Companion Website for ¡Buen Viaje! 1

I really admire language teachers who can construct websites to extend the learning of the textbook they are using.  This link will take you to one such website.  I happened upon it as I was looking for a worksheet on the Spanish contractions, al and del.

What do I like about the aforementioned website? It offers a variety of interactive online activities, and taps into multi-sensory learning and teaching.

Please use and share! ¡Mil gracias, Mendy Colbert!

A Gentle Reminder...

"I wouldn't say I invented tacky, but I definitely brought it to its present high popularity."  Bette Midler

for those who drop by my blog, and advertise their product or service in the comment section of blog posts:

My blog is not free advertising space for products or services.  Furthermore, please do not leave comments to posts, asking me to post this, that and a third, for a product or service.  BTW: I work hard to construct my posts.  Dropping a comment to advertise a product or a service which has nothing to do with the post in question is rather tacky, and disrespectful. So, respect me, and my blog - please.

Having said the aforementioned, if you would like for me to consider your product or service, this is what the "Shoot Me An Email/Contact Me" form is for.  If you would kindly sent me an email, I will give your product or service consideration.

As for my loyal readers: I've been off the grid for a bit.  All is well, and I simply haven't made time for blogging the way I should have.  I am striving to do better this month.  So, please continue to visit, to read, and to post.  I am still here. :)

A Man Who's Not Even in the 20th Century, Never Mind the 21st

"I came into this landmine of Anglos versus Spanish versus Mexicans versus Indians versus everybody up here. I'm just doing what I've always done."  Larry Whitten 

This clown, in order to turn around a failing hotel, wanted Latinos to change their names.  But, folks weren't having it.  Read the story here.

You're a racist, Larry.  It's the proverbial truth.

Funny Spanish Versions of Two Popular TV Infomercials

Here's Vince of Sham Wow! and Slap Chop fame talking in Spanish.  Yes; it's really him speaking.  For whatever reason, I wasn't able to embed the videos. 

Although the Spanish isn't pristine, it's good entertainment for your Spanish classes, nonetheless.  Enjoy!

Columbus Day

Hispanics have a particular concern when it comes to the celebration of Columbus.  It used to be that Hispanics would argue with Italians over who had more of a claim to the Columbus expedition.  While Columbus was Italian, his expeditions were funded and powered by the Iberian nations of Spain and Portugal.  These two nations would dominate the European exploration the Western hemisphere in cooperation with the talents of other Latin nations.  Today, it seems as if it's everyone versus the American Indians on whether to celebrate the life of Columbus.  From, Las Culturas blog

I wasn't going to post anything on the above topic. But, I did express some thoughts on my personal blog, which I will publish here.  I also located a web article which I believe presents some interesting perspectives.

Regarding Columbus Day, I don’t address it, really with my Onsies and my Twosies. Unless, of course, a student raises the issue of indigenous peoples, which formulate significant segments of the population in the Spanish-speaking world. In many Spanish-speaking countries, at least in Latin America, anyway, Columbus Day is known as El Día de la Raza. The matter of Columbus Day is a very complex and complicated topic, one which many adults have not even remotely decompressed.

For my own part, I think about the issue, more as the Columbus Day holiday approaches. While I do need to be able to discuss the topic in an intelligent and age-appropriate way with my students, it is something about which I am not able to value neutral. For all of of his navigational talents, Columbus was a scumbag, in his times, and in ours. 

Here is an article which may be of interest.