Week of January 3 - January 9, 2011

Welcome to this, the first GEM NYC blog entry of 2011. We look forward to bringing you many more GEMS for you discover on your own or in good company in 2011. On that same note we encourage you share your own GEMS or suggestions with us at gem@ulmedia.net Latinos continue to make their mark on the Great White Way and although this month we will see the curtain close for shows like “In The Heights” and “West Side Story”, new shows with notable Latino actors like John Leguizamo and Lauren Velez will grace the stage on and off-Broadway

________________________________________________

CLOSING/CLOSED THIS MONTH

“IN THE HEIGHTS”
Winner of 4 Tony Awards, In the Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in Manhattan's Washington Heights – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. Show closing Sunday, January 9, 2011. Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 West 46th Street, NYC. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.intheheightsthemusical.com.

“WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN”
Closed on Sunday, January 2, 2011.

“WEST SIDE STORY”
Closed on Sunday, January 2, 2011.

______

OPENING IN 2011

“LA BARBERIA/ THE BARBER SHOP”
Move over Ladies, salons and Sex and the City, Barbershops are the new trendy hotspots for Latino men! Cervezas, baseball, music, politics and WOMEN are the heated topics at your neighborhood barberías. Where locals, celebrities, baseball players, musicians, gangsters, and cops can sit around and do their "boys will be boys" thing, regardless of their social or economic status. Dominicana will spice up the Midtown-Broadway area with La Barbería. A Dominican/Latino Dramatic Comedy, that takes the audience on in emotional journey of hope, identity, and assimilation. Where else can grown Latino Men make you cry, cheer, and applaud all in one performance? The play is performed primarily in Spanish. Show opens Thursday, February 3, 2011. New World Stages / Stage 5, 340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. For more information and to order tickets visit www.labarberiatheplay.com.



“THEY CALL ME LA LUPE”

A one-woman show starring Lauren Velez. The show chronicles the life of the legendary La Lupe, the Cuban exile that took the New York Latin music scene by storm. They Call Me La Lupe is a joint production of Dura Vida Productions and Teatro LA TEA. Directed by Veronica Caicedo and written by Emmy winner James Manos Jr. and Luis Caballero. Show opens Tuesday, January 4th through 22, 2011. Teatro LA TEA, 107 Suffolk Street, NYC. (212) 529-1948. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.teatrolatea.com.

“GHETTO KLOWN”
John Leguizamo returns to Broadway with his new solo play GHETTO KLOWN for a 12-week engagement beginning previews on February 21, 2011 and opening on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. GHETTO KLOWN is the next chapter in John Leguizamo’s hugely popular personal and professional story. It follows in the unabashed, uncensored, and uninhibited tradition of his Mambo Mouth, Spic-O-Rama, Freak, and Sexaholix…a Love Story. In Leguizamo’s trademark style, the piece explodes with energy, leading audiences on a fever-pitch adventure and heating up the stage with vivid accounts of where he’s been and the colorful characters who have populated his life. Leguizamo takes audiences from his adolescent memories in Queens to the early days of his acting career during the outrageous 80s avant-garde theatre scene, and on to the sets of major motion pictures and his roles opposite some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Leguizamo explains, “GHETTO KLOWN is all the things I say to my therapist and my manager, but would NEVER want the general public to know. It’s cheaper than a lawsuit and I get to take a bow at the end. It’s like Wikileaks but with no international manhunt. Yet”. Preview on February 21, 2011 and opening on March 22, 2011. Lyceum Theatre, 149 West 45th Street, between 6th and 7th avenues. For more information and to order tickets visit www.telecharge.com.

______________________________________________________

Check us out on

www.urbanlatino.com

Week of September 7 - Septemeber 13, 2010

We’ve had great experiences this summer, and also had an awesome time with friends and family this past weekend for Labor Day – however in response to the recovering economy, GEM wants to give you the tools you need to attain a new job or achieve a whole new career! This is a very exciting time for us, so please feel free to email us at Gem@ulmedia.net, if you’d like to suggest special topics, or would like to share your own GEMs.
___________________________

Do Your Research First
Don’t just look for a job --> focus on obtaining a CAREER which is different. Even if you do not have the educational requirements for the job you’d like – think of it as investing your commitment to your new career (even if you start off working as a receptionist for a real estate firm, you can eventually be an agent when you finish your schooling). The whole idea is that at least you’ll already be in your “chosen” career. So, tap the online resources to research companies you'd most like to work for and for positions that you're truly qualified to fill. Use the search engines to track information about a company and its employees. Make use of social media aggregators, such as Wink and PeekYou, once you have a contact for more information. Know the most important players in your field – reach to connect to them step by step by attending the same events they may attend, or finding “friends of friends” that can introduce you.

