Bolder Languages: The Blog

Press Release - Bolder Languages and SET Idiomas Deepen Partnership to Enhance Study Abroad Options in Argentina

2012-02-08T12:10:00.001-08:00

February 8th, 2012 - Boulder, Colorado/Córdoba, Argentina

Today Bolder Languages and SET Idiomas (Spanish school in Córdoba, Argentina) announced a deeper partnership to help Spanish students in Colorado pursue their dreams of becoming fluent in Spanish. With this piece of news, anyone from Colorado that would like to study Spanish in Argentina may now contact Bolder Languages directly to answer any questions about learning Spanish in Argentina and take preparatory classes to ease the immersion process to Argentina and reduce culture shock.

The benefits are clear - having someone locally based will make the process of choosing a Spanish school abroad much easier. Instead of doing research online, Skype conversations in a new language, and trading emails, students can meet with a real person at the Bolder Languages office in Boulder. On top of the obvious benefits of real human interaction, Bolder Languages will offer additional services to add more value:

1.) Free immersion consultation and placement. Travelling abroad can be a great experience or a nightmare depending on where you go. Working with Bolder Languages, you can tell them what your goals and interests are and they can provide you with recommendations of the best place to go to help you accomplish this. This will ensure that the students traveling to Córdoba are going to the best destination possible and that it will be enjoyable.

2.) Travel arrangements. It can be challenging to book travel to places outside of the United States. Bolder Languages knows the best airlines and travel routes to get between Colorado and Argentina, so students can be sure they are getting the best deal possible and will arrive safely to their new destination.

3.) Money transfers. Since Bolder Languages and SET Idiomas have a trusted relationship, you can be sure that your money will be transferred to the appropriate bank account and in the right time frame to reserve your place in the class.

"Boulder Colorado and Córdoba Argentina have a lot in common" says Eduardo Trucco, owner and director of SET Idiomas. "We are both college towns with a lot of young people and close to the mountains. We are very excited to deepen our ties to Bolder Languages, especially since its founder was once our student!"

For more information about studying Spanish in Argentina , please contact David Stevens at 303.997.9207 or visit http://www.bolderlanguages.us/services-2/immersion-services/

About Bolder Languages

Bolder Languages is a World Languages school in Boulder, Colorado, focused on providing educational services related to learning a new language. These services include:

•Adult Classes
•Children Programs
•Tutoring
•Business Services
•Languages

Through education, we aim to improve cross cultural communication by reducing the barriers. This we hope will improve the perception of Americans throughout the world and vice versa, which will lead to safer communities and stronger economies.

About SET Idiomas

SET Idiomas is dedicated to teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) in Córdoba, Argentina. At SET we offer Spanish courses in an atmosphere of continuous academic and methodological updating, in order to best respond to our students’ communication needs.

About Bolder Languages

Bolder Languages is a World Languages school in Boulder, Colorado, focused on providing educational services related to learning a new language. Through education, we aim to improve cross cultural communication by reducing the barriers. This we hope will improve the perception of Americans throughout the world and vice versa, which will lead to safer communities and stronger economies.

For more information, please visit www.bolderlanguages.us or call David Stevens at 303.997.9207.

Valentine's Day Around the World

2012-02-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

For student's learning a new language, it is also important to learn the cultural traditions that go along with the new language. With Valentine's Day around the corner, giving some insight into how and why it is celebrated and historical context will help.

Valentine's Day, short for Saint Valentine's Day, originally was a celebration to honor a Catholic Saint that was buried in Rome on February 14th. Not much is known about him, but the most well known legend has it that he was persecuted by the Roman Emperor Claudius II sometime between the years 269 - 273. During this time, not only was Christianity ilegal, the Emperor had established a law prohibiting young men from marriage in order to build up the Roman army. Despite this, Valentine continued Christian marriage rituals, and was ultimately arrested and sentenced to death for this.

With the commercialization of the holiday, a new rumor has emerged that the night before his execution, St. Valentine wrote a love letter to a young girl with whom he was in love. However, there is no historical evidence to support this. Regardless, the Valentine's day card was born, and now courters and couples alike exchange love notes and cards on this day around the globe.

In the United States everyone knows that we exchange cards, flowers, candy, and plan romantic dates, but this is not the case everywhere. In much of Spanish speaking Latin America, "Día del Amor y la Amistad" or "Día del Cariño" is celebrated, representing both love and friendship. Children play a game called "Angelito" or "Amigo Secreto" depending on location, where they rip paper into small pieces, write down the name of another person, and then exchange the pieces of paper with others (similar to Secret Santa in the U.S.). They then give a gift to whoever is on the paper they receive.

In Brazil, February 14th is not celebrated at all, as this usually is during or close to Carnival. That said, Brazil has a completely different day altogether that celebrates love, called "Dias dos Namorados", which takes place on June 12th. This happens the day before June 13th, or St. Anthony's Day, who is Brazil's patron saint of marriage.

European traditions are similar to most western traditions, with a few items of interest. In contradiction with the above legenD, France claims to be the birth place of the Valentine's Day card. In 1415 the Duke of Orleans, Charles, was said to have written a poetic "Valentine" while imprisoned in the Tower of London after having been captured in the Battle of Agincourt. France once had another interesting custom called "drawing for" every 14th of February. Unmarried people would call to each other from their windows and pair off. Commonly the man would come to the conclusion he had made a bad choice and abandon the lady. That evening, the bitter women would gather together and light a bonfire, tossing in anything that reminded them of the cold men that had abandoned them earlier.

In Italy, it was once believed that the first man an unmarried woman would see on Valentine's Day would ask her for her hand in marriage within a year. Thus it was quite common that they would arise before the sun and wait by the window for the man of their dreams to come walking down the street.

In Asia, the February 14th date was never celebrated until the 20th century, and is really a product of globalization. In Japan, the equivalent day of Romance was always celebrated on December 24th. However, the new tradition emerging on February 14th is that women give men chõ-giri choko, meaning ultra-obligatory chocolate. A month later, March 14th is a the day the men reply, known as White Day, when they return white chocolates to their loved ones. Interestingly, men are expected to return a gift of at least three times the value of the one they received. Returning a gift of equal value means they are breaking off the relationship, and no gift at all indicates they are superior to their counter part.

China has a few versions. One equivalent is the Qixi Festival, or "The Night of Sevens. This is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar, when the Cowherd and Weaver Stars cross each other in the Milky Way. Women make offerings to the Chinese God Niulang and Goddess Zhinü in order to ensure their beauty and ultimately that they have or maintain healthy relationships. Another day of romance is Lantern Day, falling on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. Traditionally on this day unmarried girls were allowed to go into public unaccompanied, where they would be able to look for and meet bachelors seeking to court the single women of the town.

As you can see, every country has their own traditions, and these are just a few examples of how a day like Valentine's Day can differ, or not exist at all. As our cultures continue to mix and match, we will inevitably incorporate new traditions into our own, as ours have spread to others. As always, it is important to try to learn the customs that accompany the new culture you are learning, and always be respectful. More than likely, you will grow to enjoy them and start participating yourself!

In honor of this years Valentine's Day, Bolder Languages has created a special romantic offer for couples to learn a Romance Language and how to dance Salsa. See the details here:

http://www.bolderlanguages.us/services-2/adult-classes/romance-languages-and-salsa-dancing-in-boulder-co/

Diversify Your Markets to Increase Revenue: Brazil

2012-01-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

Right now the economy in the United States is struggling. Sales are down, the unemployment rate is up, and investments in real estate and the stock market are bleak - let's just say the US has seen better days. The good news is there is a solution to this - opening up new markets, either domestically or abroad.

There is a simple truth we must consider, and that is whenever one economy is struggling, another is thriving. So instead of being depressed about what is going on, as business leaders we should look at creative ways of how we can balance our businesses by serving new markets. Today there is a great place to target, and that is Brazil.

The economy in Brazil is thriving, and Rio has now passed New York as one of the most expensive places to live in the world. GDP growth in 2010 was 7.5% and expected to be similar for 2011. Classified as a developing nation in Latin America, in recent years Brazil has really turned itself around and is emerging as a new powerhouse and is the leading economy in not only Latin America but the world, being ranked last year as the 31st fastest growing economy out of over 200. More importantly, they have averaged over 4% economic growth for the past 5 years, a very strong indication the growth is stable. Compare that to the United States, which has seen an average economic growth over the same period of .82%.

Business leaders should expect this to continue for at least another 5-10 years. Brazil has been elected to host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016, two events that individually have had tremendously positive economic impacts on countries (96 Olympics in Atlanta, 10 World Cup in South Africa). Having them back to back like this has never been seen, so the business environment should be intense. The reasons here are that when hosting these types of events, countries and businesses make huge investments in infrastructure and real estate anticipating the huge wave in tourists and external investments.

While this sounds like a great opportunity, jumping straight in will not necessarily lead to an increase in sales for your company. There is a different language, culture, business etiquette, and overall way of life that unless businesses cater their messages to accomodate they will fail.

First, one should start by studying the language, which is Brazilian Portuguese (slightly different that that of Portugal, similar to difference from the English spoken in the US and England). Not that one needs to become 100% fluent, but having an understanding of the language and at least attempting to throw in a few words here and there will go a ver long way. Even doing this domestically can help attract Brazilians with fat pockets to your stores, as can be seen with retail operations in Miami:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/us/miami-courts-free-spending-brazilians.html?_r=1

Next, if you have never conducted business abroad, you should look into a good cross cultural communication training program. Some psychology and communications experts report that only 7% of communication is verbal, and the remaining 93% is non-verbal. This includes the things like distance in between people, the clothes you wear, what different colors represent, the tone in your voice, and how you manage time. This all has a huge impact on the business etiquette, which one must be very respectful of in order to succeed in Brazil, where people do business with people and not companies.

Bolder Languages offers programs that can help you accomplish your goals, including classes in Portuguese and Cross-Cultural Communication, as well as market research, consulting, and translation services.

In the meantime, here are some other resources that will help you prepare for a business venture in Brazil:

http://www.maria-brazil.org/business_in_brazil.htm

http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/brazil/

http://data.worldbank.org/country/brazil

Seeking a French Instructor for Bolder Languages

2011-12-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Bolder Languages, a cross-cultural communications agency, is seeking an expert on French to help teach the language and culture in Boulder. The position would start with private classes and eventually expand into small group classes.

The candidate we seek must be professional and versatile, with the following roles and responsibilities:

*Experience teaching French to Americans

*English - French and French - English Translation and Interpretation

*Knowledgeable of French and American Business Practices

Bolder Languages is Boulder's only international consulting and cross cultural communications agency. We seek to increase diversity and stimulate the local economy by making local citizens and companies more understanding of people from other walks of life through education and related business services. Today we must seek to become better global citizens in order to become more competitive and raise our image abroad. If you would like to be part of a fun company with both sound economical and social business practices, please send us your resume to:

info@bolderlanguages.us

Current Languages:

* Arabic

* Chinese

* English as a Second Language (ESL)

* French

* German

* Russian

* Spanish

* Seeking instructors of new languages!

Bolder Languages is seeking new cross cultural communications specialists! We want to grow the previous list to include all languages and cultures. If you are interested, please respond to this ad today and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.

Bolder Languages

Bolder Languages is seeking an instructor for Italian

2011-12-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Bolder Languages, a cross-cultural communications agency, is seeking an expert on Italian to help teach the language and culture in Boulder. The position would start with private classes and eventually expand into small group classes.

The candidate we seek must be professional and versatile, with the following roles and responsibilities:

*Experience teaching Italian to Americans
*English - Italian and Italian - English Translation and Interpretation
*Knowledgeable of Italian and American Business Practices

Bolder Languages is Boulder's only international consulting and cross cultural communications agency. We seek to increase diversity and stimulate the local economy by making local citizens and companies more understanding of people from other walks of life through education and related business services. Today we must seek to become better global citizens in order to become more competitive and raise our image abroad. If you would like to be part of a fun company with both sound economical and social business practices, please send us your resume to:

info@bolderlanguages.us

Current Languages:

* Arabic
* Chinese
* English as a Second Language (ESL)
* French
* Italian
* German
* Russian
* Spanish
* Seeking instructors of new languages!

Bolder Languages is seeking new cross cultural communications specialists! We want to grow the previous list to include all languages and cultures. If you are interested, please respond to this ad today and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.

Bolder Languages

Bolder Languages is seeking an instructor for Hungarian

2011-12-04T07:47:00.001-08:00

Bolder Languages, a cross-cultural communications agency, is seeking an expert on Hungarian to help teach the language and culture in Boulder. The position would start with private classes and eventually expand into small group classes.

The candidate we seek must be professional and versatile, with the following roles and responsibilities:

*Experience teaching Hungarian to Americans
*English - Hungarian and Hungarian - English Translation and Interpretation
*Knowledgeable of Hungarian and American Business Practices

Bolder Languages is Boulder's only international consulting and cross cultural communications agency. We seek to increase diversity and stimulate the local economy by making local citizens and companies more understanding of people from other walks of life through education and related business services. Today we must seek to become better global citizens in order to become more competitive and raise our image abroad. If you would like to be part of a fun company with both sound economical and social business practices, please send us your resume to:

info@bolderlanguages.us

Current Languages:

* Arabic
* Chinese
* English as a Second Language (ESL)
* French
* Italian
* German
* Russian
* Spanish
* Seeking instructors of new languages!

Bolder Languages is seeking new cross cultural communications specialists! We want to grow the previous list to include all languages and cultures. If you are interested, please respond to this ad today and one of our representatives will contact you shortly.

Bolder Languages

Group Spanish Classes in Boulder, CO - January Class Schedule

2011-12-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

http://www.bolderlanguages.us/GroupSpanishClasses.schedule.php

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:30 - 12			Beginning 2		Beginning 1
5:30-7:00	Beginning 4	Beginning 1	Intermediate 4	Intermediate 2
7-8:30	Beginning 1, Beginning 2	Intermediate 2	Beginning 3, Healthcare Spanish	Advanced 1

Bolder Languages is seeking an expert on Korean Business Etiquette, Language, and Culture

2011-12-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

Bolder Languages, a cross-cultural communications agency, is seeking an expert on business practices in Korea. We currently have clients looking to expand business operations, so a well rounded individual to help develop a market plan, translate business documents, and teach a course on local business and cultural differences. The candidate we seek must be professional and versatile, with the following roles and responsibilities:

*English - Korean and Korean - English Translation and Interpretation

*Business Savvy

*Knowledgeable of Korean and American Business Practices

*Capable of conducting Market research

*Have great presentation skills

info@bolderlanguages.us

Current Business Services :

* Arabic

* Chinese

* English as a Second Language (ESL)

* French

* Italian

* German

* Russian

* Spanish

* Seeking instructors of new languages!

Bolder Languages

Press Release: Bolder Languages and Spanish Easy and Fun Partner to Educate Colorado’s Front Range on the Spanish Language and Latin Culture

2011-11-28T20:20:00.001-08:00

Bolder Languages announced today an official partnership with Spanish Easy and Fun to be its official Spanish Language and Culture Business Unit. The two companies share similar goals of educating the local population on navigating an increasingly growing Hispanic population and increasing business opportunities with a better prepared workforce.

“Spanish Easy and Fun’s language programs are right on point with our goal of making Colorado an economic powerhouse by taking advantage of our globalized economy” said David Stevens, Bolder Languages founder. “Latin America’s economy is on the rise, and while the US economy has been stagnant, looking outside our borders is necessary. Even within our state, local firms with knowledge of Spanish will open doors to a very large market.”

20% of Colorado’s citizens speak Spanish as a first language according to the 2010 US Census. The Bolder Languages and Spanish Easy and Fun partnership will help lower the costs of teaching Spanish and enable a more people to take advantage of these services. Benefits of having a bilingual community will help to reduce crime, increase job opportunities, and and stimulate the local economy by enabling firms to increase revenue through international channels.

About Bolder Languages

Bolder Languages is a Cross Cultural Communication agency serving Colorado. Headquartered in Boulder, services offer assistance for people and firms across the front range, including language instruction, translation and interpretation, and business programs. Bolder Languages, founded in 2007, has expertise in education and cultures, enabling Colorado citizens to better interact and compete in today’s increasingly globalized economy. For more information please visit www/bolderlanguages.us.

About Spanish Easy and Fun

Spanish Easy and Fun is a Language School with offices in Longmont and Boulder. Curriculum has been created by Native Spanish speakers to make learning the new language fun and easy, with more of a focus on becoming conversational than traditional language courses. Specialties include Children Programs, Travel Preparation, and Healthcare. Since inception Spanish Easy and Fun has taught close to 500 people in the Front Range how to speak Spanish. For more information please visit www.spanisheasyfun.com.

CONTACT: Bolder Languages - David Stevens at 303.997.9207 or info@bolderlanguages.us

Unprecedented Opposition to the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

2011-11-22T15:02:00.001-08:00

In response to a recent article I read opposing the recent Free Trade Agreement with Colombia, I decided to write this. You can see the original article here:

http://lawg.org/component/content/article/76/947

Free trade is a good thing, and generally speaking should benefit everyone involved if it is truly free trade. I have yet to see strong evidence to support why this deal has so much opposition.

Most countries with which the US opens up Free Trade Agreements benefit in many new ways. They can easily market and sell their products and services to us, and benefit from buying US products, like clothing, electronics, and more without having to pay gigantic tariffs, which can sometimes more than double the cost of a product. Imagine if the Apple computer you are reading this article on cost $3,000, with the majority of that fee going to your government!

I think the conflict people fear when it comes to international trade is that we are outsourcing jobs, supporting unfair working conditions, and exploiting people. Unfortunately, this is a sad biproduct of something that should help everyone involved.

I meet with clients frequently looking to do business abroad. What I recommend is the following:

1.) Be a good Global Citizen. This means respect the new culture and cater to local business practices and customs to the extent that you can. However, if something is illegal in the United States, do not buy into that while abroad.

2.) Know the people and companies with whom you are doing business. Spend extra time upfront to build a good relationship. Make sure that the companies that you outsource to or import from are ethical and not exploiting people.

3.) Focus on creating value - this does not mean improving your margins by finding very cheap labor, but doing things that will actually add value to your brand, improve the quality of your products, and the perception your customer has of you.

4.) Develop programs to prepare your employees for an international environment. Teach them languages and cultures, and incorporate that into your domestic business.

5.) Think very strongly before making a decision to outsource a major operation. Look for ways to promote the people that may lose their job to a higher value position within or have a plan to ensure they transition to a new job smoothly.

We have been participating in international trade for thousands of years. Creating true Free Trade environments reduces unnecessary taxes and benefits everyone involved, but we must maintain a high level of ethics when doing so. So instead of fighting things like this agreement with Colombia, which really is inevitable, let's make sure that people are not exploited and we are doing this to add value to our communities, organizations, and customers.

