CARIDAD FERRER * Note: there is also a Caridad part two.... check it out here! love music! I also love watching television and reality TV is my not so secret weakness. Author, Caridad Ferrer wrote a book about a chick on an RTV show trying to make it big in the music industry. What?! Combining all my likes in one book? I had to read it! Ya' think? And now, Caridad hangs in the clique lounge to answer, 10 Questions That Rock! Caridad, vamanos! TCL: Hola, ¿Que pasa? 'Kay that's about it for my Spanish. But I'm willing to learn. What's the naughtiest Spanish slang word you know? Wait...not too naughty...yeah, but naughty! CF: Dude, I'm writing YA here! <g> Hm... It's always given me mega-giggles to hear the word huevos (literal translation: "eggs") used to refer to a part of the male anatomy. (Use your imagination.) TCL: Let's say Adiós to My Old Life is made into a movie, what soundtrack songs would you want playing in the background of following scenes: CF: Oh... boy. Okay, let me think (and peruse the iTunes library...) —When Ali and Jamie steam it up for the first time as she's rehearsing CF: Hmm. I think this one is a toss-up between "Runaway" by The Corrs (The Unplugged version) and "When You Kiss Me" by Shania Twain. Definitely went for more of a sweet n' sexy vibe here rather than hawt and sexay. That's for later. <g> —When Ali bucks up in Fabiana's face CF: Okay, with this one, if I go strictly by the music, not really thinking about the lyrics—I can SO hear "Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down. It's got the perfect blend of build up and crescendo before it gets totally in your face If I want to have both lyric and musical impact, then I absolutely love "In the End" by Linkin Park. —When the clique is mobbed at the mall CF: Here I think you want a balance of light and yet with some tension or drive—along with some Latin/tropical influence, to get a sense of the setting, so... how about, "All On Me" by Sean Paul featuring Tami Chynn or because, I have a somewhat bent sense of humor, I can also hear Kim Wilde's "Kids in America." TCL: The world is on the brink of Politically Correct World War; Ambassador Ferrer, settle this debate once and for all. What is the most appropriate way to reference a group of people of Hispanic descent: Latinos or Hispanics? CF: You're asking me about appropriate? <g> Interesting question—personally, I grew up with "Hispanic" so that's probably what I use more frequently, if I don't simply use "Cuban." I was reading an interesting article in the Miami Herald recently that said that the majority of second generation people of Hispanic descent prefer referring to themselves as Latino. Honestly, though? Makes no never mind to me. The only term I've ever taken serious offense at is "spic" and that's with good reason. TCL: Based purely on stage presence and the ability to melt your socks off, who is the hottest male singer alive? CF: Gah! You can't ask me anything easier, like how to split an atom or something? Jeez. Okay, okay... using your criteria of stage presence and sock-melting ability, Alejandro Sanz definitely gives me a case of the wobblies and lately, J.D. Fortune, the new lead singer from INXS made me do a total "Whoa, honey!" TCL: Word association time. Quick, what do you think when I say: Myspace—Timesuck! <g> MTV—Liked it better when they showed videos American Idol—Simon, you're not as smart as you think you are Survivor: Cook Island—Bleah TCL: Everyone knows I heart New York City. You were Manhattan born and raised, lucky gal. What are the top two best things about living in The Big Apple? CF: Actually, I'm Manhattan-born and Miami-raised—however, how about I split the difference? Best thing about NYC is exactly what I have Jaime say—there's always something to do and it's a city of endless dreams and possibilities (and shopping. Let's not forget the shopping!). And with Miami, it's just this amazing cultural crossroads—you can be as outrageous as you want and no one blinks an eye. (And the FOOOOOOOOOD) TCL: If you were invited to the Latin Grammy Awards, who would you want to sit next to and then proceed to stalk the rest of the night? CF: You're thinking I'm going to say Alejandro Sanz, right? Come on, admit it, you totally thought I was. Actually, I'd love to sit next to Shakira—she seems like a totally fascinating individual. I mean, she's a great songwriter (in two languages, no less), performer, and quite the humanitarian, too. And she'd have all the hot guys following her around —I'm good with basking in reflected glory. However, if by some strange twist of fate, I wound up next to Alejandro... <blink blink> What?? (Lord, I'm going to get such a rep.) TCL: It's official, nenesita (baby girl) is now my fave Spanish word. What's your fave slang word —English, Spanish or Spanglish? CF: Sucktastic. TCL: Shameless Self-Promotion (SSP) —The number one reason Adiós is a hot read... CF: It's got something for everyone. Seriously, that's been the overwhelming response that I've received from people who've read it—that it's very relatable, whether you're a musician or not, or you're currently a teenager or your memories of adolescence involve acid-wash or bell-bottom jeans (first time around). TCL: Since Adiós was released by MTV Books that means you get a lot of free CDs and stuff, right? So, should I give you my Wish List of concert tix I'd like, my request to attend the '07 VMAs and what not now or closer to Chrismahanakwanza? ¿Caridad? ¿Hola? ¿Que pasa? Can I get the hook up? Hmm...that's funny, she must not have heard me. Oh well. * * * Cliquesters, go cop Adiós to My Old Life. If you like American Idol-type drama, only with more behind-the-scenes peeks, you'll love it.