Latin Times Mag 4th Qtr 2007

www.latin-times.com

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october - December

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4th Quarter 2007

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Volume 6 No 4

A Publication for the Elite Latino

The

Best & Worst of lo

Mejor & Peor del Action Avenue

Biz Block

En la comunidad

Jennifer Lopez y Marc Anthony, Caetano Veloso, Tito Puentes y más...

Nielsen Ratings, Marketing Tips, Creating a Professional Business Image & more...

3rd Annual, It’s a Latin Christmas and Children’s Toy Drive @ 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions & more...

Special: Costumbres Navideñas A Publication for the Elite Latino

Headquarters Jolie R. González Publisher / Editor In Chief Libni Cáceres Creative Director Marti López Editor

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Sergio Sodre Hispanic Market Liaison Daisy Medina Community Liaison

The Latin Files

Rosa Mercado Editorial Assistant / Staff Writer / Reporter Celia Renteria Szelwach Staff Writer Roberto Germain Staff Writer Anthony J. Gonález, jr., Esq. Staff Writter

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Sales Staff Carmen Santiago Account Executive/Special Reporter Conchita Burpee Intermixx Marketing Julio áviles Account Executive / Special Reporter

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En La Comunidad By: Jolie González

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Biz Block By: Jolie González

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Ask el Abogado By: Anthony J. González, Jr., Esq.

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Local Business Profiles

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Cover Story Lo Mejor y Peor del 2007

Photography / Video Juan Ruiz, of Ziur Photography - Special Events

Horoscope Highway Spanglish Horoscopes By: La Chic A’Divina

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Calle Social By: Jolie R. González

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Ivette Mayo – Writer Yo Soy, I am

Bochinche Blvd

Yanina Rosario Hispanic Business Initiative Fund

Cruisin La Calle

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Reporter/Photographer Laura Gómez

Contributors

En La Cocina ¡Recetas Deliciosas!

Neysa Rodríguez-Barttisini Hands in Motion Music Production/Advertising Media

For a one (1) year subscription (4 issues), please send a check or money order in the amount of $12.00 to: P.O. Box 262574, Tampa, FL 33685-2574 Special ThanX to God. Thank you to: Alfred Frederick for Business Photography, Brad Swarts for being supportive, Carmen Santiago for being a great mom, Nikko González for being the best son in the world, and to my wonderful friends, who always seem to be there when I need them the most!

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Letter from La Editor in Chief By: Jolie González

LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

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Main Office: (813) 901-5292.

Metro Orlando Office: (321) 284-4599 Websites: www.TheLatinVillage.com & www.Latin-Times. com For events: www.Latin-Connections.com.

E-Guide Entertainment & Restaurant Guide

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Action Avenue Calendario de Eventos

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No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent from Latin Times, LLC., 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

Proud Members of: Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of the Gulf Coast, eWomenNetwork, Hispanic Professional Women Association, Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Latin ConneXions Network and HYPE.

letter from the editor Dare to be the Elite Latino!

Hola Mi Gente Bonita de Tampa Bay! Welcome to the Holiday edition of Latin Times Magazine! As the holidays approach, many of you may be feeling what I’m feeling: excitement and a bubblyanxious type of “jitters”. It’s the holiday spirit creeping into our bones, that magical feeling that fills you with sweet memories of holidays past, and makes you believe in miracles again.

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ach holiday is special in its own, unique way.

favorite holiday is New Years Eve, followed

Thanksgiving is about coming together,

closely of course by New Years Day. Why?

it’s a time of sharing and celebrating with the

Because to me New Years Eve is like being on

most important people in your life, and a day

the “verge” of something brand new, it’s a day

filled with family and close friends. Christmas

of reminiscing, remembering the good and bad

is WOW! –soooo exciting, who doesn’t love this

moments, saying good-bye to bad habits and

holiday? Even the legendary “Scrooge” felt the

preparing for the new opportunities that await

magical touch of the Christmas spirit! I can still

you “tomorrow”.

remember the holiday celebrations from back home, and the great times I had as a little girl

Wrapping up the holiday season for most Latinos

with the late night Parrandas, eating Pastelles,

is Three Kings Day (Dia De Los Reyes), which

singing Aguinaldos, clapping and cheering as

is celebrated on January 6th. This is a very

the adults entertained everyone with Trovas y

special time as it is a time of great togetherness

Bombas. And then, of course, the best part of all

and celebration of our rich cultural traditions,

- opening the presents on Christmas morning!

foods and music! It’s the time of year when we

(If we could ever make it to the morning!)

gather with family and friends to experience the power of giving and sharing and to celebrate the

For me, though, I would have to say that my

birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you receiving our e-Latino Weekly Newsletter? e-Latino Weekly is Tampa Bay’s premier weekly, local cultural newsletter. Distributed weekly to over 6,000 local business professionals, e-Latino features Business News, Politics, Community News, Sports, and a local Calendar of Events which includes business, cultural and entertainment events happening throughout Florida. For advertising opportunities, please contact our office: (813) 901-5292.

Upcoming Latin ConneXions

Friday, November 2nd, 2007 – 3rd Annual Food Drive @ 1st. Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials!

Theme: Kicking off the Holiday Season, it’s our 3rd Annual Food Drive @ 1st. Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Highway in Tampa, FL. Event Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Please help us in this food drive by bringing in a few cans of non-perishable food. Complimentary Buffet will be served. Exhibit/sponsorship opportunities: (813) 901-5292 or email: JGonzalez@ thelatinvillage.com.

¿Y que más?

Friday, December 7th, 2007 @ 1st.

Fridays it’s our 3rd Annual “It’s a Latin Christmas and Children’s Toy Drive” @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Ave in Tampa. In celebration of our Christmas Traditions, join us at the 3rd Annual Latin Christmas and Annual Toy Drive.

Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Complimentary Buffet will be served. This holiday season, please help us to put a smile on the faces of some needy children; please bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl!

For exhibit/sponsorship opportunities for any of the events listed above, please email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage.com

Latin Times Magazine is seeking experienced and aggressive account executives to join our team! We have an excellent lead generation program, offer ongoing training sessions and other great benefits –excellent opportunity for the right person!

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LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

Finally, on a special note, I wanted to share a recent experience with you:

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few weeks ago, at one of our 1st Friday events, a salesman from a new local Latin magazine approached me and introduced himself to me. I welcomed him to the event, but asked him not to put out or display his magazine, (after-all Latin Times Magazine does sponsor the event) making snide remarks under his breath, the gentleman who was obviously upset grabbed a Latin Times Magazine from my exhibit table and waved an angry finger at the word “Elite” in our slogan “Tampa Bay’s Publication for the Elite Latino” and asked “and who exactly is an Elite Latino – how do you determine that?”

I smiled nicely at the “gentleman”, who was obviously trying to push my buttons. “Well, the Elite Latino is ANY Latino that dares to dream of more –who cares about his/her culture and wants to know more about other local Hispanics that are in business in the community, basically, those who are willing to work hard to achieve a dream.” I shook his hand, handed him a free drink ticket and told him to have a great evening.

At times, we as business people that are out there working really hard at making it all happen –will be confronted by “haters”, those people that are out there being way too busy worrying about what the competition is doing –and not paying enough attention to what the community needs. I choose to dedicate my time toward filling a void rather than creating one. I welcome and encourage our readers to share their thoughts with me by writing to me at: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage.com Anyone that knows me, knows that I am not afraid of competition –nor am I hostile toward it, but rather, I embrace it, because challenge is good food for the business soul, it feeds it and nourishes it. But, I also believe that we as Latino professionals owe it to our community to conduct ourselves in a professional and ethical manner, the purpose should be to win yes – but to do so in a way that you can get up every morning and be proud of the person you see in the mirror.

In closing I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season!

Thank you to God y mi familia!

See ya at the next Latin ConneXions!

-Sigue Pa’lante, Jolie

en la comunidad Ray Olan and the Jazz O'le Band!

Friday, October 12th @ The Largo Cultural Center!

P u e r t o

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eaturing Ray Olan, Héctor Mayoral and Mercy Silva - three of Tampa Bay's finest bilingual vocalists. This show explores a spectrum of Latin/Jazz/Pop/Salsa and Afro Cuban dance music.

Bring your dancing shoes as Salsa dance lessons are part of the show. Cabaret seating.

Friday, 8:00pm $22 advance, $25 day of show Located at 105 Central Park Drive, Largo Florida Info Call 727 587 6751

Clearwater Observes

Hispanic Heritage Month with Hispanic Art Exhibit

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eptember 15 through November 30th,, 2007, the art exhibit is also part of a citywide public art initiative coordinated by the City's Cultural Affairs Division that highlights the work of local artists in public buildings.

