Keep yo refrigerator STOCKED!

A big thank you goes out to my brother for showing me this video below. I haven't seen a funny youtube in a hot minute! This guy takes his camera and explains things from the first person point of view which is kind of interesting. Below, he tells you how he keeps his fridge stocked in a particular way to get the ladies. It's hilarious. Maybe you all have seen it already, but it's new to me and I can post whatever I want!

Homegirl プリクラ

It is with great pleasure I share with you all the coolest art project I have seen in a while. Artists Mayra Ramirez and Rio Yañez have teamed up together to bring you the project entitled : Homegirl プリクラ

CLICK HERE FOR ENTIRE GALLERY

On Yañez's official blog it says :

Homegirl プリクラ is a collaboration between artists Rio Yañez and Mayra Ramirez. It is the next phase of Yañez' art series examining the relationship between Japanese youth emulating Cholo and Chola culture and their counterparts in the United States. Homegirl Purikura reverses the appropriation of visual aesthetics and uses Japanese photobooths (Purikura) to create portraits of Cholas. The use of Purikura enables Yañez and Ramirez to create a hybrid visual presentation of portraits decorated in Chola cultural references but using uniquely Japanese visual tools to do so.

I've been a fan of Yañez work for a couple of years now. More specifically, his Ghetto Frida series (I had it as my desktop at my old work for a loooong time). Here at IHST, we're so down with hybridity and the interweaving of identies. These ideas  are what this whole blog is based on so it's only fitting we feature this project! Plus, Mayra is one of our featured links and a fan of IHST herself. I've known girlfriend for a couple of years via Myspace and Facebook and she is pretty tight. Make sure to become fans of hers on Facebook and visit Rio Yañez's blog!

LIKE Mayra Ramirez on Facebook
Rio Yañez Blog
BREEZY'S BLOG

Miley "La Smiley" Cyrus is a Chola

There are so many things that I could say about this footage below....

So many things are so wrong with what just happened.

Nuyorican Dream

I've been on my documentary kick on Netflix 'Watch Instantly." I've seen a few interesting ones but I had to share this one with the blog. "Nuyorican Dream," this really tugged at the heartstrings.

From Netflix:

Laurie Collyer's documentary chronicles the ups and downs of a poverty-stricken Puerto Rican family living in New York. The film centers on the ongoing struggles of the Torres-Gutierrez clan as eldest son Robert suffers alienation after becoming the first family member to graduate from college, siblings Beti and Tati deal with drug addiction, and mother Marta resorts to selling her homemadepasteles to support the extended family.

At first I was a bit hesitant to watch because I feel somewhat disconnected from the east coast experience of what it means to be brown. I was super wrong. This story is very much universal. It's about family, struggle, overcoming barriers of all types. The films really allows the viewer to be a part of this family's life, I felt connected to each family member. The parts that really got me were with the grandchildren, totally broke my heart. These children are under the custody of their grandmother as a result of their mother's drug addiction. I could really see a lot of my childhood in these children. I was fortunate to have a lot of things growing up, but this idea of "growing up quickly" is very much similar.

This film really emphasizes that this country has established exclusive systems; systems that leave out those of marginalized communities...our people...my family...me. For a person to reach that "American Dream" (whatever your definition is), a person really has to overcome battle after battle. Is it impossible? Nope. We must constantly remind ourselves of that.

I recommend this documentary. It has stayed with me since I watched it.

Here is the first few minutes, courtesy of youtube!

Check it out...

Eminem + SATC

Eminem, you're pretty hilarious.

Check out this clip from The Soup...

IHST FilmFEST Reviews

2 reviews! We got 2 reviews! Marb$ and I have watched 2 films from our raza movie fest. So far...entertaining. I'm going to write "our" thoughts, meaning I'll try and do this as a collective opinion rather than just my own.

Ok pues, here it goes...

1. Raising Victor Vargas (2002)

Plot: Victor Vargas in a Dominican teenager growing up in the Lower East Side of New York. He's super cocky, he does so much lip licking it's ridiculous. In the beginning of the movie, you see his teeny tiny skinny body ready to pounce on "Fat Donna." He has been having a secret rompfest relationship with "Fat Donna" which no one else knows about. As the neighborhood begins to find out about his "escapades" he is determine to change his rep and go after a really pretty girl ("Juice Judy"). The movie sets up completely different than it plays out. The first scene is Victor and "Fat Donna" in a heavy makeout session. But as the film goes on it really touches upon Victor's relationships with his family and Judy (his grandma is nuts) and lets the viewer see past his cocky persona.

