The following information is used for educational purposes only.
Transcript:
(Music)
(Applause)
(Music)
(Applause) Robbie Mizzone: Thank you.
Tommy Mizzone: Thank you very much. We're so excited to be here. It's such an honor for us. Like he said, we're three brothers from New Jersey -- you know, the bluegrass capital of the world.
(Laughter)
We discovered bluegrass a few years ago, and we fell in love with it. We hope you guys will too. This next song is an original we wrote called "Timelapse," and it will probably live up to its name.
(Tuning)
(Music)
(Applause)
TM: Thank you very much.
RM: I'm just going to take a second to introduce the band. On guitar is my 15-year-old brother Tommy. (Applause) On banjo is 10-year-old Jonny. (Applause) He's also our brother. And I'm Robbie, and I'm 14, and I play the fiddle. (Applause)
As you can see, we decided to make it hard on ourselves, and we chose to play three songs in three different keys.
Yeah. I'm also going to explain, a lot of people want to know where we got the name Sleepy Man Banjo Boys from. So it started when Jonny was little, and he first started the banjo, he would play on his back with his eyes closed, and we'd say it looked like he was sleeping. So you can probably piece the rest together. TM: We can't really figure out the reason for this. It might have been that it weighs about a million pounds.
(Music)
(Applause)
(Music)
(Applause)
TM: Thank you very much.
RM: Thank you.
In this blog, teachers, students and all those who have some kind of interest in the English language will find useful, interesting, curious and funny things to be used in their classes or for their personal enjoyment.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
GralInt/Music-TED Talks-Jennifer Lin improvs piano magic
The following information is used for educational purposes only.
Transcript:
(Applause)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Like the speaker before me, I am -- that's the TED virgin, I guess -- I'm also the first time here, and I don't know what to say.
(Applause)
I'm really happy that Mr. Anderson invited me. I'm really grateful that I get a chance to play for everyone. And the song that I just played was by Józef Hofmann. It's called "Kaleidoscope." And Hofmann is a Polish pianist and composer of the late 19th century, and he's widely considered one of the greatest pianists of all time.
I have another piece that I'd like to play for you. It's called "Abegg Variations," by Robert Schumann, a German 19th century composer. The name "Abegg" -- "Abegg" is actually A-B-E-G-G, and that's the main theme in the melody. That comes from the last name of one of Schumann's female friends.
(Laughter)
But he wrote that for his wife.
(Laughter)
So, actually, if you listen carefully, there's supposed to be five variations on this Abegg theme. It's written around 1834, so, even though it's old, I hope you like it. (Music)
(Applause)
Now comes the part that I hate. Well, because Mr. Anderson told me that this session is called "Sync and Flow," I was wondering, "What do I know that these geniuses don't?" So, I'll talk about musical composition, even though I don't know where to start.
How do I compose? I think Yamaha does a really good job of teaching us how to compose. What I do first is, I make a lot of little musical ideas -- you can just improvise here at the piano -- and I choose one of those to become my main theme, my main melody, like the Abegg that you just heard. And once I choose my main theme I have to decide, out of all the styles in music, what kind of style do I want? And this year I composed a Romantic style. So, for inspiration I listened to Liszt and Tchaikovsky and all the great Romantic composers.
Next, I make the structure of the entire piece with my teachers. They help me plan out the whole piece, and then the hard part is filling it in with musical ideas, because then you have to think. (Laughter) And then, when the piece takes somewhat of a solified form -- solidified, excuse me -- solidified form, you're supposed to actually polish the piece, polish the details, and then polish the overall performance of the composition.
And another thing that I enjoy doing is drawing -- drawing, because I like to draw, you know, Japanese anime art. I think that's a craze among teens right now. And once I realized it, there's a parallel between creating music and creating art, because for your motive or your little initial idea for your drawing, it's your character -- you want to decide who do you want to draw, or if you want to draw an original character. And then you want to decide, how are you going to draw the character? Like, am I going to use one page? Am I going to draw it on the computer? Am I going to use a two-page spread like a comic book for more grandiose effect, I guess? And then you have to do the initial sketch of the character, which is like your structure of a piece, and then you add pen and pencil and whatever details that you need -- that's polishing the drawing.
And another thing that both of these have in common is your state of mind, because I don't -- I'm one of those teenagers that are really easily distracted, so if I'm trying to do homework, (Laughter) if I'm trying to do homework and I don't feel like it, I'll try to draw or, you know, waste my time. And then what happens is, sometimes I absolutely can't draw or I can't compose at all, and then it's like there's too much on your mind. You can't focus on what you're supposed to do. And sometimes, if you manage to use your time wisely and work on it, you'll get something out of it, but it doesn't come naturally. What happens is, if something magical happens, if something natural happens to you, you're able to produce all this beautiful stuff instantly, and then that's what I consider "flow," because that's when everything clicks and you're able to do anything. You feel like you're on top of your game and you can do anything you want.
I'm not going to play my own composition today because, although I did finish it, it's way too long. Instead, I'd like to try something called "improvisation." I have here seven note cards, one with each note of the musical alphabet, and I'd like someone to come up here and choose five -- anyone to come up here and choose five -- and then I can make it into some sort of melody and I'll improvise it. Wow, a volunteer, yay!
(Applause)
Nice to meet you.
Goldie Hawn: Thank you. Choose five?
Jennifer Lin: Yes, five cards. Any five cards.
GH: OK. One. Two. Three. Oh, D and F -- too familiar.
(Laughter)
JL: One more.
GH: OK, E for effort.
JL: Would you mind reading them out in the order that you chose them?
GH: OK. C, G, B, A and E.
JL: Thank you very much.
GH: You're welcome. And what about these?
JL: I won't use them. Thank you.
(Applause)
Now, she chose C, G, B, A, E. I'm going to try to put that in some sort of order. (Plays notes) OK, that's nice. So, I'm going to have a moment to think, and I'll try to make something out of it. (Music)
(Applause)
The next song, or the encore, that I'm going to play is called "Bumble Boogie," by Jack Fina.
(Applause)
(Applause)
Transcript:
(Applause)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Like the speaker before me, I am -- that's the TED virgin, I guess -- I'm also the first time here, and I don't know what to say.
(Applause)
I'm really happy that Mr. Anderson invited me. I'm really grateful that I get a chance to play for everyone. And the song that I just played was by Józef Hofmann. It's called "Kaleidoscope." And Hofmann is a Polish pianist and composer of the late 19th century, and he's widely considered one of the greatest pianists of all time.
I have another piece that I'd like to play for you. It's called "Abegg Variations," by Robert Schumann, a German 19th century composer. The name "Abegg" -- "Abegg" is actually A-B-E-G-G, and that's the main theme in the melody. That comes from the last name of one of Schumann's female friends.
(Laughter)
But he wrote that for his wife.
(Laughter)
So, actually, if you listen carefully, there's supposed to be five variations on this Abegg theme. It's written around 1834, so, even though it's old, I hope you like it. (Music)
(Applause)
Now comes the part that I hate. Well, because Mr. Anderson told me that this session is called "Sync and Flow," I was wondering, "What do I know that these geniuses don't?" So, I'll talk about musical composition, even though I don't know where to start.
How do I compose? I think Yamaha does a really good job of teaching us how to compose. What I do first is, I make a lot of little musical ideas -- you can just improvise here at the piano -- and I choose one of those to become my main theme, my main melody, like the Abegg that you just heard. And once I choose my main theme I have to decide, out of all the styles in music, what kind of style do I want? And this year I composed a Romantic style. So, for inspiration I listened to Liszt and Tchaikovsky and all the great Romantic composers.
Next, I make the structure of the entire piece with my teachers. They help me plan out the whole piece, and then the hard part is filling it in with musical ideas, because then you have to think. (Laughter) And then, when the piece takes somewhat of a solified form -- solidified, excuse me -- solidified form, you're supposed to actually polish the piece, polish the details, and then polish the overall performance of the composition.