The free exhibit is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Sept. 4 through Nov. 30. The artworks will be available for sale.

Participating artists belong to the Hispanic Alliance of Tampa Bay Cultural Committee, or Alianza Hispana de la Bahia de Tampa. The Alliance promotes more than 120 Hispanic and Latino artists and more than 40 not-for-profit community arts organizations, and connects artistic and cultural efforts in the Hispanic community. According to Damaris Soto-Frassica, cofounder of the Committee, the Alliance "promotes culture, education and leadership, while sustaining the unity of the Hispanic community."

For further information, please contact Elizabeth Minor, Cultural Affairs Programmer, (727) 562 4814 or e-mail Elizabeth.Minor@myclearwater. com.

City of Clearwater Web site - www.Myclearwater.com 8

LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

R i c a n

Patron Saints Festival

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l domingo 21 de octubre 2007 en el England Brothers Band Shell Park en la Ciudad de Pinellas Park, estaremos celebrando por todo lo alto el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana durante las 7mas. Fiestas Patronales de Puerto Rico.

Todo dará comienzo desde las 12:00 del mediodía hasta las 9:00 de la noche. Las atracciones artísticas se informarán en las semanas previas al evento.

ENTRADA Y ESTACIONAMIENTO GRATIS! Como de costumbre disfrutaran de sano entretenimiento.

Habran "machinas" (maquinas de montar) para jóvenes y niños, las deliciosas comidas criollas e internacionales, exhibiciones de compañías, artesanías, cuadros originales para la venta, la tradicional piña colada y mucho más!

Para información (813) 477-8368 saenterprise@netzero.com www.prpatronsaintfestival.com Traiga su sillita. Los esperamos.

en la comunidad Regresa el Festival de Arte de las Américas a la Tampa Bay’s Art Festival of the Americas to Return November 3-17 Bahía de Tampa del 3 al 17 de noviembre

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l festival Arte 2007 regresa este año con una programación de dos semanas entre el 3 y el 17 de noviembre, lo que lo constituye el evento artístico más grande de la costa oeste de la Florida.

Arte 2007 fue creado para estimular los intercambios culturales con nuestros asociados comerciales de Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Los principales centros artísticos, museos, teatros y centros de representaciones artísticas de los condados de Hillsborough, Pinellas y Polk presentarán sus mejores muestras de artes visuales, cinematográficas y escénicas de Suramérica, Centroamérica y el Caribe. Arte 2007 tiene un componente económico que coincidirá con una conferencia de comercio internacional a la que vendrán 500 delegados a Tampa y se espera que atraiga una audiencia de 200,000 personas a lo largo del evento.

La Ciudad de Tampa está coordinando el esfuerzo de Arte 2007 en conjunto con la Cámara de Comercio de Tampa, el Comité Empresarial de la Bahía de Tampa para las Artes; y la Oficina de Visitantes y Convenciones de la Bahía de Tampa.

El líder empresarial local y ex – presidente de la Cámara de Comercio de Tampa José Valiente es el presidente de Arte 2007, secundado por Orlando Nieves de Media General quien actuará como co-presidente.

Para mayor información sobre Arte 2007 e información acerca de patrocinios, favor ponerse en contacto con Nancy Kipnis en el (813) 817-6731 o visite www. artefestival.org

The Hispanic Professional Women’s Association will hold 2007 Winter in Florida Fashion Show.

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he Hispanic Professional Women’s Association will hold its 15th Annual Winter in Florida Fashion Show and Luncheon December 1, 2007 at the Centro Asturiano of Tampa located at 1913 Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, Florida at 11:00am.

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he Arte 2007 festival will return this year with a two-week run scheduled for November 3 – 17, 2007, making it the largest arts event on the west coast of Florida.

Arte 2007 is designed to encourage cultural exchanges with our Latin American and Caribbean trading partners. All of the major arts venues, museums, theaters, and performing arts centers in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties will be presenting their best visual, film and performing arts from South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Arte 2007 has an economic development component that will overlap an international trade conference bringing 500 delegates to Tampa and is expected to attract an estimated audience of 200,000 during its run.

The City of Tampa is leading the planning effort for Arte 2007 in partnership with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts and the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau. Local business leader and past chairman of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Jose Valiente is the chairman of Arte 2007 and Media General’s Orlando Nieves is co-chair.

For more information about Arte 2007 and sponsorship information, please contact Nancy Kipnis at (813) 817-6731 or visit: arteFestival.org

Hispanic Professional Women

Attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest Holiday fashions, enjoy great food, music, raffles and the opportunity to do some Holiday shopping from local vendors. The Hispanic Professional Women’s Association, Inc. was founded in May 1990 as a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Florida.

HPWA membership consists of professional women who are committed to its purpose and mission. The elected HPWA Board of Directors, who possesses both outstanding qualifications and a balanced perspective of education and business, provide direction to the organization.

Admission is $40.00 per person. Proceeds from the event will help fund the HPWA Scholarship and Mentoring Fund which benefits Latina students. For more information please contact Maria Steijlen at 813-765-9403 or 813-8550373 or contact Lisas Costas by email at lcostas@argosyu.edu.

HPWA’s mission is to enhance the professional image of Hispanic women by creating opportunities to share knowledge and to promote the value of higher education.

Annual Holiday Food Drive!

3rd Annual Latin Christmas

1st. Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Social on Friday, November 2nd, 2007

Don’t Miss Our Annual Toy Drive!

Theme:

Friday, December 7th, 2007 – 3rd Annual “It’s a Latin Christmas y Parranda Navideña” @ 1st. Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials

Event Sponsors:

Theme: It’s our 3rd Annual Latin Christmas Celebration and Parranda Navideña @ 1st. Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Highway in Tampa, FL. Event Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Cultural Christmas music, special performances and lots of holiday favorites. Help us put a smile on a little face this year please bring in an unwrapped TOY! Toys to Benefit Needy Children at Area Hospitals! Free parking and complimentary buffet.

Latin Times Magazine, Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, US Latino.com, Man Power Staffing, TampaLaserSchool.com. To exhibit your company, please call (813) 901-5292 or email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage. com

Exhibit/sponsorship opportunities: Tel: (813) 901-5292 Email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage.com.

The 3rd Annual Food Drive @ 1st. Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Highway in Tampa, FL. Please help us to raise food for the under-privileged.

Please bring in a few cans of non-perishables. Event Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Complimentary Buffet will be served. Exhibit/sponsorship opportunities, please email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage.com

October - December 2007 | LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE

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biz block

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ust about everyone who pays attention to television has, at some point, heard of the Nielsen ratings. The Nielsen ratings are estimates of the number of households and individual viewers who are watching a particular program. And in the television industry, which is financially supported by advertisers looking to attract the largest number of viewers, Nielsen ratings are crucial.

Nielsen uses the most advanced statistical methodology available to produce its television ratings. But, at the heart of its ratings system is the viewer, whose cooperation is needed to provide accurate, fair and fully representative audience data.

So, in preparation for the introduction of its Local People Meter (LPM) in Tampa in October, Nielsen has conducted a major community outreach program in the Tampa/ St. Petersburg (Sarasota) market during the past nine months. The goal of the effort is to increase awareness of the Nielsen brand within the market. Nielsen believes—and the company’s research supports its belief—that the higher it’s brand recognition, the easier it is to get the general public to participate in the Nielsen ratings.

The LPM will provide local Tampa television stations, cable companies and advertisers, the same specific demographic information on viewers that Nielsen has provided nationally since 1987.

Nielsen has supported more than a dozen local events in the market including the All-Pro Dad festival at Raymond James Stadium; the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival; and an event at Tampa’s historic Cuban Club co-sponsored by nine ethnic Chambers of Commerce.

Families and individuals who are part of the Nielsen ratings panels are selected randomly following a scientifically designed process to make sure the sample accurately reflect the population at large, including age, gender, race and income. When Nielsen begins its LPM service in Tampa, 600 households will be included in its sample!

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LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

¿Y ahora que?

Now What?

Marketing Tips For Today’s Business Entrepreneur

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k, so you have this bright idea!, in fact, genius!

Your product or service will take the market “by the horns.” You know this product or service will satisfy a genuine and unmet customer need (after all, you did do your market research). So, now you want to open up your own business. You’re on the way to riches! Above all, your product or service is different, innovative and bound for glory! You go to the bank, sell them your idea, get a small business loan, plus, take out a second mortgage on your own home. In the meantime, you quit your job, and tell the spouse, “don’t worry honey, ‘trust me,’ in a few years we’ll be millionaires!

