico, dir. Mario Munoz)
Cachao: Uno Mas (USA, dir. Dikayl Rimmasch)
Conozca la Cabeza de Juan Perez (Mexico, dir. Emilio Portes)
El Cuerno de la Abundancia (Cuba/ Spain, dir. Juan Carlos Tabia)
Desierto Adentro (Mexico, dir. Rodrigo Pla)
Empty Nest (Argentina, dir Daniel Burman)
Euforia (Mexico, dir. Alfonso Corona)
Fados (Protugal, dir. Carlos Saura)
From Mexico with Love (USA, dir. Jimmy Nickerson)
Fuera de Carta (Spain, dir. Nacho G. Velilla)
Oscar nominated The Garden (USA, dir. Scott Hamilton Kennedy)
GB 2525 (USA, dir. Jojo Henrickson and Kieron Estrada)
Lake Tahoe (Mexico, dir. Fernando Eimbcke)
Lluvia (Argentina, dir. Paula Hernandez)
Lokas (Mexico/Chile, dir. Gonzalo Justiniano)
Mancora (Peru, dir. Ricardo de Montreuil)
Nesio (Mexico, dir. Alan Coton)
O Pai O (Brazil, dir. Monique Gardenberg)
Paraiso Travel (Colombia, dir. Simon Bran)
Que Parezca un Accidente (Spain, dir. Gerardo Herrero)
Rabioso Sol, Rabioso Cielo (Mexico, dir. Julian Hernandez)
El Raton Perez 2 (Spain, dir. Andres G. Schaer)
The Missing Lynx (Spain, dir. Raul Garica and dir. Manuel Sicilia)
La Ronda (Argentina, dir. Ines Braun)
Rudo y Cursi (Mexico, dir. Carlos Cuaron)
Santos (Chile, dir. Nicolas Lopez)
Silent Light (Mexico, dir. Carlos Reygadas)
SleepDealer (U.S.A., dir. Alex Rivera)
Te Amo Ana Elisa (Colombia, dir. Antonio Dorado and Robinson Diaz)
El Ultimo Truco (Mexico, dir. Sigfrid Monleon)
La Ventana (Argentina/Spain, dir. Carlos Sorin)
Sultanes Del Sur (Mexico, dir. Alejandro Lozano)
Amor, Dolor, y Viceversa (Spain/Mexico, dir. Alfonso Pineda Ulloa)
Voy a Explotar (Mexico, dir. Gerardo Naranjo)
Walt & El Grupo (USA, Brazil, Chile and Argentina, dir Theodore Thomas)
Countries being represented in this 16th annual event include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Peru, Spain, USA and Venezuela.
Tickets are $9.50, for general audience, and $7.50 for Students, Seniors, Military & MEDIA ARTS CENTER SAN DIEGO Members (ID Required). 2009 Film or Festival Passes are also available. Film Pass is $90, which includes entrance to 11 films, no waiting in lines and VIP seating and the Festival Pass, which is $180 and includes OVER 100 programs, no waiting in lines, VIP seating, 4 workshops, 1 year FREE MEDIA ARTS CENTER SAN DIEGO Amigo membership, and entrance into all three Festival Galas. Click here to purchase a PASS today!
For more info: For additional information about the film festival, group rates, festival schedule, festival passes or the MEDIA ARTS CENTER SAN DIEGO please call (619) 230-1938 or visit the SDLFF website at www.sdlatinofilm.com.
by Robert Aguilar Jr., San Diego Film Industry Examiner February 19,
Barbara Mori in Amor, Dolor, y Viceversa
around the world, the San Diego Latino Film Festival proudly announces its 16 anniversary edition. San Diego Latino Film Festival is much more than just films. Some of the Special Presentations include: 3rd Annual Cine'Mation, 4th Annual Cine Gay, 3rd Annual Borders on Film, this year's Hecho en Espana: A Celebration of Spanish Cinema, Annual Free Student Outreach Screening, tributes, Top 10 to Watch, parties, and much more!
The Festival will be held from March 12-22, 2009 at UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center (7510 Hazard Center Dr. San Diego, CA 92108). Close to 20,000 festival goers will have the opportunity to attend over 150 screenings, meet approximately 100 actors and filmmakers and attend workshops, live music events, parties and other exciting events.
Some of the movie stars that are spotlighted in this year’s films include: Angelica Aragon, Plutarco Haza, Barbara Mori, Pedro Armendanz Jr., Jaime Camil, Ana De La Reguera, Daniel Gimenez Cacho, John Leguizamo, Dagoberto Gama, Julio Bracho, Dolores Heredia, Gabriela Vergara, Javier Camara, Lazaro Ramos, Martha Higadera, Federico Luppi, Carmen Maura, Andy Garcia, Ana Serradilla, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, and many more.
This year, San Diego Latino Film Festival 2009 once again proudly presents different categories of films including Animation, Feature Documentaries, Shorts, and Feature Narratives. Some of this year’s feature films include:
Aproposito de Alexa (Mexico, dir. Rene Bueno)
All Inclusive (Chile/Mexico, dir Rodrigo Ortuzar Lynch)
Bajo la Sal (Mexico, dir. Mario Munoz)
Cachao: Uno Mas (USA, dir. Dikayl Rimmasch)
Conozca la Cabeza de Juan Perez (Mexico, dir. Emilio Portes)
El Cuerno de la Abundancia (Cuba/ Spain, dir. Juan Carlos Tabia)
Desierto Adentro (Mexico, dir. Rodrigo Pla)
Empty Nest (Argentina, dir Daniel Burman)
Euforia (Mexico, dir. Alfonso Corona)
Fados (Protugal, dir. Carlos Saura)
From Mexico with Love (USA, dir. Jimmy Nickerson)
Fuera de Carta (Spain, dir. Nacho G. Velilla)
Oscar nominated The Garden (USA, dir. Scott Hamilton Kennedy)
GB 2525 (USA, dir. Jojo Henrickson and Kieron Estrada)
Lake Tahoe (Mexico, dir. Fernando Eimbcke)
Lluvia (Argentina, dir. Paula Hernandez)
Lokas (Mexico/Chile, dir. Gonzalo Justiniano)
Mancora (Peru, dir. Ricardo de Montreuil)
Nesio (Mexico, dir. Alan Coton)
O Pai O (Brazil, dir. Monique Gardenberg)
Paraiso Travel (Colombia, dir. Simon Bran)
Que Parezca un Accidente (Spain, dir. Gerardo Herrero)
Rabioso Sol, Rabioso Cielo (Mexico, dir. Julian Hernandez)
El Raton Perez 2 (Spain, dir. Andres G. Schaer)
The Missing Lynx (Spain, dir. Raul Garica and dir. Manuel Sicilia)
La Ronda (Argentina, dir. Ines Braun)
Rudo y Cursi (Mexico, dir. Carlos Cuaron)
Santos (Chile, dir. Nicolas Lopez)
Silent Light (Mexico, dir. Carlos Reygadas)
SleepDealer (U.S.A., dir. Alex Rivera)
Te Amo Ana Elisa (Colombia, dir. Antonio Dorado and Robinson Diaz)
El Ultimo Truco (Mexico, dir. Sigfrid Monleon)
La Ventana (Argentina/Spain, dir. Carlos Sorin)
Sultanes Del Sur (Mexico, dir. Alejandro Lozano)
Amor, Dolor, y Viceversa (Spain/Mexico, dir. Alfonso Pineda Ulloa)
Voy a Explotar (Mexico, dir. Gerardo Naranjo)
Walt & El Grupo (USA, Brazil, Chile and Argentina, dir Theodore Thomas)
Countries being represented in this 16th annual event include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Peru, Spain, USA and Venezuela.
Tickets are $9.50, for general audience, and $7.50 for Students, Seniors, Military & MEDIA ARTS CENTER SAN DIEGO Members (ID Required). 2009 Film or Festival Passes are also available. Film Pass is $90, which includes entrance to 11 films, no waiting in lines and VIP seating and the Festival Pass, which is $180 and includes OVER 100 programs, no waiting in lines, VIP seating, 4 workshops, 1 year FREE MEDIA ARTS CENTER SAN DIEGO Amigo membership, and entrance into all three Festival Galas. Click here to purchase a PASS today!
For more info: For additional information about the film festival, group rates, festival schedule, festival passes or the MEDIA ARTS CENTER SAN DIEGO please call (619) 230-1938 or visit the SDLFF website at www.sdlatinofilm.com.
Latino stage actor to keynote Journalist conference
Tony Award-Winner Lin-Manuel Miranda to Keynote NAHJ Banquet
"In The Heights" Creator's Work Tells Latino Story; Gala Benefits Scholarships
MSNBC
WASHINGTON, DC - Tony Award-winning playwright and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of 2008's Best Musical "In The Heights," will be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' 20th Annual NAHJ Scholarship Banquet next week in New York City.
Miranda, 29, who began writing the musical that won four Tony Awards when he was a sophomore at Wesleyan University, will address journalists, media executives, students, and members of the Latino business, arts and grassroots communities, at one of NAHJ's premiere fundraising events on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers in Manhattan.
The annual gala benefits the Rubén Salazar Scholarship Fund, which offers financial aid annually to about 25 aspiring journalists. Through the fund, named for a Mexican-American journalism pioneer killed by police in Los Angeles in 1970, NAHJ has awarded more than $1.5 million to 550 students since 1988.
"In The Heights" Creator's Work Tells Latino Story; Gala Benefits Scholarships
MSNBC
WASHINGTON, DC - Tony Award-winning playwright and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of 2008's Best Musical "In The Heights," will be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' 20th Annual NAHJ Scholarship Banquet next week in New York City.
Miranda, 29, who began writing the musical that won four Tony Awards when he was a sophomore at Wesleyan University, will address journalists, media executives, students, and members of the Latino business, arts and grassroots communities, at one of NAHJ's premiere fundraising events on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers in Manhattan.
The annual gala benefits the Rubén Salazar Scholarship Fund, which offers financial aid annually to about 25 aspiring journalists. Through the fund, named for a Mexican-American journalism pioneer killed by police in Los Angeles in 1970, NAHJ has awarded more than $1.5 million to 550 students since 1988.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Latino DVD awards planned
Awards Gala to Honor the Best in Latino DVD April 28
MARKET WATCH
SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb 19, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Home Media Magazine is presenting the Fifth Annual Latino DVD Awards on Tuesday, April 28, at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, Calif.
The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and an awards ceremony presenting the winners of the Latino DVD Awards. The awards will honor the top Latino titles of 2008 in several categories.
Registration rates for DEG and EMA members are $125 and $150 for non-members through April 20.
Please visit www.HomeMediaMagazine.com for more details.
MARKET WATCH
SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb 19, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Home Media Magazine is presenting the Fifth Annual Latino DVD Awards on Tuesday, April 28, at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, Calif.
The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and an awards ceremony presenting the winners of the Latino DVD Awards. The awards will honor the top Latino titles of 2008 in several categories.
Registration rates for DEG and EMA members are $125 and $150 for non-members through April 20.
Please visit www.HomeMediaMagazine.com for more details.
British Network looks for Hispanic viewers
BBC Extends Spanish-Language Service in U.S. With MSN Pact
Laura Martínez -- Multichannel News, 2/18/2009
BBC World Service's Spanish-language service, BBCMundo.com, is extending its presence in the Hispanic market by forging a regional alliance with MSN across Latin America and the United States to provide Spanish-language content online. The 2-year agreement, whose financials were not disclosed, includes audio, video clips and text news carrying information from BBC and BBCMundo.
