La Vida Yaya

A Lyrical Quest for Unity Among Indigenous Peoples Aztlan Underground announces the launch of their third independent, self-titled album Aztlan Underground (2009); and up-coming "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges" Tour, inspired by the recent political distress in the southwestern state of Arizona. "The reality is that the earth is too small to ignore our interdependence and interconnection as a human family. To ignore this fact is to uphold archaic notions of superiority of one group of people over another," said lead vocalist Yaotl. The band is rehearsing and preparing for several important dates including an anti-drugs educational and music workshop for the Nuu chah nulth Nation in Canada in July. Reaching out to underprivileged Native youth is a priority for the band members who themselves faced many of the same struggles growing up around violence and poverty. “It’s about the language of expressing what we see in one another, helping give voice to the...

Here are some beauty and fashion tips that I want to share with the ladies. Beauty comes from within and all that jazz. You know that part already. These are some solid ideas I made up along the way.  I try to keep them in mind when going about the day.  You may have your own take on what fits your personality. At least I hope you do! I know you do. But if you could use a little encouragement or advice on how to mix it up, read on. Glitter eye shadow is fun for work and play Fake eyelashes are worth trying and trying until you get it right Liquid eyeliner takes A L O T of practice but once you get the hang of it, watcha! With sparkly glitter eye shadow use lip gloss not lipstick With subdued eyes, go for the RED lips! Wear jewelry that makes you happy preferably big chunky rings Invest in a few pieces of nice jewelry and wear them everyday Mix your good jewelry with your fake jewelry Accessories are your friend but limit them to a few small pieces and one big wow pie...

I don't know if I was just born this way or if it was the way I was raised, but I have a secret fascination with talking to old people. I'm not talking mere card-carrying senior citizens. I love talking to people 70 and above.  I've yet to have the pleasure of chatting it up with a centenarian but I'd love to one day. The closest I got was in high school when I had to put in some volunteer hours in order to meet the requirements of a school club. While other kids were tutoring kids and helping at homeless shelters, I was wheeling sedated seniors around a local nursing home. There were no fun stories there. Just funny yet sad incidents of saggy old men walking around with their pants around their ankles or the little old lady that tried to make a run for it but instead got scared and started yelling from outside the emergency door. Fun times. Maybe it's the ache in my heart for my long gone grandfather whose memory brings me to tears on occasion. That doesn't q...