http://www.country-studies.com/spain/social-values-and-attitudes.html
After the restoration of democracy, the changes in everyday Spanish life were as radical as the political transformation. These changes were even more striking when contrasted with the values and social practices that had prevailed in Spanish society during the Franco years, especially during the 1940s and the early 1950s. In essence, Spanish social values and attitudes were modernized at the same pace, and to the same degree, as the country's class structure, economic institutions, and political framework.
To say that Spanish social values under Franco were conservative would be a great understatement. Both public laws and church regulations enforced a set of social strictures aimed at preserving the traditional role of the family, distant and formal relations between the sexes, and controls over expression in the press, film, and the mass media, as well as over many other important social institutions. By the 1960s, however, social values were changing faster than the law, inevitably creating tension between legal codes and reality. Even the church had begun to move away from its more conservative positions by the latter part of the decade. The government responded haltingly to these changes with some new cabinet appointments and with somewhat softer restrictions on the media. Yet underneath these superficial changes, Spanish society was experiencing wrenching changes as its people came increasingly into contact with the outside world. To some extent, these changes were due to the rural exodus that had uprooted hundreds of thousands of Spaniards and had brought them into new urban social settings. In the 1960s and the early 1970s, however, two other contacts were also important: the flow of European tourists to "sunny Spain" and the migration of Spain's workers to jobs in France, Switzerland, and West Germany.
One of the most powerful influences on Spanish social values has been the country's famous "industry without smokestacks"-- tourism. In the years before the Civil War, tourists numbered only about one quarter of a million, and it took more than a decade after World War II for them to discover Spain's climate and low prices. When they finally did, the trickle of tourists became a flood. The leading countries sending tourists to Spain were France, Portugal, Britain, and West Germany. Of course tourists brought much more than British pounds or German deutsche marks; they also brought the democratic political and social values of northern Europe.
The other population flow that affected Spanish cultural values involved Spanish workers who returned from having worked in the more industrialized and more liberal countries of Western Europe. The exact number of returning migrants fluctuated greatly from year to year, depending on economic conditions in Spain and in the rest of Europe. The peak period was 1965 to 1969, when more than 550,000 returned; but nearly 750,000 returned during the decade of the 1970s. The return flow ebbed somewhat during the 1980s, when only about 20,000 came back per year. The principal problems encountered by these returning Spaniards were both economic (finding another job) and cultural (what the Spanish refer to as "social reinsertion," or becoming accustomed again to the Spanish ways of doing things). Many of the returnees came back with a small sum of money that they invested in a small business or shop, from which they hoped to advance up the economic ladder. Above all, they brought back with them the cultural habits and tastes of France, West Germany, and Switzerland, contributing thereby to the cultural transformation of post-Franco Spain.
Outsiders who still thought of Spain as socially restrained and conservative were surprised to note the public changes in sexual attitudes in the country since the late 1970s. Once state censorship was relaxed on magazines and films in 1976 and in 1978, the market for pornography flourished. In a country where Playboy was outlawed until 1976, ten years later this and other foreign "adult" magazines were already considered tame and were outsold by domestic magazines. Throughout Spain's large cities, uncensored sex films were readily available in government-licensed theaters, and prostitutes and brothels freely advertised their services in even the most serious press. Despite these attention-getting changes in public attitudes, however, Spanish government policy for some years remained quite distant from social practice in two important areas related to private sexual behavior, contraception and abortion.
During the Franco years, the ban on the sale of contraceptives was complete, at least in theory, even though the introduction of the pill had brought artificial contraception to at least half a million Spanish women by 1975. The ban on the sale of contraceptives was lifted in 1978, but no steps were taken to ensure that they were used safely or effectively. Schools offered no sex education courses, and family planning centers existed only where local authorities were willing to pay for them. The consequence of a loosening of sexual restraints, combined with a high level of ignorance about the technology that could be substituted in their place, was a rise in the number of unwanted pregnancies, which led to the second policy problem--abortion.
Illegal abortions were fairly commonplace in Spain even under the dictatorship. A 1974 government report estimated that there were about 300,000 such abortions each year. Subsequently, the number rose to about 350,000 annually, which gave Spain one of the highest ratios of abortions to live births among advanced industrial countries. Abortion continued to be illegal in Spain until 1985, three years after the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (Partido Socialista Obrero Espanol--PSOE) came to power on an electoral platform that promised a change. Even so, the law legalized abortions only in certain cases: pregnancy resulting from rape, which must be reported to the authorities prior to the abortion; reasonable probability of a malformed fetus, attested to by two doctors; or to save the mother's life, again in the opinion of two physicians. In the 1980s, this was as far as public opinion would permit the state to go; surveys showed that a clear majority of the electorate remained opposed to abortion on demand.
Perhaps the most significant change in Spanish social values, however, involved the role of women in society, which, in turn, was related to the nature of the family. Spanish society, for centuries, had embraced a code of moral values that established stringent standards of sexual conduct for women (but not for men); restricted the opportunities for professional careers for women, but honored their role as wives and (most important) mothers; and prohibited divorce, contraception, and abortion, but permitted prostitution. After the return of democracy, the change in the status of women was dramatic. One significant indicator was the changing place of women in the work force. In the traditional Spanish world, women rarely entered the job market. By the late 1970s, however, 22 percent of the country's adult women, still somewhat fewer than in Italy and in Ireland, had entered the work force. By 1984 this figure had increased to 33 percent, a level not significantly different from Italy or the Netherlands. Women still made up less than one-third of the total labor force, however, and in some important sectors, such as banking, the figure was closer to one-tenth. A 1977 opinion poll revealed that when asked whether a woman's place was in the home only 22 percent of young people in Spain agreed, compared with 26 percent in Britain, 30 percent in Italy, and 37 percent in France. The principal barrier to women in the work place, however, was not public opinion, but rather such factors as a high unemployment rate and a lack of part-time jobs. In education, women were rapidly achieving parity with men, at least statistically. In 1983, approximately 46 percent of Spain's university enrollment was female, the thirty-first highest percentage in the world, and comparable to most other European countries.
During Franco's years, Spanish law discriminated strongly against married women. Without her husband's approval, referred to as the permiso marital, a wife was prohibited from almost all economic activities, including employment, ownership of property, or even travel away from home. The law also provided for less stringent definitions of such crimes as adultery and desertion for husbands than it did for wives. Significant reforms of this system were begun shortly before Franco's death, and they have continued at a rapid pace since then. The permiso marital was abolished in 1975; laws against adultery were cancelled in 1978; and divorce was legalized in 1981. During the same year, the parts of the civil code that dealt with family finances were also reformed.
During the Franco years, marriages had to be canonical (that is, performed under Roman Catholic law and regulations) if even one of the partners was Catholic, which meant effectively that all marriages in Spain had to be sanctioned by the church. Since the church prohibited divorce, a marriage could be dissolved only through the arduous procedure of annulment, which was available only after a lengthy series of administrative steps and was thus accessible only to the relatively wealthy. These restrictions were probably one of the major reasons for a 1975 survey result showing that 71 percent of Spaniards favored legalizing divorce; however, because the government remained in the hands of conservatives until 1982, progress toward a divorce law was slow and full of conflict. In the summer of 1981, the Congress of Deputies (lower chamber of the Cortes, or Spanish Parliament) finally approved a divorce law with the votes of about thirty Union of the Democratic Center (Union de Centro Democratico--UCD) deputies who defied the instructions of party conservatives. As a consequence, Spain had a divorce law that permitted the termination of a marriage in as little as two years following the legal separation of the partners. Still, it would be an exaggeration to say that the new divorce law opened a floodgate for the termination of marriages. Between the time the law went into effect at the beginning of September 1981, and the end of 1984, only slightly more than 69,000 couples had availed themselves of the option of ending their marriages, and the number declined in both 1983 and 1984. There were already more divorced people than this in Spain in 1981 before the law took effect.
Despite these important gains, observers expected that the gaining of equal rights for women would be a lengthy struggle, waged on many different fronts. It was not until deciding a 1987 case, for example, that Spain's Supreme Court held that a rape victim need not prove that she had fought to defend herself in order to verify the truth of her allegation. Until that important court case, it was generally accepted that a female rape victim, unlike the victims of other crimes, had to show that she had put up "heroic resistance" in order to prove that she had not enticed the rapist or otherwise encouraged him to attack her.
Another important sign of cultural change involved the size and the composition of the family. To begin with, the marriage rate (the number of marriages in proportion to the adult population) has declined steadily since the mid-1970s. After holding steady at 7 per 1,000 or more for over 100 years, the marriage rate declined to about 5 per 1,000 in 1982, a level observed in West Germany and in Italy only a few years earlier. Fewer people were marrying in Spain, and the family structure was changing dramatically as well. In 1970, of the 8.8 million households recorded in the census, 59 percent consisted of small nuclear families of two to five persons, 15 percent were somewhat larger nuclear families that included other relatives as well as guests, and 10.6 percent were households of unrelated individuals who had no nuclear family. Large families of more than three children were only 9 percent of the total. In a 1975 municipal survey that dealt only with families, the following results were registered: couples without children constituted 16 percent of all families; and two-children families made up 34 percent of the total. Although the number of family units increased more than 20 percent between 1970 and 1981, the average size of the family decreased by about 10 percent, from 3.8 persons to 3.5. The typical extended family of traditional societies (three generations of related persons living in the same household) hardly appeared at all in the census data. Clearly, that characteristic of Spanish cultural values was a thing of the past.
April 11, 2005
NYC Subway Gets a Computerized Facelift
NYC Subway Gets a Computerized Facelift
Sun Apr 10, 4:25 PM ET Technology - AP
By JUSTIN GLANVILLE, Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK - A subway train rattles halfway into Union Square station in Manhattan and shudders to a halt. Over a crackle of static, a voice on the PA system announces congestion ahead and says it will be several minutes before service resumes. Trapped commuters sigh and glance at their watches impatiently. Some simply close their eyes in resignation. This sort of thing — and much worse — has been happening quite a lot lately. So it's no surprise that transit snafu-weary New Yorkers are greeting with ambivalence this month's launch of fully computer-automated trains on a 22-mile line that intersects Manhattan and Brooklyn.
L line trains will run without conductors, except in emergencies, coasting along at preordained speeds and stopping automatically at stations, a lone train operator in the front car watching the controls.
San Francisco has had this technology for years, and Paris has one such line.
But the New York City Transit upgrade is a milestone. Never has a city with a subway so large or so old — it turned 100 last fall — tried to convert its existing infrastructure to automation.
If all goes well, automation will be phased in on other lines over the next 20 years, and conductors will be phased out.
"We're moving from a 19th-century subway system," said Charles Seaton, a transit spokesman. "It's making the system more efficient, safer and allowing us to run more trains."
The new technology is not without its critics, worried about safety.
Nor has it been fast or cheap. Studies on how to convert the L line began nearly 15 years ago, and more than $250 million has been spent so far on upgrading the L, chosen partly because it's among the shortest and doesn't share track with other lines. If the program proves a success, it could take decades to implement the technology citywide.
Why go to the trouble?
Nabile Ghaly, NYC Transit's chief signal engineer, said the new system lets traffic controllers know exactly where each train is at all times, and it tightly controls train speed. With it, trains can run more closely together — and therefore more frequently — and with fewer accidents, transit officials say.
The new system uses "communications-based train control," or CBTC. Computers on trains, alongside tracks in special enclosures and at a new control center monitor a train's location and speed via radio waves.
As in the subway systems in Washington, D.C., and London, screens installed in stations will tell riders when the next train will arrive.
Train operators can adjust speeds themselves, but a warning flashes if they exceed limits set for specific sections of track. If the operator ignores the warning, brakes clench and the train stops — a precaution meant to head off driver-based accidents.
It was such an accident that first drove the city to try CBTC. In 1991, a motorman who had been drinking fell asleep at the controls of a speeding train. The train derailed, killing five people.
Yet for all its promised benefits, the plan has met some resistance.
Several city council members and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum have joined the train conductors' union in raising safety concerns. The union acknowledges that its opposition stems partly from the fact that 119 conductors will be made redundant in the first phase of the plan alone, while about 2,700 more could lose their jobs systemwide.
Opponents worry that without conductors, evacuation in emergencies could be slow and disorderly, and train doors could close on passengers. Conductors typically ride in a middle car, checking to see that passengers get on and off trains safely and overseeing the safe opening and closing of doors.
Transit officials counter that in the new system, doors won't be able to close and trains won't be able to depart a station if there's an obstruction.
Opponents are also wary of a system that puts so much trust in computers and automated signals, which they fear could be vulnerable to malfunction or terrorists.
"They're going to be sending signals via radio waves," said Councilman Lewis Fidler, a Democrat from Brooklyn. "I don't want to find out that someone hacks into the system and makes a train disappear and another train rams into it."
Such a scenario is unlikely, said Tom Sullivan, an independent transit consultant with Transportation Systems Design in Oakland, Calif., who helped design the L-line upgrade.
The data carried on radio waves are encrypted, so only an internal leak could compromise its security, he said. Though it's possible to jam the radio signal, he said, that would only make the train stop.
Sullivan, who also helped develop an automated line for San Francisco Municipal Railway in the 1980s, said he knows of no serious problems from hacking or malfunction.
He is more concerned that the piecemeal approach the city is now taking could mean technology becomes obsolete by the time new lines are upgraded in the future.
Compounding the problem, several different companies currently manufacture CBTC equipment, and parts from one company are not compatible with another.
To have a truly integrated system, the city would have to continue buying all its equipment from Siemens AG, effectively giving it a monopoly.
"The challenge is to get the companies to build equipment that's compatible with each other, so different trains can run on different lines," Sullivan said. "You don't want a winner-take-all situation."
___
Sun Apr 10, 4:25 PM ET Technology - AP
By JUSTIN GLANVILLE, Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK - A subway train rattles halfway into Union Square station in Manhattan and shudders to a halt. Over a crackle of static, a voice on the PA system announces congestion ahead and says it will be several minutes before service resumes. Trapped commuters sigh and glance at their watches impatiently. Some simply close their eyes in resignation. This sort of thing — and much worse — has been happening quite a lot lately. So it's no surprise that transit snafu-weary New Yorkers are greeting with ambivalence this month's launch of fully computer-automated trains on a 22-mile line that intersects Manhattan and Brooklyn.
L line trains will run without conductors, except in emergencies, coasting along at preordained speeds and stopping automatically at stations, a lone train operator in the front car watching the controls.
San Francisco has had this technology for years, and Paris has one such line.
But the New York City Transit upgrade is a milestone. Never has a city with a subway so large or so old — it turned 100 last fall — tried to convert its existing infrastructure to automation.
If all goes well, automation will be phased in on other lines over the next 20 years, and conductors will be phased out.
"We're moving from a 19th-century subway system," said Charles Seaton, a transit spokesman. "It's making the system more efficient, safer and allowing us to run more trains."
The new technology is not without its critics, worried about safety.
Nor has it been fast or cheap. Studies on how to convert the L line began nearly 15 years ago, and more than $250 million has been spent so far on upgrading the L, chosen partly because it's among the shortest and doesn't share track with other lines. If the program proves a success, it could take decades to implement the technology citywide.
Why go to the trouble?
Nabile Ghaly, NYC Transit's chief signal engineer, said the new system lets traffic controllers know exactly where each train is at all times, and it tightly controls train speed. With it, trains can run more closely together — and therefore more frequently — and with fewer accidents, transit officials say.
