Sunday, April 20, 2008
Don Omar weds Jackie Guerrido
The Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Reggaeton star Don Omar and TV weather forecaster Jackie Guerrido have reportedly tied the knot in their native Puerto Rico.

The U.S. territory's main daily, El Nuevo Dia, reports that the couple married in a lavish ceremony Saturday in the beachfront district of Isla Verde.

El Nuevo Dia says Omar and Guerrido hosted 300 guests at a reception at an upscale the hotel decorated with thousands of hydrangeas. The report was published Sunday.

Omar, one of reggaeton's biggest stars, is known for such hits as "Dale Don Dale" and "Pobre Diabla." Guerrido is the weather forecaster on Univision's morning news program, "Despierta America."
 

Friday, April 18, 2008
Contractors clear unexploded munitions at former Vieques bombing range
The Associated Press

VIEQUES, Puerto Rico: Observers winced as workers gave the signal Thursday to detonate a pile of old mortar shells and unexploded munitions on this former U.S. Navy bombing range that was once the focus of heated protest.

"Fire in the area!" came the shout as the first of four controlled blasts shook the ground, as the U.S. Navy began its cleanup project in Vieques, a tiny island of 9,000 residents, ringed by beaches and turquoise waters east of mainland Puerto Rico.

The 2,647 pounds (1,200 kilograms) of weaponry destroyed on Thursday is a fiery reminder of the Naval Training Range, which was hammered for decades with live rounds from warships and planes, and is now scattered with piles of mangled metal.

The Navy finally agreed to close the range in April 2003, after years of protests against the danger and din of the practice bombing. But thousands of unexploded munitions were left behind, lurking under tropical foliage.

Now, contract workers are methodically clearing the site, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The effort, begun in 2005, could take 10 years, and the Navy has set aside US$200 million (?126 million), officials said.

On Thursday, reporters were invited to watch the destruction.

Outrage over the range began in 1999, when a Marine jet dropped two bombs off target, killing a local security guard and drawing the ire of islanders and celebrities including singer Ricky Martin, actor Edward James Olmos and New York politician Al Sharpton.

The Navy closed the range four years later, handing it over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Islanders have since sought to make the area a tourist destination.

In the first two years of cleanup, some 4.7 million pounds (2.1 million kilograms) of scrap iron were recovered and melted down in large furnaces on the island, before being shipped to the U.S. mainland as scrap metal, said Chris Brown, a subcontractor with the environmental services firm of PIKA International, Inc.

Still, just 775 acres (314 hectares) of the 14,500-acre (5,800-hectare) training range have been cleared, said Christopher Penny, head of the Vieques Restoration Program. Two-thirds of the site remains closed to the public because it is still peppered with unexploded munitions.

Monday, April 14, 2008
Alleged militant faces bond hearing in 1983 Wells Fargo robbery
Posted Apr. 14, 2008 5:26 AM

Hartford (AP) -- A detention hearing is scheduled today for an alleged Puerto Rican militant who is accused of taking part in a robbery of a Wells Fargo armored car depot in West Hartford 25 years ago.

Avelino Gonzalez Claudio is scheduled to appear in federal court in Hartford at 2 p.m.

The 65-year-old Gonzalez is one of more than a dozen alleged members of a Puerto Rican nationalist group that federal authorities believe planned and carried out the $7 million heist. It's one of the largest robberies in U.S. history.

He has pleaded not guilty to robbery, conspiracy and other charges.

Gonzalez was arrested in February in Puerto Rico where authorities say he was living under an alias and working as a school teacher.

Friday, August 10, 2007
Crowned! 2007 Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Junior Puerto Rico

The 2007 Miss Puerto Rico, Diandra Entler, and 2007 Miss Junior Puerto Rico, Irys Perez, were officially crowned in a pageant held this past Sunday in Elgin. Criteria included a research project on a Puerto Rican town, public-speaking abilities, and cultural costume and evening gown competitions. The winners of Miss Puerto Rico received $3,000 and the winners of Miss Junior Puerto Rico received $1,000 in educational scholarships, respectively.

The competition is hosted by the Puerto Rican Heritage Organization (PRHO).

Entler, of Elgin, graduated from Larkin High School as a member of the National Honor Society. She will attend Elgin Community College this fall as a transfer student and then attend University of Illinois, Champaign. Her career goal is to be a child life specialist and work with terminally ill children and their families. Entler is one of the founding members and team captain of the Boogie-Down Salsa Steppers.

Perez, of Carpentersville, has been boxing at Hamlin Park District, Chicago, since her move from the city five years ago. Enrolled at Carpentersville Middle School, her goal is to be an actress, runway model or a professional dancer.

After 15 years as the Elgin Puerto Rican Parade Committee, PRHO was formed last year and in addition to the pageants, organizes BoriquaFest in Elgin and an annual Dignitary’s Dinner.

For more information about the pageant, contact David Lopez at 847-717-4800, dlopez@amfam.com; or Gilberto Feliciano at 847-931-6019, Feliciano_g@cityofelgin.org .
 

