Week of October 4 to October 11, 2010

This weekend, I thought to myself – “Why do I love NYC so much… Is it because it’s the melting pot of the world and you can interact with people of all walks of life? No, it’s not that… Is it because NYC is hip and fashionable? Yes, but not quite the real reason… Well finally, it dawned on me – that I don’t drive, AND yet I never miss a heart beat with this darn city”!

New York City is amazing for its accessibility to everything and
everywhere worth experiencing:)

Let’s exude our love for the city by trying some of this week’s great GEMs!
Feel free to share some of your own GEM NYC finds, or
if you’d like to drop us a line please do so at gem@ulmedia.net.

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FOOD:

ON-THE-GO:
FiDi – also known as the Financial District - is apparently the hip place to catch the VSpot Cafe food truck on the corner of Hanover and Water streets. I noticed it, because a guy out front was handing out samples of (wait for it) VEGAN empanadas. Oh yeah bring on the tofu! Did I also mention that it’s “Latino Vegan food”? It seems that people are into the healthy eating binge lately because there is always a line that goes around the corner to order food from this truck. Or maybe they’re just like me (a hungry Latina suffering from an overkill of greasy burgers), who gets all –to-much excited when she sees the words empanada and rice and beans together. So “why” Vegan? Well, “why not”?! For starters, eating a strict vegetarian or Vegan diet helps stop the torture that millions of animals experience every day. Not to mention, the health benefits of a Vegan lifestyle are impressive for the waist line. Clearly, nobody is saying that we have to stop eating meat completely, but with options like the VSpot Café Truck’s popular empanadas and famous soy “chicken” burrito, you might just think twice about your diet!


IN-THE-CLASSROOM:
Famous TV chef, Lydia Bastianich is launching her very own “Scuola di Cucina” – in NYC. To my mother’s dismay, my pots look as new as the day I got them from Macy’s – and my stove functions primarily to light my scented candles. So when I heard that Chef Lydia was starting a school in the city, I thought well, this is a GRAND opportunity for those who want to learn to cook Italian food from the best in this industry - sign me up! In addition to being the quintissential Food Channel “chef," independent "restaurateur," and "mother of Joe," – (think Iron Chef), Lidia Bastianich can now add "dean" to her name: that's her official title at La Scuola di Eataly, a new culinary endeavor that the Italian food colossus is launching now in October.

The 24-seat classroom will be used for lessons, lectures, demonstrations, tastings, and dinners; October's classes are largely composed of wine tastings, and establishing the series called “Aperitivo with the Winemaker”. Future classes will feature appearances from the likes of Cesare Casella and Dave Pasternack, as well as agriculturally artisanal producers. Classes will range from $75-$175; more information is available on their academic offerings site: La Scuola di Eataly.

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ARTES:

Feed Your Kids the Arts…
The arts are enriched with the stuff kids need to succeed. Just like kids need to have good nutrition on a daily basis, kids need to have their daily serving of the arts. Studies have shown that involvement in the arts helps kids increase test scores and promotes academic achievement. Kids who are involved in the arts are:

• 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement

• 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools

• 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair

• 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance

Chances are, though, that your kids are not getting enough art—in or out of school. "The Arts. Ask for More." public service advertising (PSA) campaign is designed to educate parents and citizens on why the arts are essential to a child's development and empower them to get more art into kids’ lives, both in and out of school.

Get Involved: Click here for 10 Simple Ways you can get more art into your child’s life. Find an arts organization or PSA Partner in your area to find out more about the arts and arts education in your community.

Get the facts on why an arts education is so important to your child’s development. If you wish to support the Arts for Education initiative by signing an electronic petition click here.

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CULTURE & EVENTS:

Join New York City’s Latin Media and Entertainment Commission as they present the first-ever Latin Media and Entertainment Week here, in the capital of the world.

New York City is the media and cultural capital of the world. It’s where the arts converge with industry, startups, businesses, and much more. New York has also grown to become a major Latin media and entertainment center, where ideas, creativity, innovation, and talent continue to shape our city into one of the most culturally diverse places in the world.