The new system uses "communications-based train control," or CBTC. Computers on trains, alongside tracks in special enclosures and at a new control center monitor a train's location and speed via radio waves.
As in the subway systems in Washington, D.C., and London, screens installed in stations will tell riders when the next train will arrive.
Train operators can adjust speeds themselves, but a warning flashes if they exceed limits set for specific sections of track. If the operator ignores the warning, brakes clench and the train stops — a precaution meant to head off driver-based accidents.
It was such an accident that first drove the city to try CBTC. In 1991, a motorman who had been drinking fell asleep at the controls of a speeding train. The train derailed, killing five people.
Yet for all its promised benefits, the plan has met some resistance.
Several city council members and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum have joined the train conductors' union in raising safety concerns. The union acknowledges that its opposition stems partly from the fact that 119 conductors will be made redundant in the first phase of the plan alone, while about 2,700 more could lose their jobs systemwide.
Opponents worry that without conductors, evacuation in emergencies could be slow and disorderly, and train doors could close on passengers. Conductors typically ride in a middle car, checking to see that passengers get on and off trains safely and overseeing the safe opening and closing of doors.
Transit officials counter that in the new system, doors won't be able to close and trains won't be able to depart a station if there's an obstruction.
Opponents are also wary of a system that puts so much trust in computers and automated signals, which they fear could be vulnerable to malfunction or terrorists.
"They're going to be sending signals via radio waves," said Councilman Lewis Fidler, a Democrat from Brooklyn. "I don't want to find out that someone hacks into the system and makes a train disappear and another train rams into it."
Such a scenario is unlikely, said Tom Sullivan, an independent transit consultant with Transportation Systems Design in Oakland, Calif., who helped design the L-line upgrade.
The data carried on radio waves are encrypted, so only an internal leak could compromise its security, he said. Though it's possible to jam the radio signal, he said, that would only make the train stop.
Sullivan, who also helped develop an automated line for San Francisco Municipal Railway in the 1980s, said he knows of no serious problems from hacking or malfunction.
He is more concerned that the piecemeal approach the city is now taking could mean technology becomes obsolete by the time new lines are upgraded in the future.
Compounding the problem, several different companies currently manufacture CBTC equipment, and parts from one company are not compatible with another.
To have a truly integrated system, the city would have to continue buying all its equipment from Siemens AG, effectively giving it a monopoly.
"The challenge is to get the companies to build equipment that's compatible with each other, so different trains can run on different lines," Sullivan said. "You don't want a winner-take-all situation."
___
JOBS (jokes)
My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned = because I couldn't concentrate.
Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, = so they gave me the axe.
After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it. The = job was only so-so anyhow.
Next I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was = ex- hausting.
So I wanted to be a barber, but I just = couldn't cut it.
Then I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it I couldn't = cut the mustard.
Finally, I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any = patience.
Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, = so they gave me the axe.
After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it. The = job was only so-so anyhow.
Next I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was = ex- hausting.
So I wanted to be a barber, but I just = couldn't cut it.
Then I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it I couldn't = cut the mustard.
Finally, I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any = patience.
Mediterranean diet linked to longer life
Reason number 234734o9723985723985723 that I need to stay in Spain for the rest of my life:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7430707/
Mediterranean diet linked to longer life
Study shows foods rich in antioxidants reduce mortality
Updated: 12:11 p.m. ET April 8, 2005LONDON - Eating a Mediterranean diet not only helps people stay healthy, it also seems to prolong life, Greek researchers said on Friday.
In a study of nearly 75,000 Europeans aged 60 and above, the diet based on plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, fish and olive oil was linked to a longer life expectancy.
“Adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduces mortality,” Professor Dimitrios Trichopoulos, of the University of Athens said in an interview.
“There is a particular type of diet in Mediterranean countries that seems to prolong life.”
The benefits of the diet in warding off heart disease, some cancers and other illnesses are well documented but the findings reported in the British Medical Journal are among the first to show it may prolong life.
Exactly how much a Mediterranean diet can extend lifespan depends on a person’s age. But a 60-year-old man who sticks to the diet can expect to live a year longer that someone of a similar age eating differently, according to the researchers.
“To increase life expectancy by one year is a considerable accomplishment,” said Trichopoulos who added that a younger person could expect a bigger benefit.
Fewer saturated fats
How the Mediterranean diet may reduce mortality is unknown but Trichopoulos said the diet is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and C which neutralize cell damage from charged particles called free radicals. Antioxidants are thought to help fight cancer and heart disease.
The diet includes a reduced intake of saturated fats, meats and dairy products which Trichopoulos said may modulate blood lipid levels. Saturated fats can clog the arteries.
“The diet seems to affect both cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality,” he added.
The researchers compared the diet of people in nine European countries -- Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Britain.
The link between diet and mortality was most pronounced in Greece and Spain, two nations which the researchers said follow a true Mediterranean diet.
“We are closer to the genuine Mediterranean diet. The others are approximations,” according to Trichopoulos.
The researchers studied information on diet, lifestyle, medical history, smoking and physical activity. They assigned dietary scores corresponding to adherence to the diet.
A higher dietary score was associated with a lower overall death rate. A two-point rise in dietary score corresponded to an 8 percent reduction in mortality and a 4 percent increase to a 14 percent drop.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7430707/
Mediterranean diet linked to longer life
Study shows foods rich in antioxidants reduce mortality
Updated: 12:11 p.m. ET April 8, 2005LONDON - Eating a Mediterranean diet not only helps people stay healthy, it also seems to prolong life, Greek researchers said on Friday.
In a study of nearly 75,000 Europeans aged 60 and above, the diet based on plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, fish and olive oil was linked to a longer life expectancy.
“Adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduces mortality,” Professor Dimitrios Trichopoulos, of the University of Athens said in an interview.
“There is a particular type of diet in Mediterranean countries that seems to prolong life.”
The benefits of the diet in warding off heart disease, some cancers and other illnesses are well documented but the findings reported in the British Medical Journal are among the first to show it may prolong life.
Exactly how much a Mediterranean diet can extend lifespan depends on a person’s age. But a 60-year-old man who sticks to the diet can expect to live a year longer that someone of a similar age eating differently, according to the researchers.
“To increase life expectancy by one year is a considerable accomplishment,” said Trichopoulos who added that a younger person could expect a bigger benefit.
Fewer saturated fats
How the Mediterranean diet may reduce mortality is unknown but Trichopoulos said the diet is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and C which neutralize cell damage from charged particles called free radicals. Antioxidants are thought to help fight cancer and heart disease.
The diet includes a reduced intake of saturated fats, meats and dairy products which Trichopoulos said may modulate blood lipid levels. Saturated fats can clog the arteries.
“The diet seems to affect both cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality,” he added.
The researchers compared the diet of people in nine European countries -- Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Britain.
The link between diet and mortality was most pronounced in Greece and Spain, two nations which the researchers said follow a true Mediterranean diet.
“We are closer to the genuine Mediterranean diet. The others are approximations,” according to Trichopoulos.
The researchers studied information on diet, lifestyle, medical history, smoking and physical activity. They assigned dietary scores corresponding to adherence to the diet.
A higher dietary score was associated with a lower overall death rate. A two-point rise in dietary score corresponded to an 8 percent reduction in mortality and a 4 percent increase to a 14 percent drop.
April 10, 2005
Secret Service won't duck new security task
The Secret Service, which has the job of guarding the president and other
dignitaries, now has a new temporary duty - protecting a mother duck and her
nine eggs living in the main entrance of the Treasury Department .
http://g.msn.com/0MNBUS00/2?http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7431409&&CM=EmailThis&CE=1
dignitaries, now has a new temporary duty - protecting a mother duck and her
nine eggs living in the main entrance of the Treasury Department .
http://g.msn.com/0MNBUS00/2?http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7431409&&CM=EmailThis&CE=1
April 7, 2005
Spanglish Dictionary
http://www.sinix.net/paginas/webvip/fr38.htm
PALABRA MEANING Procedencia
AMERICRISMAS ¡Feliz Navidad! A merry christmas
APLICACIÓN Solicitud de empleo Application
BARBERCHOP Peluquería Barbershop
BILINGUAL Bilingüe Bilingual
BILDIN Edificio Building
BISI Ocupado Busy
BLÚMER Bragas Bloomers
BOILA Caldera Boiler
BOSTEAO Detenido Busted
BRODEL Colega Brother
CACHÚ Salsa de tomate Ketchup
CAGÜETIN LLamada en espera Call waiting
CANDIS Golosinas Candies
CARPETA Alfombra Carpet
CHAUCHA Comida Chow
CHERMAN Presidente Chairman
CHINGA Chicle Chewing
CHIPERO Tacaño Cheap
CHOPIN Ir de tiendas Shopping
CLOCHE Embrague Clutch
CHOU Montar una escena Show
CLÍNAP Limpieza Clean up
CORNA Esquina Corner
CRAQUEAO Chiflado Cracked
CULEAR Enfriar Cool
DAUNTAUN Centro de la ciudad Downtown
DELIVERAR Repartir Delivery
DIMEAR Oscurecer Dim
ELEVADOR Ascensor Elevator
EMILIO Correo electrónico Email
ESCRACHAO Arañado Scrached
ESCRÍN Pantalla Screen
ESNÍQUERS Zapatillas de deporte Sneakers
ESTINJÍ Calefacción Steam heat
ESTORMA Tormenta Storm
ESTRÓ Pajita Straw
FAFÚ Comida rápida Fast food
FECA Falsificación Fake
FLEIVOR Sabor Flavour
FLINQUEAR Suspender Fail
FRIQUEAR Alucinar Freak out
FRÍSER Nevera Freezer
FRISAR Congelar Freez
FULCÓBER Seguro de coches Full cover
FULIAR Tontear, perder el tiempo Fool around
GANGA Banda de delincuentes Gang
GASETERÍA Gasolinera Gas Station
GRANMA Abuela Grandmother
GUACHIMÁN Vigilante Watch man
GÜINDOU Ventana Window
GÜINSIL Parabrisas Windshield
HA YU? ¿Cómo estás? How are you?
JAIBOL Whisky con soda Highball
JAIFAI Equipo de música HI-Fi
JANDI Aparcamiento reservado para minusválidos Handicapped
JÁNDIMAN Especialista en chapuzas a domicilio Handyman
JANGUEAR Deambular por la calle, a la busca de droga, sexo o lo que se tercie Hang around
JAMBERGA Hamburguesa Hamburguer
JAPIVERDEI Cumpleaños Happybirthday
JARA Policía De O'Hara el apellido irlandés, habitual entre la policia de Nueva york
JOLOPE Robo Hold up
JONRÓN Carreras En el béisbol
JOQUI Jinete Jockey
JOSEAR Prostituirse Hustle
JUGÁRSELA FRÍO Tomárselo con calma Play it cool
LEIDIS Servicio de Señoras Ladies
LIQUEAR Gotear Leak
LIVIN Vivo Living
LLAMAR P'ATRAS Devolver la llamada Call back
LOISAIDA Lower East Side Barrio portoriqueño de Manhattan.
LONCHAR Almorzar Lunch
LONDRI Colada Laundry
MAICROGÜEY Microondas Microwave
MANAYER Director Manager
MAPEAR Dar la nota Mop
MAQUILLAR LA MENTE Decidirse Make up one's mind
MARCHAPIE Acera Sidewalk
MARQUETA Mercado Market
MEDICAID Asistencia médica Medicaid
MEMBLI Canica Marble
MIGRA Policía de emigración Migration
MIX Mezcla Mix
MONINGAO Bata que te pones encima del pijama por las mañanas Morning...
MOPA Fregona Mop
NIUYORICAN Persona de origen puertorriqueño que ha nacido en Nueva York Newyorker and puertorican
NOGÜEY De ninguna manera No way
NORSA Enfermera Nurse
NOUJAU Habilidad Know how
PANA Compañero Partner
PARADA Desfile Parade
PARTAIN Trabajador a tiempo parcial Part time
PIPIRÚN Retrete Pipi room
PLOMERO Fontanero Plumber
PRINTEAR Imprimir Print
PUCHAR Empujar Push
QUILTA Edredón Quilt
QUORA Moneda de 25 centavos Quarter
RAPEAR Violar Rap
RAPISTA Violador Rapist
RASEAR Ir con prisas Rush
REBILDEAR Reconstruir Rebuild
RENTAR Alquilar Rent
REQUE Choque Wreck
RUFO Tejado Roof
SARAMAMBICHE Hijo de perra Son of a bich
SILIN Techo Ceiling
SODA Refresco Soda
¡SUAVE! Saludo de despedida Take it easy
SU Denuncia Legal suit
SUICHE Cambio Switch
TAIPEAR Escribir a máquina Type
TEIPEAR Grabar en casette Tape
TINAJERO/A Adolescente Teenager
TENSÉN Tienda de saldos Ten cents
TRÁBOL Problemas, líos Trouble
TRAGANIQUEL Tragaperras Nickel
TROCA Camión Truck
VACUNAR Pasar la aspiradora Vacuum cleaner
VIAJE REDONDO Viaje de ida y vuelta Around trip
YARDA Jardín, patio Yard
YINS Pantalones vaqueros Jeans
YIPE Todo terreno Jeep
YOB Trabajo Job
ZAFACÓN Cubo de la basura Safe can
PALABRA MEANING Procedencia
AMERICRISMAS ¡Feliz Navidad! A merry christmas
APLICACIÓN Solicitud de empleo Application
BARBERCHOP Peluquería Barbershop
BILINGUAL Bilingüe Bilingual
BILDIN Edificio Building
BISI Ocupado Busy
BLÚMER Bragas Bloomers
BOILA Caldera Boiler
BOSTEAO Detenido Busted
BRODEL Colega Brother
CACHÚ Salsa de tomate Ketchup
CAGÜETIN LLamada en espera Call waiting
CANDIS Golosinas Candies
CARPETA Alfombra Carpet
CHAUCHA Comida Chow
CHERMAN Presidente Chairman
CHINGA Chicle Chewing
CHIPERO Tacaño Cheap
CHOPIN Ir de tiendas Shopping
CLOCHE Embrague Clutch
CHOU Montar una escena Show
CLÍNAP Limpieza Clean up
CORNA Esquina Corner
CRAQUEAO Chiflado Cracked
CULEAR Enfriar Cool
DAUNTAUN Centro de la ciudad Downtown
DELIVERAR Repartir Delivery
DIMEAR Oscurecer Dim
ELEVADOR Ascensor Elevator
EMILIO Correo electrónico Email
ESCRACHAO Arañado Scrached
ESCRÍN Pantalla Screen
ESNÍQUERS Zapatillas de deporte Sneakers
ESTINJÍ Calefacción Steam heat
ESTORMA Tormenta Storm
ESTRÓ Pajita Straw
FAFÚ Comida rápida Fast food
FECA Falsificación Fake
FLEIVOR Sabor Flavour
FLINQUEAR Suspender Fail
FRIQUEAR Alucinar Freak out
FRÍSER Nevera Freezer
FRISAR Congelar Freez
FULCÓBER Seguro de coches Full cover
FULIAR Tontear, perder el tiempo Fool around
GANGA Banda de delincuentes Gang
GASETERÍA Gasolinera Gas Station
GRANMA Abuela Grandmother
GUACHIMÁN Vigilante Watch man
GÜINDOU Ventana Window
GÜINSIL Parabrisas Windshield
HA YU? ¿Cómo estás? How are you?