The Good: Harold. Judy's bff Melonie falls for Harold, Victor's BFF. He adds some comic relief to the movie. Also, Judy's little brother (who totally wants Victor's little sister). There is a great scene where he is so nervous he totally barfs in front of his crush.

The Bad: Nothing too bad, it all worked pretty well

Grade: B+

2. Rivals (2003)

Plot: A reinterpretation of Romeo & Juliet, yes another one. In this case, the star-crossed lovers are Julio and Romina. Julio is a super Mexi who falls for chicks way too fast and is immediately drawn to Romina--a super Salvi. Their peeps/family are rivals (hence the title) and through music outbursts, street racing, break dancing, rap battes (yes, rap battles) this movie ends in tragedy and asks the question: can't we all just get along raza?

The Good: This movie provides so much laughter. Intentional comedy? No. This movie is one of the cheapest most ridiculous things I have ever seen. Marb$ and I were rolling on the floor every 5 minutes or so. There is so much cheese in this film. What really got us? The random singing, the Disney movie sounding score, and the cutesy montages--in a film where you know they're going to die. How does this work??? We were hoping that Mexicans and Salvadorans in one movie could be cool. Epic fail. But what it did teach me? I can't be with a Mexi because I'll die.

The Bad: Todo. Errrythang. All of it. This movie, if had more exposure, would have been a razzie winner for sure. All the actors looked like trolls (Mexis and Salvis), I've seen better looking people walking the streets of Hillsboro. The acting was so terrible it was a bit squeamish. I really rooted for them, but in the end they couldn't make it work. This film was basically just missing the accidental boom mic shot. Would we watch this again? If we're feeling sad and need something to laugh at: yes.

Grade: F (as a great quality film with heart and meaning), A (for non-intentional hilarious-ness)

'til next time...

Descontrol

I have to share this video with the blog. I looooove the dancing in this video so much. Daddy Yankee has surrounded himself with "reggaeton stormtroopers" and it works very very well. Be amazed at their dancing. A+

Trimet #8 Bus

Portland is a very interesting place, you find all kinds of weirdos. Back in the day when I was sleeping in my nephew's room I had a commute from the suburbs to the city. The folks I was riding public transportation with, were for the most part, not too crazy. You saw a lot of kindle reading, salon lady haircuts, and college students. Every once in awhile, especially at one particular transit center, there were some crazies, but nothing too out there.


Now I commute on a totally different beast. Riding the #8 bus is a people watcher's dream, so my Sociology degree is loving the things I get to see. This bus is Portland in a nutshell. Here is what I see on a daily basis...let me sketch you a picture:

-the "urban" high school youth (boy) with the baggiest pants I have ever seen (we get it, your "no homo" point is very clear)

-the "urban" high school youth (girl) that comes strolling into the bus with a piercing aroma of hairspray and drug store body splash

- the white "earthy" types that insist on riding the bus with their hot jar of tea that smells like urine and herbs while wearing "world" jewelry. Gentrification? What's that?

-the crazy who fought in a war who overly blinks and blurts out random comments

-The older guy with exposed chest hair that smells like Drakkar Noir and booze...at 7:30am, all while wearing a bluetooth

-The professional lady that has to carry her fat purse, her oversized lunch bag, and another bag to carry her knitting materials so she can entertain herself while on her commute

-The hipster parents that bring on their toddlers and let them take 2 seats to climb around and probably promote "touch" therapy/education

This is just an overall generalization of what I see on a day to day basis. If you have people visiting Portland and they want that real "Portland" experience, ride the #8 bus and there you go.

Also, if you are a public transportation rider...be sure to have your pass/money ready to go. I want to punch people in the face when they cannot find their bus pass once they have stepped onto the bus. Why did you put it in your wallet which is at the deep depth of your backpack? Did you not see the giant bus coming your way?


Ok, that's all. Phewww, I feel better.

Rompers Rule.

Tell me this was a good purchase and that I"ll look fly in it. I have a fear that I will look like cupid without the wings. My main concern this summer is wearing clothes that I can sweat in (let's keep it real). My absolute least favorite season for clothes is Summer. You can't look good when you are sweating in light colors and skimpy outfits. Bleh.