Don’t Treat Yourself Like a Freebie
Refrain from applying for more than one position at a given company. A company will not give you proper consideration if your résumé appears uploaded for multiple opportunities, and also if several versions of your résumé are found within their company database because prospective employers may see you as unfocused, and desperate.

Tailor, Tailor, TAILOR!
Just because you're qualified doesn't mean your résumé will be viewed byskills, knowledge or experience listed in the ad, then tailor your résumé to include the keywords and phrases that were in the job description. This is the best way to “feed” the job board search engines with what they’ve been programmed to look for.

Introduce Yourself on Paper
When it comes to writing a cover letter (this is a must!), generic introductions won't work. Tailor each letter to the open position, identifying your accomplishments and achievements. Anything you can quantify in terms of money, percentages or numbers will generally elevate your résumé above the rest, because it gives the employer perspective as to your future contributions with their firm. This is how you can establish your "value proposition"--what you'll do to make the company more money or save the company money – THIS in the end, is the bottom line.

Keep it Fresh
It's critical to upload your résumé with the job boards so that new search technologies (like semantic job matching engines – such as Monster.com) can highlight you as a prospective “labor investment”. HR professionals almost always search résumé databases as the first step in their recruitment strategy, even before posting the job description – this strategy is known as “assessing new inventory”. You’ll want to appear in these searches before any of your competition, so make sure that keywords in the job description are listed in your résumé. It's not repetitive or plagiarism; it's a mutual benefit to the hiring professional and yourself.

Polish Your Résumé Daily
Update your résumé every day, even if it's a tiny change, so that you'll stay at the top of searches conducted by hiring companies and recruiters. You’ll want to make this tiny change shortly after midnight each night. Post your non-confidential résumé on two or three major job boards if you are unemployed--but if you are employed, make it confidential.

Look at other résumés in your field by searching as if you were the hiring professional. Notice if there is a pattern of certain words or phrases that you've left out. The goal is to polish your résumé and online profiles so that they look better than the pack. Give your posted résumé a relevant title or name, as most recruiters and hiring managers organize their results by this field. Though it sounds obvious, make sure your personal e-mail address is professional; do not use your sexy-dork69@___.com email, as it will not please prospective employers.

Do Not Underestimate the Power of Social Media – Avoid Hiding
As mentioned above, you should avoid at all costs from being a “social wallflower”. To get out of your bubble - perhaps you can create a blog that hosts your résumé, personal interests and contact information. You should also use this blog space to share your thoughts about the industry you are trying to break into – and follow other bloggers who share your same “associations” or may post insight that compliments your interests as well.

Maintain strong profiles on LinkedIn and ZoomInfo, two top sites recruiters, human resource professionals and hiring managers refer to every day. Although some would say this has no affect on your competitive edge, having a complete LinkedIn profile, which includes a nice professional headshot (the same headshot can be used for all of social media profiles), can send the right message to an employer. Employer’s view profiles with clear and simple headshots to be evidence that the applicant is serious about their skills and expertise – classically, this also shows confidence in their personal accomplishments. At least three recommendations (two professional and one personal referral) are suggested for any LinkedIn profile.

Caution to the wind…
Google and Bing yourself often to see what the search engines reveal about you. If you can't delete negative information, bury it by posting positive content, such as answering questions on forums, commenting on blogs or creating your own blog and updating it regularly. Do whatever you can to control the search results.

USE Twitter.
Twitter is one of the most innovative tools that will help you learn “firsthand” about a job with a potential employer. Once you have signed up for Twitter, you will be able to follow people, job sites, and companies to get job leads and job search advice. You may use sites like Twellow.com and MrTweet.com. Here, you'll be able to search for and get recommendations for whom to follow. If you can brave the information overload, you can start by following sites like jobshouts.com and tweetmyjobs.com to get job listings that are specifically posted on Twitter.

More often than not, the people or groups that you follow will work in companies that may be of interest to you, and via the “TweetChat” service, you can speak with these experts in real time. Essentially, your extensive interactions with these industry professions will help prep you for the interview process.