JAIBOL Whisky con soda Highball
JAIFAI Equipo de música HI-Fi
JANDI Aparcamiento reservado para minusválidos Handicapped
JÁNDIMAN Especialista en chapuzas a domicilio Handyman
JANGUEAR Deambular por la calle, a la busca de droga, sexo o lo que se tercie Hang around
JAMBERGA Hamburguesa Hamburguer
JAPIVERDEI Cumpleaños Happybirthday
JARA Policía De O'Hara el apellido irlandés, habitual entre la policia de Nueva york
JOLOPE Robo Hold up
JONRÓN Carreras En el béisbol
JOQUI Jinete Jockey
JOSEAR Prostituirse Hustle
JUGÁRSELA FRÍO Tomárselo con calma Play it cool
LEIDIS Servicio de Señoras Ladies
LIQUEAR Gotear Leak
LIVIN Vivo Living
LLAMAR P'ATRAS Devolver la llamada Call back
LOISAIDA Lower East Side Barrio portoriqueño de Manhattan.
LONCHAR Almorzar Lunch
LONDRI Colada Laundry
MAICROGÜEY Microondas Microwave
MANAYER Director Manager
MAPEAR Dar la nota Mop
MAQUILLAR LA MENTE Decidirse Make up one's mind
MARCHAPIE Acera Sidewalk
MARQUETA Mercado Market
MEDICAID Asistencia médica Medicaid
MEMBLI Canica Marble
MIGRA Policía de emigración Migration
MIX Mezcla Mix
MONINGAO Bata que te pones encima del pijama por las mañanas Morning...
MOPA Fregona Mop
NIUYORICAN Persona de origen puertorriqueño que ha nacido en Nueva York Newyorker and puertorican
NOGÜEY De ninguna manera No way
NORSA Enfermera Nurse
NOUJAU Habilidad Know how
PANA Compañero Partner
PARADA Desfile Parade
PARTAIN Trabajador a tiempo parcial Part time
PIPIRÚN Retrete Pipi room
PLOMERO Fontanero Plumber
PRINTEAR Imprimir Print
PUCHAR Empujar Push
QUILTA Edredón Quilt
QUORA Moneda de 25 centavos Quarter
RAPEAR Violar Rap
RAPISTA Violador Rapist
RASEAR Ir con prisas Rush
REBILDEAR Reconstruir Rebuild
RENTAR Alquilar Rent
REQUE Choque Wreck
RUFO Tejado Roof
SARAMAMBICHE Hijo de perra Son of a bich
SILIN Techo Ceiling
SODA Refresco Soda
¡SUAVE! Saludo de despedida Take it easy
SU Denuncia Legal suit
SUICHE Cambio Switch
TAIPEAR Escribir a máquina Type
TEIPEAR Grabar en casette Tape
TINAJERO/A Adolescente Teenager
TENSÉN Tienda de saldos Ten cents
TRÁBOL Problemas, líos Trouble
TRAGANIQUEL Tragaperras Nickel
TROCA Camión Truck
VACUNAR Pasar la aspiradora Vacuum cleaner
VIAJE REDONDO Viaje de ida y vuelta Around trip
YARDA Jardín, patio Yard
YINS Pantalones vaqueros Jeans
YIPE Todo terreno Jeep
YOB Trabajo Job
ZAFACÓN Cubo de la basura Safe can
The way I learned Castellan Spanish
Note from a Texas friend in March:
I also liked your bit about Mexican vs. Spanish Spanish.
Learning Spanish the way you did back home is like learning English in Appalachia then moving to London. Even though you were taught proper language in classes, the colloquial use was far from the ideal of the homeland. Oh well.
Have fun in Europe, and don't forget to tell them how great a countryTexas is,
I also liked your bit about Mexican vs. Spanish Spanish.
Learning Spanish the way you did back home is like learning English in Appalachia then moving to London. Even though you were taught proper language in classes, the colloquial use was far from the ideal of the homeland. Oh well.
Have fun in Europe, and don't forget to tell them how great a countryTexas is,
March 28, 2005
Black, Asian women make income gains, Earn more than similarly educated white women, Census says
Updated: 12:04 a.m. ET March 28, 2005
WASHINGTON - Black and Asian women with bachelor’s degrees earn slightly more than similarly educated white women, and white men with four-year degrees make more than anyone else.
advertisementA white woman with a bachelor’s degree typically earned nearly $37,800 in 2003, compared with nearly $43,700 for a college-educated Asian woman and $41,100 for a college-educated black woman, according to data being released Monday by the Census Bureau. Hispanic women took home slightly less at $37,600 a year.
The bureau did not say why the differences exist. Economists and sociologists suggest possible factors: the tendency of minority women, especially blacks, to more often hold more than one job or work more than 40 hours a week, and the tendency of black professional women who take time off to have a child to return to the work force sooner than others.
Employers in some fields may give extra financial incentives to young black women, who graduate from college at higher rates than young black men, said Roderick Harrison, a researcher at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a think tank that studies minority issues.
“Given the relative scarcity, if you are a woman in the sciences — if you are a black woman — you would be a rare commodity,” Harrison said.
Specific reasons unclearBecause study in the area is limited, it is hard to pinpoint specific reasons, said Barbara Gault, research director at the Washington-based Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
“It could be the fields that educated black women are choosing,” she said. “It also could be related to the important role that black women play in the total family income in African-American families.
Notions that black women are struggling financially as much other groups are should not be dismissed, Gault added.
For instance, nearly 39 percent of families headed by a single black woman were in poverty, compared with 21 percent of comparable white women, according to census estimates released last year.
A white male with a college diploma earns far more than any similarly educated man or woman — in excess of $66,000 a year, according to the Census Bureau. Among men with bachelor’s degrees, Asians earned more than $52,000 a year, Hispanics earned $49,000 and blacks earned more than $45,000.
Minorities affected by range of eventsWorkplace discrimination and the continuing difficulties of minorities to get into higher-paying management positions could help explain the disparities among men, experts say.
Demographics may offer an explanation: There are millions more college-educated white men in better paying jobs than there are black, Hispanic or Asian men.
Minorities also suffered more financially as a result of the 2001 recession and its aftermath, as has been the case with past economic downturns, said Jared Bernstein, chief economist with the Economic Policy Institute.
The figures come from the Census Bureau’s annual look at educational achievement in America, culled from a survey in March 2004. Questions about income were asked for the previous calendar year.
Regardless of race or gender, a college graduate on average earned over $51,000, compared with $28,000 for someone with only a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. College-educated men typically made $63,000, compared with $33,000 for men with just a high school education.
Among women, a college graduate earned more than $38,000, compared with nearly $22,000 for a high school graduate.
The data also showed that:
The percentage of people age 25 and older who completed at least four years of college rose again in 2004, to 27.7 percent, compared with 27.2 percent in 2003. There were increases in all race and ethnic categories.
About 29 percent of all men in the same age category finished four years of college, compared with 26 percent of women.
The gap between men and women has narrowed since the 1970s as younger, more educated women steadily replace older, less-educated women in the work force. For example, among 25- to 29-year-olds, more than 31 percent of women have finished at least four years of college, compared with 26 percent of men.
© 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
WASHINGTON - Black and Asian women with bachelor’s degrees earn slightly more than similarly educated white women, and white men with four-year degrees make more than anyone else.
advertisementA white woman with a bachelor’s degree typically earned nearly $37,800 in 2003, compared with nearly $43,700 for a college-educated Asian woman and $41,100 for a college-educated black woman, according to data being released Monday by the Census Bureau. Hispanic women took home slightly less at $37,600 a year.
The bureau did not say why the differences exist. Economists and sociologists suggest possible factors: the tendency of minority women, especially blacks, to more often hold more than one job or work more than 40 hours a week, and the tendency of black professional women who take time off to have a child to return to the work force sooner than others.
Employers in some fields may give extra financial incentives to young black women, who graduate from college at higher rates than young black men, said Roderick Harrison, a researcher at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a think tank that studies minority issues.
“Given the relative scarcity, if you are a woman in the sciences — if you are a black woman — you would be a rare commodity,” Harrison said.
Specific reasons unclearBecause study in the area is limited, it is hard to pinpoint specific reasons, said Barbara Gault, research director at the Washington-based Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
“It could be the fields that educated black women are choosing,” she said. “It also could be related to the important role that black women play in the total family income in African-American families.
Notions that black women are struggling financially as much other groups are should not be dismissed, Gault added.
For instance, nearly 39 percent of families headed by a single black woman were in poverty, compared with 21 percent of comparable white women, according to census estimates released last year.
A white male with a college diploma earns far more than any similarly educated man or woman — in excess of $66,000 a year, according to the Census Bureau. Among men with bachelor’s degrees, Asians earned more than $52,000 a year, Hispanics earned $49,000 and blacks earned more than $45,000.
Minorities affected by range of eventsWorkplace discrimination and the continuing difficulties of minorities to get into higher-paying management positions could help explain the disparities among men, experts say.
Demographics may offer an explanation: There are millions more college-educated white men in better paying jobs than there are black, Hispanic or Asian men.
Minorities also suffered more financially as a result of the 2001 recession and its aftermath, as has been the case with past economic downturns, said Jared Bernstein, chief economist with the Economic Policy Institute.
The figures come from the Census Bureau’s annual look at educational achievement in America, culled from a survey in March 2004. Questions about income were asked for the previous calendar year.
Regardless of race or gender, a college graduate on average earned over $51,000, compared with $28,000 for someone with only a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. College-educated men typically made $63,000, compared with $33,000 for men with just a high school education.
Among women, a college graduate earned more than $38,000, compared with nearly $22,000 for a high school graduate.
The data also showed that:
The percentage of people age 25 and older who completed at least four years of college rose again in 2004, to 27.7 percent, compared with 27.2 percent in 2003. There were increases in all race and ethnic categories.
About 29 percent of all men in the same age category finished four years of college, compared with 26 percent of women.
The gap between men and women has narrowed since the 1970s as younger, more educated women steadily replace older, less-educated women in the work force. For example, among 25- to 29-year-olds, more than 31 percent of women have finished at least four years of college, compared with 26 percent of men.
© 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
Hip-hop debate focuses on images of women
Topics included the effect of rap videos on adolescents
By Imani Dawson
The Associated Press
Updated: 1:59 p.m. ET March 24, 2005
NEW YORK - A volatile topic inspired heated debate as several hundred people gathered to discuss the impact of misogynistic rap on black women.
Rapper Remy Ma, underground emcee Jean Grae, author and radio personality Karen Hunter, Essence magazine health editor Akiba Solomon and DJ Beverly Bond were featured on the panel, titled "Images of Women in Hip Hop," on Tuesday night at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Hip-hop's treatment of womenMore than 300 people filled the auditorium to capacity, spilling onto the stage and into the aisles. Attendees listened raptly as panelists debated hip-hop's treatment of women before vociferously voicing their own deeply held beliefs.
The talk began with moderator Thabiti Boone, co-founder of the Hip Hop Political convention, condemning rapper Nelly's infamous "Tip Drill" video, which featured the artist swiping a credit card through a stripper's buttocks. Though nearly everyone agreed that the salacious video crossed all tasteful boundaries and blatantly disrespected women, the dialogue soon became chaotic.
Heated bickering between the panelists and the audience ensued, much to dismay of moderator Boone. On multiple occasions he was forced to quell catcalls, jeers or claps as the conversation addressed topics including parental responsibility versus community involvement in child rearing, the effect of rap videos on impressionable adolescents and even hip-hop's designation as a culture.
Remy, the lone female member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad clique, has many oral sex references in her raps on such hits as "Lean Back" and "Take me Home." During one exchange she declared, "I'm not here to raise anybody's children." Audience member and teacher Radha Blank retorted, "If you don't believe hip-hop is affecting young people, join me in the schools where junior high school girls are (performing fellatio) in the hallways."
Panelists occasionally interrupted or argued with each other. And the audience was equally divided _ younger people repeatedly claimed that hip-hop's depiction of women accurately reflects the behavior of some females, while older folks insisted that rap's content negatively affects the behavior of both young men and women.
Program ended abruptlyThe program ran almost a half-hour long as panelists and audience members battled to articulate their opinions. It ended abruptly, with little solution-oriented discourse, leaving some frustrated and unsure about next steps.
"I really didn't think much was accomplished," complained Tanysha Chaffin, a youth specialist and caseworker. "It was an attack on hip-hop that didn't solve anything."
Others remained optimistic. "The campaign's goal is to open and further a dialogue on a sometimes unpopular topic," said panelist Solomon. "We observed tonight that this is an issue the community feels passionate about."
The panel was sponsored by Essence magazine and the Center for Communication, a nonpartisan forum designed to familiarize college students with the business of media. Inspired by the 2004 Spelman College protest of the "Tip Drill" video, Essence launched a yearlong "Take Back the Music" campaign in January, featuring articles in the magazine and town hall meetings around the country tackling stereotypes about black women perpetuated by hip-hop.
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
By Imani Dawson
The Associated Press
Updated: 1:59 p.m. ET March 24, 2005
NEW YORK - A volatile topic inspired heated debate as several hundred people gathered to discuss the impact of misogynistic rap on black women.
Rapper Remy Ma, underground emcee Jean Grae, author and radio personality Karen Hunter, Essence magazine health editor Akiba Solomon and DJ Beverly Bond were featured on the panel, titled "Images of Women in Hip Hop," on Tuesday night at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Hip-hop's treatment of womenMore than 300 people filled the auditorium to capacity, spilling onto the stage and into the aisles. Attendees listened raptly as panelists debated hip-hop's treatment of women before vociferously voicing their own deeply held beliefs.
The talk began with moderator Thabiti Boone, co-founder of the Hip Hop Political convention, condemning rapper Nelly's infamous "Tip Drill" video, which featured the artist swiping a credit card through a stripper's buttocks. Though nearly everyone agreed that the salacious video crossed all tasteful boundaries and blatantly disrespected women, the dialogue soon became chaotic.
Heated bickering between the panelists and the audience ensued, much to dismay of moderator Boone. On multiple occasions he was forced to quell catcalls, jeers or claps as the conversation addressed topics including parental responsibility versus community involvement in child rearing, the effect of rap videos on impressionable adolescents and even hip-hop's designation as a culture.
Remy, the lone female member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad clique, has many oral sex references in her raps on such hits as "Lean Back" and "Take me Home." During one exchange she declared, "I'm not here to raise anybody's children." Audience member and teacher Radha Blank retorted, "If you don't believe hip-hop is affecting young people, join me in the schools where junior high school girls are (performing fellatio) in the hallways."
Panelists occasionally interrupted or argued with each other. And the audience was equally divided _ younger people repeatedly claimed that hip-hop's depiction of women accurately reflects the behavior of some females, while older folks insisted that rap's content negatively affects the behavior of both young men and women.
Program ended abruptlyThe program ran almost a half-hour long as panelists and audience members battled to articulate their opinions. It ended abruptly, with little solution-oriented discourse, leaving some frustrated and unsure about next steps.
"I really didn't think much was accomplished," complained Tanysha Chaffin, a youth specialist and caseworker. "It was an attack on hip-hop that didn't solve anything."
Others remained optimistic. "The campaign's goal is to open and further a dialogue on a sometimes unpopular topic," said panelist Solomon. "We observed tonight that this is an issue the community feels passionate about."
