8:22 am By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · Cuba|Politics · Comments Off
25 Feb 2008
Yesterday, in a not so surprising move, the Cuban National Assembly named Fidel Castro’s brother, Raúl, president. The unanimous decision has been interpreted by many as a continuation of brother Fidel Castro’s policies and in fact in his acceptance speech, Raul promised to finish big bro’s work. Any hopes of new leaders were squashed when 77-year-old revolutionary leader, Jose Ramon Machado, was named Vice-President.
Via / NYT, Washington Post
4:26 pm By Maegan La Mala · Politics|Texas|TV|US Presidential Race 2008 · Comments Off
22 Feb 2008As Hillary and Barack tore it up in Texas last night, worry has been on the minds of many a Texan Obama supporter (I know some) because, at least in other states, Clinton has been the clear leader among Latino voters. Perhaps that’s the reason why Texans are seeing this little gem appear in their inboxes. From the makers of the Obama reggaeton hit, check out Obama, Mariachi style:
I wonder what Dolores Huerta thinks of this attempt at “going to the nopal”.
Via / YouTube
9:13 am By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · Celebrities|children|New York City · Comments Off
22 Feb 2008
This morning Jenny from the Block became a mami from the block, reportedly giving birth to twins, a girl and boy out in Long Island, NY. The girl came first, weighing in at e 5-pound, 7-ounces, followed by her 6-pound brother minutes later. Those are healthy weights for twins.
No word on what the kidlets are named.
Felicidades!
Via / OMG!
3:57 pm By Maegan La Mala · Celebrities|Cuba|Politics · Comments Off
21 Feb 2008
Cuban-born actor Andy Garcia shares the sentiments of many in the exile community that Fidel’s resignation and Raul Castro’s new government might spell more of the same for Cuba, though he says he’s “hopeful” this is a step in the right direction. Reports Mexico’s Milenio:
“In 1959, Fidel Castro assumed power in Cuba with the promise that he would restore the Constitution of 1940, elections and democracy.49 years later, like the majority of Cubans, I am still waiting for those promises to be fulfilled,” said the actor and director in a statement released through his publicist. “I can only hope that a day without Fidel Castro in power be one day closer to a free and democratic Cuba.”
Garcia also said that in spite of appearances, he laments that Raul Castro and brother Fidel “are cut from the same cloth”.
Via / Milenio
3:46 pm By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · Arts|Controversia|Fashion|Marketing|mexico|Shopping|Women · Comments Off
21 Feb 2008
As a Latina artist, I thought that naming a tequila after legendary Mexicana artista Frida Kahlo was crossing a line. A bus trying to bring attention to women’s issues? A little closer to the spirit of Frida. A skin care line? Not so much. Yet that’s the latest thing to have the tragic artista’s name attached to it.
11:42 am By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · Money|Politics|Venezuela · Comments Off
21 Feb 2008
Venezuela’s government settled with three oil companies, totaling $1.8 billion.
France’s Total, Norway’s Statoil and Italy’s ENI agreed to the settlement after accepting the book price for the assets that PDVSA took over.Total accepted $834m, ENI accepted $700m and Statoil received $266m, France’s AFP news agency reported.
Not included in the settlement is Exxon, seeking $12 billion, granted to the U.S. company in a settlement. Venezuela disputes that Exxon invested that much money, saying it was closer to $1.2 billion.
Via / BBC
9:02 am By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · Chile|Music · Comments Off
21 Feb 2008
What you just watched was the opening of one of the biggest music festivals (if not the biggest) in Latin America, the Viña del Mar 2008 music festival in Chile. The opening ceremony was dedicated to the 7 wonders of the world.
Miguel Bose‘s performance was a wonder in and of itself, lasting well over an hour and including at least three encores and two antorchas, one of silver and the other of gold, but no Gaviota, the highest honor. Miguel told the packed crowd that this would be the last time he would be performing his old songs and was ready to start anew.
6:00 pm By Maegan La Mala · Activism|Politics|US Presidential Race 2008 · 5 Comments
20 Feb 2008
First it was the “other” Kennedys — Bobby’s kids — and then César Chávez’s grandson. Now United Farm Workers of America co-founder Dolores Huerta is getting behind Hillary Clinton, and has some scathing remarks about opponent Barack Obama:
Hillary Clinton’s ties with the Latino community date back 35 years ago, while Barack Obama’s date back six months ago, said Dolores Huerta and Laredo’s political and community leaders at a meet and greet breakfast Sunday.“She’s not the ‘Johnny Come Lately’,” said Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union with César Chávez.
I don’t know what you all think, but I think this is a really strong endorsement for Hillary and could help her solidify her with the Latino community moving forward.
Huerta went on to say that she was none too happy about Barack Obama’s taking over of the UFWA’s slogan of “Sí, se puede” with his “Yes we can”:
“Now they’re copying our slogan, but you cannot build a relationship nomas con una palabra – just with one word,” said Huerta, referring to Obama’s campaign’s usage of the phrase.
Huerta seems to be tired of pandering to the Latino community when it’s election time, saying “You know that saying, nomas vienen a ver el nopal cuando tiene tunas…they only come to the cactus when it has fruit. That’s what this man is doing.”
Via / New America Media
VivirLatino is a daily publication published by Mamita Mala Media, dedicated to featuring all the latest politics, culture, entertainment of interest to the diverse Latin@ diaspora.
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