V-ME is all about Día de los Muertos!

So I've found your Washington State resource for all things Day of the Dead: V-Me, the Spanish-language public TV affiliate through KCTS. Heck, they've even got a recipt for Pan de Muertos! Yum.

http://www.kcts9.org/tvschedule/v-me/dayofthedead#vme

PERSONAL NOTE: I am really excited because my Sacramento-based nephews are now tuned into V-Me and its fantastic kids' programming. Five-year-old Aaron exclaimed, "This is the BEST because it's in SPANISH!"

IN OTHER V-ME NEWS:
>>V-Me will be hosting live updates, interviews and policitical banter en español 4-10pm on Election Day 11/4.

Peruvian Shamans at Work on U.S. Presidential Candidates!

I try to stick to local stuff, but this was too good to pass up.

1) Shamans in Lima are working their magic to provide for a fair presidential election in the U.S.

2) They have predicted that Obama will emerge the victor.

see it for yourself:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008329129_shaman30.html

MORE THAN HALF A MILLION $$$ RAISED FOR MICROCREDIT in Central and South America

Hi - just an update to the Global Partnerships Business of Hope Luncheon. Even in our less-than-ideal economy, 1200 people showed up at the fundraiser and between them and the sponsors, the organization raised $560K to help individuals start and expand their own businesses in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Peru and Bolivia.

Next up for Global Partnerships? Mexico and Ecuador. At Conexión Marketing we wish them all the best in spreading prosperity!

Article detailing the event: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008332042_opin31lance.html

More Día de los Muertos - MAÑANA

Tomorrow join our friend Antonio López at his wonderful shop, Aztlan Home Décor, just down from Pike Place Market. He's been importing beautiful artisan work from Mexico, and doing it in a way that directly benefits the artists themselves! This is a fabulous place to find that unique gift, or even a museum-quality piece. We shopped at Aztlan when we were decorating our office, and always get compliments!

It's going to be fun - enjoy Day of the Dead Bread (one of my faves) and tamales - and meet one of the coolest shop owners in town.

In Phinney Ridge??? No way, José!

When I think Phinney Ridge, I think of Red Mill Burger (where even the Garden Burger is delicioso), or Woodland Park Zoo. It's a terrific residential area.

But Phinney Ridge has a new face for me, now that they're putting on a celebration of Día de los Muertos! Friday, November 7, from 6:30 - 9:30pm, you can enjoy a procession, music, poetry--and of course, sugar skulls and chocolate caliente!

Check it out: http://www.phinneycenter.org/events/dayodead.shtml

Stealing a gem from my esteemed colleague....

I just received the best set of tips, from Beatriz Bonnet and our friends at Syntes Language Group in Denver, Colorado. I'm including an excerpt here.

When you're marketing to Hispanics, and considering translation:


Identify your audience. The US Hispanic population is extremely diverse and encompasses natives of all the Spanish-speaking countries plus part of the US-born first generation of Hispanics. It includes all races and socio-economic backgrounds as well as many different cultures and sub-cultures. Therefore, translating for a mass market audience requires a different approach than translating for a restricted, more easily identifiable audience.


If a construction company, for instance, hires only workers who are originally from Mexico, it is easy to tailor the translation of a safety manual just for them and write it in “Mexican Spanish.” On the other hand, if a consumer goods company, for example, is trying to reach the widest possible market and is advertising through mass media, then the most neutral Spanish possible is needed to appeal to all the Spanish speakers in the United States and, most important, in order not to offend any one constituency.


In addition, defining the audience in terms of demographics will help to determine the style used in the translation, as well as such factors as whether the formal you (usted) or the informal you (tú) should be used.


Thanks to Beatriz Bonnet for this fantastic introduction for anyone looking to appeal to Spanish speakers in the U.S.!

ATTN: Youth Leaders from the Latino Community

The City of Seattle is recruiting Latino youth for the Mayor's Youth Council. The MYC application deadline was a couple of weeks ago but there were no applications from Latino youth. Please help recommend Latino youth and/or encourage Latino youth to apply for this leadership opportunity. Applications will be accepted through this week.

ABOUT THE MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL

WHO: Mayor's Youth Council (MYC) is comprised of twenty high school-aged youth between 15-19 years old who represent Seattle's thirteen neighborhood districts.

WHY: Mayor Nickels and other city leaders want youth input on neighborhood issues, city projects and policies.

WHAT: The Mayor's Youth Council has four main parts:

• Gain skills and knowledge: Participate in ongoing trainings to build leadership skills and knowledge of civic engagement.
• Youth voice: Discuss solutions to community issues and make recommendations to the Mayor.
• Learn about city government: Hear from Mayor Greg Nickels, City of Seattle staff and department directors.
• Organize youth events: Host the Mayor's Youth Town Hall and Youth Community Meetings to discuss important community issues impacting youth today.

WHEN AND WHERE: The MYC meets 2-3x per month on Thursdays from 4 pm - 6 pm downtown at Seattle City Hall (600 4th Avenue, between James Street and Cherry Street) October through May. Special events will be held at various places throughout the city.

COMMITMENT AND EXPECTATIONS: Council members are expected to attend all meetings, events and a mandatory one-day retreat on Saturday, October 25th 10 am - 6 pm. Missing more than two meetings/events may result in removal from the Mayor's Youth Council. In addition to meetings, members will be expected to dedicate an average of 10 hours per month to projects.

For more info:
Patricia Lopez 206-684-0464
City of Seattle
Department of Neighborhoods
http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/
"Connecting people, communities, and government."