The panel was sponsored by Essence magazine and the Center for Communication, a nonpartisan forum designed to familiarize college students with the business of media. Inspired by the 2004 Spelman College protest of the "Tip Drill" video, Essence launched a yearlong "Take Back the Music" campaign in January, featuring articles in the magazine and town hall meetings around the country tackling stereotypes about black women perpetuated by hip-hop.
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
March 19, 2005
Las Fallas, Valencia - March 19th
Las Fallas, Valencia
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/fiestas/lasfallas.asp
Does the smell of gunpowder excite you? Does the sight of flames make you smile? Do you harbor pyrotechnic urges that are only socially acceptable on the Fourth of July? Well, Las Fallas de Valencia is your kind of event--a loud, smoky, rowdy fiesta where the whole town is literally set ablaze!
Las Fallas is undoubtedly one of the most unique and crazy festivals in Spain (a country known for unique and crazy festivals). What started as a feast day for St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, has evolved into a 5-day, multifaceted celebration of fire. Valencia is usually a quiet city with a population of a half-million, but the town swells to an estimated three million flame-loving revelers during Las Fallas.
Las Fallas literally means "the fires" in Valencian. The focus of the fiesta is the creation and destruction of ninots--huge cardboard, wood and plaster statues--that are placed at over 350 key intersections and parks around the city today. The ninots are extremely lifelike and usually depict bawdy, satirical scenes and current events (lampooning corrupt politicians and Spanish celebrities is particularly popular). They are crafted by neighborhood organizations and take about six months to construct (and often cost upwards of US$75,000). Many ninots are several stories tall and need to be moved into position with cranes.
The ninots remain in place until March 19th, the day known as "La Crema." Starting in the early evening, young men with axes chop holes in the statues and stuff them with fireworks. The crowds start to chant, the streetlights are turned off, and all of the ninots are set on fire at exactly the stroke of midnight. Over the years, the local firemen, called "bomberos," have devised unique ways to protect the town's buildings from torching along with the ninots, such as by neatly covering storefronts with fireproof tarps. And each year, one of the ninots is spared from destruction by popular vote and exhibited in the local Museum of the Ninot along with the other favorites from years past.
Traveler and pyromaniac Janet Morton says, "The scene at Las Fallas is extremely cathartic and difficult to describe, but resembles a cross between a bawdy Disneyland, the Fourth of July and the end of the world!"
The origin of Las Fallas is a bit murky, but most credit the fires as an evolution of pagan rituals that celebrated the onset of spring and the planting season. In the sixteenth century, Valencia used streetlights only during the longer nights of winter. The street lamps were hung on wooden structures, called parots, and as the days became longer the now-unneeded parots were ceremoniously burned on St. Joseph's Day. Even today the fiesta has retained its satirical and working-class roots, and the well-to-do and faint-of-heart of Valencia often ditch out of town for Las Fallas.
Besides the burning of the ninots, there is a myriad of other activities during the fiesta. During the day, you can check out the extensive roster of bullfights, parades, paella contests and beauty pageants around the city. Spontaneous fireworks displays occur everywhere during the days leading up to "La Crema", but another highlight is the daily mascletá which occurs in the Plaza Anyuntamiento at exactly 2pm. When the huge pile of firecrackers is ignited, the ground literally shakes for the next ten minutes.
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/fiestas/lasfallas.asp
Does the smell of gunpowder excite you? Does the sight of flames make you smile? Do you harbor pyrotechnic urges that are only socially acceptable on the Fourth of July? Well, Las Fallas de Valencia is your kind of event--a loud, smoky, rowdy fiesta where the whole town is literally set ablaze!
Las Fallas is undoubtedly one of the most unique and crazy festivals in Spain (a country known for unique and crazy festivals). What started as a feast day for St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, has evolved into a 5-day, multifaceted celebration of fire. Valencia is usually a quiet city with a population of a half-million, but the town swells to an estimated three million flame-loving revelers during Las Fallas.
Las Fallas literally means "the fires" in Valencian. The focus of the fiesta is the creation and destruction of ninots--huge cardboard, wood and plaster statues--that are placed at over 350 key intersections and parks around the city today. The ninots are extremely lifelike and usually depict bawdy, satirical scenes and current events (lampooning corrupt politicians and Spanish celebrities is particularly popular). They are crafted by neighborhood organizations and take about six months to construct (and often cost upwards of US$75,000). Many ninots are several stories tall and need to be moved into position with cranes.
The ninots remain in place until March 19th, the day known as "La Crema." Starting in the early evening, young men with axes chop holes in the statues and stuff them with fireworks. The crowds start to chant, the streetlights are turned off, and all of the ninots are set on fire at exactly the stroke of midnight. Over the years, the local firemen, called "bomberos," have devised unique ways to protect the town's buildings from torching along with the ninots, such as by neatly covering storefronts with fireproof tarps. And each year, one of the ninots is spared from destruction by popular vote and exhibited in the local Museum of the Ninot along with the other favorites from years past.
Traveler and pyromaniac Janet Morton says, "The scene at Las Fallas is extremely cathartic and difficult to describe, but resembles a cross between a bawdy Disneyland, the Fourth of July and the end of the world!"
The origin of Las Fallas is a bit murky, but most credit the fires as an evolution of pagan rituals that celebrated the onset of spring and the planting season. In the sixteenth century, Valencia used streetlights only during the longer nights of winter. The street lamps were hung on wooden structures, called parots, and as the days became longer the now-unneeded parots were ceremoniously burned on St. Joseph's Day. Even today the fiesta has retained its satirical and working-class roots, and the well-to-do and faint-of-heart of Valencia often ditch out of town for Las Fallas.
Besides the burning of the ninots, there is a myriad of other activities during the fiesta. During the day, you can check out the extensive roster of bullfights, parades, paella contests and beauty pageants around the city. Spontaneous fireworks displays occur everywhere during the days leading up to "La Crema", but another highlight is the daily mascletá which occurs in the Plaza Anyuntamiento at exactly 2pm. When the huge pile of firecrackers is ignited, the ground literally shakes for the next ten minutes.
March 7, 2005
Spain's troop withdrawal affects U.S. study abroad programs
Spain's troop withdrawal affects U.S. study abroad programs
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (AP) — Two community colleges have ended their study-abroad program in Spain, citing the country's troop withdrawal from Iraq.
Trustees of the South Orange County Community College District, comprising Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College, voted 5-2 last week to cancel the 14-year-old summer program.
"Spain has abandoned our fighting men and women, withdrawing their support," said trustee Tom Fuentes, a former head of the Republican Party in Orange County. "I see no reason to send students of our colleges to Spain at this moment in history."
Spain pulled its 1,300 troops after the Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people in March last year.
Fuentes said the bombing also raised concerns about student safety, although students were allowed to visit Spain three months after the bombings.
"Bringing this up now is strange," said trustee Marcia Milchiker, who voted to keep the program.
"I'm still in shock," said Professor Carmenmara Hernandez-Bravo, who runs the study abroad program. "I cannot believe a community college can put this much politics into academics."
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (AP) — Two community colleges have ended their study-abroad program in Spain, citing the country's troop withdrawal from Iraq.
Trustees of the South Orange County Community College District, comprising Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College, voted 5-2 last week to cancel the 14-year-old summer program.
"Spain has abandoned our fighting men and women, withdrawing their support," said trustee Tom Fuentes, a former head of the Republican Party in Orange County. "I see no reason to send students of our colleges to Spain at this moment in history."
Spain pulled its 1,300 troops after the Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people in March last year.
Fuentes said the bombing also raised concerns about student safety, although students were allowed to visit Spain three months after the bombings.
"Bringing this up now is strange," said trustee Marcia Milchiker, who voted to keep the program.
"I'm still in shock," said Professor Carmenmara Hernandez-Bravo, who runs the study abroad program. "I cannot believe a community college can put this much politics into academics."
March 2, 2005
January/February 2005 Update
March 1, 2005
Dearest Friends, Family, and Rotarians,
As I turn my calendar to March 2005, I realize that it is a great time as ever to write to you about my January and February.
In summation of this time, I have had the time to relax and reflect about where I have been and where I am going. Burak and I are, most likely, moving to Durham, North Carolina in August 2005 for two years because Burak was accepted to Duke’s Fuqua School of Business MBA. Now that just means, ‘what I am going to do for two years?’ I have been exploring other career possibilities in case I don’t get into Duke or UNC Law. Additionally, I am organizing an Americans for Informed Democracy in Barcelona in June and a fundraiser for the Martinez Foundation later this spring. My second semester officially started two weeks ago, and I am settling into my new school schedule. For more details and photos, continue below, and check out my website at:
http://www.powersprep.com/rubypowers
The Full Update:
Early January was spent relaxing near Verviers, Belgium with my host family of my exchange year from four years ago. Burak and I celebrated Three Kings Day searching for the ceramic toy in the cake with the finder becoming the ‘king.’ I required much sleep to keep my French, Spanish, and English all in line. I was asked by a local bartender while out with my family, after learning I could speak all those languages, whether I wanted to be a translator. I really think it is funny how most people think the only thing you can do with speaking many languages is be a translator. I told him no, and he seemed a little disappointed.
Burak and I ate dinner with my first host family before we left Belgium. They presented us with a generous wedding gift. I was so surprised. I hadn’t expected anything at all. It struck me once more how I have come to know and care for such wonderful people all over the world and how they have grown to care for me.
Our last weekend in Belgium, we stayed with an old friend of mine I had met nearly 7 years to the day of our visit in San Antonio, Texas. He was a Rotary Exchange student from Belgium living in Gonzalez, Texas, but we had met in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) when I was 16. We had kept in touch over the years when he was in Texas, I was in Belgium, and now when I lived in Spain. Hopefully, he and his fiancée will visit us in Barcelona.
The rest of January was comfortably uneventful unlike what you read about in my December update about December. I worked out to burn off the Belgian food and continued teaching my adult class and my little kids (4- and 5-year olds). I was adopted by the Rotary Club Barcelona Millennium to be their first Rotary Scholar ever and soon had a new Rotary counselor, Mark. Mark gives me rides to meetings and during the rides we get to catch up on the last week. He is a great counselor, and I am happy that I can create a relationship with my new club. I had switched clubs because the first one I was given was 50 km away from me. Attending the regular Monday meetings, I am quickly becoming a familiar face to the members.
In February, as the temperature continued to drop and my house continued not to have central heating, Burak got really sick. He had a mix between everything like cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. We really weren’t sure what he had, but just kept pumping him up with medicine that I had to fight to get from a stubborn pharmacist (another story for those interested), freshly squeezed orange juice, and movies and meals in bed. He bounced back after a week and a half in bed with lots of sleep and my care. I took the role as doctor, nurse, wife, cleaning lady, cook, etc. I even found myself cooking steak for him, which slightly disgusted me as a vegetarian for 10.5 years. I just had to hold my breath as the blood oozed out of the meat. It gives me chills just thinking and writing about it.
Because Burak was sick, I was recruited to teach his high school ‘Study Skills’ class. I was slightly frightened when he asked me. I hadn’t walked into a Freshman HS class for more than 9 years, when I myself was one. I didn’t teach any material to his class, but just had to keep them under control as I held a study hall. The week before at the same international school, I had the last-minute chance to substitute for the kindergarten class. As the language of instruction is English, it wasn’t too hard to control them besides their age’s being a factor. The 5- and 6-year olds impressed me when they sang ‘Happy Birthday’ in English, Spanish, and Dutch for their Dutch classmate. Darn, these kids are sharp! I had fun being a kid again, and the school even paid me.
The second week of February was a vacation week at Burak’s school. He spent most of the week in bed, but we had plans for that weekend to spend it in Paris for Valentine’s Day weekend. At the very last minute, he decided that he could go with me despite his sickness. We stayed at an AIESEC Austin friend’s posh apartment where we slept on a better bed than ours and ate the wonderful French food. We even later learned he had cable TV and enjoyed all the luxuries that brings. Oh, yeah, we were in Paris, right? Well, we got to the top of the Eiffel Tower, took a 2-hour tour on a bus, and went out with friends almost every night. Other than that, we slept in, and Burak was still fighting off this sickness. I didn’t mind since it was my 4th time in Paris, but I had to run away from Burak for a couple of hours to see the Musee d’Orsay. I had never seen it before. In the end, it really didn’t impress me after seeing the Louvre (Paris), the Van Gogh Museum(Amsterdam), and the Prado(Madrid). Sorry if I offended anyone with that statement.
On one particular night in Paris, we accumulated most of our friends that we have met in different places in our lives, who all live in Paris now. The friend we were staying with whom we met in AIESEC in Austin, Luis, a fellow officer and friend from Rotex DC that I had attended an exchange student conference in PA the year before, Julianne, and a French friend from UT that I had taken down to my family’s ranch in Mexico to expose him to a new country, Ben. The next night, Emily, a French, former exchange student to El Paso who had lived with the same family Burak had lived with on exchange, visited where we were staying. It was really weird to all get together and know so many people living in the same European capital. That moment made me realize we surely live in an internationally connected world and getting together and staying in touch would not have been feasible without email and mobile phones.
Sometime in early February, I was approached to organize a conference for Americans for Informed Democracy (www.aidemocracy.org) in Barcelona. I was a group leader and speaker at an AID conference in Berlin in December and they were hoping to hold several similar mini-conferences in major European cities this spring. AID has very similar goals in line with my scholarship, including creating better world understanding, and that was the main reason I agreed to organize it.
With the organization’s seed money, I have booked a huge hostel that is actually a mansion in the hills of Barcelona. The conference will be held this June 3-5, 2005 for 50-70 Americans studying abroad to talk about international issues to help create better global understanding and return that knowledge back to the States. The theme of the conference will be ‘The New Worldwide Community: Globalization in the Postmodern age’ or something similar. I am currently securing speakers on a range of topics while AID will advertise the conference to study abroad Americans and filter through the applications.
I am really excited about the opportunity to use my organizational, people, and Spanish skills, and connections (Rotary, UAB, friends, etc.) to create a learning atmosphere that will help meet both Rotary and AID’s goals on many different levels. I am also thrilled to give people an excuse to come to Barcelona since it is such a great city. Furthermore, I am a Senior Political Analyst for the same organization; you can see my bio at:
http://www.aidemocracy.org/bios_directors.cfm#id_12
On a somber note, Burak’s father, Naci, died on February 17th, 2005. Burak knew that his father was in his last days and had secured tickets and leave from work for ten days in Turkey. My father-in-law was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in November 2004. Burak had the opportunity to fly to Turkey to visit in December for a few days. He flew out the day of his dad’s passing away and was there for the funeral and his family. His mother will stay with her parents for a while before moving back to her beach house and possibly live with a cousin there. Burak’s sister, Burcu, has returned to Australia to continue her studies.
I want to say thank you to all for your kind notes, comments, and cards. Burak returned Sunday and appears to be at peace with all the events. I am so thankful we lived with his parents last summer (2004) for two months and that we live in Spain this year. We are only 3 hours from Istanbul, and Burak has visited his family 2 times since we left in August. I am grateful I shared many good moments with my father-in-law at my wedding and last summer.
I will remember my father-in-law as a very giving and funny teddy bear. I remember the moment he wore Burak’s cowboy hat while playing backgammon on the terrace of their beach house talking about how he was the best at the game while Burak was beating him. Or the time when he loved Missouri at first sight, place of my wedding, and just wanted to lie on a blanket under the stars because it reminded him of home, the small village where he grew up. Truly, my receiving this scholarship a year after I wanted it ended up being a good thing in the end for the chance to live in Turkey and the proximity of Spain to Turkey.
