In The Cerveza Report, Ruben Hernandez offers a primer on beer-brewing south of the border (in 2003, Mexico replaced Holland as the worldwide leader in beer sales) and the role of Mexican beer imports in the U.S. market. Imported or domestic, beer is big business. According to a 2013 report released by the National Beer Wholesalers Association, America’s Beer Distributors: Fueling Jobs, Generating Economic Growth and Delivering Value to Local Communities, beer distributors add $54 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product. Additionally, beer distributor activities contribute nearly $10.3 billion to the federal, state and local tax bases – in addition to the nearly $11 billion in federal, state and local alcohol excise and consumption taxes. A substantial contribution.

In our Briefcase department, George Diaz shares with our readers the basics of the legislative process – how a bill becomes a law – and reminds us that having an ambivalent attitude towards politics and politicians only leads us to forfeit our political power.

As we approach triple-digit temperatures, recreational swimmers and athletes can rejoice in open-water swimming. The water may not be warm, but it’s less likely it’ll be frigid. From Lake Pleasant to Lyman Lake, Arizona offers plenty of opportunities to swim in lakes and reservoirs – and be awed by the surroundings. If open-water swimming rocks your boat, check out Virginia Betz’s “Total Immersion” in Time Out where she compiles a list of prime locations in the state to engage in the sport and tips to be safe in the water. 

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Progressive social movements usually gain popularity gradually over time until a “tipping point” is reached when the majority of society seems to be in sympathy with their ideals and, seemingly suddenly, great strides are made in a relatively short time. The environmental movement seems to have followed this pattern, and, indeed, the present decade may represent the historical “tipping point” at which mainstream opinion leans green.

Just consider our cover story on La Orquesta de Instrumentos reciclados de Cateura. Its seems inconceivable that twenty years ago, a world-class museum could have had a major exhibit of musical instruments made from trash-heap discards, holding them up as objects of cultural significance, not because they are quaint folkloric oddities, but because they are symbols of the future – a future in which waste and excess are frowned upon and in which conservation of both natural AND man-made resources are recognized as critical. It is most appropriate, then, that children are the players in this orchestra.

April’s Entrepreneur, Steven Lopez, provides solid testimony via the resounding success of his Clean Air Cab company that the average consumer is more than eager to make deliberate choices for greener alternatives. Ruben Hernandez’ coverage of changes in K-12 curricula in public schools in the LP Journal indicates that “sustainability” might soon take its place beside “phonics” in the list of core education courses. 

While these are very encouraging reports of our society’s growing desire to embrace environmentalism, Rep. Grijalva’s commentary in My Perspective provides a more somber reminder that the battle is far from won when our policy-makers are seriously considering the re-opening of uranium mines whose operation overtly threatens environmental quality. The clash of environmental values with those of commercial gain is certainly one of the most contentious issues requiring resolution through public consensus.

LPM is proud to take a role in providing a forum for the dissemination of information about environmental issues so that a knowledgeable public can also take a role in influencing decision-making at the local, state, national and international levels. 

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It would be easy to feel totally inadequate in comparing ourselves with these towering personalities, but in her essay about mentorship (My Perspective), Monica Castañeda reminds us that aspiring to positions of leadership is not a one-way proposition. All these formidable leaders were once mentored by others, and gained prominence by learning and listening to others who helped them acquire the skills of leadership. And, Monica says, successful leaders “reach back.” Satisfaction comes not from a position of dominance, but by enabling others to achieve the status of leaders as well. So, we are hoping many of you will join us on March 27 at the Phoenix Art Museum between 5:30 and 8 p.m., not only to pay tribute to this quartet of amazing women, but also to help yourself discover that there is a little bit of Trailblazer in all of us.

This issue also includes a feature on some up-and-coming trailblazers, the InvenTeam from the Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona (GLAAZ), whose design for an inflatable water-safety shirt has earned them a place at MIT’s EurekaFest. Latinos in general, and Latinas more specifically, are severely under-represented in the STEM professions. The success of GLAAZ and other programs designed to interest Latinas in STEM fields is very encouraging, and keeps us aware that there remain many more trails to blaze. 

¡Adelante, Latinas!