Carlos Villalobos, BBC business development manager for Latin America, said the two services complemented each other perfectly. "They have the platform, and we have the content," he said.
BBCMundo.com launched in 1999 and is one of the BBC World Service's 32 services tailored for various regions and languages. The Spanish-language site offers news programs, breaking news coverage, interactive debates, video on demand and audio news bulletins, registering approximately 5 million unique visitors each month.
Of the total visitors, said Villalobos, about 30% come from Mexico, but already up to 15% of total traffic originates within the United States. "This is quite amazing, considering we do very little in the form of promoting the site," he said. Content on BBCMundo.com is free to the users, and, as is the case with other BBC content, is not supported by advertising.
The MSN partnership is not new to BBC. BBC text content has been available since 2004 on MSN/Prodigy Mexico, MSN Brasil and other MSN Latin American sites. The new arrangement, however, expands the content on a regional basis to all MSN Spanish sites for the Americas, including MSN Latino.
Laura Martínez -- Multichannel News, 2/18/2009
BBC World Service's Spanish-language service, BBCMundo.com, is extending its presence in the Hispanic market by forging a regional alliance with MSN across Latin America and the United States to provide Spanish-language content online. The 2-year agreement, whose financials were not disclosed, includes audio, video clips and text news carrying information from BBC and BBCMundo.
Carlos Villalobos, BBC business development manager for Latin America, said the two services complemented each other perfectly. "They have the platform, and we have the content," he said.
BBCMundo.com launched in 1999 and is one of the BBC World Service's 32 services tailored for various regions and languages. The Spanish-language site offers news programs, breaking news coverage, interactive debates, video on demand and audio news bulletins, registering approximately 5 million unique visitors each month.
Of the total visitors, said Villalobos, about 30% come from Mexico, but already up to 15% of total traffic originates within the United States. "This is quite amazing, considering we do very little in the form of promoting the site," he said. Content on BBCMundo.com is free to the users, and, as is the case with other BBC content, is not supported by advertising.
The MSN partnership is not new to BBC. BBC text content has been available since 2004 on MSN/Prodigy Mexico, MSN Brasil and other MSN Latin American sites. The new arrangement, however, expands the content on a regional basis to all MSN Spanish sites for the Americas, including MSN Latino.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Latino musicians abxent at the Grammys
Grammys: Where were the Latino musicians?
LA Times Feb 17 2009
There's been an understandable amount of head-scratching and second-guessing in some quarters over the shortage of Latino and Latin American musical artists presenting trophies at the Grammys earlier this month.
Musically, CBS' 3 1/2 -hour broadcast on Feb. 8 reflected what Times pop critic Ann Powers called “the great wide mess of styles and sounds that fill the marketplace,” including artists as dissimilar as Neil Diamond and Lil Wayne. But while Latino musicians were represented within that mishmash, they were noticeably absent from the presenters' ranks.
Should the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences -- or, for that matter, the Oscars or the Super Bowl halftime show -- be striving to include Latinos, in proportional numbers, in all aspects of their broadcasts?
It's a question, obviously, that cuts to the essence of how Americans perceive themselves and their popular culture in relation to equal opportunity and other weighty societal matters. Conventional wisdom holds that the era of ethnic- or sexuality-based identity politics ended somewhere between the crossover of hip-hop's influence to mainstream pop and Barack Obama's inaugural address.
But even if we've stepped into some glorious new era, it would be naive to think that Americans of various ethnicities have stopped scanning music, movies, TV shows and sporting events, searching for signifiers of their (hopefully) growing acceptance and social status.
When invited last week to comment about the Grammy telecast, the NARAS forwarded e-mail responses by academy President and CEO Neil Portnow to questions posed by Billboard magazine. Asked whether "the launch of the Latin Grammys had anything to do with the demise of Latin presence in the mainstream Grammy awards," Portnow said that, "There hasn't really been a 'demise' of Latin presence on the GRAMMY Awards."
"If anything," he wrote, "since the Latin GRAMMYs has been around the last 10 years, there have been more Latins on the telecast in the last 10 years as opposed to the 40 before that."
The recording academy's evenhanded response might not satisfy some Latin American and Latino music producers, promoters and label owners who questioned why not even one Latino musician was among last week's presenters.
But Julio Rumbaut, president of the Miami-based media and consulting firm Rumbaut & Co., said that "whether it be content in television, award shows, [the presidential] cabinet, academia, I think the days of someone making it on the basis of ethnic origin are over."
"Whether it be the Grammys or the Oscars or the Clios, I think it's based on talent and competency," he said. "But at the same time, the organization, the decision maker, would be smart [to] mix those groups in."
Interestingly, the Colombian rocker Juanes, a no-show at the Grammys, was back in the spotlight last Sunday, performing at the NBA All-Star Game's halftime show in Phoenix. Like the music industry, the NBA wants to keep growing its Latino and Latin American fan base, especially now that U.S. pro basketball has a number of Spanish-speaking stars to promote.
And that's telling. In the eyes of many TV and recording executives, Hollywood producers, sports marketers and advertising agents, "Latino" is increasingly denoting a cultural orientation as much as, or even more than, a language preference, let alone a skin tone (always a misleading criterion). The very concept of Latino embraces a fusion of languages, ethnicities and histories.
U.S. Latino culture is in an extremely dynamic period right now, continually redefining itself in relation to Latin America, the Spanish- and English-speaking United States and its own past (including the Chicano movement of the 1960s and '70s). That transformation is becoming more complex than just a question of the number of accented vowels in a surname, or the number of presenters on an award show.
LA Times Feb 17 2009
There's been an understandable amount of head-scratching and second-guessing in some quarters over the shortage of Latino and Latin American musical artists presenting trophies at the Grammys earlier this month.
Musically, CBS' 3 1/2 -hour broadcast on Feb. 8 reflected what Times pop critic Ann Powers called “the great wide mess of styles and sounds that fill the marketplace,” including artists as dissimilar as Neil Diamond and Lil Wayne. But while Latino musicians were represented within that mishmash, they were noticeably absent from the presenters' ranks.
Should the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences -- or, for that matter, the Oscars or the Super Bowl halftime show -- be striving to include Latinos, in proportional numbers, in all aspects of their broadcasts?
It's a question, obviously, that cuts to the essence of how Americans perceive themselves and their popular culture in relation to equal opportunity and other weighty societal matters. Conventional wisdom holds that the era of ethnic- or sexuality-based identity politics ended somewhere between the crossover of hip-hop's influence to mainstream pop and Barack Obama's inaugural address.
But even if we've stepped into some glorious new era, it would be naive to think that Americans of various ethnicities have stopped scanning music, movies, TV shows and sporting events, searching for signifiers of their (hopefully) growing acceptance and social status.
When invited last week to comment about the Grammy telecast, the NARAS forwarded e-mail responses by academy President and CEO Neil Portnow to questions posed by Billboard magazine. Asked whether "the launch of the Latin Grammys had anything to do with the demise of Latin presence in the mainstream Grammy awards," Portnow said that, "There hasn't really been a 'demise' of Latin presence on the GRAMMY Awards."
"If anything," he wrote, "since the Latin GRAMMYs has been around the last 10 years, there have been more Latins on the telecast in the last 10 years as opposed to the 40 before that."
The recording academy's evenhanded response might not satisfy some Latin American and Latino music producers, promoters and label owners who questioned why not even one Latino musician was among last week's presenters.
But Julio Rumbaut, president of the Miami-based media and consulting firm Rumbaut & Co., said that "whether it be content in television, award shows, [the presidential] cabinet, academia, I think the days of someone making it on the basis of ethnic origin are over."
"Whether it be the Grammys or the Oscars or the Clios, I think it's based on talent and competency," he said. "But at the same time, the organization, the decision maker, would be smart [to] mix those groups in."
Interestingly, the Colombian rocker Juanes, a no-show at the Grammys, was back in the spotlight last Sunday, performing at the NBA All-Star Game's halftime show in Phoenix. Like the music industry, the NBA wants to keep growing its Latino and Latin American fan base, especially now that U.S. pro basketball has a number of Spanish-speaking stars to promote.
And that's telling. In the eyes of many TV and recording executives, Hollywood producers, sports marketers and advertising agents, "Latino" is increasingly denoting a cultural orientation as much as, or even more than, a language preference, let alone a skin tone (always a misleading criterion). The very concept of Latino embraces a fusion of languages, ethnicities and histories.
U.S. Latino culture is in an extremely dynamic period right now, continually redefining itself in relation to Latin America, the Spanish- and English-speaking United States and its own past (including the Chicano movement of the 1960s and '70s). That transformation is becoming more complex than just a question of the number of accented vowels in a surname, or the number of presenters on an award show.
Latino Rocker to perform in Chicago tonight
HELLVILLE DE TOUR COMES TO CHICAGO
PRESS RELEASE
Enrique Bunbury is the real deal. Not one to keep his thoughts to himself (see interview below), the pop phenom is hoping to take Chicago by storm on Thursday, Feb. 19 (9:00 p.m.), when he stops at the Aragon for a performance in support of his latest recording, “Hellville de Luxe.” Arguably one of Spanish rock’s most influential artists, the singer/songwriter kicked off his “Hellville de Tour” last weekend in New York City, with performances to follow in Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The Zaragoza-native will then embark on a longer tour of Mexico which includes visits to Guadalajara, Mexico City and Acapulco.
Tickets for Thursday’s show at the Aragon are available for purchase at all Ticketmaster outlets or at www.ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase tickets at the Aragon Box Office, located at 1106 W. Lawrence in Chicago.
Bunbury, the former lead singer of “Heroes del Silencio,” sat down for a rare interview last weekend to talk about his latest work and tour. For additional information on the artist, please visit www.enriquebunbury.com.
The following is part of an interview conducted last week with Enrique Bunbury in New York City by W Radio (Mexico) reporter Carlos Puig prior to the start of the artist’s 2009 “Hellville” U.S. Tour:
Do you have any rituals before going up on stage? Are you superstitious?
I’m not really superstitious but I do have some pre-show rituals. For example, I like to be at the venue three hours prior to a show so that I can get to know the place where I’ll be performing and where my fans will be watching the show. In the end, it’s during that final hour before the show that I really start to prepare myself for the performance.
During the 80’s, you were among a select group of [European] artists that was quick to reach fans in both North America and Latin America. Why did you and your former band, “Heroes del Silencio,” want to come here?
I think most bands wanted to play here. We thought this was an ideal place because people would understand us, our language. It was a real conquest, if you will. When we arrived in Mexico for the first time we found that many bands simply wanted to do promotional appearances. We didn’t want that. We didn’t rely on record labels or radio stations [to play our music], and we did what most Mexican rock bands do, which is to play in the underground circuit and in places like La Diabla, Rock Stock and Rockotitlan.
How did you feel when you first arrived in Mexico?
I felt like I had already been there. It really felt like I had lived there in a previous life, with my family and children. It was a special feeling, similar to what I still feel today.
Musically speaking, what have you learned from Mexico?
I am a passionate follower of Mexican music, for its various styles like the ranchera, the ‘son’ Veracruzano, the norteña, and also the pre-historic music, which I discovered through the late Jorge Reyes.
What are you trying to accomplish with “Hellville” at this point in your career?
“Hellville” is the name of my home in Santa Maria, and I wanted the album to carry that name because it’s the first time that I create an album, entirely, from my home and in my own studios. Normally, I will start an album while on tour, or I’ll travel to a remote place while I work on it. There is a phrase in the album that says: “In the end, for a worldly man, it is exotic to come back home.” For me, it was like an exotic experience to be home for an extended amount of time.
What can we expect to see in this tour?