I welcome your feedback here. Please join the debate by adding your comments below.

Give the gift of language this year!

2011-11-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

As we go into the holiday season this year, it is easy to get caught up in material things. Clothes, Electronics, CDs, etc are what normally comes to mind.

This year Bolder Languages would like to suggest that you give something much more profound to your loved ones - the gift of language!

Learning a language has never been more important. You will be able to open up new doors to friends, travel experiences, and job opportunities. This year, give the gift that will last a lifetime to your loved ones. We have options in many languages, visit our website here to learn more:

http://www.bolderlanguages.us/languageasagift.php

* Arabic

* Chinese

* English as a Second Language (ESL)

* French

* Italian

* German

* Portuguese

* Russian

* Spanish

* Always seeking new instructors!

Haitian Hope

2011-11-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine, Caroline Laborde, travels to Haiti one or two times a year to volunteer in a small village called Trouin. She has a blog called Haitian Hope, which you can see here:

http://haitianhopemission.blogspot.com/

Please take a minute to read about her travels and work in Haiti!

Bolder Languages Social Media Sites

2011-11-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I am writing this to announce my decision to leave Symplified, the software company I have been with for the past 5 years in Boulder Colorado. While a great opportunity, and I am very appreciative to have been given the chance to help build a company now doing $5M/year in revenue fresh out of college, it felt it was time to chase my dreams of being an entrepreneur and chasing some of my business ideas.

About 4 years ago I founded a company called Bolder Languages, which is a cross cultural communication agency dedicate to breaking down cultural barriers. Through language instruction, interpretation and translations services, and cross cultural communication training, we aim to improve the world we live in, promote diversity, and enhance our local community through the creation of jobs and a powerful international business community.

I can't say that I have everything figured out, and I am sure that it will be a long and challenging road to build this business from scratch. I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide in the endeavor, and one suggestion would be to get involved and follow us on our social media sites. Please take a moment to do the following, and send this along to your colleagues, friends, and family.

http://www.linkedin.com/company/bolder-languages/
Please click the follow button if you have not already.

http://www.facebook.com/BolderLanguages/
Please become a fan and invite your friends to do the same.

http://www.bolderlanguages.blogspot.com/
Sign up to the RSS feed and share articles with your friends and family as you see fit.

http://twitter.com/#!/BolderLanguages/
Follow us to see all of the latest updates, and again please invite people you know to do the same.

If you know anyone in Colorado looking for our services, or looking for employment with a company like this, please let me know and pass along my contact information.

--
Best,

David Stevens

CEO and Founder

Bolder Languages

303.997.9207

www.bolderlanguages.us

The Impact Immigration Has On Education In Colorado And The Answer To Immigration Reform

2011-11-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

I am inspired to write this thanks to an article I just read from this Sunday's Denver post:

Colorado schools, non-English speakers adapt to learning curve

I learned some interesting things in reading this about Colorado's educational systems and demographics, which lead me to believe we need to come together quickly to embrace immigration and improve our local educational institutions in order to meet today's new demographic truths:

117,363 students out of 843,000 total in Colorado do not speak English as their first language. That is 14% of all students!
Some schools, such as Crystal River Elementary, report that approximately 60% of their student body speaks Spanish as their first language.
Unfortunately, schools do not dedicate the appropriate resources to serve these demographics, resulting very sadly in my ultimate fact according to this article, that only 49% of students that speak English as a Second Language graduate from High School.

So let's look at both sides of the debate:

1.) Make immigration harder like in Alabama, and only support our US born citizens in the educational systems.

2.) Develop programs catering to our new neighbors and redesign the public school systems to better accomodate a diverse population.

People fear what they don't understand, and today we see in the media an increasingly intense debate about immigration reform. Sure, we could make it much harder to come to our country and crack down on illegal immigration, but this simply does not work. As a matter of fact, our economy really needs immigration to thrive. Crystal River Elementary is actually very close to Aspen, a place where you would not guess so many students are not native English speakers. They came with their families to fill manual labor positions like construction that many Americans will not do for the money being offered. So in order for us to continue to pay low prices on products and services, we need people that are willing to do the work for less money.

Who built our railroads? Who built the skyscrapers in New York? And today, who is building our houses? The vast majority you will find are immigrants in search of a better life, willing to do the jobs we won't. My fellow people, the United States is the melting pot of the world, and I guarantee that 99.9% of the people that read this had family that immigrated here within the past 200 years. We are all immigrants!

Why continue to fight this? It is expensive, ineffective, and creates hate. We spend millions of dollars a year on border patrol and deportation, and most of the deportees come right back within a few months. Not to mention, the negative impact this would have on our taxes and benefits programs like social security. Did you know that illegal immigrants, through fake green cards and social security numbers, actually pay taxes and contribute to our welfare programs, and will never be able to benefit from this themselves? If this wasn't such a hidden gem to illegal immigration I would bet our country would very quickly figure out a way to eliminate it, but it is simply too beneficial for us to have this happen the way it does today.

So what I would propose is option 2, and develop programs to help immigrants integrate into our society and redesign our educational systems to meet the quickly changing demographics.

First, we should look at ways to come together as a community and help our new neighbors integrate. There are a few organizations doing this today, like Intercambio de Comunidades in Boulder, that have English classes, integration workshops, and other services geared towards reducing the challenges of moving to a new country. They have been well recognized for their work in the community, with politicians and law enforcement officials siting the positive impact of happier people, less crime, and a more productive society.

Second, we should study the languages and cultures of the folks that are flocking here with cross-cultural communications agencies such as Bolder Languages. Depending on where you live, this could be Latin Americans trying to escape the horrible conditions of the drug war, Africans escaping famine and torture, or expat entrepreneurs investing in new businesses. Most people coming to the US are in pursuit of the American dream and genuinely want to create new things, build businesses, and be happy. As US citizens it is our duty to serve as global ambassadors and help make this happen, so our economy can recover and we can once again thrive as a nation.

Finally, let's think of ways to improve our educational systems to accomodate ESL students. There are many ways we can do this. One would be to offer cross-cultural communication training to the teachers. Another should be to have an immersion program so new comers are fully fluent in English. Most universities require students receive TOEFL certifications before joining as a full time student, so why do we make K-12 students jump right into calculous before knowing what 2+2 means in English?

In conclusion, I encourage you to study the new cultures and embrace them. Stop complaining, don't be scared, and think of how you can be a part of the solution.

Group Spanish Classes Starting November 7th

2011-10-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Call us at 303.997.9207 to sign up today!

We are offering a new group Spanish class starting November 7th here in Boulder. This will be a great opportunity for you to practice and meet other people that share your interest in learning Spanish.

All Levels - Beginner through Intermediate

Each course lasts 6 weeks, meeting once a week for 1.5 hours. All materials will be included! Participants will get to learn and practice:

Latin American culture
Prepositions
Common expressions
Slang
Future, conditional and subjunctive tenses

We will have fun games and interactive exercises that involve role playing. Give us a call or respond to sign up!

Bolder Languages is a great place to find help for learning a language and other forms of cross-cultural communication.

Beginning Conversational Spanish in Boulder

2011-02-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Students, Friends and Colleagues,

Bolder languages would like to inform you about a new session for Beginning Conversational Spanish, starting on the 10th of March. Jay Minaya, an extremely experienced instructor and native Spanish speaker, will be teaching the class once a week on Thursday nights. Bolder Languages takes pride in Jay’s experience and enthusiasm for teaching Spanish language and culture. The beginner classes are a great first step for becoming fluent.

Class and Materials are offered for $140.
Class meets once a week in the evening on Thursdays, for six weeks, for an hour and a half.
Class sizes are between six and ten people, allowing more time for one-on-one attention from the instructor, and a stronger success rate.

Contact Bolder languages today, and let us show you the benefits of learning a language in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. We hope that together we can evaluate your goals for language education and help you achieve them! We look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for taking an interest in Bolder Languages and have a wonderful day.

Bolder Languages is looking for a marketing Intern

2010-12-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

Bolder Languages is looking for a marketing Intern

Bolder Languages aims to build a network of freelance tutors in and around Boulder, Colorado, that specialize in teaching languages. In today's world of globalization, knowing multiple languages has never been so useful, and by helping others learn a new language, we help them on their way to the “good life”.

Job description:

The intern will be given the opportunity to conduct marketing and sales related activities to help grow business in throughout the state of Colorado. This is a unique opportunity to help builld a company from the ground up and learn all aspects of running a business. If succesfull a full time position will be offered.

Job requirements:

Seeking out new opportunities constantly
Meet sales goals and objectives assigned by the CEO.
Supervising established client accounts.
Preparing a variety of sales status reports that include activity, follow-up, closings, and adherence to targets.
Handling customer clients as well as identifying and resolving their concerns.
Communicating new service and product opportunities, feedback, special developments, or information collected during field activity to proper company staff.
Preparing schedules and action plans to identify particular targets and list the clients contact numbers.
Presenting and selling company services and products to current and prospective clients.
Follow up on referrals and new leads.
Developing and maintaining the existing product knowledge and sales materials.
Preparing proposals, presentations, and sales contracts.
Establishing and maintaining new and established client relationships.
Managing account services through follow-up and quality checks.
Developing and implementing special sales activities to promote new services and classes.
Assisting in the execution of marketing plans of company as required.

Skills and Specifications

Pleasant and exceeding personality.
Excellent customer service skills.
Able to meet fixed deadlines and manage under pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Positive individual and a hard worker.
Able to build and deliver presentations.
Knowledge of sales promotion and advertising techniques.
Able to create, write and edit composed manuals.
Good computer application skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
Able to persuade and convince others.

Education and Qualifications

Pursuing a degree in sales and marketing related fields.
Related sales experience.

BREAKING NEWS House Agriculture Committee to vote on legislation ending the travel ban

2010-06-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS

"It's time," the simple but powerful message from Rep. Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, as he announced his decision to have the committee vote on legislation to end the travel ban and increase the sale of U.S. food to the island.

The committee will meet on June 30, 2010 to consider the legislation introduced by Peterson and cosponsored by a bi-partisan group of 62 Members of the House. Peterson's bill, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act (H.R. 4645), has been endorsed by over 130 organizations that represent agriculture and business, foreign policy and national security, religious, labor and human rights, and other advocacy groups that support a new U.S. policy toward Cuba.

Comments supporting Peterson's decision came quickly.

"This is the moment for making a decisive change in Cuba policy; a change that will put money in the pockets of American farmers and workers, put better food on Cuban tables, and put more Americans on Cuban streets and in Cuban homes. A policy that ends the travel ban and sells more food to Cuba puts our country on the side of the Cuban people, and we applaud the Committee for scheduling the legislation," said Sarah Stephens of the Center for Democracy in the Americas.

"It's time for a decisive change in Cuba policy. U.S. citizens want their right to travel restored. Rather than waiting another fifty years for Cuba to change, sending American food and tourists to Cuba will make life better for the Cuban people now. We support Chairman Peterson in moving ahead with a vote in the Agriculture Committee on this legislation," said Mavis Anderson of the Latin America Working Group.

"Moving to end the travel ban and to sell more food to Cuba is not only good for Americans and Cubans, but also critical for restoring relevance to U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. Engaging the Cuban people, as this effort would do, will enhance the U.S. image and our effectiveness in the region. This is welcome news to those who think it is long past time to change our outmoded approach to Cuba," said Anya Landau French of the New America Foundation.

"The Peterson-Moran bill takes U.S. Cuba policy in a sensible direction. It moves away from the unilateral sanctions we've imposed for fifty years, and expands travel, communication and dialogue, while opening up sales opportunities for U.S. businesses. We're pleased that Chairman Peterson is moving the bill toward a vote," said Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America.

The decision to go to mark-up by Chairman Peterson comes just a few weeks after 74 of Cuba's most prominent political dissidents endorsed the bill and called for tourism by Americans and increased food sales to help the Cuban people.

A Taste of Puerto Rico Festival in Denver - June 13th and 14th

2010-06-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings! We will be celebrating the Taste of Puerto Rico Festival at Stapleton Central Park on June 12 and 13, 2010. Check out our Events page for times, as well as other events we have through out the year.

See below for a map and driving directions. There will also be a free shuttle service from Stapleton Park-n-ride and Northfield Mall.

We want to give special thanks to those who attended the Taste of Puerto Rico Festival at Stapleton Central Park in Denver this past June. It was the first time we held the event there and we had over 7,000 people in attendance throughout the two-day event. Thank you for making this festival so successful.

Our organization would like to continue making this a special day for Puerto Ricans around the Denver Metro area and beyond. We had visitors from the neighboring states to as far as New York that made it down for the festivities.

We would also like to send a special thanks to the vendors, security and the artist that entertained the audience. Without you, none of this is possible.

Once again all are invited, to attend and participate.

Salsa Classes in Boulder

2010-05-29T07:25:00.001-07:00

June's classes start Tuesday of next week!

Level I (Morgan) - Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Level III (Marcela) - Tuesdays at 7:00pm

Level IV (Eric & partners) - Tuesdays at the earlier time of 7:00pm -- We're waiting for you!

Cuban Casino (Eric & Marcela) - Wednesdays at 8:00pm. We are continuing with Cuban Casino and Rueda de Casino. This class filled up last month and everybody is having a lot of fun learning Cuban style.

Salsaville's classes constantly gets good feedback:

From Lisa Perrin:
"There's something about all the people who take Eric's salsa classes...Everyone is so warm, friendly and fun to be around. For a solid year, it's been a truly positive experience."

From Christine Donahue:
"We are so lucky to have such an excellent Cuban style salsa teacher in Boulder. In just one class, I learned simple things from you that really improved my technique -- your attention to detail is amazing. Thanks for sharing your passion for dance with us!"

From Greg Richardson:
"Eric Freeman's intro to Salsa class was extremely rewarding. I had a great time and am surprised how much I learned in such a short time. My initial nervousness was quickly overcome by Eric's patient teaching style."

Many more testimonials can be found at:
http://www.salsaville.com/teaching_testimonials.htm

See below for the full schedule. See you in class and until then have a great holiday weekend!
- Eric

Ballet Nacional de Cuba wil go to Washington D.C. in 2011

2010-05-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=showEvent&event=BLBSI

Ballet Nacional de Cuba
Alicia Alonso, Artistic Director

"The Cubans are famously a company of virtuosos and wherever you looked on stage there were other star turns"
--The Guardian

The Magic of Dance

Don Quixote
Choreography by Alicia Alonso after Marius Petipa
Music by Ludwig Minkus

Its dancers are the product of Russian-style classical training, but exude a style all their own. Their works are Western ballet standards, but they are invigorated with intense passions. When Ballet Nacional de Cuba returns to the Kennedy Center for the first time in ten years, they will perform two programs that bridge the gap between refined taste and pure entertainment.

Ballet Nacional de Cuba will perform The Magic of Dance, a program that was received with great praise last year while on tour through England. This collection of ballet highlights spanning the classical anthology will include selections from Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and more.

The company will also present their acclaimed version of Don Quixote. "Those looking for passion, Latin or otherwise, will find it in this idiosyncratic 1988 version of the 19th-century Don Quixote…a production filled with dramatic motivation," says the New York Times. This Cuban company has embraced a tradition of romantic and classical excellence since it was founded by Alicia Alonso in 1948. The troupe, which regularly tours Europe, Asia, and South America, brings its beautiful footwork, strong dancers, and impeccable technique for a long-awaited appearance before Washington audiences for the first time since 2001.

New meetup group for Latino Professionals

2010-05-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.meetup.com/denverlatinoprofessionals/?gj=wg2_ej1b

Salsa class in Boulder taught in beginner/intermediate Spanish!

2010-05-29T06:24:00.001-07:00

When: Thursday, June 17, 2010 7:15 PM

Where:
The Avalon
6185 Arapahoe Rd
Boulder, CO 80303
303-440-8303

I've communicated with the manager of these Thursday night Salsa events and he has arranged for our group to have a Spanish speaking instructor to teach the class in beginner/intermediate Spanish! If your Spanish is rusty (or worse), do not worry! Come anyway. You'll learn Spanish as well as Salsa! RSVP through our Meetup site please.

Salsa class 7:30-8:30PM $8. Please arrive early!

The Avalon supplies snacks and dessert every week for free. Come and join, you will be sure to have a great time.

http://www.avalonevents.org/index.php for more information.

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/boulderspanish/calendar/13585839/

Announcing a new Meetup for Boulder Spanish Meetup!!

2010-05-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

See the full description here:

http://www.meetup.com/boulderspanish/calendar/13573400/?a=cv1c_grp&rv=cv1c

Hola amigas/os! I checked the Chautauqua calendar and there are no events on this night so parking should be ample. It sometimes rains but seldom enough to cancel the event. Let’s go rain or shine but do RSVP so I can communicate any changes.

Also, we can’t reserve picnic tables so as a general rule, I’ll get there early and select a picnic table in “Chautauqua Green” (map link follows) www.chautauqua.com/pdf/2009map.pdf I’ll try and secure the table nearest the Dining Hall and work clockwise until one is available. If nothing is available, we can improvise. It’s a small area so you’ll find us!

Spanish and English versions are below.

Se le invita reunirse con nosotros a nuestra próxima Meetup para disfrutar el parque Chatauqua y para practicar su español con otros hablantes de todos niveles.

Por favor, traiga algo para comer o beber (o un dispositivo de música con música latina) por el grupo y indique que vas a traer en tu RSVP noticias (entonces todo el mundo no traen las mismas cosas!).

!Hasta la vista!

----------------------------------

You are invited to join us at our next meetup to enjoy Chautauqua Park and practice your Spanish with speakers of all levels!

Please bring something to eat or drink for the group and indicate in your RSVP what you intend to bring (so we all don't bring the same items)

Please be flexible as we cannot control these environments or the arrival times of the attendees! :-)

Hasta la vista!

Weekly News Blast from Cuba Central

2010-05-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

Dear Friend:

There's a lot of important news this week, but we begin with oil upon troubled waters.

According to Brad Johnson, a climate researcher at the Center for American Progress, oil carried by the Loop Current is likely to reach the Florida Strait by Monday, May 24 posing a direct threat to Cuba's marine environment.

News agencies are reporting that U.S. diplomats in Havana informed the Cuban government just days ago of details on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and where it is likely to move.

A State Department spokesman said, "It is incumbent upon us to inform all of our neighbors . . . those countries that could be affected by disasters that happen within our territorial waters."

The United States needs to come completely clean with Cuba - and with all of us - about the size, location, extent, and severity of the disastrous flow of oil and chemical dispersants into the Gulf of Mexico following the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon Rig that took place on April 20th and killed eleven workers.

We know already that figures released by BP concerning the volume of oil pouring into the Gulf since the accident on April 20th woefully underestimate what most experts believe is actually occurring. In addition to the millions of gallons of oil released, there is now more than 600,000 gallons of chemical dispersants in the Gulf being used to contain the spill.

