BeChicMag.com

11-13-08

DOMINICANS = DONKEYS?
So I got an e-mail from a BeChic reader informing me about a recent discussion Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa had on their morning show about Dominicans. Kelly was explaining to Regis how her daughter said that an elephant represents the Republicans while the Donkey represents Dominicans. In response, Regis makes what started out as a simple and cute story totally controversial by saying “She’s pretty close…”

Check out the YouTube clip here and the original E-mail I received below:

Here’s the E-mail from a BeChicMag reader:
*Hey,

So recently I was watching the news with my parents, on channel 41. I hate it but it’s time spent with the ‘rents. And I need to vent. On comes a segment about what was said on Regis and Kelly.

In essence Kelly was talking about a conversation she had with her daughter, Lola. Lola was telling her that the Elephant means Republicans and Donkeys means Dominicans. Then she goes on to laugh about it and Regis goes on to say that’s about right. First I’m thinking about what the little girl said, not the adults. I believe it was an innocent comment made by a child, who is influenced by the adults around her a.k.a. teachers and parents. When I broke the comment down from the point of view of Lola, it came out as Elephants are republicans and
Democrats are Dominicans meaning they mostly vote Democrat. Fine, that’s about right in NYC.

Now for Kelly and Regis they laugh as to not respond to this. No correction is said. I understand that this is banter and they need to be quick, and that they are not a real news cast but nothing is said to correct the matter. So sad.

Sorry I’m just venting. what’s even worse they said talked about it on TMZ. Can you believe this. *

What are your thoughts? Scroll down and let me know….
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11-28-07

MY FASHIONABLE TWIN? On November 21st the New York Post’s Pulse section published an article on surviving Black Friday titled “Ready Set, Shop“. During a commercial break at work, the morning anchorman told me there was a “fashionable girl on the front page of The Post” that looked liked me. When I took a quick glance at the small photo I disagreed. But when I flipped the pages to the cover of the daily insert and saw a larger picture of this chick, I noticed the almost frightening resemblance. The rest of day consisted of random people asking me if I read the Pulse section. But it didn’t stop there. When speaking to a former colleague of the paper almost a whole week later, even she mentioned the infamous Pulse model who looks like me. Do we look that much alike? I guess we both have dark hair and a not-so-small-nose, but her legs are definitely firmer than mine. I must say, I loved her outfit so I didn’t mind the comments. (Scroll down to leave your own comment or read what others had to say).
*mercedes sanchez

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09-19-07

SINCE WHEN WAS JULIA ALVAREZ NOT DOMINICAN?

When watching a local morning newshow today, I was happy to see they were doing a piece on Hispanic Heritage Month. They invited Latina Magazine’s editorial director Betty Cortina to discuss the latest Latino-centric books including a few Spanish-language tomes. And who better than Cortina to talk about a topic she should be very familiar with, right? I mean, she is the editor of the largest magazine about and for Latinas.

The simple, three-minute segment was going well until the Chicago-born, Miami-bred Cubana began to describe a book by renowned author Julia Alvarez. It all went down hill (well for those who noticed anyway) when Cortina said, “Julia Alvarez… a very well-known Puerto Rican author.” Only, Alvarez isn’t Puerto Rican; she’s Dominican. I even thought I was mistaken for all these years and googled “Julia Alvarez”. I was right. She was wrong.

Some might say it was an honest mistake. And others who are ignorant might even ask, ‘What’s the difference between Puerto Ricans and Dominicans?’ This could have been a slip up said by the average Joe -or Jose- but when you’re the editor of the biggest, English-language Latino publication- this is just unexcusable and plain stupid. A former colleague of mine said that’s what the station gets for booking her in the first place.

Not only was I upset because there are only a few renowned Dominican authors and Cortina completely disregarded Alvarez’s nationality, but I was also embarrassed for Cortina. It’s not everyday that a mainstream news station does a segment on Latino authors. So when people like Cortina are invited to discuss and represent Latinas- they should be prepared. I bet the anchor who interviewed Cortina and the producers watching the show didn’t realize she made a major error; yet, I can also imagine they trusted she would be knowledgeable in this topic and didn’t doubt her. She didn’t even correct herself after messing up, which only leads me to believe that she doesn’t even know Julia Alvarez is Dominican. What the heck is she doing as editorial director of Latina Magazine?!