You’ll see a new band, a very strong band. This is probably my best rock band -- ever. The concert is divided in two parts: one part is full of energy and rock; the other is more loungy and intimate, almost as if it were a private show.
You’re kicking off the tour in New York. What comes to mind when you hear the name Barack Obama?
I think all of us need to believe in something and hold onto hope. However, I am more skeptical, and it isn’t necessarily because of Obama. I think here in the U.S., politicians – both democrats and republicans- simply have not changed their politics, even with Bush aside. I’m not sure to what degree Obama will make the necessary changes. It will be interesting to see how far he can go while staying honest.
What don’t you listen to in your iPod?
You won’t find music that’s currently playing on the radio in my iPod. There’s music in English, Spanish, there’s rock, jazz, Latin….all sorts of music.
Do you think that currently, there is quality music being produced?
Yes, I think so. There are some very talented musicians out there. In Mexico there are great artists –and finally some new Spanish rock bands.
What about in Spain?
There are talented artists there as well. There is Vetusta Morla and Le Punk, who are not big yet but they will be one day.
PRESS RELEASE
Enrique Bunbury is the real deal. Not one to keep his thoughts to himself (see interview below), the pop phenom is hoping to take Chicago by storm on Thursday, Feb. 19 (9:00 p.m.), when he stops at the Aragon for a performance in support of his latest recording, “Hellville de Luxe.” Arguably one of Spanish rock’s most influential artists, the singer/songwriter kicked off his “Hellville de Tour” last weekend in New York City, with performances to follow in Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The Zaragoza-native will then embark on a longer tour of Mexico which includes visits to Guadalajara, Mexico City and Acapulco.
Tickets for Thursday’s show at the Aragon are available for purchase at all Ticketmaster outlets or at www.ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase tickets at the Aragon Box Office, located at 1106 W. Lawrence in Chicago.
Bunbury, the former lead singer of “Heroes del Silencio,” sat down for a rare interview last weekend to talk about his latest work and tour. For additional information on the artist, please visit www.enriquebunbury.com.
The following is part of an interview conducted last week with Enrique Bunbury in New York City by W Radio (Mexico) reporter Carlos Puig prior to the start of the artist’s 2009 “Hellville” U.S. Tour:
Do you have any rituals before going up on stage? Are you superstitious?
I’m not really superstitious but I do have some pre-show rituals. For example, I like to be at the venue three hours prior to a show so that I can get to know the place where I’ll be performing and where my fans will be watching the show. In the end, it’s during that final hour before the show that I really start to prepare myself for the performance.
During the 80’s, you were among a select group of [European] artists that was quick to reach fans in both North America and Latin America. Why did you and your former band, “Heroes del Silencio,” want to come here?
I think most bands wanted to play here. We thought this was an ideal place because people would understand us, our language. It was a real conquest, if you will. When we arrived in Mexico for the first time we found that many bands simply wanted to do promotional appearances. We didn’t want that. We didn’t rely on record labels or radio stations [to play our music], and we did what most Mexican rock bands do, which is to play in the underground circuit and in places like La Diabla, Rock Stock and Rockotitlan.
How did you feel when you first arrived in Mexico?
I felt like I had already been there. It really felt like I had lived there in a previous life, with my family and children. It was a special feeling, similar to what I still feel today.
Musically speaking, what have you learned from Mexico?
I am a passionate follower of Mexican music, for its various styles like the ranchera, the ‘son’ Veracruzano, the norteña, and also the pre-historic music, which I discovered through the late Jorge Reyes.
What are you trying to accomplish with “Hellville” at this point in your career?
“Hellville” is the name of my home in Santa Maria, and I wanted the album to carry that name because it’s the first time that I create an album, entirely, from my home and in my own studios. Normally, I will start an album while on tour, or I’ll travel to a remote place while I work on it. There is a phrase in the album that says: “In the end, for a worldly man, it is exotic to come back home.” For me, it was like an exotic experience to be home for an extended amount of time.
What can we expect to see in this tour?
You’ll see a new band, a very strong band. This is probably my best rock band -- ever. The concert is divided in two parts: one part is full of energy and rock; the other is more loungy and intimate, almost as if it were a private show.
You’re kicking off the tour in New York. What comes to mind when you hear the name Barack Obama?
I think all of us need to believe in something and hold onto hope. However, I am more skeptical, and it isn’t necessarily because of Obama. I think here in the U.S., politicians – both democrats and republicans- simply have not changed their politics, even with Bush aside. I’m not sure to what degree Obama will make the necessary changes. It will be interesting to see how far he can go while staying honest.
What don’t you listen to in your iPod?
You won’t find music that’s currently playing on the radio in my iPod. There’s music in English, Spanish, there’s rock, jazz, Latin….all sorts of music.
Do you think that currently, there is quality music being produced?
Yes, I think so. There are some very talented musicians out there. In Mexico there are great artists –and finally some new Spanish rock bands.
What about in Spain?
There are talented artists there as well. There is Vetusta Morla and Le Punk, who are not big yet but they will be one day.
Casting call for Latina Musical
Casting Call: Off-Broadway musical hit "Celia" to returns to Miami this summer; Open auditions set for Feb. 22 & 23 in South Florida
PRESS RELEASE
CMN has announced that its smash Off-Broadway musical hit, “Celia,” based on the life and music of the late Cuban singer Celia Cruz, will be returning to South Florida for an encore run from June 3-21 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences will be taken on a 60-year journey through the life and music of the sensational salsa diva, from her humble beginnings in Cuba to the international superstardom that made her one of the most remarkable Hispanic artists who has ever lived. The musical is told through the eyes of her beloved husband Pedro Knight … Details of the cast and shows will be announced in the near future. Check back at www.cmnevents.com for more information.
So you think you can sing and dance like the “Queen of Salsa”? CMN will be holding open auditions for “Celia” on Sunday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Miami. For more information on how to participate in the auditions, please contact Universal Casting at 305-674-1703 or via email at universal.casting@yahoo.com.
PRESS RELEASE
CMN has announced that its smash Off-Broadway musical hit, “Celia,” based on the life and music of the late Cuban singer Celia Cruz, will be returning to South Florida for an encore run from June 3-21 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Audiences will be taken on a 60-year journey through the life and music of the sensational salsa diva, from her humble beginnings in Cuba to the international superstardom that made her one of the most remarkable Hispanic artists who has ever lived. The musical is told through the eyes of her beloved husband Pedro Knight … Details of the cast and shows will be announced in the near future. Check back at www.cmnevents.com for more information.
So you think you can sing and dance like the “Queen of Salsa”? CMN will be holding open auditions for “Celia” on Sunday, Feb. 22 and Monday, Feb. 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Miami. For more information on how to participate in the auditions, please contact Universal Casting at 305-674-1703 or via email at universal.casting@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hispanics not seen by baseball commissioner
Come To Think Of It...Bud Selig Declares Blacks & Hispanics Never Existed
by Bob Warja (Senior Writer) February 15, 2009
In a startling directive, MLB commissioner Bud Selig has declared that major league baseball will erase the records from all players of color, according to a recent report.
The controversial move by Selig was believed to be initiated by the commish’s desire to restore Babe Ruth as the Home Run King, now that Aaron has rejected the idea.
Disgusted by the “steroid era”, Selig wants all records from this era destroyed.
And he wants to go one step further. Since he believes that blacks brought in drugs and Hispanics brought in steroids from Mexico, he wants all records from non- Caucasian players wiped from the record books.
“Look, do you think it’s a coincidence that drugs like amphetamines and cocaine weren’t used in baseball until the black player came along?”, asked Selig.
“And, is it simply a coincidence that steroids can be purchased legally in Mexico? Why are the vast majority of minor league players who are caught of Hispanic origin?”
“Well I, for one, don’t believe in coincidences.”
Selig said he may pursue a career in politics after his baseball days so he can fix societal problems as well. "For one, women voting should be eliminated. How many recessions have we had since women have been allowed to vote? How many scandals have there been? It’s really pretty obvious to me what the root cause is, said Selig."
As to the confusion surrounding his other recent decision to restore Hank Aaron as the Home Run King, Selig was flabbergasted at the confusion. “Why, was Henry black or something”? Selig asked.
Other ideas endorsed by Selig include setting the date back to the 1950s, a time that Selig recalls “as the best economic times for our country.” He also is a proud supporter of the Confederacy, of women being barefoot and pregnant, and outlawing the automobile, with a return to horse carriages as the main mode of transportation.
“We just need a return to time tested old fashioned values in this country, said Selig. For example, what’s with electricity, why do we need that? What was wrong with a candle? Geez, these kids today are spoiled.”
In a related note, the Commish will take all games off of television, stating that “radio is the future marketing tool for baseball.” He also favors a return to wool uniforms, baggy pants, and cigarette advertising on players shirts.
“With the crazy way things are changing, chuckled Selig, next thing you know they’ll say smoking is bad for you.”
When asked if all this meant that his massive $17M salary should be reduced, Selig started stammering and sheepishly replied, Well…hey now, let’s not go so fast. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.”
by Bob Warja (Senior Writer) February 15, 2009
In a startling directive, MLB commissioner Bud Selig has declared that major league baseball will erase the records from all players of color, according to a recent report.
The controversial move by Selig was believed to be initiated by the commish’s desire to restore Babe Ruth as the Home Run King, now that Aaron has rejected the idea.
Disgusted by the “steroid era”, Selig wants all records from this era destroyed.
And he wants to go one step further. Since he believes that blacks brought in drugs and Hispanics brought in steroids from Mexico, he wants all records from non- Caucasian players wiped from the record books.
“Look, do you think it’s a coincidence that drugs like amphetamines and cocaine weren’t used in baseball until the black player came along?”, asked Selig.
“And, is it simply a coincidence that steroids can be purchased legally in Mexico? Why are the vast majority of minor league players who are caught of Hispanic origin?”
“Well I, for one, don’t believe in coincidences.”
Selig said he may pursue a career in politics after his baseball days so he can fix societal problems as well. "For one, women voting should be eliminated. How many recessions have we had since women have been allowed to vote? How many scandals have there been? It’s really pretty obvious to me what the root cause is, said Selig."
As to the confusion surrounding his other recent decision to restore Hank Aaron as the Home Run King, Selig was flabbergasted at the confusion. “Why, was Henry black or something”? Selig asked.
Other ideas endorsed by Selig include setting the date back to the 1950s, a time that Selig recalls “as the best economic times for our country.” He also is a proud supporter of the Confederacy, of women being barefoot and pregnant, and outlawing the automobile, with a return to horse carriages as the main mode of transportation.
“We just need a return to time tested old fashioned values in this country, said Selig. For example, what’s with electricity, why do we need that? What was wrong with a candle? Geez, these kids today are spoiled.”
In a related note, the Commish will take all games off of television, stating that “radio is the future marketing tool for baseball.” He also favors a return to wool uniforms, baggy pants, and cigarette advertising on players shirts.
“With the crazy way things are changing, chuckled Selig, next thing you know they’ll say smoking is bad for you.”
When asked if all this meant that his massive $17M salary should be reduced, Selig started stammering and sheepishly replied, Well…hey now, let’s not go so fast. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.”
Hispanics benefit from being bilingual
Bilingual Hispanics Live With Ease in Both Worlds
Contacto Magazine
According to a recent Ipsos U.S. Hispanic Omnibus study, U.S. Hispanics, regardless of whether their language preference at home is English (43%), or Spanish (52%), are turning to either language to meet their needs. When Hispanics turn on their televisions over half of them are tuning into an English language program.
