Spanglish Chick

I can picture her out on the streets…alone…with her paint. It’s better that way sometimes….no one to bother or distract. This native Eastsider has talent that just won’t quit as she mixes it up and freely speaks her mind. Her voluptuous, strong doll-like characters, Sand Chikz can be found anywhere this graffiti artist Sand One wants to paint. This nineteen year old hustler comes from the laid back barrios of  Los Angeles—east that is. And has had time to run through the streets of Miami and Puerto Rico – creating her unique masterpieces, but this is only the beginning.
What is your real name? Maria de la Concha Chaves
What is your hometown? East Los Angeles, California

Age? 19 [she stands to have many opportunities in front of her...how awesome]

Did you go through art training or are you self taught? Street taught

Where can the public purchase your merchandise/art? City West Boutique or the Garage
What was your inspiration to do what you do? The freedom of making anything…a piece of canvas, a wall or even a truck…anything can be a surface to paint on.
What is your favorite childhood memory? My mother adding chunks of mascara to her eyelashes and me telling her it looked like spider legs now I exaggerate my eyelashes and I paint huge overlapping lashes on my cartoons

How do you describe your artwork? Ghetto hardcore, Sand Chikz, ‘Anything you can do I can do better, or ‘It’s a man’s world and I’m in it!’
Can people find you on the net? Where? sandoner.com

Where do you see yourself going in the future with your artwork? I hope I get financial stability but I m not sure what awaits…I’m not sure what I’m doing tomorrow.

How did you get the name “Sand”? I just liked it. It’s smooth…it’s me, now when you hear Sand, Sand is me.
Is it any different being a female artist verses a male artist? It is scarce… there are not many females. It is only a few.
What is your personal history? I was born in East Los Angeles…I love pupusas and I paint Sand Chikz all day. I don’t smoke, drink, or party… I just paint and I love Thai food! Pad that shrimp!! And I enjoy being a loaner.

What is your favorite type of music? Jose Jose/ Emmanuel/Sublime /Ana Gabriel/Gangstarr/Biggie/Ghetto Boyz/Mos Def/the Grouch [can anyone really pick one?]
Any suggestions for future artists? Just paint but don’t call it abstract because you can’t paint…look at other art and follow the art you feel is right. Don’t listen to people, because at the beginning, they will always doubt of your success until proven wrong.

What are your favorite surfaces to paint on? Walls, trucks, smooth dumpsters, leather purses, U-hauls, metal abandoned buildings … [I think the list goes on]

What is your life motto? ‘Go big or go home’ along with ‘Get it while the game is big!’

Definitely check online www.sandoner.com though if you find yourself in East LA then take a look around the Sand Chikz can’t be missed.

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Finally, two weeks later, I am able to summarize a recap of the “LLow Down” showcase and benefit for Girls Rock Camp Austin, I was proudly a part of, presented by Ladies Lotto and Lola Ink at this year’s SXSW conference in Austin, Texas.

Although I now live in New York City, by way of Chicago, Texas is the closest place to home for me since I lived there for more than ten years. I resided in Houston but traveled to Austin any chance I could get. I love Austin. Austin can be charming anytime of the year, but if you’ve never been there during the SXSW music festival, which takes place every year in March, it’s hard to explain just how astounding it is to see the streets, of a rather small city, bustling with musicians, press, fans, agents and artists alike and to hear bands playing simultaneously every few steps.

When Ladies Lotto (LL) an international lifestyle and networking community aimed at developing the professional and personal success of independent women, decided to start an Austin chapter, LL members, Catherine Wentworth (DJ Cat NYC) and Lorraine Lamont (Lola Ink) approached Ladies Lotto founder, Natalie Blacker, in launching the Austin chapter during SXSW. Soon after, the event planning process quickly accelerated, with the successful outreach that lies within the LL community. A networking mixer with women from coast to coast (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and more) assembled for the LL networking mixer at Parkside with hosts Sarah Cirkiel, Lorraine Lamont and Ruby Veridiano before heading to the “LLow Down” event at The Music Gym.

As early as 8 p.m. The Music Gym was filled with energetic talent from all over the country. The showcase included host, Ruby Veridiano, who presented on the outside stage, a plethora of talented rock and pop bands, an inside booth dedicated to a lineup of amazing DJs spinnin’ everything from electro, pop, rock ‘n roll, techno and house music, an inside and outdoor bar, and a side room used by KarmaLoop TV (www.karmalooptv.com) for interviewing all the talent. LL member, KK Graham, covered a particularly charming interview with The Beatards. There was no inactive corner at The Music Gym on the night of March 18.

