NewsTaco

By Oscar Barajas, NewsTaco

Back in the good old, waning days leading to graduation, everyone wanted to be friends. People who had otherwise ignored you or taken you for granted for the past three and a half years all of a sudden wanted to be friends. All of a sudden everyone wanted to keep in touch. If you saw my yearbook now, you would have thought I was the belle of the ball. Page after page was littered by reminders to K.I.T. with hearts dotting every “I.” It was the middle of June and we had decided that regular school no longer applied. The students crowded the halls waiting for that doomsday clock to strike the witching hour. Graduation practice was paramount and everything else a chore.

My friend Ruben and I felt that we were above it all. We felt as if we were above their cool and influence. We had spent the last three years playing video games and flicking boogers during second period, like all the super studs of our time. We were invited to Grad Night at Disneyland during that last week. We scoffed at our classmates. There were promises of drinking and debauchery among some of the more deviant seniors, but we wanted more. We wanted something epic that would make our grandchildren blush.

Ruben’s friend Edgar was the first to suggest that we all go to Tijuana. I fell in love with the lawlessness of it all. The plan was to pool the money our parents had given us for Grad Night and spend that Tuesday night in Tijuana. We all drank the Kool-Aid and figured that the party never stopped, South of the Border. I had only been there a couple of times to pick up relatives at the airport, but I always figured there was something dark and exciting about it. I would watch as my parents rolled up their windows and locked the doors as soon as the United States was over our shoulders and I wanted it more and more.

Edgar claimed to have all the necessary connections. He said he knew of places where we could drink till the sun came up along with the women that would surely turn us into men and chase our inexperience away. We would need two hundred dollars in order to secure supplies, gas, lodging and reckless abandon. I was willing to invest 130 dollars on the venture which was a week’s pay at the time.

That fateful Tuesday snuck up on us before we knew it. I kept looking at the clock so long, that I found it hard to distinguish my left from my right, making those graduation practice drills unbearable for my row. The lump in my throat became harder to swallow as the afternoon began to give way to the night. As far as my parents were concerned I was going to spend the night with Goofy. As far as I was concerned, I was going to hang out and get goofy.

I got to Ruben’s house at about 9, only to find that he was unprepared, still waiting on Edgar. I was wearing one of my dad’s fanciest leather jackets which made me look like the Fonz wearing a black storm slicker. I smelled like I had rubbed a dozen magazines on my face in order to capture Calvin Klein’s latest income venture. We took turns blowing up Edgar’s home phone, until his dad finally took it off the hook. Fortunately, neither of us had given Edgar our money, so we decided to kill some time at the Hollywood record stores while he returned our mounting number of calls.

The plan was to spend an hour at the record store and then come back by ten, so we could be in Tijuana by midnight. However, that plan went out the window when we decided to get something to eat. We rolled into Ruben’s house by 11:30. Obviously, I could not go home since I had told my parents I would be hanging out with Mickey Mouse till dawn. Edgar finally got there, but he said that he could not align anything because his cousin who served as the connection was not in town. I wanted to be angry but the Del Taco meal I had eaten began to sink its claws into me. I told myself that I would only take a 45 minute nap while they sorted out the madness.

The next thing I remember was waking up, wearing leather jacket and all. The worst part was that I still had to go down to the school and pick up extra tickets for the graduation. It was a horrible feeling walking to that school and feeling that hangover feeling. What made it worse was that I had not even touched a drop of alcohol. I got there just as the buses arrived from Grad Night and was able to get lost in the shuffle of humanity. I learned a valuable lesson that night. In an animated pretend world of imagination, I was the biggest cartoon.

By Aurora Ibarra

TGIF!

Time to kick back at the end of the week and enjoy a long deserved drink. In an attempt to make things a bit healthier, I made hibiscus martinis! Replacing all the fake sugary stuff with real iced tea, lemon and agave nectar. Dust of your martini shaker this weekend and enjoy these sweet drinks — salud!