May 23, 2007
Puertorican Flutest Wins Presidential Scholarship
Hawaiian/Puerto Rican flutiest Enrique (Kalani) Trinidad, won the Presidential Scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, the announcement was made by scholarship director Mr. Damien Bracken. Kalani was selected for this honor out of a pool of more than 3700 applicants to this year starting in Fall class, involving an extensive international talent search via the World Scholarship Tour and both verbal and written recommendations and letters of support from music education and industry professionals. A final group of 20 candidates were reviewed, resulting in just five U.S. recipients and two international recipients. This honor will provide Kalani with an educational framework and the tools he will use in his professional career as a performer, composer, educator, producer, engineer, therapist, music business manager…whichever path he chooses.

Kalani will follow the footsteps of a long list of distinguished Berklee alumni who seized the opportunity that Berklee provided. Presidential Scholars represent the most talented individuals among all young musicians graduating from high school each year. Enrique will received full tuition and room and board, which is renewable over four years of study. To receive this honor, candidates must exhibit outstanding musical merit determined through a live audition to enter the pool.

The 19 year old flutiest, winner of the National Flute Association Jazz Masterclass 2007, winner of Yamaha Young Performing Artist 2005, winner in 2 occasions of the Outstanding Musicianship Award from the University of Berklee College of Music in Boston 2002 and 2003, son of Hawaiian native Candie Silva and Puerto Rican pianist Richard Trinidad. Kalani has captivated jazz followers of the island of Puerto Rico with his remarkable flute performance, Kalani a flutest composer has shared his talent with well known
Jazz musicians like Mario Rivera, Justo Almario, Nestor Torres, Dave Valentin, Humberto Ramirez, Julito Alavado just to name a few.

With a warm smile and low voice, Kalani has a lot to offer, “Travel the whole world and share my talent with great jazz players is my dream”, the young flutiest was born in Dallas, Texas in November 27,1987 and moved to Puerto Rico when he was only 4-years-old, by listening to his father pianist Richard Trinidad and the music of Chick Corea and compositions of Brazilian singer composer Carlos Jobin, Kalani was interested in learning music starting flute lessons, soon his talent was discovered. “Music is like painting, pick the right colors and with a nice combination you end up with a good paint”. Kalani has his own quartet and he composes his own music because he believes that’s the only way you share your real feelings. Kalani is preparing to start recording his first album made with his own compositions and arrangements.

The Government of Puerto Rico awarded Kalani with a recognition for his achievements in music in such of young age. “He is a very mature young man with very defined goals and the discipline necessary to make all his dreams come true” Oscar Cartaya, Jennifer Lopez bass player. “I believe that Kalani will continue to grow as a musician and will become a great ambassador to music” Frankie Perez, Yamaha Performing Artist. “His commitment and focus on his instrument and a musical career are absolute, and Kalani has the potential to achieve the highest level of success as an all around artist musician” Nestor Torres, professional flute player. “Music is my passion, my best friend at all times, music is always in my thoughts and represent my feelings the best way possible, and that is why I am a musician and I always will be”.
Enrique K. Trinidad
 

San Juan, Puerto Rico - Monday, April 9, 2007
Gaspar Roca, a journalist who founded the Puerto Rican daily El Vocero and directed it for over thirty years, has died he was 80.
Mr. Roca died of respiratory failure Sunday at his home in San Juan. Mr. Roca founded El Vocero in 1974 and worked as its editor until his death. The newspaper is considered one of the major dailies in the U.S. territory, with a circulation of 132,000.

Oscar Serrano, president of the Puerto Rico Journalists Association, has credited Mr. Roca with improving press freedom on the island by pushing several court challenges including a 1980s case in which the U.S. Supreme Court opened preliminary criminal hearings in Puerto Rico to the public.

Monday, November 20, 2006
THE LATEST HOLIDAY SCAM: Don't let this happen to you.
Holiday shopping is here. So please be careful and send this page to every female you know with love for their safety!!!!!

The way the scam works is, a man slips into the women's rest-room and sneaks into a stall. He waits until there is only one woman in the restroom in a neighboring stall. The criminal then stands on the toilet and points a hand gun into the next stall, demanding the woman's valuables. After getting her cash and jewelry, he demands that she remove all of her clothing and kick them out of the stall. The thief tosses the clothing into a shopping bag, hangs an "Out of Order" sign on the restroom door, and slips back into the mall. The "Out of Order" sign ensures no one will soon come to the woman's rescue.

It usually takes an hour or two for the woman to work up the nerve to leave the restroom in the nude, giving the criminal ample time to make his getaway. The woman is left naked and humiliated in a mall full of strangers. The best defense, says police, is to never go into a shopping mall restroom alone, as only women who are by themselves are targeted. This has so far been a nearly perfect crime, as none of the perpetrators have been caught.

Thursday October 5, 2006
Puerto Rico Exclusive Manufacturer of Optical Media for Microsoft in the Americas

Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company announces $66 million investment by Microsoft in new Humacao plant creating 180 jobs

HUMACAO, Puerto Rico  -- Microsoft Corporation, the global leader in Internet software, services and technologies, inaugurated today its new plant in Humacao, investing over $66 million in construction and equipment and more than 31,000 hours in training for its 180 employees.

The new plant in Humacao is the only Microsoft-owned optic media manufacturing facility worldwide and will produce 100 per cent of all the principal MS products for the Americas market, which includes both North and Latin America.

