VIVA MEXICO
If there was ever a culture that epitomized pride, family love, and loyalty, it would be that of the Mexicans. I learned this during the life and time spent with one of my best friends families. They are the true meaning of family encouragement, my house is your house, and true friendship. Yet, it was when I interviewed Alexander Arevalo, brother of my best friend, the late Ana Vazquez that I learned a lot about Mexican pride, Mexican culture, and Mexicans in general.
“It’s real important that people know that family is number one, and you must always be there to help your family,” said Arevalo who went on to say that you must never turn your back on one another, and you should always be there to lend a helping hand to those you love,” said Arevalo. He then continued on as we talked about honesty. “My parents always taught me to be honest, and to always do the right thing,” said Arevalo. Yet, does this continue into the issue of pride? Should Mexicans be proud of their heritage more so than others from other cultural backgrounds? Alex explained his point of view. “Honestly, everyone should be proud of their own background, but from my point of view, I will always be proud to believe in what and who I am,” said Arevalo.
Next up we talked the inappropriate stereotypes that relate to Mexican Culture, well, kind of. “There is obviously slander, and all the racial terms that just show the lower education of anyone who uses those words, but I don’t let it get to me, cause I’ve got too much Mexican pride,” said Arevalo. Still, what about the association with Mexicans being hardworking? Is that a universal notion and/or idea? “I can’t really speak for every Mexican, but like any culture some are hard working and some are lazy,” said Arevalo.
Lastly, we tackled the most important part of Mexican culture; love. I asked Alex what three things he loved the most about being Mexican. “I love speaking another language other than English, I love that people find my culture interesting, and I love the fact that I am naturally tan!!,” said Arevalo.
There you have it folks, the Mexican Culture from the mouth of someone raised as a proud Mexican. They are Family Oriented, lots of fun, and amazingly loving, and a pleasure to be around. Thus, stay tuned for more as we cover more great cultures, but remember after reading this; VIVA MEXICO!!!
When it came to starting a business during these tough economic times in Michigan, Lisa Acker knew that her taste buds, and knack when it came to cooking, would certainly sweeten up things. However, what started out as a hobby, and is now known as Ball Cap Bakery is the perfect touch of taste in treats that will pick you up, and remind you just why it’s more than great to indulge your sweet tooth. It was during this exclusive interview with Lisa where I learned more about Ball Cap Bakery as a whole.
Ball Cap Bakery began as a glorified hobby in 2007, when I began making cookies and brownies for people at my desk job as thank you's or attaboys,” said Acker who then took on the baking business after being laid off, and now currently runs it in Berkley, Michigan. “I specialize in cookies, brownies, cheesecakes and 'dessert' cakes (i.e. pound cake, coffee cake, etc,” said Acker who also welcomes any and all customer specific orders because she’s always ready and willing to customize a customer’s specific request.
Thus, it is Acker, and her staff of three who make Ball Cap Bakery the amazingly place for sweets and treats that it is. Acker hopes to take the business to infinity and beyond, and if you’re looking to enjoy this Michigan based sweet shop, be sure to head to: 2752 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley MI 48072 or call them at; 248-541-6980. Also be sure to check them out on the web; www.ballcapbakery.com or contact Lisa directly at; lisa@ballcapbakery.com.
Lastly, Lisa shared insight as to what would be easier to make a pineapple upside down cake or a wedding cake? “It would be more difficult for me to make a wedding cake as that it is not my expertise, but I share a space with Olga’s Creations: www.olgascreations.com and they specialize in special event cakes, event cakes, and more,” said Acker who also shares the space with the delicious cookie creators Knead a Cookie- www. Knead-a-cookie.com
Thus, if you’re ready to enjoy the tasty treats that can’t be beat, than be sure to check out Lisa Acker and her fabulous treats at Ball Cap Bakery. Celebrate sweet with a Michigan based company that will tantalize your taste buds.
The overall vibe
This is truly a first in JPKGROOVEHOUSE history. This also a social commentary piece with some insight into peoples minds. This piece is about politics, politicians, and opinions I’ve heard from individuals over the last few weeks. Thus, it’s time to share some insight about politics, politicians, and what people are thinking and feeling.
First and for most, the overwhelming majority of individuals I talk to within the age range of 22-28 tend to be more Democratic. Many have a change the world; the Democrats can do it ideology. However, I’ve also spoke to many young people in my age range, of whom are strong Conservatives, who honor conservative values, and believe that it’s the Republicans who are the real party of change. Yet, this isn’t about Republican or Democrat, instead it’s about the message, voice, and thoughts of those in our generation who are in a totally different subcategory. They fall under a bracket, that has no leaning towards either of the two major parties, and none towards a third party of any kind. These individuals, and they are numerous are those who are both independent, and losing faith and hope in the whole system.