And another thing that I enjoy doing is drawing -- drawing, because I like to draw, you know, Japanese anime art. I think that's a craze among teens right now. And once I realized it, there's a parallel between creating music and creating art, because for your motive or your little initial idea for your drawing, it's your character -- you want to decide who do you want to draw, or if you want to draw an original character. And then you want to decide, how are you going to draw the character? Like, am I going to use one page? Am I going to draw it on the computer? Am I going to use a two-page spread like a comic book for more grandiose effect, I guess? And then you have to do the initial sketch of the character, which is like your structure of a piece, and then you add pen and pencil and whatever details that you need -- that's polishing the drawing.
And another thing that both of these have in common is your state of mind, because I don't -- I'm one of those teenagers that are really easily distracted, so if I'm trying to do homework, (Laughter) if I'm trying to do homework and I don't feel like it, I'll try to draw or, you know, waste my time. And then what happens is, sometimes I absolutely can't draw or I can't compose at all, and then it's like there's too much on your mind. You can't focus on what you're supposed to do. And sometimes, if you manage to use your time wisely and work on it, you'll get something out of it, but it doesn't come naturally. What happens is, if something magical happens, if something natural happens to you, you're able to produce all this beautiful stuff instantly, and then that's what I consider "flow," because that's when everything clicks and you're able to do anything. You feel like you're on top of your game and you can do anything you want.
I'm not going to play my own composition today because, although I did finish it, it's way too long. Instead, I'd like to try something called "improvisation." I have here seven note cards, one with each note of the musical alphabet, and I'd like someone to come up here and choose five -- anyone to come up here and choose five -- and then I can make it into some sort of melody and I'll improvise it. Wow, a volunteer, yay!
(Applause)
Nice to meet you.
Goldie Hawn: Thank you. Choose five?
Jennifer Lin: Yes, five cards. Any five cards.
GH: OK. One. Two. Three. Oh, D and F -- too familiar.
(Laughter)
JL: One more.
GH: OK, E for effort.
JL: Would you mind reading them out in the order that you chose them?
GH: OK. C, G, B, A and E.
JL: Thank you very much.
GH: You're welcome. And what about these?
JL: I won't use them. Thank you.
(Applause)
Now, she chose C, G, B, A, E. I'm going to try to put that in some sort of order. (Plays notes) OK, that's nice. So, I'm going to have a moment to think, and I'll try to make something out of it. (Music)
(Applause)
The next song, or the encore, that I'm going to play is called "Bumble Boogie," by Jack Fina.
(Applause)
(Applause)
Friday, July 5, 2013
GralInt-¿Cómo sos según el horóscopo maya?
The following information is used for educational purposes only.
¿Cómo sos según el horóscopo maya?
Toda la magia y la sabiduría de esta civilización se unen para decirte cómo sos en la vida, el amor y el trabajo. De acuerdo a tu fecha de nacimiento, encontrá el signo y las características que este zodíaco te ha asignado.
Pablo Padula
ESCORPIÓN: Nacidos entre el 23 de agosto y el 19 de septiembre
El Escorpión inspira respeto y temor a su alrededor. Son reservados y celosos de sí mismos, guardan su intimidad ante las miradas de ojos curiosos. Críticos con la gente que los rodea, odian las estridencias. Así, prefieren pasar desapercibidos, estar en un segundo lugar, a ser el centro de atención en una reunión.
En el trabajo son metódicos y prácticos. Si no logran estudiar, serán autodidactas, leerán, se cultivarán, y llegarán a poseer incluso más conocimientos que un universitario. Los nativos de este signo puede trabajar de cualquier cosa, lo que emprendan lo harán bien.
En el amor, prefieren demostrar afecto a través de los hechos más que con palabras.
VENADO: Nacidos entre el 20 de septiembre y el 17 de octubre
El Venado es el ser más sensible y delicado de todo el Zodíaco Maya. Frágil, asustadizo y muy bello interiormente, sabrá resaltar de sí mismo todas sus cualidades positivas.
Cuidadoso por su imagen personal, está siempre impecable. Por eso, no sería raro verlos delante del espejo varias horas antes de salir de casa. Cuando lleguen tarde, se sabrá por qué es. Sin embargo, el Venado es un signo que tiende a estar enfermo. Por eso, andarán siempre pendientes de sus gargantas para no enfriarse y de sus abrigos para protegerse.
Nacieron artistas. Poseen un don especial para el arte: pintores, escultores, ceramistas, poetas, decoradores, diseñadores de moda, artesanos, fotógrafos, nacieron y triunfaron bajo la Luna del Venado.
En el amor, el venado es un romántico por naturaleza. Espera vivir una historia color de rosa, como en las viejas películas con final feliz: y una vez que se enamoran difícilmente olvidarán a la persona que les robó el corazón.
LECHUZA: Nacidos entre el 18 de octubre y el 14 de noviembre
Tienen un sexto sentido para predecir qué situaciones se van a dar. Por eso, siempre se dejan guiar por sus impulsos, creyendo ciegamente en lo que su corazón les dicta.
Así, crean un halo de misterio a su alrededor que cautivará a todos los que le rodean. Por eso, la Lechuza se convertirá en el mejor amigo de muchos. Su poder cautivador dejará indiferente a muy pocos. Soñadores, vivirán para su exterior una vida muy diferente a la de su interior. Esperarán lograr siempre que ésta, la que está en su cabecita, se haga realidad.
Son escritores innatos, sus fantasías son casi mágicas, pueden crear un cuento de hadas, con castillos y dragones, príncipes y ogros. No creen en los sacrificios: para ellos "el trabajo debe realizarse con amor"… O no realizarse.
En el amor, son románticos empedernidos. Eso sí, el amor les dará algunos golpes hasta que -por fin- encuentren una persona que les corresponda y los ame como verdaderamente se merecen.
PAVO REAL: Nacidos entre el 15 de noviembre y el 12 de diciembre
Si una profesión caracterizara a un Pavo Real, esa es la de actor de Hollywood. Él es una estrella en bruto esperando a ser descubierta. Extrovertido y con gran carisma, quiere ser el centro de atención. Realmente lo logra.
Aprovecha diferentes estrategias para lucirse, desde los chistes hasta los dramas, aunque lo que va con él es el humor. Por eso, será el centro de atención en reuniones familiares. La risa, garantizada. Original y divertido, le gusta diferenciarse del resto. En el detalle está, para el Pavo Real, el secreto. Un secreto, que sin duda, no transmitirá a cualquiera.
Al Pavo Real le gustan los desafíos, en su trabajo tratará de destacarse, crecer y ascender más allá de sus propios límites.
Si un Pavo Real te ha elegido de amigo, verdaderamente eres una persona especial, en general, sus amigos son tan delirantes como él. En la pareja, necesitan ser amados y admirados por la persona que tienen al lado.
LAGARTO: Nacidos entre el 13 de diciembre y el 9 de enero
Los nacidos bajo este signo viven en una continua búsqueda interior. Quieren saber a dónde van, cuál es su destino en la vida. Este signo, mutante es su característica principal, vivirá muchas vidas. Cambiará de trabajo, de pareja, de amigos. Esto se debe a un inconformismo y a su continua búsqueda de cosas nuevas. Los Lagarto se adaptan a todas las circunstancias gracias a su personalidad camaleónica. Son generosos, bondadosos y serviciales.
El lagarto siempre está peleando con el tiempo, desearía que el día fuera más largo para poder hacer todo lo que quieren y, en especial, para tener más tiempo de ocio. Sus grandes ideas se le ocurren cuando tienen la mente en blanco y, para esto, necesitan mucho tiempo para pensar, no hacer nada y mirar las nubes. Por esto, muchas veces los lagartos tienen fama de holgazanes, pero si respetás su ritmo puede hacerte ganar una fortuna, aunque en apariencia no esté haciendo nada. ¡Sus ideas cotizan en bolsa!
Casi siempre prefieren pasar inadvertidos y no hacer mucho "ruido", prefieren las personas simples y calladas, como él, que no lo pongan en evidencia ni le presionen.
MONO/GORILA: Nacidos entre el 10 de enero y el 6 de febrero
La característica principal que define a un Gorila es la inquietud. No cesa hasta encontrar lo que desea. Todo es un reto para él. Cada día es algo nuevo por descubrir, por aprender, por enseñar. Sin embargo, su actividad le impide -a veces- reflexionar si tiene sentido o no lo que está haciendo.