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WE♥LOVERS: Columnist Catherine Anaya conveniently supplies us with the most classic ♥ connection – she’s gotten engaged! Read all about her idea of an ideal mate.

WE♥OURSELVES: The best expression of self-love is taking care of our bodies. Our hearts are the engines that make all physiological processes possible, so, heart health is front and center this February –American Heart Month. The American Heart Association (AHA) reminds us of all the programs, strategies and services available to us (especially women) to improve and maintain a healthy heart. The AHA also provides a profile of an accomplished and dedicated volunteer, Dr. Adriana Perez, who has promoted the idea of “connecting generations” for heart health by instituting family programs whereby members act together to create heart-friendly lifestyles.

WE♥FRIENDS: Our Latina Still Standing, Diana Bejarano, reminds us that long-lasting friendships are a critical form of life support.

WE♥CELEBRITIES: We do! But, should we? In Guillermo Reyes’s feature on Latinos at the Oscars, he shows off his encyclopedic knowledge of Oscar trivia. This knowledge was acquired through a life-long fascination with the movies and movie stars, a fascination he shared with his mother. In Reyes’ charming memoir, Madre and I: A Memoir of Our Immigrant Lives (2010, University of Wisconsin Press), he details how both he and his mother continually drew on images and characters from Hollywood films to provide points of reference by which they could orient themselves in adapting to new and sometimes confusing cultural contexts. Because so many others, no doubt, use the narratives and characters from this powerful medium in a similar way, this imparts relevance to the issue of why it matters whether, and how, Latinos are represented among Oscar recipients.

WE♥FAMILY: See all of the above. Is it surprising that we can trace back nearly all other connections to family somehow? And speaking of family, the Executive Editor-Publisher connection enlarged the LPM family by one more when daughter, Victoria Sofia Torres, was welcomed into the world on December 30, 2012.

LPM♥OUR READERS! 

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Happy 2013 from all of us at Latino Perspectives Magazine

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Happy Holidays

From all of us at Latino Perspectives Magazine

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Some follow a template and include the name of the deceased and a symbol, followed by the years of birth and death. Others are custom creations depicting elements evocative of the diseased or the taste of the bereaved. 

I distinctly remember my first encounter with one of these memorials. Years ago, as I approached a busy intersection in downtown Phoenix, I noticed a pickup truck covered in decals memorializing a young woman. I was so intrigued, that I even changed lanes to be behind it and admire it a bit longer. Figuring prominently on the center of the rear window was what seemed like an airbrushed glamour shot of the diseased. An ornate, oval-shaped vinyl decal framed the portrait. “In loving memory of my wife,” read the insignia under it. 

I wanted to know more about this woman, and somehow communicate to the vehicle’s driver (assuming that was his wife) that I acknowledged his pain; but how, and, more importantly, why? I’d never felt compelled to share my reaction to a car’s bumper stickers with the car’s driver (vote for so and so, support this cause, my kid is a whiz). Free speech, right?

But this was different. We are taught not to ignore others’ pain and suffering and, at the time – not having experienced the loss of a loved one – I thought of the decals as public displays of grief. What was I supposed to do with this stranger’s bereavement? Bow my head, wave, seek the driver’s gaze and try to telepathically express solidarity, or just carry on? 

With time I’ve come to appreciate these decals as badges of honor. They are not just about sharing one’s grief, but rather about creating meaning and publicly acknowledging the privilege of having partaken in a life worth remembering. 

¡Que vivan los muertos! 

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Although cancer incidence and mortality rates are lower among Hispanics, the Cancer Society estimates that, this year  alone, 112,800 Latinos will be diagnosed with the disease; 33,200 will die of it. 

But there are reasons to remain optimistic. On September 20, 2012, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center announced an unprecedented effort to dramatically accelerate the pace at which scientific breakthroughs translate into clinical advances to reduce cancer deaths. This is no small feat. Worldwide, the disease affects more people than heart disease, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria – combined. An estimated 100 million people will die from cancer in this decade.

Fittingly, M.D. Anderson has dubbed this formidable new endeavor, “The Moon Shots Program,” inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s determination to go to the moon in the 1960s, and the speech in which he declared, “that challenge is one that we are willing to accept; one we are unwilling to postpone; and one which we intend to win.” 

