The Banana Mush

Self-help books have been a gateway to mind liberation for me these past few years to achieve tranquility. The likely outcome of inner peace these books claim and the elimination of harmful thinking and discouragement, encourage me to invest in these "non-FDA" approved books. I pick up books which claim to resolve relationship issues and unhappiness because I strive to achieve some enlightenment in these categories. Long awaited epiphanies that I as a 20-year-old or as my 40-year-old mind per say, feed off of and crave for in self-development. I still find myself to possess the mental hardships going into reading these therapeutic books, however. Take in mind; I read a book about "Latinas in love" which explicitly talks about the ways Latino culture can embed certain restrictions in relationships structures in individuals--romantic relationships. The conservative thought process in Latino culture, the binary matrimony, reinforces the limitation of da...

The first rainfall had hit Los Angeles on a Wednesday, unfavorable weather to the lovers of the warmth (extreme warmth) which Southern California inherits.  I, on the other hand, enticed by the gloom of the weather and moody humans made my way to the Annenberg Space for Photography in Downtown Los Angeles.  This creative space holds the photography of freelancers that test their skills in uncomfortable situations or new areas.  Photographers such as Elliot Erwitt, Leysis Quesada, Ra ú l C a ñ ibano, and Tria Giovan explored the culture of the Cuban island, whether if the subjects or areas were on or off the island.  The Cuban culture was photographed in over 120 photos by a variety of photographers other than the ones previously listed. The rebellious youth of Cuba known as "Los Frikis" and "Chonga girls" were the highlighted subjects of the exhibits due to the current reality of Cuba in which youth direct themselves to alcoho...