set your calendar, TiVo, and DVR for an unprecedented look at our Latino Community in the United States.
They will be telling a lot of stories – it’s America’s story, since we are a country of immigrants, whether our families came from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Central America or South America.
By 2050, the U.S. Latino population is expected to nearly triple – TRIPLE!! This October, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien explores how Latinos are reshaping our communities and culture and forcing a nation of immigrants to rediscover what it means to be an American.
when he tried to reclaim his children. Christopher Savoie and his former wife of 14 years, Noriko, divorced in January 2009. Noriko fled to Japan with the kids while Christopher was on a short summer trip. Well, you just can’t do that!! So, a United States Court gave Christopher Savoie Sole Custody. He went to Japan to see and retrieve his children – Isaac & Rebecca (8 and 6 years old.) “I want Americans to know what’s happening to me.” “I didn’t do anything wrong. Children have the right to see both parents. It’s very important for my children to know both parents.”
- Christopher Savoie
However in Japan, it’s a whole-lot different when it comes to custody issues. They have charged Christopher Savoie with kidnapping when he tried to take the children from Noriko on their way to school Monday in Yanagawa, a rural town in southern Japan. He was steps from the U.S. Consulate but still on Japanese soil when arrested.
Japanese law recognizes Noriko Savoie as the primary custodian, regardless of the U.S. court order. The law there also follows a tradition of sole custody divorces. When the couple splits, one parent typically makes a complete and lifelong break from the children. Complicating the matter further is the fact that the couple is still considered “married” in Japan, because they never divorced there (the divorce took place in the U.S. where Noriko received $800,000.00 in cash plus monthly support for the children.)
Savoie’s attorney Tadashi Yoshino states, “He technically may have committed a crime according to Japanese law but he shouldn’t be indicted,” Yoshino said. “He did it for the love of his children.”
This story did not even make “NEWS” in Japan, so we hope that the U.S. consulate and pressure from the American Government will iron out all the issues soon for the sake of the children. Christopher Savoie will spend at least 10 days in a jail while they sort out all the details.
“H. Luiz Presents…” will keep you updated of this outrage and our hearts go out to the children Isaac & Rebecca Savoie who are the real victims here.
and it’s really up to you on how you will be perceived. What you do not want to do is to be perceived “negatively,” especially if you can help it. Unfortunately, bad First Impressions do last (and fortunately so does good First Impressions) and it is very difficult to change one’s opinion of who they think you “are” after that first 8 seconds.
My beautiful son and I had a conversation about caring/not caring what people “think” about us or how others may perceive us. At first, we both agreed that, “Sure, we don’t give a flying-fig what the hell people say/think about us!” Then, after some more thinking, we realized that the “impressions” we give to others (especially First Impressions) really does affect how we’re perceived and how people will treat us. In the end, that really does matter to us.
Impressions affect your everyday life and perhaps your livelihood. First Impressions at interviews, social gatherings, school-settings (Teachers, Professors, etc.), meeting your potential in-laws, and among your colleagues can really make or break you.
I remember meeting my “Mother-in-law” for the very first time. I was told that my Father-in-law NEVER visits and hardly attends social affairs – even with/for family. However, I was still filled with anxiety about meeting just my Mother-in-law. She was coming to my home just to meet me and to check-out what “her son has gotten himself into.” Yes, I was absolutely nervous! My food HAD to be perfect (I fixed a spread that my guests still talk about til’ this day) and my apartment had to be spotless. After all, I was also meeting my brother-in-law, his wife, their child, a close family friend, my Sister-in-law (who I’ve already met and fell in love with…she told me not to worry) and her daughter. As if the day wasn’t hectic and nerve-racking enough, I’ve invited 6 of my friends and not to mention the kids, Jonathan & Tiana, would be there too. To add to my anxiety, I’ve learned that my Father-in-law WOULD be coming. All of us, crammed inside that little apartment on St. Pauls Ave.
I needed my First Impression to be spectacular. However, that did not mean that I should be something that I’m not. I still wanted to be me, but I wanted to be the BEST me that I COULD be – hard to do with 10 dishes to make, cook, and prepare (in a kitchen smaller than most apartment closets) and while hosting about 18 guests in a crammed apartment.