During the next six months while you prepare to open your business, you pay the bills from the working capitol provided by the second mortgage and business loan. You were smart when you budgeted this into your business plan. Now you look for the perfect location to set up shop. You found it! Your signs are up and you’re about set to open.

Exactly one month before the Grand Opening, you start calling and e-mailing all your friends, family and everyone within your network. Opening day is the most exiting day of your life! All your friends & family are there giving you their support and enjoying the appetizers and champagne provided by you. Some are actually purchasing your product or service.

Now, fast forward one month after you open. Your business has barely made enough profit to cover your overhead expenses.

Four months into your business and your ‘working capitol’ has been absorbed to pay for your overhead expenses. You were obsessed with the idea that word of mouth within your network would bring customers in. Maybe one in a million business owner might declare this; maybe, is NOT an option in this scenario.

Everyone’s heard the old cliché about the idea that a great product or service “sells itself.” Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this “sells itself syndrome” is responsible for innumerable small business failures, and costly few successes.

To succeed, you have to understand the role and

importance of a good marketing and advertising plan. How else do you think that your targeted market will ever find out about your product or service by the masses? There are three requisites that you need to keep in mind when opening a new business or trying to survive in your existing business.

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Do you have the financial resources to accomplish your objective? Even the best laid plans can be ineffective if you lack the funds to follow through. Include a budget to promote your business through a strategically planned out marketing plan to match your great product or service.

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How will you put into action each part of your marketing mix? Don’t presume that you’ll be able to figure out the details once the heat is on.

You should know how you will carry out your marketing campaign before going in.

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What will your marketing plan convey? You need a precise and reasonable plan & objective, plus a way to measure this plan’s success. ¿Y Ahora que?: LOOK, Before you jump, or better yet, plan! Nothing ever sells itself. Don’t take for granted that your product or service is a special case…So, again, I ask: ¿Y Ahora que? Plan!

Neysa Rodriguez-Battistini Marketing Specialist Hands in Motion Music Productions and Advertising Media

Hbif Plays Pivotal Role in Hispanic Business Success Sweet Success for Tampa Chocolatier Tampa, FL -- Of businesses that fail, 85% do so in the first five years. It’s all the more reason that the owners of Schakolad Chocolate Factory in south Tampa are happy to celebrate their 5th anniversary this year. Their success is due in large part to assistance from the Hispanic Business Fund Initiative West Coast, Inc. (HBIF). Created in Hillsborough County in 1991 to provide bilingual and bicultural technical assistance to budding Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses, HBIF is considered the leading Hispanic business development organization in Florida, and a model for other cities across the state and the country.

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n the case of the owners of Schakolad Chocolate Factory, the economic downturn in months following September 11, 2001 led cousins Jacqueline Salcedo and Valentina Ludert to lose their jobs early in 2002. Salcedo’s employer moved to California, and Ludert’s employer downsized. Salcedo, with twenty years’ experience in customer service, and Ludert, adept at computers and finance, faced uncertain times, but they were certain about two things: they were convinced that Tampa would remain their home, and they knew that they never again wanted someone else to be their boss.

“I was not going to move to California,” says Salcedo.

“My mother always made us feel comfortable around the kitchen, ever since we were children in Venezuela,

and when Valentina and I found out about the franchise ‘Schakolad,’ we thought the name was beautiful. We knew we’d found the business we wanted to do.”

The road to success was not without challenges. “The first year of our business was horrible, and the second year we started wondering whether to stay open or close.” That’s when the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund stepped in. HBIF offers management training programs, professional services, and specialized technical assistance for the Hispanic entrepreneur to improve opportunities for Hispanic businesses.

“The economic development concept of HBIF has been so successful in the Tampa Bay Area that it is being expanded to other cities in Florida,” says Yanina Rosario, President, HBIF West Coast, Inc. “The look of satisfaction on customers’ faces when they try Schakolad chocolates the first time is the greatest reward,” says Salcedo. “We don’t aim to make millions,” says Salcedo. “We just want to live comfortable and be our own boss. We want to be a part of the world, not own the world.”

“For us success comes in many different ways,” says Rosario. “Some of the HBIF clients we have today

biz block

include a one-man manufacturing business that we are helping with financing, a small restaurant we helped with licenses and now with insurance, and a client who, after evaluating the business plan we helped to prepare, discovered that the business she wanted to buy was not a good investment. Success for us indeed comes in many different ways.”

The mission of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, West Coast is to strengthen the economy of the Tampa Bay Region through quality business technical assistance and training for small businesses in the Hispanic Community. The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund (HBIF) accomplishes its mission with a variety of management training programs, professional services, and specialized technical assistance for the Hispanic entrepreneur.

The implementation of this initiative enhances opportunities for Hispanic businesses to make a valuable contribution to the regional economy by providing them the necessary tools to build successful enterprises. HBIF is a community based 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All earnings from operations funds, donations, and charitable contributions shall only benefit clients of HBIF. HBIF is located at 7402 N. 56th St., Bldg. 400, Suite 425, Tampa, FL 33617.

Creating a Professional Business Image By: Ivette Mayo

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etting dressed for the office doesn’t mean leaving your personal style behind. Your goal to getting dressed for

work is to project a professional, competent image, regardless of your employment level or career path. The styles, colors, lengths and fit of your fashion choices will speak volumes about your ability to do your job. If you are concerned about your career, you’ll be more concerned with looking professional than looking cute or trendy. Don’t let your choices make a fashion victim out of you.

Career Killers

Unlike a fashion faux pas, a career killer outfit can do your professional image permanent damage.

Looks to avoid in the workplace:

Too sexy

see-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, sheer sundresses, strappy stiletto sandals.

Too casual

jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sneakers.

Too sloppy

wrinkled clothing, too many layers, baggy-fit clothing.

Don’t know where to start working on your career image? You’re not alone because most companies don’t have specific guidelines about what to wear to work. Keep this information in mind when getting dress for work or work related event.

Business Dress Codes

Formal Business Attire For women this constitutes business suits (a matched skirt and jackets) and, in most workplaces, pantsuits (matched pants and blazer). Closedtoe shoes (no sandals), blouses, hose and conservative hair, jewelry and makeup are expected.

Corporate Casual Looks

Working women have interpreted this to mean everything from shorts to sundresses, but in its most literal sense it means “smart business.”

Dressy pants and a blouse, sleek jersey knits and skirts and tops are all examples of corporate casual. Denim, T-shirts and flip-flops are only acceptable in the most casual of work environments.

Casual Friday

Depending on the business, this can mean anything from corporate casual instead of formal looks or “Wear your company logo polo and jeans.” If in doubt, ask a superior or manager.

clothes. Pants should be fitted. Skirts, especially straight styles like pencil skirts, should be loose enough to sit down in comfortably. Jackets should be able to be buttoned. And blouses shouldn’t gap between buttonholes.

Someone once told me “Dress for the job that you want not the job that you have.” That thought is always with me when I am getting ready for my day in the office or meeting clients. Keep this in mind; you only have five seconds to make a first impression. Don’t let your cloths do all the talking! Make good choices when it comes to your professional image.

When selecting items for your professional wardrobe, keep in mind the significant of color and fit. Traditional career colors include red (aggressive), navy (trustworthy), gray (conservative) and black (chic). Most of these colors work well in pantsuits, skirts and shoes and mix back with softer feminine colors that are appropriate like ice blue, lilac, soft pink and ivory. Loud colors like hot pink and wild prints are much riskier in the office, but some creative types can still pull them off. So use caution when selecting them.

Fit is everything when you are talking about tailored work October - December 2007 | LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE

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ask el abogado

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Have you ever been in a car accident, and had the other driver tell you not to worry because they were “fully insured”, only to find out that your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are not covered. You ask yourself how could this happen, when the driver said he was “fully insured”?

How could lawmakers in Tallahassee allow this to happen? You ask who will pay for the damage to my car, pay my medical bills or lost wages?

T

hese are valid questions, and to make things worse, effective October 1, 2007*, drivers are no longer required to carry insurance to drive a car in the State of Florida, unless the legislature addresses the issue in its upcoming special session. In order to understand what has happened, you need to understand car insurance in Florida. Only two types of insurance are required for car owners to have; personal injury protection benefits, and property damage. Valuable coverage such as bodily injury coverage and uninsured motorist coverage are optional.

As a result, if the at fault driver carries the required mandatory insurance and is therefore “fully insured”, he or she may still be without enough insurance to pay for all of the damages caused.