The announcement was made today by Governor Anibal Acevedo-Vila, Frank Holland, Vice President of Microsoft Operations in the Americas, and Rodolfo Acevedo, General Manager of Microsoft Puerto Rico. The expansion will make Puerto Rico central to Microsoft's operations in the Americas and strengthen the island's position within the global information technology industry.

"The exemplary and quick manner in which our employees have evolved to keep up with the fast-paced and constantly evolving nature of the software industry speaks very highly of the island's talented and capable workforce and gives us an added incentive to continue investing in the Puerto Rico market," Holland said.

The new facilities will create 94 new jobs in Humacao and enable Microsoft Puerto Rico to increase its production capacity threefold. Holland stated that the Humacao plant has the technology necessary for producing DVD-9, a new trend in software distribution, and is considering making Puerto Rico an integral component in Microsoft's future digital distribution chain as well.

Additionally, the plant will host a new operations center which will include forecasting and planning for Microsoft's Americas region and a quality management center.

"Microsoft's decision to locate all its optical media production operations on the island is a testament to Puerto Rico's competitiveness as a center for innovation and the power of our talented and capable workforce to attract new and significant investments from industry leaders worldwide," Boris Jaskille, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, stated.

Microsoft Corporation first established its presence in the island in 1990. In 2005, Microsoft generated 23,200 or 63 per cent of jobs in the IT sector and contributed approximately $10 million in investments and expenditures to the local economy.

For more information, please contact Milagros Rodriguez at (787) 620-1400 or (787) 525-8322.

Tuesday, August 21, 2006
Oldest man turns 115 in Puerto Rico
By FRANK GAUD, Associated Press Writer
ISABELA, Puerto Rico - The world‘s oldest man celebrated his 115th birthday Monday, offering advice on healthy living at a party where he was serenaded by a well-known Puerto Rican singer.

"I never damaged my body with liquor," said Mercado, who quit a 76-year smoking habit when he was 90.

"I never thought I would last so long," Mercado said.

"I feel happy," said the wheelchair-bound Mercado, who has difficulty hearing and has been blind for four years. He lives in the northwestern coastal town of Isabela with his niece Tomasita Ruiz — who is a sprightly 84 years old

Isabela Mayor Charlie Delgado said a home for the elderly would be named in honor of Mercado, whom he described as a man who "ate healthy, had no major vices and has put this island on the world stage."

Monday, June 12, 2006
A Call For Justice/A Call To Action
This letter was written by Ray Vega and I want you know how important is to me to pass it along to you.

God Bless Ray Vega and Hilton Ruiz & Family
From: Ray Vega

I went to the funeral home today to say goodbye to Hilton. As of this afternoon, the body of Hilton Ruiz has has not arrived in NYC due to the fact that the office of New Orleans medical examiner has not released the body.

Many members of the Jazz community were there to support the Ruiz family. Both Aida Ruiz (ex-wife) and Aidita Ruiz (daughter) were there. These woman are in dire need of our morale and spiritual support. They're both beyond exhausted as can only be expected.

As of today, nobody in the family has received any indication from the New Orleans coroners as to when the body will be released.

Here are some facts that I got from a key family member:
*There is a film showing Hilton running and collapsing.
*The original attorney hired by the family did indeed release an unauthorized press release claiming that the family accepted the findings of the NOPD.
*Last week, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez along with all of the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucas officially requested the office of Mayor Ray Nagin to open an investigation and for his office to report directly back to them.

My own personal view is that I do not trust The City of New Orleans to do the right thing.

What we need to do is contact the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and demand that they petition the The US Department of Justice to open an official investigation citing the civil rights violations which lead to the death of Hilton Ruiz.

You can contact the Congressional Hispanic Caucus at:
Office:
1609 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2410
Fax: (202) 225-0027

Here is the list of the members and their congressional districts. 109th Congress OFFICERS CHAIR Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-38)

1st VICE CHAIR: Joe Baca (CA-43)
2nd VICE CHAIR: Rael Grijalva (AZ-7)
WHIP: Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)
MEMBERSHIP: Xavier Becerra (CA-31)

Dennis Cardoza (CA-18)
Jim Costa (CA-20)
Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
Charles A. Gonzalez (TX-20)
Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-4)
Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15)
Robert Menendez (NJ-13)
Solomon Ortiz (TX-27)
Ed Pastor (AZ-4)
Silvestre Reyes (TX-16)
John Salazar (CO-3)
Linda T. S?nchez (CA-39)
Loretta Sanchez (CA-47)
Jose Serrano (NY-16)
Hilda Solis (CA-32)
Nydia Vel?zquez (NY-12)

Kudos to Congresswoman Velazquez and Congressman Jose Serrano for being on top of this from early on.

FOLKS- THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO SIT BACK AND STAY SILENT!         NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!
Peace and Blessings, Ray Vega
www.rayvegamusic.com

Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Hilton Ruiz Dies at 54 in New Orleans
By Carlos Jimenez
Hilton was young, only 54. I can't understand why Hilton has left us so early with just a fall on a curve.
Hilton was my teacher, friend and most of all one of the best Puerto Rican pianist I've ever worked with. I will miss him very much, and just like Ray Vega mentioned, Justice must be done.

