Yesterday’s date, anyway. Some White House chums gathered on May 4th for an early U.S. celebration of this non-celebrated-in-Mexico Mexican holiday. Being the jokester that he is, Obama tried to get a little laugh with his opening address:

"Bienvenidos. Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro -- (laughter) -- Cinco de Mayo at the White House. We are a day early, but we always like to get a head start here at the Obama White House."

They might like to get a head start, but they don’t like to check their Google translator. “Happy fifth of the fourth” no es bueno, Señor Presidente.

Hey, at least this president speaks English.

The post Happy Cinco de Cuatro! appeared first on Remezcla.

With Oro Solido as the half-time entertainment, Goya as the official sponsor, and my seat purchased with leftover laundry cash, I knew antics were sure to follow. But Oro Solido left the crowd wishing it had taken advantage of the bathroom break. The group came out asking, “Where the single ladies at?,” and left soon after chanting their standard, “Hasta las quince!” with random Nets male dancers break dancing and the females latinizing their dance routine. They left in a hurry, alas, the single ladies never to be found.

The real craziness took place during a time-out. How much havoc can really ensue during a standard minute break? Never doubt the power of corporate sponsors. As the Nets huddled off to the side, the big screen turned on, and Sly the Fox, the Nets mascot, was shown picking up an order Chipotle burritos. He then arrived on the court to deliver the foiled-wrapped pre-packaged Latin goods (let’s not forget the night’s theme). Sly then SHOT the burritos into the crowd. Yes, shot. Mexican chow flew into the crowd, courtesy of a t-shirt gun. “Who wants free burritos?” asked the airy blonde. Look, I can’t lie, I was hungry, and I was there because it cost me less than a dollar, remember? Of course I wanted a free burrito. But this was too much.

I would have thrown it back.

The post Burritos and Basketball appeared first on Remezcla.

And now, just weeks later, news of two Ecuadorian brothers who were attacked on the way home from a bar in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Jose O. Sucuzhanay, 31, and Romel Sucuzhanay, 38, were walking home from a bar with arms interlocked when three strangers yelling anti-gay and anti-Latino slurs jumped out of a SUV and attacked them. The assailants used a bottle and aluminum bat, while also kicking and punching, and left Jose brain dead. He was removed from life support yesterday, but is still listed under critical condition.

In response to the vicious attacks, Make the Road New York (MTRNY) is organizing a massive march/ vigil MTRNY’s Community Park in Bushwick this Sunday, December 14^th at 2 p.m. The march will be to the corner where the incidents happened (Corner of Bushwick Ave. and Kossuth Place).

Events like these often leave us speechless and confused. Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn said of the events, "We all must open our eyes to the hate that exists around us and work together to fight against those that demonize others and allow stereotypes to lead them to acts of unconscionable violence. We are all partners against hate."

Detailed information on the vigil after the jump.

The post Vigil and March Against Hate This Sunday appeared first on Remezcla.

The post Margarita Jimeno Non-Stop appeared first on Remezcla.

But before we go completely nuts, let’s take a moment to look into something both candidates have yet to address: Latin American relations. With issues like health care, the economy, and the war in Iraq at the forefront of this election, our relationship with Latin America is on the back burner.

Rebuilding our foreign policy reputation and establishing our role in Latin America is crucial, however, especially with fundamental shifts in politics taking place in Venezuela and Bolivia. Is it because these regions are adopting more socialist policies that the U.S. is giving them the silent treatment? And where do the candidates stand on their policies?

McCain is in line with the majority of President Bush’s policies (surprise, surprise)–strong anti-narcotics efforts, free trade, and reducing illegal immigration. Obama, on the other hand, believes in diplomacy–meeting with foreign leftist leaders and sending Peace Corps volunteers overseas.

McCain has visited Latin American several times, while Obama has not, but who can we trust? Whose policies can you learn to live with and hope will actually be put into action within the next four years? With so many issues at stake–immigration, NAFTA, changing political paradigms, drug trade—it’s crucial to consider the actions our future leader will take.

Here’s how one blogger in Bolivia responded to McCain’s speech in Miami about economics:

And how does Mr. McCain intend "to prevent Venezuela and Bolivia from taking the same road to failure Castro has paved for Cuba?” This is really a stupid thing to say; it will only feed into the paranoia of those in Bolivia who believe that the US is out to get Morales. It is just appalling how little American politicians understand Latin America.

Yes, I know that he was talking to gusanos, but all the same.

The post Our Next Prez on Latin America appeared first on Remezcla.

The post Unincorporated East LA Creeps Towards Cityhood appeared first on Remezcla.

The Dodgers play in L.A. again tomorrow. The team who wins the best of seven goes on to the World Series with either the Boston Red Sox or Tampa Bay Rays. It has been 20 years since the Dodgers have gone all the way.

For a complete post-season schedule, check the Major League Baseball site.

The post Go, Dodgers, Go! appeared first on Remezcla.

The post Remezcla Recap: Junot and Lin-Manuel Back In The Heights appeared first on Remezcla.

The film follows a pampered Beverly Hills chihuahua named Chloe (Drew Barrymore) who gets lost while vacationing in Mexico. “It’s not easy to find a mate with papers,” laments Chloe while getting a manicure. It’s also not easy to find a movie with a point.

In all fairness, I’ve only caught a glimpse of the film, but the minute-and-a-half trailer is preview enough into the stereotypical atrocities to come. Says one heavily accented pup, “I have never had my teeth cleaned before– it’s so minty.” So now Mexicans, symbolized by an animal, a dog no less (yes, it’s 2008), are not only illegal and ill-mannered, but ill-advised in the hygiene department.

But my real gripe is not with the movie; Hollywood is after big money with the ten-and-under set and it’s no surprise minorities are their means to money. Nothing new there. The big shocker comes in the form of overwhelming participation from Mexicans and other Latinos themselves. Shall we take a look at the list of main players?

Salma Hayek
Andy Garcia
Edward James Olmos
George Lopez
Cheech Marin
Luis Guzmán
Paul Rodriguez
Sal Lopez
Manolo Cardona
José María Yazpik
Plácido Domingo
Jesús Ochoa
Eddie ’Piolin’ Sotelo

(Full list available on IMDB)

This basically comprises the face of popular Latino Hollywood and includes some very reputable names. When this particular group, our representation in some respects, goes in as a whole and puts their stamp of approval on a such a project, what have we got left?

But I guess when the decision between cultural integrity and financial gain must be made, - when Hollywood comes knocking and the Beverly Hills Chihuahuas start barking- it’s hard not to run with the pack.

The post Ay, Chihuahua! appeared first on Remezcla.

The post Jackson Heights Film and Food Festival appeared first on Remezcla.