Some highlights of the night included the bands Frank and Derol (Big Picture Media), the adorable duo from Los Angeles, composed of Brandi Cyrus (yes, she is the older sister of Miley and daughter of Billy Ray) and Codi Caraco, who made their first ever appearance at SXSW this year; The Colourist (Big Picture Media); The New Collisions (Big Picture Media); Patches (Girls Rock Camp); Mussels (Woxy); The Beatards (Mixtape Riot); and Miz Metro. After several bands rocked the stage, the mood slightly shifted around 11 p.m. when The Beatards, the New York hip-hop trio from Brooklyn, shook up the crowd with extreme freestyle lyrical rawness. The Beatards were joined onstage by an impromptu beatbox performance by Chris Sullivan a.k.a. Shockwave followed by a soulful performance by New York’s very own, Miz Metro (Laura O’Reilly) who also graced the event filming and interviewing people for Miz Metro TV.

Inside, the dance floor was filled with revelers shaking to the beats of the DJs, Automatic Panic (Citrusonic), DJ Cat NYC (Citrusonic), Ceeplus Bad Knives and Fredster of Houston, Texas, Skrillex (Ultra Records), DMNDAYS (Bloodcompany), Johan (Lose Control) and DJ John Bourke of Trash Yourself (Dance Robots Dance) who played a notably rockin’ set.

“The showcase was a true collaboration amongst peers, bringing the most amazing women together to create an event that highlighted individual work as well as help raise money for a great cause,” said Natalie Blacker, founder of Ladies Lotto.

All in all, the “LLow Down” showcase and benefit for Girls Rock Camp Austin turned out to be a beautiful night of music goodness and a perfect launch for Ladies Lotto Austin. For more info on Ladies Lotto check out http://ladieslotto.com.

Spanglish Chick contributor Susan Justus is a quirky mix of Filipino, Cherokee and Caucasian blood. She was born in the States and has lived all over the U.S. She works full-time in the legal profession and as a freelance writer and, at times, a mentor. Her daily vices include coffee and comics. Susan is the founder of JustusPR and currently resides in New York City.

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My editor, Tamara and I woke up to the chilly weather…No surprise, right? Wrong. What happened to our Spring? Well, we decided to take a break..I mean, come on, we have been going non-stop since we got here. We checked in Thursday and then headed for the showcases. We made Ozomatli’s concert at Auditorium Shores which was awesome….not only were they great but somehow the concert grounds were almost spotless. Wow I was impressed. Then we ended our night with Ladies Lotto & Lola Ink presenting “Low Down”- an unofficial SXSW showcase (we’ll have more details on them later).
Friday afternoon, at Cafe Mundi, we were entertained by Bo-Peep, Girl in a Coma,

plus a few others. Alot of us are on a budget so the Austin venues are having free concerts to keep people entertained. Smart move….but I don’t mind paying for someone I really want to see. We paid to see the Japan Nite Showcase at Elysium, watching JinnyOops! along with another talented band from Japan then it was off to other venues. We stopped in to Buffalo Billards…Margaret Cho was gonna be there…well I am not a fan. Hehe…now I remember why…oh well. Next Club Vice, the editor knows one of the showcasers, DJ Cat. She was spinning some excellent music…I mean it had everyone on the floor, moving…hehe…you should have seen their moves. Next year someone should have a free dance workshop….Anyone??
Tonight they host the SXSW Music Awards…plus a million different bands in many different venues. The options are endless….what will we choose?
P.S.Don’t worry Tamara got some great shots and we will have them up soon.

UPDATE: Check out our Flickr feed at the bottom of the front page. SXSW pics are up!

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St. Patrick’s Day is coming up.  The one day of the year when everyone is Irish, and they celebrate by drinking copious amounts of green beer, Guinness, and Irish whiskey (not to be confused with Scottish whiskey). Some people turn into giggly, happy drunks.  Some turn into angry drunks.  And there are always some who turn into hit-on-everything-in-sight drunks.

