By Michelle Ramírez | trad. Víctor Flores
EXTRA News

CHICAGO -- Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ring announcer Lilian García has crossed over to the singing world. García just released her first album, "Quiero Vivir," which includes a duet with Jon Secada.

García, who was born in a military base in Panama and raised in Madrid, Spain, will be one of many celebrities that will make an appearance at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Convention.

In an interview with EXTRA, she spoke about her work at WWE and her excitement about Comic Con.

EXTRA: Tell me about your experience joining WWE?
Lilian García: It was an amazing opportunity. Although it wasn't until February of 2000 that they found out that I could sing so they had me sing the National Anthem before every event.

Vince McMahon said, "That's it. You're going to do it at every event," and [asked me to perform] at two Wrestlemania's and a Summerslam. We went to Afghanistan for the U.S.O. and from there I began to perform everywhere [including] NFL and NBA games. I was not only known as the host of Monday Night Raw, but also known as a singer.

Who did you work with to produce your first CD, "Quiero Vivir?"
I released my CD with WWE. I did a duet with Jon Secada. I also worked with George Noriega and Tim Mitchell. Mitchell was the director and guitar player for Shakira and Noriega was involved in production with artists like Ricky Martin, Secada and Gloria Estefan. Working with them was such an honor. I also co-wrote three other songs with Secada. Now I'm working on my English album.

Did you sing prior to WWE?
I've been singing since I was 5. I joined a band at age 14. I basically never went ...

Finish reading Bilingual Songstress Comes to Chicago Comic Con

Filed 25 de Agosto, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By Adriana Díaz |trad. Víctor Flores
Extra News

CHICAGO -- David Trujillo has never been hospitalized, never suffered from a chronic illness nor faced a medical emergency in his life, a fortunate circumstance considering he's never had access to affordable health insurance.

Trujillo, 25, a Chicago native, said, as far as health insurance goes, it really doesn't exist for people in his situation.

Illinois' Latinos account for more than 57 percent of citizens who've never had employer-provided health care. Dr. Aída Giachello, director of the Midwest Latino Health Research, Training and Policy Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said that statewide, Latinos are more uninsured than any other race.

Dr.Ada Giachello (standing) talks with the staff of the Midwest Latino Health Research, Training and Policy Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. (Photo: Courtesy of the Midwest Latino Health Research)

Given the data, Latinos are the largest ethnic group that stands to benefit from the U.S. health reform bill, which would provide coverage for an estimated 30 million Americans - including the approximate seven to nine million Latinos in the country.

Trujillo's parents, who came from México, never had jobs with fringe benefits. In turn, since entering the work force at 17, Trujillo has never received employer-provided health insurance.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports Latinos usually have a higher employment rate than non-Hispanic blacks or non-Hispanic whites.

Income or culture
Dr. H. Shelton Brown, of the University of Texas, Houston, said a key to understanding why Latinos lack insurance is the correlation between their age and their health...

Finish reading Illinois Hispanics primarily without health care

Filed 27 de Julio, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By Eduardo Culbeaux | trad. Víctor Flores
Extra News

Imagine falling in love with someone and then being forced to decide between staying with your partner, or abandoning the country you grew up in. That is the decision thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) couples have to face everyday.

According to Immigration Equality, a national organization that focuses on rights for LGBT immigrants, there are approximately 35,820 binational same-sex couples currently living in the U.S. Even if the couple was married in a state that allows same sex marriage, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. LGBT married couples can't legally sponsor their partners.

Often overlooked, members of the LGBT immigration community face a challenging future. (Photo: Alan Chan)

Alejandro, 27, and Gavin, 28, who asked that their real names be changed for this story, have been together for almost four years. The two met in Berlin - a nightclub in the neighborhood commonly referred to as Boystown - one night and have been together ever since. Sitting in the sunny Andersonville apartment they have been living in for the past couple years, they shared their story about how the government is getting in the way of their most intimate relationship.

