Dear Grocery Stores: An Open Letter (cc1)

    Dear Grocery Stores of WNY,

      Being someone who literally looks forward to a meal once the current one is finished, I would say that for the average woman in the United States,  I know food. Grocery stores for me are happy, glorious, fluorescent mecca for comidas of all sorts. Sometimes, they make me proud in their selections and organizational skills. Sometimes....they don't. Here are the hits and misses of various experiences I have had within the grocery establishments of Western New York.
     Wegmans, a Northeastern grocery chain that is revered by many, always continues to be a wonderful source of Latin goods. Rice, beans, syrups, mixes, soda, novena candles: it's all there. Their downfall? An occasional lack of selection in their dry goods (read: sometimes they don't carry all of the flavors of my favorite cookies), and the somewhat small size of the Latin foods in general in the ethnic selections aisle is something to make one a little miffed.
    However, the experience at Wegmans is practically the land of Canaan compared to what my local Tops market has. Understandably, my community is predominately Caucasian. There are some families of Hispanic descent, but nowhere near a statistically large population. But the selections offered are quite literally Americanized taco seasonings, shells, sauces, salsa, guacamole, and perhaps some red beans and rice. I don't quite see how something as being labeled for a "taco" is inherently Hispanic. True, similar dishes do exist, but the taco as we know it is a highly Americanized food product. Truly, I don't think this poor and insensible categorization would bother me as much as if the aisle it were located in was not labeled as containing both "Hispanic" and "Mexican" food. Yes, "Hispanic" is an umbrella term, as is "Latino", which can mean different things to different people. But it is the intelligent idea in society nowadays to stick to the larger collective adjective instead of including both the largest and a random ethnicity. In simplest terms: it looks ignorant. This may sound harsh but it is the truth, and being in a rural community, we should be ever vigilant that we don't perpetuate the stereotypes we are often unfairly given. However I will say for both Wegmans and Tops that their Latin produce offered is somewhat expanded for the times, so credit must be given there.

    I propose a new idea: simply eliminate the idea of a "foreign foods" section. The idea seems xenophobic and strange. Why not simply put Asian and Hispanic forms of rice in a "rice and pasta" aisle, for example? Granted, the separation of these goods may help others to find them easily. Perhaps in another light, however, the small selection is unfair. I am sure the reality of foods offered is completely different in areas where a higher amount of the population is Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or of another ethnic background with an average diet that is traditionally differs from that of mainstream culture in the United States, but for where I live, it is a miniscule amount. Let us remember that this is a land of many cultures, many people, and many tastes.

Sincerely,

              A concerned shopper who just wants to make authentic Latin food.

Heavy Metal Acoustic Flamenco: El Mundo de Rodrigo y Gabriela (bb2)

    In my humble opinion, the only thing I love more than the pure, classic, or simple is the mish moshed, the odd, the compiled, the sandwiched. This definitely applies to my music tastes. Musical duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, hailing from Mexico City, describe the latter, coming from a heavy metal rock background to an amped up version of flamenco, with the same intensity of metal coming from their acoustic guitar.

     Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero struggled for their place in Mexico City, hoping to break out in what is one of the toughest and most influential music markets in the Spanish-speaking world. It's never an easy sell, so the heavy metal musicians decide to try their luck busking...in Dublin, Ireland of all places. On the streets, they perfected those intricate and multi-layered passionate sounds they are now famous for.

    Their most recent album, "9 Dead Alive", and their other albums, have a distinct flamenco influence. While a traditional Hispanic genre and heavy metal may seem disparate, it turns out this is not the case. The intensity accompanying flamenco, including striking the body of the guitar for a rhythm and the fast paced strumming, can easily meld into the intensities found in heavy metal, such as hard riffs and strong beats. Basically, this duo is just a lovely and slightly head turning combination of the music that allows them to enjoy what they do.

    When I first heard Rodrigo y Gabriela, I was blown away. It's not often that I am, but these two were able to do so. The guitar is such a widely heard instrument that I feel as if perhaps it's hard to be surprised by its sounds. But Rodrigo y Gabriela have spectacular talent, turning a deeply emotional and provocative genre (flamenco) and elevating it to a fresh level, relatable to the ear with the heavy metal/rock influence. Give them a listen while working, in the car, or hosting your future summer late night card games and backyard dinner parties. People still have those, right? Or better yet, if you're lucky enough, check out Rodrigo y Gabriela on tour!