Cook Time: 10 minutes (to make the tea)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Yields: about 2 martinis

Ingredients:

For the Hisbiscus Iced Tea:

• 6 cups of water
• 1/2 cup muscavado sugar
• 1 lemon
• 3/4 cup hibiscus flowers

For the Martinis:

• Good quality vodka
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar

Directions:

1. Bring two cups of water and the sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, grate the lemon and add the zest to the water. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, turn off the heat and add the hibiscus flowers. Let it steep for 10 minutes (at least).
2. Take a big pitcher and add 2 cups of ice cubes and the remaining 4 cups of water. Add the juice from the zested lemon. Put a big strainer on top and pour the concentrated hibiscus tea. Mix until everything is combined.
3. To make the martinis, (this should be enough for two), fill a martini shaker with ice cubes, add 2 shots of good quality vodka, a tablespoon of agave (or more depending on your sweet tooth), the juice of half a lemon, and 2 cups of hibiscus iced tea. Shake it up and enjoy!

Dear Martha,

I’m very sad, my husband — who I love very much — is an alcoholic. We have a two year-old daughter and this last holiday season, he became very intoxicated. I kicked him out of the house, because I couldn’t tolerate his behavior any longer.

I’m suffering a lot and I’m afraid to fall into a trap of taking him back, even though he won’t change. I come from a very dysfunctional family and I don’t want to repeat the cycle. What should I do?

— Painfully in Love

Dear Painfully in Love,

I know you’re going through a really hard time; alcoholism doesn’t just affect the alcoholic, but the entire family. If he comes back, he will continue to drink. I suggest that you two start Alcoholics Anonymous therapy for him, and Al-Anon for you.

You have to remember that, if someone is sick, their entire family will get sick. In the event that he does not want to attend, you should still consider going to the meetings, they could help you understand that this disease is progressive, degenerative and deadly.

If you come from a family where things were difficult, it’s good for you to decide not to repeat those same patterns, and more than anything, to give yourself the chance to create a safe, loving and united family.

— Martha

[Photo By Katie Tegtmeyer]

Most people have already started making their list of resolutions and changes that will be their best intentions for the New Year. The beginning of a year motivates many to improve their lifestyle on a physical, social, professional or familial level. Among the most well known resolutions are:

• Quitting smoking.
• Lose Weight.
• Stop drinking alcohol.
• Commit in a relationship.
• Change jobs or seek work.
• Learn something new.

These are some of a number of good intentions that often fail to hold only for more than a few weeks, perhaps even several months. The experts on these disappointed hopes are the gym owners, since they know they’ll start the year with a full house, but little by little their membership will diminish.

The questions everyone will ask themselves are: Why don’t I have the willpower? Why is it so easy for other people? What do they have that I don’t? The answer is that one must understand the reasons why they make those resolutions: being overweight, being addicted to nicotine or alcohol, being afraid of commitment, etc.

You will find yourself at a crossroads. The first thing to do is ask yourself: What worries is my fat hiding? What feelings am I escaping with alcohol? What am I evading by using drugs? Why haven’t I gotten the best job? Why am I failing in school?

When you make your list of resolutions, resolve to find the cause of the behavior you want to change, that way you have a higher probability of being successful, and a feeling fully accomplished. Remember, with lots of support you can be successful in 2012.

Good luck in 2012!

[Screenshot By LEDChristmaslighting]

We all know it’s coming, New Year’s is on the weekend this year, and it’s bound to be a doozy. But, we can help. Here are the most common cures for that cruda (that means hangover).

1.) Menudo

In my social circles, menudo is the go–to method for scaring away that nasty cruda. The power of the Aztec gods? Meat? Corn? Who knows why, but word has it that it works.

2.) More alcohol

Hair of the dog, as it were. This method is perhaps one of the oldest cures for cruda. Does it work?

3.)  Coffee and aspirin

We’ve written about this before, it’s not just speculation — it’s science.

4.)  Chile

Not the country, the spice. Perhaps it’s an old wives’ tale, but for some reason spicy food seems to have the effect of scaring away a hangover. Maybe only because it gives you something else to worry about.

5.) Not getting drunk in the first place

This one may seem to come out of left field, but sans alcohol you probably won’t feel so bad.

With these things, we inevitably miss some, what are your best cures?