Events range from film, theater, dance, concerts, photography, art, museum exhibits, business functions, and more. It’s a representation of the diverse and dynamic talent of the Latin communities. Featured participants include organizations such as The Met, El Museo del Barrio, El Repertorio Espanol, Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, Loisaida Inc. and the Spain Arts Festival. To view and attend any of the participating events click here to download the schedule. Entrance fees range from $0 Free to $20.00.

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DÉCOR:

If you’re looking to spruce up your apartment, and do not know how to – GEM recommends the following tricks to inject new life into your home on a limited budget.

*On the backs of open shelving, paint a color (not white!) to make the items on your shelves pop.

*Always keep a couple of cans of spray paint around. A clean, simple coat of high gloss white (any other color will work as well) can instantly turn an old mirror, pedestal, table, or vase from a garage sale find into the perfect decorator piece.

*Wall-to-wall mirrors may seem like a ’70s design leftover, but adding a little glass opens up the area and reflects light. You can also use small mirrors under your flower centerpieces to cause continuity of the image reflected.

Cruise flea markets and garage sales for bargain mirrors and glass jars. These types of vintage items are always easy to repurpose for various areas of your home. Paying attention to these small details shows that you're designing every nook and cranny. Check out any of these markets in the city for great vintage GEMs for your home…

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market 39th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves - 212-243-5343
hellskitchenfleamarket.com; Sat, Sun 9am–6pm

Here you’ll find designer clothing, vintage vases and plates, and everything in between. It gets crowded quickly, so come early (by 10am) for a first pass at the vendors’ wares.

GEM find: An assortment of designer handbags (including Louis Vuitton and Prada) priced as low as $35, old soul and R&B records from $2 apiece and weathered wooden crates ($40 each).

Antiques Garage 112 W 25th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves - 212-243-5343
hellskitchenfleamarket.com; Sat, Sun 9am–5pm

This is actually a GARAGE - where 100 vendors can be found on two floors. The upper level is less populated, but offers a wide array of vintage prints, while the lower level is where more of the vendors (and shoppers) congregate.

GEM find: Vintage items such as a pristine Optimo cigar canister from 1929 ($50); an assortment of gem-encrusted rings, bracelets and other baubles (ranging from $35 to $85); and a whole section of vintage picture frames, some with old prints included, for $12.

Brooklyn Flea Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Lafayette Ave between Clermont and Vanderbilt Aves, Fort Greene; Sat 10am–5pm OR Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park between Main and Water Sts, Dumbo; Sun 11am–6pm; brownstoner.com/brooklynflea

The Brooklyn Flea has expanded quickly, with more than 150 vendors, many of whom can be found at both markets. Hit the Fort Greene location for vintage clothing and records, and the park in Dumbo for upscale furniture and decorative items.

GEM find: A brass birdcage ($60) which can be used as a light fixture – by purchasing a ligh kit from any home improvement store – among other great metal objects, mirrors,furniture.

GreenFlea Columbus Ave between 76th and 77th Sts - 212-239-3027; Sun 10am–5:30pm

This market is a hodgepodge of old and new items; secondhand clothing shares space with discounted beauty goods and handmade jewelry. If you’re looking for furniture, there are at least ten vendors with cool, affordable antiques.

GEM find: There is a vendor called Toaster Central, who sells working vintage toasters for as little as $45.

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FASHION:

Plus Fashion Goes Haute Couture: Saks to Carry Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, McQueen Up to Size 20

Saks Fifth Avenue is testing a placement of “plus sizes” on its high end floor with almost all the big designers participating. According to Racked, this diversification of style will not just include smart suits and evening gowns for the ladies-who-lunch set (though they’ll have plenty to peruse, with extended sizes from Akris, Armani, Carolina Herrera, Escada, Donna Karan, St. John, Oscar de la Renta, Max Mara, Valentino and Michael Kors).

Saks will also be stocking plus-sized pieces by ready-to-wear Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as from Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Fendi and Roberto Cavalli.