Needless to say, I have survived my first encounter with my now extended family. I gave a great first impression (and so did they) and I’m happy to say that I am the same “me” they have met over 10 years ago. I could have given them a bad First Impression (or they could have given me a bad one) and our happy little loving family may not have been what it is today.
Here are 8 Simple Ways to make Good Impressions:
1. Be on time- There is nothing worse than being late, specifically upon your first encounter with someone (and especially when meeting new friends/family and at business meetings & interviews.) Punctuality is important so you must give your best efforts to be on time. Being late and constantly being tardy says that you just don’t care and your time is more important than everyone elses. Plan properly and you’ll be fine.
2. Listen- Demonstrate after your introduction that the other person or other people in the room are the center of attention. Listening to people differs from staying in a corner and being quiet. Give verbal cues as well as facial clues that you are paying attention. I remember attending a wedding where a gorgeous couple sat at my table. They did not know anyone, but even after introductions they sat “to themselves,” made no attempts at conersation, and hardly made any eye-contact with anyone at the table even when engaged. Very awkward and teetering on rude!
3. Use Names – “Nice to meet you, Susan.” “Mathew, what did you do next?” “That cocktail looks so delicious, Anne.” Using the names of people you just met in conversation not only helps you remember them, but it makes the conversation more personal.
4. Pace Your Humor- This is the one that I’m careful about because I found that not everyone thinks I’m funny (unbelieveable, right?) When first meeting someone, you do not know their sensitivities. Here’s my analogy: If you have a big sense of humor, dip your toes in and get acclimated before jumping in the pool. If you find the water to be cold, step out. If you find the water to be warm, make a few splashes – but just a few.
5. Appearance Counts- Now I’m NOT talking about wearing the latest fashions from the top designers. I’m talking about appropriate attire. I remember a couple showing up at my niece’s wedding reception. The guy was wearing shorts, a tanktop, and an unbuttoned Bermuda shirt while wearing work-boots. The woman was wearing a much-too-tight WHITE dress. I knew right-away that they were NOT on the guest list because my niece and I went over her “seating” and invitations for like a hundred times. They turn to me bitingly and said, “We work with the Groom and our Boss invited us!” I did not comprehend such an answer. “Your boss? Your boss can’t invite you to someone else’s wedding.” However, being as gracious as I could be, I told them to wait while I checked with the Bride & Groom if they could stay, after all it was not MY wedding. Well, the Bride looked at me like I was crazy for even asking (she apparently saw them walking in) and she told me that they don’t even like them. So, out the door they went. Still, even if they were invited, they would have been asked to leave because their attire was so inappropriate. Your attire should match the occasion – always.
6. Mind Your Cultural Manners – Some cultures do not shake hands, other cultures (like Latino cultures) give a kiss to everyone they meet (whether they just met you or not), while in some cultures, it is impolite to make eye-contact for more than a second, in others not making eye-contact is considered rude. Be mindful of that and more importantly, do not offend or feel offended if someone’s culture does not match your own. For instance, in a Traditionally Asian home or occasion – do NOT ask for a fork if a meal is offered (If you don’t know how to use chop-sticks, then it’s time for on-the-job learning.) If you’re having visible trouble, the host/hostess may ask you if you prefer a fork , then again – he or she may not. Familiarity with cultures unlike your own shows that you are open, interested, and even appreciate things that are different – it goes a long way towards making good impressions.
7. Be Confident and Relax – A great attitude is very contagious. It makes people “want” to talk to you. They become more interested and comfortable around you as well.
8. Close with Kindness- Be sure to shake hands and say goodbye to everyone you have met (use their names) and quickly say goodbye to the ones you may not have met. That leaves a great Last Impression. It shows that even though you did not get a chance to meet everyone, you are courteous and respectful. It also leaves a warm feeling for when you meet again “Hi, weren’t you at ______’s party? I was there too, my name is ______.
