The first time I had heard of the dance called “Cumbia” was over 20 years ago. My good friend and her brothers took me to a club in Astoria, Queens, called “Illusiones.” My friend is Equadorian and she was showing me the dance steps to do the “Cumbia“ Unbeknown to me at the… [Continue Reading]
United States vs. Arizona: Injunction Order
07/30/2010 By 1 Comment
On Wednesday, United State District Judge Susan Bolton ruled on the United States motion to prevent the Arizona State immigration Law, known as SB 1070, from going into effect. This was a huge victory for immigration activist, but there is still much work to be done on the issue. Judge Bolton’s injunction order applies… [Continue Reading]
And Justice for All
07/30/2010 By 2 Comments
On November 14, 2009, I sat down in front of my television set and watched the Puerto Rican news on WAPA America like I always do with my Abuela. The top story that night was that of Jorge Steven López Mercado. Jorge was partially burned, dismembered and decapitated for being gay by Juan José… [Continue Reading]
The Sanctuary Project
07/30/2010 By 1 Comment
Recently, I wrote here about a fellow Latino named Jose Anthony Rodriguez, a Naval officer whose brutal rape took place over three days in 2009. He was other-than-honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy based on the conclusion that he is homosexual; since the rape was male on… [Continue Reading]
“I’m a Doctor. You’re Stupid I know about you people!”
07/29/2010 By 5 Comments
Saturday night Bronx, NYC: A friend and I were on our way to pick up a mutual girlfriend for a night out on the town. The night was “young,” the air was humid, the streets were crowded; typical summer night in New York City. I was driving along Jerome Avenue, right underneath the 4 train… [Continue Reading]
Taqueros
07/29/2010 By 3 Comments
I still drive fifty miles one way to East L.A to hit the taquero stands on Whittier or Olympic Boulevards. I have memories as a kid driving late at night with my day to grab a few tacos. I would order my normal asada and El Pastor and my dad would get his… [Continue Reading]
Are we the people?
07/28/2010 By 1 Comment
For many, the current political environment in the state has been a rude awakening. Just think Arizona: several bills have passed and raised concern – as well as mockery from the left and praise from the far right – at the national level. This summer, people will be able to carry a concealed… [Continue Reading]
Mentiroso?
07/28/2010 By 2 Comments
As with many second generation immigrants, I’m often the one in the family handling the contacts with hospitals, schools, and authorities in general. Mi abuela only speaks Spanish and my dad, although his Swedish is very good after living here for over 30 years, still has an accent. Being born and raised in Sweden,… [Continue Reading]
Highly (Il)legal
07/27/2010 By 2 Comments
“Pot is Back!” proclaims the July cover article in Philadelphia Magazine that delves into residents’ of the Main Line (aka rich suburbia) secret use of marijuana to relax after the trials and tribulations of daily life. The show Weeds also highlights the life of a suburban widow, who lacking any real job skills took… [Continue Reading]
Sepharad: Our Latino Jewish Heritage
07/27/2010 By 1 Comment
In 2007, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that surprised the breast cancer research community. The study looked for the presence of BRCA1, a genetic mutation known as the “breast cancer gene” in women of different ethnic backgrounds. Like other studies before it, this one found that the highest incidence… [Continue Reading]