Younger viewers are not the dominating presence in front of the English language small screen. Hispanics, aged 18-34, are actually less likely (54%) than older Hispanics, aged 55+, to prefer English language television (61%). And:
- 52% of Hispanics aged 35-54 prefer English language television.
- 45% of Hispanics with children in the household say that they prefer Spanish language television.
- 63% of Hispanic households without children are highly likely to prefer English television.
- 80% of College educated Hispanics prefer English language television.
Mixing languages does not complicate the lives of United States Hispanics who are living with ease in both worlds - one that is in English and the other that is in Spanish, concludes the report.
The person playing that Spanish beats music on radio is most likely to be a Hispanic female (51%), as they are more likely than Hispanic males (38%) to tune into Spanish radio. Among radio preferences overall, Hispanics are practically split as 49% stated that they listen to English language radio while 45% percent listen to Spanish language radio.
- Hispanics aged 55+ are more likely to prefer radio in English than in Spanish (56% vs. 38%)
- Among those 35-54, half (50%) prefer radio in English.
- Hispanics, aged 18-34, are practically split among preference as 46% prefer English and 47% prefer Spanish radio.
- 55% of all Hispanics said that their language preference for the Internet is English.
- 39% of Hispanics age 18-34 prefer Spanish language internet sites.
- 42% of Hispanic females prefer Spanish when surfing the web compared to just twenty nine percent (29%) of Hispanic men.
53% of Hispanics read the news and they are looking for information in both languages:
- 53% in English to find out the current affairs in their local U.S. city.
- 33% in Spanish to follow up with the news in their home country.
- 44% read Spanish newspapers that cover news in their community in the United States. 57%, with an annual household income under $50,000, do so.
Cynthia Pelayo, Ipsos senior research manager, says "... many US Hispanics continue to speak primarily Spanish, among their peers, family and friends, to watch television in Spanish and to be involved in cultural community events that are mostly conducted in Spanish."
She goes on to note that their innate skill to utilize either language is an advantage in functioning in US institutions while preserving their Hispanic heritage.
With a sample of this size, notes the report, the results are considered accurate within ± 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire population adult homeowners in the U.S. been polled. These data were weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/gender composition reflects that of the actual U.S. population according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Contacto Magazine
According to a recent Ipsos U.S. Hispanic Omnibus study, U.S. Hispanics, regardless of whether their language preference at home is English (43%), or Spanish (52%), are turning to either language to meet their needs. When Hispanics turn on their televisions over half of them are tuning into an English language program.
Younger viewers are not the dominating presence in front of the English language small screen. Hispanics, aged 18-34, are actually less likely (54%) than older Hispanics, aged 55+, to prefer English language television (61%). And:
- 52% of Hispanics aged 35-54 prefer English language television.
- 45% of Hispanics with children in the household say that they prefer Spanish language television.
- 63% of Hispanic households without children are highly likely to prefer English television.
- 80% of College educated Hispanics prefer English language television.
Mixing languages does not complicate the lives of United States Hispanics who are living with ease in both worlds - one that is in English and the other that is in Spanish, concludes the report.
The person playing that Spanish beats music on radio is most likely to be a Hispanic female (51%), as they are more likely than Hispanic males (38%) to tune into Spanish radio. Among radio preferences overall, Hispanics are practically split as 49% stated that they listen to English language radio while 45% percent listen to Spanish language radio.
- Hispanics aged 55+ are more likely to prefer radio in English than in Spanish (56% vs. 38%)
- Among those 35-54, half (50%) prefer radio in English.
- Hispanics, aged 18-34, are practically split among preference as 46% prefer English and 47% prefer Spanish radio.
- 55% of all Hispanics said that their language preference for the Internet is English.
- 39% of Hispanics age 18-34 prefer Spanish language internet sites.
- 42% of Hispanic females prefer Spanish when surfing the web compared to just twenty nine percent (29%) of Hispanic men.
53% of Hispanics read the news and they are looking for information in both languages:
- 53% in English to find out the current affairs in their local U.S. city.
- 33% in Spanish to follow up with the news in their home country.
- 44% read Spanish newspapers that cover news in their community in the United States. 57%, with an annual household income under $50,000, do so.
Cynthia Pelayo, Ipsos senior research manager, says "... many US Hispanics continue to speak primarily Spanish, among their peers, family and friends, to watch television in Spanish and to be involved in cultural community events that are mostly conducted in Spanish."
She goes on to note that their innate skill to utilize either language is an advantage in functioning in US institutions while preserving their Hispanic heritage.
With a sample of this size, notes the report, the results are considered accurate within ± 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire population adult homeowners in the U.S. been polled. These data were weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/gender composition reflects that of the actual U.S. population according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hispanic heritage and memories livens up home
Heritage is at the heart of decor
Mementos of Latin family with extraordinary history add warmth, uniqueness.
By Chris Reinolds The Atlanta Journal-Constitution February 15, 2009
When Ofelia de La Valette’s mother and brother died months apart last year, she was lost in grief.
Her mother, Sara Gonzalez, was a longtime president of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her older brother lived in Miami.
“The process you go through when you have to dismantle their home —- it’s an interesting, gut-wrenching experience,” de La Valette said. “At the end of the day things remain, but they are gone. It changes your perspective on things.”
Because de La Valette’s younger sister lives in a tiny New York apartment, they decided that most of the family items should stay in Atlanta.
“There were a lot of meaningful things I didn’t want to put in a box,” de La Valette said. “I wanted it to become a part of the energy of my house.”
Her dilemma was to incorporate the memorabilia into her 3,500-square-foot LaVista Park home without making it depressing. She made some changes, updating a chair with upholstery, for example. But much of what she moved into her home were knickknacks.
“It was a real challenge for me because I inherited an enormous amount of clutter,” she said.
It helped that de La Valette is an informal student of interior design.
“Interior design is my hobby. To me, heaven is Scott [Antique Market] with a pair of sneakers and a van.”
De La Valette calls her look earthy and streamlined.
“I like things made of natural materials. I love recycled stuff … taking something out of its context and giving it a new life,” she said.
Her style is also sentimental.
“Everything in the house means something unless it has a function,” she said.
The mantel in the family room is a great example. The pottery exhibited there is pre-Columbian and belonged to her grandfather, who traveled from Cuba to Colombia for his work.
Another painting belonged to her father.
“The distressed frame is actually how old that is. I would spend hours staring at it, and I loved it [growing up],” she said.
Heart of the home: The dining room is the emotional heart of de La Valette’s home. It is a gallery of old Hollywood-style black and white photos of her mother and father’s high life in Cuba. Her father was captain of the Cuban equestrian team, while his wife loved fashion.
There is a framed photo of her mother dressed as the “ruby” in the Ball of the Precious Stones in Cuba. “She was so glamorous and beautiful,” de La Valette said.
“I don’t want these pictures in photo albums. I want to look at them every day,” she said. “Sitting around the dining room table there are so many memories over a meal. And there are so many people who can’t be at the table, but they can be in the room.”
Decorating style: De La Valette, owner of adult dance studio Dance 101, used designer Joanne Fitzgerald to style her former house —- a Victorian in Inman Park. She has lived in her current five-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath Georgian-style home for about two years.
“I learned a lot about mixing styles and the power of color. Different styles can connect through color. You can also create more depth of a room through texture,” she said. Those lessons are applied with the uses of wire, wicker, wood, marble and sisal throughout her home.
Focal points are a necessity.
“But too many focal points create confusion,” she said. “You need to look at a room by how you enter into it.”
The house was originally painted in bold colors that didn’t mix with her sensibility and artwork.
“I whitewashed everything. I don’t want the furnishings to compete with the artwork.”
Coolest feature: “I can open up three sets of double doors. I love houses where there’s an easy flow from inside to outside to inside. That’s very Latin. The houses have an interior courtyard, and you have to walk outside to get from one room to another.”
Most cherished item: “The family tree —- if that’s ever gone, it’s gone,” she said referring to framed research papers that detail her family lineage. She found the rolled up papers in her brother’s belongings, but she does not know which family member did the genealogy work.
Mementos of Latin family with extraordinary history add warmth, uniqueness.
By Chris Reinolds The Atlanta Journal-Constitution February 15, 2009
When Ofelia de La Valette’s mother and brother died months apart last year, she was lost in grief.
Her mother, Sara Gonzalez, was a longtime president of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her older brother lived in Miami.
“The process you go through when you have to dismantle their home —- it’s an interesting, gut-wrenching experience,” de La Valette said. “At the end of the day things remain, but they are gone. It changes your perspective on things.”
Because de La Valette’s younger sister lives in a tiny New York apartment, they decided that most of the family items should stay in Atlanta.
“There were a lot of meaningful things I didn’t want to put in a box,” de La Valette said. “I wanted it to become a part of the energy of my house.”
Her dilemma was to incorporate the memorabilia into her 3,500-square-foot LaVista Park home without making it depressing. She made some changes, updating a chair with upholstery, for example. But much of what she moved into her home were knickknacks.
“It was a real challenge for me because I inherited an enormous amount of clutter,” she said.
It helped that de La Valette is an informal student of interior design.
“Interior design is my hobby. To me, heaven is Scott [Antique Market] with a pair of sneakers and a van.”
De La Valette calls her look earthy and streamlined.
“I like things made of natural materials. I love recycled stuff … taking something out of its context and giving it a new life,” she said.
Her style is also sentimental.
“Everything in the house means something unless it has a function,” she said.
The mantel in the family room is a great example. The pottery exhibited there is pre-Columbian and belonged to her grandfather, who traveled from Cuba to Colombia for his work.
Another painting belonged to her father.
“The distressed frame is actually how old that is. I would spend hours staring at it, and I loved it [growing up],” she said.
Heart of the home: The dining room is the emotional heart of de La Valette’s home. It is a gallery of old Hollywood-style black and white photos of her mother and father’s high life in Cuba. Her father was captain of the Cuban equestrian team, while his wife loved fashion.
There is a framed photo of her mother dressed as the “ruby” in the Ball of the Precious Stones in Cuba. “She was so glamorous and beautiful,” de La Valette said.
“I don’t want these pictures in photo albums. I want to look at them every day,” she said. “Sitting around the dining room table there are so many memories over a meal. And there are so many people who can’t be at the table, but they can be in the room.”
Decorating style: De La Valette, owner of adult dance studio Dance 101, used designer Joanne Fitzgerald to style her former house —- a Victorian in Inman Park. She has lived in her current five-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath Georgian-style home for about two years.
“I learned a lot about mixing styles and the power of color. Different styles can connect through color. You can also create more depth of a room through texture,” she said. Those lessons are applied with the uses of wire, wicker, wood, marble and sisal throughout her home.
Focal points are a necessity.
“But too many focal points create confusion,” she said. “You need to look at a room by how you enter into it.”
The house was originally painted in bold colors that didn’t mix with her sensibility and artwork.
“I whitewashed everything. I don’t want the furnishings to compete with the artwork.”
Coolest feature: “I can open up three sets of double doors. I love houses where there’s an easy flow from inside to outside to inside. That’s very Latin. The houses have an interior courtyard, and you have to walk outside to get from one room to another.”
Most cherished item: “The family tree —- if that’s ever gone, it’s gone,” she said referring to framed research papers that detail her family lineage. She found the rolled up papers in her brother’s belongings, but she does not know which family member did the genealogy work.
Hispanic couple create social club
Yorkville couple forms Golden Age Hispanic Social Club
SUBURBAN CHICAGO NEWS February 15, 2009
Frank and Consuelo Navarro were looking for ways to get out and have some fun. So they figured they'd invite a few friends to join them.