These tips can help you make great First Impressions in any situation. Have you ever made a bad first impression – how did you overcome this? Has anyone ever made a bad impression on you – did they ever redeem themselves? Please let us know in the comment section. Thanks!!
Monarchy designer ERIC KIM is absolutely the BEST!!! This line (for men & women) and all its beautiful pieces are glammed-up with an underground edge. Blazers with T-shirts & silk/linen scarves, jeans with dress shirts and skinny belts, suits with slim-sneakers or sandals – Of course I incorporated that style into my own wardrobe for years (minus the heavy price tag of course!) The Monarchy Collection is sought after by the Hollywood elite and Manhattan’s socialites. I love, love, love, Eric Kim and the Monarchy Collection…
CAROLINA HERRERA was impeccable (as usual) with her classic styles for her 2010 Collection. Carolina’s line(s) are so sleek, chic, and feminine. The fabrics are beautiful and can be easily worn since the color she chooses compliment all skin tones. Of course, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG brought me to new heights of excitement for all of her designs for women. It’s better to show you what I mean than tell you…
How incredible is Donna Karan for her signature collection and DKNY? For me, She’s a New Yorker’s New Yorker! Everybody looks beautiful and amazing wearing Donna Karan’s Designs. She knows how to dress real-size people AND make them look fabulous. I always say, “Designers dress models, but Donna Karan dresses people.” (smile) http://www.donnakaran.com/ NARCISO RODRIGUEZ was just as amazing and his fashions appealed to everyone, especially to all the women in attendance who WANTED their Narciso Rodriguez very wearable pieces. Take a look…
HOWEVER, Francisco A. Rosario for his own Far Couture S/S 2010 Collection delivered all the edge and drama everyone was waiting to see. The night was filled with a heavy buzz as celebutantes and socialites held their breath as the doors swung open revealing couture clothes in all their deliciousness. “H. Luiz Presents…” was there to cover the event (along with Partner Henry P.) and to get a front-row glimpse of the incredible clothes that Francisco brings to LIFE. The line was aptly named “Blood, Sweat, and Tears” and you can see ALL of that in the quality and workmanship of each and every piece. If interested (and we know you are) in any of the designs, contact Francisco at www.farcouture.comand tell them H. Luiz Presents sent you. open source video, online video platform, video solution
Yes, New York City is expensive and yes, there’s hardly anything fun worth doing these days that doesn’t require spending lots of cash. However, did you know that right here in the center of our UNIVERSE, there are fun and exciting things to do for FREE?????????????????
Here is my list for 8 Things to do in NYC for Free:
1. You can go kayaking for FREE on New York’s Hudson River. I just found out about this and do plan to try it with Henry and Jonathan. Contact the New York City Downtown Boathousewww.downtownboathouse.organd tell this fun volunteer group that H. Luiz of H. Luiz Presents sent you. Don’t have a kayak? They’ll lend you one!! They have three locations on the Hudson River: Pier 40 at Houston Street , Pier 96 at 56th Street, and 72nd Street in Riverside Park. You have until October to try this!
2. Musical concerts, theatre productions and dance performances can be seen and heard for free in New York City. Julliard in Lincoln Center routinely gives out FREE tickets!! Check out their Calendar onlinewww.julliard.eduand they’ll show you how, when, and where you can pick up two tickets to any of the free shows. These talented students are the rising STARS of tomorrow and you will have the opportunity to say, I saw that ‘talent’ way back when!” They also have a free lunchtime concert series – a great way to enjoy a packed lunch with someone special or soak up the music by yourself.