The extent and boundaries of the oil plume beneath the surface of the Gulf are unknown. The toxic effect of the dispersants being used to control the spill is unknown. The U.S. is expanding the closures of fisheries in our territory, but questions surrounding this decision are yet to be fully answered. Is the entire 20% contaminated? Should Cuba take a similar action? If so, why?

The U.S. should be communicating all of this to the Cuban government so it can make its own risk assessment and establish its own priorities for the policy actions it should consider taking to protect its people, its climate, its fisheries, and its tourism industry.

As Robert Muse and Jorge R. Piñon wrote recently in a Brookings Institution issue brief, there are international frameworks under which the two countries could and should cooperate to protect their shared interests.

However, there is a larger point at stake. We shouldn't have to be talking about how, or whether, or to what extent we should be cooperating with Cuba in the face of this crisis, just as we don't have to invent or improvise a relationship with Mexico to do so. But our policy of not talking to Cuba, not having diplomatic relations with Cuba, demanding concessions from Cuba to engage with the U.S. cooperatively has precisely this kind of cost, and produces this kind of outcome.

So let the discussions confirmed by the State Department take place. Let's hope they're comprehensive and fruitful. Let's hope the U.S. government discloses more information to the Cubans - and to all of us - about the dangers to which the Gulf has been exposed. But let's also hope that the bigger lesson of this crisis is learned and acted upon; we don't have to like the Cuban system to benefit from a normal relationship with the Cuban government, and we shouldn't allow ideology and domestic political concerns to block the orderly transfer of information about a disaster to a neighbor who shares with us stewardship of a gorgeous but now threatened eco-system.

Read on, and you will learn about a meeting between President Raul Castro and two of Cuba's most important religious leaders, that could offer hope for a breakthrough on political prisoners with great implications for U.S.-Cuba relations. We also carry reports on reforms taking place in Cuba's agriculture and transport sectors. In our concluding section - Recommended Reading - we link to the Washington Post and its profile today of the family of Alan Gross.

This and much more, this week in the news blast.

U.S. - CUBA RELATIONS

U.S. and Cuba talking about oil spill, not yet cooperating

U.S. and Cuban officials are holding "working level" talks about responding to the deepwater oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Associated Press reported. "It is incumbent upon us to inform all of our neighbors, not just the islands, but those countries that could be affected by disasters that happen within our territorial waters," said State Department Spokesman Gordon Duguid.

He also said that the U.S. Interests Section in Havana sent a diplomatic note to the Cuban government to inform it about the spill and its projected path. "We provided background related to the cause of the spill, stressed that stopping the oil leak is our top priority and explained the projected movement of the spill," Duguid said. "We also communicated the U.S. desire to maintain a clear line of communication with the Cuban government on developments."

Alberto Gonzalez Casals, a spokesman at the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, said the country would be "ready to prevent this kind of oil spill," the Miami Herald reported. "I can tell you we are aware of the situation, we are preparing in any case of the oil spill coming to Cuba to take measures,'' he said, adding that Cuba doesn't expect to be affected, but is in a "position to cooperate with the United States."

Robert Muse, an attorney who specializes in Cuba issues, and Jorge R. Piñon, former president of Amoco Oil Latin America and a research fellow at the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University, published an essay this week titled "Why U.S.-Cuba Environmental Cooperation is Critical," under the auspices of Latin America Initiative at the Brookings Institution.

Muse and Piñon write "the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform and the resulting discharge of millions of gallons of crude oil into the sea demonstrated graphically the challenge of environmental protection in the ocean waters shared by Cuba and the United States."

They conclude that both sides should begin talking before another accident occurs. "While Washington is working to prevent future disasters in U.S. waters like the Deepwater Horizon, its current policies foreclose the ability to respond effectively to future oil disasters - whether that disaster is caused by companies at work in Cuban waters, or is the result of companies operating in U.S. waters."

More information about the benefits of engagement with Cuba on issues from energy to regional security can be found in "9 Ways for US to Talk to Cuba and for Cuba to Talk to US" published last year by the Center for Democracy in the Americas.

More Cuba travel companies being approved for licenses

The U.S. government has approved licenses for 42 new companies that provide travel and other services related to travel and remittances to Cuba, compared to none in 2009, McClatchy News reported. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, which enforces Cuba sanctions, said the increase resulted from efforts to approve a backlog of applications and the Obama administration's policy favoring Cuban-American travel to the island. Travel industry experts said the additions are not the result of increased demand, as the existing list of providers easily handled the flow of U.S. citizens and residents traveling to the island.

Valenzuela says policies of the past have failed, but vows to help Cubans with better Radio and TV Marti

Arturo Valenzuela, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, attended a luncheon event at the Cuban American National Foundation on May 20th. In his speech to Cuban exiles, Valenzuela sent his regards to the Ladies in White, recognized that "polices of the past have failed," and talked about the importance of cultural exchange and renewed family contact. He said that approval of licenses to travel to Cuba are on the rise, with approvals for cultural licenses up eight percent, religious licenses up 25 percent, and a 16 percent increase in licenses for academic visits, El Nuevo Herald reported. According to Valenzuela, direct support for average Cubans will increase with improvements in the "effectiveness of Radio and TV Martí."

HUMAN RIGHTS

Cuba may be ready to address political prisoner issue

This week, Cuba's Episcopal Conference leader Archbishop Dionisio Garcia and Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega met with President Raúl Castro. Following the meeting, AFP reported that Castro might be ready to resolve the issue of Cuba's jailing of political dissidents.

"This issue was talked about and I believe both sides are ready and want to resolve it and we hope this will be done. I believe this will be done," Garcia said after an unprecedented discussion with Castro.

Ortega said that while "we hope" political dissidents will be released, "regarding the sick ones, we expect it," for humanitarian reasons.

Granma, the Cuban government newspaper, noted the meeting but did not mention the issue of political prisoners, stating only that the Church officials spoke with Castro on "various issues of mutual interest, especially the favorable developments between the Church and the Cuban government, as well as the current national and international situation."

According to El Pais, this meeting is the first of its kind since Raúl replaced Fidel Castro and it "has raised many expectations and reinforced, according to analysts, the role of the Church as a possible mediator to settle the issue of prisoners and other conflicts."

The meeting came ahead of a visit by Monsignor Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican's official in charge of foreign relations, which is scheduled for June 16-20 to coincide with the anniversary of 75 years of ties between Cuba and the Holy See. Many dissidents and human rights activists hope the upcoming Vatican visit can bring about the release of political prisoners, much like Pope John Paul II's 1998 visit when then-president Fidel Castro released more than 300 prisoners.

Fariñas completes 80 days of hunger strike

Guillermo Fariñas, a Cuban dissident, completed his 80th day of a hunger strike in a public hospital, Milenio reported. Fariñas has said his hunger strike is "for the liberation of 26 sick political prisoners." Cardinal Jaime Ortega, who recently helped broker a compromise between the Cuban government and the Ladies in White so they can carry out their weekly protests, along with government officials from various countries have asked Fariñas to take a more flexible position. The Cuban government has said it will not be pressured by threats and has referred to Fariñas as a "mercenary at the service of the United States."

Cuba celebrates a week against sexual discrimination

Hundreds of gay and lesbian activists, some dressed in drag and others on stilts waving flags representing sexual diversity, marched through the streets of Havana over the weekend. The marchers, accompanied by Mariela Castro, President Raúl Castro's daughter, were celebrating a week of events organized to eliminate homophobia. "We have made progress, but we need to make more progress," said Mariela Castro, the leader of Cuba's National Sexual Education Center (CENESEX) and a movement on the island for gay, lesbian and transgendered rights, the Associated Press reported

The government recently agreed to pay for sex change operations for transsexuals and government officials have attended many of the anti-homophobia activities. Mariela Castro and other activists are now asking the state to legalize gay marriage and allow adoption by gay and lesbian couples.

Performers with El Mejunje, a cultural center that has become a haven for Cuba's transvestites, took their show out onto the streets for the first time. According to EFE, "for the first time in its 26 years, El Mejunje managed to get the authorities to close one of the main streets in the central city of Santa Clara so the center could set up a stage displaying the Cuban flag and the rainbow banner of the gay movement, and bring together transvestites, musicians and dancers to celebrate sexual diversity on the island."

Experts from CENESEX are also training police officers on how to deal with gays, lesbians and transgendered individuals. Agence France- Presse reported that 41 officials from the National Police force received training about how prejudices affect police action.

A video news report on the festivities in Santa Clara is available here. A video of the march in Havana is available here.

Blogger's sentence is canceled

A Cuban appeals court wiped out a 20-month jail sentence against a blogger with ties to the Ladies in White and radical exiles in Miami, the Associated Press reported. Dania Garcia was convicted of mistreating her daughter and ordered to pay a fine rather than serve time. Garcia was convicted and originally sentenced to jail for "abuse of authority" for having thrown her 23-year-old daughter out of the house. Human rights organizations assert that the case was politically motivated. Garcia is an active political dissident who writes for multiple opposition websites, "linked to a radical anti-Castro group based in Miami," Reporters without Borders reported.

Religion on the rise in Cuba

According to Ana Celia Perera, a researcher at the government's Center for Psychological and Sociological Research (CIPS), a religious "revival" is occurring in Cuba, as new groups and actors are flourishing, and the devout are extending their social involvement, IPS reported. Perera claims that a religious upsurge reached its peak in the early 90s, a time of great economic hardship for Cubans, but that other factors have also aided religious expansion, such as constitutional changes supporting equality between believers and non-believers, authorization for people subscribing to a religious faith to participate in the country's political functions, and the vigorous outreach of religious organizations, resulting in increased religious acceptance on both social and institutional levels. According to IPS, there's now even talk about building socialism from both Marxist and a religious points of view.

MUSICIANS WORKING FOR CHANGE

Carlos Varela's emotional concert in Miami

Jordan Levin of the Miami Herald, reporting from the scene of Carlos Varela's show in Miami last weekend, saw a mixed audience of "people who had left Cuba as adults, others who grew up here...but clearly these songs spoke to all of them." In Levin's words, the "concert made me think that art and music have a power beyond what anyone can control, even the artists who make it. If the music is real and any good, you can't calculate what it means or how it might move or inspire someone. And that is worth something. To the people at the Gusman Saturday, it was worth something incalculable."

Speaking to a packed house, Varela asked "Why are we so far and yet so close for all these years?" There were apparently 20-30 people outside the concert protesting Varela's presence in Miami, but there "were 1,700 people inside, and they had Cuban flags, too, one of which ended up draped across Varela's shoulders." A compilation video from the concert is available here.

Silvio Rodríguez says Cubans are fighting for change, outside pressure doesn't help

Responding to criticism by intellectuals in Spain about the situation in Cuba, Silvio Rodríguez wrote that outside pressure is not helping Cuba's internal transformation. In an essay on CubaDebate, Rodríguez wrote: "Cubans want changes as well, but ones formed by us. These transformations will come sooner or later and the only policy capable of accelerating them is the end of the blockade (U.S. embargo)." He said the declaration by Spanish intellectuals is "an insult to self-determination" and an "inadmissible interference."

According to Rodríguez, Cubans on the island are discussing changing many things. "We don't believe we need a centralized government forever. We see it more as an emergency concept, a necessary negative that our national emancipation forced on us to survive." Fuego Entertainment has announced that Rodríguez will play a Washington, DC concert on June 19th at 7:30 PM in DAR Constitution Hall.

Los Aldeanos

This week, Reuters reported on the two-man Cuban underground rap group "Los Aldeanos," who have become one of the "abrasive voices of a disaffected generation of politically numbed Cubans who grew up during Cuba's post-Soviet economic crisis of the 1990s." Although popular throughout the island, the group has not been given access to state radio stations or public venues, and is mostly known through unadvertised gigs at underground venues and mixed tapes passed on burned CDs and memory sticks. They rap about controversial subjects such as prostitution, social inequality and police harassment, and their lyrics are often very critical of the government.

However, the group has chosen to stay in Cuba and work for change from within. "Our work aims at a positive change in society. Not just in the government, but also spiritually ... today Cubans step on and humiliate one another," group member Aldo told Reuters in a recent interview. They criticize Cubans who become critical only after arriving in Miami. "I wouldn't be a revolutionary man if I didn't say what I think when asked," said Aldo. Juanes and Calle 13 tried unsuccessfully to get Los Aldeanos to join their recent performances in Havana, but the group was recently allowed to perform their first concert in a Havana theatre. They're hopeful the government will allow them to travel abroad to perform in Spain in Latin America soon.

You can see one of Los Aldeanos' music videos here, and footage of one of their underground concerts is here.

IN CUBA

Small farmers association holds congress, changes announced, more requested

The National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) held a congress in Havana over the weekend, where reforms in the agricultural sector were discussed and the farmers requested additional policy changes from the government, Agence France-Presse reported. Raúl Castro attended the sessions along with ministers involved in economic and agricultural planning. Castro, who has made increasing food production his number one issue, told delegates he is confident they will complete their "number one mission: produce for the people."

The 350,000 family farmers and members of private cooperatives account for 70 percent of the food produced in Cuba, while using just over 41 percent of the land. Over the last two years, the government has instituted a plan to turn idle lands over to private farmers, but the Associated Press reported that only about half of the land in the reform has been turned over to applicants.

Economy Minister Marino Murillo announced during the close of the congress that private farmers will be able to purchase supplies directly in the future, rather than having them allocated by the state, Reuters reported. According to Murillo, the government is working toward modernizing the economy and soon the majority of municipalities will offer "supply markets where farmers can acquire directly the necessary resources to produce, substituting the current system of assigning resources centrally."

According to EuropaPress, farmers at the congress called on the government to allow them to sell their products directly to the population. Following the congress, ANAP released a statement recommending that the government analyze the possibly of extending the commercialization process for other products, like they have used for direct sale of milk.

Drivers allowed to rent buses, keep profit

"In another minor move under President Raúl Castro to ease the state's hand in Cuba's socialist economy," the government has begun allowing drivers to rent city buses in Havana, Reuters reported. Bus drivers are now allowed to keep their earnings after taxes and so far they say they are earning more than the average Cuban salary of about $20 a month. "You have to work hard to make money, but it gives results," said one driver. According to Reuters, the changes are beneficial for the driver and passengers, as the reform has improved the quality of transportation around urban areas.

Baseball tournament canceled

Cuba has decided to cancel a national baseball series, which features the best of the island's players divided onto six different teams, Agence France-Presse reported. According to Higinio Vélez, the national director of baseball, the event was canceled due to the tough economic situation on the island, and the fact that it was going to coincide with the World Cup, which is a very popular event in Cuba.

CUBA'S FOREIGN POLICY

Cuba attends E.U. - Latin America summit

Cuba attended the E.U. - Latin America summit in Madrid despite "strong tensions with the E.U.," Agence France-Presse reported. In his speech at the summit, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, who led the Cuban delegation, said that a new era between the E.U. and Cuba is possible, but the "obsolete" common position must be removed and the two sides should negotiate based on "equality." Rodríguez said he believes that more European countries now agree with the Spanish government that the common position should be abandoned.

Speaking prior to the summit, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos said, "if the common position had been effective, I would have been the first person interested in defending it, but maintaining a position that doesn't produce results is a little sadomasochist," EuropaPress reported. Spain has said that it does not believe it will be able to change the common position toward Cuba.

In an interview with the Spanish website El Publico, Rodríguez was asked why Cuba doesn't improve conditions on the island immediately rather than waiting for the embargo to end. Rodríguez responded: "There is a rich debate about those themes in Cuba. Do channels of participation need to be increased in order to perfect Cuban democracy? I think so." The full interview is available here.

Castro and Zelaya meet in Havana

Raúl Castro met with ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya last week, the Associated Press reported. Zelaya, who was driven out of his country in a military coup last June, is now living in exile in the Dominican Republic. El Pais reported that Zelaya's visit to Cuba was part of his tour around the region in which he wishes to gain the consensus of other leaders on how progress toward greater human rights and political reconciliation might be made in Honduras

Cuba continues to help with the health care system in Haiti

According to the Cuban News Agency, Cuban health specialists in Haiti are providing assistance in 11 new hospitals, Cuba has equipped 30 Rehabilitation Centers, and eight out of ten Comprehensive Diagnosis Centers have been built as part of a joint effort by Cuba, Venezuela and Haiti. These are all parts of Cuba's offer to rebuild Haiti's public health system following the earthquake. MEDICC's Field Notes blog has some powerful posts about the Henry Reeve emergency response medical brigade working on the ground in Haiti.

BBC News reported on Desandann, a 10-piece choir that spent two month-long tours in Haiti as part of Cuba's relief project following the January earthquake. "Every time we sang to people in Haiti it was like they were reborn," says Teresita Miranda, a member of the Cuban Creole choir.

Spanish businessmen visit Havana

Salvador Santos, the president of Madrid's Chamber of Commerce, is leading a delegation of businesses from Madrid in Havana. The delegation hopes to "open or consolidate" business relations with the Cuban government, specifically in the areas of technology, sanitation, energy and construction, Agence France-Presse reported. Spain is Cuba's third largest trading partner, preceded only by Venezuela and China. Santos said that the delegation spoke with the Cuban government about late payments and the freezing of foreign bank accounts and "it seems like the situation is being fixed," EFE reported.

Around the Region:

IACHR concerned about human rights violations in Honduras

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) visited Honduras May 15-18 to follow up on its on-site visit of August 2009 and its report "Honduras: Human Rights and the Coup d'État." The delegation was composed of IACHR Chair Felipe González, First Vice-Chair Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Executive Secretary Santiago A. Canton, Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression Catalina Botero, and staff of the Executive Secretariat.

Considerations on the Implementation of the Truth Commission in Honduras, CEJIL

CEJIL has analyzed the decree creating the Truth Commission in Honduras and has set out the main aspects of this initiative, which contradict international standards on transitional justice and truth commissions.

Dear Congress: Haiti Can't Wait, Latin America Working Group

Micheline Fleuron lives with her two boys in the median on the road in Carrefour, Haiti. Her home, the pile of rubble across the street from where she is now, collapsed during the earthquake and killed her seven-year-old daughter. Before the earthquake, Micheline had a small business selling food items. She lost that in the earthquake. She says food aid has been distributed near where she is but she has not been able to get any of it. She says hunger is difficult and "dust from the street is eating us."

Mexican President speaks to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, New York Times

Mr. Calderón dedicated much of his 35-minute speech to underscoring the centrality of the relationship between Mexico and the United States, and he drew warm and frequent applause.

Recommended Reading:

Judy and Alan Gross' family is at heart of standoff between Washington and Cuba, Washington Post

When Alan Gross didn't arrive at home as planned, his wife Judy didn't panic, until the phone rang, and she learned that her husband was in Villa Marista, the Cuban state security prison. The Washington Post profiles his family, and explores the issues surrounding the detention of the "gadget geek" who is suspected of violating Cuban law, but has yet to be charged with a crime.