A Missing Link: Lack of Literary Exposure Hurts Understanding (bb1)

     As a senior student with a somewhat literary background, I would say that I know my way inside and out through an English class. This year, looking back on my educational past as well as more in depth in my present English class, I've noticed that there is a shocking disparity.
    Curriculum is often specified, especially from the sixth grade level onward, on American or English literature. Both spheres contain a large body of classics that are certainly worthwhile. Honestly though, besides a few poems and short stories in my middle school years (held at a private school), I have had very limited exposure to work written by Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or African American authors. This year we have read one play written by August Wilson, highly noted black playwright, but I have also seen us pass by works by Latino writers, whose names I haven't even heard of because I simply have not had the chance.
    It is understandable that perhaps our education system simply does not have the time or resources to cover vast an array of authors, but I also think that this subsequent lack of exposure to writers hurts the growth of our knowledge and empathy as readers and human beings. When we read something from another's experiences, especially those who come from a different creed or culture, it expands our worldview beyond our own. We become more open minded, and conversely see that all situations have multifaceted views as well as connections that can be drawn to nearly everything. That includes ourselves.
    There are thousands of works yet to be introduced to the primary and secondary levels in our education system. While I personally am highly interested in works by Latin American or Spanish authors, there are items to read from other religions, cultures, and races. Perhaps my idealism in hoping that a variety of things to read would spark an empathetic human nature in my fellow classmates is naive, but I don't think it's anywhere near outdated and certainly it is still relevant, now more than ever.

Bay of Pigs...Part 2: Fake "Twitter" Service Raises Questions (aa2)

    The U.S. has done it again, embroiled in yet another mission to overthrow the Communist government of Cuba. Those of you in U.S. history class will recall that in 1963, the U.S. launched an attack on the island nation, just after Fidel Castro came to power. It failed, like this fiasco involving a social media platform and intent to incite. The story is a little confusing, so here is a very basic retelling.
    Many parties, organizations, etc. have tried to use or create apps and social media networks for a variety of reasons. For elections, this has a very obvious application of trying to garner and approach voters, but there also is a somewhat more subtle function. Following the example of such movements as the Arab Spring, largely born on social media (specifically Twitter), these sites or apps are used to incite the people, or  scan their activity and ideas.
    In 2009, the U.S. Agency for International Development furtively created a platform called ZunZuneo. Essentially, this was a free and anonymous texting service for anyone who signed up (similar to Twitter, but with no character limit). It gained in popularity very quickly, with 40,000 followers but no knowledge of how this service was being paid for and then provided. With no state funding, and censorship from the Cuban government, the site shut down after three years.
    This particular operation has recently become significant. According to the Associated Press, the USAID said that this project was deliberately aimed at stirring social unrest. Their goal was to gain a massive audience using safer content, such as weather or sports, and then gradually introduce politics to ultimately engage a "smart mob", one that could revolt against the Cuban government. It is reported that the agency had amassed half a million Cuban cell phone numbers prior to launching the platform.
    While President Obama has stated that this operation was not covert, there is a 2010 memo from Mobile Accord (one of the contractors for this project) which reads, "There will be absolutely no mention of United States government involvement. This is absolutely crucial for the long-term success of the service and to ensure the success of the Mission." As the news wave rides, more officials are claiming to know nothing about this.

   While I am the first to applaud free speech and the flow of information being shared via social media, this release of insight appalls me. Granted, I should not expect much else from a nation with recent security scandals, but the fact that the U.S. would go out of their way to amass cell phone numbers from a foreign nation, create a secretively biased platform in which innocent people were exposed to a prescribed system with intent to funnel in flammable information amidst their own opinions and facts, and then deny that this was done in secret on purpose is unspeakably shameful. If Tthe United States, a world power with many resources and problems of its own, could be spending its time and energy on other pertinent and life threatening problems (for example, health care, homelessness, hunger, or the Syrian conflict) and not on settling an old score with Cuba, whose form of government is mindlessly used as a synonym for pure evil, who knows what this nation could actually solve.