On a more positive note, I also held a Wine and Cheese Party in February. I had so much fun buying nuts, cheeses, bread, dried and fresh fruits, and linen-lined bread baskets that I couldn’t wait for the party to begin! I created a beautiful display of foods spiced with lit-candles for my guests to see when they walked through the front door. I took more pictures of the food than my guests (oops)! The majority of the guests were Spanish-speakers with only 4 non-Spanish at one time. It impressed me with how I had really gotten into the culture when my party’s guests and language was that of the country I was living in. The party also gave me an idea of a Rotary fundraiser that I could attempt to cater since I love to throw theme parties.
And now where am I going from here? I haven’t received law school application results except that of an acceptance to American University’s Washington College of Law and a rejection from Stanford Law. I am waiting for Duke's response. I am also considering UNC Chapel Hill, but I think I might just wait the 2 years (retake the LSAT and reapply for UT or Georgetown as my favorites).
If I don’t get into Duke, I plan to do real estate, teach, work for the government, work at an NGO, or something like along those lines. Do you know of anyone in those areas in or near North Carolina I could contact?
And to the subject of my studies at my university: As the first week of any semester is about searching out good classes, I also had to weed out the Catalan classes, because I only want Spanish-taught ones. I have come to a list of four, non-conflicting, interesting, Spanish-taught courses: International Relations of the Mediterranean, Spanish Foreign Policy, Panorama of Contemporaneous Asia, and Cultural Studies (this is a discussion class taught in English). I have one course on Mondays and Wednesday and then three back to back on Tuesday and Thursdays from the afternoon till the evening.
And to add a little Catalan/Spanish cultural observation: I joined a local, government-operated gym in November. “Government-operated” denotes that it is cheap enough for the average family, and, hence, there are a lot of members. Since January, I have been going more regularly and have made a few observations. I love going in the middle of the day when Spaniards are eating because there are very few people. If there are any, they are people of my grandparents’ ages and a few select weight-lifting fanatics there at that time, so I have free reign to my machines. Furthermore, a gym, to Catalans/Spaniards is a social club. You often see 3 or 4 of them huddled around one person occupying a machine pretending to work out while they are actually chatting. They will stay there and rotate the person pretending until you have lost your patience and figure it is not your day to use that machine. This is the main reason that I avoid the gym at all times except 2-5 p.m.
Note on language: Talking about Mexican Spanish (which is what I learned in Texas and Mexico), Saturday night at my party I said 'nieve' referring to ice cream. I was chuckled at by my Catalan/Spanish friends because that means 'snow' over here. Then I thought for a second. I remember learning that was the word for ice cream in Mexico. So, one morning when I couldn't sleep I realized I was right but the word 'nieve' is used for sherbet in Mexico. But, I think 'nieve' was used on the street for ice cream and sherbet like there was no difference( from what I remember). Funny how I have to keep relearning Spanish from the Mexican to the Spanish version.
Rotary Duties/Projects: With my four months (ouch, so little?) I have left in Spain, I plan to start a serious speaking program to Barcelona Rotary clubs and to complete a fundraiser for the Martinez Foundation, (www.martinezfoundation.org). Doctor Martinez is one of kind. She is a one-woman show that is probably the only one in the world who can help patients with a rare disease. Her patients fly into Barcelona from all over the world just to see her. She needs a research team, secured funds, and time to write and spread the word about her research. I am going to try to help her get money and recognition to help her continue her work.
And for this coming weekend, I am off to Rome to visit a friend and hopefully meet up with a Texan friend who will fly into Rome the same day. Next weekend, I will be running a “hostel” with 8 people staying with us over the course of the week (of course not all at the same time!).
In late March, Burak has Semana Santa (the Holy week before Easter) off from work, and we plan to travel possibly to Morocco and stay with friends in Seville for the festivities of Holy Week.
As I sit here with all the layers of clothing I possess, realizing I have lived in Spain for six months this week, I can’t tell you where the time went. Well, maybe I can if you read my updates, but seriously I am in shock that I am basically 2/3 over with my scholarship year. I am extremely grateful to Rotary for this opportunity, and I am already actively planning on applying for the Rotary World Peace Scholarship sometime down the road. That will give me a two-year scholarship to obtain a Masters probably in England or Australia. (Sounds okay, Burak? )
Hope all is well – Take care of yourself – and Keep in touch,
Ruby
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar 2004-2005
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Dearest Friends, Family, and Rotarians,
As I turn my calendar to March 2005, I realize that it is a great time as ever to write to you about my January and February.
In summation of this time, I have had the time to relax and reflect about where I have been and where I am going. Burak and I are, most likely, moving to Durham, North Carolina in August 2005 for two years because Burak was accepted to Duke’s Fuqua School of Business MBA. Now that just means, ‘what I am going to do for two years?’ I have been exploring other career possibilities in case I don’t get into Duke or UNC Law. Additionally, I am organizing an Americans for Informed Democracy in Barcelona in June and a fundraiser for the Martinez Foundation later this spring. My second semester officially started two weeks ago, and I am settling into my new school schedule. For more details and photos, continue below, and check out my website at:
http://www.powersprep.com/rubypowers
The Full Update:
Early January was spent relaxing near Verviers, Belgium with my host family of my exchange year from four years ago. Burak and I celebrated Three Kings Day searching for the ceramic toy in the cake with the finder becoming the ‘king.’ I required much sleep to keep my French, Spanish, and English all in line. I was asked by a local bartender while out with my family, after learning I could speak all those languages, whether I wanted to be a translator. I really think it is funny how most people think the only thing you can do with speaking many languages is be a translator. I told him no, and he seemed a little disappointed.
Burak and I ate dinner with my first host family before we left Belgium. They presented us with a generous wedding gift. I was so surprised. I hadn’t expected anything at all. It struck me once more how I have come to know and care for such wonderful people all over the world and how they have grown to care for me.
Our last weekend in Belgium, we stayed with an old friend of mine I had met nearly 7 years to the day of our visit in San Antonio, Texas. He was a Rotary Exchange student from Belgium living in Gonzalez, Texas, but we had met in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) when I was 16. We had kept in touch over the years when he was in Texas, I was in Belgium, and now when I lived in Spain. Hopefully, he and his fiancée will visit us in Barcelona.
The rest of January was comfortably uneventful unlike what you read about in my December update about December. I worked out to burn off the Belgian food and continued teaching my adult class and my little kids (4- and 5-year olds). I was adopted by the Rotary Club Barcelona Millennium to be their first Rotary Scholar ever and soon had a new Rotary counselor, Mark. Mark gives me rides to meetings and during the rides we get to catch up on the last week. He is a great counselor, and I am happy that I can create a relationship with my new club. I had switched clubs because the first one I was given was 50 km away from me. Attending the regular Monday meetings, I am quickly becoming a familiar face to the members.
In February, as the temperature continued to drop and my house continued not to have central heating, Burak got really sick. He had a mix between everything like cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. We really weren’t sure what he had, but just kept pumping him up with medicine that I had to fight to get from a stubborn pharmacist (another story for those interested), freshly squeezed orange juice, and movies and meals in bed. He bounced back after a week and a half in bed with lots of sleep and my care. I took the role as doctor, nurse, wife, cleaning lady, cook, etc. I even found myself cooking steak for him, which slightly disgusted me as a vegetarian for 10.5 years. I just had to hold my breath as the blood oozed out of the meat. It gives me chills just thinking and writing about it.
Because Burak was sick, I was recruited to teach his high school ‘Study Skills’ class. I was slightly frightened when he asked me. I hadn’t walked into a Freshman HS class for more than 9 years, when I myself was one. I didn’t teach any material to his class, but just had to keep them under control as I held a study hall. The week before at the same international school, I had the last-minute chance to substitute for the kindergarten class. As the language of instruction is English, it wasn’t too hard to control them besides their age’s being a factor. The 5- and 6-year olds impressed me when they sang ‘Happy Birthday’ in English, Spanish, and Dutch for their Dutch classmate. Darn, these kids are sharp! I had fun being a kid again, and the school even paid me.
The second week of February was a vacation week at Burak’s school. He spent most of the week in bed, but we had plans for that weekend to spend it in Paris for Valentine’s Day weekend. At the very last minute, he decided that he could go with me despite his sickness. We stayed at an AIESEC Austin friend’s posh apartment where we slept on a better bed than ours and ate the wonderful French food. We even later learned he had cable TV and enjoyed all the luxuries that brings. Oh, yeah, we were in Paris, right? Well, we got to the top of the Eiffel Tower, took a 2-hour tour on a bus, and went out with friends almost every night. Other than that, we slept in, and Burak was still fighting off this sickness. I didn’t mind since it was my 4th time in Paris, but I had to run away from Burak for a couple of hours to see the Musee d’Orsay. I had never seen it before. In the end, it really didn’t impress me after seeing the Louvre (Paris), the Van Gogh Museum(Amsterdam), and the Prado(Madrid). Sorry if I offended anyone with that statement.
On one particular night in Paris, we accumulated most of our friends that we have met in different places in our lives, who all live in Paris now. The friend we were staying with whom we met in AIESEC in Austin, Luis, a fellow officer and friend from Rotex DC that I had attended an exchange student conference in PA the year before, Julianne, and a French friend from UT that I had taken down to my family’s ranch in Mexico to expose him to a new country, Ben. The next night, Emily, a French, former exchange student to El Paso who had lived with the same family Burak had lived with on exchange, visited where we were staying. It was really weird to all get together and know so many people living in the same European capital. That moment made me realize we surely live in an internationally connected world and getting together and staying in touch would not have been feasible without email and mobile phones.
Sometime in early February, I was approached to organize a conference for Americans for Informed Democracy (www.aidemocracy.org) in Barcelona. I was a group leader and speaker at an AID conference in Berlin in December and they were hoping to hold several similar mini-conferences in major European cities this spring. AID has very similar goals in line with my scholarship, including creating better world understanding, and that was the main reason I agreed to organize it.
With the organization’s seed money, I have booked a huge hostel that is actually a mansion in the hills of Barcelona. The conference will be held this June 3-5, 2005 for 50-70 Americans studying abroad to talk about international issues to help create better global understanding and return that knowledge back to the States. The theme of the conference will be ‘The New Worldwide Community: Globalization in the Postmodern age’ or something similar. I am currently securing speakers on a range of topics while AID will advertise the conference to study abroad Americans and filter through the applications.
I am really excited about the opportunity to use my organizational, people, and Spanish skills, and connections (Rotary, UAB, friends, etc.) to create a learning atmosphere that will help meet both Rotary and AID’s goals on many different levels. I am also thrilled to give people an excuse to come to Barcelona since it is such a great city. Furthermore, I am a Senior Political Analyst for the same organization; you can see my bio at:
http://www.aidemocracy.org/bios_directors.cfm#id_12
On a somber note, Burak’s father, Naci, died on February 17th, 2005. Burak knew that his father was in his last days and had secured tickets and leave from work for ten days in Turkey. My father-in-law was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in November 2004. Burak had the opportunity to fly to Turkey to visit in December for a few days. He flew out the day of his dad’s passing away and was there for the funeral and his family. His mother will stay with her parents for a while before moving back to her beach house and possibly live with a cousin there. Burak’s sister, Burcu, has returned to Australia to continue her studies.
I want to say thank you to all for your kind notes, comments, and cards. Burak returned Sunday and appears to be at peace with all the events. I am so thankful we lived with his parents last summer (2004) for two months and that we live in Spain this year. We are only 3 hours from Istanbul, and Burak has visited his family 2 times since we left in August. I am grateful I shared many good moments with my father-in-law at my wedding and last summer.
I will remember my father-in-law as a very giving and funny teddy bear. I remember the moment he wore Burak’s cowboy hat while playing backgammon on the terrace of their beach house talking about how he was the best at the game while Burak was beating him. Or the time when he loved Missouri at first sight, place of my wedding, and just wanted to lie on a blanket under the stars because it reminded him of home, the small village where he grew up. Truly, my receiving this scholarship a year after I wanted it ended up being a good thing in the end for the chance to live in Turkey and the proximity of Spain to Turkey.
On a more positive note, I also held a Wine and Cheese Party in February. I had so much fun buying nuts, cheeses, bread, dried and fresh fruits, and linen-lined bread baskets that I couldn’t wait for the party to begin! I created a beautiful display of foods spiced with lit-candles for my guests to see when they walked through the front door. I took more pictures of the food than my guests (oops)! The majority of the guests were Spanish-speakers with only 4 non-Spanish at one time. It impressed me with how I had really gotten into the culture when my party’s guests and language was that of the country I was living in. The party also gave me an idea of a Rotary fundraiser that I could attempt to cater since I love to throw theme parties.
And now where am I going from here? I haven’t received law school application results except that of an acceptance to American University’s Washington College of Law and a rejection from Stanford Law. I am waiting for Duke's response. I am also considering UNC Chapel Hill, but I think I might just wait the 2 years (retake the LSAT and reapply for UT or Georgetown as my favorites).
If I don’t get into Duke, I plan to do real estate, teach, work for the government, work at an NGO, or something like along those lines. Do you know of anyone in those areas in or near North Carolina I could contact?
And to the subject of my studies at my university: As the first week of any semester is about searching out good classes, I also had to weed out the Catalan classes, because I only want Spanish-taught ones. I have come to a list of four, non-conflicting, interesting, Spanish-taught courses: International Relations of the Mediterranean, Spanish Foreign Policy, Panorama of Contemporaneous Asia, and Cultural Studies (this is a discussion class taught in English). I have one course on Mondays and Wednesday and then three back to back on Tuesday and Thursdays from the afternoon till the evening.
And to add a little Catalan/Spanish cultural observation: I joined a local, government-operated gym in November. “Government-operated” denotes that it is cheap enough for the average family, and, hence, there are a lot of members. Since January, I have been going more regularly and have made a few observations. I love going in the middle of the day when Spaniards are eating because there are very few people. If there are any, they are people of my grandparents’ ages and a few select weight-lifting fanatics there at that time, so I have free reign to my machines. Furthermore, a gym, to Catalans/Spaniards is a social club. You often see 3 or 4 of them huddled around one person occupying a machine pretending to work out while they are actually chatting. They will stay there and rotate the person pretending until you have lost your patience and figure it is not your day to use that machine. This is the main reason that I avoid the gym at all times except 2-5 p.m.
Note on language: Talking about Mexican Spanish (which is what I learned in Texas and Mexico), Saturday night at my party I said 'nieve' referring to ice cream. I was chuckled at by my Catalan/Spanish friends because that means 'snow' over here. Then I thought for a second. I remember learning that was the word for ice cream in Mexico. So, one morning when I couldn't sleep I realized I was right but the word 'nieve' is used for sherbet in Mexico. But, I think 'nieve' was used on the street for ice cream and sherbet like there was no difference( from what I remember). Funny how I have to keep relearning Spanish from the Mexican to the Spanish version.
Rotary Duties/Projects: With my four months (ouch, so little?) I have left in Spain, I plan to start a serious speaking program to Barcelona Rotary clubs and to complete a fundraiser for the Martinez Foundation, (www.martinezfoundation.org). Doctor Martinez is one of kind. She is a one-woman show that is probably the only one in the world who can help patients with a rare disease. Her patients fly into Barcelona from all over the world just to see her. She needs a research team, secured funds, and time to write and spread the word about her research. I am going to try to help her get money and recognition to help her continue her work.