Divertido y alegre, gusta de reírse de los demás y, como buen Gorila, de sí mismo también. Así, podrá enfrentarse a situaciones difíciles de la vida, buscando su lado positivo. Inestable en el amor, tardará en conseguir una pareja fija. El problema para formalizar una relación es su miedo al compromiso.
El trabajo es todo un mundo para el mono, porque no entiende o no le gustan los términos laborales. Es preferible que a la hora de elegir su profesión opte por una carrera creativa que le permita cierta libertad de horarios.
En la pareja, los monos no son tan buenos como en la amistad. Ellos quisieran ser fieles y entregarse a una sola persona pero, en este sentido,l es bastante inconstante, salta de rama en rama y de amor en amor.
HALCON: Nacidos entre el 7 de febrero y el 6 de Marzo
Este signo está bendecido por el don de la buena suerte. Desde muy pequeños ya tienen una personalidad muy definida y un carácter fuerte. La ambición les surge en la juventud.
Y ya cuando vayan madurando se darán cuenta de que su meta principal en la vida es el triunfo profesional. Intentarán por todos los medios ser los primeros y, por ello, no cesarán hasta conseguir lo que desean. Su mente ágil y su memoria les facilitará el estudio. Por ello, son los Halcones los que tienen una mayor representación en la universidad.
Las profesiones que más afinidad tienen con los halcones son aquellas relacionadas con la ley: abogados, jueces, escribanos, estadistas, embajadores, diplomáticos, entre muchas otras. También aman volar por ello muchos son aviadores, comisarios de abordo o azafatas.
El halcón se enamora una vez y para toda la vida, su primer gran amor quedará grabado por siempre en su corazón. Puede intentar un segundo o tercer matrimonio, pero en el fondo una parte de sí permanecerá guardada, sin entregarse por completo.
JAGUAR: Nacidos entre el 7 de marzo y el 3 de abril
Apasionados y luchadores, los Jaguares se esforzarán para conseguir lo que desean en la vida. Por eso, no cesarán en la búsqueda del modo de lograr lo que desean.
Incondicionales en la amistad, estarán a tu lado para lo que les necesites. Independientes, son muy difíciles de casar y cazar. Así, será de los últimos signos en dar el sí.
Se dice de ellos que tienen siete vidas, como los gatos. Nacen, mueren, se crean y se recrean ellos mismos. Hay dos tipos de Jaguares: los excéntricos y los convencionales. Sin embargo, a veces estas dos mismas personalidades conviven en la misma persona. A los primeros les gustan las fiestas; a los segundos los automóviles exóticos y la ropa kitsch.
En su profesión, como en todo lo demás, ama los desafíos. No nació para las pequeñas cosas: empresario, inventor, estrella de rock, periodista, escritor, boxeador, son algunas de las carreras que lo atraparán.
En el amor, si una persona nacida en este signo ha puesto el ojo sobre ti date por vencido, desplegará cada uno de sus trucos y artimañas y caerás rendido a sus pies. Te preguntarás como hizo para seducirte si jamás te hubieras fijado en una persona como él y, sin embargo, ahí estas amándolo, necesitándolo y esperando ansiosamente que te llame.
PERRO/ZORRO: Nacidos entre el 4 de abril y el 1 de mayo
El amor es su motor en la vida. Nobles por naturaleza, poseen una vocación innata de servicio. Por eso, muchos de ellos serán médicos o enfermeros. Lo malo es que muchas veces se olvidan de ellos mismos, de sus necesidades, de sus deseos...
Sin embargo, cada buena obra que hacen, les es devuelta con creces. La vida les regala una sonrisa. El Zorro sabe entender a la gente y, por lo tanto, sabe llegar a ella rápidamente. Siente el dolor ajeno como algo propio. Así, no sería de extrañar verlo llorar simplemente porque alguien a su alrededor lo esté haciendo.
Tradicionalistas y conservadores: quieren casarse, tener un trabajo seguro y con éste tener los recursos económicos para poder disfrutar de sus hijos.
El zorro es trabajador, aunque debe aprender a relacionarse un poco mejor con el dinero. Trabaja, trabaja, pero el dinero nunca le alcanza. El problema es que el zorro se mete en empresas que no generan ganancias, pese a eso, su corazón es de oro.
SERPIENTE: Nacidos entre el 2 y el 29 de mayo
La Serpiente tiene mala fama en el Horóscopo Maya y es que muchas veces todo lo que hay a su alrededor es envidia. A ellos les gusta el lujo, el confort, la elegancia y el refinamiento. Su buen gusto en su forma de vestir, en la decoración y en su educación los hace ser el punto de atención.
Son luchadores y trabajadores natos. Gracias a esto, llegan a escalas sociales elevadas. Sin embargo, son competidores leales y será raro verlos poner la zancadilla a un compañero. Lo que demuestran es mal humor si te interponés en su camino o lo desafías. Entonces, se defenderá con uñas y dientes.
En el fondo, la serpiente es una romántica total, pero como es justamente tan sensible es que se pone a la defensiva. Si lográs tocar su corazón, contarás con una amiga para toda la vida.
Tan seguras de sí mismas en su vida y en su profesión, en el amor son todo lo contrario: necesitan mimos, caricias y afecto constantemente. El amor es el aire que le permite saber que están vivas, cambiarían todo su dinero, fama y poder sólo por amor.
ARDILLA: Nacidos entre el 30 de mayo y el 26 de junio
Charlatanes. Así son las Ardillas. Personas a las que les cuesta guardar un secreto, que hacen del rumor una realidad y que consiguen hacer volar los cotilleos.
Gusta de tener muchos amigos. En su agenda de contactos la lista de números de teléfono es interminable. Así, se podrían pasar largas horas al día colgados del auricular. ¡Sin exagerar! Inestables, suelen cambiar de opinión varias veces al día. Esto desorienta a quienes tienen a su alrededor, que dudan en muchas ocasiones de su credibilidad.
Activo e inquieto, su mayor afición es la charla larga y distendida. Sin embargo, una de sus habilidades es hacer varias tareas a la vez.
En el amor son magnéticas, atraen a la gente como un imán. Pero si se deslumbran con una persona, caen rendidas a sus pies. Le encantan las pequeñas atenciones, sabe apreciar un gesto de amor como si su pareja aparece con un ramo de margaritas silvestres, un simple chocolatín, o un poema de amor escrito con faltas de ortografía.
TORTUGA: Nacidos entre el 27 de junio y el 25 de julio
La tranquilidad del hogar les gusta por encima de todas las cosas. La Tortuga es tranquila, es por eso que construirá su porvenir sin prisa. El trabajo lento y constante es el que le gusta, ya que no confía en los resultados rápidos y fáciles.
Considerado uno de los signos sabios por los mayas, la Tortuga puede llegar a desarrollar su inteligencia hasta límites insospechados. Aunque no tengan una formación específica, la vida les pone ante sí los conocimientos necesarios para que su nivel intelectual sea elevado.
Necesitan sentirse a gusto en su lugar de trabajo, rodearse de armonía y tener relaciones cordiales con sus compañeros. Es un empleado fiel y solícito y no le importa quedarse fuera de su horario de trabajo si es necesario.
Contar con una tortuga de amiga, es sacarse la lotería. En el amor son bastante tímidas, si esperás que un chico de este signo se te declare, es imposible en tiempo real. Consejo: decile vos primero cuáles son tus sentimientos por él.
MURCIÉLAGO: Nacidos entre el 26 de julio y el 22 de agosto
Luchadores, emprendedores y de fuerte carácter, el Murciélago nació para ser un héroe. Líderes innatos, centrarán la atención de quienes los rodean. De ahí, su capacidad de éxito. Además, su modo de ser los convierte en jefes por excelencia.
Dar órdenes y tomar decisiones les cuesta muy poco. Impulsivos, no temen los desafíos. Hacen las cosas y luego las piensan. Así, lo más normal del mundo sería ver a un Murciélago metido en riñas o disputas. Pero nunca llegará la sangre al río.