Alejandro came here from Brazil on a tourist visa. He thought about going back but after meeting Gavin and realizing the financial benefits of living in America, he allowed his visa to expire.

There are four ways someone in his situation can attain a visa: getting married to someone of the opposite sex, having a child in the U.S. to later be petitioned by him or her, being sponsored by your job or seeking asylum.

"Those methods don't work for me because I don't want to have a child for that purpose. I don't want to marry a woman because I am gay," said Alejandro, ...

Finish reading Love without Borders: Unjust immigration rights for the LGBT community

Filed 29 de Junio, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By Kiko Martínez | Trad. Víctor Flores
Extra News

It didn't take long for Carlos Baena to decide what he wanted to do with his life after he moved to the U.S. from Spain at the age of 18 in the early 90s. All he had to do was watch a couple of animated films.

"The first movie was 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and the second was 'Toy Story,'" Baena, 35, told EXTRA during a phone interview. "It was then when I knew I at least wanted to try animation. Those two movies really hit me hard."

Today, Baena isn't simply trying to make a name for himself in the animated industry. He's a major player working for one of the most well respected production studios: Pixar Animation. To top it off, Baena's career seems to have gone full circle. He is part of the animation department that created "Toy Story 3."

Since joining Pixar in 2002, Baena has worked on the films "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Cars," "Ratatouille" and "WALL-E." In "Toy Story 3," he helped to animate the character Buzz Lightyear during scenes when the space ranger is accidentally reset to Spanish mode.

During our interview, Baena talked about how "Toy Story 3" complements the entire franchise, what kinds of toys he still enjoys buying and why the online animation school he co-founded, Animation Mentor, is important to aspiring animators.

EXTRA: How has your experience on "Toy Story 3" compared to other films you've worked on in the past?

Carlos Baena: This was one of the most gratifying experiences in my career. This is a beautiful film in so many ways. It has a great balance of adventure, emotion and humor. I am proud of the film. I can't wait for people to see it.

How does "Toy Story 3" complement the ranchise?

This one wraps up all three films in a beautiful way. There is a lot of attention to detail and character. It all comes together very nicely. I've already watched the movie five or six times and it still gets to me emotionally every single time. It is a powerful film.

I hear Buzz Lightyear speaks a little Spanish in this new film...

Finish reading Spanish Animator Added Cultural References to Buzz Lightyear

Filed 21 de Junio, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

By Jennifer Patiño
Extra News

CHICAGO -- Hugo García, also known as Hugo Style, wants you to read the writing on the wall - literally. He's a Chicago graffiti artist who sprays his politically passionate messages throughout local Latino neighborhoods.

Filed 8 de Junio, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

by Victor M. Montañez | trad. Víctor Flores
Extra News

CHICAGO -- Latinos accounted for 50.5 percent of the nation's population growth from 2000 to 2007 even though they made up only 15.1 percent of the population in general. One out of every 6.5 people in the U.S. is Latino. A third of them are under 18 years of age.

The group is formidable, growing and its power is on the rise.

The nation's 46 million Latinos wield a trillion dollars in buying power. Even as the harsh recession rocks the world economy, the U.S. Latino market is booming and is projected to grow by 46 percent in the next four years.

Photo: Zori Lee Fragoso

Collectively, the nation's largest minority presents a major opportunity for the shaky American economy looking to regain its footing. Understanding the language and culture of Latinos is key to tapping into that wealth.

In Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, Jill Bishop, Ph.D., founder and president of Multilingual Chicago, is banking on the need to reach Latinos by speaking their language and understanding their culture.

Bishop holds a Ph.D. in linguistic anthropology from UCLA. After running her company from her home's basement for five years, she took the plunge and opened Multilingual Chicago in a new development that remains mostly empty, except for her offices and a bank. She offers translation and language classes to children, adults and corporations.

When asked who wouldn't want a share of the trillion-dollar market, Bishop explains that due to the recession, companies are taking baby steps.

"They opt to spend $500 on translation than spend $5,000 on a Spanish course for their employees," Bishop said. "Eighty percent of our business is translation."