And for this coming weekend, I am off to Rome to visit a friend and hopefully meet up with a Texan friend who will fly into Rome the same day. Next weekend, I will be running a “hostel” with 8 people staying with us over the course of the week (of course not all at the same time!).
In late March, Burak has Semana Santa (the Holy week before Easter) off from work, and we plan to travel possibly to Morocco and stay with friends in Seville for the festivities of Holy Week.
As I sit here with all the layers of clothing I possess, realizing I have lived in Spain for six months this week, I can’t tell you where the time went. Well, maybe I can if you read my updates, but seriously I am in shock that I am basically 2/3 over with my scholarship year. I am extremely grateful to Rotary for this opportunity, and I am already actively planning on applying for the Rotary World Peace Scholarship sometime down the road. That will give me a two-year scholarship to obtain a Masters probably in England or Australia. (Sounds okay, Burak? )
Hope all is well – Take care of yourself – and Keep in touch,
Ruby
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar 2004-2005
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
February 28, 2005
Imagine: 500 Miles Per Gallon
Imagine: 500 Miles Per Gallon
There have been many calls for programs to fund research. Beneath the din lies a little-noticed reality—the solution is already with us
By Fareed Zakaria
Newsweek
March 7 issue - The most important statement made last week came not from Vladimir Putin or George W. Bush but from Ali Naimi, Saudi Arabia's shrewd oil minister. Naimi predicted that crude prices would stay between $40 and $50 throughout 2005. For the last two years OPEC's official target price has been $25. Naimi's statement signals that Saudi Arabia now believes that current high prices are not a momentary thing. An Asian oil-industry executive told me that he expects oil to hit $75 this decade.
We are actually very close to a solution to the petroleum problem. Tomorrow, President Bush could make the following speech: "We are all concerned that the industrialized world, and increasingly the developing world, draw too much of their energy from one product, petroleum, which comes disproportionately from one volatile region, the Middle East. This dependence has significant political and environmental dangers for all of us. But there is now a solution, one that the United States will pursue actively.
It is now possible to build cars that are powered by a combination of electricity and alcohol-based fuels, with petroleum as only one element among many. My administration is going to put in place a series of policies that will ensure that in four years, the average new American car will get 300 miles per gallon of petroleum. And I fully expect in this period to see cars in the United States that get 500 miles per gallon. This revolution in energy use will reduce dramatically our dependence on foreign oil and achieve pathbreaking reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions, far below the targets mentioned in the Kyoto accords."
Ever since September 11, 2001, there have been many calls for Manhattan Projects and Marshall Plans for research on energy efficiency and alternate fuels. Beneath the din lies a little-noticed reality—the solution is already with us. Over the last five years, technology has matured in various fields, most importantly in semiconductors, to make possible cars that are as convenient and cheap as current ones, except that they run on a combination of electricity and fuel. Hybrid technology is the answer to the petroleum problem.
You can already buy a hybrid car that runs on a battery and petroleum. The next step is "plug-in" hybrids, with powerful batteries that are recharged at night like laptops, cell phones and iPods. Ford, Honda and Toyota already make simple hybrids. Daimler Chrysler is introducing a plug-in version soon. In many states in the American Middle West you can buy a car that can use any petroleum, or ethanol, or methanol—in any combination. Ford, for example, makes a number of its models with "flexible-fuel tanks." (Forty percent of Brazil's new cars have flexible-fuel tanks.) Put all this technology together and you get the car of the future, a plug-in hybrid with a flexible-fuel tank.
Here's the math (thanks to Gal Luft, a tireless—and independent—advocate of energy security). The current crop of hybrid cars get around 50 miles per gallon. Make it a plug-in and you can get 75 miles. Replace the conventional fuel tank with a flexible-fuel tank that can run on a combination of 15 percent petroleum and 85 percent ethanol or methanol, and you get between 400 and 500 miles per gallon of gasoline. (You don't get 500 miles per gallon of fuel, but the crucial task is to lessen the use of petroleum. And ethanol and methanol are much cheaper than gasoline, so fuel costs would drop dramatically.)
Here's the math (thanks to Gal Luft, a tireless—and independent—advocate of energy security). The current crop of hybrid cars get around 50 miles per gallon. Make it a plug-in and you can get 75 miles. Replace the conventional fuel tank with a flexible-fuel tank that can run on a combination of 15 percent petroleum and 85 percent ethanol or methanol, and you get between 400 and 500 miles per gallon of gasoline. (You don't get 500 miles per gallon of fuel, but the crucial task is to lessen the use of petroleum. And ethanol and methanol are much cheaper than gasoline, so fuel costs would drop dramatically.)
If things are already moving, why does the government need to do anything? Because this is not a pure free market. Large companies—in the oil and automotive industry—have vested interests in not changing much. There are transition costs—gas stations will need to be fitted to pump methanol and ethanol (at a cost of $20,000 to $60,000 per station). New technologies will empower new industries, few of which have lobbies in Washington.
Besides, the idea that the government should have nothing to do with this problem is bizarre. It was military funding and spending that produced much of the technology that makes hybrids possible. (The military is actually leading the hybrid trend. All new naval surface ships are now electric-powered, as are big diesel locomotives and mining trucks.) And the West's reliance on foreign oil is not cost-free. Luft estimates that a government plan that could accelerate the move to a hybrid transport system would cost $12 billion dollars. That is what we spend in Iraq in about three months.
Smart government intervention would include a combination of targeted mandates, incentives and spending. And it does not have to all happen at the federal level. New York City, for example, could require that all its new taxis be hybrids with flexible-fuel tanks. Now that's a Manhattan Project for the 21st century.
There have been many calls for programs to fund research. Beneath the din lies a little-noticed reality—the solution is already with us
By Fareed Zakaria
Newsweek
March 7 issue - The most important statement made last week came not from Vladimir Putin or George W. Bush but from Ali Naimi, Saudi Arabia's shrewd oil minister. Naimi predicted that crude prices would stay between $40 and $50 throughout 2005. For the last two years OPEC's official target price has been $25. Naimi's statement signals that Saudi Arabia now believes that current high prices are not a momentary thing. An Asian oil-industry executive told me that he expects oil to hit $75 this decade.
We are actually very close to a solution to the petroleum problem. Tomorrow, President Bush could make the following speech: "We are all concerned that the industrialized world, and increasingly the developing world, draw too much of their energy from one product, petroleum, which comes disproportionately from one volatile region, the Middle East. This dependence has significant political and environmental dangers for all of us. But there is now a solution, one that the United States will pursue actively.
It is now possible to build cars that are powered by a combination of electricity and alcohol-based fuels, with petroleum as only one element among many. My administration is going to put in place a series of policies that will ensure that in four years, the average new American car will get 300 miles per gallon of petroleum. And I fully expect in this period to see cars in the United States that get 500 miles per gallon. This revolution in energy use will reduce dramatically our dependence on foreign oil and achieve pathbreaking reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions, far below the targets mentioned in the Kyoto accords."
Ever since September 11, 2001, there have been many calls for Manhattan Projects and Marshall Plans for research on energy efficiency and alternate fuels. Beneath the din lies a little-noticed reality—the solution is already with us. Over the last five years, technology has matured in various fields, most importantly in semiconductors, to make possible cars that are as convenient and cheap as current ones, except that they run on a combination of electricity and fuel. Hybrid technology is the answer to the petroleum problem.
You can already buy a hybrid car that runs on a battery and petroleum. The next step is "plug-in" hybrids, with powerful batteries that are recharged at night like laptops, cell phones and iPods. Ford, Honda and Toyota already make simple hybrids. Daimler Chrysler is introducing a plug-in version soon. In many states in the American Middle West you can buy a car that can use any petroleum, or ethanol, or methanol—in any combination. Ford, for example, makes a number of its models with "flexible-fuel tanks." (Forty percent of Brazil's new cars have flexible-fuel tanks.) Put all this technology together and you get the car of the future, a plug-in hybrid with a flexible-fuel tank.
Here's the math (thanks to Gal Luft, a tireless—and independent—advocate of energy security). The current crop of hybrid cars get around 50 miles per gallon. Make it a plug-in and you can get 75 miles. Replace the conventional fuel tank with a flexible-fuel tank that can run on a combination of 15 percent petroleum and 85 percent ethanol or methanol, and you get between 400 and 500 miles per gallon of gasoline. (You don't get 500 miles per gallon of fuel, but the crucial task is to lessen the use of petroleum. And ethanol and methanol are much cheaper than gasoline, so fuel costs would drop dramatically.)
Here's the math (thanks to Gal Luft, a tireless—and independent—advocate of energy security). The current crop of hybrid cars get around 50 miles per gallon. Make it a plug-in and you can get 75 miles. Replace the conventional fuel tank with a flexible-fuel tank that can run on a combination of 15 percent petroleum and 85 percent ethanol or methanol, and you get between 400 and 500 miles per gallon of gasoline. (You don't get 500 miles per gallon of fuel, but the crucial task is to lessen the use of petroleum. And ethanol and methanol are much cheaper than gasoline, so fuel costs would drop dramatically.)
If things are already moving, why does the government need to do anything? Because this is not a pure free market. Large companies—in the oil and automotive industry—have vested interests in not changing much. There are transition costs—gas stations will need to be fitted to pump methanol and ethanol (at a cost of $20,000 to $60,000 per station). New technologies will empower new industries, few of which have lobbies in Washington.
Besides, the idea that the government should have nothing to do with this problem is bizarre. It was military funding and spending that produced much of the technology that makes hybrids possible. (The military is actually leading the hybrid trend. All new naval surface ships are now electric-powered, as are big diesel locomotives and mining trucks.) And the West's reliance on foreign oil is not cost-free. Luft estimates that a government plan that could accelerate the move to a hybrid transport system would cost $12 billion dollars. That is what we spend in Iraq in about three months.
Smart government intervention would include a combination of targeted mandates, incentives and spending. And it does not have to all happen at the federal level. New York City, for example, could require that all its new taxis be hybrids with flexible-fuel tanks. Now that's a Manhattan Project for the 21st century.
February 27, 2005
Non-native English-speakers now outnumber native ones 3 to 1.
Not the Queen's English
|
Avocados and Ice Cream - Mexican Spanish
Because I woke up at 730am and can't sleep, I want to share the history behind the word aguacates straight from a Mexican website.
http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/espanol/cultura_y_sociedad/fiestas_y_tradiciones/detalle.cfm?idcat=3&idsec=15&idsub=67&idpag=3083
AGUACATE-AHUÁCATLSu traducción etimológica es “árbol de los testículos”, en clara alusión a la forma de estos frutos. De ahuácatl, “testículo”, y cuáhuitl, “árbol”.
So if we got them from Mexico, then how come it is translated into avocat(French) and avocado(English,German, Italian)? That just shows how words can be completed mutilated from language to language, etc.
Anyway talking about Mexican Spanish, last night at my party I said 'nieve' referring to ice cream. I was chuckled at by my Catalan/Spanish friends because that means 'snow' over here. Then I thought for a second. I remember learning that was the word for ice cream in Mexico. So, this morning when I couldn't sleep I realized I was right but the word 'nieve' is used for sherbert in Mexico. But, I think 'nieve' was used on the street for ice cream and sherbert like there was no difference( from what I remember).
So, now I will to continue to check out the website. Funny how I have to keep relearning Spanish from the Mexican to the Spanish version.
http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/espanol/cultura_y_sociedad/fiestas_y_tradiciones/detalle.cfm?idcat=3&idsec=15&idsub=67&idpag=3083
AGUACATE-AHUÁCATLSu traducción etimológica es “árbol de los testículos”, en clara alusión a la forma de estos frutos. De ahuácatl, “testículo”, y cuáhuitl, “árbol”.
So if we got them from Mexico, then how come it is translated into avocat(French) and avocado(English,German, Italian)? That just shows how words can be completed mutilated from language to language, etc.
Anyway talking about Mexican Spanish, last night at my party I said 'nieve' referring to ice cream. I was chuckled at by my Catalan/Spanish friends because that means 'snow' over here. Then I thought for a second. I remember learning that was the word for ice cream in Mexico. So, this morning when I couldn't sleep I realized I was right but the word 'nieve' is used for sherbert in Mexico. But, I think 'nieve' was used on the street for ice cream and sherbert like there was no difference( from what I remember).
So, now I will to continue to check out the website. Funny how I have to keep relearning Spanish from the Mexican to the Spanish version.
February 20, 2005
Baby stable after second head removed
Updated: 6:25 a.m. ET Feb. 20, 2005
Nasif Hifnawy, head of pediatrics at Benha Children’s Hospital, told Reuters that 10-month-old Manar Maged could move all four limbs and showed no signs of paralysis.
“Manar is now breathing normally and has a normal heartbeat and blood pressure,” he added. The baby remains in intensive care at the hospital, 25 miles north of Cairo, and doctors expect her to stay there for at least seven days.
Manar was born with a rare condition known as craniopagus parasiticus, which occurs when an embryo begins to split into identical twins but fails to complete the process. One of the conjoined twins fails to develop fully in the womb.
As in the case of a girl who died after similar surgery in the Dominican Republic a year ago, the second twin had developed no body. The head that was removed from Manar had been capable of smiling and blinking but not independent life, doctors said.
The 13-strong surgical team separated Manar’s brain from the conjoined organ in small stages on Saturday, cutting off the blood supply to the extra head while preventing increased blood flow to Manar’s heart, which would have risked cardiac arrest.
Benha was chosen for its equipment and proximity to the girl’s family.
Last February, seven-week-old Rebeca Martinez died in the Dominican Republic after surgery to remove a second head.
For a picture:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6998205/
Nasif Hifnawy, head of pediatrics at Benha Children’s Hospital, told Reuters that 10-month-old Manar Maged could move all four limbs and showed no signs of paralysis.
“Manar is now breathing normally and has a normal heartbeat and blood pressure,” he added. The baby remains in intensive care at the hospital, 25 miles north of Cairo, and doctors expect her to stay there for at least seven days.
Manar was born with a rare condition known as craniopagus parasiticus, which occurs when an embryo begins to split into identical twins but fails to complete the process. One of the conjoined twins fails to develop fully in the womb.
As in the case of a girl who died after similar surgery in the Dominican Republic a year ago, the second twin had developed no body. The head that was removed from Manar had been capable of smiling and blinking but not independent life, doctors said.
The 13-strong surgical team separated Manar’s brain from the conjoined organ in small stages on Saturday, cutting off the blood supply to the extra head while preventing increased blood flow to Manar’s heart, which would have risked cardiac arrest.
Benha was chosen for its equipment and proximity to the girl’s family.
Last February, seven-week-old Rebeca Martinez died in the Dominican Republic after surgery to remove a second head.
For a picture:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6998205/
February 12, 2005
February 10-14 in Paris, France
Ok my dear friends, I have been a bit lazy and haven't written an update. I will upload my new website soon. I just learned I can't upload it from my home connection and need to go to an internet cafe.
So, we flew to Paris on Thursday with Ryanair. First of all, if all American airlines ran like Ryanair, maybe they wouldn't be bankrupt! But that is another story.
The only problem with Ryanair, yes we bought two round trip tickets for only 73 euros, but we had to buy two roundtrip bus tickets to the airport from Barcelona to Girona and two round trip bus tickets from the Beaveau (sp) airport to Paris. That adds up to 4 hours of travel time plus about 1.5 hours of waiting which equals 5.5 hours to get from my apartment to Paris and it costs about 170 euros. Which is American dollars is probably about 200$. I guess that isnt too bad if you have the time.