Networking
People don't mind being used. In fact, what they do mind is being “taken for granted”. With the upsurge of Social Media, it’s no longer “what” you know, but “who” you know. What better way to put a face and experience to this phrase – in these modern times, by networking “smartly” instead of “en-masse”. Some rules to abide by are:

• Know your purpose for networking. Is it to increase your circle of influence, or are you seeking more involvement from this individual?

• Don’t act desperate, and listen to the person you’re establishing a rapport with.

• Respect your contact’s time, and ask permission to “friend” them.

• Note that networking is a “two-way street”… It’s not only you that are seeking to gain here.

NetworkingEventFinders, and Meetup are good places to start if you wish to join upcoming events for your industry of choice.

Attending the Coveted Interview
Show up 10-15 minutes early for your scheduled interview. Always add 30 minutes to your perceived commute for the location, and if you arrive too early, take a moment to relax and review your “list of expected questions” prior to checking in with the attendant.
Dress neatly, conservatively but not too “wound up”. Avoid trendy clothes or personal identity statements (like bedazzled nails, or a Disney tie) unless they are fitting to the job, for example; trendy is OK if the job is in a trendy clothing store.

• Men should wear a two piece suit and tie. Avoid wearing shiny materials, or light colored suits. Navy works best for male interviewees.

• Women should wear a pant suit if they feel more comfortable this way. The worst thing to see if when a woman who never wears skirts, dresses for an interview in a skirt suit, and is completely uncomfortable in the attire (during an interview, discomfort displays itself in your non-verbal cues). Dark grey suits work best for women, as black can look too stark and unapproachable.

• White shirts are the most recommended – and women should stay away from trendy details, such as ruffles or bell sleeves.

• Men should have proper length pants, and buffed shoes. Women should always opt for wearing stockings if they chose to wear a skirt suit.

Shake hands and remain standing until offered a seat. Confidently state your name and thank the interviewer for seeing you.

Whenever possible prepare your answers in advance. There are some standard interview questions you can expect. Examples of these types of questions can be:

• So, tell me a little about yourself.

• Why are you looking (or why did you leave you last job)?

• What do you know about our company?

• Why do you want to work at XYZ company?

• If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?

• How do you deal with pressure and stressful situations? Give me an example.

• What is your biggest weakness?

Regardless of where you may see yourself in terms of job search, or career considerations – start off by consulting the free resources on CareerPlanner, as you’ll find ways to organize your thoughts, wants and actions via the perfectly categorized tools offered to you. Additionally, if you’re considering a complete career switch, you’ll want to read Career Comeback: Repackage Yourself to Get the Job You Want, by Lisa Johnson Mandell. Most importantly, keep a positive outlook toward your efforts. Always remember that this time is crucial, and it’s meant to test your endurance – so show it who’s boss!

Sincerely,
GEM

Week of June 28 – July 05, 2010

GEM is SOOO excited about this 4th of July celebration… We’re ready to look great, eat fantastically, and dance the night away.

_____________________

FREE FOOD & PERKS:

A hit with New Yorkers and visitors alike, the Southwest Porch is a gorgeous, comfortable space within Bryant Park where folks can relax in one of their rocking chairs or porch swings.

Their casual menu offers 15 handcrafted specialty sandwiches, along with a variety of snacks and desserts. Enjoy a uniquely crafted beverage from their cocktail menu, a glass of wine, or a pint of the Southwest Brew along with a variety of snacks and desserts. Summer Menu.

Southwest Porch is teaming up with Southwest Airlines to provide you with three days of specials and perks!

Monday, June 28: Business Select Day
*Come learn about the premium benefits of their Business Select fare, and enjoy the following perks: They're giving away Yankees tickets! 8 winners will be drawn during lunch (12pm-2pm) and an additional 8 winners will be drawn during happy hour (5:30pm-7:30pm). Come out there for a chance to win!

*Get a Southwest Airlines souvenir cup with the purchase of a beverage during lunch (12pm-2pm) or happy hour (5:30pm-7:30pm).

Wednesday, June 30: "Appy" Hour
Have our App? Get a free app! Just show that you have the Southwest iPhone® App on your phone, and you'll get a free appetizer of your choice between 6:00-8:00pm. Plus, they'll be giving away two pairs of roundtrip tickets with Southwest Airlines every hour during "Appy" Hour!

Thursday, July 1: Anniversary Cookout
'WichCraft will be grilling sliders and serving up sweet treats to Southwest Porch patrons today, all complimentary (until supplies run out)! They'll also be giving away fun Southwest Airlines prizes (including free tickets) throughout the day, so come out and celebrate to win your free perks!