The inaugural “Moon Shots” program will initially target eight cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, melanoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and triple-negative breast and ovarian cancers. 

Scientific and technological advances are rapidly changing the medical field and reshaping our understanding of many diseases. The same week “The Moon Shots Program” was announced, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, led by the National Cancer Institute, the National Human Research Institute, and researchers from around the world) published the results of the first comprehensive genetic analysis of breast cancer.  This study and a better understanding of the genetic causes of the most common forms of breast cancer are expected to impact clinical medicine and increase treatment options for breast cancer patients. 

Despite all these new developments, early detection continues to be of critical importance. That’s why Latino Perspectives Magazine is proud to partner, once again, with the Komen Phoenix Affiliate to get out the message (page 27). Talk to the women in your life about breast cancer, and join us on October 14, 2012, at the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure. 

Make sure to visit latinopm.com to access our digital edition, and share LPM with your amigos and comadres. 

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Around the state, local museums, libraries and community groups will present special activities to celebrate the occasion. In the Phoenix-metro area, the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will host special activities, performances, or film screenings. 

The ubiquitous mariachi, taco, chili, and tequila festivals, salsa dancing and edible salsa challenges (and even Chihuahua dog pageants) will pop up throughout the month-long observance. Their authenticity, alas, will lie on the eye–or the palate—of the beholder.  

The same can be said about the subject of this month’s cover story, the enchilada. As Ruben Hernandez points out in his article, whether with our without sauce, made out of special tortillas— or of the plain white corn kind—regardless of the stuffing, this Mexican delight, with its multiple regional variations, and U.S. adaptations, exemplifies the rich diversity within our culture; a slice of which we capture in each issue of Latino Perspectives Magazine.

As we celebrate LPM’s 8^th anniversary, we invite you to join us on September 7, 2012 at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center (ALAC) in downtown Phoenix—147 East Adams Street. Come enjoy delicious food and live music from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free, but we kindly ask that you RSVP here. 

In the meantime, reminisce with us.  Go to our on-line archives (latinopm.com/lpm-issues) and take a peek at the stories we have published in 96 issues throughout the years. Visit our Facebook page (facebook.com/latinopm) and tell us which issue has been your fave. In the upcoming months, we’ll share some of our readers’ picks and other memorable LPM stories. 

Thanks for reading, and for sharing.

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Commuters may dread the traffic associated with the start of the academic year, but retailers nationwide eagerly anticipate shoppers rushing through their doors looking for the latest back-to-school trends and necessities. This time last year, according to the Census Bureau, the country spent $7.7 billion at family clothing stores. A nice economic boost!

While kids may revel in the latest fads, being truly ready to return to the classroom takes much more than that a trendy outfit. As Robrt Pela writes in the Health feature, ABCs of health care, going back to school healthfully is easy – and necessary. This is especially true if we want kids to thrive throughout the academic year. 

 In this month’s Education department, Erica Cardenas shares a short history of homework, along with tips for parents and guardians to foster academic success at home. If you have a school-aged kid at home, these two pieces are a must read, even if you’ve got all your ducks in a row. 

If you are among those who think you are too old to learn something new, or teach an old dog new tricks, Nick Montoya has a message for you. The Arizona native and former Fortune 100 executive was living the high life as an over-achiever until one day, suddenly, he couldn’t get out of bed. His doctors referred to him as a walking time bomb – stress, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, fatigue and unbearable back pain. Inspired by his daughters, and determined to live a better and healthier life, Mr. Montoya left the corporate world and transformed his life, his body and his career through yoga. It’s a fabulous true story. Read his piece in Time Out.

Make sure to peruse our Fall Arts Preview, where Ruben Hernandez highlights some notable offerings from arts and culture organizations in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

P.S. Next month, we’ll be celebrating Latino Perspectives Magazine’s 8^th anniversary. Please join us for a fiesta on September 8th after Valle del Sol’s Profiles of Success (2:00p.m.) at ALAC in downtown Phoenix.  Click here to RSVP. If you prefer to get your e-vite via email, click here and subscribe gratis to receive invitations to our events and get the magazine delivered monthly to your inbox.

Cheers to fall!

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