However, she is making inroads with families and individuals who want to immerse themselves ...

Finish reading Multilingualism Makes Dollars and Sense

Filed 24 de Mayo, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

Extra News

CHICAGO -- Students from Columbia Explorers Academy and Benito Juárez Community Academy got the opportunity to meet Mexican-American astronaut, José M. Hernández on May 7. Hernández spoke to students at both schools and motivated them to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

"My hope is that this visit to Chicago will ignite something in them that will propel them to reach for the stars and beyond," said Hernández in a press release sent to EXTRA.

Wearing a red and blue bracelet protesting against Arizona law SB1070, Hernandez spoke about how the first Latino astronaut, Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, inspired him.

"If he was able to do it, why can't I."

The charismatic astronaut also humorously described the intensity of riding in a space shuttle.

"You feel the push and you're off to the races. It's like a Disneyland ride."

Billy Ocasio, senior advisor to Governor Pat Quinn, presented a resolution to Hernández, proclaiming...

Finish reading Astronaut Inspires Students to Reach for the Stars

Filed 14 de Mayo, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

by Stella Nichols
Extra News

CHICAGO -- During the worst recession in half a century, maintaining a job for the average person has become a difficult task. Add a disability to the mix and suddenly, employment seems impossible. But thanks to nonprofit organizations like El Valor, it's quite possible.

Just ask José Cruz, one of St. Anthony Hospital's most dedicated employees.

"I'm just a handyman of all trades. I do a little bit of everything," Cruz said. "I've been here for 20 years."

El Valor opened its doors as the first bilingual, bicultural rehabilitation center in Illinois, close to 40 years ago. The organization's mission has been to support adults with disabilities through programs that highlight personal choice, employment, inclusion and enrichment. The programs focus on strengthening vocational, socialization and communication skills to prepare individuals with disabilities for job opportunities.

"I like the people at El Valor, they helped me out a lot," Cruz said. "They still check up on me."

Cruz has been just one of the many people with disabilities that El Valor has helped find a job. Two decades later, he is with the same employer and his boss has nothing but good things to say about him.

"Cruz is committed. He's dependable and focused. He's just as capable as anyone else for the job," said John Hennelly, vice president of ancillary services at St. Anthony Hospital. "Nowadays the competition is more fierce and poses a challenge for organizations like El Valor to be more creative and work harder."

Cruz is a Chicago native and lives with his brother, sister and mother. His developmental disability has never kept him from giving 110 percent at his job everyday. Outside of his life at the hospital, he likes to grow flowers, is a self-proclaimed movie collector and loves making home videos ...

Finish reading Disability is Not an Obstacle for Latino Disabled

Filed 26 de Abril, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

by James Klein

Extra News

The emerging musical scene is renewed everyday with new bands that constantly appear on the horizon. The Argentinean group Banda de Turistas are one of the latest revelation groups of Latin American rock.

With lyrics that oscillate between reality, dreams and the unexpected, the young quintet has managed to grab the attention of the public and the press to present Magical Radiophonic Heart, their first full length CD. Their album was recorded and co-produced with Tuta Towers and mixed by the prestigious producer Mario Caldato Jr., who has worked with artists such as the Beastie Boys, Blur, Beck and Super Furry Animals.

The CD was released in the U.S. on Feb. 2. The band will be in Chicago on April 18.

The band arose in 2006 of the fusion of two groups: one instrumental, with inspiration in the music of the 60s and another focused on pop music. The result was a new band nourished with sounds both futuristic and surreal. With that background, the quintet knew well what they wanted to accomplish - the fusion of their musical influences.

"Our framework of influences has completely changed. We always say that we rescue and nourish the last 50 years of rock, passing through all the genres, conventional and unknown. Also, our influences outside of music, such as literature and poetry, are very important. All of these things are part of our universe," said Bruno Albano, bassist of the band. "Our music is built upon the pop song and therefore, is music for the world, accessible to any sense and time."