Five years ago, the Navarros started a free club for men and women age 50 and older. Known as the Club Social Edad de Oro (Golden Age Hispanic Social Club), its popularity has exploded to where it now draws seniors from across the globe during its meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora. The meetings are conducted in Spanish, and include cultural food, games and holiday celebrations.
Frank Navarro said after talking with Spanish-speaking senior citizens he knew, he saw a need for such a club.
"Some people spend a lot of time at home and there isn't much to do," he said. "And some people don't drive."
The first meeting was conducted in one of the group members' homes, but as the club grew, the Navarros moved the meetings to the Prisco Community Center. The Navarros, who live in Yorkville, often pick up senior citizens who need transportation to the center.
Members of the club have come to live in the United States from Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico, among other countries.
Frank Navarro is a Department of Children and Family Services supervisor and Consuelo Navarro is a supervisor at Caterpillar.
The Navarros were honored last year with the "Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award" by the Illinois Association of Park Districts/Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.
Jeff Long
SUBURBAN CHICAGO NEWS February 15, 2009
Frank and Consuelo Navarro were looking for ways to get out and have some fun. So they figured they'd invite a few friends to join them.
Five years ago, the Navarros started a free club for men and women age 50 and older. Known as the Club Social Edad de Oro (Golden Age Hispanic Social Club), its popularity has exploded to where it now draws seniors from across the globe during its meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora. The meetings are conducted in Spanish, and include cultural food, games and holiday celebrations.
Frank Navarro said after talking with Spanish-speaking senior citizens he knew, he saw a need for such a club.
"Some people spend a lot of time at home and there isn't much to do," he said. "And some people don't drive."
The first meeting was conducted in one of the group members' homes, but as the club grew, the Navarros moved the meetings to the Prisco Community Center. The Navarros, who live in Yorkville, often pick up senior citizens who need transportation to the center.
Members of the club have come to live in the United States from Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico, among other countries.
Frank Navarro is a Department of Children and Family Services supervisor and Consuelo Navarro is a supervisor at Caterpillar.
The Navarros were honored last year with the "Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award" by the Illinois Association of Park Districts/Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.
Jeff Long
Hispanic TV reaches largest number of viewers
U.S.A. VS. MEXICO WORLD CUP QUALIFYING MATCH REACHES MORE VIEWERS THAN ANY Spanish-Language Television Sporting Event in History, 10.7 MILLION FANS IN ALL
TVBYTHENUMBERS.COM
MIAMI, FL, FEBRUARY 12, 2009 - Univision’s live telecast of Wednesday night’s highly anticipated World Cup qualifying soccer match from Columbus, Ohio between the national teams of the U.S.A. and Mexico was seen in its entirety or in part by 10.7 million viewers, and was watched by more viewers than any other sporting event in the history of Spanish-language television.
In addition, with an average audience of nearly 5.9 million total viewers, it was the most watched sportscast season-to-date on Spanish-language TV and posted dramatic increases over last year’s USA-Mexico Friendly Match across the following key demos:
U.S.A. vs. Mexico
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7-9:11pm EST
Average Audience percentage increase vs. 2008
* +15% Persons 2+ (5,880,000)
* +9% Adults 18-49 (3,610,000)
* +11% Men 18-49 (2,260,000)
* +23% Adults 18-34 (2,340,000)
* +28% Men 18-34 (1,490,000)
* +12% Adults 25-54 (3,130,000)
* +15% Men 25-54 (1,940,000)
SOURCE: NTI Fast Nationals 2/11/09, NTI 2/6/08, 9/22/08-2/10/09, Live+SD. NTI Fast National Cume Live +SD, 6 minute qualifier.
Local Market Highlights:
* Univision was the #1 station during the match’s time period in the following markets:
o Among Adults 18-49 and Men 18-49: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Sacramento
o Among Adults 18-34 and Men 18-34: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Sacramento
o Among Total Viewers 2+: Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, and San Francisco (tie)
o Among Households: Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix
* The match was the #1 program of the day among Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas and Phoenix (tie in Men 18-34). The match also topped all first-run English-language primetime shows such as FOX’s “American Idol,” ABC’s “Lost,” NBC’s “Law & Order,” and CBS’ “CSI: NY” in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix among Adults 18-34, Men 18-34 and Men 18-49.
* The match boosted Univision’s total day viewership, making it the #1 station of the day in the following markets:
o Among Adults 18-34: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago (tie), Phoenix, and Sacramento
o Among Men 18-34: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, and Sacramento
o Among Adults 18-49: Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix
o Among Men 18-49: Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, and Sacramento (tie)
o Among Total Viewers 2+: Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston
o Among Households: Los Angeles and Houston
* Univision out-delivered ESPN2’s coverage of the match in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, San Antonio, Phoenix, San Francisco, Sacramento and Austin among Households; and in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, San Francisco and Sacramento among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34, Men 18-49, Men 18-34 and Total Viewers 2+.
Source: Nielsen Station Index, live data, 02/11/2009 and 02/06/2008, total day is defined as 6am-2am local time.
Online Highlights
Univision.com (keyword: Eliminatorias) drove unprecedented online engagement during and after the event. Simultaneous live video streaming of the game and chats kept die-hard fans close to the action. Univision.com had extensive post-game coverage with exclusive commentary from soccer experts Pablo Ramirez and “el Profe” Bracamontes, as well as player interviews and reactions from the game. Univision Móvil followed suit with all-around coverage of the game on its premier soccer mobile destination, LigaMax. By texting the word “LIGA” to 50900, mobile fans have access to LigaMax’s comprehensive game results, news and photos on-the-go.
TVBYTHENUMBERS.COM
MIAMI, FL, FEBRUARY 12, 2009 - Univision’s live telecast of Wednesday night’s highly anticipated World Cup qualifying soccer match from Columbus, Ohio between the national teams of the U.S.A. and Mexico was seen in its entirety or in part by 10.7 million viewers, and was watched by more viewers than any other sporting event in the history of Spanish-language television.
In addition, with an average audience of nearly 5.9 million total viewers, it was the most watched sportscast season-to-date on Spanish-language TV and posted dramatic increases over last year’s USA-Mexico Friendly Match across the following key demos:
U.S.A. vs. Mexico
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7-9:11pm EST
Average Audience percentage increase vs. 2008
* +15% Persons 2+ (5,880,000)
* +9% Adults 18-49 (3,610,000)
* +11% Men 18-49 (2,260,000)
* +23% Adults 18-34 (2,340,000)
* +28% Men 18-34 (1,490,000)
* +12% Adults 25-54 (3,130,000)
* +15% Men 25-54 (1,940,000)
SOURCE: NTI Fast Nationals 2/11/09, NTI 2/6/08, 9/22/08-2/10/09, Live+SD. NTI Fast National Cume Live +SD, 6 minute qualifier.
Local Market Highlights:
* Univision was the #1 station during the match’s time period in the following markets:
o Among Adults 18-49 and Men 18-49: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Sacramento
o Among Adults 18-34 and Men 18-34: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Sacramento
o Among Total Viewers 2+: Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, and San Francisco (tie)
o Among Households: Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix
* The match was the #1 program of the day among Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas and Phoenix (tie in Men 18-34). The match also topped all first-run English-language primetime shows such as FOX’s “American Idol,” ABC’s “Lost,” NBC’s “Law & Order,” and CBS’ “CSI: NY” in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix among Adults 18-34, Men 18-34 and Men 18-49.
* The match boosted Univision’s total day viewership, making it the #1 station of the day in the following markets:
o Among Adults 18-34: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago (tie), Phoenix, and Sacramento
o Among Men 18-34: Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, and Sacramento
o Among Adults 18-49: Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix
o Among Men 18-49: Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, and Sacramento (tie)
o Among Total Viewers 2+: Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston
o Among Households: Los Angeles and Houston
* Univision out-delivered ESPN2’s coverage of the match in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, San Antonio, Phoenix, San Francisco, Sacramento and Austin among Households; and in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Phoenix, San Francisco and Sacramento among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34, Men 18-49, Men 18-34 and Total Viewers 2+.
Source: Nielsen Station Index, live data, 02/11/2009 and 02/06/2008, total day is defined as 6am-2am local time.
Online Highlights
Univision.com (keyword: Eliminatorias) drove unprecedented online engagement during and after the event. Simultaneous live video streaming of the game and chats kept die-hard fans close to the action. Univision.com had extensive post-game coverage with exclusive commentary from soccer experts Pablo Ramirez and “el Profe” Bracamontes, as well as player interviews and reactions from the game. Univision Móvil followed suit with all-around coverage of the game on its premier soccer mobile destination, LigaMax. By texting the word “LIGA” to 50900, mobile fans have access to LigaMax’s comprehensive game results, news and photos on-the-go.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Hispanic Baptist Church, since 1920s, may lose ground
Disputed vote may spell demise of Hispanic Baptist
By Bo Poertner/Managing Editor
Primera Inglesia Bautista Hispana has struggled to survive ever since the 1930s, when devout Southern Pacific Railroad workers began worshipping in a converted dining car.
Throughout the decades, the Hispanic Baptist church, with a congregation that was too small and too poor to afford a full-time pastor, fought just to pay a succession of part-time pastors while serving an impoverished Lompoc community.
During the past year, a new issue has threatened the existence of the church, which is waging what may be its last battle.
Caught in a dispute over homosexuality between its parent organization, American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), and the more conservative American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest (ABCPSW), members of the congregation were forced to choose sides.
Church Administrator Joseph Gurrola, whose grandfather preached in Lompoc in the 1920s and served as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana for many years before retiring, said the issue came down to a crucial election in February 2008 that was rigged in favor of ABCPS.
The congregation voted 6-5 to join ABCPSW, which is now called Transformation Ministries.
Despite the protests of church officials, Gurrola said, two nonmembers were allowed to vote in the election — one an illegal immigrant, which violated church rules, and the other the wife of a minister who had been terminated by Primera Inglesia Bautista Hispana officials less than two months earlier.
“What I’m fighting is this invalid vote that took place. Because of this vote, we lost our church. It completely went to Transformation Ministries,” said Gurrola, who lives in Alhambra near Los Angeles.
He said he fears that Transformation Ministries intends to sell the church, a sorrowful death after so many years of struggling to survive.
After the votes were counted, Pastor Daniel Huerta, acting on behalf of Dale Salico, executive minister of Transformation Ministries, immediately demanded the keys to the church and the church checkbook, and ordered that the doors of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, 323 W. Hickory Ave., be locked, said Gurrola.
“It was very legal, very right. It was an amicable separation,” Huerta said. “I think (Gurrola) has a good heart, wanting to do the right thing, but doesn’t have the understanding about what was going on.”
Huerta declined to answer more questions, referring questions to Salico. Neither Salico, of Transformation Ministries, nor Sam Chetti, executive minister of ABCLA, could be reached for comment.
Gurrola said he believes that Huerta manipulated the outcome of the election. And he blamed the representative from American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles for being too passive in support of the small church’s rights.
“The representative that they sent, Dr. Jose Menendez, was not the best representative. He was more pastoral. We needed somebody to fight for us, and we didn’t have that,” Gurrola said.
“ABCLA decided to accept that illegitimate vote and just walk away, hoping things would get better, hoping it will disappear,” he said. “But it will not.”
Menendez disagreed with Gurrola’s description of the vote that was taken; he said Gurrola did not understand the process that was followed.
“That’s his point of view,” Menendez said. “He’s not qualified to talk about anything. ...”
The two women were eligible to vote because they met the standards of ABCLA, in that they had been baptized, attended services for six to eight months and had made regular offerings to the church, Menendez said.