Southwest Porch Hours of Operation:
Monday - Saturday, 12:00-9:00pm
Monday - Sunday, 12:00-6:00pm

Location: Southwest Corner of Bryant Park - 40th Street at 6th Avenue

Food and beverage service provided by: 'WichCraft

____

FASHION:

The idea of a denim dress sounds like a rejected fad from the 80s not worthy of reviving, or something horrendous your mother used to dress you up in for Picture Day at school… but this season’s denim dresses are a must-see and must-get! Chambray stretch denim, and a variety of light and dark washes makes the material more versatile than ever for a slew of different dress styles, from body-contoured to even cowl-necked and cocktail styles (who’d have thunk)! Chic details like sweet ruffles and exposed zippers make the look anything but dated and transform the traditionally casual fabric to something unexpectedly upscale!

I love the versatility of this Anlo Ruffle Neck Dress, available at Nordstrom — because its ability to be easily dressed up or down, depending on the use of some strategic summer accessories, make it the perfect summer buy. It would be the perfect dress to rock at a 4th of July barbecue with a pair of cork wedges or gladiator sandals! For a sexier night-out look, the Nanette Lepore Bell Dive Dress, available at Bloomingdales — hugs the body in all the right ways and adds visual interest with an exposed zipper down the front. Whether casual or dressy, this season’s dresses are bound to change your perception of denim!


SAMPLE SALE: Semi-Annual FENDI Warehouse Sale

When: 6/29/10 at 3:00pm to 7/1/10 at 3:00pm

Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, North Pavilion - 110 W 19th St
Phone: (212) 463-0071

The Metropolitan Pavilion invites you to the semi-annual warehouse sale for Fendi. Choose from GEMtastic collections including Women's Ready to Wear, Handbags, Small Leather Goods, and Fur.

Tuesday, June 29th, 3-8pm Wednesday, June 30th, 8am-8pm Thursday, July 1st, 8am-3pm


_____

CELEBRATION: 4TH OF JULY!

Come join Lower Deck Productions at their "4th of July Fireworks IndepenDANCE Cruise" aboard the multi-level and climate controlled boat – The Paddle Wheel Queen. This is a great opportunity for you and your loved one to witness NYC's breathtaking fireworks display on the water first hand.

WHEN: SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010

WHERE: Docking from the Skyport Marina, - 23rd Street & FDR Drive, (East Side of Manhattan)

WHAT TIME: Boarding begins at 5:00PM and Docks at 10:00pm

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $130.00, EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

ADULT ADMISSION: 21 & Over || Trendy Attire

WHAT DOES THE ADMISSION GET YOU:
- 5 Hour Top Shelf Open Bar
- Complimentary Appetizers
- Live DJ
- Amazing View of the 4th of July Fireworks
-This Cruise is NOT a sit-down dinner cruise.

TO PURCHASE tickets click here.

For Info Call: 917-567-7459 or email 4thofjuly@lowerdeckproductions.com

_____

THEATRE:

Thalia Spanish Theatre is Queen's original home for Latino culture. They are the first and only bilingual Hispanic theatre in Queens, serving one of the most diverse communities in the United States, including more than 600,000 Hispanics from every Spanish-speaking nation in the world. In 29 years they have produced more than 100 productions of the best Spanish plays, zarzuelas (Spanish operettas) and folklore shows of music and dance, and earned national recognition as a leader in New York City’s celebrated Spanish theatre movement. Our mission is to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Spanish and Latin American culture with unique productions of plays, musicals and dance. Theatre classes for children are available this summer, so for more information about the available programs and to learn more about this theatre please visit the Thalia Spanish Theatre website here.

Support the Arts. You can also help the Thalia Spanish Theatre win a caring donation from Chase’s Community Giving Program! In order to cast your vote, you must search for the theatre by name, and be logged into Facebook prior to voting: http://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving. Prizes range from $20K-250K USD.

______

MUSICA:

GUAJIRO: Bilingual punk rockers Guajiro (pronounced GÜA-hero) don't consider themselves a Latin Rock band, but a Miami band. The Hialeah, Florida quartet is comprised of bassist Jorge Gonzales, vocalist-guitarist Willy Lopez, drummer Douglas MacKinnon and vocalist-guitarist David Santos. Regional pride aside, Guajiro's punk rock does have some Latin flair: they're mostly Cuban-American.

