Monthly Archives: April 2008

Talk About a Genuine Chocolate ‘Bar’

Posted on April 30, 2008 by

Attending Hispanic conferences is always a wonderful experience, especially when you end up awash in Latino-themed goodies. Such was the case at this week’s HACR’s annual Symposium in New York City, where attendees were treated with Margarita-flavored milk chocolate bars, … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Marketing & Advertising | 1 Comment

A Case of Product ‘Misplacement’

Posted on April 28, 2008 by

It is not news that Spanish-language television is plagued with product placement pitches and product endorsements by network talent. But here’s what can go wrong, very wrong, when you do so on live television and your main “pitch man” cannot … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Marketing & Advertising, Television | Leave a comment

Hide your Blackberries. The Mexicans are Coming!

Posted on April 25, 2008 by

I’m sure you don’t know this, but we Mexicans are very fond of fruit. This was evident this week during Felipe Calderón’s NAFTA meeting in New Orleans: “A Mexican government official who was in Washington DC to advance the meeting … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Why I Love Mexico | 1 Comment

Respect the Chilpotle

Posted on April 25, 2008 by

One has to appreciate the efforts by Stand to add exotic spices to its otherwise boring American food. The Manhattan “fancy” burger joint not only offers its own homemade ketchup, but is now entering uncharted territory: the Chipolte. But just … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Marketing & Advertising | 5 Comments

Here’s Why I Never Wanted a Quinceañera. Ever

Posted on April 24, 2008 by
Posted in Pop culture, Why I Love Mexico | 8 Comments

Forget Novelas. The Erotic Network Lands in LatAm

Posted on April 23, 2008 by

And just when you thought Latin American television couldn’t get any better… The Erotic Network has announced the launch of three channels in our Roman, Catholic and Pope-loving countries: XTSY, Real y Juicy will be offered to cable subscribers on … Continue reading →

Posted in Television | 1 Comment

Global ‘Warning’: Baja is Gone. Again

Posted on April 23, 2008 by

Forget about the Absolut fiasco or my -unsuccessful- attempt to boycott UPS. The latest geographical offense comes courtesy of Mr. Al Gore and his WE-wee $300-million-dollar campaign. Look carefully at the following map and answer the following questions: -Where the hell … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Sal & Pimienta | 7 Comments

In Search of My Latino ‘Bi-dentity’

Posted on April 20, 2008 by

Wonder what the new generation Latinos are all about? Look no further than the most recent research by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and The Intelligence Report, which concludes marketers must address these kids’ “bi-dentities” to better market their wares (i.e. … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Marketing & Advertising | 1 Comment

When the Going Gets Tough… Ban Taco Trucks

Posted on April 17, 2008 by

The Associated Press reports this morning that Los Angeles County has passed a law making it a misdemeanor crime for taco trucks to stay in a spot longer than one hour. The reason? “Many restaurants are forced to close their doors because they … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Politics | 3 Comments

I’ll Wear my Red Shawl, So I Can Look Just Like Her

Posted on April 15, 2008 by

First came Cinco de Mayo Barbie, then the “authentic,” Hispanic-looking [sic] quinceañera and more recently Kmart’s new line of ethnic dolls.  So let’s welcome now the Friends Forever Reina Doll, the latest “multicultural” addition to the Dolls Like Me line. Reina, its creators … Continue reading →

Posted in Marketing & Advertising, Pop culture | 2 Comments

These Workers Don’t Need a Helping Hand

Posted on April 15, 2008 by

I spent a good part of Sunday sipping Reconquista-special Absolut Vodka martinis at Manhattan’s Bar Six, and although I noticed that 99.99% of the kitchen and boss-boy staff was of Mexican origin, I failed to realize that the excess of … Continue reading →

Posted in Marketing & Advertising, Sal & Pimienta | 2 Comments

How to Market the Perfect Quickie

Posted on April 14, 2008 by

Forget about complex research and marketing formulas. Here’s how a motel in Mexico brilliantly positions itself as the ultimate spot for a “quickie.” Note to the monolingual crowd: Rapidín is Spanish for quickie. Photo posted by Facebook user Gustavo Morett.

Posted in Marketing & Advertising | Leave a comment

Let’s Now Boycott UPS, Shall We?

Posted on April 9, 2008 by

OK this is it!. Forget about Absolut Aztlán. Now it is Mexicans turn to feel the outrage. Look closely at this “very detailed” map of the world and tell me: Where the hell is the Baja California peninsula? Last time … Continue reading →

Posted in Marketing & Advertising | 8 Comments

Wanted: White-Collar ‘Jornaleros’

Posted on April 9, 2008 by

Thanks to AdAge’s blog editor Ken Wheaton for flagging this one up. It’s simply brilliant (and makes me wonder what the Absolut boyocotters will make out of it). Enjoy!

Posted in Immigration, Politics, Pop culture | 4 Comments

And Now… Caribbean-Themed Doughnuts!

Posted on April 8, 2008 by

Wondering what people eat in the Caribbean? Look no further than your local Krispy Kreme outlet. The Winston-Salem, N.C.-based company is introducing two new treats “bursting with island flavor!” “The Caribbean Kreme doughnut and Chillers feature the intense flavors of … Continue reading →

Posted in Marketing & Advertising, Pop culture | 1 Comment