Son excelentes políticos, gobernantes, gerentes, economistas, empresarios, ministros y también poseen una veta humorista.
En el amor, el murciélago pasa por diferentes etapas: es protector, guardián del hogar y buen jefe de familia. A veces, la mujer murciélago hace de padre y madre a la vez. Pero también los murciélagos necesitan momentos de soledad y preservar su independencia por eso la persona que esté a su lado debe ser igual a él, tener vida propia y otras amistades con las que relacionarse. Necesita admirar a la persona que tiene al lado y sentir que es digna de su amor, debe brillar con luz propia pero sin opacar en ningún momento la luz del murciélago.
Pablo Padula, Sitio Hispano de Astrología.
www.sitiohispano.com
Fuente: www.entremujeres.com/www.clarin.com
¿Cómo sos según el horóscopo maya?
Toda la magia y la sabiduría de esta civilización se unen para decirte cómo sos en la vida, el amor y el trabajo. De acuerdo a tu fecha de nacimiento, encontrá el signo y las características que este zodíaco te ha asignado.
Pablo Padula
ESCORPIÓN: Nacidos entre el 23 de agosto y el 19 de septiembre
El Escorpión inspira respeto y temor a su alrededor. Son reservados y celosos de sí mismos, guardan su intimidad ante las miradas de ojos curiosos. Críticos con la gente que los rodea, odian las estridencias. Así, prefieren pasar desapercibidos, estar en un segundo lugar, a ser el centro de atención en una reunión.
En el trabajo son metódicos y prácticos. Si no logran estudiar, serán autodidactas, leerán, se cultivarán, y llegarán a poseer incluso más conocimientos que un universitario. Los nativos de este signo puede trabajar de cualquier cosa, lo que emprendan lo harán bien.
En el amor, prefieren demostrar afecto a través de los hechos más que con palabras.
VENADO: Nacidos entre el 20 de septiembre y el 17 de octubre
El Venado es el ser más sensible y delicado de todo el Zodíaco Maya. Frágil, asustadizo y muy bello interiormente, sabrá resaltar de sí mismo todas sus cualidades positivas.
Cuidadoso por su imagen personal, está siempre impecable. Por eso, no sería raro verlos delante del espejo varias horas antes de salir de casa. Cuando lleguen tarde, se sabrá por qué es. Sin embargo, el Venado es un signo que tiende a estar enfermo. Por eso, andarán siempre pendientes de sus gargantas para no enfriarse y de sus abrigos para protegerse.
Nacieron artistas. Poseen un don especial para el arte: pintores, escultores, ceramistas, poetas, decoradores, diseñadores de moda, artesanos, fotógrafos, nacieron y triunfaron bajo la Luna del Venado.
En el amor, el venado es un romántico por naturaleza. Espera vivir una historia color de rosa, como en las viejas películas con final feliz: y una vez que se enamoran difícilmente olvidarán a la persona que les robó el corazón.
LECHUZA: Nacidos entre el 18 de octubre y el 14 de noviembre
Tienen un sexto sentido para predecir qué situaciones se van a dar. Por eso, siempre se dejan guiar por sus impulsos, creyendo ciegamente en lo que su corazón les dicta.
Así, crean un halo de misterio a su alrededor que cautivará a todos los que le rodean. Por eso, la Lechuza se convertirá en el mejor amigo de muchos. Su poder cautivador dejará indiferente a muy pocos. Soñadores, vivirán para su exterior una vida muy diferente a la de su interior. Esperarán lograr siempre que ésta, la que está en su cabecita, se haga realidad.
Son escritores innatos, sus fantasías son casi mágicas, pueden crear un cuento de hadas, con castillos y dragones, príncipes y ogros. No creen en los sacrificios: para ellos "el trabajo debe realizarse con amor"… O no realizarse.
En el amor, son románticos empedernidos. Eso sí, el amor les dará algunos golpes hasta que -por fin- encuentren una persona que les corresponda y los ame como verdaderamente se merecen.
PAVO REAL: Nacidos entre el 15 de noviembre y el 12 de diciembre
Si una profesión caracterizara a un Pavo Real, esa es la de actor de Hollywood. Él es una estrella en bruto esperando a ser descubierta. Extrovertido y con gran carisma, quiere ser el centro de atención. Realmente lo logra.
Aprovecha diferentes estrategias para lucirse, desde los chistes hasta los dramas, aunque lo que va con él es el humor. Por eso, será el centro de atención en reuniones familiares. La risa, garantizada. Original y divertido, le gusta diferenciarse del resto. En el detalle está, para el Pavo Real, el secreto. Un secreto, que sin duda, no transmitirá a cualquiera.
Al Pavo Real le gustan los desafíos, en su trabajo tratará de destacarse, crecer y ascender más allá de sus propios límites.
Si un Pavo Real te ha elegido de amigo, verdaderamente eres una persona especial, en general, sus amigos son tan delirantes como él. En la pareja, necesitan ser amados y admirados por la persona que tienen al lado.
LAGARTO: Nacidos entre el 13 de diciembre y el 9 de enero
Los nacidos bajo este signo viven en una continua búsqueda interior. Quieren saber a dónde van, cuál es su destino en la vida. Este signo, mutante es su característica principal, vivirá muchas vidas. Cambiará de trabajo, de pareja, de amigos. Esto se debe a un inconformismo y a su continua búsqueda de cosas nuevas. Los Lagarto se adaptan a todas las circunstancias gracias a su personalidad camaleónica. Son generosos, bondadosos y serviciales.
El lagarto siempre está peleando con el tiempo, desearía que el día fuera más largo para poder hacer todo lo que quieren y, en especial, para tener más tiempo de ocio. Sus grandes ideas se le ocurren cuando tienen la mente en blanco y, para esto, necesitan mucho tiempo para pensar, no hacer nada y mirar las nubes. Por esto, muchas veces los lagartos tienen fama de holgazanes, pero si respetás su ritmo puede hacerte ganar una fortuna, aunque en apariencia no esté haciendo nada. ¡Sus ideas cotizan en bolsa!
Casi siempre prefieren pasar inadvertidos y no hacer mucho "ruido", prefieren las personas simples y calladas, como él, que no lo pongan en evidencia ni le presionen.
MONO/GORILA: Nacidos entre el 10 de enero y el 6 de febrero
La característica principal que define a un Gorila es la inquietud. No cesa hasta encontrar lo que desea. Todo es un reto para él. Cada día es algo nuevo por descubrir, por aprender, por enseñar. Sin embargo, su actividad le impide -a veces- reflexionar si tiene sentido o no lo que está haciendo.
Divertido y alegre, gusta de reírse de los demás y, como buen Gorila, de sí mismo también. Así, podrá enfrentarse a situaciones difíciles de la vida, buscando su lado positivo. Inestable en el amor, tardará en conseguir una pareja fija. El problema para formalizar una relación es su miedo al compromiso.
El trabajo es todo un mundo para el mono, porque no entiende o no le gustan los términos laborales. Es preferible que a la hora de elegir su profesión opte por una carrera creativa que le permita cierta libertad de horarios.
En la pareja, los monos no son tan buenos como en la amistad. Ellos quisieran ser fieles y entregarse a una sola persona pero, en este sentido,l es bastante inconstante, salta de rama en rama y de amor en amor.
HALCON: Nacidos entre el 7 de febrero y el 6 de Marzo
Este signo está bendecido por el don de la buena suerte. Desde muy pequeños ya tienen una personalidad muy definida y un carácter fuerte. La ambición les surge en la juventud.
Y ya cuando vayan madurando se darán cuenta de que su meta principal en la vida es el triunfo profesional. Intentarán por todos los medios ser los primeros y, por ello, no cesarán hasta conseguir lo que desean. Su mente ágil y su memoria les facilitará el estudio. Por ello, son los Halcones los que tienen una mayor representación en la universidad.
Las profesiones que más afinidad tienen con los halcones son aquellas relacionadas con la ley: abogados, jueces, escribanos, estadistas, embajadores, diplomáticos, entre muchas otras. También aman volar por ello muchos son aviadores, comisarios de abordo o azafatas.