Guajiro's debut album, Material Subversivo, takes a cue from old school English and recent American punk, injecting melodic choruses with populist politics. While "Espanglish" bands aren't quite mainstream yet, Guajiro is making some important strides: they've played with Rancid and Flogging Molly, charted on CMJ, and played on the ubiquitous Warped Tour. Learn more about this band here: www.myspace.com/guajiro

FIDEL NADAL: Nadal was born into an academic family in Buenos Aires, his mother was an anthropologist and his father a film director and a leading fighter for the recognition of the rights of black Argentines. According to his own recalls, he was heavily influenced by the music listened to his parents, mainly blues and jazz. Ideology held by Fidel Nadal involves deep Rastafarian culture initiated in many countries like Jamaica and Haiti, where Fidel reflects the love music as a way of life and reality; one of his inspirations, as with many reggae groups, is Bob Marley. His main influences are related to the reggae rhythms and Afro-Argentine culture.

In 1984 he played for the first time as a singer in a band. A year later he founded the band Todos Tus Muertos, which blended in their music reggae with punk influences and samples. With this mix, the group was very successful and already their first album in 1988 succeeded her a record deal with Universal Music. Influenced by reggae rhythms and the music of the Afro Argentine community, Nadals is best known for his work with Todos Tus Muertos. Created in the 1980s and separated in 2000, the band produced 6 albums before its dissolution. In its final years, Lumumba appeared on the rasta stage with Lumumba. In its short but productive history, it released 3 albums which met with approval by followers of reggae, but then it was dissolved. In the last albums of Todos Tus Muertos and Lumumba, Fidel felt the need to play more reggae and leave the hard music behind, but when both projects disappeared, he decided to go on by himself.

In 2001, this new project was born, with a completely rastafarian image and style. The same year, he launched three albums, Selassie I Dios Todopoderoso, with lots of reggae and lyrics with pure rasta feeling, including a cover of Mexican group Los Tigres del Norte, Cuando gime la raza, and Cabeza negra, with numerous guest musicians (which gave more variety to the album and made it different from the first one). Finally, Repatriación appeared, with a number of collaborators, and with another cover of a Tigres del Norte tune, La Puerta Negra. In 2008 he released the hit single International Love, off the album of the same name, whose dreamier/electronic sound has made it a hit on many Latino radio stations and attracted newer non-reggae listeners. In 2009, his hit single International Love was included on the "FIFA Trax" on the latest edition of EA SPORTS FIFA games, FIFA 10. Learn more about this band here: www.myspace.com/fidelnadal

Week of June 09 – June 15, 2010

Last week we had a blast shopping for the latest trends and eye-popping designs, just in time for the theatre debut of Sex and the City. Now that we’ve got our fashionista flair in check, let’s focus on what else is flourishing with the summer heat! This week, we found ourselves loving these rare GEMs.

------------------------

SUMMER GEAR:

These summer days are getting hotter and hotter by the minute, so why not visit your local pool, beach, resort or country club? Well, if you ate one too many hotdogs two weeks ago during the holiday weekend, you may feel a little inhibited. You should shake that feeling off – and revive your GEM-tastic flair with this fun and breezy “Geoffrey” drawstring tunic. This black and white swimwear coverup is the perfect length for petite or tall ladies alike (as you can wear it higher or lower on your hips. The shoulder and collar bone cutouts give you an air of elegance that’s sure to turn heads everywhere you go. Just don’t forget to wear matte “Diva” red lipstick, and a white large brim hat to top it all off this summer. For more information about the “Geoffrey” and for pricing information click here.


SUMMER RELAXATION:

Yoga at the Great Lawn – aaahhhh, peace and relaxation. As a free event, on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, more than 10,000 yoga-lovers will gather on Central Park's Great Lawn. With such a high attendance, this event could become the largest event of its kind in yoga's history.

The class, starting at 6 PM, will be taught by Elena Bower, who has trained celebrities like Naomi Watts and Christy Turlington. Free yoga mats, courtesy of JetBlue, will be given to all attendees. Also, the event will feature performances by Buddy Wakefield Wah!, O'Konsi Rhythms and others.

The event is open to all ages and skills level. But, unfortunately, to participate you need to register in advance for your chance to win your spot. Visit the registration page to do so; drawings will be held at random. For those of you who live outside of the metro NYC area, you can win a trip to this event, courtesy of Flavorpil by registering before this Wednesday, June 9th here.