I’ve spoke to those who personally believe that politicians are not the ones who are going to save the world, but it’s up to the people. They feel that politicians, politics, and the whole scheme of things is not really relevant to the change in our society. As one individual told me, he believes that politicians are nothing more than entertainers who organize things, make laws, and only care about their agendas, and images. It continues on with more opinions. Another individual told me that politicians are not the ones who make the change, but instead that we as individuals should listen to Gandhi; “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
The reason I am writing this and bringing this to light is because it speaks to a larger issue. The larger issue is that many within the age range of 18-30 are losing total faith. They’re losing total faith in our government, our leaders, and the scary thing is, this age gap, and this generation that is losing faith will one day have to lead the country. Now, this isn’t to say that everyone is losing faith, or that we should all give up on social and political change and progress, but there are a great many individuals who under the harsh economic and personal circumstances of life have deemed there political beliefs as “seeing politicians for what they truly are.”
Thus, it was my hope in writing this that conversation will be sparked and opinions will be given. Are you losing faith and/or have you spoke to people or individuals who have? It’s not uncommon now days, and it’s not the individuals fault, but instead it’s a real political voice that I’m certain is gaining in volume throughout the country. So, hopefully this will spark good conversation as you talk amongst your friends and family about how you politically lean, or if you even lean or believe at all.
Hip Hop for Hunger: Cause every human deserves a meal
Be sure to head to the website and check out the event posted at: http://hiphophunger.blogspot.com/
Artists from all over are seeking to help this very important cause, where money will be donated towards the WorldVision organization. You can donate to the event on the website as well. Now, for many, especially those in third world countries, eating in many ways is a luxury. With deplorable conditions, where individuals are forced to live lifestyles, that many of us could not imagine, it truly is important that we help out this cause and event, and remember the old saying of counting your blessings and not your burdens.
Thus, be sure to check out: http://hiphophunger.blogspot.com/ and see how you can make a real difference when it comes to fighting hunger for the WorldVision Organization. By doing so, you can know that a grateful people, who are just happy to have food, will be blessed by your kindness, generosity, and support. No one deserves to be without a meal, so let’s make it happen for the WorldVision Organization with some great artists, as many can enjoy the blessings that we enjoy every day.
Print a Forest: Making printing positive for the earth
Let’s face it if there is one thing the environment may need, it’s an overhaul. An overhaul on cleanliness, an overall on animal protection, and an overhaul on the way we use our overall natural resources. Still, it goes beyond usage, and it travels into the world of appreciation and giving back to the environment. Furthermore, for Joseph Miller, the founder of Print a Forest, he knows what it means to keep up with our technologically sound times, while at the same time give back to our ever in need environment. He discussed his company Print a Forest here.
“Print a Forest’s Mission is to give the world an option to change printing from a negative toll, to a positive force on the environment- planting trees, protecting acres of rain forests, and funding universities continued efforts toward sustainability,” said Miller. He then continued on. “Print a Forest is a free computer application that places advertisement in the top and bottom margins of the pages that eco minded students and individuals print in order to carbon offset their printing,” said Miller who went on to say that for every hundred pages a user prints with the Print a Forest application, a tree in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil is planted. Thus, there was better news for the environment, as Miller would then tell me about the proceeds from the personal computer program.
“Proceeds from the personal computer program will be split with non-profit organizations for the purpose of reforestation and conservation,” said Miller who went on to say that proceeds form the University program will be shared with the participating University for the purpose of environmental research, green building, electrical grid efficiency, and renewable energy sources. Yet, the issue of being environmentally friendly goes much deeper than just doing good. “The burning and clearing of tropical forests contributes approximately 20 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and fuels climate change, that is more then the exhaust from cars, planes, and trains, and that’s why it’s important to reverse the current trend in deforestation,” said Miller who went on to say that Print a Forest is the only company of it’s kind out there.
“We have to be so careful to protect planet earth, because we only have one planet,” said Miller who reminds us that as we go on into the future, that we don’t get second chances when it comes to taking care of planet earth. “It’s a holistic approach, not a dualistic approach, and the great thing about Print a Forest is that it’s free, all it takes is your participation to fund reforestation and conservation,” said Miller. Thus, be sure to head to the website: www.PrintaForest.com and check Print a Forest out as a fan page on Facebook. “The Print a Forest Application will be available for download within the month,” said Miller.
Once again be sure to check out Print a Forest, and learn more about how you can truly make a difference for the environment, one page at a time.