Getting cell phones into Cuban hands, Global Post

A cell phone is a handy device on this under-wired island; just not for making phone calls. Cuba's state-run wireless monopoly, Cubacel, has some of the steepest rates in the world, charging the equivalent of 50 cents per minute for outgoing and incoming calls. In a country where the average salary is less than $20 a month, half a day's wages can disappear with the first "Hola." Cubans, instead, are using them to send texts and as pagers.

Cuba's medical diplomacy, Financial Times

When word reached Juan Carrizo that Hurricane Katrina had struck New Orleans on August 29 2005, he reacted with military precision and began mobilizing specialists to assist the thousands of Americans affected by the disaster. Washington rejected Havana's offer of help, but Cuba's medical response to natural disasters has been indispensable ever since - as evidenced by the island's contributions to recovery in Haiti and Chile just this year.

Until next week,

The Cuba Central Team
www.democracyinamericas.org

Spanish Happy Hour in Denver

2010-05-18T17:17:00.001-07:00

Practice your Spanish
Meet some new Spanish-speakers
Learn about El Sabor y su Tradición
Play Loteria
Eat appetizers provided by Interstate Kitchen & Bar

Friday, May 21 2010 /// 5-8 pm /// $3 members, students /// $5 general

Open to all levels /// Every Third Friday of the month

Afro-Cuban Dance Classes in Boulder

2010-05-16T09:10:00.001-07:00

Ramon Ramos Alayo, Afro-Cuban dancer
teaching in Boulder – May 26 to 30, 2010

Carmen Nelson in collaboration with Streetside Dance Studio
is very proud to present:

Ramon Ramos Alayo: Cuban dancer, choreographer, and teacher;
founder and director of the CubaCaribe Festival of Dance & Music

Class Schedule ($15 per event, all classes to be held at Streetside Studio):

Wednesday, May 26 7:15 to 8:30 PM Rumba with live drumming
Thursday, May 27 6:15 to 7:15 PM Salsa Cubana Suelta
Thursday, May 27 7:15 to 8:30 PM Rueda de Casino
Friday, May 28 7:15 to 8:30 PM Salsa Suelta and Rueda de Casino
Friday, May 28 8:30 to 10:30 PM Dance demonstration and Party
Saturday, May 29 1:00 to 2:30 PM Rumba with live drumming

Performance with Debajo del Agua and Grupo Macondo ($10)

Saturday, May 29 9:00 PM at the Mercury Café (2199 California Street, Denver, CO 80205)

Streetside Dance Studio: www.streetsidedance.com
Grupo Macondo: www.macondodance.com
Ramon Ramos Alayo: www.cubacaribe.org
Cuba Caribe Festival: www.cubacaribe.org/festival6.html

Salsa in Denver: Legends Costume Ball May 22, 2010

2010-05-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

A tribute to musical legends Michael Jackson, Celia Cruz, and Tito Puente--who influenced dance and music throughout the world--presented by Denver performers, check out www.eventsbymarcia.net

Soulciety--Winners of the 5280 music award, singing a Michael Jackson tribute with a professional dancer. Denver's top R&B singers.

With Fleur de Cana and DJ Nelson, and more.

Black Tie or Costume. Flamboyant dress attire suggested. Latin dancing from 9pm to 1am. Ages 21+ For tickets click on the "Tickets and Reservations" tab and purchase safely through Paypal. Print the receipt and bring the day of the event, or call (303) 587-1024

Weekly News Blast from Cuba Central

2010-05-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

In his closing essay for "9 Ways for US to Talk to Cuba and for Cuba to Talk to US," Louis A. Pérez, one of the world's leading scholars of Cuba, wrote the following:

The embargo has assumed a life of its own. Its very longevity serves as the logic for its continuance, evidence of the utter incapacity of U.S. political leaders to move beyond the policy failures of their own making...That the embargo has not yet accomplished what it set out to do, in exquisite Kafkaesque reasoning, simply means that more time is required.

We recalled these words this week as we read the statement printed below by President Obama's principal White House advisor for Latin America, Dan Restrepo, who counseled us not to expect the administration to lift the embargo any time soon since we have not seen positive action by Cuba's government on human rights in the last eighteen months. If the subject weren't so serious, we might respond: "I'll see your eighteen months and raise you fifty years."

Each administration takes office thinking itself different, better able to change the world than those that came before it, a mindset that springs from the optimism and strength characteristic of the American spirit. But Lou Pérez has it right - more time is not required. Placing conditions on Cuba government doesn't work, hasn't worked, and is unlikely to ever work, no matter who is president.

Next week, Assistant Secretary of State, Arturo Valenzuela, is scheduled to be in Miami and address a fundraising event to benefit the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF). The speech is scheduled for the day - May 20th - that opponents of Cuba's government celebrate the island's independence (from Spain), a day that candidate Obama used two years ago to announce a new strategy toward Cuba that would begin, if he were elected, with the resumption of Cuban American family travel, a promise he fulfilled.

To its credit, the administration has also liberalized other elements of the failed policy, including inviting more Cuban artists and intellectuals to visit the United States and supporting some face-to-face diplomacy with the Cuban government on matters ranging from migration to direct postal service. These are meager steps, but they can form a foundation for further progress. Not waiting for a gesture from Cuba's government, but building on the real strengths our fellow citizens bring to the table.

We'd like to hear Secretary Valenzuela tell CANF that the administration is going to remove obstacles to travel.

The religious community has called on the President to relax restrictions on their ability to visit the island; it seems only practical and fair that believers not apply on bended knee to the Treasury Department in order to share their faith with their Cuban counterparts.

Scholars and cultural figures, athletes and scientists also have a compelling case. Although it can only be accomplished through legislation, we also strongly believe that tourists have just as many rights to visit the island as any other American. All of these ideas would represent progress and movement in the right direction. Cuba policy should be based on American interests and values, not the long unfilled hope that American policy - so flawed for so long - should remain frozen essentially in place waiting for Havana to respond. The last eighteen months - or fifty years - has certainly taught us that.

U.S. - CUBA RELATIONS

Restrepo: the embargo will not be lifted soon

Daniel Restrepo, Director of Hemispheric Affairs at the National Security Council, said last week that "we are far from" seeing the lifting of the embargo against Cuba, Europa Press reported. According to Restrepo, one of the Obama administration's main advisors for Latin America, the U.S. has not "seen positive action in regards to the fundamental rights of the Cuban people over the last 18 months."

Religious leaders again call on Obama to change policy toward Cuba

Leaders of the National Council of Churches and Church World Service are again calling on President Obama to lift the restrictions on religious travel to Cuba, calling the current U.S. policy toward Cuba "ineffective and counter-productive," the Christian Post reported.

In a joint letter to President Obama this past week, the two organizations said the "impractical restrictions" that resulted from a Bush administration-era interpretation of the rules governing travel to Cuba by religious groups have reduced their ability to send delegations to Cuba, limited their opportunities to accompany and support their Cuban church partners, and have the effect of "severely limiting" participation in Cuba missions by U.S. churches and congregants.

"Churches across the theological spectrum have called for the elimination of these restrictions which have now interrupted relationships, fellowship, and exchanges which began more than 125 years ago...We urgently ask that you now change the Cuba policy of the United States in ways that will assist the churches in their work and have wider benefits for our country and for the people of Cuba," the letter concluded. You can read the full letter here.

Silvio Rodríguez gets a visa, Varela making waves

The U.S. government has granted a visa to Silvio Rodríguez, a Cuban musical icon and founding member of Cuban Nueva Trova, so that he can perform in the United States, the Nuevo Herald reported. Rodríguez was persona non-grata in the U.S. for decades and was unable to attend a tribute to folk legend Pete Seeger last year when his visa was not processed in time. Bill Martínez, a lawyer who helped Rodríguez with the visa, confirmed that the musician received notice of the approval this week and diplomatic staff at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana was helpful throughout the process, Reuters reported.

"Our hope is that culture, academia and science will not just be a bridge between the U.S. and Cuba, but a pathway that will lead to more opportunities - for cultural, scientific, medical, academic and environmental cooperation - ultimately leading to everyday Americans and Cubans being allowed to travel back and forth without restrictions," the Center for Democracy in the Americas said in a news alert applauding the visa approval.

Meanwhile, Carlos Varela, a Cuban musician heavily influenced by Silvio Rodríguez, is making waves on his U.S. tour. The Boston Herald reported that 25 Boston area high school Spanish students joined Varela on stage in Massachusetts on Wednesday night, where Varela exclaimed: "We're doing what politicians haven't been able to do for 50 years."

The Miami Herald reported on Varela's upcoming concert in Miami, where he had to cancel a 2004 show because his visa was denied. "Music can't get rid of a war; it can't get rid of an embargo. It can't get rid of an economic crisis; it can't get rid of hate," Varela told the Herald. "Music can't stop the tank. But it can touch the heart of the person driving the tank." José Varela of Progreso Weekly wrote that hardliners in Miami love Varela when he supports the dissidents but vehemently oppose him when he defends the Cuban Revolution.

New traveler's insurance being disputed in death of Cuban-American

Questions have arisen about Cuba's new policy of requiring medical insurance for visitors to the island. A Florida couple of Cuban descent was at a family party in Santiago, Cuba earlier this month when two men with cement tubes attacked them. The attack resulted in the death of Laida Licet Recio and serious injuries to Rolando Suárez. The family of the victims, devastated by the tragedy, is organizing a collection in Miami to raise money to have Recio's body shipped back to Florida for burial.

The family said the Cuban government has requested $10,000 to ship the body, but it is unclear if the couple had purchased the newly-required medical insurance, and whether it would cover costs associated with the death, InfoBae reported.

Officials from travel agencies that offer flights to Cuba said the insurance should cover up to $7,000 in expenses related to the death of a passenger. The Miami Herald reported that the family is unsure about whether the couple bought insurance and whether it will cover the shipment of the body.

Cuba will file for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of one of the "Cuban Five"

The Cuban government will file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, one of the five Cuban agents who has been detained in the U.S. for over 12 years, with the objective of having him receive a new sentence, Europa Press reported. Currently, Hernández is serving two life sentences for spying. Cuba claims that the five men were not spying on the U.S. government, but rather collecting information on Cuban-American groups in Miami that were planning terrorist attacks against the island. Family members said that lawyers are preparing the brief and the petition will be filed at the end of the month.

Bank fined for dealing with Cuba and other sanctioned nations

A bank formerly known as ABN Amro Bank N.V. agreed this week to pay the U.S. government $500 million for facilitating the movement of illegal funds through the U.S. financial system. According to the Associated Press, the bank, now named the Royal Bank of Scotland N.V., helped the countries of Iran, Libya, Sudan and Cuba evade U.S. laws. Aside from the fine, the Justice Department said ABN Amro will be under a deferred prosecution agreement and the U.S. will recommend dismissal of the charges in one year if the financial institution cooperates with U.S. investigators.

Senators seek to block Obama nominee to El Salvador post over Cuban romance

Congressional staffers, speaking off-the-record, said this week that Republicans will put a hold on the nomination of Mari Carmen Aponte as the new U.S. ambassador to El Salvador based on past connections with a suspected Cuban spy. According to the Miami Herald, the hold will force supporters of the nomination to obtain 60 votes in the Senate to confirm her to the post. The FBI cleared Aponte after having a relationship with Roberto Tamayo, a businessman with past ties to both U.S. and Cuban agents, decades ago.

Several migrants returned to Cuba

More than 30 Cubans were returned to the island after trying to reach Florida last week in different incidents. Some of them were transferred to Guantanamo Bay without further details, according to UPI.

IN CUBA

Journalist freed as she awaits appeal

Dania García, an independent Cuban journalist, has been freed as she appeals a sentence for hitting her daughter, the Associated Press reported. Garcia writes for CubaNet, which is funded by the U.S. government, and on her own blog, which Reporters Without Borders said is "linked to a radical anti-Castro group based in Miami." The details of her case are not well known, but Reporters Without Borders said the official charge against Garcia was "abuse of authority" for throwing her 23-year-old daughter out of her home.

Meanwhile, the Ladies in White said they are hopeful that some of their family members may be freed before or after Dominique Mamberti, the foreign minister of the Vatican, visits Cuba in June, Agence France-Presse reported. "The representative of the Vatican can influence the liberation of many men, not only political prisoners, but also common ones, like what happened during the visit of the Pope John Paul II in 1998," said Berta Soler, one of the leaders of the group.

Small Farmers Association meeting this weekend

The 10th Congress of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) will take place in Havana this weekend, a meeting that intents to "propose solutions to one of the biggest concerns of Cubans, food supply," state media reported. Participants in the Congress will "look for a strategy to increase productivity, replace imports and speed up the commercialization process of agricultural products." Approximately 1,000 delegates are expected to attend and the meeting will be "the perfect stage to design strategies about the variety of problems" already debated in regional farmers' forums, the Granma reported.

La Jornada published an article this week on a new process of encircling cities with urban gardens - there are now 17 municipalities in Cuba surrounded by rings of gardens. "We are trying to bring food closer to the cities, where 76 percent of the population lives, based on a diversified agricultural model," said Adolfo Rodríguez Nodals, head of the National Group of Urban and Suburban Agriculture.

Government warns citizens not to hoard and re-sell rice

Facing a shortage of rice, and eager to reduce the cost of importing it, Cuba issued a warning last week for citizens not to hoard the grain, the Associated Press reported. "We are demanding discipline and order in purchases," state-run Radio Rebelde said during a recent newscast. "Don't allow, under any circumstances, people to hoard rice so they can later sell it at a higher price." The announcement said that "certain unscrupulous people are hoarding" rice and warned that action would be taken against those involved in hoarding and speculating.

Rumors of plans for foreign investment in sugar industry

President Raúl Castro recently removed the sugar minister after state media reported that this year's sugar harvest would be the worst since 1905. MercoPress reported that there are "increasing rumors that foreign investors will be invited to take over the industry." Brazil has become more actively engaged with Cuba over the last two years and supplied millions of dollars in credits for infrastructure projects.

Now "there are insistent rumors" that President Raúl Castro has invited Brazilian experts to consider the possibility of attracting investors from South America's largest economy and a world power in sugar cane production and bio-fuels from sugar cane," MercoPress reported.

Cuba needs an "enormous effort" to repair railways

Cuba hopes to repair its rail system over the next three to five years, but said it will take an "enormous effort" to do so, Agence France-Presse reported. According to General Antonio Enrique Lussón, vice-president of the Council of Ministers, Cuba will need to repair over 6,000 kilometers of rail lines (about 73% of the total tracks), acquire new equipment, and hire and train new personnel, requiring millions of dollars in investment, Prensa Latina reported.

Transportation in Cuba was severely affected in the 90s as the economy collapsed, and it has never fully recovered. The government also announced that it will open four training centers for students to study issues related to the rail industry. The first will open in September of this year and the others in 2011. Cuba sacked its transport minister earlier this month.

Petrobras gets more time to decide Cuba oil plans

Reuters reported that the Cuban government has decided to give the Brazilian state-owned oil company Petrobras six more months to make a decision about drilling a well in Cuban waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

Brazil's involvement in the exploration is the result of an agreement signed in October of 2008 between Presidents Raúl Castro and Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil was supposed to inform Cupet, the Cuban state oil company, this month about its intentions, but "given the geological complexity of the block area, it negotiated with Cupet a six-month extension ... to finish the work of geology and geophysics," Petrobras spokeswoman Paula Almada said.

Regarding the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Fidel Castro blamed big corporations for the platform accident that created the spill. In a newly published reflection Castro wrote that the accident "shows how little governments can do against those who control the capital, who in both the United States and Europe are, due to the economy of our globalized planet, those who decide the destiny of the public."

Cuba will update earthquake detection ability with Chinese help

Cuba will update its seismological equipment with technology donated by China, which will also send specialists to install the new equipment, EFE reported. The Chinese equipment, which has already arrived in Cuba, includes high-sensitivity seismometers, accelerometers, and portable stations for seismic engineering studies. According to Cuban state media, the installation of this equipment comes at a time when the island's civil defense system has adopted measures to strengthen its response capability at the onset of powerful earthquakes and tsunamis, in a year that has seen devastating temblors in Haiti and Chile. The Cuban system is recognized globally for the effectiveness of its disaster preparedness.

CUBA'S FOREIGN RELATIONS

Raúl Castro won't attend E.U. - L.A. summit, Bruno Rodríguez will lead Cuban delegation

Bruno Rodríguez, the Minister of Foreign Relations, will lead the Cuban delegation to next week's E.U. - Latin America Summit, Europa Press reported. At the last summit between the two blocs, held in Lima in 2008, first vice-president José Ramón Ventura Machado represented Cuba. Relations between the E.U. and Cuba have been tense over the last few months following the death of hunger-striker Orlando Zapata Tamayo.

Among other heads of state missing the meeting are José Mujica, president of Uruguay, and Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo, president of Honduras. Mujica won't attend for health reasons, while Lobo decided not to participate after the rest of the region, which still considers his government - elected following the 2009 coup - illegitimate, threatened to back out if he attended.

Cuba and Russia celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties

The Vice-President of the Cuban Council of Ministers, Ricardo Cabrisas, highlighted the historical ties between the two countries and the invaluable support that Russia gave to "anti-U.S. imperialism" efforts since the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. In a formal ceremony in Havana, the Vice-Speaker of the Russian Parliament, Ivan Melnikov, also said that the relations between his country and the island "have passed the test of endurance and continuity," reported the Voice of Russia.

RNV said that both representatives expect to increase the strategic links between both nations, especially in terms of trade and commercial ties. The ceremony was also attended by the President of Cuba's National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcón, and Bruno Rodríguez, the Minister Foreign Affairs.

Spanish and Cuban intellectuals trade barbs

Spanish artists and intellectuals, including world-famous film director Pedro Almodóvar, launched an initiative to push for the democratization of Cuba. "The Platform for Spaniards for the Democratization of Cuba" tries to ensure the defense of "the basic and essential human rights" of the Cuban people, Agence France Presse reported.

A group of Cuban writers and intellectuals on the island quickly responded with their own declaration, EFE reported.

For example, Aitana Alberti, daughter of the renowned Spanish poet Rafael Alberti, read the official response to the Platform, saying that "next to known advocates of anti-Cuban propaganda, honest people, maybe without the necessary information and knowledge, influenced by the fierce and painful media campaign against Cuba, accuse us, and by doing so, adopt a position that tries to harm our country's sovereignty."

Cuban writer Arturo Arango published an essay in Spain's El Pais saying two things need to happen so that a future that benefits the majority of the Cubans on the island can be formed:

That the external pressures disappear, which far from helping, paralyze the transformations that are desired from taking place, not only because they represent unacceptable actions of interference, but more than anything, because they don't relate to the real interests of Cubans.
That the Cuban state establish a real dialogue, not paternalistic, in which all Cubans can participate, and in which the youth can exercise the leadership that we need.

