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Quino, the creator of Mafalda, dies  

The world of culture mourns the death of the artist

 

by the El Reportero‘s news services

 

Quino died, but Mafalda will be immortal. The Argentine cartoonist Joaquín Salvador Lavado, a name that said little because he was known worldwide as Quino, died this Wednesday at the age of 88 in Mendoza, his hometown, where he had settled three years ago, after the death of his wife. When he was left a widower, the humorist was plunged into the same sadness that today seizes not only Argentines, but also the world of followers of the story and fictional life of the girl who does not like soup.

“Quino died. All the good people in the country and in the world will mourn him, ”tweeted Daniel Divinsky, friend and historical editor of the artist.

The son of Andalusian immigrants, at the age of thirteen he began to study Fine Arts in Mendoza but got fed up with classicism to dedicate himself to comics. At 18 he went to live in Buenos Aires and managed to publish his first comic strip in 1954 in the weekly “Esto es”. It would take ten more years to present his iconic character in society, becoming over time one of the Argentine myths. The adventures of Mafalda were published between 1964 and 1973, but they continued to be republished, translated, replicated in magazines and newspapers, and traveling the world and different generations for half a century. Until today.

 

Stand with Maxima

Hailed by audiences as this year’s Honeyland, the highly buzzed and acclaimed Maxima follows Peruvian indigenous farmer Máxima Acuña in her fight to protect her land as she stands up to the largest gold producer in the world: US-based Newmont Mining Corporation.

Throughout Máxima’s fight for justice, the film provides an illustrative case study in the tactics used by transnational corporations to commit human rights violations and environmental crimes, the role played by non-profits and The World’s Bank, and, ultimately, the resilience of one woman who refuses to back down. Maxima shows audiences that change is possible.

Maxima was the Audience Award winner at the 2019 Hot Docs, and an audience Top 10 at IDFA. It also received the Honorable Mention Grand Jury Award at the 2020 Slamdance Film Festival and Best of Fest at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2020, among many other prizes.

Maxima is currently in festivals and will be eligible for 2021 Oscar consideration.

At the Mill Valley Film Festival Oct. 8 – 18.

 

Influencers kicked out of Mayan ruins in Mexico after refusing to wear masks

A group of influencers was asked to leave some Mayan ruins in Mexico after they behaved “immaturely”, by refusing to wear masks or practice social distancing.

The cast members of a popular local reality show called Acapulco Shore (not dissimilar to the UK’s Geordie Shore) were invited to tour the Uxmal ruins by tourism officials in the hope it might encourage visitors to return to the attraction.

But the visit quickly turned sour, with employees at the site accusing the eight cast members of ignoring signposted rules about wearing masks at all times and practicing social distancing of at least half a meter.

The influencers “were asked to leave, in compliance with health rules,” said the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), reports AP.

INAH added that the group had “flagrantly violated the established safety and hygiene protocols,” yucatanexpatlife.com/invited-to-promote-yucatan-social-media-influencers-kicked-out-of-uxmal/”>Yucatan Expat Life reported.

Photos of the tour posted to social media show the group posing in close proximity to one another by one of the ancient structures.

Authorities from the Mexican state of Yucatan admitted the tour was part of a campaign to restart tourism in the region, but deny that the cast members were paid for the visit.

“The influencers were not paid one single peso,” tweeted Michelle Fridman, the Yucatan state tourism secretary.

Chiapas through the eyes of Akio Hanafuji, who came to paint and never left

Japanese-born artist depicts Mexico’s local cultures from a unique perspective

 

by Leigh Thelmadatter

 

Mexico captivates hundreds upon hundreds of artists from the Americas and Europe, no surprise there. But it has held a strong fascination for Japanese artists as well despite, or perhaps because of, the huge cultural differences.

Akio Hanafuji is a soft-spoken man who has a unique take on the traditional cultures of Chiapas struggling to survive in the modern world. Born in 1949 in the Osaka prefecture, he graduated from the Osaka University of Arts in 1975, traveling to Mexico soon after.