Anthony J. González, Jr., Esq.*

Your chances of recovering your losses against an uninsured 217 N Lois Ave. driver are slim, unless that Tampa, FL 33609 person has substantial assets Tel: 813-281-8801 or you carry the uninsured anthony@askanabogado.com motorist coverage. Uninsured/ www.byrdandgonzalezlaw.com Underinsured coverage is ¡Hablamos Español! available to you in the event that Mr. González is a Board Certified you sustain injuries caused by Civil Trial Lawyer, and is rated AV by an uninsured or underinsured Martindale Hubble the highest rating driver. If you carry uninsured Florida law requires every owner of a car registered available to attorneys nationally. motorist insurance, you can in Florida to carry Personal Injury Protection benefits. make a claim with your own Have a legal question?

Personal Injury Protection “PIP” benefits covers you, company who would act as Ask Anthony González at: and any relatives residing in your household for injuries though they insure the party Anthony@askanabogado.com sustained in an automobile accident regardless of who who caused the accident. is at fault. This coverage pays 80% of reasonable and Many people drive without any necessary medical bills, 60% of lost wages, and 100% of bodily injury liability insurance. household services, up to a limit of $10,000.

Therefore, uninsured motorist coverage is an important protection for you and your family, should you ever become involved in an Florida law does not require the registered owner or driver of accident with an uninsured driver. the car to carry bodily injury liability coverage to pay for your damages. Bodily Injury coverage covers bodily injuries or death for With the change or elimination of the Florida No Fault law, now which a driver is responsible. Claims for bodily injury may be for is the right time to contact your insurance agent, and review your such things as medical bills, loss of income or pain and suffering. insurance policy to ensure you are “fully covered”.

In the event of a serious accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit, without jeopardizing *(1) Effective October 1, 2007, sections 627.730, 627.731, 627.732, 627.733, 627.734, 627.736, 627.737, 627.739, 627.7401, 627.7403, and 627.7405, Florida Statutes, your personal assets.

Byrd & González, P.A.

constituting the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, are repealed, unless reenacted by the Legislature during the 2006 Regular Session and such reenactment becomes law to take effect for policies issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2006.

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LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

¡Se Habla Español!

local business profiles

Lunasol Institute R

pockets of fat in the abdomen, thighs, waist and arms.

As part of his age management approaches, Dr. Casañas uses a highly effective weight loss program utilizing weekly injectable supplements, medications, laser activation and ear acupuncture, and he will guarantee, there is no other program like it.

obert Casañas, M.D., a Board Certified Internist, recently moved from the San Francisco Bay area back to Tampa Bay, where he originally trained. His recently opened new office in Westchase, the Lunasol Institute, offers a unique approach found at few aesthetic medicine centers in Tampa Bay. Dr. Casañas has been in practice for twenty years, and practices what can best be described as functional integrative wholistic medicine.

At Lunasol Institute, Dr. Casañas focuses on aesthetic medicine and age management, integrating health and wellness with cosmetic services to treat both the exterior and the interior of the body. Cosmetic services offered at Lunasol include laser treatments of different wave lengths that improve the complexion by targeting broken blood vessels, age and sun spots, and even acne scars. Laser treatments can also remove birthmarks, tattoos, moles, stretch marks and varicose veins, and eliminate unwanted hair.

For those patients who want a smoother, slimmer body free of cellulite, Dr. Casañas performs mesotherapy, injection of FDA-approved medications, vitamins and minerals just under the surface of the skin to dissolve

He is married to Dr. Beata Casañas, who is a full time professor of Infectious Diseases at USF Medical School. In his free time, Dr. Casañas and his wife enjoy, teaching medical courses, traveling, and dancing Rumba and Tango!

For more information about Lunasol, please call (813) 855-6530 or (813) 789-2799 or visit the website at Lunasolinstitute.com. The Institute is located at 11011 Country Way Blvd in the Westchase area. Email: unicorns@ tampabay.rr.com

Pursuing a

“hair-raising” dream!

M

oses Medina was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was the youngest of 12 children. Moses has been married for 20 years and has 2 beautiful children. He and his family have since relocated and made a home in the Tampa Bay area. Since his arrival in Tampa, Moses has continued to work hard toward achieving a dream.

Like most men, Moses was passionate about hair loss, because like many men, Moses started experiencing hair loss himself.

Moses dedicated most of his attention toward finding a solution to this problem, researching tirelessly with several remedies and eventually started formulating a natural blend. That was almost 14 years ago.

As the founder of Control Hair & Skin Care Systems, his “hottest” product is SielosRx – A natural hair replenishing and skin restoration program. During his research, Moses discovered that his formula was also helping alleviate some symptoms associated with psoriasis and eczema and he filed a patent in March 2005.

With assistance of a professional chemist in the cosmetic industry, he has made every effort to maintain the safety and effectiveness of the product.

SielosRx is packed with essential amino acids plus a special anti aging component that works for both man and women.

The shampoo product contains essential amino acids, minerals,

before

after

¡Se Habla Español!

herbs and nutrients that help to penetrate the hair follicle. It’s a maximum strength all natural formula that cleans and open your hair follicles to purify and detoxify your hair and scalp and skin, while conditioning and strengthening all types of hair. The product is also able to revitalize and volumize thin hair with natural ingredients, as well as stimulate and rejuvenate, your hair root deep down to the core.

Moses guarantees that SielosRx proprietary formulation is the result of years of his painstaking research and development.

The SielosRx Guarantee: There is a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our products. If you are not satisfied, return the unused portion for a full refund (less shipping and handling). Priced right and affordable yet lower than the competition. And remember: “ANYWHERE THERE’S A NEED FOR SKIN REPAIR, SIELOSRX IS THERE!” The SielosRx Mission Statement: “We will strive to provide you the best all natural ingredients nature produces to enhance, rejuvenate and change the way you look and feel for as long as you use SielosRx!” For more information on SielosRx, visit: www.SielosRx.com October - December 2007 | LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE

15

A

s this is our last issue of 2007, I wanted to focus on the year, and what it meant to Latinos living in the United States.

The Good, the Bad…

As the year moves quickly toward its end, it almost feels like 2007 went by in a blur of headline news, escandalos, organized marches, big screen debuts and a Latino candidate for Presidente! All this and more, brought one thing sharply into focus: Latinos -- Hispanics (which ever term you chose to refer to) -- had made a HUGE dent in the world in 2007!

The rise and fall of 2007

Whether it was on the ball park, or on the court, on the field, or on the golf course; in the classroom, or in the boardroom; on stage, on television, or even in the White House, there is no question about it, “the Latino World” was big news in 2007, so, we wanted to highlight a few of those HIGHS and some of the lows…

In Immigration

In Movies/Film

The issue of Immigration has been the biggest “Latino” issue in 2007. The subject of Immigration is something that has brought U.S. Hispanics together in a common bond, with huge rallies and organized marches.

This is an issue that directly or indirectly affects every Latino living in the United States.

Latinos can be multiracial, multi-religious, and multiethnic. We share a common language, customs, beliefs and a beautiful culture.

We are a close-knit, hardworking, God-fearing community that simply wants a better tomorrow for our families and for our children.

Jimmy Smits; Cane The Most Latino-centric Show in TV History Finally Arrived in 2007!

The rumors were buzzing about “Cane” for weeks before it premiered, and now the long-awaited show about a CubanAmerican family in Miami running a rum dynasty premiered on CBS! What can we compare it with? A Telenovela? Dynasty?

Dallas? The Sopranos? Cane has an impressive cast led by Jimmy Smits, Hector Elizondo, Rita Moreno and more.

Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that “Cane” is a part of Latino American history.

The issue of illegal immigration, with its broad sub-issues ranging from mass deportation to general amnesty, to the building of a 700-mile wall, have not only sparked intense controversy recently, but has been debated since the country’s founding. As legal and illegal immigrant populations and their descendants continue to climb, the issue has taken on a new importance and focus.

Best Comedy – TV Series ABC’s popular comedy “Ugly Betty” recently returned for a second season on Thursday nights.

The series continues to balance outlandish telenovela type plot twists, like a brother that was thought to be dead returning as a woman! Yet, despite all the crazy stuff going on, viewers care most about the trials of Betty and her friends and family.

The premiere season episode, which was aptly titled “How Betty Got Her Grieve Back,” finds our heroine in denial about the state of her life: Her father Ignacio is stuck en Mexico; her sister’s fiancée is killed in a hold-up; her boss Daniel, and his sister (brother) were in a car accident; and her true love Henry has left her to be with his pregnant ex-girlfriend, who is actually pregnant by someone else. Ayyyy Dios Mio, now that’s a Novela!

What the Pros Believe: The United States of America is a country of immigrants. Proponents believe that illegal immigration benefits the US economy through additional tax revenue, expansion of the low-cost labor pool, and increased money in circulation. They argue that undocumented immigrants perform jobs that keep American society running smoothly. They believe immigrants bring good values, have motivations consistent with the American dream, and that opposition to immigration stems from racism.