[Photo By mislav-m]

I started celebrating Halloween a little early this year. I went to a party dressed as Oscar The Grouch, he of “Sesame Street” fame. I was expecting to fly under the radar at a party while rubbing elbows with Whittier’s elite – after all it is the birthplace of Richard Nixon. Instead, I walked into something out of Arthur Rimbaud’s absinthe-rotted mind.

Let me open up the curtain and explain what happened. The names of the innocent, as well as the guilty, have been omitted and will only be referred to by the costume he or she was wearing. I was invited to the party by the Great Horned Owl, which in turn was being thrown by the family connected to Andie Walsh and Duckie from “Pretty in Pink.”

When I first arrived, everyone was there. There was Popeye and Olive Oil, along with Michael Myers, a Hindu goddess, plenty of Calacas, Gandhi, Miss Piggy, a pirate, Chucky, Axl Rose, Johnny Ramone and even Michael Jackson. The whole scene looked sideways and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “Psycho” was being projected on a wall outside. Everyone was either laughing or dancing. A couple of steps beyond the DJ stood an open bar which would be the cause of much merriment. After drinking more than my fair share of beers, I gained the courage to move up to rum and coke. Rum is not my friend. Coke is not my friend either. Now when you combine the both, it leads to a jumping point for disarray and mayhem. However, I had reached a point where caring was no longer an issue, and the bartender liked my costume to the point where having an empty cup was an insult, and being as polite as I am, I did not want to be insulting.

As time went on, the costume contest began. I got a couple of votes, but was undoubtedly eclipsed by both the Hindu Goddess and the Great Horned Owl, who was redubbed the Horny Owl complete with sophomoric catcalls. In the end, the multiply-armed goddess walked away with the crown. That was when things went from sideways to right down volatile. It was the calm right before the storm.

The musical playlist for the party was typical and unimaginative. It was the same playlist from a party you went to 10 years ago. In fact, they will be playing the same music at any party you go 10 years from now. All of the usual suspects were represented. “Blister in the Sun” by The Violent Femmes, “Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s, “Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure and “Anything, Anything” by Dramarama were displayed in their overplayed prominence. Frankly, I was surprised why Katy Perry and “California Girls” did not bother to make it. They probably had a previous engagement at a Sweet 16 in Huntington Park.

The Great Horned Owl in all her owl-like wisdom took the initiative to make some musical requests. Unfortunately, I have not yet encountered the 16 year-old DJ who has John Fogerty and the Creedence Clearwater Revival as part of his musical repoirtare. My 62 year-old uncle would be a better fit to oblige that particular suggestion.

Suddenly, and without warning, a woman dressed like a chola approached the Great Horned Owl. I cannot tell you if she was dressed like a chola because it was part of her costume or simply a casual weekend. At any rate, she demanded to know why the owl had decided to show her talons and decided to make her DJ son sit on the top of her predatory nutritional pyramid as part of her prey. She could not give a hoot (no pun intended) about the owl’s protests. All of a sudden the owl was accused of being a cougar.

That was the preamble of all hell breaking loose. The chola began pointing accusatory fingers which only snowballed Duckie into getting violent. The whole scene was a cross between “Jersey Shore” and the “Real Housewives of Sodom.” It was both ugly and uncomfortable, as people tripped over one another to restrain Duckie and Gandhi. No fortune cookie in the world could have predicted that scenario – and in the end, it much ado about nothing. We let out a collective sigh and made our way out.

In the end, the whole evening ended with a flat note plagued with ridiculousness. Duckie’s ego got the best of him, as he attempted to fight an enemy that was not even there. Watching drunks shadowbox should never be a spectator sport, but it seems unavoidable when you step into the alleged haunting grounds of the Great Horned Owl.

By Melissa Pitts

Happy Halloween! While you hand out candy, watch a scary movie (or watch the football game!) this year, why not enjoy a bright red, “bloody” margarita? This drink uses bottled pomegranate juice, a splash of lime, triple sec, and smooth white tequila. However, if you were dumped over the weekend with snow, you can also cuddle up with a nice cup of Mexican hot chocolate…BOO!