Burak has been sick so I forced him to come. He is getting better. We are staying the weekend with a friend from AIESEC in Austin, Luis, who happens to be working in Paris right now. He has an awesome place with a great bed so we just stayed at his place the first day. He was in Madrid and didn't arrive until the next day.
While Burak slept, I took the liberty to check out the grocery store. Those are so much fun to find out about the people and culture. I was in heaven when I saw 2-3 aisles of cheese!! I love cheese. So I started looking into sampling a lot of different ones. The other thing I realized, this place is more expensive that Barcelona. The vegetables and all were more. So, I decided to limit my cheese expenditures.
I also saw that the wine selection was various but it was more expensive than Spain. In Spain, Burak andI have found a nice wine for only 1.09 euros. Here in Paris, I was scared to buy something to cheap. I bought something for 3-4 euros and I could tell it wasnt very good. So even though they have good wine here, it isnt as cheap as Spain's selection.
I also noticed these people seem to be really healthy. A lot of the food choices told you what else to eat to have a complete meal. I bought a pizza for Burak and it said that he should eat a salad and something else to make it a complete meal.
I also found a store called Ed, it is actually called Dia in Spain. I also noticed it had a different name in Portugal but it was the same chain. How funny. It is the cheapest grocery store you will find in Europe. It is the same type as Aldi and Lidl. Anyway, I had fun looking in there too. I bought a flan tart because it looked so good. I am going to gain weight here. The food is so darn good!
Friday, we woke up late. We went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I was eating an apple and afterwards Burak wanted to throw it off from the top. So he did. It took a long time to get to the bottom. Luckily, it fell on a tree or something and not a person.
At 5pm, I had an interview for a job. It is for a travel company in PA that is looking for someone to travel to vacation properties and report to the company about them. They are looking to opening up their options for their loyal customers and their business and need someone to travel and report between February and May. They would pay for food, lodging, travel, and 10-12$ an hour. Their profits go to good causes so it also makes the job sound inticing. I had to speak in French for 3 minutes and Spanish for 3 minutes to prove I could communicate in those languages since I say I can. I felt very comfortable in both. I was luckily I lived in Belgium for the holidays and most of my French had come back to me recently. Also, I was in Paris during the interview and I was having to speak French occasionally on our trip.
It sounds like I might get the job. It is such a great opportunity. They need someone to go to Italy, Greek Islands, Malta, Turkey, and other places in Western Europe.
Today is Saturday and it is 2.21pm and Burak is still sleeping. We hope to get to the Louvre today and see the Mona Lisa. It will be my 3rd time and Burak's first time. Also, we plan to meet up with an Austin friend, Ben, and his gfriend tonight and also a DC Rotex friend who is on exchange this semester in Paris.
Tomorrow, Sunday, we plan to go to Versailles just outside of Paris. In the evening, we plan to hang out with Emily, a former exchange student to El Paso from France, who lived with the Powers, Burak's host family, for a while. She actually stayed with us in Austin a few years ago too.
So, we have lots to see and about 4 friends to visit here. It makes me feel special to know so many people here.
I am off to wake up Burakus Maximus and persuade him to go to an art musuem. Wish me luck!
Take care my friends and family and other people who like to read my blog...
ciao, rubes :)
So, we flew to Paris on Thursday with Ryanair. First of all, if all American airlines ran like Ryanair, maybe they wouldn't be bankrupt! But that is another story.
The only problem with Ryanair, yes we bought two round trip tickets for only 73 euros, but we had to buy two roundtrip bus tickets to the airport from Barcelona to Girona and two round trip bus tickets from the Beaveau (sp) airport to Paris. That adds up to 4 hours of travel time plus about 1.5 hours of waiting which equals 5.5 hours to get from my apartment to Paris and it costs about 170 euros. Which is American dollars is probably about 200$. I guess that isnt too bad if you have the time.
Burak has been sick so I forced him to come. He is getting better. We are staying the weekend with a friend from AIESEC in Austin, Luis, who happens to be working in Paris right now. He has an awesome place with a great bed so we just stayed at his place the first day. He was in Madrid and didn't arrive until the next day.
While Burak slept, I took the liberty to check out the grocery store. Those are so much fun to find out about the people and culture. I was in heaven when I saw 2-3 aisles of cheese!! I love cheese. So I started looking into sampling a lot of different ones. The other thing I realized, this place is more expensive that Barcelona. The vegetables and all were more. So, I decided to limit my cheese expenditures.
I also saw that the wine selection was various but it was more expensive than Spain. In Spain, Burak andI have found a nice wine for only 1.09 euros. Here in Paris, I was scared to buy something to cheap. I bought something for 3-4 euros and I could tell it wasnt very good. So even though they have good wine here, it isnt as cheap as Spain's selection.
I also noticed these people seem to be really healthy. A lot of the food choices told you what else to eat to have a complete meal. I bought a pizza for Burak and it said that he should eat a salad and something else to make it a complete meal.
I also found a store called Ed, it is actually called Dia in Spain. I also noticed it had a different name in Portugal but it was the same chain. How funny. It is the cheapest grocery store you will find in Europe. It is the same type as Aldi and Lidl. Anyway, I had fun looking in there too. I bought a flan tart because it looked so good. I am going to gain weight here. The food is so darn good!
Friday, we woke up late. We went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I was eating an apple and afterwards Burak wanted to throw it off from the top. So he did. It took a long time to get to the bottom. Luckily, it fell on a tree or something and not a person.
At 5pm, I had an interview for a job. It is for a travel company in PA that is looking for someone to travel to vacation properties and report to the company about them. They are looking to opening up their options for their loyal customers and their business and need someone to travel and report between February and May. They would pay for food, lodging, travel, and 10-12$ an hour. Their profits go to good causes so it also makes the job sound inticing. I had to speak in French for 3 minutes and Spanish for 3 minutes to prove I could communicate in those languages since I say I can. I felt very comfortable in both. I was luckily I lived in Belgium for the holidays and most of my French had come back to me recently. Also, I was in Paris during the interview and I was having to speak French occasionally on our trip.
It sounds like I might get the job. It is such a great opportunity. They need someone to go to Italy, Greek Islands, Malta, Turkey, and other places in Western Europe.
Today is Saturday and it is 2.21pm and Burak is still sleeping. We hope to get to the Louvre today and see the Mona Lisa. It will be my 3rd time and Burak's first time. Also, we plan to meet up with an Austin friend, Ben, and his gfriend tonight and also a DC Rotex friend who is on exchange this semester in Paris.
Tomorrow, Sunday, we plan to go to Versailles just outside of Paris. In the evening, we plan to hang out with Emily, a former exchange student to El Paso from France, who lived with the Powers, Burak's host family, for a while. She actually stayed with us in Austin a few years ago too.
So, we have lots to see and about 4 friends to visit here. It makes me feel special to know so many people here.
I am off to wake up Burakus Maximus and persuade him to go to an art musuem. Wish me luck!
Take care my friends and family and other people who like to read my blog...
ciao, rubes :)
January 2, 2005
ETA bombings, Belgian Christmas, Amsterdam New Years
Happy New Years! I am here sitting in my second Belgian host family’s house (I am a former Rotary exchange student in 99-00) in a small village on the east side of Belgium reviewing this last month’s events as well as reflecting on this last year.
Before I forget, I just want to say I love living in Spain. I can’t believe Burak and I left the US 6 months ago. It has truly passed by quickly. I am only homesick for episodes of Law and Order and of courses, friends and family, but I have email and phone calls to take care of the latter. I find it amazing Burak is more homesick for the US than I am. I think that Spain is a nice mix between Belgium (Western Europe), Mexico (Former Spanish colony), and Turkey (Mediterranean country with Islamic influence). Having lived in all those three countries, Spain is a piece of cake.
My ideal job, in life, would be to travel and write about my experiences and life all over the world. What I do now, travel, speak; and write; is definitely high on my ‘What I want to do with my life’ list.
I sent my last update the last weekend of November. At that time, I raved about how Burak and I lived in a great apartment with people from all over Europe and it resembled working at the UN. As irony would have it, the same day I sent that email, one of our flat mates yelled at us for believing we didn’t do our part in cleaning the place. Of course this was not the case and we were offended that she thought yelling was acceptable. This flat mate had changed the atmosphere of the flat with a negative cloud hovering over the living place ever since she arrived and so it didn’t take long before we decided to move to a new place.
For one week, I didn’t know where I was going to live after the 22nd of December(when we planned to fly to Belgium for the holidays). I searched all over and before my trip to Berlin and Krakow, we paid a down payment for a new larger, and more conveniently located apartment.
On December 2nd I presented a group project in the morning at school and that afternoon I was on a bus to Madrid. I stayed with a scholar that lived outside of Madrid and the next day we went into town for my Northwestern Law interview with an alumnus. That very afternoon ETA bombed about five gas stations and I didn’t learn about it until I checked the American news websites before leaving Madrid for Barcelona. Luckily, my friends and I wondered around Madrid that day not knowing about it until after the fact.
On December 6th, the most parts of the country celebrated Constitution Day. Catalonia didn’t celebrate and the Basque region celebrated with ETA bombing select streets and plazas named after Spain to protest the day. I learned that there could well be a pact between ETA and Catalonia and that is why there have been no bombings in Catalonia. Therefore, we are safe in Barcelona.
On December 7th, Burak flew to Turkey to visit his family for a week. His dad was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and it is very far advanced. He took our two cameras to help document his time with his family. It served as a good time for him to realize what was happening with his father’s health and to come to peace with it.
On December 8th, I flew with another scholar (that lives in Seville) to Berlin. We were group leaders at a conference for Americans living and studying abroad. The goal of the organization is for Americans with abroad experience to return and keep a dialogue of world events and concerns alive on college campuses and in the public. It has many of the same goals that my Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship aims to achieve.
I met many Americans all over Europe and learned of new ways to pay for my living and studying abroad with other scholarships and grants. I spoke at the conference about the Rotary scholarships to an interested audience. I used my free time to visit the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Christmas markets, and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Many people thought I was a native German and it was fun blending in and not being assumed a tourist. It was my second time ever in Berlin, so I decided to fly to a nearby country while I had the chance.
On December 13th, I flew into Krakow, Poland from Berlin. I had contacted a scholar living there to visit him and his family. I had 24 hours in Poland and it got dark at 4:10pm in Krakow, so I had to run through the sites before it got dark. I went to the Castle on the hill, the Cloth Hall, a Christmas market, several churches, and saw the university where the current Pope attended. I enjoyed visiting with the scholar’s family which included his wife and two young sons.
The next day I ran to the airport for my flight back to Berlin. I was all set to go with just a few minutes before going through security and then I read the monitor. It said my flight was CANCELLED. I panicked. I had no Polish money left, I had a flight from Berlin the next morning to Barcelona, I had classes to teach the next night, I didn’t speak the language, and I didn’t know if I could still use my phone to call anyone. Luckily, since it was the same company I had a flight with the next day, it was all changed for free and I was able to stay with the same family that extra night. I enjoyed my next day but really wanted to get home after having been away for more than a week.
I finally got to Berlin and then back to Barcelona on the 16th. I was so happy to be back and the weather was so warm compared to Berlin and Krakow, I really thought it was summer! Also, the sun stayed out longer in Barcelona and it just was a whole new world between the different places.
That very same day, Burak learned that Duke’s business school accepted him for Fall 2005 entry. We are still waiting for his other three business school applications and my 8 law school applications. Lord willing, we might be in North Carolina next fall.
On the 17th, I moved all our things to the new place with little help because Burak had to work during the day. Our new landlord let us use his car to move our things. Burak and I took several trips by foot on 15 minutes walks with 3-4 suitcases and finally one full car load to move everything. I really don’t know how we accumulated so much. That evening I had to teach. I was exhausted.
On the 18th, we held a Christmas Party with a gift exchange with about 20 people at our new apartment. When the first few guests arrived I was still in my sweat pants and had no makeup on. I figured I could use the excuse ‘I just moved and have been out of the country for a week.’ My French exchange partner was just amazed at all that I can pull off.
On the 21st, I met with Dr. Martinez regarding her foundation that helps treat those with the Zellweger syndrome. Her clinic is basically the only one in the world that has been successful in treating this rare syndrome. My fellow scholar in Barcelona and I plan to organize a fundraising event for her clinic this spring.
On the 22nd, we left for Brussels. We arrived at my family’s village later that afternoon. It was wonderful to see my family after 4 years since my last visit. It was amazing how clear my memories of the town and all the nearby villages were. My French came back but it was weak. I was grateful that I have been speaking Spanish this last 4 months but otherwise I still have work to do.
The very next day, I spoke to my old club during my exchange year, Rotary Club Verviers-Vesdre. It was wonderful seeing my dear Rotarians again after all those years. They loved my speech and I took lots of photos of them. Some said they couldn’t recognize me and others said they recognized me right away. My former Rotary counselor took Burak and I to Spa (a city in Belgium) for a dessert called baba au rhum (our tradition) and then took us out to dinner with his wife.
We spent Christmas Eve at my host mom’s parent’s house with 23 other family members. Many remembered me and we had a great night with French, German, English, Spanish, Italian, Wallon, and Portuguese being spoken around the table.
We had our gift exchange on the 26th with all my host parents’ 4 kids and their partners and their kids. I marveled at how Burak and I are not blood related in anyway to this Belgian family, but they have opened their home during this special holiday time to us. It would have been really lonely staying in Barcelona and too expensive to go back to the US. It was really the best holiday choice and I love showing Burak where I used to live.
On the 29th, we went to Liege to have drinks with current exchange students. I would frequently go to Liege on Wednesday afternoons after school to meet up with my friends living all over Belgium. This time I was an oldie, oldie, oldie, oldie, oldie. Which basically means I am a 4th or 5th generation exchange student coming back to see the current ones since I lived here 4.5 years ago. It is a great feeling being with other exchange students. The same bartender was there as well. A former exchange student that lived there when I did had returned for the holidays and we both went a took a photo with the bartender.
That afternoon, we took a train to Brussels and visited the Mannequin Pis, the street full of seafood, and the Grand Place that was beautiful decorated with lights for Christmas. The next morning we took a bus tour and saw the EU headquarters before heading to Amsterdam on the fast train.
On the 30th we were in Amsterdam. Our hotel gave our room to someone else so we found a new place for a larger price before heading out for the night. I had been there 2 times before, but enjoyed seeing the town with Burak for his first time. We went to the Van Gogh and Heineken museums before heading to cafes to hang out before midnight. At midnight the bartenders gave out free champagne and turned the TV to the festivals taking place in town. We quickly ran outside to see the entire town going crazy with fireworks in the streets, on the water, and in the air for hours to come. We waited for our 7am train to Brussels at the train station and finally arrived at my family’s house before noon.
As we all watch the reports and pray for the victims of the tsunamis of late December, it teaches us about the frailty of life and at the same time, the generosity of humankind to run their aid.
If you have chance, check out my website: www.powersprep.com/rubypowers for recent photos under ‘Barcelona, Spain’ and past updates under ‘Observations.’ Also, make sure to sign my Guestbook.
Happy New Years!