What the Cons Believe: Opponents of illegal immigration believe that aliens broke the law by crossing the borders without proper documentation or by overstaying their visas, and therefore deportation is the appropriate option. They regard illegal aliens as criminals, potential terrorists, and social and economic burdens. They argue that undocumented immigrants should not have the right to change their legal status because such lenience will encourage more illegal aliens.

Population Announced on May 17, 2007, by the U.S. Census Bureau Minority Population Tops 100 Million The nation’s minority population reached 100.7 million, according to the national and state estimates by race, Hispanic origin, sex and age released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. A year ago, the minority population totaled 98.3 million.

44 Million & Growing! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos will exceed 100 million by the year 2050.

Buying Power Hispanics topped all U.S. minority groups for purchasing power in 2007, according to annual buying power study from UGA’s Selig Center for Economic Growth.

In this regard, 2007 will end, marking the first year that Hispanics control more disposable personal income than any other U.S. minority group. The Selig Center estimated Hispanic buying power will be $926 billion by the end of 2007.

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LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

Props to ‘Ugly Betty’ star America Ferrera, who not only won an Emmy this year for her portrayal as “Ugly Betty” but who has also been named as the ‘Hispanic Woman of the Year’ by Billboard and the Hollywood Reporter.

Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony El Cantante Despite some very big names appearing in the film, salsa music that made your heart pound while you danced in your seat, lots and lots of publicity and a very eager audience awaiting its release, El Cantante fell short!

Most Latinos can identify with the music of Hector Lavoe; he is a legend, recognized by young and old. Therefore, it was no surprise that many Lavoe fans flocked to theaters on opening night, and most cities held an “El Cantante” release event in association with the release. Theaters were jam-packed with Lavoe fans eager to find out more about the tragic life of El Cantante. Instead, we were greeted by the story of Puchi and Hector.

The movie follows Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony as Puchi and Hector Lavoe, showing the rise of the salsa music icon and his eventual drug addiction and death to aids in 1993. Most people either loved it or hated it! But movie critics mainly hated it, and El Cantante received bad reviews.

…and the Ugly

7…….

2003 and attended the 2003 NFL Scouting Combine. Eventually, Romo took over the starting quarterback role for the Cowboys during the 2006 season. After only his first season as starter, Tony attended the 2007 Pro Bowl.

Jeff Garcia Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback is a Latino!

Jeff Garcia’s father was born to Mexican immigrants. With nine years in the NFL, Jeff Garcia was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a two-year contract on March 3, 2007. The deal is worth $7 million, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Marc Anthony performs with a clear, stirring voice and great passion – pero most people agree, El Cantante is a bit of vanity project. The main complaint was simple, many of us grew up listening to the Fania Allstars, and of course many of us know about the many tragedies of Lavoe’s life, we waited for the movie to show us more, to go behind the scenes and make us react like “wow –I didn’t know that!”

Selma Hayak becomes a mom!

Hayek and fiancée Francois Henri Pinault welcomed baby girl Valentina Paloma Pinault on Thursday, September 20th. In March this year, Salma Hayek announced her engagement with French business executive FrancoisHenri Pinault, the CEO of Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, which owns fashion houses Gucci, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent.

J.P. Losman The Starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills is a Latino!

Jonathan Paul “J.P.” grew up in Venice, California, the son of an American father and a Mexican mother, J.P. played quarterback at Venice High School. Losman’s parents divorced when he was 5. His mother juggled for a full-time job as well as a customer service representative and a part-time job as an usher at the Great Western Forum.

Jennifer Lopez Gets Pregnant with Twins?!

Lets wait and see! To be Continued…

In Politics

In Music

Bill Richardson William Blaine “Bill” Richardson III (born November 15, 1947) is an American politician, and the current Governor of New Mexico. He is a candidate in the 2008 United States presidential election. He has previously served as a U.S. Representative, Ambassador to the United Nations, and as the U.S. Secretary of Energy. He was chairman of the 2004 Democratic National Convention as well as Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association in 2005 and 2006, overseeing the Democrats’ re-capturing of a majority of the country’s governorships.

For the first time, the entire scope of Santana is presented together on one volume – from the Woodstock era rock and blues band that single-handedly brought West Coast Latin rhythms into the progressive-FM stream in the 1970s, up through their mega-platinum Grammy Award-winning years.

‘Ultimate Santana,’ a career-spanning celebration of an artist and their music, is highlighted by three brand new, previously unreleased collaborative tracks with Chad Kroeger, Tina Turner, and Jennifer Lopez featuring rapper Baby Bash, and will arrive in stores mid October 2007 on Arista Records.

In Sports Lorena Ocha Top ranked female golfer in the world is a Latina!

It takes a special person to achieve such great things, but it takes something beyond that to handle the pressure of representing pride for an entire country. Lorena Ochoa has become a national icon for Mexico at a very young age and she accepts the responsibility such a status requires. The 25-yearold Mexicana is the top-ranked woman in the world.

Read more about Lorena at: LorenaOchoa.com Tony Romo The starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys is a Latino!

Antonio Ramiro Romo is third-generation MexicanAmerican who was born in San Diego, California.

Tony Romo was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in

Bill Richardson was born in Pasadena, California. His mother, María Luisa López-Collada Márquez, is Mexican.

His father, William Blaine Richardson Jr., was a naturalized American (being the son of an American father and Mexican mother) banker who grew up in Nicaragua.

¡En Escandolo!

Biggest Scandal of the Year: Alberto Gonzales Attorney General Alberto Gonzales left the scandal-scarred Justice Department, after 2 ½ years at the department amid investigations into whether he broke the law and lied to Congress.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales quietly left office on August 27th, 2007, after more than nine months of controversy. He was given a standing-room-only Justice Department farewell ceremony attended by, among others, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and former White House chief of staff Andy Card. (continued on page 21)

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Television viewing habits vary from person to person. Household to household. City to city. As the TV ratings company, we work hard to accurately measure the differences in television viewership. That’s why we recruit people like you to make sure that every community is fairly represented. © 2007 The Nielsen Company.

All rights reserved.

EVERY VIEW COUNTS To learn more, click on www.everyonecounts.tv

horoscope highway

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Aries, you can look forward to accomplishing mas! You will be meeting people who will open up new posibilidades this month.

Ready yourself for a proposal that reveals nuevos avenues to work with influential people. A rival may create some hurdles that put you on the warpath over trivial matters. Distractions and conflict should be resolved quickly without you losing precioso sleep or time.

Hector Elizondo (born December 22, 1936 in New York City) is a Puerto Rican-American actor.

I

n the 1930’s, Hector’s parents, Martin and Carmen Elizondo migrated to New York, like so many other Puerto Ricans at the time, with the hope of finding a better way of life. They had two children, with Hector being the eldest.

At a young age, Elizondo demonstrated that he was talented in both sports and music. When he was 10 years old, he sung for the “Frank Murray Boy’s Choir” Upon graduating from Jr. High School in 1951, he enrolled in the School of Music and Art. Elizondo also attended a regular public high school where he excelled in basketball and baseball. His baseball skills were good enough for him to be scouted by the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 1954, Elizondo enrolled in New York City College, with the intention of becoming a history teacher. During his freshman year he became a father. He dropped out of College and went to work full-time in order to support his family.

Later, he was divorced and gained full custody of his son, Rodd. From 1962-63, Elizondo studied dance at the Ballet Arts Company at Carnegie Hall. In 1963, Elizondo landed parts in two Off-Broadway shows, “Kill the One-Eyed Man” and “The Great White Hope”. His first major success came when he played “God” in guise of a Puerto Rican steam room attendant in the play “Steambath”. Elizondo won an Obie Award for his performance.

In the 1980’s, Elizondo befriended Garry Marshall. Marshall was impressed with Elizondo’s talent. It was to become a life long friendship which would bring benefits for both.

Their first movie together was “Young Doctor’s in Love” followed by “The Other Sister”.

In some of the movies in which Elizondo appeared, he went uncredited and he wouldn’t have minded staying that way for the movie “Pretty Woman”, however it was Marshall who insisted on crediting him. His role in “Pretty Woman” only lasted 10 minutes, but it was a very successful one and Elizondo received a “Golden Globe” nomination.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Taurus, keep your ojitos on your own goals.

Making the right choices is a matter of taking the time to listen to what tu corazon is telling you. You can afford to experiment, pero try and keep things simple and workable. Expecting mucho from others can often only lead to disappointment and may also slow down your own progreso.