• Along with doing your hair and nails, and making sure that you’re wearing something green, getting prepared for an onslaught of drunk men coming on to you is standard party prep for St. Patrick’s Day.  I asked a few women to share their stories of getting hit on by drunken men, and they provided some serious gems. Some are funny, some are witty, and some are beyond cringe-worthy. 
• My good friend bumped into a semi-acquaintance at a bar on St. Patrick’s Day a few years ago.  Instead of saying hello, he grabbed her around the waist and kissed her passionately.  I guess it was okay, though.  They got married last Saturday. – Trina
  
• I went to Dublin, Ireland for St. Patty’s Day last year. A group of drunken Irishmen approached my friends and I and started talking to us.  I couldn’t understand what the hell they were saying, so I responded with “Sorry, I speak English.” As I was saying this, I immediately thought, “Oh, my God, they ARE speaking English!  I’m a fool!” It was so embarrassing.  But to be fair, a drunken Irish brogue is extremely hard to follow, especially when you’re also drunk. – Ruth
  
• Two guys were hitting on my best friend and I.  The one talking to my friend said, “I’m in the army, you know.  I’m a Ranger.  I’ve killed four people.”  He misinterpreted her look of amusement/disgust for worry, so he quickly added, “No, no, it’s okay.  I sent cards to the families.”  Meanwhile his friend was looking at me and shaking his head in dismay.  It was glorious. – Catherine
  
• My friends and I were waiting outside of a bar for another friend once, and these almost-Guido type guys came up to us, and I was just not interested or impressed at all.  One guy says, “Hey, we’re from Connecticut, where can we go for a good time?”  My response?  “Back to Connecticut.” – Ellie
  
• I was dancing at a club once and a guy came up to me and said, “Those hips!  You’re killing me, smalls!”  I was amused and baffled by his use of a quote from “The Sandlot” as a pickup line. – Jennifer
  
• This didn’t happen to me, but I was out with some friends in college and one of the guys hit on a girl by asking if he could scratch and sniff her. – Sandra
  
• I went to a club with a friend once, and there was an entire rugby team there. That night, nearly every one of the members of said team drunkenly approached me.  They were practically taking turns, it was so bizarre.  One of the guys would get rejected and another would almost instantly ask me to dance. One tried to put his face between my boobs, and he got punched. I said I had a boyfriend (lie) for the most part, but then the last one was nice enough, and hot, and my friend was with some other guy, so I figured why not.  Fun night. – Susan
  
• I was traveling around Australia with my best friend, and somehow ended up with a broken foot.  One night, we were at a party on a big farm in West Australia with about a hundred people, when this very drunk local guy approached me.  My friends tried to edge him out of the circle, but it wasn’t working.  Then came the line of the evening.  Leaning towards me, his eyes pointing in two different directions, he said, “I like you … because you can’t run away.”  I was about to hit him over the head with my crutch when another local, who was thankfully sober, intervened.  We didn’t see him for the rest of the night – hopefully he was unconscious somewhere and woke up with a raging hangover. – Quinn

Remember as you’re taking your umpteenth shot of tequila (Irish people do drink tequila, right?) that you aren’t the only one who will likely have some strange or awkward encounter with a guy who’s three sheets to the wind before St. Patrick’s Day is over.  So before you turn around and whip your hair in his face as you walk away, thank him for being the unfortunate star in the story that you’ll retell for years to come.  Slainte!

Spanglish Chick Contributor Karah Leigh lives in Houston with her boyfriend and two awesome dogs. Known for her on-air talent at Houston’s 94.5 The Buzz, Karah is not only ‘in the know’ about music, she’s in the loop on pop culture and celebrity entertainment. Visit her Houston Examiner page for more juicy celebrity news and updates!

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members of the Houston Roller Derby

With monikers like DD Doomz, Grrrl Friday and Tony Smasheries, the ladies of the Houston Roller Derby, promise to raise Hell this season.  Popularized in the 1970s, Roller Derby made a comeback in the 90s. It then circulated throughout Texas. Since organizing in 2005, the Houston Roller Derby has grown into a league of more than 40 skaters and is a member of The Woman’s Flat Track Derby Association.

Recreation league member DD Doomz says, “You’re learning from the most experienced skaters. Roller Derby is an amazing culture. It’s awesome, comfortable and I like that you can be a strong sexy woman with an edge.”

DD Doomz

Get ready for some blocking, bruises and brazen hot broads. Check out the ladies on Opening Day,  March 20 at 6p.m. at Kick’s located on 611 Sheperd. Don’t be a titty … get out and support your local Derby chicks this season! Take a look at this season’s schedule and learn more about the league at www.houstonrollerderby.com

P.S. Check out Spanglish Chick’s Flickr feed at the bottom of the page. We went out to the Texas Hotrod Hoedown to check out an exhibition game the ladies recently particpated in.