Cuba supports preservation of the U.N. and accuses U.S. of terrorism

Pedro Núñez Mosquera, Cuba's Permanent Representative before the United Nations, defended the international organization during the commemorative ceremony of the end of World War II this week. Núñez also remembered the millions who were killed in the former Soviet Union in the fight against the Nazis, Cuban News Agency reported.

Núñez also criticized the U.S. role in the fight against terrorism, denouncing the United States for its involvement in the killing of more than three thousand Cubans, and for causing billions of dollars in material damages. He also pointed out that the U.S. government has a double standard in accusing other countries of terrorism while simultaneously not prosecuting Luis Posada Carriles, who has confessed to committing terrorist attacks against Cubans and has been prosecuted for similar acts in other countries. "Cuba condemns all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all of its forms and expressions, wherever they're committed and whoever commits them, whoever they're committed against, and whichever their motivations may be," Núñez said.

Around the Region:

UNASUR pledges Latin arms trade transparency, UPI

Latin American states within the Union of South American Nations will need to reveal all when buying weapons and military equipment to ensure they don't trigger a politically destabilizing and expensive arms race on the continent, officials said.

Violence Increasing on Colombia-Venezuela Border, Group Says, EFE

The independent group Fundación Progresar warned of a "serious" increase in human rights violations along Colombia's border with Venezuela, where some 16,000 people have been murdered and 1,800 have disappeared over the past decade.

Venezuela Takes Action to Address Energy Crisis, Venezuelanalysis

Late last year, the Venezuelan government declared an energy crisis. This led to rolling blackouts in major cities and incentives for businesses to decrease consumption. The main cause of the crisis was a prolonged drought, which immobilized the hydroelectric plants that produce 70 percent of the country's energy.

Recommended Reading:

For nostalgic Russians, Cuba is a tropical time machine, Global Post

Tourists look for bittersweet traces of Soviet past in Cuba's present.

Contreras making up for lost time with mom, MLB.com

Former Cuban star reunites with mother after eight years.

Guatemalan seeks answers in Honduran coup, Los Angeles Times

Eduardo Stein, longtime diplomat and ex-vice president of Guatemala, discusses his role as head of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission looking into events surrounding last year's coup in Honduras.

U.S. - China Human Rights Dialogue

The U.S. and China are undergoing their annual human rights dialogue this week.

On the day Jimmy Carter visited Cuba

On May 12, 2002, Jimmy Carter became the first U.S. president, former or current, to visit Cuba since Fidel Castro seized power in 1959.

Until next week,

The Cuba Central Team
www.democracyinamericas.org

Announcing a new Meetup for Boulder Spanish Meetup!!

2010-05-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

What: Boulder Spanish Meetup at Juanitas!

When: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 7:00 PM

Where:
Juanitas
1043 Pearl St Boulder
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 440.0815

(English translation below)

Te invitamos reunirse con nosotros a nuestra próxima Meetup para disfrutar bebidas y comidas mexicanas, y para practicar su español con otros hablantes de todos niveles.

Cada evento del grupo es diferente... Algunas semanas comprenderán de temas de la discusión y otros simplemente estarán abierto. En cualquier caso, siempre es una gran manera de practicar su español en un ambiente divertido.

Tema: TBD... Si querrías proponer un tema de la discusión, mándame electrónicamente la idea con la semana deseada y yo puedo anunciarlo.

Algunas cosas para recordar.

El grupo fue formado para practicar español. Por favor sólo habla en español a menos que esté incapaz de expresar una cierta idea en español.

Siéntete libre para cambiar los asientos periódicamente para hablar con más personas

A RSVP es necesario reservar bastantes asientos.

Nuestra situación del meetup ha sido generosa con su espacio y permitiendo los cheques separados tal un grupo grande. Por favor cuida del servidor para que dan la bienvenida a nosotros siempre.

----------------------

You are invited to join us at our next meetup to enjoy some comidas y bebidos mexicanas and practice your Spanish with speakers of all levels!

Every meetup group event is different...Some weeks will comprise of discussion topics and others will simply be open. In either case, it's always a great way to practice your Spanish in a fun environment.

Discussion/Theme: TBD...If you care to propose a discussion topic, e-mail me the idea with the desired week and I can post it.

Some things to remember.

The group was formed to practice Spanish. Please speak only in Spanish unless incapable of expressing a certain idea.

Feel free to change seats periodically to speak with more people.

Please RSVP so we reserve enough seats.

Our meetup location has been generous with their space and allowing separate checks for such a large group. Please take care of the server so we're welcome back anytime.

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/boulderspanish/calendar/13448459/

Group Spanish Classes in Boulder starting May 26th

2010-05-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

We are offering a new group Spanish class starting May 26th here in Boulder. Are you interested? This will be a great opportunity for you to practice and meet other people that share your interest in learning Spanish.

ADVANCED LEVEL 1

Students will practice conversational Spanish for 6, 1.5 hrs sessions. Participants will get to learn and practice:

Latin American culture
Prepositions,
Common expressions
Slang
Future, conditional and subjunctive tense.

We will have fun games and interactive exercises that involve role playing. The class will run May 26th through June 30th. We will meet on Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m, a total of 6 sessions. Give us a call or respond to sign up!

Bolder Languages is a great place to find help for learning a language and other forms of cross-cultural communication. Currently offering instruction in:

Arabic in Boulder

Chinese in Boulder

English as a Second Language (ESL) in Boulder

Seeking instructors of new languages!

Los Colores

2010-04-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

Amarillo - Yellow
Anaranjado - Orange
Azul - Blue
Blanco - White
Café, marrón - Brown
Gris - Grey
Negro - Black
Rojo - Red
Rosado - Pink
Verde - Green
Violeta, morado - Purple

Bachata Workshop in Denver

2010-04-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:

2-3pm --> BACHATA MUSICALITY – Learn to listen & interpret the bachata music. The mood, the breaks, the slow parts, the mixes with different rhythms. Learn to hear and "feel" the music like never before!

3-4pm --> DOMINICAN STYLE BACHATA-- learn the TRUE way to dance bachata with Dominican style footwork and body movements...no more having to remember turn patterns.

4-5pm --> BACHATA MODERNA --Permission slip to get close! Master Lead & Follow technique, Carlos will teach you sophisticated way to bring your partner in close for the more sensual side of this passionate dance.

Workshop cost: $15/class or $40 for all 3 classes
Contact Crystal Archuleta to get registered. 303-518-5442
All classes take place at Motion En Fuego Dance Studio
.......................................................................................

Carlos Cinta, originally from Chicago, has been dancing for around 5 years with a very unique bachata dance style. While he dances traditional bachata (Dominican Republic), he mainly instructs what we know as modern bachata which combines patterns and shines. You can get a feel for his style by follwing this link to his website. http://carloscinta.co...

Our "Bachata Blowout" weekend starts on Saturday, May 1st at 2pm with 3 hours of awesome Bachata classes. We'll continue to dance the night away at the Motion En Fugo Spring Salsa Social with Sabor de la Calle playing some great Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue and, of course, Bachata! DJ Salsa Doc will fill in the rest of the night so we can dance until we can't move anymore! Details are all below. This is one day NOT to be missed. Another great Denver event!
.......................................................................................

MOTION EN FUEGO SPRING SALSA SOCIAL!

Spring has sprung! Come celebrate with us!

Saturday, May 1st - Doors Open at 7:00 pm - $10/person

*Salsa class with Bridget Ellis at 7:30pm*
*Bachata Performance by Carlos Cinta & Crystal Archuleta*
*Live music with Sabor de la Calle starting at 8pm*
*Food & Refreshments provided*

Spanish Happy Hour in Denver

2010-04-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Practice your Spanish
Meet some new Spanish-speakers
Learn about Latin culture
Play Loteria
Eat appetizers provided by Interstate Kitchen & Bar

Friday, April 16, 2010 /// 5-8 pm /// $3 members, students /// $5 general

Open to all levels /// Every Third Friday of the month

ONLY AT MUSEO DE LAS AMERICAS

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Museo de las Americas

861 Santa Fe Drive

Denver, Colorado 80204

303-571-4401
www.museo.org

Cuba prepares for an end to the travel ban

2010-04-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article about the travel ban ending:

http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2010/04/cuba_prepares_for_an_end_to_th.html

Do you think it will end? Has the ban prevented you from going? If you are planning a trip, Bolder Languages can design a language course to help you make the most of your visit.

Weekly News Blast from Cuba Central

2010-04-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend:

The Obama administration appears determined to play "regime change roulette" with the lives and safety of USAID contractors.

As Alan Gross continues to sit in a Cuban prison, detained in December for engaging in "democracy promotion" activities funded by Helms-Burton and illegal under Cuban law, and as senior legislators in the House and Senate demand answers to questions about the effectiveness of these efforts, the Obama administration has now told Congress it wants to resume spending funds under these programs.

We think these programs are a huge mistake. They put at risk the very people the U.S. is trying to help, they do nothing to promote political change, and they involve activities which, if conducted in our country, would violate our laws as well, and thus put the Americans who carry them out in Cuba in jeopardy of arrest, just like Mr. Gross.

We urge the Cuban government for humanitarian reasons to release Alan Gross, and we urge the Obama administration to hold the funds and free American citizens to travel to Cuba without restrictions instead.

If hundreds of thousands of Cuban Americans can travel to Cuba - and under President Obama's rules they can - and if millions of other Americans could travel to Cuba once we ended the travel ban - and they will - won't these travelers make a bigger difference in the lives of the Cuban people than the undercover operators funded by USAID?

If we could afford a ticket to the Florida fundraiser President Obama is attending in Miami next week - and at $30,400 a couple, it is frankly beyond our means - this is the message that we'd deliver to the President about how best to communicate our country's values to the people of Cuba.

If you want to engage in democracy promotion, do it through the front door. Set an example for those countries which restrict the movements of their citizens by eliminating the limits that our government -and your administration -places on our citizens and our rights to travel to Cuba.

This week in Cuba news...

U.S. - CUBA RELATIONS

USAID Cuba programs will resume despite scrutiny

The Obama administration has notified organizations involved in delivering money, technological devices and other goods to the dissidents in Cuba that they can start making trips again, the Miami Heraldreported. The trips were halted after the arrest of Alan P. Gross, a USAID subcontractor arrested by Cuban authorities for distributing satellite communications equipment to individuals on the island.

According to officials at organizations that receive USAID funds, word that such travel could resume was accompanied by a caution: "Do not take to the island more equipment or money than you can explain if you're stopped by Cuban officials," the Heraldreported. Those involved in the programs said the move showed the Obama administration is "toughening its posture after Havana's recent abuses."

The Associated Pressreported further on the scrutiny surrounding the USAID Cuba programs, pointing out that Creative Associates International, which was awarded the largest contract of $6.5 million in 2008 and is now being considered for another $2.5 million, hired Caleb McCarry, the Bush administration official tasked with bringing a "transition to democracy in Cuba," just two months after the company won its first contract.

It notes that Creative Associates International and Development Associates International, the company that hired Alan Gross, had no experience in Cuba prior to receiving large grants in 2008 and have not published the work on their websites.

In late March of this year, Sen. John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Rep. Howard Berman, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, put holds on the funding, asking the administration to clarify concerns they have with the program. "We are asking hard questions about fraud, waste and what actually works to benefit the Cuban people," said Berman, who has also long been opposed to the U.S. embargo of Cuba.

Meanwhile, Cuban state media continued to criticize the program as "political-ideological subversion against the Cuban Revolution." Outlining the history of funding for the programs, Prensa Latinasaid the funds are used "to offer financial support to supposed human rights activists, those who call themselves independent journalists, and non-governmental organizations opposed to the revolutionary government."

Castro, Granma defend the government's position on hunger strikers

Cuba is saying that it will not be "blackmailed" by hunger strikers' demands. Cuban President Raúl Castro made his strongest statement yet regarding the political opponents on hunger strikes in Cuba, Reutersreported. Castro said the dissidents are being used as tools of the U.S. in an effort to oust Cuba's communist system. "Everything possible is being done to save (striker Guillermo Fariñas') life," Castro said in a speechat the Communist Youth Summit. "But if he does not change his self-destructive attitude, he will be responsible, together with his backers, for the outcome we don't want."

"We will never give in to blackmail by any country or any group of countries no matter how powerful they are, no matter what happens," Castro said. Fariñas responded that he is prepared to die for his cause.

In a front-page editorial, the Communist Party newspaper Granma accused the strikers of launching a "new crusade to demonize" the island and "discredit the revolutionary process, destabilize the country and provoke conditions for the destruction of our social system."

Relatedly, dissident Franklin Pelegrino del Toro announced that he has ended the hunger strike he began 40 days ago to press for the release of political prisoners, EFEreported. "The demand and the clamor of the internal opposition, my family, who needs me, and even the churches and the brothers in exile, convinced us that I'm needed here alive, to fight for Cuba," Pelegrino said by telephone from the eastern city of Holguin. He started his hunger strike in February, five days after Orlando Zapata Tamayo died from an 85-day hunger strike. Another hunger-striker, Guillermo Fariñas, said he will continue to refrain from eating.

U.S. satisfied that Spain is unable to change EU's common position toward Cuba

The U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Alan Solomont, said that "it would be a shame" if democratic countries like Spain don't support the role that political dissidents are playing in Cuba or defend the importance of respecting human rights to Cuban authorities, Europapressreported. Speaking at a breakfast with reporters in Madrid, Solomont said that the Obama administration is satisfied that Spain has been unable to modify the EU's common position toward Cuba, Nuestro Paísreported.

Miguel Moratinos, Spain's Foreign Minister, defended his country's position on Thursday, saying that Spain and the rest of the EU should maintain a "critical dialogue" with the Cuban government and all sectors of society, including the dissidents. "The unilateralism of the Common Position is no longer 'common,'" said Moratinos. "A bilateral approach is essential in order to have a dialogue with Cuban authorities about the necessary reforms that need to be enacted and respect for human rights."

Policy Makers and Ag Experts Urge Passage of Peterson-Moran Legislation

The Center for Democracy in the Americas, working in coalition with groups in Washington to open Cuba to travel for all Americans, hosted a media conference call during which U.S. Representatives Jo Ann Emerson and Marion Berry, former Agriculture Secretary John Block, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson, and Parr Rosson, an agriculture economist at Texas A+M, spoke about the economic and political advantages of opening Cuba to trade and travel.

Participants noted that Congress is currently considering legislationby Congressmen Peterson and Moran and 40 cosponsors to remove barriers to agriculture exports to Cuba and to end the travel ban.

The call included these comments by the participants:

Rep. Marion Berry:You just don't have to be all broke out in brilliance to understand and figure out the value of opening up trade to Cuba and travel to Cuba. It's a very simple matter.

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson:The only way that I believe that we can deal with (the human rights issue on Cuba) is that we shouldn't hold our policy and American citizens' freedom to travel hostage to the Castro family. And I think that the only way that Americans can actually stand with the "Ladies in White" in Havana is to reform travel policy. We have lots of dissidents that we know support the ending of both travel restrictions and export restrictions.

Sec. John Block:For 50 years, we've been trying to isolate Cuba in order to leverage them into getting rid of Communism and doing, whatever, this or that. It has failed, totally failed. Now is the time to try a different policy which would be engagement - that means trade and travel. And there are a lot of positive things that can come from that. It can mean markets for agricultural products which can be jobs here in the United States that we desperately need today. We could more than double our exports of food - I'm talking food to Cuba and agricultural products - if we just have normal trading relations. So this policy with Cuba doesn't make any sense. It's time to just take a new look, turn the page. Let's get on with the future. It'll be good for everybody.

Roger Johnson:This could mean as much as a billion dollars worth of new sales for the U.S. It used to be that Cuba imported 60% of all their food from the U.S. and we certainly should return to that position. This bill really only does two things: it lets our citizens travel there like we can travel anywhere else in the world; and secondly, it allows for us to sell, as Congressman Moran said at the hearing the other day, it isn't even about trading with Cuba. It is just about us selling one way - us selling to the Cubans. So it's a win-win for us.

Dr. Parr Rosson: We would expect our exports to increase by about $365 million per year and that's from a base in 2009 of about $528 million. And in addition to those exports they would also create additional economic activity of about $1.1 billion a year, and about 6,000 new jobs. The fact that we need to create jobs at home, and the fact that we've lost the dominance of U.S. products such as soybean meal, corn, and wheat, not even to mention rice which we haven't shipped to Cuba in a number of years.

As Sarah Stephens, executive director of CDA said, "there are important principles at stake in that debate. We believe that opening Cuba to trade and travel is in the interests of the United States. At this time of recession in the U.S. and political challenge in Cuba, expanding travel and trade will help American farmers and provide direct benefits to the Cuban people."

A complete transcript from the call can be found here. An audio recording can be heard here.

IN CUBA

Castro addresses the economic situation

Speaking at the Ninth Congress of Young Communists, President Raúl Castro outlined the challenges of a "very complex economic situation," hinting at more economic changes to come, but warning that it will take time to implement economic reforms. Some excerpts from his speech are below:

Without a sound and dynamic economy and without the removal of superfluous expenses and waste, it will neither be possible to improve the living standard of the population nor to preserve and improve the high levels of education and healthcare ensured to every citizen free of charge.
If the people do not feel the need to work for a living because they are covered by extremely paternalistic and irrational state regulations, we will never be able to stimulate love for work or resolve the chronic lack of construction, farming and industrial workers; teachers, police agents and other indispensable trades that have steadily been disappearing.
We know that the budgeted and entrepreneurial sectors have hundreds of thousands of workers in excess; some analysts estimate that the surplus of people in work positions exceeds one million. This is an extremely sensitive issue that we should confront firmly and with political common sense.
We are convinced that we need to break away from dogma and assume firmly and confidently the ongoing upgrading of our economic model in order to set the foundations of the irreversibility of the Cuban socialism.
Those who are asking us to go faster should bear in mind the list of issues that we are studying, of which I have mentioned only a few today. We cannot allow that haste or improvisation in the solution of a problem lead to a greater one. With regards to issues of strategic dimension for the life of the entire nation we cannot let ourselves be driven by emotion and act losing sight of the necessary comprehensiveness. As we have said, that is the only reason for which it was decided to postpone for a few other months the celebration of the Party Congress.

Cuba sugar industry to be reformed

Cuba has announced plans to close its Sugar Ministry in the near future. According to Reuters, it will be replaced by a state-run corporation which will allow for foreign investment. Plans to close inefficient sugar mills on the island are also near completion. The move marks the latest reform by President Raúl Castro to restructure the economy and the way that government institutions run.