The band received strong critical praise from Rolling Stone Argentina and Magical Radiophonic Heart, which debuted last year in Argentina, is without doubt, one of the better CDs of the year of Argentina's Rock ...

Finish reading Banda de Turistas: The Revelation of Latin American Rock

Filed 16 de Abril, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

Angela Evans | trad. Victor Flores
Community Media Workshop

CHICAGO - Amor Montes de Oca is a smiling, spirited woman. She is petite with thick, cascading dark hair. She is dressed in jeans, a black sweater and has a plaid scarf tied snugly around her neck. Something about her is subtle, yet knowing. Oh, and Montes de Oca stands up to greet you with a friendly hug upon first meeting.

The labor of her love the past two years has been the Hispanic arts and cultural calendar of events Web site, aptly called arteyvidachicago.com.

What began as a simple endeavor to offer a comprehensive listing of high-quality events for Chicago's Hispanic community has evolved to include: artist galleries, links to various Hispanic organizations, music reviews and just recently, new book reviews - with more on the horizon.

Montes de Oca, 38, came from México City a little over 20 years ago and Chicago has been her home since then. She studied fine art at DePaul University and is now a photo researcher for educational publishers, though she also considers arteyvidachicago.com a full-time job, as it requires most of her free time.

Montes de Oca has always been involved in the arts in one way or another. She found that she was constantly recommending events she thought were worthwhile to others and was always scrounging through various Web sites and publications looking for such events. She decided to put all of these events in one site and make the Web site open to everyone.

Continue reading "A profile of Chicago's ethnic news media" »

Filed 24 de Marzo, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

Chicago EXTRA News

CHICAGO -- Latina girls, the fastest growing group of female students in the nation, face enormous challenges to their future prosperity. Nationwide, an estimated 41 percent of Latinas fail to graduate high school. The employment picture for both dropouts and high school graduates remains bleak, with just 53 percent and 69 percent, respectively currently employed, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

For many Latina girls, a college degree, let alone a degree in sciences, might seem like something as far-fetched as "Avatar." That was, until Jan. 30, when 80 middle, junior and high school girls from the DuPage area came to Elmhurst College to participate in an educational event aimed at encouraging Latina students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, (STEM).

The "Dare to Dream" STEM conference grew out the "Dare to Dream: Get Educated!" event held at Elmhurst, which focused on exposing 8th grade Latina girls and their mothers to the benefits of higher education. Some of those girls returned for the recent free conference, a joint venture between the AAUW and Elmhurst College.

Projected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the next decade, the real benefit of STEM careers, particularly in engineering and computer science, is that these fields offer well-paying jobs with a bachelor's degree.

"A STEM degree can open so many doors," said Linda Krause, coordinator of the STEM conference and director of the Master's in Computer Information Systems program at Elmhurst. "I want women to know the wealth of options that are out there for them."

The reality isn't pretty. From 1996 to 2007, the latest figures available, the percentage of women who earned degrees in computer science fell from 28 percent to 19 percent, and the percentages for those earning degrees in engineering (19 percent) ...

Finish reading Latina Girls Reach for the Stars

Filed 12 de Marzo, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

Extra News

CHICAGO -- The University of Illinois at Chicago Neighborhoods Initiative (UICNI) received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Children and Families Compassion Capital Fund to help serve seven low-income Chicago community areas.

The proposal seeks to create ChiWest ResourceNet (CWRN), a targeted capacity building initiative, to work closely with about 60 community-based and faith-oriented nonprofits presently ingrained in East and West Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Near West Side, North and South Lawndale and Pilsen.

"The focus will be on serving those organizations with budgets under $500,000 with whom UICNI has forged a solid bond of trust and respect among the leadership of these seven culturally diverse, low-income neighborhoods," said Nacho González, assistant director of UICNI, a program of Grant Cities Institute.

The average poverty rate of the cluster of communities where CWRN aims to provide support in the form of curriculum development, technical assistance and training is a staggering 32 percent...

Finish reading Seven Low-income Communities Will Get Help

Filed 23 de Febrero, 2010 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)