Gemini (May 21 – June 21) Germini, while you can expect to accomplish much, this isn’t a time to try and reform those around you. You may find yourself facing a decision for which you aren’t quite preparado. Listening to your intuition should help you through a somewhat testing period. Partners may try to burden you, pasiencia will be required to deal with the issues.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22) Cancer, this is a good time for mixing friendship with romance. Partnerships in general are apt to flow in sync with your ideas. Try not to let your vision be distorted by others ideas y opiniones. While you would like to be in the driver’s seat, you may have to postpone your plans because higher-ups aren’t ready to move ahead just yet.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) This is a great time for pushing your personal and career plans adelante. Look at the big picture, think on a broader scale than usual and you’ll discover a more fruitful approach to career goals. Support from colleagues may not be forthcoming because consciously or not, you’re all trying to gain the upper hand.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) You’ll need to be patient and tolerant of others in order to progresar. Being systematic and organized contributes greatly to making routine tasks more interesante. An upbeat mood and higher energy level should help you accomplish a great deal quickly. Try not to wear too many hats as it may prove counter productive and sap your energies instead.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 23) Libra, you can afford to do things your way and with a little outside ayuda, you can enjoy a more fulfilling period. Ego may prevent someone from admitting their mistake but playing the diplomatic card can help prevent an impasse. Don’t stand idle if you see oportunidad approaching you. Surround yourself with amigos that can understand your unique abilities.

Hector Elizondo has participated in over 80 movies and 12 of them have been Garry Marshall’s. He is married to actress Carolee Campbell whom he met in NBC’s soap opera “Doctors”.

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LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

Scorpio (Oct. 24 – Nov. 21) A surprise awaits you as you move into a new domain that you may have never thought of before. Your talentos are in demand and you can be most effective in

By: La Chic A’Divina | Note: Written in Spanglish a role you fit into nicely. You may be inwardly motivated to take on more challenges as the excitement brews within.

If you’ve worked primarily on a mental level until now, a more practical approach can help you deal with immediate priorities.

Discussing your necesidades with someone in authority can save you from an embarrassing situation.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your drive and ambition are fired by activities that allow you to expresar yourself more completely. But how much you achieve may depend on who you have by your side that believes in your work and can support your decisiones. Read the fine print and perhaps even sleep over importante matters before you make a decision. Remember that some risks may be imagined; do your homework and you should be okay. Communication can help resolve conflict before the situation gets out of hand.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) It is best to think and plan before making a move; you might find that a softer approach works best. If you are considering moving to greener pastures, try not to rush into nuevo projectos. Tension can build up if you haven’t been communicating with partners or colleagues.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Aquarius this is a busy time for you with heavy demands being placed on you. Your career is taking off, the problema may be that people tend to take you for granted; try not to make promesas that can make life difficult for you unnecessarily. Tasks and routine jobs may seem to take more time than expected. Distractions abound and an unlikely individual may be out to take the credito for your work.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Growth and career prospects are brighter as your network widens. Despite the minor conflicts of opinion, future carrera goals are likely to be clearer in this period. A positive attitude comes handy in diffusing a testy situation.

There’s a sense of support and goodwill from peers for what you want to achieve. With an open mente you may find that your problemas can be solved without resorting to drastic measures.

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(continued from page 17) It was a furor over the firings of nine U.S. attorneys that marked the beginning of the end of Gonzales’ tenure as attorney general. The midterm firings, planned after the 2004 elections, prompted Democrats to question whether they were politically motivated.

Gonzales’ conflicting public statements about the ousters led Democrats and Republicans alike to criticize his honesty. Their charges made worse by his later sworn testimony about the Bush administration’s terrorist surveillance program that was contradicted by FBI Director Robert Mueller and former senior Justice Department officials.

Critics of the nation’s first Latino head of the Justice Department say his role seemed to be supporting the Bush administration’s policies and not actually applying federal law.

For his part, Gonzales -- the first Latino to head the Justice Department -- said his “worst days have been better than my father’s best days.”

Mentiras (Lies) The Pictures of Oscar in Drag are FAKE! I think a million women just collectively gave an audible sigh of relief!!!! After viewing those pictures of “The Goldenboy” el papi chulo of the Ring, even I briefly considered not “liking” him anymore, pero no way were those pictures real, I have over 8 years of experience in working with Photoshop, those pictures are evidence that the world still has an awful lot of “haters” in it!

Disasters Peru Earthquake The earthquake that hit Peru on August 15th, lasted two minutes it was measured as 8.0 in magnitude, and if only that was the worst of the experience, then at least the frightening episode would have been over months ago.

An earthquake of such magnitude had not hit the country since 1974. According to the National Civil Defense Institute of Peru, the official statistics include 503 people dead and 1,042 people injured. There had been more than 360 of them by 5 p.m. Thursday, authorities said, some as strong as magnitude-6.

In the aftermath, thousands of people were left homeless and hungry by the massive earthquake. In total, it was estimated that $700 million to rebuild the cities that were destroyed. Help is always welcome by this cause!

If you are interested in helping in anyway, please visit the American Red Cross website to find out how you can be of most assistance.

To Adver tise call: (813) 901-5292 • (321) 284-4599 or Visit: www.TheLatinVillage.com • www.Latin-Times.com

calle social Join us at the Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials by Latin Times Magazine!

Upcoming Latin ConneXions

O

ver 200 Business Professionals through the 3 + hour event, First 50 people receive a free drink ticket! Free Parking, Complimentary Buffet & Entertainment!

Great Networking Opportunities!

The first 2 hours of these events are a business card exchange. Latin ConneXions offers you a unique opportunity to meet and greet other local business professionals. Latin ConneXions guests include Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Community Leaders, Corporate Professionals, Doctors, Attorneys, Real Estate Professionals, and MORE! Events are fun, and you will find people easy to speak with and to approach. Meet your next client here, or make a new friend!

Sponsored: Latin Times Magazine, Fiesta Creators, Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mirage Restaurant and Lounge, Man Power, US Latino.com, and Tampa Laser Touch. Exhibit/sponsorship opportunities: (813) 901-5292 or email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage. com.!

Friday, November 2nd, 2007 - 1st. Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Social Theme: Kicking off the Holiday Season, it’s our 3rd Annual Food Drive @ 1st. Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Highway in Tampa, FL. Event Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Please help us in this food drive by bringing in a few cans of non-perishable food. Complimentary Buffet will be served.

Friday, December 7th, 2007 @ 1st. Fridays it’s our 3rd Annual “It’s a Latin Christmas and Children’s Toy Drive” Theme: It’s our 3rd Annual Latin Christmas Celebration and Parranda Navideña @ 1st. Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Highway in Tampa, FL. Event Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Cultural Christmas music, special performances and lots of holiday favorites. Help us put a smile on a little face this year please bring in an unwrapped TOY! Toys to Benefit Needy Children at Area Hospitals! Free parking. Complimentary buffet.

For exhibit/sponsorship opportunities for any of the events listed above, please email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage.com or call: (813) 901-5292

Presented by: Latin Times Magazine Price: Free Time: 5:30pm – 9:30pm Visit: Latin-Connections.com

American Cancer Society

City of Tampa

Dos XX Beer

Metro Charities

Michael Angelo Displays

Scientology Life Improvement Center

Tampa Laser Touch

The Tampa Tribune

Westshore Travel

Damaris Cuevas

Izzy Sanabria

24

LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

calle social

Adrianna

Don Juceam

Carina

Lannie Battistini & His Latin Jazz Quintet

Benjamin & Julissa

Carlos Rodriguez Dance Group

Florida Casino Parties

www.floridacasinoparties.com

Anais Sori

Angela & Daniela

Sergio’s Birthday

bochinche blvd

Carol Rivera

Invites you to join her for Smooth and Sassy Salsa at The Gulfport Casino

Ray Carrión Jr inaugura Escuela de Locución

arol’s love for Salsa began on the streets of New York and New Jersey where she and her dance C partner alternated between Salsa and the Hustle.

They were good at both and won one contest after another at the clubs they frequented!

G

racias a Dios el pasado domingo 19 de agosto fue inaugurada en la Bahía de Tampa la nueva Escuela de Locución Ray Carrión. A la actividad asistió gran cantidad de jóvenes y adultos motivados para conocer esta nueva opción profesional para trabajar en la radio o la televisión.. Esta prestigiosa institución fue bendecida por el pastor Luis Martines porque pensamos que Dios es el que todo lo puede.