FOOD:

In both decor and spirit, Industria Argentina may be New York’s most thoroughly modern Argentine steakhouse. The presentation begins with a miniature flaky empanada delivered as an amuse-bouche—it’s more artful than it sounds. The tuna “Tiradito”, often a rustic raw fish jumble at other places, is a delicate appetizer that layers frothy avocado puree atop silky tuna slices. Sliver-thin oven-dried tomato is added to a ramekin of oozing smoked provolone, making for another stellar starter. For the main event, the kitchen hews more closely to the classic steakhouse formula, serving flame-kissed steaks with chimichurri “picante”. Check out the Tuesday night “Parrillada” special, a mixed grill for two, featuring a platter of lamb chops, sausages, hanger steak and short ribs. Hours of operation are Mon–Sat noon–5pm, 6pm–midnight.

Industria Argentina - 329 Greenwich St (between Duane and Jay Sts ) - Tribeca | Map
212-965-8560 | Make a reservation
http://www.iatribeca.com

DRINK & BE MERRY:

There's no better way to cool off on a sweltering summer day than with an ice-cold drink – and this week GEM tried the White and Golden Sangria. The beauty of this simple White Wine Sangria recipe is that it is as delicious as it is easy, and it only gets better as you add your favorite fruits!

Prep Time: Less than 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 Bottle of white wine (Riesling, Chablis, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc)
2/3 cup white sugar
3 oranges (sliced) or may substitute 1 cup of orange juice)
1 lemon (sliced)
1 lime (sliced)
1/2 liter of ginger ale or club soda (ginger ale for those with a sweeter tooth!)

Preparation:
Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the orange, lemon and lime into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds) and add sugar. Chill overnight. Add ginger ale
If you'd like to serve right away, use chilled white wine and serve over lots of ice.

Addition ideas: sliced strawberries, peaches, kiwi, a shot or two of gin, brandy or Dewar’s rum.

or club soda just before serving.
SUMMER HAIR:

Who to better represent versatile summer hair than Zoë Saldaña? To get this look, you’ll want the layering to look natural and blended in (not like your cut was planned layer by layer), so ask your stylist to slice in some invisible layers, aka – tousled layers. Most face shapes look best when the hair starts to angle right at the nose. For a rounder face, try going up a little higher closer to the eye. For more course hair consider a longer cut, and for thinner/straighter hair consider angling the layers up for a “lighter, tighter wave”.


SUMMER FUN – PARADAS LATINAS

The 2010 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will be held on Sunday, June 13, 1010. The parade kicks off at 5th Avenue in New York City. The day before, Saturday, June 12th, there will be a Music Festival in Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx. The music festival is a part of an all day event in the park called Juegos Boricuas, which begins at 9:00 a.m. For a schedule of activities, view the PR National Parade site here.

Urban Latino will be present at this parade, and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2010 will be aired on NYC's FOX 5 and WOR Channel 9.


MUSICA REVOLUTION:

Mexican-American hip-hop artist Mexia, the eldest son of Los Tigres Del Norte’s co-founder Hernán Hernandez, is like many Latinos in this country, frustrated over Arizona’s controversial SB1070. He exerts his opinions by writing his latest single titled: “Todos Somos Arizona” to which speaks of how the law that targets immigrants, specifically Latinos. According to sources, Mexia wrote the song in an effort to unite other Latino-Americans in this plight.

Via this song, Mexia raps "There's something wrong with that picture there/ No lo puedo creer, no lo puedo ver, tu forma de ser es lo de ayer/ And we’re Latinos on the rise like blood pressure yeah, trying to control us with fear.”

Mexia, who has dual American and Mexican citizenship, says, “I was born and raised here to think that this is the land of the free and the home of the brave, but now we have to watch our backs in our own backyard. It’s terrible to live in fear. Our grandmother was born in Jerome, Arizona, and we have other family and friends who live there. I think ‘What will happen to me if I leave their house without my wallet?’”

For more information about this song and to hear the track “Todos Somos Arizona” click here.


ARTE:

92Y Tribeca is proud to partner with Judios Latinos for a very special exhibition of work from emerging Latin artists. Based on the conflict that arises from belonging to two worlds at once, DUALITY showcases multi-disciplinary work from Mirta Kupferminc, Jessica Kaire, Denise Flasz, Karen Dana, Jennifer Renee Caden Merdjan, Liora Rimoch, Tamara Bogolasky, and Marcos Bucay. Exhibit runs from June 12th through Sunday, Aug 1.

Snippets about the artists:
Mirta Kupferminc is a Buenos Aires native awakening interest in the venerable art of etching. Her art is sustained under the sign of a strong spiritual track and triggers essential questions about the order of the universe, the relationship of men among each other and with their God.