Makes 1 margarita

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. white or reposado tequila
• 2½ oz. pomegranate juice
• ½ oz. triple sec
• ½ oz. lime juice (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Pour contents of shaker into a sugar-rimmed glass (optional) filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

To go with this spooky drink, why not serve some appetizers such as sopes, tlacoyos, or gringas?

Dear Martha:

I feel terrible because of recent events in my life. I’m 27 and my sister is about to turn 20. We’re both affected by the behavior of our parents, but in very different ays. They are constantly yelling and they fight pretty aggressively.

I intervene and tell them that it’s not appropriate behavior and I become upset. My sister leaves the house telling me she wants to move away, that she can no longer handle the situation at the house and she wants to escape. If it weren’t for the fact that they pay for her schooling and her truck, she would have already left.

The worst part is that when she gets back, very late, she comes back drunk, putting herself in danger, either with an accident or by getting arrested. I’m afraid to tell my parents because the problem would just get worse and they may force her to leave the house. What do I do?

— Scared For My Sister

Dear Scared For My Sister:

Often parents who live in their own selfish worlds don’t realize that they’re affecting their children to such a great extent. You as an older sister cannot do anything about your parents, just tell them to not involve you and your sister in their fights. But with your younger sister you must be very clear and explain to her the consequences of her behavior could be grave, especially because in this country you’re not allowed to drink until you’re 21.

What’s more, she needs to realize that alcohol is not an escape, but rather it’s a trap door that will result in more problems. Why don’t you seek help from Alcoholics Anonymous? Why doesn’t she talk to a counselor? What does she need to take care of herself?

Parents can be dysfunctional, but nothing justifies that she choose to be as well.

[Photo By Dan4th]

By Alejandra Garza de Gutierrez

A little over two weeks ago, two very drunk, very belligerent women made national news here in Mexico. Out for a Saturday night on the town, these two individuals were stopped by Mexico City police. What resulted taught us a lot about the way this society treats police officers.

The two women are now infamously known as “Las Ladies de Polanco,” named after the tony part of town where they were stopped. The area is popular among Mexico City’s well-to-do and full of expensive apartments, restaurants, bars and nightlife. It’s also still one of of the safest areas of town, thanks in great part to intense police supervision in the area.

On the night of August 21, the women were stopped by police. The women, enraged at being pulled over proceed to belittle and then physically attack the police officers that surround the vehicle. In the end, the women got their way and left the scene of the incident without nary a traffic citation. Unfortunately for these women, a bystander was quick to start filming the scene. The video was posted on YouTube, where it spread like wildfire. A few nights later, the video made its way to the national news show hosted by Joaquin Lopez Doriga, Mexico’s version of Peter Jennings.

You have to see it to believe it. Here’s a link to the video, but be warned there’s some very vulgar language in Spanish:

After the broadcast, people demanded to know why the police did nothing. And then the hunt was on to find “Las Ladies de Polanco.” Of course, in this age of social media, the “ladies” had nowhere to hide. They were quickly identified as two D-list wannabe celebrities — a 2004 winner of the Miss Puebla state beauty pageant and a former reality show cast member. Their excuse? One of their purses was stolen and the police didn’t respond to the call shortly before being pulled over.

What is inexplicable is the reaction of the officers who stand there and after failing to calm the women, just stand there and take the abuse. Did the fact that they were being filmed affect their reaction? Did they decide it wasn’t worth the trouble since the women would find a way to beat the charges in the legal system? Were they concerned about being accused of abuse of power? Interestingly, Mexico City’s watchdog Commission of Human Rights publicly announced their support for the police officers and said that the women should have been arrested. When these guys side with the police department, you know the ladies did something very wrong.

As unfortunate as this incident is, it’s not that shocking. In a country where there is great social and economic disparity, there is a sense of entitlement among some members of society. Mexico is the land of “la mordida” — a term used to describe bribing officials when you want to get out of a scrape. Almost everyone I know in Mexico City has at one time or another paid a small bribe to get out of a traffic ticket.