Según nos cuenta su director Ray Carrión, es un curso que consta de 16 lecciones escritas, pero el 90 % es practico. Dichas lecciones contienen todo lo relacionado para formar un locutor con todas las herramientas posibles para usar el micrófono de manera adecuada en su labor; y le impregna la experiencia acumulada durante varios anos de trabajo en Rep. Dom, Nueva York y Tampa. Las prácticas se realizan en una cabina profesional equipada con los equipos modernos para que el estudiante aprenda como se labora en la radio de hoy. Además los discípulos tendrán la oportunidad de visitar programas en vivo en estaciones de radio y televisión para ir poniendo en práctica lo aprendido y perder el miedo escénico. Impartimos clases los días: domingo de 2 a 4 y 4 a 6 PM y miércoles de 6 a 8 PM. Nos dice que es asesorado directamente por su progenitor desde la ciudad de Nueva York donde se encuentra la escuela matriz fundada en 1998, con la experiencia de 40 años de su padre, en radio, donde fungió como asistente de el.

Our Local

Carol and her partner added so much to their style that they got to the point where people would ask them to teach them the exciting steps and combinations they saw them performing.

After dancing and teaching Salsa for the past 30 years, Carol is still learning, just like the students she teaches at the Gulfport Casino, which is located at 5500 Shore Blvd South in Gulfport, FL.

Aquí enseñamos hacer: maestría de ceremonia o animación en 16 años, bodas, evento especial, ser un locutor noticioso, como leer un comercial y sus técnicas, gramática, como perder el miedo escénico, cultura general, ser DJ de estación de radio, club, fiestas, entrevistas para radio y televisión, como hablar bien en publico entre otros importantes temas importantes. La escuela funciona en un cómodo y adecuado local donde además se imparte clases de diferentes instrumentos musicales dirigida por el Sr. Mauricio Linero quien nos ha dado la oportunidad de enseñar es bonita carrera, ubicada en el 6820 N de la avenida Tampa Florida 33604. Añade que esta nueva generación de profesionales necesita sacudir la radio en Florida en cuanto a la forma, y para eso estamos dando los pasos. Deseamos invitar a prepararse en el área de la locución, a toda aquella persona que resida en la ciudad de Tampa, y de más ciudades vecinas. Esta es su oportunidad, a matricularse hoy mismo llamando al 813 766 9472 con Ray Carrión, correo electrónico, locutort@hotmail.com

Talent

The Doors open at 6:45 pm, with beginner salsa lesson – 7-8pm, and Music and dancing – 8-11pm. The cost is just $6.00 for the night! There is free parking and a cash bar in a smoke-free environment.

Gentlemen partners are needed for single women!

Carol also provides private lessons and your FIRST LESSON IS FREE!!!

Lessons are provided at your convenience 5 days a week, and can be provided in the comfort of your home as well.

“I love what I do and I love the expressions on my students’ faces when they get a move right and it just flows like it is something natural to them. This inspires them to really want to dance and when that feeling is there the sky is the limit!” - Carol Rivera, “Smooth & Sassy”

A

bove Da Rest is a Latin, Hip-Hop group that is based out of Tampa, FL. The group consists of two unique, yet harmonizing individuals; Joseph Serrano (Joerock) and Luis Pinto (Smoove). The two came together back in 2000 while playing the piano and drums in church. They both joined the group De Pura Cepa with another individual at the time named Mark Anthony. The group lasted for about 3 years with performances at numerous nightclubs and festivals. During this time they made appearances at hospitals to visit sick children and also participated in various fundraisers. All the while they were learning and growing from each experience knowing that this was a career choice, not a hobby that they were investing in.

Eventually, De Pura Cepa did go their separate ways but Joerock and Smoove remained a powerful combination forming the notorious group, Above Da Rest. The group completely developed in 2005 and have been on fire

ever since. Above Da Rest have done countless shows including the St Pete Times Forum, Tribute to James Brown in Augusta, GA, Katrina Fundraiser, Janus Landing, and performed at nightclubs throughout the state of Florida.

Currently, they have been collaborating with other artists as well as appearing on many mix tapes. Above Da Rest not only performs their music but actually writes, produces, engineers, and organizes it too. They have grown tremendously over the last year and proved their determination by starting their own entertainment company, Above Da Rest Entertainment. By taking on other artists to form the Above Da Rest Camp they have been able to take their music to another level. Their purpose is to make music from the heart and not only have people enjoy it, but actually relate to it in some form. With the discipline and perseverance they have developed, there is no stopping the inevitable. For more info, visit: www.Abovedarest.com

bochinche blvd Jennifer López & Marc Anthony Saludos a Lazara Rivas and friends!

The Super Star Tour, Headed to Orlando, FL Superstars Jennifer López and Marc Anthony will co-headline their first tour together this fall. It’s a mega-wattage match-up of some of the most exciting music in the world and López’s first concert tour ever! Actors, singers, producers, entrepreneurs, songwriters, multi-platinum recording artists and philanthropists: there aren’t enough adjectives to describe the accomplishments of López and Anthony.

The star power and performing prowess they bring to the stage is unequaled. During the tour, López and Anthony will perform separate sets of their own material and will perform together as well. Each set will include songs in English and Spanish.

Saludos a la familia Torres de Arroyo, Puerto Rico!

Details: Sunday, November 4th, 2007 at 8:00 PM @ The Amway Arena 600 Amelia Street, Orlando, FL. Info/Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

Univision y la Academia Latina de la Grabación® invitan al público a asistir a la 8ª entrega anual del Latin Grammy® Feliz cumpleanos a Orlando Rodriguez y saludos a su familia en Corozal, Puerto Rico!

Calle Orange

In Downtown, Orlando, FL One of Florida’s most exciting festivals!

Don’t miss it in downtown Orlando, LIVE performances on 4 separate sound stages, and 10 city blocks!

What makes this festival so special is that although it has a Hispanic theme, the marketing efforts are a success at attracting a wide variety of spectators and participants.

People of all colors, religions and backgrounds enjoy Bright House Networks Festival Calle Orange Downtown Orlando. This year’s Bright House Networks Festival Calle Orange Downtown Orlando is set for October 28, with..

La Academia Latina de la Grabación® y la cadena de televisión Univision están convirtiendo la 8a. Entrega Anual del Latin GRAMMY® en una experiencia de primera mano para los amantes de la música latina. Por segundo año consecutivo, un número limitado de entradas para la transmisión anual del evento estará disponible para el público. La ceremonia de este año, que por primera vez tendrá lugar en Las Vegas, saldrá al aire en vivo desde el Mandalay Bay Events Center el jueves 8 de noviembre, 8-11 p.m. Este/Pacífico (7 p.m. Centro), y promete ser otra experiencia musical sin precedente para los fans en todo el mundo.

“Qué mejor manera de conectar a los amantes de la música con los intérpretes que poner a su disposición entradas para la 8a. Entrega Anual del Latin GRAMMY”, dijo Gabriel Abaroa, Presidente de la Academia Latina de la Grabación. “Después del fabuloso éxito obtenido el año pasado con la venta de entradas en Nueva York, nos complace enormemente darle de nuevo al público esta oportunidad única, ahora en una de las ciudades más dinámicas del mundo en cuanto a entretenimiento. ¡Que vivan los Latin GRAMMYs en el Mandalay Bay Events Center de Las Vegas!”

10 Downtown Orlando City streets closed, 4 large and well equipped sound stages, 40 of America’s and Latin America’s greatest performers, Food to taste from all over the world and Kiosks lining the streets.

Exciting performance by: Oscar D’Leon, Michael Stuart, Fulanito, Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas, Lefty Perez, Chamaco Rivera, Bobby Concepcion, Grupo Kompass and many more!

Event Details: Sunday, October 28th, 2007. 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Purchase Tickets: RenesProductions.com or call: (407) 381-5310

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cruisin la calle Green Iguana

City of Tampa Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council Latinos Unidos Luncheon

LaTribu

Music Event in South Beach Hosted by Nelson Pérez, president of LaTribu Music.

The FRANKly Sinatra Charity

Nelson Perez, Nelson “That Boy” Diaz and Joseph Rivera

The FRANKly Sinatra Charity Dance was a HUGE success with the amazing performance of Mr. Don Juceam, who is known as Tampa Bay’s Very Own Frank Sinatra and his 22 piece Orchestra. The benefited the Moffitt Cancer Center, Veterans with Disabilities and All Children’s Hospital! Don Juceam is available to perform at area events. To find out more about Don Juceam, please visit his website at: DonJueam.com

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LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE | October - December 2007

Nelson Perez with Damaris Rivera of the Law Offices of Byrd and Gonzalez

cruisin la calle Park Place MRI Event Raymond James & Associates Event

Doug Williams of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jolie Gonzalez and Derrick Brooks linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Doug Williams, Damaris Rivera of the Law Offices of Byrd and Gonzalez, Derrick Brooks and Paola Shafee of Raymond James & Associates.