Second Class Citizen: Shocked beyond belief
Regardless of how you feel about our soldiers, soldiers in general, and/or the war, or wars in general, you should definitely go to: www.secondclasscitizen.org and watch the video “Purple Heart’s Final Beat.” Yet, it goes deeper than just promotion. Furthermore, for Blake O. Kleiner of whom I interviewed after watching this eye opening video, into the unfortunate, sad, depressing, and shocking world that many soldiers return home to, he was more than happy to share his true thoughts and opinions about a very delicate and sad subject. During this interview, Blake shared everything from reactions to reasoning, as many soldiers now come home to this horrible reality: http://bit.ly/dfVg3e
“The overall reaction has been equal parts of anger and sadness,” said OKleiner who went on to say that people don’t really know the reality that faces our veterans when they return home from war. He then continued on. “There are circumstances of war that changes the fabric of who these men are when they return home from war,” said O.Kleiner who learned of this harsh reality through the story of SGT Terrance Popp, of whom the video was a labor of love and reality for. Yet, the real question remains as to why? Why would any spouse think it’s appropriate to do this to their husband, let alone one who is fighting for the freedom of the oppressed and our country? “I think there are two kinds of women who would want to do this: naïve and malicious women,” said O.Kleiner who feels that these women play on the Soldiers trauma, and hurt them because in a sense the returning soldier is defenseless.
“Post traumatic stress disorder has been public knowledge since the First World War or even earlier, because we all know that men of war do not return home as the same person before-hand,” said O.Kleiner who feels that the women who marry these men feel guilty about the failings of the marriage, and thus lash out at the Soldiers they married. He then continued on. “They blame the men for the failing of the marriage, because let’s face it, we live in a culture that thrives on a lack of responsibility, blaming anyone but the self for any and all problems,” said O.Kleiner. He then explained the logic of the malicious women who hurt our already damaged soldiers. “For a lot of people, especially those raised in a way that most would consider fortunate, there is an attractive side to being married to someone who will never be home, and sends all his money back to you,” said O.Kleiner. He then continued on. “If you have a kid together, than this guarantees support to continue, even after the marriage dissolves,” said OKleiner, who isn’t generalizing this to all wives, and hopes that no one considers this some sort of anti-feministic or sexist rant, but instead doesn’t want to ignore this very realistic possibility and/or reality.
Thus, there has to be an overall theme, message, and of course something to take away from this. “The message is that we should be entitled to the things we love, but we have to work hard to get them, and to literally have them stripped away over bitterness and hatred, is just plain ridiculous,” said O.Kleiner who after speaking to Veterans about losing their kids, described the devastation they feel as unimaginable. “There isn’t a one of the Veterans I spoke with, who wouldn’t do anything for their kids, and it’s really wrong that in a Family Courtroom, these men who fought for our Country are being referred to as murderers and/or assassins,” said OKleiner.
As far as the lengths to which O.Kleiner hopes to take this project, he hopes to unite Fathers and Soldiers facing this reality everywhere. “The ultimate goal of Second Class Citizen is to unite all of the fathers' rights groups in the country under one flag and give them one voice,” said O.Kleiner. Therefore if you haven’t had the chance to the video, be sure to do so at: www.secondclasscitizen.org or www.lightcraftentertainment.com
Yet, if you’re still left with questions, after reading this, make sure you check out what some soldiers are forced to come to home after fighting the fight for our country: http://bit.ly/dfVg3e
Lastly, it can’t be stressed enough that you should check out the video and feel free to email any questions, comments, or anything in general to: J.Peter@jpkgroovehouse.com
Problems and Solutions in the D
For both a promoter and an artist like MoeNitty, he understands what it means to not only work with a wide range of artists, but he knows how hard it can be to get your project off the ground. Thus, for MoeNitty he knows more than anything that shady promoters, and difficult artists must be weeded out in order for rap in the D to truly take off. In this interview he shared his thoughts about the current scene, happenings, and what’s what with everything.
“The market here is too saturated with rappers who just won't invest financially in themselves,” said MoeNitty. He then continued on. “Many rappers think they're stars before ever actually paying dues,” said MoeNitty who also pointed out that after they lay down their raps they have no idea what the next move should be. Yet, is it all on the artists? What about the promoters? There must be some sort of understanding and coexistence for both parties to be successful. “It’s not that the promoters are actually scamming, they’re just not offering any real benefits for the artists who perform at their shows,” said MoeNitty.
Still, there must be obvious signs of a shady promoter. “The shady promoters have a fee for artists, or a simple door cover, and the artists should be asking in these cases, what do I get in return,” said MoeNitty. MoeNitty understands this because of his well respected reputation. “I keep it strictly business, and I stay respectful to those who I do business with, and I stay persistent,” said MoeNitty who truly feels that artists and promoters need to start working together to make things better here in the D.
Lastly, MoeNitty shared his thoughts, and gave some advice for rap artists in general. “The music and the artists should be about freedom of expression, and originality, not trying to mimic what’s hot right now to make a fast buck,” said MoeNitty who couldn’t stress the importance of individual originality enough.
Thus, it’s important to heed these words, and remember that only when there is a collective unit can both artists and promoters succeed. So things like ego, and in some cases pride, must be put to the side. They must be put to the side in order for all parties to succeed, which means success for the D in general.