Top Ten signs your dentist used to be a Cholo...

TOP 10 Signs Your Dentist Used to be a Cholo

By Al Carlos, www.LatinoLA.com

 

10. For anesthesia, a Homeboy jumps out the closet, knocks you out while you are counting backwards.

9. Every time you tell him “It hurts!”, he slaps you in back of the head and calls you a punk.

8. Also does tattoos, piercings, and fade haircuts.

7. Chair is on hydraulics; it goes up, back, side to side...

6. When you ask, "Why a root canal?", tells you he needs new 24 inch rims for his ranfla.

5. Everyone leaves with gold bicuspids, no matter what.

4. Primers your face, bondos your fillings.

3. While he is working on your mouth, he yells at you, “Stop smiling at me like you know me fool!”.

2. Wears a XXX flannel shirt buttoned to the top over his surgical gown pajamas.

1. His receptionist does nails and is the gum cracking champion of the world.

National Latino Broadcasting to launch new channels on Sirius XM Radio

National Latino Broadcasting has been selected to operate four new Latino themed channels.

MIAMI, FL -- National Latino Broadcasting, LLC. (NLB), a newly formed subsidiary of Eventus, the leading national multicultural experiential marketing, sports and entertainment company, announced today it has been selected by SiriusXM to lease four channels on a long-term basis on the Sirius and XM satellite radio platforms. The media entity will provide programming targeting the Latino market.

NLB was selected from a wide array of qualified applicants after a thorough RFP process and review. The satellite broadcaster was required by the FCC to enter into long-term lease agreements with entities not affiliated with the company to help ensure programming options that are relevant to otherwise underserved communities. This expansion of choices was requested by the FCC as a condition for approval of the SiriusXM merger. NLB was selected based on the strength of its proposal for the development of Latino-focused programming.

Commenting on the selection, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "This marks a valuable step in increasing the diversity of programming available to satellite radio listeners, while promoting access for new entrants and independent satellite radio programming." In a statement released earlier, FCC Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn remarked, "Through this endeavor, groups that have been historically underserved will be able to enjoy a wider variety of creative and entertaining options on a national platform, and I am looking forward to the launch of these new stations as soon as possible."

"We applaud SiriusXM's rigorous management of the RFP process, ultimately creating the space necessary for new media entities to be able to cater to traditionally underserved communities. Our selection validates our vision of filling a void by creating compelling programming for today's diverse Latino communities. We expect Latino consumers will react positively to this new and exciting offering, which has not been available to them before," said Nelson Albareda, President & CEO of NLB. "The launch of NLB marks a significant milestone for Eventus. The formation of this new media company allows us to deliver on our long-term business strategy of becoming a provider of culturally relevant content for the underserved Latino market in the United States. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with SiriusXM."

NLB's corporate and sales office will be based in Miami with satellite offices in Boston, New York City, Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles. Additionally, the company is building a broadcast studio facility that will accommodate audio, video and digital production at its Miami headquarters. In the coming weeks, NLB will announce programming and launch details for its satellite radio channels.

About National Latino Broadcasting, LLC.
National Latino Broadcasting, LLC. (NLB) is a media company focused on serving Latino communities across the United States through the development of compelling entertainment content. NLB's multi-platform distribution channels allow the company to deliver entertaining and informative programming while creating innovative marketing solutions for marketers seeking to engage Latino consumers. The company's flagship media properties include four satellite radio channels on SiriusXM Radio. NLB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eventus.

For more information on NLB, visit www.NLBlive.com.

ALERT! Latin Jazz eliminated by Grammy Awards

 After fighting for decades to be recognized by the GRAMMY Awards, Latin Jazz is eliminated, disrespecting Latin Jazz legend Eddie Palmieri's efforts to get it recognized.
By Adrian Perez

NEW YORK, NY - If it wasn't bad enough to be bad-mouthed by Republicans and ignored by Hollywood, Latinos have now come under attack by the music industry. On April 6th, 2011, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) announced that they were eliminating the category of Latin Jazz GRAMMY as part of a "restructuring" whereby the total number of categories to be recognized was reduced to 78 from 109. But, the number of distinct artist entries was increased from 25 to 40 in each category.