My prayers and thoughts are with his family that loved him so. These folks need as much help as possible. The medical bills are astronomical. Contact Joel Chriss (Hilton's agent) to send the family support.
J. Chriss & Co.
300 Mercer St., Suite 3J
New York, NY 10003

Phone: (212) 353-0855
Fax: (212) 353-0094
email: info@jchriss.com

May God Bless you and Keep You All - Carlos Jimenez

Puerto Rican culture to have a new showcase
By Antonio Olivo
Tribune staff reporter
Published Tuesday,  May 23, 2006

Humboldt Park has long advertised its ethnic heritage with two Puerto Rican flags, 50-ton steel sculptures arching over Division Street.

Now, even as soaring rents and home prices threaten to push out its shrinking Puerto Rican community, the Northwest Side neighborhood is planning a 25,000-square-foot museum meant to further define it as the Puerto Rican capital of the Midwest.

The Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, which broke ground Monday, will be the only museum in the U.S. mainland dedicated exclusively to the Caribbean island's heritage, its officials said. Other Puerto Rican museums outside the island, such as El Museo del Barrio in New York City, have recently begun to include work from throughout Latin America.

"We are going to be the premier museum outside of Puerto Rico," said Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th) at a ceremony in front of the landmark Humboldt Park Stables, where $7 million in renovations will convert that Queen Anne-style building into the institute. "It is a national museum where people are going to come and visit from all over the country."

There are about 151,000 Puerto Ricans in the six-county Chicago area.

Expected to open in the fall of 2007, the museum is the latest in a series of developments that emphasize Humboldt Park's Puerto Rican identity.

Earlier this year, the Midwestern office of the Puerto Rican Federal Affairs Administration--the equivalent of a consulate for those newly arrived from the U.S. territory--moved onto Division Street from its former downtown headquarters.

On Tuesday, a formal dedication is scheduled for the newly built Teresa Roldan Paseo Boricua Apartments, a Division Street building of senior apartments whose architecture resembles that of Old San Juan.

Such changes are proof of how far the Humboldt Park area has progressed since the days when it was known as a place of poverty and government neglect, said U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who attended the groundbreaking.

During the 1980s, for instance, the Humboldt Park Stables site was used by the city as a garbage transfer station, he said.

"It's almost as if, 20 years ago, they were saying you don't deserve our respect," Gutierrez said. "Today, we're saying you must respect this place. Not only must you respect it, we'll show you the most beautiful parts of our community, the arts and the culture."

Jorge Felix, the museum's program director, said the institute will feature artists from Chicago, Puerto Rico and other parts of the country.

The building will include a theater, performance space, a central courtyard and two floors of exhibition space. Much of the work will be interactive, incorporating multimedia technology, he said.

Among the themes for a first exhibit: gentrification.

"This is an issue that is going to be hard to get away from," Felix said.

Chicago - Wednesday, April 12, 2006
IDOT, Tollway and State Police Warn Drivers to Prepare for Highway Construction Season

Under enhanced penalties passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich last year, first-time work zone speeders, including those caught on camera, will be hit with a fine of $375, with $125 of that sum going to pay off-duty State Troopers to provide added enforcement in construction or maintenance zones. Two-time offenders are subject to a $1,000 fine, including a $250 surcharge to hire Troopers, and the loss of their license for 90 days.

Starting in July, State Troopers will deploy specially equipped vans that can take photographs of drivers speeding in IDOT and Tollway construction and maintenance zones. Tickets will be issued by mail to vehicle owners.

In addition, drivers who hit a worker are subject for up to a $10,000 fine and 14 years in prison. 

Under the provisions of the Automated Traffic Control Systems in Highway Construction or Maintenance Zones Act of 2004, Illinois State Police were given the authority to use cameras to enforce work zone speed limits in cases where workers are present. It also requires that signs be posted when work zone speed limits are being enforced by camera. 

Photo enforcement vans will be equipped with cameras designed to record a clear image of the vehicle and driver, it’s speed, and registration plate. The registered owner will not be liable if someone else is driving the vehicle.

Photo speed enforcement will be taking place at various construction zones around the state, including on the Dan Ryan and Kingery projects and Tollway projects in the Chicago area as well as various downstate projects.

Chicago - Monday, April 10, 2006
Puerto Rico governor Anibal Acevedo Vila open offices in Chicago

The governor of Puerto Rico was in Chicago to celebrate the opening of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration's new Midwest region office and to show his support for Puerto Ricans in Illinois.

Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila was joined by Governor Rod Blagojevich, Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Alderman Billy Ocasio at the grand opening of the offices on Chicago's near northwest side.

The office relocated from downtown Chicago to Humboldt Park's "Paseo Boricua" to better serve the region's Puerto Rican community.  

Thursday, February 9, 2006
For Sale : Univision 
Univision may be putting a "For Sale" sign on themselves. The Spanish Language media company is considering putting themselves up for auction to the highest bidder. The company, worth about $10 billion, owns the No. 1 Spanish-language television network, radio broadcaster, Music Company and online operations. Univision is the broadcast home of Don Francisco's Sabado Gigante, the talk show of the Latina Oprah, Cristina, and of course novelas. But did you know that: 

The company is run by A. Jerrold Perenchio...who does not speak Spanish, [and] has also been a big contributor to President Bush and the Republican Party.
Think of that when you switch on your TV. 