We, at GEM, think this is a major leap forward in terms of plus size fashion. As fashion tends to trickle downwards- meaning high end designers (Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana) set the trends and lower-end retailers (Forever21, H&M, Express) copy what the design houses created. So while the collections will be limited (only one of each size – yikes!) and the prices will be high, this test could have far reaching impact on plus size fashion at all levels of the retail chain.

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ENCOUNTERS:

Want to meet people and practice your “personal pitch” with others? Then you’d probably like to try your hand at speed dating. GEM went on a speed date last week, and we’d like to share our experience with you – so that you know what to expect on your own visit : )

When you arrive......................

Your hosts will greet you and sign you in. You get your introduction pack which includes a scorecard, pen, badge, a list of questions to ease you into your dating conversation as well as information about other events. You can then relax at the bar and gather your thoughts for half an hour before you get down to the serious business of dating.

Time to start dating.......................

Once everyone has arrived it’s time to take your seats in the designated area at your allocated table. One of the Speed Dating team members will explain a little bit about how the evening is organized and then the fun begins!

When you get the signal to start, copy your date’s name and badge number in the first line of your scorecard and then you can get to find out a little more about the person sitting across from you. The clock is ticking and though it might seem like a long time when you’re there, five minutes passes very quickly. And don’t forget - be sure to allow your date a chance to ask some questions too!

Before long, the timer sounds and the guys have to move to date number 2.

Between dates (NOT during), ensure you circle YES or NO next to the dates you have had to record your brief experience with the person. Don’t worry guys - you get to meet all of the women at the event and ladies you will get to meet all of the gents (and better yet, you don’t have to move - the men will come to you). If only real life dating were this simple!

Don’t forget to mark your scorecard after each date and if both of you mark ‘Yes’ on your card to see each other again, you will get your partner’s details sent to you via e-mail.

Breather!.......................

Phew! That wasn’t so bad was it? Now you’ve had a chance to meet and find out a little more about 10-30 people you knew nothing about at the start of the evening.

It’s important to check that you’ve filled in the details you need to on your scorecard. After all, you don’t want to miss out on finding that special someone because you forgot to tick the box!

Finding out about your matches.......................

Within 24-36 hours you will know how many matches you have via email. If the people you said "YES" to also “checked” you - then you have a match, or 2 or 3… With your prior consent, the Speed Dating organizers will pass along your contact details (Name, Tel #, Email Address) to your match(es), and you’ll receive theirs.

If you’d like to try this out, there are two speed dating events occurring this week. See the information below to register:

Latino Singles Speed Dating
Date: Friday, October 08, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Venue: People Lounge, NYC Location: 163 Allen Street (between Rivington St & Stanton St) , New York, NY 10002
Recommended Ages: Women 21 - 35, Men 23 - 38
Cost: $35.00

Single Professionals Speed Dating
Date: Thursday, October 07, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Venue: Sin Sin's Leopard Lounge
Location: 248 E. Fifth St (at 2nd Ave.), New York, NY 10003
Recommended Ages: Women 33 - 45, Men 35 - 48
Cost: $35.00

Week of September 20 - September 27, 2010

"By all these lovely tokens


September days are here,

With summer’s best of weather

And autumn’s best of cheer."

- Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885

I hope you enjoy this week’s GEMS and please feel free to share your own GEMS with us by emailing us at Gem@ulmedia.net.

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DRINK

WINE TASTING

It may seem a little premature to some, however, the holiday season is upon us. Soon we will find ourselves planning the Thanksgiving feast, the Nochebuena dinner and wondering what hostess gift we should bring along as we visit friends and family over the holidays. Why not take advantage of this chance to taste 70 wines including some ultra premium selections, a great oppor
tunity to preview extraordinary holiday wines, find gifts and sample excellent bottles for every day enjoyment.

Thursday, 9/23. Blue Streak Wines & Spirits. 4720 Center Boulevard, near Gantry Plaza State Park, LIC NY. (718) 706-9463. 8pm to 10pm. Ticket price: $45 (includes tastings of 70 wines).

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STREET FESTIVALS
SAN GENNARO FEAST

Think delicious sausage and peppers, fresh zeppoles and entertainment for the whole family by over 300 street vendors set up along Mulberry Street. The 84th Annual Feast of San Gennaro, is New York City’s longest-running, biggest and most revered religious outdoor festival in the United States.