...so much swag

Remember this????

Well check this out...

This kid is not effing around.

New Nail Polish

You all know my love for anything nails. Recently I've been on a mission trying to find some more toned down colors, basically pastels and neutrals. I've been on a super mission trying to find the perfect lilac. I love the bright colors and crazy nail art, but sometimes it's nice to have a less than crazy look to balance out the nail polish gods.

Here are some colors I've picked up in the last few weeks:

Orly

Charged Up--I'm always a sucker for anything purple. This color is a deep royal purple, I have yet to try it out.

Essie

(from the resort collection)

Playa Del Platinum--currently wearing this color on my nails right now. This color looks nice on short nails, I just cut mine off again.

St. Lucia Lilac (finally found the perfect lilac)--this color is currently on my toes since I'm too broke to go get a pedicure...I don't like being around my feet so it was a quick polish change.

Icing

True Blue--great pastel blue

Mint 2 Be--I love mint greens! This color reminds me of pistachio gelato (my favorite)!

Gargoyle--an amazing matte gray. I really fell in love with this color, it's fun having matte colors every once in awhile.

Also, some great essentials to add to your nail world:

OPI Correct & Clean-Up pen

It's great for when you paint your nails all sloppy, clean them up and act like a precision queen.

Avon's Liquid Freeze, quick dry spray

Maturity: What's That?

This is why I will never grow up...

I still find things like this funny. I'm forever a 10 year old boy.

Foreign Parents Rule #2

Last night, I talked to my Dad for a good while on the phone. He is the funniest person I know and he doesn't even mean to be! Here are some tidbits from my our conversation last night:

DAD: "Dice que metio su pasta" (Translation: "He said that he put in his pasta")

ME: "Su que?" (Translation: "His what?")

MOM (in the background): "His FAFSA!"

ME: How do you get 'pasta' for FAFSA?

DAD: Culpa de tu mama, no le entiendo su ingles. (Translation: It's your mother's fault, I can't understand her English)

Then my Dad kept talking and he told me how much he loved lattes from "Estarba" (Translation: Starbucks). He also said that his friend El Tigre enjoys un "Viente Latte" (Translation: Vendi Latte) and that my Mom found a "Doochi y Baganna" purse (Translation: Dolce & Gabbana) on eBay. So much information given to me in such a short phone coversation. It was a gold mine of LOLs.

Anjelah Johnson: That's How We Do It

I'm taking advantage of my Netflix "watch instantly," I've been on a stand-up kick. If I'm not laughing in the first 5 minutes, I say NO and move onto the next. I came across Anjelah Johnson's stand-up. I never knew she had a stand-up special. You might know her from her character Bon Qui Qui from Madtv or her Vietnamese nail salon lady--both are pretty hilarious.

Her special "That's How We Do It" is pretty funny. She touches upon her time as an Oakland Raiderette, her family, going to clubs when she was 14, and a bunch of other funny tidbits. It's nice to see a fellow brown girl doing stand-up, and actually being funny. I recently watched "Latin Divas of Comedy," such an epic fail. I tried really hard to sit through that just because it was brown ladies.

I couldn't find any clips from this stand-up special on youtube, but here is an older clip of her nail salon bit.

M.A.C. Attack!

Today, I was peer-pressured. Both Stefanie and the cosmetic-counter diva were pushing me to buy a M.A.C. eye shadow. This is big. I never buy retail! I eBay or wait for things to go on sale because my mami raised me right. However, after lusting after this perfect, velvety, electric blue---I caved. The hue freshwater, is now in my collection:

 

I am not a cheapskate--I just live within my means. I have car payments, rent, and student loans. Sallie Mae does not fuck around. She is one incessant bitch that prohibits me from living the fabulous life. I deserve this, damn it! I cut corners all the time and I had a bad day! Validate me.

IHST Latino Film Festival

IHST is on research mode. Marb$ y yo want to create! Create stories of our people for our people (that's so FUBU of me). Our people meaning the raza, the brown folk. Media has so much influence and power, it's a perfect place to have a voice. Much of the brown representations in mainstream media are so stereotypical and never relates to those of us who hatched and grew up in Oregon. We get it, there are tons of brown people in LA and New York. Marb$ and I always say that we want to see a coming of age story with brown people who over enunciate their words...like a true Pacific Norwest-ian.