And it’s not even about whether Julia Alvarez is Puerto Rican or Chinese. It’s the fact that she’s a living legend for many out there. It’s like saying that Faulkner was English, or that Gabriel Garcia Marquez is Peruvian. It’s not about preferring one nationality over another; it’s simply about getting your facts straight and respecting a true artist. For those who don’t know who Julia Alvarez is, click here. I’m sure you’ll recognize some of the books she’s written. Spread the word…

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07-03-07

MICHAEL MOORE’S “SICKO”

Well, well… I’m sure I’m not the only one who left the movie theater after watching Michael Moore’s “SICKO” with the feeling of taking French lessons and moving to Paris. Or- because I know the language- I could just pack my bags and settle down in London instead for its National Health Insurance, where the government provides free health coverage for all its residents despite their financial and employment status.

I left the theater feeling both inspired and upset. I’m insured and last week I went to the Ear and Eye infirmary as a walk-in and spent an entire day to be seen by the doctor. I have my own personal issues with health insurance including paying a ridiculous premium charge per month. And as Moore exposes you to how other parts of the world- including Cuba- provide good health care it made me realize just how unfair Americans are being treated by their own leaders. It’s quite disturbing. p>

Michael Moore has covered various topics well, but this documentary was just brilliant. It’s a must-see for everyone.

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03-07-07

CAN YOU MISS FOOD HOW YOU MISS FRIENDS?

After making a career move about seven months ago, I left the Midtown area for one of the outer boroughs. What was most difficult to adapt to – besides the hour long commute to what used to be a 15 minute train ride to work- was the lack of diversity in restaurants. As someone who already wants to gain a few pounds and not by eating junk, it concerned me when there were only fast food restaurants and really bad pizzerias around. Anyone who’s familiar with my eating habits knows there’s a problem if I throw out an entire pizza after only one or two bites! These passé, wanna-be pizzeria guys must be using cheap cheese and really bad flour.

So when I had to return to my beloved Rockefeller Center for an appointment two weeks ago, I made sure to take full advantage before heading back to work in the “boondocks”. I went down memory lane remembering the many walks from the News Corp building to my favorite pizzeria in the area, Pizza Paradise. But like many times before, I never made it to the actual spot. Instead, I was mesmerized by the aroma drifting off falafel pushcart on the block. I turned right back around and decided it was time to pay Minar, my favorite Indian restaurant in midtown, a visit. And like old times, I made the ever so popular line and ordered my all time favorite Indian cuisine which my former boss introduced me to: Chicken Shahi Korma- a boneless chicken mildly spiced and cooked in cream sauce over white rice and a side of Rayata, a smooth white yogurt with cucumber slices and special sauce that I like to spread over the rice to cool off the spice.

And as if I have returned “home” after long journey, I took off a my long, black wool coat and made myself comfortable hoping that no one would ask me, “Do you mind if I sit here?” I just wanted to enjoy my meal of which I have been deprived of since working out of Manhattan. While on the block, I stopped by the Cuban delicacy of Margon for a fruity shake of Papaya and Mango and I was set for the train ride back to work.

Who would have imagined restaurants and food could actually be missed the same way one misses a pal who’s moved away cross country?

Minar
138 W. 46th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.
212-398-4600

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FASHIONED OUT?
02-03-07

I remember a time when I couldn’t wait to do what I do- attend fashion shows, industry parties, meet new people, etc. etc. etc…. I thought I could do it all and never get tired- wonder woman! And after attending three fashion shows in one day during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, I realized first hand it’s not as easy as I thought it would be.

Although I can’t deny that chatting with fashion designers and getting a first look at their collections and learning about their inspirations brings excitement, a day of going up and down in Manhattan in the middle of winter is anything but fun.

After a full day of getting credentials at the tents in Bryant Park, hopping into subways and yellow cabs from show to show all while carrying a large purse packed with a pair of shoes and a dress (I just had to bring a different outfit for the after parties), I had never been so exhausted.

The last show of the day was to start at 9 p.m. After registering and even saying hi to some friends who were still on line, I contemplated whether or not I should sneak out and go to another designer’s party- or just go home. Thinking I’ll have a few cocktails across town, I decided to change into outfit #2 at the Starbucks across Bryant Park. When the guy behind the counter told me they didn’t have a restroom, I just asked for a whipped cream hot chocolate, changed into my loafers and hopped on the downtown F train and called it a day.

Upon arriving home I quickly questioned my decision, but as soon as I took my Maddens off, I knew I made the right choice. There comes a time when a girl just has to say no. So I took off my shoes, let my hair loose and relaxed at home. Besides, there’ll be more parties.