Mayoketchup - WHY HAVEN'T WE HEARD OF THIS? (aa1)

tostones con mayo-ketchup

    Think back to your last hamburger experience. If you're more of a traditional consume of the patty, then chances are you experienced that delicious combo of ketchup and mayonnaise mixing together in your palate. Isn't lovely when two condiments blend so well? Don't you just love that coincidence? Isn't is crazy  that you really don't experience that outside of sandwich culture?

    I am about to blow your mind.

    The glowing and obviously ingenious island of Puerto Rico took it upon themselves to make the ever succulent combination of ketchup and mayonnaise a cultural phenomenon, known as "mayo-ketchup" (pronounced MAH-yo ketchup, not MAY-o ketchup). And it is served and used with a million different things (especially my favorite, tostones!). For those native to the Western New York region, it's popularity is similar to bleu cheese dressing.

   This particularly amazing condiment has the smooth eggy tang of our beloved and certainly not cardiac friendly mayonnaise with the salty tomato kick of ye olde ketchup. Whether sold commercially or made at home, mayo-ketchup will most likely change your life....well, at least culinary speaking. Slather it on wraps, sandwiches, steak, any friend food, raw veggies...whatever!

   While it is a glorious substance, both pink and sodium laden, what I find most shocking about this whole affair is that the U.S. didn't make this a widespread revolution. According to one of my favorite cooks, that is to say, my mother, mixing mayonnaise and ketchup is no stranger to our shores, especially during the mid 20th century (ah, the years of Jell-O molds, marshmallows on everything, and hot dogs).

    Whether enjoyed pre-made or homemade, mayo-ketchup is probably going to be your new addiction. Anyone with serious heart or cholesterol problems...I'd say stay away, but this substance is so salty, yet creamy and tangy, that I don't have the guts to help you with your health. To everyone else...buen provecho!

Tostones: The One Fried Food I'd Trade my Arteries for (z2)

   
     There is one food I feel, besides beans and rice, that everyone needs to eat and that food is tostones. Tostones (also called patacones) are essentially twice fried plantains. This dish is commonly found in the Caribbean, including in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. I've only tasted those native to Puerto Rico, but that was all it took. Allow me to explain the magic.
    Tostones are made from green plantains, which are starchy vegetables that look almost exactly like a banana. If you imagine a potato and  a banana mish-mashed together, and tasting something more flavorful than the U.S.'s favorite starch, then a plantain you have. Because the chopped plaintain is fried twice, it becomes cooked through with a golden, crispy exterior. It may sound like a french fry...but it's so much more. White potatoes tend to be completely bland, whereas tostones have a depth of flavor, not only from the oil and salt but from their own magical chemical composition. Basically...they're really good, and they taste way better than any Oreo, Snickers bar, or meat product you can accidentally put in hot oil.

   While I am certainly no Latina matriarch, here's a recipe I have found commonly floating on the interwebs. (Also, I translated this myself. Que win!)




Ingredientes:

• 2 green plantains. Use one plantain per person if this is being used as a main dish, and one plantain for two people if you're making a side dish. One plantain makes five tostones. 
• Oil - Canola, peanut, or sunflower  - for frying

• Condiments - garlic, mayoketchup (which is extremely delicious and extremely Puerto Rican and we all need to eat it...)

Preparación:

1. Peal the plantains. The easiest way to do this is to cut along vertically on an angle. The cut should be the depth of the skin. Then use the knife to lift the skin, an use your fingers to take off the peel. The more green the plantain is, the more difficult it is to peal.


2. Cut the plantain into thick chunks. You can cut straight across or diagonally (the fancy cooking people, aka chefs, call this cutting on a bias).


3. Heat the oil under medium heat in a frying pan. Use enough oil so that each of the chunks are covered. Or, use a deep fryer. The temperature should be at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the plantains until they begin to turn yellow. Do not allow them to turn brown.


4. Take out the plantains and use a pataconera, a mortar and pestle, or bottom of a glass to smash the plantain, but with care that you do not tear the plantain pieces.


5. Sprinkle salt or other spices on the chunks. If you want some garlic flavor, place some raw garlic on the slices. Set aside the plantains until they are ready to be fried a second time.


6. Return to heat the oil under high heat. The temperature should be around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the smashed plantain slices until they are golden, approximately 1-2 minutes for each side.


7. Take out the slices, and put them on paper towels to absorb the grease. Add more salt if it is necessary.


8. Serve your tostones hot as a side dish, or main dish with salsa...or anything you please! Buen provecho!




It is now your destiny to make this golden treasures.
See the video below for more ayuda!