Jessica Kaire is a multidisciplinary artist born in Guatemala City and based in Brooklyn. She develops bodies of work which utilize sculpture and objects as platforms for dialogue, interaction and performance. Among these is the on-going project Confort, a fictional brand of objects seeking to offer a sense of protection and psychological relief to the consumer.

Denise Flasz is a young New York based visual artist and designer born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Her background is in illustration, visual communication and interactive design. With more than 5 years of experience in the creative industry, she has recently obtained her second Masters of Fine Arts, specializing in Design and Technology from Parsons The New School for Design.

Karen Dana’s paintings portray a sense of a charged psychological place while providing discrete spaces at their base for introspection. They give visceral and immediate impact to abstract dualities such as presence and absence, solidity and intangibility.

Jennifer Renee Caden Merdjan is an artist, designer, and educator. She and her artistic shoe sculptures were featured on Univision's Control. The sculptures are on exhibit in conjunction with the release of her book If Shoes Could Talk.

Liora Rimoch was born in Mexico City where she studied Graphic design at the Ibero University. She continued her studies in NYC, earning a Masters in Communication Design from Pratt and an Associate degree at FIT in Accessories Design. Liora currently lives in NYC working as both an accessories and applied pattern designer.

Tamara Bogolasky was born in Santiago, Chile. She became interested in photography at a young age and began exploring the possibilities of the medium. In 2004, she moved to New York to pursue a career in photography, studying at the International Center of Photography. Tamara’s work has been showcased in New York, Chicago and Santiago, Chile

Marcos Bucay studied Communications at Universidad Iberoamericana and the University of Miami. His short film, Free Jolito, part of this exhibition, has screened at film festivals around the globe.

Location: 92YTribeca
Judios Latinos - Feria Artistica: DUALITY

Time: Saturday, June 12th from 8:00-10:00PM
Adult Audience: 21 and over
Fees/charges: FREE
Directions: 200 Hudson Street, New York - (212) 601-1000

Week of May 18 - May 23, 2010

MENS HAIR
Style like a Sports Star
Get sports star hair! Cristiano Ronaldo shows off his rugged side on the field, but when he goes out his sleek style makes him a magnet to the ladies. To achieve his distinctive cut, a clean, non-flaking gel like got2b’s magnetik, $5.95, is a must. Plus, it has pheremones which are sure to bring your game up to par with Ronaldo’s.





EVENTS
This Wednesday, May 17, Jellybean Benitez encourages you to "Feel The Spirit" at Water TaxiBeach at the Sout Street Seaport. The vibe begins @ 8PM ...until ...it ends! Enjoy house music by resident DJ Jellybean Benitez along with very special guest DJ Tony Smith

General Admission: $10.00
Advance Tickets: To Guarantee entrance, purchase your tickets online at: http://www.wantickets.com?e_id=112590





SAMPLE SALE
One of Jessica Alba’s favorite denim brands is James Jeans - Dry Aged Denim. Right now the label is gearing up for a sample sale. Take note of the dates now so you can get there early to see if you can snag a pair of Jessica’s favorite style the James Jeans Twiggy Jean.

James Jeans Sample Sale!
Tuesday, May 25th---- 9:00 am-7:30pm
Wednesday, May 26th---10:00am-5:30pm
Thursday, May 27th----9:00am-7:30pm
Friday, May 28th----10am-2pm
James Jeans - Dry Aged Denim
500 Greenwich Street #202
New York, NY 10013
www.jamesjeans.us



FOOD
This summer, Starbucks is giving you more ways to create your perfect beverage. Customers looking for lighter options can order Frappuccino Blended Beverage with nonfat milk and select sugar-free syrups for a delicious blended beverage that’s lower in calories and fat. The new However-You-Want-It Frappuccino Blended Beverages are just as you like it!

Here are our suggestions to personalize your However-You-Want-It Frappuccino Blended Beverage for a lighter beverage:

• Choose the ‘light’ option
By choosing ‘Light’, your beverage will have at least 33% fewer calories than the regular Frappuccino Blended Beverages. You can choose the ‘light’option for these flavors: Coffee, Caramel, Mocha, Java Chip and Café Vanilla. ATall Mocha Light Frappuccino Blended Beverage (no whip) is just 100 calories, compared to a Tall Mocha Frappuccino (no whip) at 200 calories – a calorie savings of almost 50%!