El halcón se enamora una vez y para toda la vida, su primer gran amor quedará grabado por siempre en su corazón. Puede intentar un segundo o tercer matrimonio, pero en el fondo una parte de sí permanecerá guardada, sin entregarse por completo.
JAGUAR: Nacidos entre el 7 de marzo y el 3 de abril
Apasionados y luchadores, los Jaguares se esforzarán para conseguir lo que desean en la vida. Por eso, no cesarán en la búsqueda del modo de lograr lo que desean.
Incondicionales en la amistad, estarán a tu lado para lo que les necesites. Independientes, son muy difíciles de casar y cazar. Así, será de los últimos signos en dar el sí.
Se dice de ellos que tienen siete vidas, como los gatos. Nacen, mueren, se crean y se recrean ellos mismos. Hay dos tipos de Jaguares: los excéntricos y los convencionales. Sin embargo, a veces estas dos mismas personalidades conviven en la misma persona. A los primeros les gustan las fiestas; a los segundos los automóviles exóticos y la ropa kitsch.
En su profesión, como en todo lo demás, ama los desafíos. No nació para las pequeñas cosas: empresario, inventor, estrella de rock, periodista, escritor, boxeador, son algunas de las carreras que lo atraparán.
En el amor, si una persona nacida en este signo ha puesto el ojo sobre ti date por vencido, desplegará cada uno de sus trucos y artimañas y caerás rendido a sus pies. Te preguntarás como hizo para seducirte si jamás te hubieras fijado en una persona como él y, sin embargo, ahí estas amándolo, necesitándolo y esperando ansiosamente que te llame.
PERRO/ZORRO: Nacidos entre el 4 de abril y el 1 de mayo
El amor es su motor en la vida. Nobles por naturaleza, poseen una vocación innata de servicio. Por eso, muchos de ellos serán médicos o enfermeros. Lo malo es que muchas veces se olvidan de ellos mismos, de sus necesidades, de sus deseos...
Sin embargo, cada buena obra que hacen, les es devuelta con creces. La vida les regala una sonrisa. El Zorro sabe entender a la gente y, por lo tanto, sabe llegar a ella rápidamente. Siente el dolor ajeno como algo propio. Así, no sería de extrañar verlo llorar simplemente porque alguien a su alrededor lo esté haciendo.
Tradicionalistas y conservadores: quieren casarse, tener un trabajo seguro y con éste tener los recursos económicos para poder disfrutar de sus hijos.
El zorro es trabajador, aunque debe aprender a relacionarse un poco mejor con el dinero. Trabaja, trabaja, pero el dinero nunca le alcanza. El problema es que el zorro se mete en empresas que no generan ganancias, pese a eso, su corazón es de oro.
SERPIENTE: Nacidos entre el 2 y el 29 de mayo
La Serpiente tiene mala fama en el Horóscopo Maya y es que muchas veces todo lo que hay a su alrededor es envidia. A ellos les gusta el lujo, el confort, la elegancia y el refinamiento. Su buen gusto en su forma de vestir, en la decoración y en su educación los hace ser el punto de atención.
Son luchadores y trabajadores natos. Gracias a esto, llegan a escalas sociales elevadas. Sin embargo, son competidores leales y será raro verlos poner la zancadilla a un compañero. Lo que demuestran es mal humor si te interponés en su camino o lo desafías. Entonces, se defenderá con uñas y dientes.
En el fondo, la serpiente es una romántica total, pero como es justamente tan sensible es que se pone a la defensiva. Si lográs tocar su corazón, contarás con una amiga para toda la vida.
Tan seguras de sí mismas en su vida y en su profesión, en el amor son todo lo contrario: necesitan mimos, caricias y afecto constantemente. El amor es el aire que le permite saber que están vivas, cambiarían todo su dinero, fama y poder sólo por amor.
ARDILLA: Nacidos entre el 30 de mayo y el 26 de junio
Charlatanes. Así son las Ardillas. Personas a las que les cuesta guardar un secreto, que hacen del rumor una realidad y que consiguen hacer volar los cotilleos.
Gusta de tener muchos amigos. En su agenda de contactos la lista de números de teléfono es interminable. Así, se podrían pasar largas horas al día colgados del auricular. ¡Sin exagerar! Inestables, suelen cambiar de opinión varias veces al día. Esto desorienta a quienes tienen a su alrededor, que dudan en muchas ocasiones de su credibilidad.
Activo e inquieto, su mayor afición es la charla larga y distendida. Sin embargo, una de sus habilidades es hacer varias tareas a la vez.
En el amor son magnéticas, atraen a la gente como un imán. Pero si se deslumbran con una persona, caen rendidas a sus pies. Le encantan las pequeñas atenciones, sabe apreciar un gesto de amor como si su pareja aparece con un ramo de margaritas silvestres, un simple chocolatín, o un poema de amor escrito con faltas de ortografía.
TORTUGA: Nacidos entre el 27 de junio y el 25 de julio
La tranquilidad del hogar les gusta por encima de todas las cosas. La Tortuga es tranquila, es por eso que construirá su porvenir sin prisa. El trabajo lento y constante es el que le gusta, ya que no confía en los resultados rápidos y fáciles.
Considerado uno de los signos sabios por los mayas, la Tortuga puede llegar a desarrollar su inteligencia hasta límites insospechados. Aunque no tengan una formación específica, la vida les pone ante sí los conocimientos necesarios para que su nivel intelectual sea elevado.
Necesitan sentirse a gusto en su lugar de trabajo, rodearse de armonía y tener relaciones cordiales con sus compañeros. Es un empleado fiel y solícito y no le importa quedarse fuera de su horario de trabajo si es necesario.
Contar con una tortuga de amiga, es sacarse la lotería. En el amor son bastante tímidas, si esperás que un chico de este signo se te declare, es imposible en tiempo real. Consejo: decile vos primero cuáles son tus sentimientos por él.
MURCIÉLAGO: Nacidos entre el 26 de julio y el 22 de agosto
Luchadores, emprendedores y de fuerte carácter, el Murciélago nació para ser un héroe. Líderes innatos, centrarán la atención de quienes los rodean. De ahí, su capacidad de éxito. Además, su modo de ser los convierte en jefes por excelencia.
Dar órdenes y tomar decisiones les cuesta muy poco. Impulsivos, no temen los desafíos. Hacen las cosas y luego las piensan. Así, lo más normal del mundo sería ver a un Murciélago metido en riñas o disputas. Pero nunca llegará la sangre al río.
Son excelentes políticos, gobernantes, gerentes, economistas, empresarios, ministros y también poseen una veta humorista.
En el amor, el murciélago pasa por diferentes etapas: es protector, guardián del hogar y buen jefe de familia. A veces, la mujer murciélago hace de padre y madre a la vez. Pero también los murciélagos necesitan momentos de soledad y preservar su independencia por eso la persona que esté a su lado debe ser igual a él, tener vida propia y otras amistades con las que relacionarse. Necesita admirar a la persona que tiene al lado y sentir que es digna de su amor, debe brillar con luz propia pero sin opacar en ningún momento la luz del murciélago.
Pablo Padula, Sitio Hispano de Astrología.
www.sitiohispano.com
Fuente: www.entremujeres.com/www.clarin.com
Thursday, July 4, 2013
GRalINt/POL-The Snowden Effect
The following information is used for educational purposes only.
The Snowden Effect
04 July 2013
MADRID – The continued leaking of classified information by the former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden has provoked heated debate about privacy and international law, which, unfortunately, has overshadowed the geostrategic dimension of his actions. In fact, Snowden’s revelations about US surveillance programs, and his own ongoing struggle to avoid extradition, reveal much about President Barack Obama’s imprimatur on US foreign relations.
More than any other incoming American president in recent memory, Obama raised expectations worldwide. Yet he has proved to be mainly, if not solely, interested in domestic issues, resulting in a foreign policy of reaction. The Snowden affair highlights three elements of this: US-Russia relations, US influence in South America, and US relations with Europe.