Via / The New York Times

January 30, 2006
Venezuelan president calls for independence of Puerto Rico 

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Sunday called for the independence of Puerto Rico, adding that the United States is a terrorist state. 

On his weekly television and radio program, Chavez called on all of the Venezuelans to stand up and demand the independence of Puerto Rico. "Let us support the Puerto Rican people in their independence struggle," he said. 

"Long live an independent Puerto Rico, long live a free Puerto Rico," said Chavez. 

While listing a series of attacks perpetrated by the United States, the Venezuelan president said "Enough is enough. Down with the North American empire. We have to say, in the entire world, that this century we will bury the empire." 

Chavez spoke with his arms wrapped around shoulders of visiting American peace activist Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, and Elma Beatriz Rosado, the widow of slain Puerto Rican independence activist Filiberto Ojeda Rios. All three joined in condemning George W. Bush's government. 

Ojeda was killed by FBI agents during a September raid in the U.S. state of Connecticut. 

In his speech, Chavez also accused the U.S. of plotting to block his government's arm deals, saying Venezuela will obtain arms, planes and ships regardless of U.S. attempts of hindrance. 

Puerto Rico, an archipelago in the eastern Caribbean the U.S. seized from Spain in 1898, is associated to the U.S. but has some degree of political autonomy. 

Source: Xinhua 

Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez go to Puerto Rico for filming of "El Cantante"
Husband and wife pop stars Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez were due in Puerto Rico on Thursday to film scenes from their new movie - a biopic on the life of salsa legend Hector Lavoe.
Anthony and Lopez, who will co-star in "El Cantante," planned to shoot scenes in historic Old San Juan and in the southern Puerto Rican city of Ponce, said Blanca LaSalle, the film's publicist. They were scheduled to work on the island until February 2.
The singing and acting couple has already filmed scenes in New York.
"El Cantante," or "The Singer," is based on the life of Lavoe, who died in 1993 and is credited with helping to bring Puerto Rican salsa to the United States.
Monday, Jan. 16, 2006
U.S. basketball team will open world event vs. Puerto Rico 

The U.S. basketball team will face Puerto Rico at the World Championships in August, providing a chance to avenge its lopsided loss at the Athens Olympics. The opening game on August 19 in Sapporo, Japan, will be a rematch of a 92-73 loss to Puerto Rico at the 2004 Olympics. 
Monday, December 19, 2005
RICKY MARTIN will kick off the 8th Wonder Global Concert Series on February 25th at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Martin's performance will be the first of ten shows to benefit UNICEF's "Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS" program, YouthAids and the Ricky Martin Foundation. The following shows will roll out biannually over a five-year period, at venues such as Beijing's Forbidden City, the Parthenon in Greece, and the Great Pyramid in Cairo . . . 

Chicago - December 7, 2005, 4:42 p.m.
Where you can, can’t smoke

Beginning Jan. 16, you can't smoke in a movie theater lobby, in the hallway of an apartment building, while standing in line indoors – or in most every other public place in the City of Chicago.

That's the law under an ordinance approved today by the City Council. Individual violators are subject to fines up to $100; and businesses, up to $2,500 for repeat offenders.

The ordinance allows smoking in the privacy of one's home – though even here, there are exceptions – as well as in a tobacco store, an American Legion hall or a smoking-designated hotel room. Smoking also is allowed in freestanding taverns and restaurant bars, until July 2008.

Where will smoking be prohibited? 
Amusement arcades, bingo halls, aquariums, galleries, libraries, museums and convention centers. 
Movie theaters, live theaters and lecture, musical recital and other performance halls. 
Health care facilities, adult care facilities and nursing homes. 
Daycare centers, nursery schools, elementary and high schools, technical and specialty schools, and colleges and universities. 
Lobbies, hallways and other common areas in apartment buildings, condominiums and enclosed common areas in trailer parks. 
Polling places. 
Buses, trains, taxis and limousines and ticketing, boarding and waiting areas of public transit stations. 
Restrooms, lobbies, reception areas, hallways and other enclosed common-use areas. 
Public elevators and indoor service lines. 
Retail stores where merchandise is displayed and offered for sale, as well as grocery stores and shopping malls. 
Meeting rooms of any city or state agency. 
Sports arenas, gymnasiums and other recreational areas. 
Government vehicles used for city business. 
Within 15 feet of any entrance to an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.

Where will smoking be allowed? 
Private residences -- except when used as licensed child care, adult care, health care or home-based business of any kind open to the public. 
Hotel rooms; however, no more than 25 percent of a hotel's rooms can be designated smoking. 
Retail tobacco stores. 
Private clubs or lodges. 
Freestanding bars and taverns, until July 1, 2008.* 
Restaurant bars -- and only within 15 feet of the bar -- until July 1, 2008.*

* Bars, taverns and other public areas or workplaces that install air purification devices that ensure the same air quality inside as outside can seek an exemption from the smoking ban.