In order to really familiarize ourselves with the brown stories already out there, we have been guided to Netflix where we are diving deep into the sea of "Latino" movies. I took it upon myself to add a bunch of movies to my queue. We are going to go through these films and will give IHST our thoughts of each film. We are calling this the "IHST Latino Film Festival" which consists of us sitting in OUR living room watching a movie--ya I said OUR.

So enjoy our film reviews/opinions/commentary...

Tan-tastic! Jergens Natural Glow

Since the sun decided to be a dead-beat dad and bail on Portland, it's been raining non-stop here! It's the 2nd of June and it looks like it could be October weather. The tan I copped in Mexico is long gone and I decided to take matters into my own hands. I bought Jergens Natural Glow lotion to get a gradual bronze glow on my legs and it worked! I didn't look like an Oompa Loompa!

A couple of caveats of course--it kind of smells when you apply it and it stains your hands. The smell isn't unbearable, it just reminds me of my grandma's Jafra perfume. Sure, I might smell like a viejita, but it goes away and leaves a nice glow! Also, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water afterwards. Stefanie's sister asked if I was using fake tanning lotion because she got a glimpse of my fingers. Awkward.

I'm very happy with my faux tan. My leg's are so dark, an Arizona cop would definitely use them as "probable cause" and ask for my papers. Mark our words.

MUSICA!

This is real, this is happening. I have belly-flopped into the world of guilty pleasure-ville in order to bring you all some treats. I find this music for you, I'm your researcher...

1. "Por Amar A Ciegas"-Arcángel
I could listen to this song on repeat. I'm so in lust...with the song...not the singer. He is so fug...check it out:



2. "Somebody to Love"-Justin Bieber
Yes, Justin Bieber, it's true. This song is upbeat and super fun. This song basically sounds like a gay anthem, you go Bieber...friend of the gays.

My Favorite Stuff!

I always go through my waves of favorite things, I thought I would take a moment to share my fav things of the moment.

Too Faced-Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer

($30 @ Sephora)

This stuff rules so hard. Not only does it keep your makeup from melting off your face, it fills in your pores and leaves your face looking soft. My sister bought this, she was on a mission to find a really good face primer. I had to get some of my own. Really great investment.

NYX Round Lipsticks
(My fav colors: Champagne, Thalia, and Echo)
($1.99 @ Cherry Culture)

If you know me, you know I really don't like lipstick, they always smell bad and they leave their mark on anything you drink/eat and it makes me gag. But now NYX has a great line of non-smelly lipsticks. You can wear one swipe to add a bit of color and it lasts a good amount of time. Adding a little color to the lips is a key for not looking dead. Lipgloss can be a bit too shiny sometimes. These lipsticks are pretty matte and give a pop of color.

Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten
($20 @ Sephora)

This can be used as a lid primer, eyeshadow, as a highlight, or even as an eyeliner. I really wanted to try these smudge pots. The color 'kitten' is a perfect shimmery goldish-pink. Great for a summery day time look.

Konad Stamping Art
($15 for starters kit)

I have the starter kit (and I just recently bought 3 more colors: hot pink, yellow, and green). The girl at the Konad kiosk at Clackamas remembered me and my nails, sooo we're best friends now.
This steps up my nail art game. This stamping art is fun, I need more practice because it can get a bit messy. Here is my latest nail situation. Forgive the quality of the photo. You should buy me a top notch camera.

Yoplait: Apple Turnover

I'm still amazed at how much this yogurt really tastes like an apple turnover. I stock up on my yogurt, it's my breakfast of champions. Yoplait has really stepped it up and has soooo many flavors. This is one of the best ones! I tried the red velvet cake one....so dissapointed!

Iced Vanilla Soy Lattes

I go through my "usuals" at the coffee places (Starbucks and Seattle's Best, close to my work), and this has been my go to "caffeine fix" of choice. Soy milk adds a bit of a different flavor. I'll get my caramel macchiatos on a "I want to walk down memory lane" days (drink of choice as an undergrad). CM's started to taste like a chore rather than a treat. Life was all: caramel macch, computer lab, 3am taco bell, lab, sleep, and start again...
I will say that I sound like douche when I order this. I'm so pretentious with my long winded coffee order. I'm so city...