Latino Chat is Always Exciting[Español] Here we chat about strange and interesting events that happen every day in the world around us. This includes everything from politics and religion to the lives of popular singers and celebrities. News, reviews, reflections . . . the posibilidades are endless!! Happy New Year !!
People who immigrate to the United States can become citizens through a process called naturalization. This involves submitting Form N-400 to the government and passing some basic tests. The questions for the civics test have changed this year. If you had submitted an application before October 1, 2008 and have an interview before October 1, 2009, then you can choose to take the old test or the new one. If you send an application this year or have your interview after October 1, then you will take the new test. Click here to see questions from the new test.
There has been a lot of chat recently in Texas about a chupacabra. The chupacabra is a latin legend about an animal that comes during the night to feed on goats and cattle. It has skin of leather and long fangs to suck the blood out of its victims, like a small vampire. A man near San Antonio claims to have the body of one. It is similar to a coyote or gray wolf. There have been many other sightings over the past twenty years in Puerto Rico, Texas, and parts of South America. Take a look and see what you think . .
Visit the
Latino Rico Barrio Store
to get your very own t-shirt with our version of the mysterious Chupacabra. It is called "The Thing". Be part 
The 2009 Miss Universe pageant was held at the magnificent Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. Beautiful latina Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela was crowned the new Miss Universe for 2009. But everyone knows that our latinas are the most beautiful ladies. Six prior pageant winners have come from Venezuela and fifteen winners from other latin countries. Sexy Ada de la Cruz of the Dominican Republic and Mayra Matos from Puerto Rico also finished in the top five.
There has been a lot of chat recently about Colombian singer Juanes. He has decided to stage a concert in the Plaza de la Revolucion in Havana on September 20th. Many people are very upset about this, especially Cubans living in Miami. Many see this as showing support for the communist government of Fidel Castro. Others disagree. 
Sonia Sotomayor
was confirmed as the newest member of the United States Supreme Court. She will be the third woman to serve on the court but the first hispanic in the country’s history. President Obama was pleased with the decision. The distinguished latina begins her new job immediately.
A lot of the news recently has been about the importance of good health. Latinos face many special challenges. Our strong spirit makes us emotional and causes stress. Our rich foods can lead to problems controlling weight. Even more dangerous, latinos are twice as likely to have diabetes as some other people. And the good news? Many health problems can be prevented with small changes in your life. Chat with your doctor. Change your diet. Get a little exercise just for fun. Learn some new dance moves . . .
There has been a lot of chat recently about the new CARS program. The government will give you money now if you trade your old car in for a new one that is more fuel efficient. The credit could be $3500-$4500 depending on how much better the new one is. The offer is only for a limited time to help stimulate the economy. So if you are thinking about trading cars, now is the time!
A top leader in FARC, the rebel army group from Colombia, says that they donated cash to support the election of Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador. Of course, Correa denies it. A video from the terrorist group was sent to Interpol. The Colombian government is angry. Gerardo Aguilar, a FARC commander captured during a hostage rescue last year was sent to the United States to face charges of drug trafficking and kidnapping. Other key FARC leaders have been arrested in recent months for similar crimes. Many are still on the most-wanted list. Relations between Colombia and other countries in the region have been strained for some time.
There is a big crisis now in Honduras. President Manuel Zelaya wants to change the national constitution. Many believe that it is only to extend his power. Zelaya has political views similar to Fidel Castro of Cuba and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The Supreme Court and the National Congress of Honduras have declared his moves illegal. In response, Zelaya dismissed the military chief and some others standing in his way. People are protesting in the streets and the situation is very intense. 
Other political leaders are facing similar problems. In Brazil, carnival queen
Viviane Castro
paraded nude with “vendese” painted clearly on
For example, who would think that a little piglet could make the world tremble with fear? But sometimes even the smallest little creatures can have a tremendous impact. All the recent chat about the outbreak of deadly swine flu shows that all of our lives are connected. We are all affected by what happens to others.
You do make a difference. Most people can write everything that they know on the back of a servilleta and still have plenty of room for their grocery list. But everyone has opinions. The words and actions of people can make our lives better or plunge our country into war. Chat all you like, but choose your words carefully and think before you act.
A cleric from Miami recently learned that lesson the hard way.
Padre Alberto Cutie
rocked the church after he was photographed frolicking on the beach with a woman. The escandalo has gotten international attention. Cutie apologized to the church but is he really sincere? Is Alberto just a religious man in a spiritual crisis or another macho pig making excuses?
Other people seem to enjoy stirring up controversy. Hugo Chavez is always at the center de la tormenta. The president of Venezuela is well known for his loud and aggressive speeches. Watch this man and you will be amazed at what he says. Chavez made U.S. President Barack Obama look like a fool at the recent Summit of the Americas. But is he good for the Latino people or does he only anger those who would help? 
Governor Rick Perry of Texas is another outspoken politico who stirs controversy with his fiery speeches.
Should Texas go back to being an independent republic?
Texas has always been a place where the real differences between the United States and Mexico were never clear. The boundaries are political, not cultural. In many ways, we are the same people.
Write to me and share your opinions . . .
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So should the borders between the United States and Mexico be more open? What do you think?