One Cuban economist told Reuters that "the new structure will give decision makers in the industry more autonomy and allow them to keep a percentage of revenues for re-investment."

While Cuba was once the largest exporter of sugar in the world, the industry's collapse began with the folding of the Soviet Union in 1991. Also, in 2002 Cuba massively downsized its sugar industry, closing 71 of the country's 156 mills and moving 200,000 sugar workers to different occupations. Today sugar sales make up just 5% of Cuba's foreign exchange earnings.

Young communists in Cuba debate ways to "preserve the revolution"

The Union of Young Communists met this week in Havana. According to La Jornada, the focus of the meeting was to discuss methods of preserving the revolution. Over 800 members attended the two day congress, most between the ages of 15 and 35.

La Jornadanotes that the average age of high-ranking Cuban governmental officials is 79.5 years old, but the Union discussed strategies for youth participation in economic and political processes. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez recently noted that "the concepts of socialism and revolution are distant to Cuba's youth."

According to AFP, one notable participant in the meetings was Elián Gonzáles, now 16 years old. A Cuban government website, Cuba Debate, ran a headline after the two-day meeting which read "Young Elián Gonzáles defends his revolution in the youth congress."

Dissident Adrian Leiva drowned while trying to return to Cuba

In an attempt to re-enter Cuba illegally by boat, Cuban opposition figure and Miami journalist Adrian Leiva drowned last month, Spain's ABCreported. According to Leiva's colleagues in Miami, he wanted to return to the island after divorcing his wife, but had not received permission from the Cuban government to do so. Leiva left Cuba for Miami in 2005 as a political refugee with his wife, but returned to the island for a three-month visit in 2008, the Associated Pressreported. According to his friend, Miguel Saludes, Leiva left Florida at night on March 22nd with "a person who agreed to take him to Cuba and leave him at a point on the northern coast, between Matanzas and Havana."

There is much speculation surrounding Leiva's death. The Miami Heraldreported that Cuban authorities detained three people who were traveling with him. 'Conexión Cubana,' the website for which Leiva worked , said in an article that "he died in strange circumstances." He was criticized with impunity by other Cubans who say they are leading the liberation of Cuba; they accused him of being a "spy infiltrated by the Cuban government," the article stated. Leiva favored easing restrictions against Cuba.

Fewer Canadian visitors, more Cuban-Americans

Tourism to Cuba fell by 3.4 percent in the first two months of 2010 compared to the same period last year, Reutersreported. About 513,000 tourists arrived in January and February, down from 531,000 during the same period in 2009, The National Statistics office reported on its website. According to Reuters, the reduction can be attributed to a decline in visitors coming from Canada, the group that generally supplies more tourists to Cuba than any other country. The decline may have been caused by a "pricing spat with a major Canadian tour operator," tourism experts said, resulting in Canadian tourists choosing to vacation in the Dominican Republic and Mexico early this year, where prices are now lower than those of Cuba.

However, a jump in arrivals by Cuban-Americans since travel restrictions were lifted last spring has helped offset the drop in Canadians. Tourism and related businesses earned Cuba $2 billion in 2009, about 20% of its foreign exchange income.

The Associated Pressreported further on Cuba's ability to handle an influx of U.S. tourists. According to Cuban Tourism Minister Manual Marrero, "with the available capacity, we could be receiving the American tourists without any problem." At least nine large hotels are set to break ground this year in Cuba, which could help handle increased numbers of tourists, especially from the U.S. Cuba is also seeking investment partners for 10 golf courses and luxury hotels aimed at Americans, the AP reported. "Havana has been the forbidden city for so long that it will be a boom destination even in the low season," said Jose Manuel Bisbe, commercial director for the Tourism Ministry.

Cuban laboratory presents advances against cancer

Jose Antonio Fraga, president of a business group in Cuba, announced this week that a pre-clinical study suggests that proteins within the toxins of a scorpion have the ability to fight cancer. According to EFE, Fraga claims the proteins are being patented and cloned in preparation for further tests on rats in September. Fraga is the nephew of Raúl and Fidel Castro.

Yoani Sánchez running blogging classes out of her home

The Global Postreported on a blogging academy that Yoani Sánchez has set up in her home in Nuevo Vedado, Havana. The course doesn't grant an accredited degree, and the classroom is Sánchez's living room which has no access to the Internet. And there's a possibility that the next knock on the door might be the police, reported the Post. About 30 students show up twice a week to take the classes to learn how to use Twitter, or write code in WordPress for their own blogs.

Sánchez remains largely unknown on the island, but has "become a potent symbol of opposition to a one-party socialist system run by men in their 70s and 80s," the Post reported. The Cuban government views Sánchez's international fame as part of the broader U.S.-funded campaign to foment anti-Castro activity on the island.

FLORIDA'S FOREIGN POLICY

Cuba hardliners continue to control policy

Despite changing dynamics in Florida, where Cuban-Americans now favor lifting restrictions on travel for all Americans to Cuba and engaging the Cuban government, Cuba hardliners continue to control U.S. policy toward Cuba. According to the National Journal, "while the hardliners' ranks may be thinning, the passion and campaign cash that fuel their success are still in plentiful supply."

According to Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), a long-time advocate for overhauling Cuba policy, "Embargo boosters in Congress horse-trade and twist arms to get their way." A crucial factor is Cuban-American campaign cash, which "continues to push undecided lawmakers into their column," reported the Journal. The U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC gave $828,000 in the 2008 election cycle to 205 House and Senate candidates. It plans to give similar amounts to candidates in this year's elections.

Rivera tries to keep Cuba-bound exports from receiving certificate of approval

Staunchly anti-Castro Florida lawmaker David Rivera (R-West Miami) has introduced a bill that would keep exports going to Cuba from being sent with a "certificate of free sale" label. As the Miami Heraldreported, the sale, which accompanies all exports from Florida, certifies that the exports were indeed manufactured in Florida.

Sending goods with the certificate, according to Rivera is like "sending a virtual stamp of approval" to the Castro regime. While it is not a legal mandate that exports from Florida be sent with the certificate, should the bill pass, it is possible that Florida products will become less attractive to Cuban importers, thus "reducing the flow of goods." Rivera is running for the U.S. Congress in Florida's 21st District. He has authored several bills regarding Cuba in the past, including legislation to require expensive bonds for travel agents dealing with Cuba, which the Florida Supreme Court found unlawful.

Bacardi wins lawsuit in Havana Club rum case

A U.S. judge in Delaware rejected a lawsuit by Pernod Ricard SA (PERP.PA) to stop rival Bacardi Ltd. from selling "Havana Club" branded rum in the United States, Reutersreported.
Both companies sell rum under the Havana Club name, Pernod outside the United States and Bacardi within it, and they have been battling in courts for more than 13 years over which company controls the trademark. Pernod also accuses Bacardi of false advertising by misleading consumers into believing that its rum is made in Cuba, as Pernod's is, when in fact it is made in Puerto Rico. Pernod officials plan to appeal this week's decision, BusinessWeekreported.

CUBA'S FOREIGN POLICY

Chinese oil exploration in Cuba

TheSt. Petersburg Timesreported this week on Chinese involvement in Cuban oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. Responding to a statement on the website of Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) saying that China will soon be drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, the Times says his statement is only half true. According to Stearns' campaign website, "Cuba wants to let the Chinese drill in some of the very parts of the gulf that American producers are currently forbidden to touch, as close as 45 miles off the Florida coast." However, the Times points out that Cuba has leased exploration blocks to oil and gas companies based in Spain, Norway, India, Malaysia, Venezuela, Vietnam and Brazil, but not China.

Jorge Piñon, a former oil executive with Shell and Amoco who is an expert on Cuba's energy sector, said China has an onshore, land-based lease in Cuba but not an offshore lease. The China National Petroleum Corp. is negotiating a lease for four areas in the waters northwest of Cuba, Piñon said, but they are blocks farther away from the U.S. In 2008, then-Vice President Dick Cheney made headlines when he said "oil is being drilled right now 60 miles off the coast of Florida. But we're not doing it, the Chinese are, in cooperation with the Cuban government." His statement was completely false.

Cuba and Iran to increase cooperation in biotechnology and sugar

After meetings this week between the vice-chancellors of Cuba and Iran, an agreement to further cooperation regarding biotechnology, the iron and steel industry and sugar production has been reached, Reutersreported. "Both countries have elevated their commercial exchange, and, through economic cooperation, have been able to reach a considerable advancement," said Seyed Amir Mansoor Borghei, Iran's vice-chancellor. Terms of the new agreement between the two countries were not released. In 2008, commercial exchange between Cuba and Iran was valued at $50 million dollars - a little over double the amount in 2007.

Venezuelan opposition complains about Cuban presence in the country

Members of the opposition to the Chávez government in Venezuela continue to raise their concerns about the presence of Cubans in the country. As "never before in history have citizens of other countries been allowed to assume key positions associated with national security," said Venezuelan politician Julio Borges, coordinator of the Primero Justicia political party, El Universalreported.

Borges claims that Cuban officials have been given positions "in the administration of ports, communications, oil and energy, immigration, policy, health...and the armed forces," and demanded an explanation. In February the opposition complained about the presence of Cuban vice-president Ramiro Valdes, whom Chávez had invited to take part in a commission made up of advisors from various Latin American countries to analyze the electricity problems in Venezuela. There are around 30,000 Cubans in Venezuela serving as doctors, teachers and sports trainers.

Cuban Public Health Care Cooperation with Haiti

Together with Venezuela, Brazil and several other countries, and in close coordination with the Haitian government, Cuba has proposed a comprehensive program for the strengthening of the Haitian health system. Officials from the U.S. and Cuba have met briefly on numerous occasions recently to discuss coordinating efforts.

On Wednesday, April 21st The Center for International Policy and MEDICC (Medical Education and Cooperation with Cuba) will host a panel discussion concerning the role of Cuban medical personnel in Haiti before and after this year's tragic earthquake, and the potential for U.S.-Cuba cooperation in the recovery process. More information on the Washington, DC event is available here.

Recommended Reading:

"Las presiones externas refuerzan la ortodoxia,"Entrevista con Rafael Hernández

Rafael Hernández, director de la revista Temas, defiende el sistema socialista cubano pero pide su democratización desde dentro. Asegura que durante medio siglo la política de Washington hacia su país ha sido nefasta y cree que eso explica muchos enroques oficiales, también la "desconfianza" hacia todo lo que lleve el apellido disidente.

Castro & Co. deaf to Cubans' frustration, The Miami Herald

On Sunday, Raúl Castro said: ``Today, more than ever before, the economic battle is the main task.'' Yes, the economy is a battle but only because the regime stubbornly refuses to take the market by its horns. Yes, state enterprises need to shed up to a million people from their payrolls, but the regime balks at legalizing the small-business sector. Yes, the state is paternalistic and agriculture woefully unproductive, but who's to blame if not those in power for far too long?

Around the Region:

Remembering the Romero Assassination, Open Society Institute Blog

Carlos Dada, editor of elfaro.net, an online news outlet in El Salvador, is interviewed by OSI's David Holiday about a recent 10,000-word articlebased on an exclusive interview with a former death squad member who participated in the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero.

Decades Later, New Details in Oscar Romero Death, NPR

Thirty years after the death of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, new details are coming to light about his assassination and the men behind the plot to kill him. Melissa Block talks to Geoff Thale, program director of the Washington Office on Latin America. He led a delegation to El Salvador last month to mark the anniversary of Romero's death.

Venezuela arrests 8 alleged Colombian spies, Associated Press

President Hugo Chávez said Tuesday that Venezuela has arrested eight Colombians as suspected spies and charged that several carried identification indicating they are members of neighboring Colombia's military.

Hu's visit significant to relations with Latin America: diplomat, Xinhua News

Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to Brazil, Venezuela and Chile will be significant to furthering comprehensive development of China-Latin America relations, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Wednesday.

Venezuela's socialist cities: A solution to poverty or step in abolishing private property?Global Post

Just last year Sudeibi Salazar lived with her husband and son in a rat-infested shack. Today her home is a three-bedroom apartment in a gleaming white block a few miles up the road.

Until next week,

The Cuba Central Team
www.democracyinamericas.org

Spanish Night at Fiske Planetarium in Boulder, CO

2010-04-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

The planetarium on campus at CU does a really cool thing for Spanish speakers by offering a star show in Spanish every now and then. You can see more details here:

http://fiske.colorado.edu/events/presentaciones.php

Here is the description for the next event tomorrow night:

Navegación Estelar Nuestro estado es rico en lugares para excursionar y acampar. Pero qué nos pasaría si nuestros instrumentos de guía no funcionaran. En esta noche aprenderemos técnicas sencillas para encontrar nuestra ruta usando solo estrellas y constelaciones.

Spanish Instructors in Colorado

2010-04-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary for Business Spanish - Banking

2010-04-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here is some vocabulary you will encounter as you do banking in Spanish speaking countries. Keep in mind that each country may have its own set of words it uses.

Nouns

account - la cuenta
account balance - el saldo
bad check - el cheque sin fondo
balance - el balance
bank - el banco, la banca
bill - el billete
branch - la sucursal
business day - el día hábil
cash ratio , liquidity ratio- el coeficiente de caja
check - el cheque
checking account - la cuenta corriente, la cuenta de banco
clearinghouse - la cámara de compensación
code - el código
correspondence - la correspondencia
deposit - el depósito
devaluation - la devaluación
due date - la fecha de vencimiento
electronic transfer of funds (ETF) - la transferencia electrónica de fondos
entity - la entidad
exchange rate - el precio de cambio
foreign currency - las divisas
funds - los fondos
hours - el horario
loan - el préstamo
maintenance - el mantenimiento
mortgage - la hipoteca
number - el número
operations - las operaciones
overstatement- la sobrevaloración
password - el código de seguridad
portfolio - la cartera
reserve - la reserva
safety box - la caja fuerte
savings account - la caja de ahorro
signature - la firma
teller machine - el cajero automático
time deposit - el depósito a plazo largo
title - el título
transaction - la transacción
transfer - la transferencia
window - la ventanilla

People

The following can be made feminine by adding an a to the end of those that end in r.

auditor - interventor, el auditor
banker - banquero
bearer - portador
creditor - acreedor
customer - cliente
debtor - deudor
legal representative - apoderado
manager - gerente
teller - cajero

Adjectives

bounced - rechazado, rebotado
branch - sucursal
counterfeited - falsificado, falso
holiday - feriado
maximum - máximo
minimum - mínimo
monetary - monetario
mortgage related - hipotecario
payable - pagadero
private - privado

Verbs

to cancel - cancelar
to cash - cobrar
to deposit - depositar
to endorse - endosar
to fix - fijar
to guarantee - garantizar
to withdraw - retirar, sacar
to transfer - girar dinero
to loan - prestar
to issue - emitir

Group Spanish Classes in Boulder

2010-04-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hola amigos,

We have a new group Spanish class starting soon. Give us a call at 303.997.9207 if you would like to reserve a space in either session.

BEGINNING LEVEL 1 - You will learn how to make simple sentences in the present tense with regular and irregular verbs, articles, verb to be, common expressions, and idioms. You will learn cross cultural topics and vocabulary in order to use them in dialogs for different situations and scenarios.

Beginning level 1: April 20th through May 25th. We will meet Tuesdays from 6:45 to 8:15 pm; 6 sessions. Location: 1122 Red Oak Dr. Longmont 80504

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 1 –
You will study past tense , you will learn prepositions, regular and irregular past tense verbs, common expressions, idioms, and progressive tense. Along with this we will have fun games and interactive exercises that involve role playing.

Intermediate level 1: April 12th through May 17th. We will meet Mondays from 6:15 to 7:45 pm; 6 sessions. Location: 3350 Chisholm Trl, Boulder, CO 80301 -in the clubhouse-

Dulces Latinos: La Raspadura y su Historia

2010-04-07T11:02:00.001-07:00

La panela, raspadura, rapadura, atado dulce, chancaca (del quechua chankaka), empanizao, papelón, piloncillo o panocha, es un alimento típico de Brasil, Colombia,Chile, Ecuador, México, Cuba, Panamá, Perú, Venezuela, y varios lugares de Centro América, también de algunas provincias de Argentina (Tucumán, Misiones, etc.) y Bolivia, cuyo único ingrediente es el jugo de la caña de azúcar. Su nombre se debe al acto de panificar el juego de caña, deshidratándolo y solidificándolo en paneles rectangulares o moldes de diferentes formas. Para producir la panela, el jugo de caña de azúcar es cocido a altas temperaturas hasta formar una melaza bastante densa, luego se pasa a unos moldes en forma de cubo donde se deja secar hasta que se solidifica o cuaja. La panela también es producida en algunos países asiáticos, como la India y Pakistán, donde se le denomina gur o jaggery.

Se utiliza para elaborar bebidas. Una bebida tradicional de Colombia, Venezuela y Ecuador, es la Aguapanela, o "Papelón con Limón" o Aguadulce, que se prepara dejando disolver un bloque de panela en agua hirviendo, a la cual se agrega limón, pudiéndose consumir fría o caliente. Otra bebida que se hace a partir de la panela es cierta variante del guarapo: el guarapo es una bebida alcohólica producto de la fermentación alcohólica del agua de panela. También es usada como un edulcorante sucedáneo del azúcar, principalmente en las zonas rurales.

A la panela se le atribuyen efectos muy benéficos en el tratamiento de resfriados, tomándola en forma de bebida caliente de 'aguapanela' con limón, la cual hidrata y disminuye el malestar. El 'agua de panela' fría, es comúnmente utilizada por algunos deportistas como una bebida hidratante natural, que refresca y aporta calorías y sales minerales, para un mejor rendimiento corporal y una mayor resistencia física

La panela se considera un alimento que, a diferencia del azúcar, que es básicamente sacarosa, presenta además significativos contenidos de glucosa, fructosa, proteínas, minerales como el calcio, el hierro y el fósforo y vitaminas como el ácido ascórbico.

La elaboración de la panela, por lo general, se realiza en pequeñas fábricas comúnmente denominadas trapiches en procesos de agroindustria rural que involucran a múltiples trabajadores agrícolas y operarios de proceso. En Colombia se estima la existencia de cerca de 20.000 trapiches paneleros que vinculan directa e indirectamente cerca de 350.000 personas en las actividades de cultivo de la caña, elaboración de la panela y su comercialización en las áreas rurales y centros urbanos.

En el proceso se utilizan tres vasijas de cobre o bronce. La primera vasija es donde se da comienzo a la cocción del líquido proveniente de la caña (guarapo no fermentado); en la segunda vasija se va traspasando la espuma y otras impurezas del hervor de la primera; y así consecutivamente de la segunda a la tercera.

La tercera vasija es la de menor calidad y con más porosidad en estado sólido. La primera vasija -con la mejor calidad- es un sólido semitransparente de color marrón claro, casi anaranjado, y de gran temple. Se requiere de una potente herramienta para partirla. Normalmente la gente en Colombia posee en su cocina una piedra de río muy resistente llamada la piedra de la panela o simplemente la piedra.