   

I Don't Know What To Say: Deciphering The Fuzzy Social Code of Pronunciation(z1)

   We've all been there at least once. You come across a place/title/menu item/name/reference/fancy word from another language and you have no idea how to pronounce the word.  Or perhaps you "kind of" have an idea...but you run the risk of embarrassment. Situations can vary in intensity: you're in front of your girlfriend, her parents, her snobby hipster older brother, you're in a college class, you're in AP Lit, you're in a foreign country, you're a diplomat, you're John Travolta...etc. This is a case by case basis. Some situations require different responses, or can be used ubiquitously. Here are my go-to answers for being an awkward linguistic neophyte.

1. The "John Travolta" - Blindly pronounce your word in question with the utmost sincerity, and subsequently be mocked for it weeks, maybe months, later. I don't necessarily recommend this, unless you are with friends or cozy family members who won't video record your human ignorance.

2. The "Go Big or Go Home" - This approach applies to situations in which you are able to pronounce your word/place/etc. like a true champ, but are unsure as to whether or not to use the colloquial version or the actual one, i.e. Chile (like chill-E) versus Chile (CHEE-lay). With this strategy, say it like it should be said, ESPECIALLY if you are talking in a different language. Of course, you may or may not want to offend those around you, so make sure you're not being a show off. That's for the option below.

3. The "Pretentious College Student"  - This is easy. Put your nose in the air, assume a condescending look, a bored tone of voice, and you're practically no longer mainstream. Say the word however you wish, even and especially if it's wrong. Your confidence will either come across as devastatingly and jealousy inducing intelligence or absolutely intolerable.

4. The "Awkward Culture Starved Fake Adorable Thing" - Chances are, we've all done this, some with more class than others. This is where you achingly mispronounce everything, but you know exactly what you are doing. Your attempt may sound similar to, "I'll have the tomato and basil FoCAYchacha....you know, that bread thingy right here. I'm so sorry, I don't even know what I'm saying." Under no circumstances should this be used when with anyone or in a place of serious distinction/sophistication, like when you're the Secretary of State or out to dinner with one. May be passable for cuteness points or first dates.

5. The "Undercover Agent" - Use a nearby smartphone, butler, college professor, or dictionary to cover your behind. No one will EVER now. Reap the benefits.

6. The "Shameless Descent" - If you truly are in a jam, and aren't a highly paid official of any sort, this is a perfect go to. When you come across an unknown or unclear term, simply state that you don't know the pronunciation, and let the academic discussion begin. Turns out, this is probably the best thing you could do about ANYTHING you don't know....ask! You earn intellectual street cred and learn something. There literally is nothing wrong here.

Album Review: "Multi_Viral" by Calle 13 (y2)

    It's been four years since infamous hip hop duo Calle 13, hailing from la isla de Puerto Rico, rose to international stardom with their album "Entren Los Que Quieren", and they've taken a new step with "MultiViral". Released in March and promoted completely virally, "MuliViral" speaks against media censorship, and promotes thinking for the individual. But don't worry, there's plenty on this album to cover everyone's tastes, especially if you're into protest nonconformist hip hop in Spanish!

      "MultiViral" comes to us in a flurry of awesome. Calle 13 released the album under their own independent label, El Abismo , after splitting from Sony Music Latin (major props, if I do say so myself). And so far, it's been on repeat for me for the last three weeks. You can find any basic review throughout the interwebs, so here are my highlights.
     The album has plenty of hits. The one that has garnered a lot of attention is the title track "Muti_Viral". With a voice over by Julian Assange and guest guitarist Tom Morello (of Rage Against The Machine), this track is a wild, head banging anthem against organized media, and the freedom of information and truth in the hands of the people. Word.
    The one song I can't get out of my head is "Me Vieron Cruzar". The light guitar riff and the passionate chorus are just uplifting. Another interesting little quip is "Interludio-Stupid Is As Stupid Does". These interludes are common in Calle 13 albums. This one, voiced by actor/comedian John Leguizamo (the voice of Sid in Ice Age coincidentally) is a sort of speech on how it's up to the individual to learn what's really going on - to break the cycle of "stupid is as stupid does". Can I get an amen?

Take a listen. You won't be sorry.