He had been captivated in school by images of the Lacandon Rainforest in Chiapas, and the Lacandon Mayan people who inhabit it.

His desire was, of course, to paint the Lacandon and their way of life. At this time, the region was quite cut off from the rest of the world. He took time to integrate himself in the community, living in a palapa, sleeping in a hammock, working the corn and bean fields and learning their Mayan language. This not only earned him the Lacandons’ trust, but it built a base from which his career would unfold.

His plan was to leave Mexico after a few years in Chiapas, but he was given the opportunity to study his masters at Mexico’s prestigious La Esmeralda National School of Painting, Sculpture and Print. Even before graduating in 1978, he was invited to exhibit his work at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City.

(This article was cut to fit space).

To read the complete article visit: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexicolife/chiapas-through-the-eyes-of-akio-hanafuji-who-came-to-paint-and-never-left/

 

John Leguizamo boycotts the Emmys: ‘If you don’t have Latin people, there’s no reason for me

 

by Gisselle Bances

Shared from Yahoo!

 

The lack of Latino stories and representation in Hollywood, both in TV and film, is an important issue for John Leguizamo. He’s decided to take a stand and snub this year’s Emmy Awards.

“It’s unbelievable that our stories aren’t being told and there’s one reason for that,” he explains. “Executives don’t see us, don’t get us — don’t care about us.”

In a statement to theLos Angeles Times, the Television Academy addressed the need for representation, saying, “We feel it is a very positive sign that over the past decade the well-deserved recognition of performers of color has increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3 nominees across all performer categories. Clearly that increase in representation has not been equal for all groups, and clearly there is still more to do to improve both gender and racial representation across all categories.”

The actor turned director’s latest movie, Critical Thinking, premiered Sept. 4 and includes a predominantly Black and Latino cast, which was a motivating factor for Leguizamo to be part of the film.

Critical Thinking tells the true story of five Latino and Black teens from an underprivileged Miami neighborhood, who become the 1998 National Chess Champions. Leguizamo plays the inspirational chess coach and also makes his directorial debut.

“I’m just dying to see positive Latin stories out there,” he says.

While he been in the industry for more than three decades and has received four Emmy nominations, including a win in 1999 for his variety special Freak, Leguizamo agrees there is more to be done to improve diversity in Hollywood.

“It’s just not OK to ignore us, exclude us,” he explains. “We’re the largest minority group in the country. We’re the biggest voting block. We’re going to decide who the president is this year.”

Folks online have called out the Emmys for its exclusion of Latinx-centered shows. The hashtag #LatinosAreOnTvToo has circulated with many reacting to the snub.

 

Sam Ruíz, the architect of Mission Neighborhood Centers, to retire

by Araceli Martínez

 

When Santiago “Sam” Ruiz announced that this year he was retiring as director and president of the Mission Neighborhood Centers organization, he said that the work of serving the Mission neighborhood in San Francisco will always be in his heart.

“I feel so blessed. They pay me to make this community a better place to live. Who wouldn’t want this job?”

In 1980, Sam Ruíz took over the leadership of the nonprofit Mission Neighborhood Centers (MNC), which was going through a bad time.

The facilities were abandoned. There were only five employees and they had a budget to operate of $180,000 a year.

The main problem in the Mission (District) neighborhood was gang violence.

However, under his baton, the MNC increased its workforce to more than 200 employees in 12 buildings; and grew its budget to nearly $20 million annually.

Today, the number one concern is displacement by gentrification that has caused many Latinos to move to neighborhoods where housing is less expensive.

That has caused the Neighborhood Centers to expand and now have centers in the Bayview, Excelsior, and Mission Bay districts.

But for Santiago Ruíz it was not easy to be hired. In fact, in the first interview for the position they rejected him. It was until the second interview that he secured the job.