En Colombia, es muy usada como edulcorante, en postres y bebidas tradicionales como el guarapo, la chicha y la natilla (en su forma artesanal). Además es consumida directamente o como bebida (aguapanela), de dos formas, con limón o con leche. Se comercializan, además del tradicional bloque, diversas presentaciones de panela, como la circular, en polvo, o en pastillas (similares a las del chocolate para taza).

En Venezuela se utiliza para endulzar postres y bebidas (ejemplo de ello es la variante de la limonada llamada Papelón con Limón). Cabe destacar que aquí el nombre de panela se aplica para el de forma prismática, y el de papelón para el de forma cónica. Así mismo, este último suele ser un poco más oscuro que el primero.

En Costa Rica se conoce como "Tapa de dulce", y los moldes que se utilizan tienen forma de cono truncado. A la bebida caliente se le llama "agua dulce" y la bebida fría con limón se conoce como "agua de sapo".

En Ecuador se conoce como "panela" al jugo deshidratado de caña de azúcar en panes prismáticos, redondos o conos truncados que para su distribución artesanal se envuelven en hojas secas de plátano. La "raspadura" es el producto de raspar la panela para usarla como edulcorante, o para la preparación de postres. En la década de los 60 todavía su uso era popular, pero actualmente es raro gracias al azúcar refinada y productos derivados e industriales con que cuenta el país.

En Guatemala se le conoce como "rapadura" o "panela" propiamente, y se utiliza para preparar postres típicos de la región, como café de olla o el dulce típico de coco con panela.

En México, la melaza sólida de azúcar se vende en forma de cono truncado, con el nombre de piloncillo (en el centro y norte del país) o panela (en el sur), y es la base de varios postres mexicanos muy estimados como el atole, los camotes enmielados, las calabazas en piloncillo, los frutos cristalizados y el ponche, que es una bebida a base de frutas hervidas como la guayaba, manzana, tejocote, caña de azúcar y canela acompañada por el piloncillo y se toma en invierno, etc. También se usa para preparar chiles chipotles, los cuales se ponen a hervir junto con el piloncillo (panela) y cebolla; se obtiene así una "salsa" de sabor picante y dulce a la vez que es muy utilizada, en el centro del país, para acompañar platillos salados.

En Panamá se la conoce como "raspadura" o "rapadura" y en Bolivia como "chancaca" o "empanizao", en Argentina y Chile como chancaca o raspadura, en Brasil se la llama "rapadura".

En el Perú la chancaca se usa para endulzar el champús, como ingrediente importante de la miel que acompaña a los picarones, el célebre Turrón de Doña Pepa, sopaipillas, la calabaza al horno, el ranfañote y muchos dulces serranos como la "mazamorra cochina".

La chancaca en Chile se hace no sólo a partir de azúcar de caña, sino también de miel. Éstas se funden juntas y se solidifican una vez frías en bloques. Para su uso se disuelve en agua caliente y se le añade canela, clavos de olor, zestes de naranja o limón y otras especias, según el gusto del consumidor. La consistencia debe quedar como de una salsa, pero ello también depende del gusto del consumidor. En Chile se consume chancaca en sopaipillas, lo cual se denomina "sopaipillas pasadas", o con picarones, pero ello es menos habitual y también en los alfajores rellenos con chancaca típicos en septiembre. También suele utilizarse tanto para endulzar como para dar color al almíbar que se produce de los "Huesillos" (duraznos deshidratados) para la bebída típica de "Mote con Huesillos".

En el noroeste de Argentina, principalmente en la provincia de Tucumán, donde una de las principales producciones es la caña de azúcar, se prepara a modo de golosina que se moldea como chocolatines de forma rectangular y sólido, llamado chancaca o tableta de miel de caña (porque también se prepara de igual manera la tableta de miel de abejas).

Beginner Salsa Workshops in Denver - On1 & NY On2

2010-04-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, April 17, 2010 1:00 PM

Where:
Motion En Fuego
2828 N Speer Blvd #101
Denver, CO 80211
303.475.3569

Hi Everyone!
These workshops are the last installment of workshops for the Winter Semester of Universidad Del Baile Latino - my semi annual weekend workshops for Social Latin dances. The Senior year is full of great patterns, footwork, styling for men and women when you're dancing Salsa, both On1 and On2. Finally, learn the difference between these two popular ways to dance Salsa. Dance them both and decide for yourself what your preferred dance style is.

Saturday, April 17th
1-2 PM - On1 Salsa Basics: What the heck is "on1" and why should you dance this style? Commonly known as "LA Style Salsa", on1 is a very common way to dance in Denver and around the world. It's style is evolving as we speak and in this class we'll learn all about what that means, how to hear the "1" in the music and start on that every time! We'll also learn the basic steps of Salsa with some extra technique tips only Bridget can teach.

2-3 PM - On1 Salsa Patterns: Ok, so we've got the basics covered, now let's make it exciting. This class will introduce you to very cool, easy to lead and follow combinations that will show you how to dance with fluidity!

3-3:30 PM - Break

3:30-4:30 PM - On1 Salsa Footwork Shines: Salsa isn't just the patterns, it's about feeling the music and showing it in your body's movement. Learn how find your dance style thru footwork movement, rhythm changes and body movement. You'd be surprised how much this affects your overall
dancing.

Sunday, April 18th
1-2 PM - NY On2 Salsa Basics: Known around the world as New York On2 Salsa (sometimes called Mambo) this style of Salsa was pioneered by the great Eddie Torres. Eddie Torres is known to have kept social Salsa dance alive and helped develop it into the style of dance you see today. New Yorkers have been dancing On2 for decades but NY ON2 Salsa has enjoyed huge popularity around the world and some of today's best dancers are On2. You'll feel how this style really fits into Mambo music
and how it really brings the music alive in your movement.

2-3 PM - NY On2 Salsa Patterns: Yes, you can transfer all of your On1 patterns to On2 but if you are used to dancing On1 this can present a challenge. Don't get discouraged, the end result will be worth it. In this class we'll cover a typical On2 basic pattern and you'll understand how the movement style of On2 differs from On1.

3-3:30 PM - Break

3:30-4:30 PM -NY On2 Salsa Footwork Shines: NY On2 is characterized by its connection to the music. Footwork is essential to show your understanding of the music. On2 footwork open the door to complete experimentation with the music through a sometimes complex mix of taps, slides, spins, suzy q's and many other footwork elements. Give it a shot and expand your horizons!

Pricing: single workshop: $15 - one day pass:$35 - full weekend pass:$70

All classes held at Motion En Fuego Dance Studio---> 2828 n speer blvd #101 denver 80211
To register go to www.bridgetellisdance.com or email me at bridget@bridgetellisdance.com

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/denversalsa/calendar/13113704/

Bi-Lingual Beginner Salsa Class and Open Dance in Denver

2010-04-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, May 15, 2010 7:00 PM

Where:
Motion En Fuego
2828 N Speer Blvd #101
Denver, CO 80211
303.475.3569

This will be a fun night. I'm combining this meetup event with folks from the Denver Free Spanish Network Meetup group. A fellow instructor, Mauricio Leon will be assisting me with teaching the class. He'll be teaching in Spanish and I'll be teaching in English. I think this will be a fun way to brush up on your Spanish as well as learn Salsa at the same time. Salsa and Spanish go together like PB & J! cool We'll provide some food and drink but feel free to BYOB or BYOFood. We'll do the class from 7:30 - 8:30 and dance until 9pm after the class. Anyone interested in dancing more after that can head over to La Rumba! Hope to see you there!

The Details:

* 7:00pm- Doors open - Mingle, eat, drink, etc
* 7:30-8:30pm - Salsa class en Espanol and English
* 8:30-9pm - Open dance, mingle, eat, drink
* Cost: $10/person

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/denversalsa/calendar/13113836/

Spanish Conversation in Boulder, CO

2010-04-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Join the Boulder Spanish Meetup Group here:

http://www.meetup.com/boulderspanish/calendar/13087969/?a=cv1c_grp&rv=cv1c

*English Translation below*

Te invitamos reunirse con nosotros a nuestra próxima Meetup para disfrutar bebidas y comidas y para practicar su español con otros hablantes de todos niveles.

Cada reunión es diferente pero siempre es muy informal y una gran manera de practicar su español en un ambiente divertido.

El grupo fue formado para practicar español. Por favor sólo habla en español a menos que esté incapaz de expresar una cierta idea en español.

***Para ellos que son nuevos al groupo, miembres llegan a los reuniones desde 7pm y después entonces si no puedes encontrar el groupo inmediatamente, espera un poco porque el groupo formará brevemente.

------------------------

You are invited to join us at our next meetup to enjoy some comidas y bebidos and practice your Spanish with speakers of all levels!

Every meetup is different but always very informal and a great way to practice your Spanish in a fun environment.

The group was formed to practice Spanish. Please speak only in Spanish unless incapable of expressing a certain idea.

***For those that are newer to the group, please note that members arrive at various times from 7pm and on so if you arrive at 7pm and cannot find the group right away, hang around as others will slowly arrive.

Afro Brazlian Dance in Boulder, CO

2010-04-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to attend “NeXus 2010,” a dance concert which
provides an opportunity for artistic interaction between the University and the
professional dance community characterized by choreographic diversity and
innovation. This year’s concert promises an unforgettable performance with
choreography by community artists KC Chun-Manning, Lyra Mayfield, David
Michael and Glenda Monasch, Rosangela Silverstre, Nancy Smith, and Gina
Jacobs Thomas and student work by Sarah Bowers, Cortney McGuire and Charlie
Dando, DeShawn Marshall, and Stephanie Tuley. “NeXus 2010” will take place
April 9-10 at 7:30 pm and April 11 at 2 pm at the Charlotte York Irey Theatre,
at the Department of Theatre and Dance on the University of Colorado at
Boulder campus.

“NeXus 2010” is a distinct concert filled with numerous dance styles. An
exhilarating, delicate aerial piece meets a post modern, humorous and
explosive duet. A touching and powerful contemporary ballet solo meets a
dance piece, inspired by movements and rhythms from Brazil. The evening also
includes eurythmy, a European form that was part of a cultural and artistic
upheaval in the early 1900’s. "NeXus 2010" provides a stimulating variety of
offerings that should not be missed!

In celebration of dance month, 3rd Law Dance/Theater and The CU Theatre &
Dance Department are collaborating on a mutual discount. With the ticket or
ticket stub of one show you can receive a discount to the other ($2 OFF: Nexus /
$3 OFF: 3rd Law). Redeemable only at respective box offices. For more
information contact Stephanie.Kobes@Colorado.edu

More on how to get there...

Attached is the official flyer and below are links to the CU Campus map in Boulder. The Irey Theatre (also University Theatre) is closest to Broadway and College Ave. The link to the campus map is: http://www.colorado.edu/campusmap/map.pdf (it's building # 96). You can also check out http://www.colorado.edu/visit/directions/ and put in your starting address for directions to campus. If you're coming from Denver, I would recommend using mapquest or google maps and enter Broadway and College ave, Boulder, CO. as your end address.

If you choose to park on campus, an evening/weekend parking map can be found here:

http://www.colorado.edu/parking/maps/documents/night_parking_for_main_000.pdf

It looks like you would have to pay to park on campus after 5pm weekdays, Sat and Sun. If you don't want to have to pay, you can park close to Broadway and College and walk in.

What does Globalization mean to you and your role in business?

2010-04-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

I found this discussion online and wanted to share it with Bolder Languages' supporters. By reading the responses, you can appreciate how important it is to learn a new languages and step out of your own cultural norms.

This question was asked by Philo Holland senior globalization advisor, philos collaborative partnerships, on LinkedIn recently.

Please feel leave us your comments below too!

* Include industry you’re working in, your profession or function, your country of origin(s) – Where were you born? Where did you live until the age of 7?

Here are some of the responses:

Babu Mohanan

CEO Phykon Solutions

I will say that globalization has changed my life totally. Now I am able to exchange ideas with a global community and it has give me a lot of hope and confidence in myself. Coming to my business, I am in the IT field and its very existence in my country depends on the globalization.
I am heading a company(as CEO) in a little known small town in India. Until the age of 7 I was living in a remote village close to a forest. I still hold memories of people going into forest to collect firewood.

Tanja Marchman

Owner of English & German Virtual Services

Industry: Virtual Assistant
Title: Owner
Birthplace/until 7 yrs.: Nuernberg, Germany. Small village about 20 min. outside of Nuernberg.

In my industry globalization is a big part of the business. Since the idea of the Virtual Industry is that you can get assistance with your administrative needs from someone that is not located in your city or state or even country. So many things can be exchanged virtually these days, that I can promote my business to companies of all sizes in every corner of the world. And in this rather slow economy at the moment, it works to my clients advantage to use my services, rather then hiring a part time or full time person in their office, who they have to pay overhead expenses for. Since there are no overhead expenses to be paid for an independent contractor like myself, this can mean tremendous cost savings for my clients, plus they have more time in turn to focus on promoting their business globally, if they so desire.

Alvaro Arias

Regional Sales Manager at Schneider GmbH & Co. KG

I have lived in four countries. Am married to a lady born in a different continent where I was born. I email daily in different languages with people in different countries. I Skype with my parents, and talk to them regularly as if we would be sitting in the same table, as we did when we were living in the same city, some years ago.

At work, I am responsible for a geographical region which comprises many countries and cultures and obliges me to speak several languages. I take several planes every week, and can even take each meal in a single day in three different countries, and still sleep at home.

I would say this is globalization at 100% brought down to a quite basic level.

Denise Pirrotti Hummel

Founder and Managing Director at Universal Consensus

Without globalization, my company wouldn't exist. I am the Founder and Director of Universal Consensus, one of the largest cross-cultural training institutes and global development consultancies on the globe (we're in 14 countries). As for the answers you wanted (let me know why you're interested especially in where I was living until 7 years old.

Profession/Title: Cross-Cultural Consultant, Trainer & Curriculum Designer (Director)
Birthplace/until 7 yrs.: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

Study Tip: Flash Cards

2010-04-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

When learning a new language, using flash cards is a must. Following these steps will guarantee high test scores and better comprehension of the new language. It is real simple:

1.) When you start a new lesson, write down every new vocabulary word on a flash card, with the English definition on the other side.

Make sure you indicate if nouns are feminine, masculine, or neutral

2.) For new verbs, write the infinitive on one side, and conjugate it in every tense you know on the reverse side.

3.) When you have everything, go through the stack looking at the side with the new language and saying out loud what the English translation is. When you get one right, set it aside. When incorrect, put in the back of the stack. Do this until you get them all right.

4.) Repeat this exercise with the English side facing you, saying the word out loud in the new language.

5.) Repeat as needed until you can go through the stack and get everything correct in one attempt.

6.) Practice with friends and classmates when possible.

Conference on World Affairs Concurrent Session Photos and Discussion of "Eastern Cuba, 2010"

2010-03-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

This looks like an interesting event coming soon in Boulder. Anyone with an interest in Latin America should pay a visit to the Boulder-Cuba Sister City Organization's website:

http://www.bouldercuba.org/

A current inside look at Cuba's health care, schools, geography, music, art, and everyday life.

Presented by

Boulder-Cuba Sister City Organization

Tuesday, Apr. 6, 2010, 7 pm [Free]

Meadows Branch Library, 4800 Baseline, Boulder

To live is to learn - to learn is to live

2010-03-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

We all know that by living, life can teach us many lessons. It is important that we learn from those lessons and grow.

Learning will help us live a better, healthier, and happier life. Bolder Languages goal is to teach people new lessons and how to better interact with those from all walks of life.

Living in your own culture and speaking one language is so limiting! Learning to speak a new language will not only put your own life in perspective, but will enable you to interact with more people and appreciate everything you have and to seek more.

We all live on planet Earth, a very beautiful place indeed. We encourage you to explore everything it has to offer - leave your own views behind, step out of what you feel is comfortable, and live life to its fullest!

Beggining and Intermediate Group Spanish Classes in Boulder

2010-01-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

BEGINNING LEVEL 1 - You will learn how to make simple sentences in the present tense with regular and irregular verbs, articles, verb to be, common expressions, and idioms. You will learn cross cultural topics and vocabulary in order to use them in dialogs for different situations and scenarios.

Beginning level 1: January 28th through March 4th. We will meet on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm; 6 sessions. Location: 1480 Lee Hill Rd, Boulder 80304

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 1 - We will review more complex sentences in the present and progressive tense. You will use prepositions, common expressions, idioms, simple past and imperfect tense. Along with this we will have fun games and interactive exercises that involve role playing.

Intermediate level 1: January 20th through February 24th. We will meet Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:45 pm; 6 sessions. Location: 3350 Chisholm Trl, Boulder, CO 80301

COST AND PAYMENT

Only $138, class materials included! Please send us a check to:

Spanish Easy & Fun
1122 Red Oak Dr.
Longmont, CO 80504

Sign up on Face book:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263088268713&index=1

Group Spanish Classes in Boulder, CO

2009-02-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

BOLDER LANGUAGES

Presents

Spanish Easy and Fun

An enjoyable way of learning Spanish!

We are offering 2 affordable Spanish classes in Boulder

Allow yourself new opportunities
Improve service and increase sales
Enjoy your business travel and vacation

CLASS SCHEDULE

Beginning Class will start on March 2 through April 6. We will meet on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm; 6 sessions in total.

Intermediate class will start on March 4 through April 8. We will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm; 6 sessions in total.

Location: 510 Mohawk , Boulder 80303 (At the clubhouse) Turn left east of off Mohawk on to Pawnee.

CLASS MATERIALS, COST AND PAYMENT

Class Materials – We will provide a colorful booklet to each participant. This booklet contains writing, conversational, grammar topics and exercises. Each booklet will cover one entire Spanish level.

Cost- Only $135 (for 9 hrs of Spanish lessons), materials included!

Payment- Please send either a check or money order to 1122 Red Oak Longmont, 80501; made to Spanish Easy and Fun in order to register for this class. Once we receive your payment we will send you receipt via email.

Bolder Languages

(303) 997 9207 www.bolderlanguages.us

Give the gift of language for Christmas!

2008-12-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

Bolder Languages is offering a limited time deal for classes or tutoring sessions for classes in any of the following languages. From now until January 1st, you can purchase a 4 pack of 1 hour long session for only $25 each! This is a $10 discount per session.

Start the New Year off right! For students, getting help early is the best way to ensure success. For the business professionals, having a new skill like a language can increase your job security during these tough economic times.

Give us a call at 303.997.9207 or send an email to tutors.bl@gmail.com to take advantage of this offer.

Bolder Languages offers instruction in other languages:

* Arabic
* Chinese
* English as a Second Language (ESL)
* French
* Italian
* German
* Portuguese
* Russian
* Spanish
* Always seeking new instructors!