Good Luck this season girls!

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I’m pretty disappointed in the lack of media coverage of the devastation in Chile after the 8.8 earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded, that hit last weekend.  There are no television fundraisers, no food drives and images of cargo planes dropping relief supplies and no Spanish version of “we are the world.” 

After Haiti’s earthquake, you were unable to turn on the TV or go online without seeing “donate to Haiti.” It was awesome to see everyone hugging and joining together in an effort to bring Haiti back to life … where did it all go? I understand that some people are feeling the effects of “disaster fatigue” and might feel that Chile is a country that can handle the aftermath since it seems they have better resources and what not. But lives were lost, towns have crumbled, we truly don’t know if the people there have it all  … remember Hurricanes Ike and Katrina? New Orleans and Houston practically fell into Third World status when those bitches hit. Some people are still recovering from those hurricanes and this is the U.S. 

Chile needs our help, too. Whether it’s donating to the Red Cross to help people not just in Chile, but elsewhere when disasters strike, making a donation to a Chilean animal shelter (pets were affected, too) or just taking the time to buy Chilean products at your local store to support the country’s exports … as a culture, as a people and as Americans we should support the beautiful nation of Chile in rebuilding itself …  please don’t wait for the media to make that choice for you.

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Eduardo at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Recently, a friend of Spanglish Chick took some time out of his life in Houston to lend a hand in the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Eduardo E. shared with us his thoughts and experience in the stricken nation. Spanglish Chick applauds Eduardo for his heartfelt, selfless contribution and for all the humanitarian work he has done not only for Haiti, but with all his charitable endeavors.

Why did you feel compelled to go to Haiti?
My initial reaction was that I felt I had to do something in response to the situation occurring there. When my job asked me to go I did everything necessary to prepare without giving too much thought to the (health & security) dangers associated with the trip.

What did you see?
To be honest, I stayed primarily in the airport area during the unloading and loading of supplies from the planes to the trucks that then took it to the tent community. I would depart in the morning from Miami and stay through late afternoon/evening in Hiati. I was there for 2 days. The destruction I saw was limited because the airport was 20 miles away from the epicenter from where earthquake struck.

How did you feel about what you saw?
During one of the stays I inquired about going into the city, but I was told by several U.S. Military (that was there assisting with airport logistics and security) that it was not recommended and that they hadn’t gone out there due to security reasons. The Haitian people I met seemed to be bewildered by the situation. I think part of them had gratitude for the aid, but another part of them may have felt as if we were encroaching on their territory.

What can people do to help?
At this point, I think many people are experiencing “donor fatigue,” but the sad thing is that the situation will not be resolved soon and it may take up to three years for levels to reach pre-earthquake status. I think that the global community can use this experience to improve the situation for the better and demonstrate that we can come together as a community during times of need.

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Valentine’s Day is not about being someone’s “boyfriend or girlfriend.” Nor is it a time to cringe at being “single.” The Day has several historical meanings, according to several sources.

There were several Saint Valentine’s and they were not all linked to romance. Instead, there are different stories and traditions linked to St. Valentine. When St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian, he left a letter to the jailer’s daughter. It was signed “from your Valentine.”

“The high court of love” was established in Paris on Valentine’s Day. It dealt with love contracts, betrayals and violence against women.  Judges were selected on the basis of a poetry reading.

In some traditions, Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses and leaves secrets and presents for children. In Finland, it is translated to “Friend’s Day.” It is a day about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.

In Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, Valentine’s Day is known as “Dia del Amor y la Amistad” (the Day of Love and Friendship). Although it is similar to the US version in many ways, it is also common to see people carry-out “acts of appreciation” for their friends.

In most of South America the “Dia del amor y la Amistad” and the “Amigo Segreto” (Secret Friend) are quite popular and usually celebrated together on the 14th of February. One exception is Columbia, where it is celebrated every third Saturday of September. The latter consists of randomly assigning to each participant a recipient who is to be given an anonymous gift, similar to the tradition of Secret Santa during Christmas.

Use this day as one to focus on how to pamper yourself, to honor and love yourself. Too often women see themselves as “loveable” only if they are in a relationship. Think of all the people who bring love and joy to your life and you to theirs.

Honor their presences with a card, chocolate, or just a hello. This is a day to feel love for one’s self and to share with those significant to you and what they mean to you.

Hug a friend, your dog, even a tree! Hug life and the opportunities to have a loved one and to be loved.