Through Sunday, 9/26. The feast runs along Mulberry Street, between Canal Street (on south) and Houston Street (on north). It takes place east to west on Grand Street, between Mott and Baxter Street, and east to west on Hester Street, between Mott and Baxter Streets. Feast hours; Monday through Thursday, 11:30am to 11:30pm and Friday through Saturday, 11:30am to midnight. Free and open to the public.

LATIN GRAMMY STREET FESTIVAL

In celebration of the upcoming 11th Annual Latin Grammy’s, which will air on Univision on 11/11. The Latin Grammy street festival will feature live performances by Gilberto Santa Rosa, Oro Solido, Zion y Lenox, and more. Be sure to visit the Las Vegas kiosk to sign up for a chance to win a VIP trip to Las Vegas and attend the 11th Annual Latin Grammy’s. Sunday, 9/26. Boulevard East between 54th and 60th streets, West New York, NJ. Festival begins at 12 Noon. Free and open to the public.

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CONTEST

BEST OF NEW YORK

El Diario La Prensa, New York’s largest Spanish language daily newspaper is running a “Best of New York” competition, featuring the best Latino friendly restaurants, supermarkets, services and more. Help support these “Latino friendly” businesses and vote for your favorite picks by picking up a copy of El Diario La Prensa through 10/21, complete the entry form and mail it in. You can win a $500 cash prize and/or additional prizes. The “Best of New York” winners as well as the contest winners will be featured in El Diario on 10/29.

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CULTURE

CELEBRATE MEXICO NOW FESTIVAL

Is New York City’s first—and only—annual festival of contemporary Mexican art and culture. Encompassing cuisine, dance, film, literature, and music. Celebrate México Now has helped bring over 200 artists and projects to more than 60 of New York’s leading cultural institutions, proving that Mexico is overflowing with creativity in every discipline, and that New Yorkers from all backgrounds find these artists and their work invigorating, insightful and meaningful. Through 9/30. For more information and a complete listing of events, locations and time visit www.mexiconowfestival.org.

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TELEVISION

CACHAO “UNO MAS”

The Grammy-winning bassist Israel “Cachao” Lopez died in Coral Gables, Florida in March 2008, almost 90-years old. A maestro of legendary status on the world stage and ultimately considered one of the greatest Afro-Cuban musicians of all time, he had made his home in the United States for the past four decades. Coming from a family of classical musicians, he had formal conservatory training and held a seat in the Havana Philharmonic Orchestra for 30 years, performing under the direction of all of the legendary international conductors of the time – beginning at age 10!

American Masters pays tribute to the Father of Mambo in the series’ bilingual film, Cachao: Uno Más. Monday, 9/20. 9 p.m. (ET) on PBS. For more information visit www.pbs.org.

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CALL FOR PROPOSAL

NEW YORK FOLKLORE SOCIETY

This year, in collaboration with NYU’s Latino Studies and Latin American Studies Departments, we invite graduate students to present their work on Latino Folk Culture and Expressive Traditions. The NYFS seeks to encourage young scholars to continue their studies and become active contributors to the fields of folklore, ethnomusicology, anthropology and more.



Theme: Latino Folk Culture and Expressive Traditions

A cumbia group belting-out Colombian tunes at an outdoor cumbiamba, a Peruvian curandero diagnosing a patient through the use of animals, a Mexican family building a Diá de los Muertos altar in their home, a décima verse sung by a Puerto Rican jibaro—all of these are examples of Latino Expressive Traditions. While some of these forms have roots in African traditions and others have roots in Indigenous traditions, all are considered Latino Expressive Traditions or Folk Arts. These traditions speak to what Latinos say, believe, make, know and do—things that they first learned from their families and community.



The length and breadth of Latino traditions literally covers two continents; and transnational migration to major U.S. cities such as Miami, Chicago, San Antonio, Newark, and New York have ensured that the impact of Latino culture continues to be profound. We support papers which explore the topic of Latino Expressive Traditions from both the homeland perspective and immigrant perspective. We particularly encourage papers that address Latino traditions in New York’s tri-state area.