The Kremlin’s handling of the affair is indicative of the tense state of US-Russia relations. In the aftermath of the bilateral relationship’s ill-fated “reset,” Russia has been eager to maintain its global position as a foil to the US, causing many people on both sides to revert to a Cold War mentality. By falling into this trap, the US has provided President Vladimir Putin with endless fodder to score political points and solidify his domestic position.
Putin regards anti-Americanism as an effective tool for short-circuiting domestic discontent. Developments like the US Congress’s enactment of the Magnitsky Act, portrayed in Russia as an American provocation, have allowed the Kremlin to rally support at home with retaliatory measures such as a ban on foreign adoptions, while providing cover for a crackdown on domestic opponents.
Following the NATO-led intervention in Libya in 2011, which the Kremlin regarded as another example of Western overreach, Russia has been more aggressive in asserting itself internationally, mainly in opposition to the US. This is most obvious in Russia’s dogged support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. And Russia’s refusal to hand over Snowden, under the pretext of strict adherence to the law, has allowed Putin to poke Obama in the eye once again – this time while posing as a defender of legality and human rights.
This coup de théȃtre was magnified by Putin’s cynical claim that Russia would allow Snowden to stay only if he stopped leaking information “aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners.” Presumably, Putin would not object to the infliction of such damage behind closed doors, during a debriefing with the Russian security services.
Moreover, the Snowden affair reinforces the perception that the US is losing its sway in South America. With few notable exceptions, such as US Ambassador to Brazil Tom Shannon, US diplomacy has lacked a strategic vision for Latin America. Barack Obama’s 2008 election created high expectations in this region, too; but his administration’s approach has been reserved, at best, and often obtuse.
While China’s influence in Latin America has soared, the US has remained aloof. Obama’s visit in May was presented as an effort to reinvigorate relations in the context of the rise of the Asia-Pacific region. Unfortunately, the chickens of Obama’s first term have already come home to roost.
For example, the US is far and away Ecuador’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than a third of its foreign trade. Yet, facing the possibility that Ecuador might grant Snowden asylum, the US felt the need to scramble, with Vice President Joe Biden personally pleading America’s case to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, even after Obama announced that he would not engage in “wheeling and dealing” over the extradition.
The threat by US officials to cut off aid to Ecuador, which would amount to a measly $12 million in 2014, further evinces a clumsy approach. America’s traditional sources of influence – its soft power, regional alliances, and financial leverage – appear to be running dry. The message to the world is clear: the US is not the regional power that it should be.
Finally, turning to Europe, Obama’s flippant attitude concerning alleged US surveillance of the European Union and its member states shows that American exceptionalism is alive and well. Instead of acknowledging the legitimacy of European concerns, he shrugged them off as a frivolity: “[I] guarantee you that in European capitals, there are people who are interested in, if not what I had for breakfast, at least what my talking points might be should I end up meeting with their leaders.”
The US certainly has an interest in gaining deeper analytical insight into its European allies’ decision-making than can be gained by simply calling, say, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Accepting that spying is realistically part of the US toolkit, we Europeans expect it to be conducted responsibly. By dismissing European concerns about how such surveillance is carried out, Obama has demonstrated one of America’s worst habits – that of patronizing Europe.
In fact, Europeans have raised serious questions about US intelligence practices. These range from the lack of professionalism implied by allowing contractors to conduct such sensitive work to America’s hands-off approach toward certain allies, like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, while relegating many of its other allies – including most of the European Union – to surveillance-worthy status.
The bitter irony is that, at this suddenly inauspicious moment, Europe and the US are launching their most significant joint project since the creation of NATO – a transatlantic free-trade agreement. For the sake of its success, is it really too much to ask of the US that it play its part internationally with a bit more skill and professionalism, and that it treat its partners with respect?
by Ana Palacio
Source: www.project-syndicate.org
The Snowden Effect
04 July 2013
MADRID – The continued leaking of classified information by the former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden has provoked heated debate about privacy and international law, which, unfortunately, has overshadowed the geostrategic dimension of his actions. In fact, Snowden’s revelations about US surveillance programs, and his own ongoing struggle to avoid extradition, reveal much about President Barack Obama’s imprimatur on US foreign relations.
More than any other incoming American president in recent memory, Obama raised expectations worldwide. Yet he has proved to be mainly, if not solely, interested in domestic issues, resulting in a foreign policy of reaction. The Snowden affair highlights three elements of this: US-Russia relations, US influence in South America, and US relations with Europe.
The Kremlin’s handling of the affair is indicative of the tense state of US-Russia relations. In the aftermath of the bilateral relationship’s ill-fated “reset,” Russia has been eager to maintain its global position as a foil to the US, causing many people on both sides to revert to a Cold War mentality. By falling into this trap, the US has provided President Vladimir Putin with endless fodder to score political points and solidify his domestic position.
Putin regards anti-Americanism as an effective tool for short-circuiting domestic discontent. Developments like the US Congress’s enactment of the Magnitsky Act, portrayed in Russia as an American provocation, have allowed the Kremlin to rally support at home with retaliatory measures such as a ban on foreign adoptions, while providing cover for a crackdown on domestic opponents.
Following the NATO-led intervention in Libya in 2011, which the Kremlin regarded as another example of Western overreach, Russia has been more aggressive in asserting itself internationally, mainly in opposition to the US. This is most obvious in Russia’s dogged support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. And Russia’s refusal to hand over Snowden, under the pretext of strict adherence to the law, has allowed Putin to poke Obama in the eye once again – this time while posing as a defender of legality and human rights.
This coup de théȃtre was magnified by Putin’s cynical claim that Russia would allow Snowden to stay only if he stopped leaking information “aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners.” Presumably, Putin would not object to the infliction of such damage behind closed doors, during a debriefing with the Russian security services.
Moreover, the Snowden affair reinforces the perception that the US is losing its sway in South America. With few notable exceptions, such as US Ambassador to Brazil Tom Shannon, US diplomacy has lacked a strategic vision for Latin America. Barack Obama’s 2008 election created high expectations in this region, too; but his administration’s approach has been reserved, at best, and often obtuse.
While China’s influence in Latin America has soared, the US has remained aloof. Obama’s visit in May was presented as an effort to reinvigorate relations in the context of the rise of the Asia-Pacific region. Unfortunately, the chickens of Obama’s first term have already come home to roost.
For example, the US is far and away Ecuador’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than a third of its foreign trade. Yet, facing the possibility that Ecuador might grant Snowden asylum, the US felt the need to scramble, with Vice President Joe Biden personally pleading America’s case to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, even after Obama announced that he would not engage in “wheeling and dealing” over the extradition.
The threat by US officials to cut off aid to Ecuador, which would amount to a measly $12 million in 2014, further evinces a clumsy approach. America’s traditional sources of influence – its soft power, regional alliances, and financial leverage – appear to be running dry. The message to the world is clear: the US is not the regional power that it should be.
Finally, turning to Europe, Obama’s flippant attitude concerning alleged US surveillance of the European Union and its member states shows that American exceptionalism is alive and well. Instead of acknowledging the legitimacy of European concerns, he shrugged them off as a frivolity: “[I] guarantee you that in European capitals, there are people who are interested in, if not what I had for breakfast, at least what my talking points might be should I end up meeting with their leaders.”
The US certainly has an interest in gaining deeper analytical insight into its European allies’ decision-making than can be gained by simply calling, say, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Accepting that spying is realistically part of the US toolkit, we Europeans expect it to be conducted responsibly. By dismissing European concerns about how such surveillance is carried out, Obama has demonstrated one of America’s worst habits – that of patronizing Europe.
In fact, Europeans have raised serious questions about US intelligence practices. These range from the lack of professionalism implied by allowing contractors to conduct such sensitive work to America’s hands-off approach toward certain allies, like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, while relegating many of its other allies – including most of the European Union – to surveillance-worthy status.
The bitter irony is that, at this suddenly inauspicious moment, Europe and the US are launching their most significant joint project since the creation of NATO – a transatlantic free-trade agreement. For the sake of its success, is it really too much to ask of the US that it play its part internationally with a bit more skill and professionalism, and that it treat its partners with respect?
by Ana Palacio
Source: www.project-syndicate.org
GRalInt-Popes, Saints, and Religious Competition
The following information is used for educational purposes only.