Valentine’s Day should not be a day where one’s focus is on what is lacking, but rather, on what is good and loving in our life. Begin with yourself. Treat yourself to that chocolate, a flower, or whatever makes your heart glow.

Eva Szego, MA, LPC, LMFT
Los Colores

Eva is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Family Therapist, Board Certified Art Therapist.  Her practice, Los Colores, is located in Houston.

If you have a question for Eva, please click here to email her.

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When commercial holidays like Valentine’s Day come around you can’t help but notice that so many people get caught up in the “I’m sad to be single, or I suck because I’m in a bad relationship, or I’m going to be cynical about the whole idea because if I can’t be happy no one will” mode.   I firmly believe these people need a drink.

Then you have the uber-romantics who make you want to vomit because they insist on flashing their romantic feats to the whole Facebook world, when we truly know it’s them trying to convince themselves more than them convincing others.  Ay Dios, these people need a drink, too.

Either way, you’re bound to run into one of these people than the one couple or person who is secure in their current lifestyle. This is America. We all have issues at some point. And our biggest opponents are often our diets and love.

With that said, have you ever really truly thought about all the types of love that surround you? I hope you know there isn’t one kind. And I’m sure at some point, you’ve had one. I’ve decided to compile a list of love below. Am I expert? Haha no … but I have been through a lot in my life and seen enough well into my 30+ years to have an understanding of the concept of love.  Have I had love in my life? Yes and no. What does that mean? It means I’m still finding it all around me. You’re never too old to experience any part of life. Even love.

So if you’re feeling a bit cynical this Valentine’s, or you’re trying to convince yourself “he/she really loves me,” take a moment to reflect on a love you once had, will have or never knew you had.

Self Love: That’s exactly what it means. Loving yourself. It’s a beautiful  thing. Now don’t get all cochino on me and think I’m talking about self gratification. Not the same, but if it helps you … then do what you have to do. Self love is the strongest most secure love you will have in your life. Why? Because if you can’t love yourself then you will not know how to offer love to anyone else.  It’s neither selfish nor arrogant to love yourself. It can do wonders for your self-esteem, confidence and inner beauty.  People will find you more attractive and interesting if you are secure in yourself.

Unconditional Love: Yet, another beautiful aspect of love.  Often compared to true love (which is between lovers), unconditional love means to love someone regardless of one’s actions or beliefs, most often between family members, long lasting friendships and sometimes even pets (yes, pets).  This love is an unbreakable one. I know this love firsthand, and it can make you tear up with joy just when the thought hits your senses. I know this love … because I am a mother. The love between a mother and her child is the most sacred and selfless love a woman will ever have in her lifetime. No matter the lack of perfection this love will never change. And it will never be shallow. You would give your life for this love.

Undying love: If you have ever read Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved” letter you would feel the undying love he has in his heart for the woman he loves.  Another tale of undying love is the movie, “The Notebook.” This love holds no boundaries. It’s passionate, caring, sexual, captivating, stressful and creates a bond in life and in death.  It is often a love that is torn and fought for yet remains timeless. If you ever get to experience this type of love, be prepared to have a small nervous breakdown before it all comes together.

Infatuated Love: Another self explanatory love. It’s more infatuation than real love. It’s a love struck crush. In other words, you think you’re in love. There’s nothing wrong with a little infatuated love from time to time. Although it is often short-lived it can make you smile and feel good. Just don’t let this one take over. It can turn into Obsessive Love if you don’t watch it. Obsessive love is often a negative and one sided. Como se dice … no one is happy in crazy psycho love. Enjoy it while it lasts, then move on.

Platonic Love (friendship love):  One of the most non-sexual loves out there people. Thank goodness for an emotion with no pressure to put out.  This is a love filled with respect, hugs, good conversation, and if you can imagine … normal behavior! Platonic love is up there with self love and unconditional love. It’s easier to come by, dependable, not too hard to handle and it’s honest.  Embrace your friends. They love you as much as you love them.

Puppy Love: One of the most innocent yet naïve forms of love. This is often a person’s first form of love towards a possible significant other.  We have all had this love and have learned from it. Oh G-d did we learn. Puppy love is just one of those wacky life experiences you have to endure in order to figure yourself out. Puppy love hurts like hell. You’re all goofy and shy about it. You dream about your lover (or wanna be lover) constantly. You know what I’m talking about all you NKOTB fans.  It’s one giant delusion of grandeur.  Eventually, we all grow out of it.