"Every year, we diligently examine our Awards structure to develop an overall guiding vision and ensure that it remains a balanced and viable process," said Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The GRAMMYs. "After careful and extensive review and analysis of all Categories and Fields, it was objectively determined that our GRAMMY Categories be restructured to the continued competition and prestige of the highest and only peer-recognized award in music. Our Board of Trustees continues to demonstrate its dedication to keeping The Recording Academy a pertinent and responsive organization in our dynamic music community."

The NARAS' decision immediately drew fire from numerous Latin Jazz artists and organizations, including the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance.

"The Afro Latin Jazz Alliance is shocked and disappointed by the news that the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has chosen to eliminate the Latin Jazz category from the GRAMMY awards," read a statement issued by the organization. "We are deeply disappointed to find today that this progress will not be reflected in our country's most important musical award, where the message now seems to be, "Latin Jazz musicians need not apply."

The NARAS' decision comes on the heels of the 2010 U.S. Census that shows Latinos now comprise over 50 million people, or 16 percent of the total population. It is the nation's second largest population, yet continue to be treated as an insignificant part of America.

Latin Jazz evolved in the 1930s from the fusion of big band, jazz improvisations, and Afro-Cuban rythms by performers like Machito and the Afro Cubans, Tito Puente, and Mario Bauza. Machito inspired jazz legends like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Stan Kenton, who brought the Latin Jazz sound to mainstream American.

In 1993, Latin Jazz performer Eddie Palmeiri was appointed Governor of the New York NARAS and through his efforts, Latin Jazz was recognized as a GRAMMY Award in 1994. Now Palmeiri is leading a letter writing campaign to have the NARAS overturn their decision.

"I call upon everyone now, as a whole, to come together, in UNITY, by starting with your own communities and supporting your local artists and telling your friends and loved ones about a great band you just heard that has that swing, because without the support of the fans, we are not able to record as often as required by NARAS and to the entrepreneurial indie labels," said Palmeiri in a written statement. "Make sure that you file all of the necessary criteria online to NARAS’ website as per submissions, and to all of my fellow musicians out there, (young and old), please become a member of NARAS and get involved with your local Chapter."

The impact of not being recognized by the GRAMMYs is very significant to Latin jazz performers, composers, arrangers and producers because they will not receive the recognition enjoyed by their peers. It will impact these talented individuals' livelihood.

Latino scripted bilingual series to debut May 1st

Sneak peak of mun2 and Telemundo studies new bilingual series "RPM Miami" will debut on May 1st at 10pm ET/PT.
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA -- mun2, Telemundo's bilingual cable network and Telemundo, a leading producer of high-quality content for Hispanics in the U.S. and around the world, presented their new Latin-flavored drama series with novela roots, "RPM MIAMI," during NBC Universal's Summer Press Day on Friday April 15 at The Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California. Shot on location in Miami, and packed with adrenaline-pumping action, RPM MIAMI follows a group of young Latino friends as they struggle to make something of themselves by day and conquer the underground racing scene by night. The new collaboration between Telemundo Studios and mun2 will make its much-anticipated debut on Sunday, May 1, 10pm ET/PT, on mun2. Click http://mun2.tv/fastpress for a sneak peek.

"mun2 continues to develop provocative, original programming that reflects our uniquely American stories," said Diana Mogollon, General Manager, mun2. "We feel very proud to present our most ambitious original production to date which incorporates a 360 degree approach where viewers get to interact with the show and talent both onscreen and online, marking a milestone in U.S. Hispanic television history."