Popes, Saints, and Religious Competition
05 April 2013
CAMBRIDGE – The election of the first non-European pope is long overdue. After all, Pope Francis’s native region, Latin America, is currently home to nearly half (44%) of the world’s Catholics. But the Catholic Church is increasingly losing out to Protestant competition there and elsewhere.
Just look at the statistics. Evangelicalism is the fastest-growing world religion by conversion – a trend that underlies the strong expansion of Protestantism in traditionally Roman Catholic Latin America. Protestants in Latin America accounted for only 2.2% of the population in 1900, but 16.4% in 2010, with growth coming mainly at the expense of Catholics, whose population share fell from 90.4% to 82.3%.
The Catholic Church understands this competition, but it confronts a chronic shortage of priests. As a result, the creation of saints is becoming an important way of retaining the faithful.
Indeed, the choice of a Latin American pope echoes a prior shift in the geographical distribution of new saints. Since the early part of the twentieth century – and, most clearly, since John Paul II’s papacy (1978-2005) – the traditional dominance of Italy and other European countries in the locations of blessed persons has waned. This is reflected in the two stages of saint-making: beatification (the first stage of the process and currently the status of John Paul II) and canonization.
The rationale for this shift is to use national saints to inspire Catholics – and thereby counter the competition from Protestants, especially Evangelicals. This phenomenon is most clear in Latin America, but it applies to North America, Asia, and Africa as well. And we think that the naming of a Latin American pope has the same underlying motivation – to compete with the growing threat of Protestantism in this region.
The idea of using saints to compete with evangelicals in Latin America goes back a long way – the friars accompanying conquering Spanish troops introduced patron saints in every nucleated community. Coupled with persistent shortages of priests, the worship of saints in Latin America became more embedded in the region’s culture than in that of Europe.
In 1992, John Paul II referred to evangelical groups in Latin America as “rapacious wolves” who were “luring Latin American Catholics away from the Church of Rome,” and he decried the “[h]uge sums of money…spent on evangelical proselytizing campaigns aimed specifically at Catholics.” His concerns with Protestant competition in Latin America were – and remain – understandable, particularly in Brazil, Chile, and Guatemala, which have seen sharp increases in Evangelical adherence.
John Paul II changed the process of saint-making dramatically. He personally beatified 319 people (non-martyrs), compared to a total of only 259 by the 37 previous popes since 1585. He also made 80 saints, compared to a prior total of 165. Pope Benedict XVI’s (2005-2013) large number of saints (44) reflects mainly the large stock of beatified people left behind by John Paul II.
As part of this process, Benedict XVI dramatically shortened the number of years that blessed persons had to wait to graduate from beatification to sainthood. For example, John Paul II became a blessed person a mere six years after his death.
With respect to competition with Protestants, the key feature of the last two popes is the shift in the geographical distribution of blessed persons away from the traditional dominance of Europe. Under John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the share of (non-martyr) beatifications from Latin America was 10.5%, along with 4.6% for North America, 3.9% for Asia, and 1.9% for Africa. Similarly, Latin America accounted for 9.8% of (non-martyr) canonizations, along with 6.6% for North America, 4.1% for Asia, and 0.8% for Africa. These shares compare with the mere handfuls of blessed persons from these regions who were named by previous popes.
Francis will visit Brazil in July to attend World Youth Day. There have been suggestions that he will visit other Latin American countries this year, including his homeland, Argentina.
According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Combined, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina account for 26% of the world’s Catholics. Yet Latin America’s Catholic population appears to be leveling off, due to falling birth rates and conversions out of Catholicism.
The combination of the highest share of Catholics in the world with a decline in the share of religious adherents leaves Francis facing a strategic dilemma. Either he can focus on regaining Latin America for the Catholic Church, or he can place longer-term bets on Sub-Saharan Africa, where both the population and Catholicism are now growing faster than anywhere else in the world. Where will the next saints come from?
by Robert J. Barro , Rachel M. McCleary
Source: www.project-syndicate.org
Popes, Saints, and Religious Competition
05 April 2013
CAMBRIDGE – The election of the first non-European pope is long overdue. After all, Pope Francis’s native region, Latin America, is currently home to nearly half (44%) of the world’s Catholics. But the Catholic Church is increasingly losing out to Protestant competition there and elsewhere.
Just look at the statistics. Evangelicalism is the fastest-growing world religion by conversion – a trend that underlies the strong expansion of Protestantism in traditionally Roman Catholic Latin America. Protestants in Latin America accounted for only 2.2% of the population in 1900, but 16.4% in 2010, with growth coming mainly at the expense of Catholics, whose population share fell from 90.4% to 82.3%.
The Catholic Church understands this competition, but it confronts a chronic shortage of priests. As a result, the creation of saints is becoming an important way of retaining the faithful.
Indeed, the choice of a Latin American pope echoes a prior shift in the geographical distribution of new saints. Since the early part of the twentieth century – and, most clearly, since John Paul II’s papacy (1978-2005) – the traditional dominance of Italy and other European countries in the locations of blessed persons has waned. This is reflected in the two stages of saint-making: beatification (the first stage of the process and currently the status of John Paul II) and canonization.
The rationale for this shift is to use national saints to inspire Catholics – and thereby counter the competition from Protestants, especially Evangelicals. This phenomenon is most clear in Latin America, but it applies to North America, Asia, and Africa as well. And we think that the naming of a Latin American pope has the same underlying motivation – to compete with the growing threat of Protestantism in this region.
The idea of using saints to compete with evangelicals in Latin America goes back a long way – the friars accompanying conquering Spanish troops introduced patron saints in every nucleated community. Coupled with persistent shortages of priests, the worship of saints in Latin America became more embedded in the region’s culture than in that of Europe.
In 1992, John Paul II referred to evangelical groups in Latin America as “rapacious wolves” who were “luring Latin American Catholics away from the Church of Rome,” and he decried the “[h]uge sums of money…spent on evangelical proselytizing campaigns aimed specifically at Catholics.” His concerns with Protestant competition in Latin America were – and remain – understandable, particularly in Brazil, Chile, and Guatemala, which have seen sharp increases in Evangelical adherence.
John Paul II changed the process of saint-making dramatically. He personally beatified 319 people (non-martyrs), compared to a total of only 259 by the 37 previous popes since 1585. He also made 80 saints, compared to a prior total of 165. Pope Benedict XVI’s (2005-2013) large number of saints (44) reflects mainly the large stock of beatified people left behind by John Paul II.
As part of this process, Benedict XVI dramatically shortened the number of years that blessed persons had to wait to graduate from beatification to sainthood. For example, John Paul II became a blessed person a mere six years after his death.
With respect to competition with Protestants, the key feature of the last two popes is the shift in the geographical distribution of blessed persons away from the traditional dominance of Europe. Under John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the share of (non-martyr) beatifications from Latin America was 10.5%, along with 4.6% for North America, 3.9% for Asia, and 1.9% for Africa. Similarly, Latin America accounted for 9.8% of (non-martyr) canonizations, along with 6.6% for North America, 4.1% for Asia, and 0.8% for Africa. These shares compare with the mere handfuls of blessed persons from these regions who were named by previous popes.
Francis will visit Brazil in July to attend World Youth Day. There have been suggestions that he will visit other Latin American countries this year, including his homeland, Argentina.
According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Combined, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina account for 26% of the world’s Catholics. Yet Latin America’s Catholic population appears to be leveling off, due to falling birth rates and conversions out of Catholicism.
The combination of the highest share of Catholics in the world with a decline in the share of religious adherents leaves Francis facing a strategic dilemma. Either he can focus on regaining Latin America for the Catholic Church, or he can place longer-term bets on Sub-Saharan Africa, where both the population and Catholicism are now growing faster than anywhere else in the world. Where will the next saints come from?
by Robert J. Barro , Rachel M. McCleary
Source: www.project-syndicate.org
GRAlInt-Pope Francis the Politician
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Pope Francis the Politician
16 March 2013
BUENOS AIRES – Jorge Mario Bergoglio – not an Italian, not a European, but a Latin American from Argentina – has now been chosen as the supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. What, if anything, can Latin America expect from Pope Francis I?