The ordinance defines a bar or tavern as a business that derives 65 percent or more of its gross proceeds from liquor sales. A restaurant is an establishment that derives less than 65 percent of its gross proceeds from liquor sales. A "restaurant bar area" is an area of a restaurant that is primarily devoted to the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Individual violators can be fined up to $100; and businesses, up to $100 for the first violation, up to $500 for the second violation within a year of the first, and up to $2,500 for each additional violation within a year of the first. A business with three or more violations also could see its business license suspended for 60 days or revoked.

Source: The Chicago Clean Indoor Air Ordinance of 2005. 

Thursday, November 10, 2005
50 CENT's new, semi-autobiographical movie, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," was pulled from a twenty-two-screen Loews multiplex in Homestead, Pennsylvania, just east of Pittsburgh, after a man was fatally shot Wednesday night. Loews Corp. opted to stop the film's run while the investigation into the melee is ongoing. Shelton Flowers, 30, had just viewed the rapper's film when he got into a fight with three men in the bathroom. The fight then continued into the concessions area, where Flowers was shot. No suspects have been arrested, and authorities are currently looking for witnesses. Source: Rolling Stone Magazine

Thursday, November 10, 2005
SNOOP DOGG and Houston rapper PAUL WALL appear on DADDY 
YANKEE's CD/DVD, "Barrio Fino En Directo," featuring live performances and exclusive interviews with the King of Reggaeton, on December 13th. The sixteen-track disc will feature the smash hit "Gasolina" along with five new songs, including Snoop on "Gangsta Zone" and "Machete" with Wall.
Source: Rolling Stone Magazine

Wednesday, August 24, 2005
World's oldest man celebrates 114th birthday in Puerto Rico 
ISABELA, Puerto Rico (AP) - The oldest man in the world celebrated his 114th birthday Wednesday, eating cake with dozens of family and friends and smiling as a famous Puerto Rican performer sang to him.

Emiliano Mercado del Toro, who was born when Puerto Rico was part of the Spanish empire, also received birthday letters from U.S. President George W. Bush and Puerto Rico Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila.

About 100 people, including politicians, veterans, neighbors and relatives, joined Mercado del Toro for the celebration in a plaza in the northwestern coastal town of Isabella, where he lives with a niece.

The party took place three days after his birthday. He was born Aug. 21, 1891 in the southwestern town of Cabo Rojo, seven years before the United States seized Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American war.

Mercado del Toro was declared the oldest man in the world by the Guinness Book of World in January, replacing an American man who died in his sleep at 113.

Mercado attributed his long life to plenty of dancing as a young man and eating "funche," a traditional Puerto Rican dish of cornmeal and cod.

"I feel good and I hope to last a bit longer," he said.

Mercado, who uses a wheelchair and has been blind for three years, arrived at the plaza in a horse-drawn carriage. He grinned as Iris Chacon, a singer famous on the Caribbean island, held his hand and crooned the Mexican birthday song "Las Mananitas."

Mercado was recruited into the U.S. army in 1918, during the last months of World War I. He was still in training when the war ended in November of that year.

Mercado was born the same year as Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, writer Henry Miller and Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo. That year, Thomas Edison patented the radio and an earthquake killed 25,000 people in Japan.

Guinness had recognized another Puerto Rican as being the world's oldest person. Ramona Trinidad Iglesias Jordan died May 29, 2004, after a bout with pneumonia. She was 114. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2005
By Sally Gonzalez
White Sox Wins Championship Humboldt Park Modesto Jr. Baseball League. You might be aware that several little league baseball teams play at Humboldt Park during the summer months. You’ve probably driven past the baseball diamonds at Humboldt Park and smiled at seeing these young Boricua athletes training and learning the fundamentals. 

On August 5, the Humboldt Park Modesto Jr. Baseball League’s White Sox (ages 7 -8) won the Humboldt Park Championship beating the Cardinals and ending the baseball season. 

Coaches: Franky Gonzalez and Neftali "Buzzo"
Top Row: Diego, Rafael, Franky Jr, Marcelo, Noel
Bottom row: Ricardo, Adrian, Benjamin, Anthony, Xavier "Xman"
Not pictured: Michael, Albert, Christian, Manuel

Winning the championship is the fruition of many months of hard work and tenacity. This young team of 15 Latino players, ranging from 7 – 9 years old, won not just the championship, but the realization that with training and hard work, they too could become future Major Leaguers. Only losing two games this season, the White Sox, under the direction of their volunteer coach, Franky Gonzalez, began practicing for the season in January. Throughout the winter months these determined youngsters and their dedicated parent would be seen bundled up in their winter gear carrying their baseball gear to any available gym their coach could find. Their hard work, talent, and skills have paid off. 

Their achievement proved that hard work and team effort could bring the All-American dream to Humboldt Park. Congratulations to the White Sox Junior League.

In Case of Emergency (ICE)
Paramedics will turn to a victim's cell phone for clues to that person's identity. You can make their job much easier with a simple idea that they are trying to get everyone to adopt: ICE.

ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. If you add an entry in the contacts list in your cell phone under ICE, with the name and phone no. of the person that the emergency services should call on your behalf, you can save them a lot of time and have your loved ones contacted quickly. It only 
takes a few moments of your time to do.