EXITO!

Reinado Dominicana de la Semena Cultural Dominicana

Natty Romanick, con la nueva Reina Dominicana Louisa Ortega y Erika Rodriguez

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en la cocina Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce By: Tita dé Cocina Serves: 6

Thank you to our food sponsors!

Latam at the Centro Restaurant and Bar Latin Times Magazine and Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials would like to say a very special Thank You to Latam at the Centro, Restaurant & Bar for providing a huge and delicious buffet at our Latin ConneXions event in Ybor City, which was held at the Centro Asturiano in Ybor City.

that they have a great menu of “fast” authentic, cultural food which includes: Grilled Chicken, Tropical Roast Pork, and Caribbean Ribs! In addition, Pollo Tropical has great salads, soups and even deserts!

Latam has a very old world charm feel to it. Serving Cuban and Spanish Cuisine that is authentically prepared and served in very generous portions for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a great lunch for as little as $5.00! Latam also offers a free LIVE Flamenco show on Saturdays at 8:00 PM.

Ceviche Fresco Latin Times Magazine and the Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials would like to thank Ceviche Fresco, which is located at 6742 Memorial Highway in Tampa, for their generosity in being one of our food sponsors at the 3rd Annual “Taste of Latino.”

Thank you again, to Latam, and specifically to David, Adam and Denise for their generosity! Latam is located at 1913 Nebraska Avenue in Tampa, FL.

Majestic Latin Cafe

Preparation Sauté garlic in 1 teaspoon of butter until soft, but not colored (about 2 minutes) Stir in cream. Heat to a simmer, stirring frequently; do not boil. Stir in orange zest, juices, avocado, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Keep warm. Melt remaining butter.

Brush chicken with butter and season chicken with salt and pepper.

Bake at 450 degrees F until the chicken is browned and firm to the touch, (15-20 minutes)

Ingredients 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ Cup unsalted butter, divided ½ Cup whipping cream ½ Tsp finely chopped orange zest 2 Tbsp orange juice 1 Tbsp lime juice 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Hass Avocado, pureed ¼ Tsp salt (+ as needed) 6 (about 6 ounces each) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves Black pepper 6 each lemon, lime, and orange slices

Serve each breast with 1/4 cup avocado sauce, garnish with a slice of each citrus fruit. ¡Buen Provecho!

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Latin Times Magazine and Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials would like to give a big “Thank You” to Jesus Balestena, owner of Majestic Latin Café which is located at 1961 W. Lumsden Road in Brandon, FL. Majestic Café is a charming establishment that serves salads, soups, pastries, baguettes, Panini and Cuban sandwiches, Cuban and Italian coffee, lattes, cappuccino, iced mocha, ice cream and sugar-free desserts! In the evening, Majestic’s also offers a full dinner menu as well as a beer and wine menu! Majestic Café is open Mon-Sat, 7 am to 9 pm. Info: (813) 689-5626.

Pollo Tropical Latin Times Magazine and Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials would like to say a very special Thank You to Pollo Tropical for providing a huge and delicious buffet for our Latin ConneXions “Taste of Latino” event.

Pollo Tropical, which is a popular Florida franchise served a scrumptious meal of “Arroz blanco, frijoles negros y pollo asado!” If you haven’t visited Pollo Tropical yet, you will be surprised to know

Pollo Tropical is located at 3285 W. Hillsborough Ave in Tampa. For more information please visit: PolloTropical.com

Ceviche Fresco is an intimate restaurant offering Peruvian-inspired cuisine featuring fresh seafood in a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. You will love this Restaurant!

Thank you again, Ceviche Fresco for providing such a delicious buffet! For more information or reservations: (813) 882-3032.

Pipo’s Cafe Latin Times Magazine and the Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials would like to thank Pipo’s Cafe, which is located at 11417 Dale Mabry Highway North in Tampa, for their generosity in being one of our food sponsors at our 3rd Annual “Taste of Latino.”

Pipo’s Café serves Casual Cuban Cuisine such as succulent Roast Pork, Citric Mojo Chicken, authentic Cuban sandwiches, “Spanish” yellow rice, black beans, Sweet plantains, and tempting desserts. They offer two daily specials in addition to their award-winning Casual Cuban fare.

Thank you again, Pipo’s Cafe for providing such a delicious buffet! For more information or catering information: (813) 963-7476.

action avenue Friday, October 12, 2007

Ray Olan and the Jazz O’le Band @ The Largo Cultural Center Don’t miss the exciting performance of Ray Olan, Hector Mayoral and Mercy Silva-three of Tampa Bay’s finest bilingual vocalists. This show explores a spectrum of Latin/Jazz/Pop/Salsa and Afro Cuban dance music. Bring your dancing shoes as Salsa dance lessons are part of the show. Cabaret seating. 8:00pm, $22 advance, $25 day of show. Located at 105 Central Park Drive in Largo, Florida. Call (727) 587-6751

1st. Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Highway in Tampa, FL. Event Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Please help us in this food drive by bringing in a few cans of nonperishable food. Complimentary Buffet will be served. Exhibit/sponsorship opportunities: (813) 901-5292 or email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage. com.

Arte 2007 - November 3rd November 17th, 2007 Info: www.artefestival.org

Sunday, November 4th, 2007

Saturday, October 13th, 2007

Maná LIVE in Concert @ The St. Pete Times Forum. 8:00 PM. Info: Ticketmaster.com

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Business Expo Tampa’s Taste of Business October 17, 3:00pm-8:00pm @ A La Carte Event Pavilion. Free Admission Free Parking. For more information call David Glass at (813) 830-9501 or visit http://www. tampabusinessshows.com

Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez LIVE in Concert @ The Amway Arena in Kissimmee, FL. 8:00 PM. Tickets: Ticketmaster. com

Thursday, November 8th, 2007 8th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Univision 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM eastern.

Saturday, November 17th, 2007 Florida Orchestra with Tito Puente, Jr

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 City of Tampa Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage 19th Annual Celebration @ The Tampa Theatre.

11:00 AM. Free lunch for the First 250 guests! Live performances.

@ The Mchaffey Theater at the Progress Energy Center. 8:00 PM. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

Friday, November 23rd, 2007

Friday, October 26th, 2007

Benise@ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL. 9:00 PM

Caetano Veloso

@ The Carol Morsani Hall (Tampa Bay Performing Arts). 8:00 PM. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa and Brazilian Samba.

Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

Sunday, October 28th, 2007 Calle Oranga (Orlando, FL)

In downtown Orlando enjoy live performances by: Oscar D’Leon, Michael Stuart, Fulanito, Tito Nieves, Tito Rojas, Lefty Perez, Grupo Kompass and many more!

Info: RenesProductions.com

Friday, November 2nd, 2007 3rd Annual Food Drive @ 1st. Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials

Theme: Kicking off the Holiday Season, it’s our 3rd Annual Food Drive @

$40.00 per person. Proceeds from the event will help fund the HPWA Scholarship and Mentoring Fund which benefits Latina students. For more information please contact Maria Steijlen at 813-765-9403 or 813-855-0373 or contact Lisas Costas by email at lcostas@argosyu.edu.

Friday, December 7th, 2007

3rd Annual “It’s a Latin Christmas y Parranda Navideña” @ 1st. Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials Theme: It’s our 3rd Annual Latin Christmas Celebration and Parranda Navideña @ 1st.

Friday Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials @ Mirage Restaurant & Lounge - 3605 W. Hillsborough Highway in Tampa, FL. Event Hours: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Cultural Christmas music, special performances and lots of holiday favorites. Help us put a smile on a little face this year please bring in an unwrapped TOY! Toys to Benefit Needy Children at Area Hospitals!

Free parking and complimentary buffet. Exhibit/ sponsorship opportunities: (813) 901-5292 or email: JGonzalez@thelatinvillage.com.

Monday, December 24th, 2007 Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 25th Christmas Day

Monday, December 30th, 2007 New Years Eve

Tuesday, December 31st, 2007 New Years Day

Thursday, November 22nd, 2007

For more great events visit us at:

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

Latin-Connections.com

Thanksgiving Day

The Hispanic Professional Women’s Association will hold its 15th Annual Winter in Florida Fashion Show and Luncheon December 1, 2007 at the Centro Asturiano of Tampa located at 1913 Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, Florida at 11:00am.

Attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest Holiday fashions, enjoy great food, music, raffles and the opportunity to do some Holiday shopping from local vendors. Admission is

or sign up to receive our e-Latino Weekly Newsletter which features more great events.

October - December 2007 | LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE

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A Publication for the Elite Latino

A Publication for the Elite Latino