For starters, it seems clear that Francis will try to assert political influence in the region, rather in the manner that Pope John Paul II used his authority in his native Poland and Central Europe in the decade leading up to the fall of communism. A former Jesuit, Bergoglio was raised in a religious order – founded in the sixteenth century to oppose the Protestant Reformation – that is known for its power inside the church and its desire for wider political influence. So it is no surprise that Bergoglio has always considered politics, even from a religious point of view, as central to his work.
For example, he has been very vocal in voicing discontent with the rule of Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and that of her husband and predecessor, Néstor Kirchner. He was active in helping to create a coalition of opposition parties to balance the overwhelming power of Kirchnerism, which has steadily been gaining power over Argentina’s parliament, judiciary, and independent media.
Indeed, Néstor Kirchner once accused Bergoglio of being the head of the opposition coalition, and refused to attend a traditional mass – a Te Deum – because he was afraid that he would be the subject of the then-Cardinal Bergoglio’s sermon. He memorably declared that the church belongs to everyone, and that the devil sometime wears a cassock.
Kirchner’s widow, Cristina Fernández, was clearly unhappy with the papal conclave’s choice. When Pope Benedict XVI resigned, she shocked Argentine Catholics by joking that she would try to be a “papisa,” that is, if princesses of the church were allowed. When Bergoglio was selected, she sent a cold, formal letter of congratulations, expressing an aloofness that was entirely inappropriate for such a historic event for Argentina.
Kirchnerismo no doubt fears Francis I. Fernández’s supporters know that Bergoglio feels closer to the United States than to any other world power. This is not to say that they do not feel a similar closeness; but they presume that a good relationship with US President Barack Obama would help Bergoglio to wield even greater influence in Argentina and the wider region.
Bergoglio is decidedly conservative. He opposes civil unions for gay couples, and strongly defends the church’s prohibition of abortion and its ban on women priests. He is considered a misogynist, with views on women’s role in society identical to those propagated by the church in the Middle Ages.
At the same time, he is ascetic and sensitive to the suffering of the impoverished. He has always had very good relations with Argentina’s trade unions; indeed, he was a Peronist in his youth. He likes football and mate, a traditional non-alcoholic drink that one consumes by sharing with other people. But, lacking personal charisma, none of this may be enough to establish a strong rapport with common people.
The mere fact that Francis is Latin American is bad news for the region’s populist governments – not only Argentina, but also Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Cuba. John Paul II was one of the decisive forces in eroding the hold of communism on Europe. If Bergoglio’s Vatican is to succeed in rolling back the populist tide that gained strength in Latin America during late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s years, he will need to establish as strong a relationship with Obama as the one that John Paul II forged with Ronald Reagan.
Still, the moment may be ripe for him to exercise such influence. The start of his papacy finds the populist governments in a vulnerable situation, hit hard by Chávez’s recent death. They all, of course, have their own identities and strengths, but they will miss the protection of Chávez’s global influence, as well as his subsidies. Moreover, they rule countries in which Catholics are an overwhelming majority. Although the degree of their religious commitment varies, they share a strong emotional attachment to the faith, which will provide Francis I with considerable political leverage.
Latin America will no doubt be one of Francis’s priorities. But first he must reestablish the Catholic Church’s moral authority, which has been badly damaged by the scandal over numerous cases of pedophilia by priests, the Church’s attempts to cover them up,and dubious financial practices, among other problems. Only if he succeeds on the “domestic” front will he be able to exercise political influence “abroad.” If he fails in this task, the high expectations that he has raised after John Paul II (who addressed reports of pedophilia by dispatching them to the archives) and Benedict XVI (who was too feeble to act) will turn against him and his church.
by Roberto Guareschi
Roberto Guareschi was for 13 years the managing editor for the newspaper Clarín in Buenos Aires. He is currently a writer and university lecturer.
Source: www.project-syndicate.org
Pope Francis the Politician
16 March 2013
BUENOS AIRES – Jorge Mario Bergoglio – not an Italian, not a European, but a Latin American from Argentina – has now been chosen as the supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. What, if anything, can Latin America expect from Pope Francis I?
For starters, it seems clear that Francis will try to assert political influence in the region, rather in the manner that Pope John Paul II used his authority in his native Poland and Central Europe in the decade leading up to the fall of communism. A former Jesuit, Bergoglio was raised in a religious order – founded in the sixteenth century to oppose the Protestant Reformation – that is known for its power inside the church and its desire for wider political influence. So it is no surprise that Bergoglio has always considered politics, even from a religious point of view, as central to his work.
For example, he has been very vocal in voicing discontent with the rule of Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and that of her husband and predecessor, Néstor Kirchner. He was active in helping to create a coalition of opposition parties to balance the overwhelming power of Kirchnerism, which has steadily been gaining power over Argentina’s parliament, judiciary, and independent media.
Indeed, Néstor Kirchner once accused Bergoglio of being the head of the opposition coalition, and refused to attend a traditional mass – a Te Deum – because he was afraid that he would be the subject of the then-Cardinal Bergoglio’s sermon. He memorably declared that the church belongs to everyone, and that the devil sometime wears a cassock.
Kirchner’s widow, Cristina Fernández, was clearly unhappy with the papal conclave’s choice. When Pope Benedict XVI resigned, she shocked Argentine Catholics by joking that she would try to be a “papisa,” that is, if princesses of the church were allowed. When Bergoglio was selected, she sent a cold, formal letter of congratulations, expressing an aloofness that was entirely inappropriate for such a historic event for Argentina.
Kirchnerismo no doubt fears Francis I. Fernández’s supporters know that Bergoglio feels closer to the United States than to any other world power. This is not to say that they do not feel a similar closeness; but they presume that a good relationship with US President Barack Obama would help Bergoglio to wield even greater influence in Argentina and the wider region.
Bergoglio is decidedly conservative. He opposes civil unions for gay couples, and strongly defends the church’s prohibition of abortion and its ban on women priests. He is considered a misogynist, with views on women’s role in society identical to those propagated by the church in the Middle Ages.
At the same time, he is ascetic and sensitive to the suffering of the impoverished. He has always had very good relations with Argentina’s trade unions; indeed, he was a Peronist in his youth. He likes football and mate, a traditional non-alcoholic drink that one consumes by sharing with other people. But, lacking personal charisma, none of this may be enough to establish a strong rapport with common people.
The mere fact that Francis is Latin American is bad news for the region’s populist governments – not only Argentina, but also Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Cuba. John Paul II was one of the decisive forces in eroding the hold of communism on Europe. If Bergoglio’s Vatican is to succeed in rolling back the populist tide that gained strength in Latin America during late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s years, he will need to establish as strong a relationship with Obama as the one that John Paul II forged with Ronald Reagan.
Still, the moment may be ripe for him to exercise such influence. The start of his papacy finds the populist governments in a vulnerable situation, hit hard by Chávez’s recent death. They all, of course, have their own identities and strengths, but they will miss the protection of Chávez’s global influence, as well as his subsidies. Moreover, they rule countries in which Catholics are an overwhelming majority. Although the degree of their religious commitment varies, they share a strong emotional attachment to the faith, which will provide Francis I with considerable political leverage.
Latin America will no doubt be one of Francis’s priorities. But first he must reestablish the Catholic Church’s moral authority, which has been badly damaged by the scandal over numerous cases of pedophilia by priests, the Church’s attempts to cover them up,and dubious financial practices, among other problems. Only if he succeeds on the “domestic” front will he be able to exercise political influence “abroad.” If he fails in this task, the high expectations that he has raised after John Paul II (who addressed reports of pedophilia by dispatching them to the archives) and Benedict XVI (who was too feeble to act) will turn against him and his church.
by Roberto Guareschi
Roberto Guareschi was for 13 years the managing editor for the newspaper Clarín in Buenos Aires. He is currently a writer and university lecturer.
Source: www.project-syndicate.org
GRALInt- The 5 Secrets of Networking-121slides
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Source: www.slideshare.net
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