The term “banana republic” was coined by American author O. Henry in 1901, to “describe Honduras and neighboring countries under economic exploitation by U.S. corporations…” Since then, it has remained in the U.S. vocabulary as a disparaging name for countries with unstable or tyrannical governments. This term, along with “3rd world country” and “sh_t hole… Continue reading Banana Republic, Redefined
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Despidiendo el 2020
Terremotos… pandemia… tragedias personales… crisis económica… Ya se acerca el final del 2020, y si hay un sentimiento casi unánime entre la población, es que el fin de año no puede llegar suficiente rápido. Aún con las dificultades desde el Huracán María para acá, es difícil negar que el 2020 ha “botado la pelota.” Aquí… Continue reading Despidiendo el 2020
Major Sports (and Political) News
Two major news events have surfaced in the last couple of days, and although they’re related to sports, they carry a bit of political flavors as well. One is the decision by Major League Baseball (MLB) to add the Negro Leagues (1920 – 1948) to MLB records and statistics. While I’ve often viewed actions toward… Continue reading Major Sports (and Political) News
Las Vacunas contra el COVID
Ya comenzaron a llegar las primeras vacunas de COVID a Puerto Rico, proveyendo un rayito de sol dentro de toda la nubosidad que ha causado esta pandemia durante la mayor parte del 2020. Aunque indudablemente lloverán las críticas predecibles por aquellos que no pueden vivir sin quejarse de algo, siguen siendo buenas noticias y esperemos… Continue reading Las Vacunas contra el COVID
The Cleveland Indians are No More
So the latest news is about the Cleveland Indians from MLB changing their team name because it is deemed offensive to Native Americans. This follows the recent name elimination of the former Washington Redskins of the NFL, who now call themselves Washington Football Team. The road ahead is long, as there are numerous teams with… Continue reading The Cleveland Indians are No More
What’s the Big Deal about “speling”?
I here people say its a lost art. That no one gives it the importance it deserves… etc., etc., etc. Oh please… give me a brake. What do these people think “spell check” is for? Me… I’m so exited about having something that automatically checks you’re spelling. Actually though, I’m glad Whatsapp doesn’t have “spell… Continue reading What’s the Big Deal about “speling”?
Our Third Language
Here in Puerto Rico, Spanish is our official language. English is taught in all schools as a secondary language, and in this day and age, a fair portion of the population is bilingual. My father used to emphasize the importance of maintaining fluidity and correctness in both languages, and for that I’ve always been grateful.… Continue reading Our Third Language
Will Biden be Allowed to Govern?
Let’s say a new coach is brought in to help a floundering and divided team. The coach brings a message of team unity, along with new ideas for the team to succeed. But half the team refuses to support him, backing instead the fired old coach. Can the team win? Joe Biden won the Presidential… Continue reading Will Biden be Allowed to Govern?
The End of the Trump Era
After seemingly endless days of ballot counting, projections, nail biting, and theatrics galore… Joe Biden has emerged as the President-elect of the United States. I am most decidedly not a Facebook fan, but like many others, I browse. What strikes me most is how the hatred that has become the norm in the nation is… Continue reading The End of the Trump Era
Se Acabaron las Elecciones… ¿Y Ahora?
El Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP) ganó la gobernación con un 32 por ciento, y apenas un por ciento de ventaja sobre el Partido Popular Democrático (PPD). Viendo la cobertura en Telemundo, no pude evitar notar los comentarios de lamento corriendo por la parte inferior de la pantalla. ¿Qué podemos deducir del proceso electoral y sus… Continue reading Se Acabaron las Elecciones… ¿Y Ahora?