Featuring an all-Latino cast with some of today's sexiest young new actors, the weekly series revolves around ALEJANDRO (Salvadorian heartthrob Adrian Bellani), a top U.S. Army Ranger who reunites with his family in Miami after his discharge, only to find out that his father is missing and his family has fallen into financial hardship. Determined to uncover the truth about his father's disappearance, Alejandro enters the dangerous world of Miami's underground street racing, a lifestyle full of action and drama. At the center of the storm is LUISA (Mexican actress Fernanda Romero), a woman trying to find herself and move away from a tormented past. Alejandro will meet and befriend the owner of the RPM car shop, RAMON, played by award-winning Latin-recording artist Frankie J.

The series will also feature cameo appearances by some of Latin music's top names, including De la Ghetto, Lenny Santos of Aventura, Flex, and Alexis y Fido.

Combining car races, complicated relationships, original music produced for the show by "Latin Hip Hop's Platinum Child" Scoop Deville, the 13 episode original drama series will take viewers on a thrilling visual ride of the highest production values as RPM MIAMI's characters cope with threats from the organized crime world and the hardships of love on the edge.

Viewers can also ride along with the series through a 360 degree interactive experience at mun2.tv/rpm. Viewers will be prompted to go online throughout the series, where they will be able to watch scenes that provide character insights and upcoming plot clues, test their driving skills through a retro-arcade game set to music and images from the series available on the web and on mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, Touch and Android), and change a significant plot line by voting after the penultimate episode, with the winning alternate scene posted online. Viewers can also catch up on the series at any time through four special web recaps and view behind-the-scenes slideshows on the making of the series.

RPM MIAMI was written by Juan Camilo Ferrand (also known for penning over 100 episodes of Telemundo's acclaimed show "Decisiones," and "El Cartel" novela) and directed by award-winning director, Jacobo Rispa. Renowned film director Jessy Terrero served as the show's executive creative consultant. Terrero's original short film "Los Bandoleros" revealed the events leading up to the beginning of "Fast & Furious," written and directed by Vin Diesel. Alonso Galvez serves as Co-creator and Producer of the series.

About Telemundo:
Telemundo Communications Group, LLC & Subsidiaries ("Telemundo"), a division of NBCUniversal, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Telemundo's multiple platforms include Telemundo, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 14 owned stations, 1 independent station (WKAQ in Puerto Rico), 46 broadcast affiliates, and over 1,000 cable affiliates; mun2, the preeminent voice for bicultural Hispanics in the U.S., reaching over 35 million U.S. TV households nationwide on digital and analog cable, satellite and free television; Telemundo Digital Media, which leverages Telemundo's original content for distribution across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices and www.telemundo.com and www.holamun2.com; and Telemundo Internacional, the company's international distribution arm which has positioned Telemundo as the second largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 100 countries in over 35 languages.

About mun2:
mun2 (moon-dos) is the lifestyle cable network for today's culture connectors (C2s) – bicultural Latinos 18-34. As the bilingual network that amplifies the Latino experience, mun2 is culturally-grounded and reflects the best of both worlds – mun2 is uniquely American. From reality to music, on-air to digital, mun2 creates original content across a multi-screen platform. As the only nationally measured bilingual cable network by Nielsen NTI, mun2 has an increased distribution to over 36 million households, and is a part of the Telemundo Communications Group, a division of NBCUniversal.

SOURCE mun2 Television 

Comedic actor reaches out to Latino audiences

Will Ferrell to Star in Spanish Speaking Role ‘Casa de Mi Padre’

Comedy actor Will Ferrell will be starring in a new movie being filmed in Spanish, including all his lines, with English subtitles.  Entitled “Casa de Mi Padre” (House of My Father), the film takes a swipe on both Telenovelas and the drug problems now confronting many South American countries.  Ferrell plays a common rancher named Armando who goes against a powerful drug lord (Mexican award winning actor Gael Garcia Bernal) for the love of a woman.  The film is produced by Gary Sanchez Productions and is being directed by Matt Piedmont.  

Will it work in both markets?  You be the judge - check out the trailer:

Top 10 Signs you should no longer be a parade Samba dancer...

