Today’s news continues to bring surprises. I never thought I’d see the day when our beloved Paquita la del Barrio (virgen santisima de la colonia Guerrero) would be making statements in American newspapers, much less in Palm Springs. But it seems Paquita, Mexican female angst personified and a slap in the face to Mexican machismo, was interviewed in the Palm Springs Desert Sun. Too bad the interviewer had some cultural barrier issues going on:

Q: Your new CD is titled “Que Mama tan Chaparrita” (what a short mom). What does that mean?

Hmm…

A few years ago I was surprised to find that, in response to the Latino population boom, Las Vegas casinos were booking Mexican acts like Juan Gabriel and Vicente Fernandez. Today I was floored when I heard that this casino in Palm Springs was booking Paquita, a cult legend in Mexico, but by no means an international name. It’s all about the Latino market, and now businesses are finding niches within the niche. Yes, it has to be a niche market if it finds solace in lyrics like, “Me estás oyendo, méndigo gusano…arrástrate!” I guess I’m part of the niche.