One of the most striking details in the video is the way the women proceed to insult the officers about their wages — calling them “asalariados” or salaried workers. What’s implied is that those salaries are very low. The women obviously enjoy a higher economic standard of living than the officers, as evidenced by the late model Jeep they’re driving and the flashy clothing they’re wearing — which appears to make them feel entitled to berate the officers. This disparaging attitude is something the Mexican government is working hard to combat. In June of this year, President Felipe Calderón announced a new program providing scholarships for the children of federal police officers and members of the military. President Calderon also announced a new holiday, June 2, to honor police officers.

I think it’s a step in the right direction.

In the United States, we’re taught to respect, fear and obey police officers whether they’re NYPD or the night shift police officer in Bunker Hill Village, Texas ( it’s a long story, Mom). When those lights flash behind you, you pull over, get out your paperwork and pray. That’s what I believe is the most basic example of a just, safe and orderly society — a basic respect for the rule of law and those who enforce it.

And maybe it’s because I have that background that when I do run into a Mexican police officer or member of the military, I thank them for their service. Especially during this challenging chapter in Mexico’s history. My husband thinks it’s corny of me. I think saying, “Thank you and stay safe” is the least we can do. I recognize that are corrupt Mexican police officers but I believe that the majority are hardworking men and women. Just like I believe that most Mexicans, not including “Las Ladies de Polanco”  are good, decent people.

And by the way, the “ladies” will have their day in court after all.  The reality show contestant, Azalia Ojeda, was picked up by police at her home and taken to the authorities offer her testimony. And on Tuesday, the former Miss Puebla, Maria Vanessa Polo Cajica, turned herself in to the authorities, accompanied by a team of lawyers. She paid a fine of 1,745 pesos to stay out of jail. Both are scheduled to appear in court.

Alejandra Garza de Gutierrez is an American journalist and political activist living in Mexico City, Mexico, with her husband and daughter.

[Video By duni410]

We’ve all been there. You know, really you just want a drink, but for whatever reason (shame, guilt, vergüenza, pudor, etc.) you feel like you have to make up a logical argument about how it’s not a “want” but a “need.” It’s okay. We just thought we’d make this list for you for reference next time — please do let us know if we missed any!

1.) It’s Monday — Or Wednesday, Or Friday, Or…

Sometimes it’s just a day of the week where you feel the need to drink, it’s easy to justify it by saying, “Oh, it’s Monday, it’s going to be a long week.” Or, “Oh, it’s Wednesday, I’m halfway there.” Then there’s “Hey, it’s Friday, what else am I supposed to be doing?” You get the idea, I know you do.

2.) You’re Stressed Out.

Alcohol is a depressant, after all, so, logically, if you’re stressed out by your life, the most prudent thing to do is depress your nervous system rather than address your problems! It only makes sense!

 3.) So-And-So Is Giving You A Hard Time.

What’s their name? Your husband? Your wife? Your boss, co-worker, child? Whoever they are, the fact that they are making your life hard means you deserve a drink. Just putting up with them should be enough to give you a good life, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Drink away!

4.) It Was A Long Day.

Because you were at work all day, or at school, or you were at home, or you were sleeping — but still, the day was long. Sometimes long days make you thirsty…like today, for example.

5.) Your Sports Team Is Losing (Or Winning).

They may lose all the time, but that’s all the more reason to keep drinking, right? And if they win all the time, well, shoot, how can you not celebrate?!

6.) You’re An Alcoholic. 

It’s not your fault really, you come from a long line of alcoholics — it’s genetic — and you don’t want to die of alcohol withdrawal like Amy Winehouse, so it’s probably best to just keep drinking. For more information, see reasons 1 through 5.

[Photo By wstryder]

So Mexican-Americans are a rising subset of winemakers in California, according to a new report and the success of a newly formed organization, Napa Valley Mexican-American Vintners Association. Interesante, ¿no? The group’s mission according to their website is:

…to promote Napa Valley wines produced by Mexican-American vintners, to advocate quality standards for its members and to promote and support the contributions of Mexican-Americans in the wine industry.

Organizational programs will include exporting member wines to Mexico and the world, support for current and future members in all wine related areas and educational opportunities for the general public and students interested in a wine industry profession.