Gurrola disagreed. “They did not meet the standards. Meeting the standards means you have to ask to be a member. You don’t become a member merely by sitting in the pews and giving money,” he said.
Menendez said that the church kept poor records of baptisms and offerings. He said there were about 45 members, but most had not been baptized and did not qualify to vote.
Gurrola acknowledged that the record-keeping could have been better, but said it was another of the church’s many challenges.
“Ms. Cabrera took care of the church; she was keeper of the church. Perhaps her record keeping wasn’t the best, but she definitely kept that church together and she was a strong defender of the church — and she did it for 25 years,” he said. “We operated as a Baptist church. We practiced the Baptist belief and we did the best that we could under the circumstances.”
Gurrola launched a campaign immediately to try to regain the church, including prayer vigils on the sidewalk at Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana and attempted negotiations with Transformation Ministries.
Ousted church members now meet at First Baptist Church of Lompoc, 220 West Cypress Ave., which is where the early railroad workers worshiped while they built their own church on West Hickory Avenue.
Transformation Ministries reopened the Lompoc church in November under the umbrella of Iglesia Ministerios El Buen Pastor, an Oxnard church that has sent a lay pastor to conduct services, according to the group’s Web site.
According to Santa Barbara County property records, the church property’s assessed value is $82,414. The church and parsonage sit on four-tenths of an acre, according to county records. Assessed value is not the same as market value, which is normally much higher.
Hector Gonzalez of Scottsdale, Ariz., a general secretary at ABCUSA and the national organization’s former president, said he supports Gurrola, Treasurer Ramona J. Cabrera and Secretary Maria G. Sanchez.
Gonzalez said it is unfair that Transformation Ministries, which chose to leave ABCUSA, now claims ownership of the Lompoc church based on so few votes.
“Why do they want the property and leave these people as orphans?” he said. “I think the whole thing was manipulated. The intent of Transformation Ministries was to just get them out of there and take the keys, keep the building, the pews. ...”
Gonzalez said that of about 290 churches in the Southwest, 60 left ABCUSA and joined Transformation Ministries.
Gurrola said he, Cabrera and Sanchez, are trying to negotiate with Transformation Ministries for the return of their church property.
He said, though, that Salico has told him that he considers Hispanic Baptist church to be “operating out of order” and has refused to allow Gurrola to inspect church files, including the church constitution.
“The more I dig deeper,” Gurrola said, “I just get the feeling that some wrongdoing happened.”
By Bo Poertner/Managing Editor
Primera Inglesia Bautista Hispana has struggled to survive ever since the 1930s, when devout Southern Pacific Railroad workers began worshipping in a converted dining car.
Throughout the decades, the Hispanic Baptist church, with a congregation that was too small and too poor to afford a full-time pastor, fought just to pay a succession of part-time pastors while serving an impoverished Lompoc community.
During the past year, a new issue has threatened the existence of the church, which is waging what may be its last battle.
Caught in a dispute over homosexuality between its parent organization, American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), and the more conservative American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest (ABCPSW), members of the congregation were forced to choose sides.
Church Administrator Joseph Gurrola, whose grandfather preached in Lompoc in the 1920s and served as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana for many years before retiring, said the issue came down to a crucial election in February 2008 that was rigged in favor of ABCPS.
The congregation voted 6-5 to join ABCPSW, which is now called Transformation Ministries.
Despite the protests of church officials, Gurrola said, two nonmembers were allowed to vote in the election — one an illegal immigrant, which violated church rules, and the other the wife of a minister who had been terminated by Primera Inglesia Bautista Hispana officials less than two months earlier.
“What I’m fighting is this invalid vote that took place. Because of this vote, we lost our church. It completely went to Transformation Ministries,” said Gurrola, who lives in Alhambra near Los Angeles.
He said he fears that Transformation Ministries intends to sell the church, a sorrowful death after so many years of struggling to survive.
After the votes were counted, Pastor Daniel Huerta, acting on behalf of Dale Salico, executive minister of Transformation Ministries, immediately demanded the keys to the church and the church checkbook, and ordered that the doors of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, 323 W. Hickory Ave., be locked, said Gurrola.
“It was very legal, very right. It was an amicable separation,” Huerta said. “I think (Gurrola) has a good heart, wanting to do the right thing, but doesn’t have the understanding about what was going on.”
Huerta declined to answer more questions, referring questions to Salico. Neither Salico, of Transformation Ministries, nor Sam Chetti, executive minister of ABCLA, could be reached for comment.
Gurrola said he believes that Huerta manipulated the outcome of the election. And he blamed the representative from American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles for being too passive in support of the small church’s rights.
“The representative that they sent, Dr. Jose Menendez, was not the best representative. He was more pastoral. We needed somebody to fight for us, and we didn’t have that,” Gurrola said.
“ABCLA decided to accept that illegitimate vote and just walk away, hoping things would get better, hoping it will disappear,” he said. “But it will not.”
Menendez disagreed with Gurrola’s description of the vote that was taken; he said Gurrola did not understand the process that was followed.
“That’s his point of view,” Menendez said. “He’s not qualified to talk about anything. ...”
The two women were eligible to vote because they met the standards of ABCLA, in that they had been baptized, attended services for six to eight months and had made regular offerings to the church, Menendez said.
Gurrola disagreed. “They did not meet the standards. Meeting the standards means you have to ask to be a member. You don’t become a member merely by sitting in the pews and giving money,” he said.
Menendez said that the church kept poor records of baptisms and offerings. He said there were about 45 members, but most had not been baptized and did not qualify to vote.
Gurrola acknowledged that the record-keeping could have been better, but said it was another of the church’s many challenges.
“Ms. Cabrera took care of the church; she was keeper of the church. Perhaps her record keeping wasn’t the best, but she definitely kept that church together and she was a strong defender of the church — and she did it for 25 years,” he said. “We operated as a Baptist church. We practiced the Baptist belief and we did the best that we could under the circumstances.”
Gurrola launched a campaign immediately to try to regain the church, including prayer vigils on the sidewalk at Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana and attempted negotiations with Transformation Ministries.
Ousted church members now meet at First Baptist Church of Lompoc, 220 West Cypress Ave., which is where the early railroad workers worshiped while they built their own church on West Hickory Avenue.
Transformation Ministries reopened the Lompoc church in November under the umbrella of Iglesia Ministerios El Buen Pastor, an Oxnard church that has sent a lay pastor to conduct services, according to the group’s Web site.
According to Santa Barbara County property records, the church property’s assessed value is $82,414. The church and parsonage sit on four-tenths of an acre, according to county records. Assessed value is not the same as market value, which is normally much higher.
Hector Gonzalez of Scottsdale, Ariz., a general secretary at ABCUSA and the national organization’s former president, said he supports Gurrola, Treasurer Ramona J. Cabrera and Secretary Maria G. Sanchez.
Gonzalez said it is unfair that Transformation Ministries, which chose to leave ABCUSA, now claims ownership of the Lompoc church based on so few votes.
“Why do they want the property and leave these people as orphans?” he said. “I think the whole thing was manipulated. The intent of Transformation Ministries was to just get them out of there and take the keys, keep the building, the pews. ...”
Gonzalez said that of about 290 churches in the Southwest, 60 left ABCUSA and joined Transformation Ministries.
Gurrola said he, Cabrera and Sanchez, are trying to negotiate with Transformation Ministries for the return of their church property.
He said, though, that Salico has told him that he considers Hispanic Baptist church to be “operating out of order” and has refused to allow Gurrola to inspect church files, including the church constitution.
“The more I dig deeper,” Gurrola said, “I just get the feeling that some wrongdoing happened.”
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hispanic dolls now on DVD
America's Favorite Hispanic Grandparents Are Coming to DVD
Marketwire February 13, 2009
Peace Arch® Home Entertainment, LLC, the U.S. home entertainment joint venture between Peace Arch® Entertainment Group Inc. (AMEX: PAE) (TSX: PAE), and ContentFilm plc (AIM: CFL), along with Baby Abuelita Productions, the maker of the lovable Hispanic grandparent dolls that have captured America's heart, are pleased to announce the DVD release of "Baby Abuelita."
"Baby Abuelita" introduces children to Abuelita Rosa and Abuelito Pancho, the "Abuelitos" every child would love to have! They live in a fun house on Fiesta Beach, where children can experience exciting and magical adventures with great songs such as "Los Pollitos Dicen." The first title in the series, "Baby Abuelita: Family Fiesta," features three episodes and is loaded with bonus features.
"We have been looking to expand our children's property into the Hispanic market," says Berry Meyerowitz, president of Peace Arch Home® Entertainment. "The Baby Abuelita series is a great fit as it entertains and educates children while staying true to Hispanic heritage."
"The 'Family Fiesta' DVD is a bilingual animated series aimed at the pre- school market," says Carol Fenster, CEO of Baby Abuelita. "The 'Baby Abuelita' series was developed to preserve Hispanic heritage through adventures and musical fun for the entire family."
Baby Abuelita is quickly becoming a leading children's Hispanic property having already received numerous toy and home video awards from parenting and children's industry organizations, including iParenting Media, Mother's Choice Awards, and Creative Child Magazine.
Peace Arch® Home Entertainment will be releasing "Baby Abuelita: Family Fiesta" on DVD on March 17, 2009. The DVD will be available for $14.99 SRP at major retailers across the United States.
Marketwire February 13, 2009
Peace Arch® Home Entertainment, LLC, the U.S. home entertainment joint venture between Peace Arch® Entertainment Group Inc. (AMEX: PAE) (TSX: PAE), and ContentFilm plc (AIM: CFL), along with Baby Abuelita Productions, the maker of the lovable Hispanic grandparent dolls that have captured America's heart, are pleased to announce the DVD release of "Baby Abuelita."
"Baby Abuelita" introduces children to Abuelita Rosa and Abuelito Pancho, the "Abuelitos" every child would love to have! They live in a fun house on Fiesta Beach, where children can experience exciting and magical adventures with great songs such as "Los Pollitos Dicen." The first title in the series, "Baby Abuelita: Family Fiesta," features three episodes and is loaded with bonus features.
"We have been looking to expand our children's property into the Hispanic market," says Berry Meyerowitz, president of Peace Arch Home® Entertainment. "The Baby Abuelita series is a great fit as it entertains and educates children while staying true to Hispanic heritage."
"The 'Family Fiesta' DVD is a bilingual animated series aimed at the pre- school market," says Carol Fenster, CEO of Baby Abuelita. "The 'Baby Abuelita' series was developed to preserve Hispanic heritage through adventures and musical fun for the entire family."
Baby Abuelita is quickly becoming a leading children's Hispanic property having already received numerous toy and home video awards from parenting and children's industry organizations, including iParenting Media, Mother's Choice Awards, and Creative Child Magazine.
Peace Arch® Home Entertainment will be releasing "Baby Abuelita: Family Fiesta" on DVD on March 17, 2009. The DVD will be available for $14.99 SRP at major retailers across the United States.
Latina art with something to say
Angry, Funny and Concerned About Identity
By BENJAMIN GENOCCHIO NY Times February 13, 2009
You’ve got to admire Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz, the 35-year-old performance and video artist from the Bronx whose work is now being shown at the Jersey City Museum. Despite the fact that identity politics in art has been out of fashion for a decade, she continues to make angry, difficult but also poignant and occasionally riotously funny works about being a Latina in the United States. Hers is art with something to say.
But unlike a lot of identity-based art, her work is never tepid or academic. This is because Ms. Raimundi-Ortiz is not interested so much in theories and philosophical debate as in what is actually going on out in the world.