Students can cover any number of topics related to traditional performing arts, materials arts, vernacular culture, sacred arts, etc. as long as the research is with a particular Latino group. While attendees should be graduate students from any academic program, they do not have to major in folklore or Latino studies. Participants can be ethnomusicologists, anthropologists, historians, etc.

Submissions are due by Thursday, 9/30. For more information visit www.nyfolklore.org.

Week of August 10 – August 16, 2010

GEM NYC would like to remind everyone to support the winner of this year’s Dominican Republic Global Film Festival – the independent film “La Soga,” for their opening night at major theatres nationwide this Friday, August 13, 2010. For more information about the movie, please view our post from last week below, and visit their official website for participating theatres in the tri-state area here.

Also, feel free to share some of your own GEM NYC finds or if you’d like to drop us a few words please do so at gem@ulmedia.net

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With Latino Heritage Month just around the corner, I wanted to showcase the pure genius of two of our own up and coming jewelry makers.

ICONIC JEWELRY:

Vanessa Montiel was born in Mexico and trained as an artist in California and London. She travels the world in pursuit of brilliant colors and shape inspirations and her sensibility draws from a variety of visual cultures. Her art works have been featured at Sothebys, The Courtauld of London, Rio de Janeiro’s Biennale and in national museums. Vanessa's jewelry collections are extremely special because she not only creates unique and beautiful jewelry, but every piece is eco-friendly. She refers to her business as "socially conscious" and a business that encourages independence for local women.

Oprah is just one of Vanessa's many celebrity fans and has been spotted wearing a pair of her earrings on several occasions. GEM NYC, and the ULM family admires Vanessa for the powerful message behind her brand, and the Latino empowerment that she boasts with her accomplishements, contributions to society and current endeavors. For more information about Vanessa Montiel’s designs click here. As a child growing up in Veracruz, Mexico,

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Issy Salomon would often use scraps from his mother’s hemming projects to create dresses for his niece’s dolls. Over the next decade, his hobby evolved into a focused commitment to the study of art and design. After graduating from high school, Issy moved to Miami, where he began to create necklaces using semi-precious stones.

One morning in 2004, Issy impulsively decided to move to New York City; 3 days later, he found himself on a plane to Manhattan. During the flight, he became inspired by an article he read about a young woman who had started selling her jewelry on the streets of SoHo in downtown Manhattan. On the day of his arrival, Issy made his way to SoHo; the next day, he purchased a folding table and set up shop on Prince Street. He sold his first piece 3 hours later. And so his business was born. GEM NYC is very happy to hear that Issy Salomon continues to hone his talents in fashion design through both formal and informal training, and hopes to launch his first line of women’s ready-to-wear in the coming year. Issy’s preliminary collection is now being previewed at CharmandChain.com here.
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CULTURE:

Grab your camera and get ready to experience El Barrio de Nueva York!

The "El Barrio Today" photo contest encourages El Barrio residents and visitors to capture what they consider to be the spirit and essence of East Harlem today. The contest is part of an arts cluster initiative of local organizations to promote El Barrio as a cultural destination. Photos will be judged on four primary categories: Relevance, Clarity, Composition, and Wow-Factor. A panel of judges comprised of community leaders, artists, and curators will select 25 entries to enter into a semifinal round. Winners will be chosen by public voting.

Contest runs until August 22, 2010.

Please visit El Barrio’s Flickr group for complete rules. In case your photo is selected as a winner, all contest participants should complete the following forms in advance.

Forms will be required of all finalists:
Photo Release Form (for all subjects who appear)
Affidavit of Eligibility (for photographer)

If you are selected as a Prize Winner – these are the prize packages that YOU and two other winners can win!

First Prize: $250 cash $100 gift certificate to La Tienda at El Museo del Barrio Free membership for one year to El Museo del Barrio

Second Prize: $100 cash $75 gift certificate to La Tienda at El Museo del Barrio Free membership for one year to El Museo del Barrio

Third Prize: $50 gift certificate to La Tienda at El Museo del Barrio Free membership for one year to El Museo del Barrio

This contest is brought to you in part by the Deutsche Bank Group.