As Samba dancing and competition greet the Spring...

By Al Carlos Hernandez, www.LatinoLA.com

Publisher's Note: Dr. Al Carlos Hernandez is a regular contributor to Vida de Oro and is Contributing Editor for Latino L.A.

10. During a parade, you shook your hips too hard and launched a Smart Car into a Starbucks.

9. Only way to slap your conga for six hours is to paint the face of ex lover on it.

8. You accidently stepped on a cat’s tail and killed it.

7. Your tall feathered headdress includes GPS.

6. Your bikini top broke loose and you knocked yourself out.

5. People applaud your huge papier-mâché comic head, but you're not wearing one.

4. You dressed up like Oakland Raider fan and scared the heck OUT of the Voodoo dudes.

3. Your dancing shoes broke; A float ran over your maracas.

2. You painted yourself red and accidentally samba your way into blue gang turf.

1. Every block, your hip gets stuck, and they have to taser you to keep going. 

Latina Orchestra Conductor will showcase musical event

Sonia Marie De Lèon de Vega, who has been exposing children to classical music in the Los Angeles area, will present a México Sinfónico Event to Showcase Music of Great Mexican Composers.

By Susie Albin-Najera The MEXICO Report
“The Good News About Mexico, Travel & Culture”

Sonia Marie De Lèon de Vega

LOS ANGELES, CA - Sonia Marie De Léon de Vega is the music director and conductor of the Los Angeles-based Santa Cecilia Orchestra (SCO), the only orchestra in the nation with a specific mission to expose classical music to Latino communities. Maestra De Léon de Vega is celebrated in education circles for creating the Discovering Music Program in 1998, a two-year program that is currently offered in 18 elementary schools throughout Los Angeles. The program has touched the lives of more than 40,000 students in 35 schools through the power of music education. Due to its success, Discovering Music has been expanded to include a string program that offers free violin lessons throughout the school year and a mentorship program in middle schools.

Sonia, of Mexican descent, was born in San Antonio, Texas and is the daughter of actress/producer Sonia De Léon and singer/guitarist Reynaldo Sanchez, who are San Antonio natives. At the age of four De Léon de Vega moved to Los Angeles, California, where she was raised and began her musical training becoming an accomplished pianist and organist. While always distinguishing herself academically her graduate studies led her to love and specialize in conducting studies with Dr. David Buck. She also trained at the Herbert Blomstedt International Institute for Instrumental Conductors and at various American Symphony Orchestra League workshops with Otto Werner Mueller, Maurice Abravanel, Pierre Boulez, Andre Previn, Zubin Metha and Ricardo Muti.

Recognized as a noted symphony and opera conductor, Sonia Marie De Léon de Vega has achieved distinction as the first woman in history to conduct a symphony orchestra at a Vatican Papal Mass. Sonia was also the first Hispanic classical artist ever featured internationally on the Univision network’s signature Orgullo Hispano, which highlights the most successful Hispanics in the world. Her musical talents have inspired a large following in Southern California through live orchestral presentations, as well as an international audience through televised performances in the United States, Latin America and Europe. She is also the Producer and Music Director for the annual Opera Under the Stars concert in Los Angeles, a venue credited with launching the careers of many young operatic vocalist

On May 22, 2011, Santa Cecilia Orchestra will play México Sinfónico! This 80-piece symphony orchestra event will showcase the music of great Mexican composers and with great pride, will present Daniel Catán, Mexico’s pre-eminent living composer. The symphony orchestra will also include 14 percussionists to perform Silvestre Revueltas’s La Noche de los Mayas. “The Night of The Mayas” hurls itself at an audience like a Mexican Rite of Spring. Extravagant sonorities, panoramic scene-painting, and driving rhythms abound in this magnificent work. Que Viva México!

México Sinfónico
May 22, 2011, Sunday 4pm
Occidental College • Thorne Hall
1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles
Prices: $26, $20, $7 (youth)
Purchase Tickets