3. If Modern and Contemporary Art is your thing, then you are fully aware of just how expensive it can be to tour the beautiful museums of NYC. However, on Fridays between 4pm and 8pm, you can see the latest exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) for FREE which ordinarily would cost $20 per adult. One thing; you have to get tickets in advance so contactwww.moma.orgto visit the hottest museum in New York City. The Whitney Museum is also FREE on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm.www.whitney.org
4. How about an hour long YOGA class for FREE? NYC has that too!! There are several places to try yoga free, but the one people are raving about is the Laughing Lotus classesin the park located on 10th Ave between 14th and 15th Streets. Just show up on Wednesdays from 7-8pm and bring your own mat. If you do not have a mat, they will provide one for free, but they have a limited amount. These free yoga classes end September 2nd.http://www.laughinglotus.com/pops/20090603park.html
5. You can see some of your favorite MOVIES on the large screen again (or for the first time) for FREE in NYC too. Classic titles such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s or The Sweet Smell of Success can be seen as well as Children’s favorites Madagascar 2, Free Willy, Curious George,and Chicken Run to name a few. Other free movies include monster hits such as Apollo 13, Sex and the City, and Ocean’s 11. All of these titles (and many, many, many more) can be seen in August.http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/movies.html
6. Workshops, such as Tai Chi, Pilates, Knitting, and Computer lessons (Intro to Microsoft, HTML Applications, Foreign Languages, etc.) are taught for free in NYC during summer months and winter. Although these workshops are free, you must register for most of them. To check them out, just Google: “free workshops NYC” to get loads of classes, seminars, and tutorials.
7. Looking for free FOOD? Vero Wine Barwww.veronyc.comserves a FREE delicious pressed panini with the purchase of a cocktail. Crocodile Loungewww.yelp.com/biz/crocodile-lounge-new-yorkserves individual sized pizza with every drink purchased. Rodeo Barwww.rodeobar.comgives out cheesy nachos and hot wings with the purchase of a drink during happy hour. Port 41www.yelp.com/biz/port-41-new-yorkserves inexpensive beer with free hot dogs and popcorn every day! Buy one drink at Shelly’s New Yorkwww.shellysnewyork.comand help yourself to a full FREE spread at 5PM. Yes, you must buy a drink – but the food is free!
8. Shows like the Martha Stewart Showhttp://www.marthastewart.comand The Late Show with David Lettermanhttp://www.nytix.com/TVShows/Current/Letterman/tickets.htmland a bunch of other TV showsall offer FREE tickets to the live tapings of their shows. Most times, you can just walk in to fill in seats. They’re called “short notice” tickets. Take advantage of them – they’re great shows.
So there you have it folks, 8 Things to do in NYC for Free. Now, do not let my research go to waste – get out there and enjoy these free things in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Do it really big, like Real Big…say, combined two, three, or four free things to do a make a full day of it. FREE COMBOS: Maybe an early movie, some yoga, quick eats, and end the day hob-knobbing with the socialites at MOMA. Or kayaking, then packing a lunch and blanket and see one of your favorite movies on a big outdoor screen. How about enjoying a performance from Julliard at Lincoln Center, take in a workshop, and then go for drinks and free eats at Shelly’s?
or should I ask - did you know who Olga A. Mendez was?
Olga A. Mendez was known as a “Pioneer Puerto Rican Politician.” She was the kind of woman I love; bold, tough, aggressive, no-nonsense…you know, a Latina. She was a beacon of pride for the Puerto Rican community and beyond. Olga Mendez was elected Senator to the New York State Legislature, thus becoming the first Puerto Rican woman New York Senator in 1978.
“Olga’s election to the state Senate as its first Puerto Rican woman was a tremendous symbol of hope for a community that now had a seat at the table. But Olga’s life was an inspiration to countless others, because the doors she bravely pushed opened stayed open for everyone else.” - Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of NYC
Beginning in 1978, Olga Mendez has served in the New York State Senate for 13 consecutive terms until 2004. She was born in my own mother’s home town of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and graduated from the Universidad de Puerto Rico in 1950. Ms. Mendez then moved to the mainland United States where she received a master’s degree in psychology from the Teacher’s College at Columbia University in 1960. With nowhere to go but up, Olga Mendez received her doctorate’s in educational psychology from Yeshiva University in 1975.
She married into a well-respected family (her father-in-law, Tony Méndez was the first Puerto Rican district leader in Manhattan.) Olga Mendez became involved in the fight for better government through her family members and became an active leader in the area of voter registration drives throughout the nation.