Paramedics know what ICE means and they look for it immediately. ICE your cell phone NOW!

Saturday, July 23, 2005 by webmaster@stelladiaz.com
Stella Diaz was awarded the Paoli Award 2005 Orlando edition for model of the year. 

It was presented to her in a gala ceremony at the Wyndham hotel in the Disney resort, Orlando Florida. Stella's beautiful smile, poise and elegance won the hearts of all those present at the ceremony. She was photographed and interviewed by local Hispanic newspapers and TV media. Stella continues to thrill and impress all who know her and can appreciate her dedication and work for the last 5 years in this world of beauty and fashion.

Congratulations Stella Diaz for an award well deserved!!


Paoli awards website: www.premiospaoli.com
Stella’s gown was made by Puerto Rican fashion designer, Elizabeth Navarro www.elizabethmnavarro.com
Stella's website: www.stelladiaz.com

Most Stolen Vehicles 
1999 Acura Integra Tops Most Stolen Vehicle List 
2004 Most Stolen Vehicle List Points to Thieves’ Needs for Speed

CHICAGO, July 19, 2005 - According to CCC Information Services Inc.’s 2004 most stolen vehicle report, one of every 200 registered 1999 Acura Integra’s was stolen last year, making it 2004’s most stolen vehicle. The 2002 BMW M Roadster and the 1998 Acura Integra ranked as the second and third most stolen vehicles respectively. 

A technology provider to the automotive claims and collision repair industry, CCC processes more than 1 million automotive claims-related transactions each day, resulting in an extensive database of vehicle information. The company identifies the most-stolen vehicles by analyzing total loss claims it receives from more than 350 property and casualty insurers in North America. CCC then compares its stolen-vehicle data against vehicle registration volume information provided by R. L. Polk & Co. to determine the rate of theft as a percentage of registered vehicles. The vehicle with the highest theft percentage is deemed the year’s most stolen vehicle.

“We cannot determine with absolute certainty the reason why thieves steal some vehicles over others, but we see trends in the data that provide interesting insight,” said Carole Comstock, CCC’s vice president of marketing and product management. “For instance, our data suggests some cars are stolen for the value of their parts, which may explain why we often see a ‘clustering’ effect with same make and model vehicles from sequential model years. The data also points to a high proportion of stolen cars that are built for speed such as the BMW M Roadster, Audi S4 and Mercury Marauder, which all appear on the top 25 most stolen vehicles list in 2004.”

‘Clustering’ most frequently occurs with upper midsize cars, such as the Acura Integra and Honda Accord. The 2004 most stolen vehicle list provides an example of this phenomenon. Acura Integras with consecutive model years (1994-2001) account for eight of the top 25 spots. “Some manufacturers retain the same part-type from model year to model year, so a part from a 1995 model may fit a car manufactured three years later,” added Comstock. 

As for thieves’ ‘need for speed’, said Comstock, “There is a growing interest in street car racing and participants seem to gravitate toward the Acura Integra as their vehicle of choice. Other vehicles, including the Mercury Marauder and BMW M Roadster, while not likely to be used in street car racing, have been manufactured with speed in mind.” 

Other trends observed in 2004 demonstrate the correlation between consumer preferences and increasing gas prices with vehicle thefts. The growing number of thefts of the Fullsize Utility vehicle segment, including the Cadillac Escalade and Land Rover, is consistent with the rise in popularity of these vehicles. Additionally, The Heavy Duty Station Wagon vehicle segment, which includes those vehicles known for their gas guzzling, has dropped off of the top 10 most stolen vehicle segments list, and the more efficiently fueled Basic Economy vehicle segment has moved up that list. 

Information on Make, Age and Segment of vehicle
· Vehicles made in 1997 were the most susceptible to theft, followed by model years 1996, 1999, 1995 and 1998.
· The high number of stolen Integras made Acura the most stolen make of 2004, followed by Hummer, Land Rover, Daewoo and Honda. 
· The top three vehicle segments with the highest rate of theft for 2004 were the Fullsize Utility (e.g., Cadillac Escalade), Upper Midsize (e.g. Acura Integra) and the Prestige Luxury (e.g. Bentley Continental and Mercedes Benz). 

The most stolen vehicle report is based on total losses identified as stolen and not recovered. CCC does not include temporary auto-related thefts such as “joy-rides” or the theft of car items such as stereos. 
Vehicles from model year 2005 were not included on this report. 

Most Stolen Vehicles of 2004
Source: CCC Information Services Inc.
1. 1999 Acura Integra
2. 2002 BMW M Roadster
3. 1998 Acura Integra
4. 1991 GMC V2500
5. 2002 Audi S4
6. 1996 Acura Integra
7. 1995 Acura Integra
8. 2004 Mercury Marauder
9. 1997 Acura Integra
10. 1992 Mercedes-Benz 600
11. 2001 Acura Integra
12. 1989 Chevrolet R25
13. 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood
14. 1994 Acura Integra
15. 1996 Lexus GS
16. 2000 Acura Integra
17. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL
18. 1996 Lexus SC
19. 2004 Cadillac Escalade
20. 1996 BMW 750
21. 1998 Land Rover Range
22. 1994 Audi Cabriolet
23. 2001 BMW M Roadster
24. 2003 Cadillac Escalade
25. 2000 Honda Civic

May 5, 2005
Eat Chinese Food, Win Lottery
New York - 110 Lottery players who played the multi-state PowerBall game on March 30 - WON! PowerBall lottery officials suspected fraud when the 110 players got five of the six numbers, which made them second prize winners. Considering the number of tickets sold there should have been only about 4 or 5 winners. The 1 in 3 million combination came from of all things, fortune cookies. 

