We suppose that most of our readers already know this, but we here at República really love social commentary. Here's some that comes from our good friend, Jeff Lapaixx, who decided to take his frist stab at documentary work. We could spend time describing its context, but thought that it'd just be better to let the man himself describe it in his own words:

This is my first of several documentaries. It deals with various racial identity issues that Dominicans [sub]consciously deal with on a regular basis. Ideologies imposed on the caribbean by colonial power Spain, and enforced throughout history by Spanish elites, western european philosophies, and the entire Trujillo dictatorship

Enjoy and don't forget to thank Jeff!

While most folks are familiar with the Mexican libation known as Tequila, far fewer are aware of its more refined cousin, Mezcal. Made from agave that's fire-pit roasted then brewed and distilled, the drink acquires a unique smokey flavor that distinguishes it from anything else. Anyone interested in getting acquainted with the earthy spirit should check out Sombra (Shadow) a $35 USD bottle of Wild Espadin Agave that is hand-harvested from the Oaxacan Sierra. We like shady!

Next week's issue of Time magazine will hit newsstands with a very poignant and controversial cover story, "Why Latinos Will Swing The 2012 Election." The lead piece, written by Michael Sherer, describes how the historically conservative state of Arizona is facing a sweep at the polls thanks to a rising Hispanic vote. Sounds a lot like the story of the chickens coming home to roost, no?

There's no question that tilt-shift videography makes for epic visuals. Now apply that to the already beautiful scenery of Brazil's Rio De Janeiro and world-famous carnival and you've got this--an incredible short called The City Of Samba produced by Jarbas Agnelli.

The title says it all...

In conjunction with this season's New York City Fashion Week, República was recently invited to preview the debut line of Dominican-born, American designer, Emilio Sosa. The collection was presented at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The Ford-sponsored event brought out the city's brightest and best-dressed for a night full of color and soulful House music--two things that Emilio boasts, truly inspired the unique line titled: Urban Geisha.

The result is a stunning collection that's based on classic American sportswear silhouettes, Japanese aesthetic and vibrant hues of blue and red.

Okay, so maybe we were kidding about an actual "attack" but there's definitely a little friendly competition brewing. You see, for a while now, New York City-based local media celebrity, Juan Bago, has been riding the wave of viral buzz thanks to his brand of Dominican-laden comedy. First there was Pan Con Queso, a comedic remix to Wiz Khalifa's breakthrough single, "Black And Yellow," that centers around the popular Dominican breakfast ritual of the grilled cheese. And in his latest spoof, Dominis In The Heights, an ode to Kanye and Jay-Z's "N***as In Paris," Bago manages to score a cameo from Broadway golden-boy, Lin Manuel Miranda (In The Heights). Huge, right? Perhaps.

But enter Manuel Minus P of ThatsDominican.com and this virtual town might not be big enough for two viral funnymen. Unlike Bago, Minus P's material highlights more island-centric quirks, complete with segments about the comedic archetype Dominican male, Dominican female and even Dominican parents! And now the million dollar question: Who's funnier and why?

Bago:

Minus P:

Does the Bago charm do more to foster humor?

Or does P's island approach make a stronger demographic of fans laugh?

We're letting the reader comments decide this one. Let us know!

New York City-based non-profit, Healthy Kids In The Heights, is spearheading a campaign that will empower neighborhood parents to become leaders in healthy living. The Healthy Parents Fellowship program is dedicated to battling child obesity in the neighborhood of Washington Heights. Led by founder and health activist, Catarina Rivera, the initiative is currently seeking funding to jump start its goals of health and entrepreneur training for parents, publicity for the project, materials and supplies, and space for its work. Washington Heights ranks second-highest in the city for childhood obesity. The Healthy Parents Fellowship really wants to change this statistic by developing community leaders that will in turn, activate community awareness. You can help fund their cause here. Only 16 days left for them to reach their goal of $2500 USD.

A video for an anti-racism campaign sponsored by the Mexican government is raising all kinds of eyebrows, and hopefully, awareness about the deep-rooted social issue. The almost four minute long piece captures a handful of responses from Mexican children that are asked to differentiate between a white doll and a black doll. When asked loaded questions like which doll is ugly, bad, good, trustworthy, etc., the children almost always attributed the negative qualities to the black doll. Ricardo Bucio Mujica, President of The National Council To Prevent Discrimination, points out that the experiment is meant to highlight some very real social stigmas and perceptions:

What we are tying to show here, is that in Mexico we associate the whiteness of the skin with beauty, with advantages in life and success, it’s the desirable stereotype.

Anyone looking for a good groove this coming Thursday, December 29th 2011, should check out our amigos, The 55 Crew, and their new Uptown Manhattan residency, Deep In The Heights. Expect "House music all night long," floor powder, and a whole lotta dancing!

DEEP IN THE HEIGHTS: Bringing House Parties Uptown

Thursday, Dec. 29th 11PM-4AM

Negro Claro Lounge

3805 10th Ave (204th Street)

New York, NY

RSVP