Week of July 27 - August 2, 2010

Film: Illegales

Set in the sweltering desert on the Southwestern US and the Mexican border towns adjoining it, the film examines the intersecting lives of five groups of people on both sides of the border, as well as the broader, explosive issue of immigration. Through both heartbreak and hope, the five stories weave together, each asking the question “what lines would you cross for a better life?” Ilegales stars Shirley Rumierk, Luis Bordonada, Omar Leyva, Salome Martinez and Art LaFleur. The story and screenplay come from Carl Lucas and Marco Sheperd.

“We’re delighted New York’s International Latino Film Festival has honored our film with two great slots in the Festival,” said Producer Jake Pokluda, whose film credits include the features Living Gaugin and Jordan, the award-winning short Red Mesa and the short Mirando al norte. “Ilegales does two important things: as a narrative feature, it examines and illuminates one of this country’s most pressing social issues with an amazing ensemble of Latino actors, and takes the audience through the struggles illegal immigrants face crossing the border.”

This easily makes Ilegales one of the most anticipated movies to premiere at the New York International Latino Film Festival. Festival Screenings: Visual Arts Theater 333 West 23rd St. July 28th 2010, 4:30PM July 29th, 2010 8:00PM For more info visit: www.nylatinofilm.com and www.ilegalesthemovie.com

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Contest: Dos Equis

As legend has it, during a routine circumnavigation of the world, the Most Interesting Man's personal aircraft malfunctioned, and he was forced to parachute much of his priceless artifacts mid-flight across North America. Many were recovered. Many were not. He is calling upon his loyal friends to use all their vast talents to help recover his private collection in the Dos Equis Cargo Hunt.

By signing up for the Dos Equis Cargo Hunt, players become “Cargo Hunters” and collect virtual treasures in several ways: through the Cargo Hunter’s map on the website, through codes on specially marked Dos Equis packaging, and at special promotional events this summer. Various prizes are given out along the way and at the end the players with the most artifacts qualify for a Cargo Hunt grand prize – an all-expenses-paid trip to Mexico. For more info check out the Cargo Hunt website, http://dosequis.com/cargohunt

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Music & Dance: Lincoln Center Out of Doors

Marking its 40th anniversary, Lincoln Center Out of Doors celebrates with three weeks of FREE music and dance on the plazas of Lincoln Center. Kicking off on July 28th it will run through August 15th. The 40th annual edition of the festival will present a wide range of music and dance events by dozens of international, U.S. and local artists, including Latino and Latina artists representing a wide range of backgrounds, and music and dance styles and traditions. We cant wait for Larry Harlow’s La Raza Latina: A Salsa Suite conducted by Larry Harlow, starring Ruben Blades, with guest vocalist Adonis Puentes, plus orchestra and chorus on a double bill with Bobby Sanabria Big Band in their New York premiere.

The best part is all the events are free and take place on Lincoln Center’s Plazas between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues, from West 62nd Street to West 65th Street (except where noted). Take No.1 IRT to 66thStreet/Lincoln Center Station) OR the A, B, C, D and No. 1 trains to 59th St/Columbus Circle.

Visit www.LCOutofDoors.org for complete schedule.

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Shop: Jalapeño Shopper

Jalapeño Shopper, a new online boutique, www.Jalapenoshopper.com, offers style seekers top-quality jewelry and accessories for those tired of the same boring, over-priced accessories typically found at the mall. Putting a global spin on current trends, items found on www.JalapenoShopper.com are either inspired by or made in different parts of the world and prices do not exceed $100, the majority is under $75.

Pedro, The Jalapeño Shopper, is the site mascot. He searches the world for unique and interesting styles that look like they came from markets and bazaars common in other countries. Whether it’s a sterling silver ring from Thailand, a necklace from Mexico, or a cuff bracelet from a hip designer in New York City, the jewelry selections inspire a simple question, “WOW! Where did you find that?” And now you know!

"From now until August 15th GEM & ULM readers can enter promo code “JSURBAN” to get
free shipping on all purchases."

For more news follow them @jalapenoshopper and on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwjalapenoshoppercom/110725735620961?ref=search


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Fitness: Cardio Meets Carnival

During the month of August NYSC hosts a healthy happy Hour featuring Zumba. All are invited to get their afterwork groove on in this stress-melting, high-octane workout. Zumba is a fun, easy-to-follow aerobic class that combines Latin dance moves with cardio training. It’s a wildly popular way to maximize caloric output while toning your whole body. Zumba takes the work out of working out. Nonmembers are welcome. See the schedule below for the class nearest you.

New York Sports Clubs 217
Broadway - City Hall --> Thursdays 5:30pm
23rd & Park --> Fridays 6:15pm
86th & Lexington -->Tuesdays 9:30am
Astoria -->Thursdays 5:30pm
Brooklyn Heights --> Thursdays 7:30pm
Dobbs Ferry --> Thursdays 6:30pm
East Brunswick --> Thursdays 6:30pm
Hicksville --> Fridays 6:00pm

More class locations on www.NYSC.com

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.