Lottery officials began panicking when they figured out that each of the 110 winners will be paid between $100,000 to $500,000, meaning that about $19 million would be paid out. The unexpected second place winners just about exhausted the $25 million reserve held for unusual situations.

As the second place winners came in to claim their prizes, the same stories were repeated over and over "it was a fortune cookie" After visiting dozens of Chinese restaurants and buffets Investigators contacted the distributors of the cookies and learned that many different brands of fortune cookies came from the same Long Island City factory which is owned by Wonton foods and puts out about 4 million cookies a day of which thousands go out with the same number combination.

November 1, 2004
Pro-statehood ex-Puerto Rican gov holds lead 

BY IAN JAMES 
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Former Gov. Pedro Rossello and his campaign to make Puerto Rico the 51st U.S. state appear set to make a comeback in Tuesday's election despite corruption scandals that kept him out of the last election.

Polls show him with a narrow lead in the governor's race over Anibal Acevedo Vila, the island's nonvoting delegate to Congress.

Rossello promises to clear the way for yet another vote on statehood for the Caribbean island -- an option narrowly defeated in referendums he oversaw in 1993 and 1998.

Acevedo Vila, who favors keeping the island a U.S. commonwealth, says he is determined to prevent the ''rampant corruption'' and ''arrogance'' that he says reigned under Rossello from 1993 through 2000.

Debate over U.S.-Puerto Rican relations has long defined party politics here, but many voters say this race may also come down to which candidate voters feel they can trust.

Miriam Cuevas, a 32-year-old economist backing Acevedo Vila, said she is baffled how people can support Rossello after seeing his high-ranking officials charged with corruption.

''The idea that he didn't see and didn't know doesn't convince me,'' she said. ''What Rossello represents is immorality and lack of dignity.''

Those prosecuted included ex-Education Secretary Victor Fajardo, now serving a 12-year prison sentence for a $4 million fraud scheme, and top aide Maria de los Angeles Rivera, facing trial on bribery charges.

Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898. The island's 4 million people are U.S. citizens. They may be drafted into the military but cannot vote in presidential elections and have no vote in Congress. AP 

Monday, June 7, 2004
Will the third time be the charm for J. Lo or a strike out?
Jennifer Lopez gets married for the third time last Saturday (June 5, 2004) with none other than Marc Anthony at her home in Los Angeles Saturday in front of about 40 guests.

After just 18 months the “Bennifer” romance ends, and barely five months after breaking her much-publicized engagement to actor Ben Affleck, it is now the "Marcifer" marriage to Marc Anthony. 

For Lopez, 34, the marriage would make her third — the first was to waiter Ojani Noa in 1997, the second to dancer Cris Judd in 2001. Noa lasted a little over a year; Judd lasted for nine months.

J.Lo also dated Sean “P. Diddy” Combs back when he was still “Puffy” for two years before the couple broke up in February 2001.

Anthony, just divorced the former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres last week in the Dominican Republic. They were married in 2000, have two young sons, and he has a daughter from a previous relationship.

J.Lo and Marc originally met and began dating after Lopez appeared in one of his music videos in the late 1990s.

Tuesday, June 1, 2004 
114 year old Puerto Rican woman dies 
Ramona Trinidad Iglesias, 114, just three months from turning 115, Mrs. Iglesias, born on either Aug. 31 or Sept. 1, 1889 in Utuado, Puerto Rico has died after a bout with pneumonia. Mrs. Iglesias was 9 years old when the United States seized Puerto Rico at the end of Spanish rule in 1898. 

Although in April, 2004 at 114 years old she was the oldest person alive and held the current Guinness World record on longevity, she was not the oldest person ever to live. Jeanne Louise Calment was born in Arles, France on Feb. 21, 1875, and died Aug. 4, 1997, at the age of 122 -- making her the oldest person to ever live. 

April 7, 2004 - Atlantic City, N.J.
Jennifer López's mother wins $2.4 million
Actress / Singer Jennifer López's mom Guadalupe López is now $2.4 million dollars richer, thanks to a $3.00 bet placed on one of the slots in the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City. Guadalupe (58), a retired teacher who frequents the Borgata casino was playing one of the Wheel of Fortune machines when she hit for $2,421,291.76 last Saturday evening (04/03/04). Hola, Tia

March 29, 2004 - Chicago, Humboldt Park
Residents of Humboldt Park are learning new technology and Computer skills at the new Community Technology Center. The new center provides residents of  Humboldt Park with a place to access the Internet, get new job training and social service programs that will provide new opportunities. The new center is located at 2610 W. North Ave.  For more information call: (773) 862-1892