News (Noticias) for July 8th, 2008

Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama address the League of United Latin American Citizens. Democrats aim to increase Hispanic turnout, while Republicans hope to build on the inroads George W. Bush made among Hispanic voters in 2004.”*

Just one week after 15 hostages were freed by Colombian commandos, Hollywood has come knocking.

Several potential projects are already taking shape, and producers have begun tracking down almost everyone involved to make rights deals.”*

Eva Mendes, who entered Utah’s Cirque Lodge for rehab earlier this year, recently spoke about substance abuse with David Colman for Interview magazine. “I”m not angry,” said the actress, who stars in the upcoming The Women (due out in September) and The Spirit (due out at Christmas). “I’m proud of people who have the determination and the fearlessness to actually go and face their demons and get better. This is a life or death situation.”"*

Hispanic voters have become a key target in this year’s presidential race, courted heavily by both Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain .

Though immigration has become a focus of those efforts, experts say the candidates’ positions on basic issues such as the economy, education, health care, crime, taxes and national security are likely to be more important.”*

A University of California professor spoke to KSU students earlier this summer about Spanish women who migrated from Mexico to what is now the Western United States in the 16 Century to 1900.

Dr. Vicki Ruiz, a Professor of History at the University of California Irvine and recent co-editor of “Latinas in the United States: A Historical Encyclopedia,” spoke to students May 7 in the Social Science Building.”*

Travel agents specializing in trips to Cuba will have to wait until at least August for the outcome of a lawsuit against the state.”*

Three marisquerías, as Mexican seafood specialty houses are called, serve fresh ingredients in beautifully prepared West Coast-style dishes at Mariscos los Arcos in Canoga Park, Mariscos el Rey “*

Several of the maestros, such as Luque, came out of retirement to join the project, which culminated in the August 2006 performance at the Teatro Colon. With some members already in their 90s, a few of the maestros have died since joining the group.

Their work is featured in an award-winning double album and a just-released documentary that’s won accolades at film festivals around the world. Many have compared the project to the veteran Cuban salsa group the Buena Vista Social Club, which also was the subject of an album and a documentary.”*

Mexico City’s police chief was forced out of office on Tuesday following a botched nightclub raid that resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including a 13-year-old girl.

Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said the resignation of Police Chief Joel Ortega was the first step in a plan to reconstruct the police force. Ortega had held the post since 2004, when he replaced Ebrard - who was fired in a different police scandal.”*

Miami resident and Latin music recording star Willy Chirino made direct contact with the daily reality of life in Cuba as some 30 of his most die-hard fans had the opportunity to meet their idol during a live video conference between Miami and Havana.”*

South Texas College Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Program students are experiencing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood-style movie production first hand. Two lucky students have been chosen to design the movie poster and promotional binder for the film, “The Alvarez Vietnam Story: Brothers in Arms.” The film tells the true story of three Hispanic brothers, Emeterio III, Gilberto and Fernando Alvarez, who risked their lives serving in Vietnam.

Fernando, the youngest brother, is a resident of Edinburg and is actively involved in the production of the movie. He invited students in STC’s CADD Program Digital Imaging classes to participate in the project by designing graphic layouts of posters for the film for review and possible selection.

“I am very happy with the work these students have done,” said Alvarez. “They have gone out of their way to design some outstanding pieces. They look so professional; just like in Hollywood!”

Students in all of the college’s Digital Imagining classes submitted work for consideration. Ultimately, brothers Frank and Joshua Jaramillo were selected to continue working on the project.

“The students feel honored to have been chosen for this great opportunity,” said Rey Sanchez, STC CADD Program chair and Digital Imaging instructor. “Frank and Joshua like the fact that they are two brothers helping to tell the story of the very brave Alvarez brothers. There is a real symmetry in that. Also, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them and something they will never forget.”

The movie poster designed by Frank and Joshua was selected because it captured the essence of what the Alvarez brothers lived through in the Vietnam War.

“It was a very difficult time for all of us,” said Alvarez. “And it was not only a hardship for us, but also for our families. I selected the work of Frank and Joshua because I felt that it truly told our story. I was drawn to it by my feelings and the looks that we all have on our faces. The Jaramillo brothers are very talented.”

The inspiration for the making of the movie came from a letter written by Alvarez describing in detail everything that he and his brothers lived through while fighting in Vietnam. His letter was directed to the Veteran Affairs Administration discussing the impact of post traumatic stress. The movie serves not only as a tribute to the bravery of the brothers Alvarez, but also as a form of therapy for them and other Hispanic veterans.

“The stories and experiences of Hispanic veterans have not been spotlighted in any major film or media and so this film is not only a milestone for our family, but for all Hispanic veterans,” concluded Alvarez. “So I think it is also fitting for students from STC to be involved in this project because most of the college’s students are Hispanic and they understand the culture and the history, the barriers and the challenges of our population. I look forward to seeing the work of the Jaramillo brothers come alive in our promotions of the movie because it really complements our story.”

For more information about “The Alvarez Vietnam Story: Brothers in Arms” contact Fernando Alvarez at 956-607-1472. For more information about STC’s CADD Program or Digital Imaging courses contact Rey Sanchez at 956-872-6103.

Michael T. McPhearson, a native of Fayetteville North Carolina was a field artillery officer in the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, also known as Gulf War I. Michael joined the Army Reserve 1981 as an enlisted soldier at the age of 17 and attended basic training the summer between his junior and senior high school years. He is a ROTC graduate of CampbellUniversity in Buies Creek , North Carolina . His military career includes 6 years of reserve service and 5 years active duty service. He separated from active duty in 1992 as a Captain.

Michael is currently the Executive Director of Veterans For Peace. He is also Co-chair of United for Peace and Justice. His volunteer social and economic justice activist work include membership in Military Families Speak Out, as a coordinating committee member for the Bring Them Home Now campaign against the U.S. occupation of Iraq and as a steering committee member of United For Peace and Justice. Michael is the publisher of Cpeace.com.

In December of 2003 Michael returned to Iraq as part of a peace delegation to examine the state of the occupation first hand. He has also traveled to Istanbul Turkey and Bologna Italy as a speaker on the U.S. peace movement and world peace.

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