Check it out, a report from The Amateur Gastronomer noted that Latino winemakers are on the rise in the Napa Valley in California, and held a bautizo, or christening at the end of July to mark a new organization, the Napa Valley Mexican-American Vintners Association. According to The Amateur Gastronomer:

As our long time friend Rolando Herrera, President of NVMAVA and owner of Mi Sueno Winery, explained:

“From its inception we felt that we owe it to our community, our heritage, and most importantly, to our ancestors whose strong work ethic and sacrifices laid the foundation for our own success. Through our collective and united efforts we will strive to nurture and support future generations of Latino growers, vintners and executives.”

What’s more, Reach Hispanic published a list of Latino wineries in the Napa Valley:

▪ Alex Sotelo Cellars
▪ Ceja Vineyards
▪ Delgadillo Cellars
▪ Encanto Vineyards
▪ Maritas Vineyard
▪ Mi Sueño Winery
▪ Maldonado Vineyards
▪ Renteria Wines
▪ Rios Wine Company
▪ Robledo Family
▪ Voces Wine

This is all going on even as wine makers are increasingly seeking out Latino consumers to be wine drinkers. I guess Latino wine is no longer just limited to South America.

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD.

[Photo By TheCulinaryGeek]

By Melissa Pitts

While we’ve already brought you tamarind martinis, we can’t leave out tamarind margaritas this summer. This is a great twist on the traditional lime margarita and the chili rimmed glass completes the spicy-sweet punch. You can serve this frozen by adding all the ingredients in a blender with ice, or you can just serve on the rocks. Salud and happy Friday!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 ounces tequila, preferred Reposado
• 2 ounces Triple Sec- or any orange liqueur
• 1/2 cup tamarind juice
• Sparkling water (optional)
• Ice
• Tajin Fruit Seasoning–to rim the glasses
• 4 Lime wedge, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour Tajin onto a plate or shallow dish. With a lime wedge rub along the rim of a glass and dip glasses upside down rim the glasses.
2. Fill glasses with ice.
3. In a cocktail shaker with ice add the tequila, triple sec, tamarind juice, and lime juice.
4. Pour into the chili-rimmed glasses and top off with sparkling water, is using.

*If you want a frozen margarita- just put everything in the blender except the Tajin and puree.

Flaming Tortillas is dedicated to bringing the best of Latin cuisine, culture, and food news to your kitchen table. It features what’s in season right now,  favorite recipes from all over Latin America and fresh cultural Latin events around the country. Follow us on Twitter and get the latest news on Facebook.

So if you recall, we recently posted a michelada story, introducing this scrumptious Mexican concoction of beer and spices some call “a Bloody Mary with beer.” We received such a positive response from that story, and then a follow up about how lovely it is to enjoy a good michelada in a nice restaurant, I decided to stop being selfish and share the wonders of my personal recipe with you guys.

You’ll need:

• Beer of choice
• Ice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chile in liquid and powder form
• Limes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: Clamato

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD

[Video By News Taco; Photo By SheriW]

You may or may not have heard of this campaign yet, but for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, sponsor MillerCoors decided to run ads saying “Emborícuate.” Now, if you speak a little Spanish you know that to mean “become Puerto Rican,” but you would also know that it’s a play on “emborracharse” or “become drunk.” It’s not an overreaction to see that MillerCoors is equating being Puerto Rican with being drunk.

Some people are mad, notably Latin Rebels, who started an online petition to get the ads taken down before this year’s Puerto Rican Day Parade, on June 12 in New York. The ads are all over — at bus stops, in the subway, and elsewhere. WPIX.com had a little more on the controversy:

We then contacted Millers/Coors, an official sponsor of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, for their side and a spokesman responded with the following:

“We would never produce advertising in any neighborhood or community that suggests, encourages, or endorses getting drunk, which is against industry advertising practices and our own marketing compliance code. We have a strong track record of responsible advertising and marketing.  We have always produced ads that encourage our consumers to enjoy our products responsibly. This specific ad is about celebrating the Puerto Rican culture and becoming part of the Puerto Rican Day celebrations.”

This is the third year of Miller/Coors rolling out the “Emboricuate” campaign.  The marketing strategy is part of the rollout to hype the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.