For even more info visit www.starbucks.com



FASHION
Fuller sized chicas can check out great line of trendy & affordable pieces by Target’s premiere women’s plus size fashion line, Pure Energy. This summer is all about easy flowy tanks, tunics and dresses, Pure Energy has the same fun pieces in the plus size range and the price is right all are under $40! Check out Pure Energy at Target stores nationwide and Target.com.

Week of May 11 – May 17, 2010

GEM had an excellent time last week with our Cinco de Mayo events, and now we’re ready to welcome May – and all of its wonderful spring weather. This week GEM would like you to kick off your April blues with the following GEM-tastic finds…

ARM-CANDY:
At $30 USD, we no longer need to consider if this accessory can make it to your current collection, it simply means you can buy-buy-buy it! This adorable Oversized Button Paisley Clutch is part of the super popular Ebisu Paisley line. You’ll enjoy the soft cotton with classic paisley print and accents of creamy tan vintage leatherette trim. The front flap opens and closes with a magnetic snap, and includes two open top pockets and one zippered pocket inside for your important treasures. To buy this awesome clutch click here.


The "Slim" is Acme Made's original laptop bag & laptop sleeve hybrid designed to fit most laptops including Apple, Sony, Dell, HP and Gateway. The streamlined design allows the Slim to be inserted into another bag or carried with or without its removable shoulder strap. While minimal in design, the Slim maintains a high standard of protection utilizing "Splash-proof" zippers and a quilted satin lining - all encased in a highly water-resistant, ballistic nylon shell. For more selection and styles visit Acme Made here.


FASHION:

You're the hottest salsa dancer to hit the floor, and your faithful followers are going absolutely loco for you! Dress to please yourself - and the crowd - in this flirty black dress! Its tiered sleeves give your dance moves a fiery movement, its split neckline shows off your collarbone, and its pin-tucked waistband keeps you looking slim and polished both on and off the dance floor. For more selection and styles, visit ModCloth here.



The Takoli Magic Print water short by Speedo™ is both classic and durable with a modern twist. The traditional board short has been given a funky update this time around with a a wide-brimmed drawstring waistline and sufficient stretch in the derriere area to keep them secure while surfing or simply swimming at your favorite beach. For more selection and styles, visit Takoli here.


MUSICA:

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be your own music mix-master? Well, these two Latino gents from around the block have created the perfect source for your learning needs. WinkSound.com was founded by Puerto Rican pop-music guru - Mateo Puig and Mexican mix-master Rick G in 2007. The goal of the site is to serve as a music resource hub and “logic-mix” social network for like-minded people interested in learning the technicals involved in the art of mixing. You’ll find many video tutorials that are quite helpful and clearly organized into “user-influenced” topics – such as (Garage Band, and Beat Making). The magic duo has now set up camp in Brooklyn, deeming it the perfect melting pot in which to stir their diverse pan-Latin, electro-rock broth. Visit Rick and Mateo here at WinkSound.com.

ART:

Art Without Borders, an exhibition curated by Andrea Arroyo, features seven immigrant artists from around the world: Beatrice Coron (France), María Dominguez (Puerto Rico), Felipe Galindo (México), Vita Giorgi (Italy), Bernardo Palombo (Argentina), Pei Sun (China) and Yasuyo Tanaka (Japan).


The exhibit aims to shed light on the many faces of the immigrant experience, as seen through the eyes of each individual artist. The event supports talented foreign-born, New York-based individual artists, by giving them the opportunity to exhibit and discuss their work. The group includes artists ranging from emerging to established, and who vary in age from their 20’s to their 60’s, making this event international and inter-generational in nature. The exhibit features an assortment of subjects and styles. Media includes painting, collage, drawing, paper cut, prints and mixed media. The pieces are now on display, and the exhibit closes on May 29, 2010.

WHEN: This month until Saturday, May 29th
WHERE: El Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Venue Website
COST: GRATIS! General Admission
MORE INFO: Event info


SOCIAL ACTIVISM:
Voto Latino, www.votolatino.org, is a non-profit organization founded by renowned actors Rosario Dawson and Wilmer Valderrama. In the wake of a new “anti-immigrant” law passed in the United States, the organization is condemning the SB 1070, and urges Arizona governor Jan Brewer to immediately rescind the law. The law encourages the racial profiling of individuals based purely on their physical appearance. With this new legislation, the almost 2 million Arizonans of Hispanic descent run the risk of being targeted and stopped by the police, giving these victims of unwarranted interrogation zero means of recourse against such actions. To make your voice heard, and for more information about VotoLatino’s stance visit them here.