This kind of art is not for everyone; it may make some people feel uncomfortable. But what I like about Ms. Raimundi-Ortiz is that she continually challenges the way we look at the world. Her performances pose alternatives to habitual judgments and prejudices, reminding us that how we see ourselves and others is bound up with an intricate mix of social and cultural mores.
The current show contains three video performances in which the artist adopts the speech, mannerisms and dress of a young Latina from the projects, known as Chuleta, and instructs her viewers in art world topics like postmodernism, identity politics, Color Field painting and Dada. It is like a cross between Robert Hughes’s TV series “The Shock of the New” and a novel by Oscar Hijuelos.
Though numbered, the three videos here can be viewed in any order. Their format and content is pretty much the same, with the artist in each case taking an unfamiliar, often complex art world topic and then attempting to explain it using language, terms and analogies familiar to Latino teenagers. She is foul-mouthed, opinionated and sassy, with a fondness for food and Internet imagery. But through it all she somehow manages to get the basic information across.
It is easy to laugh while watching these videos, especially if you know anything about art. The third one, “Topic Three: Color Field Painting” (2007), is a lot of fun, especially a moment in which Chuleta, recounting a recent museum visit, recalls having seen what she believes to be the same painting by Mark Rothko at the dentist’s office. Further reflection leads her to the realization that it must have been a print.
In “Topic Two: Pollock and Kahlo” (2007), Chuleta, dressed in denim overalls with a large hairbrush in her back pocket, gives an impromptu demonstration of how to make a Jackson Pollock painting. It is a mess. She then attempts to explain Abstract Expressionism before getting frustrated and, in desperation, advising everyone to order the movie about Pollock’s life on Netflix.
Then there is the scene in “Topic One: Contemporary Art” (2006), the first video in the series and probably the funniest, in which she explains the concept of the “white cube” gallery. Her explanation is matter-of-fact: “It sounds stupid but it is four white walls in the shape of a box where you be putting the pictures.” It is refreshing to hear someone cut through all the art-world mumbo-jumbo.
Chuleta’s naïveté can be charming, but her folksy and frequently skewed art history lessons have a more serious purpose. Time and again in these videos she makes reference to Latinos’ being intimidated by the art world and not feeling welcome at museums. She repeats in all three videos that her goal is to “bridge the gap between the art world and everyday people.”
One way the videos attempt to do so is by demonstrating how Latinos can see themselves and their experiences depicted in the work of artists. The paintings of Frida Kahlo, discussed in “Topic Two: Pollock and Kahlo,” become an occasion for reflection on the trials of pregnancy, female suffering and male infidelity.
In short, these videos have a dual mission. On the one hand they seek to educate young Latinos about beauty and imagination in art. But they also try to demystify art, to show how, at its best, it reveals something that may otherwise be invisible to us in daily life. This is a quality anyone, of any background or education, can appreciate.
“Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz: Ask Chuleta,” Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery Street, through April 26. Information: (201) 413-0303 or jerseycitymuseum.org.
By BENJAMIN GENOCCHIO NY Times February 13, 2009
You’ve got to admire Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz, the 35-year-old performance and video artist from the Bronx whose work is now being shown at the Jersey City Museum. Despite the fact that identity politics in art has been out of fashion for a decade, she continues to make angry, difficult but also poignant and occasionally riotously funny works about being a Latina in the United States. Hers is art with something to say.
But unlike a lot of identity-based art, her work is never tepid or academic. This is because Ms. Raimundi-Ortiz is not interested so much in theories and philosophical debate as in what is actually going on out in the world.
This kind of art is not for everyone; it may make some people feel uncomfortable. But what I like about Ms. Raimundi-Ortiz is that she continually challenges the way we look at the world. Her performances pose alternatives to habitual judgments and prejudices, reminding us that how we see ourselves and others is bound up with an intricate mix of social and cultural mores.
The current show contains three video performances in which the artist adopts the speech, mannerisms and dress of a young Latina from the projects, known as Chuleta, and instructs her viewers in art world topics like postmodernism, identity politics, Color Field painting and Dada. It is like a cross between Robert Hughes’s TV series “The Shock of the New” and a novel by Oscar Hijuelos.
Though numbered, the three videos here can be viewed in any order. Their format and content is pretty much the same, with the artist in each case taking an unfamiliar, often complex art world topic and then attempting to explain it using language, terms and analogies familiar to Latino teenagers. She is foul-mouthed, opinionated and sassy, with a fondness for food and Internet imagery. But through it all she somehow manages to get the basic information across.
It is easy to laugh while watching these videos, especially if you know anything about art. The third one, “Topic Three: Color Field Painting” (2007), is a lot of fun, especially a moment in which Chuleta, recounting a recent museum visit, recalls having seen what she believes to be the same painting by Mark Rothko at the dentist’s office. Further reflection leads her to the realization that it must have been a print.
In “Topic Two: Pollock and Kahlo” (2007), Chuleta, dressed in denim overalls with a large hairbrush in her back pocket, gives an impromptu demonstration of how to make a Jackson Pollock painting. It is a mess. She then attempts to explain Abstract Expressionism before getting frustrated and, in desperation, advising everyone to order the movie about Pollock’s life on Netflix.
Then there is the scene in “Topic One: Contemporary Art” (2006), the first video in the series and probably the funniest, in which she explains the concept of the “white cube” gallery. Her explanation is matter-of-fact: “It sounds stupid but it is four white walls in the shape of a box where you be putting the pictures.” It is refreshing to hear someone cut through all the art-world mumbo-jumbo.
Chuleta’s naïveté can be charming, but her folksy and frequently skewed art history lessons have a more serious purpose. Time and again in these videos she makes reference to Latinos’ being intimidated by the art world and not feeling welcome at museums. She repeats in all three videos that her goal is to “bridge the gap between the art world and everyday people.”
One way the videos attempt to do so is by demonstrating how Latinos can see themselves and their experiences depicted in the work of artists. The paintings of Frida Kahlo, discussed in “Topic Two: Pollock and Kahlo,” become an occasion for reflection on the trials of pregnancy, female suffering and male infidelity.
In short, these videos have a dual mission. On the one hand they seek to educate young Latinos about beauty and imagination in art. But they also try to demystify art, to show how, at its best, it reveals something that may otherwise be invisible to us in daily life. This is a quality anyone, of any background or education, can appreciate.
“Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz: Ask Chuleta,” Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery Street, through April 26. Information: (201) 413-0303 or jerseycitymuseum.org.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Latino events in San Diego, Film, Circus and music
Eventos Latinos: Fleet Science Center starts Spanish-language film series
By Pablo Jaime Sainz SignOn San Deigo February 12, 2009
“IMAX en Español”
When: Sunday, 6 p.m. (every third Sunday of the month)
Where: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park
Tickets: Adults, $14.50; children 3 to 12 and seniors, $11.75; price includes admission to all exhibitions Phone: (619) 238-1233
Online: rhfleet.org
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, in Balboa Park, will begin screening Spanish-language films in its IMAX theater.
The “IMAX en Español” series, which opens Sunday at 6 p.m., will be on the third Sunday of every month.
The first film is “Wild Ocean,” which explores the relationship between humans and sea life.
The Fleet's IMAX theater, which had major renovations last year, features the new NanoSeam screen that offers brighter colors and higher-contrast images.
The Fleet is the first museum theater in the United States to show IMAX films in Spanish as part of its regular program, said Martha Puentes, the center's Latino community relations specialist.
“This is very important for us because it proves that the Fleet is committed to making science more attractive to the Hispanic community in San Diego,” Puentes said.
She added that the Fleet is developing an agreement with the Centro Cultural Tijuana, which has the iconic IMAX theater in Tijuana, to exchange Spanish-language films in the future. There are also plans to bring films from the astronomy collection at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City.
Next month's “IMAX en Español” screening is March 15 with the presentation of “El cuerpo humano” (“The Human Body”).
SAN DIEGO
LIVE SHOWS
Circus Vargas: The traditional Latino circus, featuring its popular big-top tent, will be in several locations across the county through March 9. Westfield Plaza Bonita, National City – today through Monday; Westfield Parkway, El Cajon – Feb. 19-23; Mira Mesa Community Park – Feb. 26 to March 2; Del Mar Fairgrounds – March 5-9. circusvargas.org.
Mijares: Pop. Cox Arena, San Diego State University. 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow. $33 to $113. ticketmaster.com.
Los Tigres del Norte and Banda El Recodo: Norteño and banda sinaloense. San Diego Convention Center, 7 p.m. Saturday. $37, (619) 498-0023.
Gilberto Santa Rosa and Víctor Manuelle: Salsa. Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego. 8 p.m. Sunday. $50 to $75. ticketmaster.com.
EXHIBITIONS
“Defend: Security”: Tijuana artist Daniel Ruanova presents this exhibition featuring a single metal sculpture dealing with violence. Luis De Jesus Seminal Projects, 2040 India St. Through March 21. (619) 696-9699 or seminalprojects.com.
“Visual Migrations”: Exhibition on contemporary immigration is part of the series of cultural events called “Deportation Nation.” Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2125 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. Through March 8. Free. centroculturaldelaraza.org.
Mexican art: A new gallery dedicated to Mexican art features an exhibit of works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries at the Museum of Art San Diego, Balboa Park. (619) 232-7931 or sdmart.org.
“Gods & Gold”: Pre-Columbian treasures from Mexico to Peru. San Diego Museum of Man, Balboa Park. (619) 239-2001 or museumofman.org.
By Pablo Jaime Sainz SignOn San Deigo February 12, 2009
“IMAX en Español”
When: Sunday, 6 p.m. (every third Sunday of the month)
Where: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park
Tickets: Adults, $14.50; children 3 to 12 and seniors, $11.75; price includes admission to all exhibitions Phone: (619) 238-1233
Online: rhfleet.org
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, in Balboa Park, will begin screening Spanish-language films in its IMAX theater.
The “IMAX en Español” series, which opens Sunday at 6 p.m., will be on the third Sunday of every month.
The first film is “Wild Ocean,” which explores the relationship between humans and sea life.
The Fleet's IMAX theater, which had major renovations last year, features the new NanoSeam screen that offers brighter colors and higher-contrast images.
The Fleet is the first museum theater in the United States to show IMAX films in Spanish as part of its regular program, said Martha Puentes, the center's Latino community relations specialist.
“This is very important for us because it proves that the Fleet is committed to making science more attractive to the Hispanic community in San Diego,” Puentes said.
She added that the Fleet is developing an agreement with the Centro Cultural Tijuana, which has the iconic IMAX theater in Tijuana, to exchange Spanish-language films in the future. There are also plans to bring films from the astronomy collection at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City.
Next month's “IMAX en Español” screening is March 15 with the presentation of “El cuerpo humano” (“The Human Body”).
SAN DIEGO
LIVE SHOWS
Circus Vargas: The traditional Latino circus, featuring its popular big-top tent, will be in several locations across the county through March 9. Westfield Plaza Bonita, National City – today through Monday; Westfield Parkway, El Cajon – Feb. 19-23; Mira Mesa Community Park – Feb. 26 to March 2; Del Mar Fairgrounds – March 5-9. circusvargas.org.
Mijares: Pop. Cox Arena, San Diego State University. 7:30 p.m. Tomorrow. $33 to $113. ticketmaster.com.
Los Tigres del Norte and Banda El Recodo: Norteño and banda sinaloense. San Diego Convention Center, 7 p.m. Saturday. $37, (619) 498-0023.
Gilberto Santa Rosa and Víctor Manuelle: Salsa. Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego. 8 p.m. Sunday. $50 to $75. ticketmaster.com.