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FASHION:

This summer you want to end your GEM fashion swing with a bang, so let yourself go gracefully in this Windswept Beauty Dress in Magenta. Delic’ate crepe fabric falls in elegant tiers down the entire length of this dress, and at only $47.00 online – this is quite a steal! The scoop neckline transitions to a halter strap with two fluttery panels framing an open back, so ladies, this is the perfect time to invest in a Victoria Secret “Invisible Shaping Bra” ($68, victoriassecret.com) also know as the “stick-on bra”. This dress is fully lined, and we recommend that you hand wash or dry clean this item to ensure the ruffles remain fluttery. To purchase this Lulu dress – to view the entire collection of delicious dresses, and for more information click here.

Lulu.com also has a contest this month for a $500 shopping spree! To sign up for this promotion, you may visit Lulu here.

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MUSICA CORNUCOPIA:

La Raza Latina, Salsa Suite featuring Rubén Blades

Salsa master Larry Harlow performs his 1977 suite La Raza Latina, which outlines the history of Latin music rooted in African rhythms, and cooked throughout the years in the urban melting pot of cosmo New York. Full of rhythm and color, it features eclectic sounds sprinkled with English, Spanish, and African words; some jazz, rumba, salsa and, of course, great vocals by Grammy winner Ruben Blades. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the famous Panamanian salsero interpret once again pieces from La Raza Latina Suite, which he and Harlow’s Orchestra made famous 33 years ago. The show will also feature Bobby Sanábria and his 19-piece Afro-Cuban big band! This event is FREE, and for more information visit the venue’s site here, and view details below.

Where: Lincoln Center (Dambrosch Park) - W 62nd St & Amsterdam Ave - NY, NY 10023
Date: Saturday, August 14th Time: 7:30pm EST
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Bachata Fest: Andy Andy, Luis Miguel de la Amargue, Kiko Rodriguez, and Alexandra

Dominican singer Andy Andy has emerged as one of a handful of musicians on the cutting edge of the bachata craze. Andy began his music career as a merenguero before making the switch to the increasingly popular bachata style. With 5 solo chart-topping bachata albums to his credit, Andy Andy has consistently maintained himself on Billboard’s Top Tropical album charts .

Luis Miguel de la Amargue, known as the “King of Bachata” has taken his music worldwide and is one of the most respected artists in the genre. The multi-award winner and recipient of 2009’s “Bachatero of the Year” and “Bachata Song of the Year” is a genre favorite not to be missed.

Bachata star Kiko Rodriguez exhibited an interest in music, first experimenting with percussion instruments around the age of 12 before moving to guitar. With four original albums to his credit including Directo al Corazon, which spawned a number of singles, and an impressive international touring career, Rodriguez is popular throughout the tropical music listening community.

Alexandra is best known as half of the hugely successful, Monchy y Alexandra, who began singing together in 1999. They have been often credited with being instrumental in popularizing bachata music outside of the Dominican Republic. Alexandra is now embarking on a highly anticipated solo career, and is certain not to disappoint.

Presented in association with Globe Star Media and the City Parks Foundation.

Where: Central Park/Mainstage
Date: Saturday, August 14, 2010 Time: 3:00PM

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Calle 13 Teaser! – New Album coming out in October, 2010

Calle 13 is a Puerto Rican alternative rap/reggaetón duo formed by stepbrothers René Pérez Joglar (Hato Rey, Puerto Rico), who calls himself “Residente” (lead singer, writer) and Eduardo José Cabra Martínez, (Santurce, Puerto Rico) who calls himself “Visitante” (multi-instrumentalist, particularly keyboards, vocals, beat producer). Their younger sister, Ileana (aka PG-13) has contributed the female vocals to some of their songs, and so has Residente's mother, Puerto Rican actress Flor Joglar de Gracia (on the single "Tango del Pecado").

They are now preparing for their northeastern tour this fall, and as if we needed help getting hyped up for Calle 13’s new album, now we can follow the countdown until its release in October for what promises to be an epic masterpiece!