“Mendez successfully fought for an increase in the state’s minimum wage, ushered in legislation that provided basic rights to migrant farm workers and secured funding for senior citizen centers. She also fought for resources for early childhood development and gained bipartisan support for affordable housing and economic development initiatives in her district.” – El Diario, newspaper
Sadly, Olga Mendez lost her battle with cancer today July 29, 2009 at the age of 84.
We will miss the power and voice that was Olga A. Mendez, so please learn more about this incredible woman and what she stood for – then tell others about her inspiring story.
Barack Obama @ St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ (January 8th, 2008) – BEFORE we elected him President of the United States. This video is a short reminder to BELIEVE.
This post stemmed from an earlier one “Wedding Dos and Dont’s for Guests” and I hope this helps out some men out there. Gone are the days where men just rent a tux, pay for wedding, and show up to say “I DO.” The Modern Man is more into fashion these days and Weddings are as much his day as Hers. Actually, I believe that men always wanted to voice their opinions at their weddings but feared being called un-manly. It’s a new day! I hope these tips and tricks can steer some in the right directions. It should at least tell your Brides that “yes indeed, men have a right and should be included in every aspect of their wedding.” It’s no longer her day, it’s Your (collective) day. Enjoy!
Colors: Most Grooms do not want to be in a sea of feminine, frilly, soft-pink and lacy surroundings. The colors of the wedding should be a representation of the Bride AND Groom. Three of my favorite color-combos for weddings (with a guy-pleasing masculine edge) are Navy paired with the softest pale green and ivory; Chocolate Brown with Deep Red and some sparkly “bling-bling;” and Taupe (deep and rich) with the palest of blue with hints of white are all the rage in 2009. Don’t just take my word for it, articlebase.com agrees with me – they also have other non-feminine combos.
Flowers: If flowers are not your thing, then don’t make a fuss about your involvement. However, although flowers may NOT be your thing – color and shape may be. Also, you know what looks ugly (to you) so you really should be present when choosing flowers (colors, styles, costs, shape, etc.)
Food: Of course, you and the Bride should have what you like – NOT what you think your guest prefer. I remember that a friend’s brother almost had Filet Mignon at his wedding (and he does not like the taste of red meat.) Why pay all that money for food you do not like – on your Wedding Day?? Please, have what YOU like, after all you’re paying for it.
Wedding Guests/Seating: I think it is ridiculous for Groom’s not be part of the seating arrangements. The Bride may not even know (know well anyway) the Groom’s extended family. Most wedding tables are set-up with seating for 8. A good idea is to have 2 pairs of family members for the Bride AND 2 pairs for the Groom’s side at each table. Each person (Bride & Groom) knows their families’ personalities best so they can say “hey, my two pairs would have a great time with your two pairs at this one table.” Try to place “singles” together and “co-workers” together irrespective to who’s on the Bride’s or Groom’s side. Seat the Bride’s Parents, Grandparents, and siblings …
Please log in to my Sponsor – Blog TalkRadio http://tinyurl.com/cy3apaon the Internet (you can also enter the chat room) or call my personal call-in number:(347) 945- 6765to listen to the show at 4pm Eastern Time tomorrow May 1st (Friday) @ 4pm. The beauty of my number is that if you’re not at a computer, you can call the number to hear what I’m talking about “LIVE” in person at the appointed time…I can also select you to ask a question – LIVE on AIR. (your own cellphone rates apply or your minutes will be used – otherwise there’s no charge.) If you miss the show, you can hear it OnDemand at the “H. Luiz Presents… website (just “click” on the radio) at your leisure.
Tomorrow’s show is titled: Are You Ready for the LSAT? (Law School Admission Test) My special guest is Shawn P. O’ Connor, Founder and President of TestWell New York. I have taken this prep-course and he really is the best! We have also become fast friends – he’s so brilliant!! Next Friday (May 8th) I’ll be interviewing Robert Hesse of Hell’s Kitchen Fame – he’s so enjoyable!!
Please come check us out this Friday May 1st @ 4pm for my 1 hour show (I’m nervous, I’m nervous!!)
Love you guys and thank you for all your support! (347) 945-6765