EXHIBITIONS
“Defend: Security”: Tijuana artist Daniel Ruanova presents this exhibition featuring a single metal sculpture dealing with violence. Luis De Jesus Seminal Projects, 2040 India St. Through March 21. (619) 696-9699 or seminalprojects.com.
“Visual Migrations”: Exhibition on contemporary immigration is part of the series of cultural events called “Deportation Nation.” Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2125 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. Through March 8. Free. centroculturaldelaraza.org.
Mexican art: A new gallery dedicated to Mexican art features an exhibit of works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries at the Museum of Art San Diego, Balboa Park. (619) 232-7931 or sdmart.org.
“Gods & Gold”: Pre-Columbian treasures from Mexico to Peru. San Diego Museum of Man, Balboa Park. (619) 239-2001 or museumofman.org.
Hispanic TV most pirated by YouTube
Univision: YouTube's Most Pirated Broadcast TV Network
Turns out Online Audiences Love Its Telenovelas
By Laurel Wentz ADAGE.COM February 12, 2009
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Protecting shows from piracy on YouTube is an obsession for some TV networks, but Univision Communications' efforts haven't been able to thwart a booming market for its illegally uploaded content. The Spanish-language TV network is the most-pirated U.S. broadcast network on YouTube, with mostly clips of blockbuster telenovelas drawing more than twice as many views as Univision's nearest network competitor, Fox.
TubeMogul measured more than 586 million views for Univision's 10 most-pirated shows on YouTube, compared with about 289 million views for clips from the 10 most-pirated programs from Fox, the second-most-pirated broadcast network, and about 121 million for the 10 most-pirated programs from NBC, one of the more aggressive networks in policing its content. TubeMogul is an online-video-analytics company that tracks viewership and trends online.
Of the almost 600 million views for Univision shows, 347 million are from 29,498 pirated clips of the current hot novela "Cuidado con el Angel" ("Careful With the Angel").
"It's 'Cuidado con el Angel' that pushes them over the top," said David Burch, TubeMogul's marketing manager. "If you remove the show, Univision would be the third-most-pirated network, below Fox and ABC."
Most networks make a diligent effort to keep pirated videos of their content off Google-owned YouTube.
"We regularly monitor and require YouTube to take down pirated program materials," said a Univision spokesperson. "It is YouTube's responsibility to abide by those requests. That said, it is not surprising to see the explosive popularity of Univision programming on the internet."
That high level of pirated content may be because Univision and its main program supplier, Mexican media giant Grupo Televisa, are currently battling over who should own the digital rights to Televisa's programming in the U.S. If the two media companies can't reach an agreement quickly, a U.S. judge will decide the issue in March.
Univision and Televisa just ended one court battle last month over a 25-year programming agreement that gives Univision the exclusive rights to Televisa's Mexican shows in the U.S. until 2017. The same judge, Philip Gutierrez, who presided over that trial in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, is scheduled to rule on the digital-rights issue next month, although it's considered more likely that Univision and Televisa will reach their own settlement first. Digital media didn't exist in the early 1990s, when the programming agreement was signed, so Univision claims the deal covers all U.S. broadcast rights, including on the internet, while Televisa insists it should control U.S. internet rights to its shows.
Number of views of clips from the 10 most-pirated shows on each major network
Network Views
Univision 583,750,247
Fox 289,074,325
ABC 260,299,418
CBS 127,334,729
NBC 120,890,835
Source: TubeMogul
With no clear ownership of digital rights, Univision has little incentive to invest heavily in anti-piracy efforts. And there is a dearth of legitimate Spanish-language online-video content -- for viewers to watch or advertisers to buy -- because with the current impasse, Univision can't use video of Televisa shows on Univision.com, and Televisa has to block U.S. audiences from seeing video on its Mexican site, Esmas.com.
Univision didn't comment on whether the rift has had any impact on the amount of pirated content on YouTube. TubeMogul's Mr. Burch said he has never seen a copyright takedown of any of Univision's shows on YouTube.
That's in stark contrast to NBC, which works closely with YouTube to police its shows to prevent pirated clips from being uploaded at all and take them down swiftly if they slip through. And Viacom sued YouTube for $1 billion two years ago.
A YouTube spokesperson said, "We have great Content ID partnerships with hundreds of media companies, and we're happy to work with anyone who wants to manage their content on our site." Content ID is YouTube's free system that allows providers to identify videos of their content and block them if they so choose.
Mr. Burch said he never understood why "Cuidado con el Angel" was consistently in the top 100 videos viewed each week on YouTube until he was sitting in a taqueria with a TV screen one day and realized that the show was a hit novela.
There were 55,867 views of a single pirated clip from episode 142 of the show, in which hero-doctor Juan Miguel pursues and tries to talk to the orphaned heroine, Marichuy, who runs away (and is hit by a car) because she was once married to him but left him after a terrible incident on their wedding night. Later his former wife, who was believed killed in a plane crash reappeared so Marichuy never told him about their baby.
Later, in episode 145, at the hospital (87,070 views), Marichuy tells Juan Miguel she hates him because the car accident he caused has left her blind forever -- or at least until episode 169, when she undergoes risky brain surgery (31,952 views) that Juan Miguel scrubs in for, even though he's a psychiatrist.
Popular novelas
Univision's three most-pirated shows are popular novelas produced by Mexico's Televisa that air in the U.S. on Univision. Following "Cuidado con el Angel" are "Fuego en la Sangre" ("Fire in the Blood"), with 10,250 pirated clips that have drawn more than 141 million views on YouTube, and "Las Tontas no Van al Cielo" ("Foolish Girls Don't Go to Heaven"), with 2,195 clips and more than 78 million views.
On TV, Univision regularly beats one or more of the main networks in prime-time ratings among 18- to 34-year-olds. On a recent evening, "Cuidado con el Angel" beat ABC programming at 8 p.m., and "Fuego en la Sangre" tied with that network at 9 p.m., according to Univision's overnight ratings.
The YouTube traffic in pirated Spanish-language clips highlights that Hispanics are active internet users and, according to industry research, are as likely to watch online video as non-Hispanics -- and more likely to download music and listen to internet radio.
In measuring views of clips from the 10 most-pirated shows for each network, TubeMogul excluded official versions and promotional trailers posted by the networks themselves, Mr. Burch said. It wasn't possible to tell how many of the views may have come from outside the U.S. market, he said.
Turns out Online Audiences Love Its Telenovelas
By Laurel Wentz ADAGE.COM February 12, 2009
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Protecting shows from piracy on YouTube is an obsession for some TV networks, but Univision Communications' efforts haven't been able to thwart a booming market for its illegally uploaded content. The Spanish-language TV network is the most-pirated U.S. broadcast network on YouTube, with mostly clips of blockbuster telenovelas drawing more than twice as many views as Univision's nearest network competitor, Fox.
TubeMogul measured more than 586 million views for Univision's 10 most-pirated shows on YouTube, compared with about 289 million views for clips from the 10 most-pirated programs from Fox, the second-most-pirated broadcast network, and about 121 million for the 10 most-pirated programs from NBC, one of the more aggressive networks in policing its content. TubeMogul is an online-video-analytics company that tracks viewership and trends online.
Of the almost 600 million views for Univision shows, 347 million are from 29,498 pirated clips of the current hot novela "Cuidado con el Angel" ("Careful With the Angel").
"It's 'Cuidado con el Angel' that pushes them over the top," said David Burch, TubeMogul's marketing manager. "If you remove the show, Univision would be the third-most-pirated network, below Fox and ABC."
Most networks make a diligent effort to keep pirated videos of their content off Google-owned YouTube.
"We regularly monitor and require YouTube to take down pirated program materials," said a Univision spokesperson. "It is YouTube's responsibility to abide by those requests. That said, it is not surprising to see the explosive popularity of Univision programming on the internet."
That high level of pirated content may be because Univision and its main program supplier, Mexican media giant Grupo Televisa, are currently battling over who should own the digital rights to Televisa's programming in the U.S. If the two media companies can't reach an agreement quickly, a U.S. judge will decide the issue in March.
Univision and Televisa just ended one court battle last month over a 25-year programming agreement that gives Univision the exclusive rights to Televisa's Mexican shows in the U.S. until 2017. The same judge, Philip Gutierrez, who presided over that trial in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, is scheduled to rule on the digital-rights issue next month, although it's considered more likely that Univision and Televisa will reach their own settlement first. Digital media didn't exist in the early 1990s, when the programming agreement was signed, so Univision claims the deal covers all U.S. broadcast rights, including on the internet, while Televisa insists it should control U.S. internet rights to its shows.
Number of views of clips from the 10 most-pirated shows on each major network
Network Views
Univision 583,750,247
Fox 289,074,325
ABC 260,299,418
CBS 127,334,729
NBC 120,890,835
Source: TubeMogul
With no clear ownership of digital rights, Univision has little incentive to invest heavily in anti-piracy efforts. And there is a dearth of legitimate Spanish-language online-video content -- for viewers to watch or advertisers to buy -- because with the current impasse, Univision can't use video of Televisa shows on Univision.com, and Televisa has to block U.S. audiences from seeing video on its Mexican site, Esmas.com.
Univision didn't comment on whether the rift has had any impact on the amount of pirated content on YouTube. TubeMogul's Mr. Burch said he has never seen a copyright takedown of any of Univision's shows on YouTube.
That's in stark contrast to NBC, which works closely with YouTube to police its shows to prevent pirated clips from being uploaded at all and take them down swiftly if they slip through. And Viacom sued YouTube for $1 billion two years ago.
A YouTube spokesperson said, "We have great Content ID partnerships with hundreds of media companies, and we're happy to work with anyone who wants to manage their content on our site." Content ID is YouTube's free system that allows providers to identify videos of their content and block them if they so choose.
Mr. Burch said he never understood why "Cuidado con el Angel" was consistently in the top 100 videos viewed each week on YouTube until he was sitting in a taqueria with a TV screen one day and realized that the show was a hit novela.
There were 55,867 views of a single pirated clip from episode 142 of the show, in which hero-doctor Juan Miguel pursues and tries to talk to the orphaned heroine, Marichuy, who runs away (and is hit by a car) because she was once married to him but left him after a terrible incident on their wedding night. Later his former wife, who was believed killed in a plane crash reappeared so Marichuy never told him about their baby.
Later, in episode 145, at the hospital (87,070 views), Marichuy tells Juan Miguel she hates him because the car accident he caused has left her blind forever -- or at least until episode 169, when she undergoes risky brain surgery (31,952 views) that Juan Miguel scrubs in for, even though he's a psychiatrist.
Popular novelas
Univision's three most-pirated shows are popular novelas produced by Mexico's Televisa that air in the U.S. on Univision. Following "Cuidado con el Angel" are "Fuego en la Sangre" ("Fire in the Blood"), with 10,250 pirated clips that have drawn more than 141 million views on YouTube, and "Las Tontas no Van al Cielo" ("Foolish Girls Don't Go to Heaven"), with 2,195 clips and more than 78 million views.
On TV, Univision regularly beats one or more of the main networks in prime-time ratings among 18- to 34-year-olds. On a recent evening, "Cuidado con el Angel" beat ABC programming at 8 p.m., and "Fuego en la Sangre" tied with that network at 9 p.m., according to Univision's overnight ratings.
The YouTube traffic in pirated Spanish-language clips highlights that Hispanics are active internet users and, according to industry research, are as likely to watch online video as non-Hispanics -- and more likely to download music and listen to internet radio.
In measuring views of clips from the 10 most-pirated shows for each network, TubeMogul excluded official versions and promotional trailers posted by the networks themselves, Mr. Burch said. It wasn't possible to tell how many of the views may have come from outside the U.S. market, he said.
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