The Boricua alternative rap/reggaetón group, prove once more, that they’re the most imaginative crew in the Latin urban scene right now, with their GEMtastic teaser video titled Detonación C-13. Click here to watch the Calle 13 Detonación C-13 teaser vid, and send us your thoughts! Is it good, too racy, not enticing? Post a reply to this post here, or email your anonymous comments to gem@ulmedia.net.

Week of May 4 - May 10, 2010

LET’S CELEBRATE
“CINCO DE MAYO”.

Before we get started on all the fun ideas and things to do this Cinco De Mayo, let’s take a look back at the significance of this holiday.

HISTORY:

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States and primarily limited to the state of Puebla in Mexico. It marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the “Battle of Puebla” during the French-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. This battle was significant in that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years.


DECORATE :

La Sirena
A true NYC GEM featuring the very best of Mexican Folk Art. Owner Dina Leor ensures that this quaint, L.E.S. boutique is stocked with arts and crafts from all over Mexico, from museum quality pieces to traditional marketplace merchandise and in all price ranges. You are sure to find those special touches for your Cinco De Mayo decoration from colorful papel picado to traditional candleholder centerpieces. 27 East 3rd Street, between 2nd Avenue and Bowery. (212) 780-9113. www.lasirenanyc.com.

Crate & Barrel
Stripes it up for Cinco De Mayo with their colorful and festive Raya Collection. The Dining and Entertaining collection includes matching pitcher, platter, bowl, 3-cup saucer, and chip and dip server. Prices range from $5.95 to $29.95. Visit www.crateandbarrel.com for more information.



DRINK:

Agavefest 2010 (Agave is best recognized as the plant from which tequila is made)
Astor Center hosts a tasting of a variety of brands and styles from jovens to añejos, mini-classes that address topics such as what agave distillates really are and are not (is tequila really mezcal? Is Cuervo really tequila?) and last but certainly not least cocktails at the Lounge. May 5th. Astor Center, 399 Lafayette Street at East 4th Street. (212) 674-7501. 6:30pm to 8:30pm. $25.00. www.astorcenternyc.com .


EAT:

Maria's Mexican Bistro
This consistent crowd pleasing Park Slope Mexican Bistro will celebrate Cinco De Mayo with style featuring a live music Trio at 8:30pm, singing everything from mariachis to baladas. Brace yourself because in addition to the all-around good food owners Carlos and Eduardo will invite patrons to do free tequila shots at 8pm and every hour on the hour until Midnight. Owner Eduardo Nacipucha has more than 150 different tequilas and makes all his margarita juices (including lime, pomegranate, blood orange and avocado) from scratch. Maria’s Mexican Bistro, 669 Union Street, at Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn. (718) 638-2344. Hours, Sun-Thu; noon-11pm; Fri-Sat; noon- midnight.


SHOP:

Viva La Girls Night Out
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Shecky’s, the event that continuously provides us with the ultimate shopping extravaganza is offering a Cinco de Mayo SPECIAL which includes Shecky’s Goodie Bag + General Admission. $5 OFF with code SPECIAL5, only $20 - $25 (usually $25 - $30). The upcoming Shecky’s “Girls Night Out” event in New York City will take place on June 15th through June 18th. 82 Mercer Street, between Spring and Broome Streets. 5pm to 10pm. This special deal ends May 5th. www.sheckys.com.


CULTURAL:

"The Big Read In The Bronx Celebrates Mexico"
With food, music, crafts, films, theater, and panels about Mexico, all happening throughout the Bronx. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment of the Arts that encourages literacy and reading culture in local communities. The inaugural Big Read in the Bronx was held in March and April of 2008, with a celebration of the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. More than 1,200 free books were distributed, many to individuals who had never owned a book before. May 4th through the 15th. For more information visit www.bronxarts.org.


DANCE:

Latin Jazz Legend Eddie Palmieri performing at SOB’s. May 5th. SOB's, 204 Varick Street. (212) 243-4940. 7:30pm performance. Tickets, $25 in advance. For more information visit www.sobs.com.