Instituto Cultural Cabañas

2008-06-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

Instituto Cultural Cabañas

One of the first things that I did while in Guadalajara was to visit the Instituto Cultural Cabañas in the city’s historical center. This is an immaculate piece of architecture, and known as one of the country’s greatest examples of the neoclassic architectural style, designed by Manuel Tolsá at the beginning of the 19th century. The building now serves as a cultural institute dedicated to preserving classic artworks and inspiring new artists, and also hosts the biggest collections of one of Jalisco’s most renowned artists, José Clemente Orozco. Gaby, my friend that took me there, mentioned that when she was a kid she had taken many summer courses in painting there and passed the time playing hide and go seek with her friends in the large courtyards.

The history behind the building is fascinating as well, and due to this and its beauty, it was declared by UNESCO in 1997 to be a World Heritage Site. Tolsá was commissioned by bishop Juan Cruz Ruiz de Cabañas y Crespo (hence the name) to design what would later become the bishop’s dream. In 1796, upon arriving to Nueva Galicia (New Galicia, or what is now the 3 states in México consisting of Jalisco, Aguascalientes, and Colima), Cabañas dreamt of building a public institution to give orphans a better life. The institution opened it’s doors in 1810 to become the said institution and one of the areas principal hospitals, but closed quickley and was converted into a military base. It was reopened for its original purposes in 1829, but was occasionaly taken back for military purposes due to Mexico’s turbulent times.

Here are some interesting facts about the Instituto Cultural Cabañas:

• Founded in 1791 by the Bishop of Guadalajara
• Doors opened for the first time in 1810, but construction was not finished until 1829.
• In 1859 in was put into the administration of the Hermanas de Caridad, who started a Project called Hospicio Cabañas and continued to assist and teach orphaned children.
• In 1912 due to the depreciation law of the church’s goods, the school became property of the Mexican government. The school was then administered by the Direction of Education of the State.
• In 1980, the government transformed it into a space dedicated to the difusion of arts, and was reopened under its new name, the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas in 1983.

The entire property, which consists of a symmetrical layout, has two chapels, 30 exposition rooms, and 23 patios. The main chapel has tall, dome shaped ceilings that have been completely covered in murals by José Clemente Orozco that depict the struggles of Mexican history, intertwined with symbology from his two historical passions, the Mexican Conquest and the Revolution. The murals here date back to 1937, when the government invited him to paint the interior of the main chapel.

Painting of Cortés by Orozco
inside the main chapel

I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Guadalajara to take an hour or two and 35 pesos (about $3.50 US) and visit the Insituto Cabañas. You will learn about the history of the building, be amazed by the beautiful architecture, and get to see some of Mexico’s greatest artwork. The institute also offers many cultural classes and has rooms that can be rented for special occasions. More information can be found here.

Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM to 6PM and
Sundays from 10AM to 3PM (Closed Mondays).

Instituto Cultural Cabañas
Cabañas no. 8, Plaza Tepatía,
Guadalajara, Jalisco
México
(52) (33) 36 68 16 47
cabanas@jalisco.gob.mx

Orange tree in one of the 23 courtyards

Centro Historico de Guadalajara

2008-05-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

You would never guess it was a Sunday night if you were in Guadalajara's Historical downtown. I took these pictures while I was walking around at about 10 at night. The main plaza was packed with people, as you can see in the photos. The colonial architecture looks especially beautiful at night, with the lights illuminating the intricate artwork of some of the cities oldest buildings. There is plenty of entertainment too! Plenty of entertainment too, as you can see in the videos of the capoeira show I took.

Teatro Degollado

Catedral de Guadalajara

Tango in Guadalajara

2008-05-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I arrived to Guadalajara, one of my new favorite places in Mexico. Two of my friends, Gaby and Bere, picked me up from the airport and we got the night started! They both have become very good dancers of Tango, the provocative dance from Buenos Aires. Our first stop was a place called Café el Carmen. On Friday nights they have a traditional Milonga, or place where people dance Tango, out on the square. Located in Guadalajara’s historic district, this is the typical Spanish plaza that is located in just about any city in a Spanish country. This is a beautiful little place with tall, looming trees surrounded by colonial architecture and of course, a church!

One of my favorite things to do is go to a Milonga with some friends, have a glass of wine, and dance a little Tango. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of places to do this in Boulder, so I normally have to wait until I am in Guadalajara or Argentina to do so! Gaby did pull me up for a dance, and I was very happy to still remember the 8 basic steps. Tango is a very romantic dance, and you really have to be able to feel the passion behind the music in order to dance. Reminds me of the glory days when I lived in Argentina!

For anybody looking for a good time in Guadalajara, check out the Café el Carmen on a Friday night, located at:

Jardín del Carmen
(frente al Ex-Convento del Carmen )
Andador Jacobo Gálvez 45-B,
Col. Centro
Guadajara, Jal.
Tel: 3658-2266

Check out this blog about tengo in Guadalajara.

Columbia, Venezuela, and Haita are the three most violent countries in Latin America

2008-05-20T16:09:00.001-07:00

According to a recent study, Colombia, Venezuela, and Haiti are the three most violent countries in the Americas, and three of the most violent countries in the entire world. Colombia was the 11th most violent in the world, with Iraq coming in at #1.

Read more here.

Several other Latin American countries also score high up on the list. While these countries can be very dangerous, that does not mean that you should not travel there....just be careful.

I have traveled to many places in Latin America and have had relatively no problems. In Argentina the worst I got was a few counterfeit bills and I was actually robbed in La Paz, Bolivia, by the old mustard scam. After exiting a bus, a little old lady squirted mustard on my back-pack without me noticing. Afterwards, she pointed it out to me and offered me some paper napkins to help clean myself off. After a few seconds, I realized my back-pack was gone and so was she.

Despite this, Latin America remains very high on my list of places to go. If you are like me, a few set-backs like this will not deter you from going. So, here are a few words of advice:

1.) Know the language. This will help you interact with the locals and help you make friends. With so many tourists and so few that actually speak the local language, you will definitely be treated better and have people that will look out for you.

2.) Know the place. If you know a place like Colombia is dangerous, you will know to be extra careful. Ironically, if I had done my research before going to La Paz, I would have been wise to the mustard scam. Right after that happened, I consulted the Lonely Planet guide book to find the U.S. Embassy. I read about the mustard trick and really felt silly!

3.) Stay in a group whenever possible, and especially at night. When I was in Quito, Ecuador, I took a 5 block walk after dark to use the internet at an internet cafe. I was mobbed by a group of little kids that tried to pick-pocket me. I was followed by others after walking by them. That was the last time I went out by myself at night. Always take cabs that you call and if walking, make sure you are with at least one other person.

On the road to Doi Inthanon, Thailand

2008-05-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

One day while we were in Thailand , we rented a motorcycle
and rode from Ching Mae to Doi Inthanon, the country's
tallest mountain. This is what we saw on the way there.

Jeremy Klepper and David Stevens with a Thai woman. She works
at this roadside stand cooking food and serving drinks.

Some random stuff at a market.

This is a map we saw on the way. Good thing a lot
of people speak English in Thailand!

Cuba news from The Cuba Central Team 5/9/2008

2008-05-09T15:10:00.001-07:00

Dear Friend:

This week, when President Bush addressed the 38th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas, he came to praise the wonders of video conferencing while disparaging the reform process in Cuba. He said in his speech:

"Yesterday I had a fascinating opportunity to speak with a leading Cuban dissident, a former political prisoner, and a wife of a man who is held in a Cuban prison simply because he expressed his belief that all people should live in a free society. Video-conferencing is one of the great wonders of the 21st century, and to be able to sit in the White House and talk to these three brave souls in Havana was a(n) inspiring moment for me."

He went on to say "there's no change at all," and said the regime had engaged in "empty gestures at reform."

Apparently, the president was so inspired by his video conference experience that he forgot to mention what he actually heard on the call from one prominent dissident, Marta Beatrice Roque. As covered by the AP, The Cuban Triangle, NPR, and others, Roque asked the President "to make it easier for Cuban Americans in the United States to visit family members on the island and send money to their relatives" there.

In other words, the President was asked by one of Cuba's leading dissidents to reverse the policies that he put into place four years ago now that Cuba's government is introducing the changes which the president and his administration dismiss as cosmetic. Apparently, videoconferencing has its limits. Having heard this appeal, the President announced, as ever, that U.S. policy would not change.

Meanwhile, in Cuba, the list of reforms adopted by the government continues to grow longer.

In the three months since Raul Castro took office, Cuba's government has removed wage limits for workers, ended restrictions on cell phones, ended limits on the use of tourist facilities by Cubans, ended restrictions on where Cubans fill their prescriptions, ended limits on the sale of consumer items such as DVD players and computers, reorganized the family doctor program, provided raises for retirees and court employees, provided titles to Cuban families for government owned housing, commuted death sentences, introduced decentralizing reforms for agriculture, and encouraged a broadening public debate about these changes.

While it is impossible to know where this process will ultimately lead, foreign governments have to decide whether applauding these changes or denigrating them will more likely lead to a better outcome for the Cuban people. The President appears to count himself as one of a dwindling number of critics for whom progress on Cuba will never be enough to provide even a measure of encouragement. It's hard to know whether it's worse to be wrong or simply irrelevant in the eyes of history. For now, our policy is both.

This week in Cuba news...

State enterprises allowed to spend more hard currency without specific approval

The Central Bank of Cuba doubled the amount of money state enterprises are allowed to spend without approval from a special committee from the bank, the Reuters news agency reported. Previously, checks of more than $5,000 CUC needed to be approved by the committee for approval of hard currency with the Central Bank. That amount has now been increased to $10,000 CUC ($10,800 USD) slightly increasing companies' financial autonomy. The resolution was passed on April 14^th.

According to Phil Peters (CubanTriangle.blogspot.com), "it's a small step that would take on greater importance if it means that more steps to decentralize decision-making are on the way."

Government announces actions on Party, National Assembly

Cuba's new government is taking steps to shore up institutions ranging from the National Assembly to the Communist Party, the Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. Raul Castro announced last week that the Communist Party would hold its first congress in a dozen years in late 2009. Cuba will also look at strengthening the National Assembly, which announced the creation of 12 commissions on Monday to study everything from food production to national defense.

"The creation of the working commissions of the National Assembly comes at a time in which our country engages in an effort to deepen socialism, to make modifications and changes that will allow us to have a better and more efficient society without changing our independence or our system," National Assembly President Ricardo Alarcon said.

You can read the Granma article here.

Yoani Sanchez receives Spanish award, not given permission to attend

Yoani Sanchez, who has gained worldwide acclaim for her Generation Y blog which criticizes the Cuban government, was honored Wednesday with a Spanish journalism award in absentia -the Associated Press reported. Sanchez was given the Ortega y Gasset Prize in digital journalism for creating her blog, which gets more than 1 million hits a month, mostly from abroad.

Cuban authorities did not approve Yoani Sanchez's request to travel to Madrid for the award ceremony. But the 32-year-old woman was still able to make some points. "Nothing of what I have written in these 13 months speaks as loudly as my absence from this ceremony," Sanchez said in a tape recording.

You can check out her blog here: Generacion Y

FLORIDA'S FOREIGN POLICY

500 person fundraiser in Miami for terrorist Luis Posada Carriles

Marking his one year release from prison in Texas, Luis Posada Carriles was honored at a fundraiser in Miami aimed at raising money to pay for his legal expenses, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Posada, 80, up until now has kept a low profile since his release from a Texas prison a year ago and a federal judge's dismissal of the only U.S. charges against him -- making false statements to immigration officials. He is wanted in Venezuela on terrorism charges and under a deportation order for illegally entering the United States three years ago. Venezuela has demanded Posada's extradition over his involvement in the 1976 bombing of a Cuban passenger jet -- an attack that killed 73 people.

Venezuela's ambassador in Washington, Bernardo Alvarez Herrera, condemned the celebration of Posada as a mockery of justice and evidence of a Bush administration double standard in fighting terrorism. The U.S. government has never given Venezuela a formal answer to its 3-year-old request for extradition of Posada, despite a treaty providing for such cooperation that has been in effect since 1922, the ambassador said.

Analysts speculate that the U.S. government has dodged calls for prosecution of Posada for fear he would disclose details of CIA involvement in coups, assassination plots and scandals, including the Iran-Contra Affair. The Miami Herald reported that Posada made violent remarks at the recent event. "We must not wait for Fidel Castro to die...for Raul to make mistakes... liberty is not something we must beg for. It is conquered with the sharp edge of the machete. We ask God to sharpen our machetes because difficult times are arriving,'' he said.

A federal grand jury in New Jersey continues to weigh an indictment against Posada in connection with the bombing of Cuba tourist sites in Cuba in 1997. Posada initially acknowledged to The New York Times that he was involved in the Cuba attacks. But during his deportation proceedings, he recanted that statement, saying his English was poor and he was misunderstood.

The Cuban Government issued a statement on the case which you can read here.

The Center for International Policy will host a panel discussion on the case of Posada on May 22^nd. You can find out more information here.

South Florida Congressional Races Update

Democratic candidates Raul Martinez, Joe Garcia and Annette Tadeo are shaking things up in traditionally Republican South Florida, the St. Petersburg Times reported. Raul Martinez, former mayor of Hialeah, enjoys support throughout the community, including many registered Republican voters. According to his campaign, over half of the money he has raised has come from Republicans.

The candidates draw much of their support on issues such as the Iraq war and the economy. However, according to a poll taken in 2007, 64 percent of Cuban-Americans want the 2004 restrictions on family travel l lifted. Both Martinez and Garcia pledge to do this. "Family is more important than ideology," says Garcia.

Victories in any of the three districts could lead to significant changes in U.S.-Cuba policy, especially relaxing hard-line restrictions on travel and financial support, policies that have grown increasingly unpopular among Cuban-Americans in Miami.

Cuban Judo team in Miami, protests and reconciliation

Members of the Cuban national Judo team are in Miami to compete in the 2008 Pan American Championships, the Miami Herald reported. This is the first Cuban national team of any sport to set foot in Miami for more than four decades.

Other Cuban national teams had been steered away from competing in South Florida over the years for fear of demonstrations, terrorism and possible defections. About a dozen members of the hard-line Vigilia Mambisa group -- showed up to protest the Cuban team's visit outside their hotel [See video here]. They waved Cuban flags and castigated local politicians for allowing ''representatives of Fidel Castro'' to compete on Miami soil.

However, many Cuban athletes that now live in Miami showed up to support the Cuban national team and Jose Rodriguez, executive director of USA Judo and a native of Cuba defended their participation.

A Cuban national coach reached out to a former Cuban judoka who had defected, presenting her with a surprise gift. Ronaldo Veitia brought to Miami three medals that belonged to Danieska Carrion, a former Cuban champion judoka who defected in Mexico City four years ago and now works as a coach with the U.S. national team. Two Cuban boxers -- Yan Barthelemy and Yuriorkis Gamboa - who live in Miami now were seen at the judo competition Thursday, greeting and supporting the Cuban judokas.

"The Cuban team has the right to come here and participate in an international sporting event. That's what the Olympic spirit is all about -- harmony, goodwill, peace. The fact that the Cubans are in Miami is one step forward to opening doors that have been shut for far too long,'' said Rodriquez.

Funny Video: Cross Cultural Communications Gone Wrong

2008-05-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

This video is hilarious! It also is exactly what we at Bolder Languages are trying to prevent. If you were to do something like this in an actual business meeting, you can forget about the deal! When conducting international business, it is very important to be respectful of other cultures. If you can speak the language and understand how to interact with a different culture, your chances of succeeding are far greater. Even little things, like a handshake vs. a kiss on the cheek can make a world of difference when traveling abroad or meeting people from other countries. Bolder Languages can design a class for you based on your country of interest that will make your travel and business experience so much more fun and fulfilling. Check out our website to learn more www.bolderlanguages.com

Parody of American Professionals Seeking Work

2008-05-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Dicki Stevens sent us this one. Thanks! If anyone else has a video like this, please send them to tutors.bl@gmail.com

Ching Mae Thailand

2008-05-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

One of the many temples. These things are everywhere!

Hanging out on the roof-top of the hotel we stayed in. It was nice and hot!

You can go down by the main wall and buy one of these.
You put a candle in it, light it, and up it goes!

David Stevens flashing his bling! Nice Rolex that cost about $5
in the local market. Of course, it broke a week later!

Blog de mi amigo Fabio

2008-05-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Apparently my good friend from Cordoba, Argentina is about to embark on an adventure to Spain. Please visit his blog and look at his pics and stories. We wish you the best Sr. Boludo and I hope our paths cross again!

Bar hopping in Pai, Thailand

2008-05-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

This is Jeremy Klepper hanging with a couple of the locals.
Pong, the guy on the right, is a great tattoo artist.

This is Jeremy with a couple of Mexicanas they met in Thailand.

This is Dustin Joseph doing what he does!

Thailand

2008-05-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Canyon Land in Pai
Bar hopping in Pai, Thailand

Ching Mae Thailand

New group Spanish class in Boulder

2008-05-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this Spanish class you will practice Basic level 1 of conversational Spanish from the very first class. You will learn how to make sentences in the present tense, you will learn regular and irregular verbs, articles, prepositions, verb to be, Spanish common expressions, saying and idioms. Along with this we will have fun games and interactive exercises that involve role playing. We will learn cross cultural issues and vocabulary in order to use them in dialogs for different situations and scenarios. No boring homework.

CLASS SCHEDULE

May 14th- June 18th. We will meet on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm; 6 sessions in total.

Location: Pearl St. Boulder

COST AND PAYMENT

Only $130, materials fees included. Payment will be collected at the first day of class. Checks and cash are accepted.
If you think this class will help you to improve your Spanish communication skills please give us a call at 303.997.9207.

The Language Guy

2008-05-05T17:40:00.001-07:00

This guy is doing some pretty good stuff! Goes hand in hand with our theme of languages.
http://thelanguageguy.blogspot.com/

Stories from the Banana: Kinetics 2008

2008-05-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the banana, the monkey, and the lawyer were back on the move, attending the Kinetics parade at the 29th St. Mall in Boulder. One of our French tutors, Michele, accompanied one the the floats, speaking French to the spectators. We just want to give a big thanks to Michele for helping out and to Paul Bailey, one of the organizers, for inviting us.

Canyon Land in Pai, Thailand

2008-04-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

These are pics we took one day while hiking around the outskirts of Pai in the northern part of Thailand.

Beautiful Sunset!

This trail is really fun. On either side are steep, 100 foot drop offs.

Governador de la amazona Felix Acosta

2008-03-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Nice pic of jimmy and I with the governador de las amazonas Felix
Acosta. It's funny I found out that he has been suspeneded and jailed
multiple times for gun and drug trafficing.