Ruby
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar 2004 – 2005
Barcelona, Spain
Before I forget, I just want to say I love living in Spain. I can’t believe Burak and I left the US 6 months ago. It has truly passed by quickly. I am only homesick for episodes of Law and Order and of courses, friends and family, but I have email and phone calls to take care of the latter. I find it amazing Burak is more homesick for the US than I am. I think that Spain is a nice mix between Belgium (Western Europe), Mexico (Former Spanish colony), and Turkey (Mediterranean country with Islamic influence). Having lived in all those three countries, Spain is a piece of cake.
My ideal job, in life, would be to travel and write about my experiences and life all over the world. What I do now, travel, speak; and write; is definitely high on my ‘What I want to do with my life’ list.
I sent my last update the last weekend of November. At that time, I raved about how Burak and I lived in a great apartment with people from all over Europe and it resembled working at the UN. As irony would have it, the same day I sent that email, one of our flat mates yelled at us for believing we didn’t do our part in cleaning the place. Of course this was not the case and we were offended that she thought yelling was acceptable. This flat mate had changed the atmosphere of the flat with a negative cloud hovering over the living place ever since she arrived and so it didn’t take long before we decided to move to a new place.
For one week, I didn’t know where I was going to live after the 22nd of December(when we planned to fly to Belgium for the holidays). I searched all over and before my trip to Berlin and Krakow, we paid a down payment for a new larger, and more conveniently located apartment.
On December 2nd I presented a group project in the morning at school and that afternoon I was on a bus to Madrid. I stayed with a scholar that lived outside of Madrid and the next day we went into town for my Northwestern Law interview with an alumnus. That very afternoon ETA bombed about five gas stations and I didn’t learn about it until I checked the American news websites before leaving Madrid for Barcelona. Luckily, my friends and I wondered around Madrid that day not knowing about it until after the fact.
On December 6th, the most parts of the country celebrated Constitution Day. Catalonia didn’t celebrate and the Basque region celebrated with ETA bombing select streets and plazas named after Spain to protest the day. I learned that there could well be a pact between ETA and Catalonia and that is why there have been no bombings in Catalonia. Therefore, we are safe in Barcelona.
On December 7th, Burak flew to Turkey to visit his family for a week. His dad was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and it is very far advanced. He took our two cameras to help document his time with his family. It served as a good time for him to realize what was happening with his father’s health and to come to peace with it.
On December 8th, I flew with another scholar (that lives in Seville) to Berlin. We were group leaders at a conference for Americans living and studying abroad. The goal of the organization is for Americans with abroad experience to return and keep a dialogue of world events and concerns alive on college campuses and in the public. It has many of the same goals that my Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship aims to achieve.
I met many Americans all over Europe and learned of new ways to pay for my living and studying abroad with other scholarships and grants. I spoke at the conference about the Rotary scholarships to an interested audience. I used my free time to visit the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Christmas markets, and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Many people thought I was a native German and it was fun blending in and not being assumed a tourist. It was my second time ever in Berlin, so I decided to fly to a nearby country while I had the chance.
On December 13th, I flew into Krakow, Poland from Berlin. I had contacted a scholar living there to visit him and his family. I had 24 hours in Poland and it got dark at 4:10pm in Krakow, so I had to run through the sites before it got dark. I went to the Castle on the hill, the Cloth Hall, a Christmas market, several churches, and saw the university where the current Pope attended. I enjoyed visiting with the scholar’s family which included his wife and two young sons.
The next day I ran to the airport for my flight back to Berlin. I was all set to go with just a few minutes before going through security and then I read the monitor. It said my flight was CANCELLED. I panicked. I had no Polish money left, I had a flight from Berlin the next morning to Barcelona, I had classes to teach the next night, I didn’t speak the language, and I didn’t know if I could still use my phone to call anyone. Luckily, since it was the same company I had a flight with the next day, it was all changed for free and I was able to stay with the same family that extra night. I enjoyed my next day but really wanted to get home after having been away for more than a week.
I finally got to Berlin and then back to Barcelona on the 16th. I was so happy to be back and the weather was so warm compared to Berlin and Krakow, I really thought it was summer! Also, the sun stayed out longer in Barcelona and it just was a whole new world between the different places.
That very same day, Burak learned that Duke’s business school accepted him for Fall 2005 entry. We are still waiting for his other three business school applications and my 8 law school applications. Lord willing, we might be in North Carolina next fall.
On the 17th, I moved all our things to the new place with little help because Burak had to work during the day. Our new landlord let us use his car to move our things. Burak and I took several trips by foot on 15 minutes walks with 3-4 suitcases and finally one full car load to move everything. I really don’t know how we accumulated so much. That evening I had to teach. I was exhausted.
On the 18th, we held a Christmas Party with a gift exchange with about 20 people at our new apartment. When the first few guests arrived I was still in my sweat pants and had no makeup on. I figured I could use the excuse ‘I just moved and have been out of the country for a week.’ My French exchange partner was just amazed at all that I can pull off.
On the 21st, I met with Dr. Martinez regarding her foundation that helps treat those with the Zellweger syndrome. Her clinic is basically the only one in the world that has been successful in treating this rare syndrome. My fellow scholar in Barcelona and I plan to organize a fundraising event for her clinic this spring.
On the 22nd, we left for Brussels. We arrived at my family’s village later that afternoon. It was wonderful to see my family after 4 years since my last visit. It was amazing how clear my memories of the town and all the nearby villages were. My French came back but it was weak. I was grateful that I have been speaking Spanish this last 4 months but otherwise I still have work to do.
The very next day, I spoke to my old club during my exchange year, Rotary Club Verviers-Vesdre. It was wonderful seeing my dear Rotarians again after all those years. They loved my speech and I took lots of photos of them. Some said they couldn’t recognize me and others said they recognized me right away. My former Rotary counselor took Burak and I to Spa (a city in Belgium) for a dessert called baba au rhum (our tradition) and then took us out to dinner with his wife.
We spent Christmas Eve at my host mom’s parent’s house with 23 other family members. Many remembered me and we had a great night with French, German, English, Spanish, Italian, Wallon, and Portuguese being spoken around the table.
We had our gift exchange on the 26th with all my host parents’ 4 kids and their partners and their kids. I marveled at how Burak and I are not blood related in anyway to this Belgian family, but they have opened their home during this special holiday time to us. It would have been really lonely staying in Barcelona and too expensive to go back to the US. It was really the best holiday choice and I love showing Burak where I used to live.
On the 29th, we went to Liege to have drinks with current exchange students. I would frequently go to Liege on Wednesday afternoons after school to meet up with my friends living all over Belgium. This time I was an oldie, oldie, oldie, oldie, oldie. Which basically means I am a 4th or 5th generation exchange student coming back to see the current ones since I lived here 4.5 years ago. It is a great feeling being with other exchange students. The same bartender was there as well. A former exchange student that lived there when I did had returned for the holidays and we both went a took a photo with the bartender.
That afternoon, we took a train to Brussels and visited the Mannequin Pis, the street full of seafood, and the Grand Place that was beautiful decorated with lights for Christmas. The next morning we took a bus tour and saw the EU headquarters before heading to Amsterdam on the fast train.
On the 30th we were in Amsterdam. Our hotel gave our room to someone else so we found a new place for a larger price before heading out for the night. I had been there 2 times before, but enjoyed seeing the town with Burak for his first time. We went to the Van Gogh and Heineken museums before heading to cafes to hang out before midnight. At midnight the bartenders gave out free champagne and turned the TV to the festivals taking place in town. We quickly ran outside to see the entire town going crazy with fireworks in the streets, on the water, and in the air for hours to come. We waited for our 7am train to Brussels at the train station and finally arrived at my family’s house before noon.
As we all watch the reports and pray for the victims of the tsunamis of late December, it teaches us about the frailty of life and at the same time, the generosity of humankind to run their aid.
If you have chance, check out my website: www.powersprep.com/rubypowers for recent photos under ‘Barcelona, Spain’ and past updates under ‘Observations.’ Also, make sure to sign my Guestbook.
Happy New Years!
Ruby
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar 2004 – 2005
Barcelona, Spain
December 2, 2004
‘I do, I do’ — but not yet: More Americans putting off marriage
The Associated Press
Updated: 6:50 p.m. ET Dec. 1, 2004
WASHINGTON - It used to be common for men and women to get a marriage certificate not too long after collecting their high school diplomas. Not anymore.
Census Bureau figures for 2003 show that a third of men and nearly a quarter of women ages 30 to 34 have never been married, nearly four times the rates in 1970.
It’s further evidence that young people are focusing on education and careers before settling down and beginning families, experts say. Societal taboos about couples’ living together before marriage also have eased, said Linda Waite, a sociologist at the University of Chicago.
Jeni Landers, 30, a law student from Boston, said she considered living together a requirement before saying “I do.”
“I don’t know how people got married before living together first,” said Landers, who moved in with her fiancé after getting engaged nearly a year ago. “This is crucial to see how you get along.”
‘They see it sort of as dessert’ Data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey released this week show that the age at which someone typically married for the first time rose from 20.8 for women and 23.2 for men in 1970 to 25.3 and 27.1, respectively, last year.
In 1970, only 6 percent of women 30 to 34 had never been married; the figure was 23 percent in 2003. The rate for never-married men in the same age group rose from 9 percent to 33 percent.
Among younger women, 36 percent of those 20 to 24 had never been married in 1970; last year it was 75 percent. Among men in that age group, the change was nearly as dramatic: 55 percent in 1970 to 86 percent last year.
“The majority of people still want to get married, but they see it sort of as dessert now, something that’s desirable rather than necessary,” said Dorion Solot, executive director of the Alternatives to Marriage Project, based in Albany, N.Y., which aims to fight discrimination based on marital status and to seek equality and fairness for unmarried people.
“People want to be more sure that they don’t make a marriage mistake,” Solot said.
Meanwhile, societal pressures to marry before having children have decreased, said Thomas Coleman, executive director for Unmarried America, based in Glendale, Calif., which also promotes equality for unmarried people. Among the group’s concerns are tax policies that it contends are stacked against single people.
Unmarried births also risingIn 2003, nearly 35 percent of all births were to unmarried women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That’s up from 11 percent in 1970, although the rate of increase has slowed since 1995, when 32 percent of births were out-of-wedlock. Births to unmarried teens have declined since the mid-1990s.
Meaghan Lamarre, 24, a research assistant in Providence, R.I., said she and her boyfriend of 10 months “are not in a big hurry to marry.” Lamarre’s focus is on work and getting into an Ivy League graduate program, possibly in public policy.
“There’s no time frame of when to get married. ... It’s not a goal,” said Lamarre, a member of the Alternatives to Marriage Project. “I’m not opposed to it, but I think I could live happily ever after without being married.”
That kind of talk disturbs David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values, a pro-marriage organization based in New York. Blankenhorn said Lamarre’s philosophy was more of a concern to him than those who delayed marriage to focus on school or careers.
Compared with 1970, Blankenhorn said, “there is a sense that marriage has a less dominant role in our society and is less influential as a social institution.”
Having parents or other relatives who are divorced may also make some people in their 20s and 30s hesitant about entering into long-term relationships, said Dennis Lowe, a psychology professor at Pepperdine University in California who focuses on counseling for engaged and married couples.
Data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that the U.S. divorce rate was 2.2 per 1,000 Americans in 1960; it rose steadily to 5.3 per 1,000 in 1981, but it has declined slowly since then, to 4 per 1,000 in 2001.
Census figures also show fewer Americans at older ages who have never been married. In 1970, 8 percent of people 65 and older had never married; now it’s 4 percent.
Landers, the Boston law student, said living with her fiancé was a “testing period” as both dealt with school and their careers. “We already knew what we had was concrete, but the actual act of getting engaged holds a lot of weight with a lot of other people,” she said.
Now there’s pressure to set a wedding date, although Landers said there was no immediate plan to do so.
“It drives people crazy,” she said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6631910/
Updated: 6:50 p.m. ET Dec. 1, 2004
WASHINGTON - It used to be common for men and women to get a marriage certificate not too long after collecting their high school diplomas. Not anymore.
Census Bureau figures for 2003 show that a third of men and nearly a quarter of women ages 30 to 34 have never been married, nearly four times the rates in 1970.
It’s further evidence that young people are focusing on education and careers before settling down and beginning families, experts say. Societal taboos about couples’ living together before marriage also have eased, said Linda Waite, a sociologist at the University of Chicago.
Jeni Landers, 30, a law student from Boston, said she considered living together a requirement before saying “I do.”
“I don’t know how people got married before living together first,” said Landers, who moved in with her fiancé after getting engaged nearly a year ago. “This is crucial to see how you get along.”
‘They see it sort of as dessert’ Data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey released this week show that the age at which someone typically married for the first time rose from 20.8 for women and 23.2 for men in 1970 to 25.3 and 27.1, respectively, last year.
In 1970, only 6 percent of women 30 to 34 had never been married; the figure was 23 percent in 2003. The rate for never-married men in the same age group rose from 9 percent to 33 percent.
Among younger women, 36 percent of those 20 to 24 had never been married in 1970; last year it was 75 percent. Among men in that age group, the change was nearly as dramatic: 55 percent in 1970 to 86 percent last year.
“The majority of people still want to get married, but they see it sort of as dessert now, something that’s desirable rather than necessary,” said Dorion Solot, executive director of the Alternatives to Marriage Project, based in Albany, N.Y., which aims to fight discrimination based on marital status and to seek equality and fairness for unmarried people.
“People want to be more sure that they don’t make a marriage mistake,” Solot said.
Meanwhile, societal pressures to marry before having children have decreased, said Thomas Coleman, executive director for Unmarried America, based in Glendale, Calif., which also promotes equality for unmarried people. Among the group’s concerns are tax policies that it contends are stacked against single people.
Unmarried births also risingIn 2003, nearly 35 percent of all births were to unmarried women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That’s up from 11 percent in 1970, although the rate of increase has slowed since 1995, when 32 percent of births were out-of-wedlock. Births to unmarried teens have declined since the mid-1990s.
Meaghan Lamarre, 24, a research assistant in Providence, R.I., said she and her boyfriend of 10 months “are not in a big hurry to marry.” Lamarre’s focus is on work and getting into an Ivy League graduate program, possibly in public policy.
“There’s no time frame of when to get married. ... It’s not a goal,” said Lamarre, a member of the Alternatives to Marriage Project. “I’m not opposed to it, but I think I could live happily ever after without being married.”
That kind of talk disturbs David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values, a pro-marriage organization based in New York. Blankenhorn said Lamarre’s philosophy was more of a concern to him than those who delayed marriage to focus on school or careers.
Compared with 1970, Blankenhorn said, “there is a sense that marriage has a less dominant role in our society and is less influential as a social institution.”
Having parents or other relatives who are divorced may also make some people in their 20s and 30s hesitant about entering into long-term relationships, said Dennis Lowe, a psychology professor at Pepperdine University in California who focuses on counseling for engaged and married couples.
Data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that the U.S. divorce rate was 2.2 per 1,000 Americans in 1960; it rose steadily to 5.3 per 1,000 in 1981, but it has declined slowly since then, to 4 per 1,000 in 2001.
Census figures also show fewer Americans at older ages who have never been married. In 1970, 8 percent of people 65 and older had never married; now it’s 4 percent.
Landers, the Boston law student, said living with her fiancé was a “testing period” as both dealt with school and their careers. “We already knew what we had was concrete, but the actual act of getting engaged holds a lot of weight with a lot of other people,” she said.
Now there’s pressure to set a wedding date, although Landers said there was no immediate plan to do so.
“It drives people crazy,” she said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6631910/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)