DJ Camilo will kick off the Cinco De Mayo After-Work party celebrations at Amnesia Nightclub. May 5th. Amnesia Nightclub, 609 West 29th Street, between 11th and 12 Avenues. (212) . Doors open at 5pm, everyone free until 7pm, reduced after on the nocheLatina guest list. For more information visit www.nochelatina.com.

Week of April 27 - May 3, 2010

BEAUTY: Instant Nails

For those that want to shine in the sun, Broadway have just launched some nail kits that change when exposed to direct sunlight. Fashion Diva Color Changing Nails come in four designs and adjust in seconds. At night and indoors nails are a classic French style with a white or black tip and simple design. But when on the beach, by the pool or driving around with the top down, nails will transform instantly with a neon tip or extra design, such as shooting stars or a simple floral pattern.

Each nail kit comes complete with 24 nails in 12 different sizes and lasts for up to 7 days. Self-Tabs are on each nail to make application easier and pink nail glue and manicure sticks are also included. Available for $5.99 at www.walgreens.com


EVENTS: TARGET Free Thursdays Presents: Essentially Ellington Alumni All Stars in the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
Coming up on April 29th the all-star ensemble of Essentially Ellington alumni plays the music of Duke Ellington and celebrates the 15th anniversary of the annual Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) education event that invites select high school jazz bands from across North America to spend three days immersed in workshops, rehearsals, jam sessions, and performances at JALC. Alumni of the Essentially Ellington(High School Jazz Band Program) include Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bassist Carlos Henriquez, saxophonist Erika von Kleist, and bassist David Wong. Join us for this special performance that leads up to the final concert of the annual competition and festival at Avery Fisher Hall on May 10th. More information about Essentially Ellington is available at: www.jalc.org/essentiallyellington.


BEAUTY, BODY: The Spirit of the Amazon

Bring the benefits of Amazonian fruits to your life this season. Already wildly popular at ABC Home, Wembe's Citric, Mango, Avocado, Passion Fruit and Coconut varieties are chock-full of raw ingredients that nourish, exfoliate and turn your shower in a rainforest. Wembe retails nationally for $7-12 at www.abchome.com

Here are some skin tips for using Wembé soaps:

Citrus fruit
For your health: Provides a good source of Vitamin C which boosts immunity.

For the skin: Vitamin C smoothes the texture of the skin. Vitamin C aids in the production and formation of collagen in the skin. Try: Wembé’s Citric Cleansing Bar

Mango
For your health: Provides the body with antioxidants and vitamins A and E which help to protect the body from heart disease and other diseases.

For the skin: Vitamins A and E aid in softening the skin and the antioxidants that mangoes provide helps to fight free radical damage. Try: Wembé’s Mango Cleansing Blend

Avocado
For your health: Avocado provides a large amount of potassium which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke as well as vitamins A, B, D and E.

For the skin: The vitamins and potassium found in Avocados helps to keep skin smooth and moisturized. Try: Wembé’s Avocado Cleansing Blend


Fashion: Bold Baubles

Right on trend with strong pieces and an even stronger celebrity fan base including America Ferrera. Lia Sophia’s Red Carpet Celebrity Collection offers up options in bold statement pieces like the Wave Cuff Bracelet with Black Diamond Crystals in Matte Gold, $450. All Lia Sophia jewelry comes with a Lifetime Replacement Guarantee so that you can shop with complete confidence.For pieces under $100 Lia Sophia also has the classic line available at www.LiaSophia.com



Beauty, Fitness: Dare to Bare

Sleeveless season is almost in full effect. “So You Think You Can Dance” star Ellenore Scott, www.EllenoreScott.com, shares her tops tips for baring your arms this season.

1.Tone: Using lighter weights and more repetition get your muscles looking long and lean. Ellenore loves doing port de bras (it means carriage of the arms) with 5lbs weights.

2.Scent: As a dancer staying dry is important while moving. Ellenore uses Secret Clinical Strength Sport to keep her dry. To see which Secret formula is right for you visit www.secret.com

3.Shape: Ellenore says you can work out while you watch tv. One of her favorites is the tricep firming reverse push up.

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