Romantic/Passionate Love: A love that is intense, indulgent, emotional and euphoric. Romantic/Passionate love will make someone put your ass in a love song (thank you Beyonce and Alicia). This love is a mixture of lust, intimacy and intense physical and emotional reactions all at once. Your love and sex is on fire. This type of love can fizzle over time or move onto something f*cking awesome.

Committed Love (f*cking awesome):  Combine every emotion you have ever had … good and bad. Then layer it with commitment, dedication, sharing, honesty, devotion, understanding, sacrifice, trust and faithfulness. Those may sound tame, but when you combine them with Romantic/Passionate love, you my dear, have just found your life’s bliss, committed love.  In committed love you become one. Commited lovers often make a life together. Everything changes yet it still feels like home.  You will have found a love many people strive for and often try to force.  There are some people who cannot fathom nor understand a love this deep. This is one of the most loyal and complicated, profound and affectionate emotions you will ever know and have in your life.  This is true love.

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Kat Von D

People aren’t always what they seem.  As soon as I walk into a room, people peg me as Irish. Granted, my looks fit the bill. I’m pale with a few freckles thrown in for good measure, blue eyes, high forehead, and a pointy nose. Just looking at me, you wouldn’t know that I’m Scotch-Irish, German, and more Cherokee than someone of my skin color should be allowed. Oh, and Jewish. That’s right. A Scotch-Irish, German, Cherokee Jew. Who would’ve guessed?

It stands to reason, then, that the people whose faces we all know from movies and TV and tabloids aren’t always what they seem.  And if you take a closer look at the celebrities we all know and love, you might find more Latinos than you were expecting.

Take Cameron Diaz, for instance. Tall, thin, blonde hair, and some of the brightest natural blue eyes I’ve ever seen in my life. It would be easy to label her Nordic and be done. But the last name … Diaz? Oh, yes, she’s Latina. Her father was a second-generation Cuban American. She might not be able to respond to you in Spanish, but she says she’ll understand what you’re saying.

Houston native Alexis Bledel is another “closet” Latina. At least with Diaz, you get a hint with her surname. Learning that Alexis is Latina is likely to catch someone completely off guard, but in reality, her Argentinian and Mexican roots are more ingrained in her than Diaz’s Cuban roots. Alexis only spoke Spanish until she began elementary school as an English as a Second Language student. Even fellow Latina America Ferrara was surprised when she heard Alexis speaking Spanish at an interview with a Spanish language magazine.

I was amazed to find out that someone who played Italian so well that I thought she really was Italian turns out to be Latina, and Jewish. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, best known for her role in The Sopranos, has a Cuban-Jewish mother, and a Jewish father. Not only is she fluent in Spanish, she’s also fluent in Greek. The girl is full of surprises.

The list goes on with celebrities like the redheaded Joanna Garcia, who has a Spanish-American mother and a Cuban-born father and played the daughter of the very Caucasian Reba McEntire on the sitcom Reba. There’s Avatar star Zoe Saldana, who spent a big part of her childhood living in the Dominican Republic. And don’t be fooled by tattoo artist Kat Von D’s decidedly German surname of Von Drachenberg. Her parents, who both have European ancestry, hail from Argentina, and Kat was born in Mexico. Even Disney star Vanessa Hudgens is a mix of Irish, Native American, and Chinese-Filipino-Spanish.

And don’t think I’ve forgotten about the men. You’ve got Charlie Sheen, who’s real name is Carlos Estevez. His father, Martin Sheen (whose real name is Ramon Estevez), is Spanish and Irish. Benjamin Bratt’s mother is Peruvian.

Former MTV VJ LaLa Vasquez, a proud Latina from a Puerto Rican family, said in her blog, “One thing about being Latina is that there isn’t one look that comes with the territory. I don’t expect people to know my cultural background just by glancing at me … If you’re lucky enough to visit various countries in Latin America, you’ll be baffled to see the blackest of the black and the lightest of the light living together. And I dare you to ask one of them to prove their Latinidad.”   {Latinidad, most literally, is the identity of Latinos/as. More figuratively, it is a sensibility and way of being-in-the-world that expresses who one is and what one’s culture is about.}

Spanglish Chick Contributor Karah Leigh lives in Houston with her boyfriend and two awesome dogs. Known for her on-air talent at Houston’s 94.5 The Buzz, Karah is not only ‘in the know’ about music, she’s in the loop on pop culture and celebrity entertainment. Visit her Houston Examiner page for more juicy celebrity news and updates!

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