And that has already been 39 years, but two years ago he announced that he is ready to retire.

María Bermúdez from Mission Neighborhood Centers confirmed that he will be retiring in a few months, but they don’t have the exact date yet.

At 67, it will be that he is ready to leave the organization from where he has fought so much

Through its programs for children, parents, and the elderly, the Mission Neighborhood Centers serve more than 3,000 families each year.

It manages federally funded Head Start preschools and child care centers serving more than 500 children; offers educational programs for 1,200 vulnerable minors and young people between the ages of 6 and 25.

To more than 600 older adults, it provides services for a healthy time, and job training classes.

Under his tenure, “Sam Ruiz” launched the largest expansion ever seen, a $14 million campaign to expand to four buildings throughout the neighborhood in the city of San Francisco.

An immigrant leader

Sam was born in El Salvador, but in 1963 at the age of 9, he was sent to San Francisco to live with an aunt who made her living as a waitress in a hotel; his uncle, a janitor by trade, and his two sons.

He grew up on 23rd and Bryant streets in the Hispanic neighborhood of the Mission Disstrict. He graduated from San Francisco State University, just as his parents managed to obtain a visa and immigrate to the United States to reunite with their son.

His hard work serving San Francisco’s Hispanic Mission District neighborhood has earned Sam recognition from the community.

It was precisely his dedication to serving these communities that he was awarded the Jefferson Award in the Bay Area in 2019.

Jefferson Awards advisor Liliana Rossi recognized Sam’s ability to always stay one step ahead of the needs of the community.

“He is a visionary who knows popuoation population and is in contact with is customers.”

Sam has been a commissioner of San Francisco Recreation and Parks, is on the board of the Instituto Familiar de la Raza and the Chinatown Community Development Center. He has spearheaded various coalitions to advance policies on early care and education; and more equality for Latinos. He is also chair of the Koshland Committee of the San Francisco Foundation.

When asked in an interview with the San Francisco Foundation why he did what he did, he replied that he envisioned a better future for children and families. “I am passionate about the work that as an agent of change advocates to improve access and opportunities for my community.”

He added that he was proud that throughout his decades-long career, he has brought to light issues that required action.

“I am an avid representative of the interests of the community. This energy was fueled by growing up in a working family of Latino immigrants. My early experiences created a desire to break the patterns of inequality for the children and families I serve.”

When he joined as a counselor to the San Francisco Foundation, he said he hoped his experience could influence philanthropy to be a catalyst for social and economic policies that benefit communities at risk.

It is not yet known who will replace Sam Ruiz as director of Mission Neighborhood Centers, the only certainty is that candidates are being sought to fill the big shoes that this recognized and respected leader in the Hispanic community of San Francisco will leave behind. Not an easy task.

Top 7 reasons to eat oatmeal for breakfast

by Joanne Washburn

 

Oats are a great breakfast option. Prepared as oatmeal, these filling and nutritious grains offer some major health benefits thanks to their fiber, protein, calcium, thiamine, iron and other essential nutrients.

This incredible nutritional profile shouldn’t come as a surprise since oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. Plus, these gluten-free grains are a great source of antioxidants that can help fight chronic diseases.

Reasons to eat oatmeal

Let’s face it: plain old oatmeal isn’t the best breakfast food because of its blandness and texture. But don’t let that keep you from avoiding it altogether. Numerous studies attest to oatmeal’s reported health benefits. Plus, there are tons of recipes out there to help you get around that boring milk-and-oats combo.

– Oats support heart health – The soluble fiber in oats signal the liver to get rid of all that bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. This kind of cholesterol can clog our arteries and heighten our risk of heart disease. In addition, antioxidants in oats, such as avenanthramides, can fight chronic inflammation linked to heart disease.

– Oats boost the immune system – Oats are immune-boosting foods. Their beneficial effects on the immune system are all thanks to their natural sugars, called beta-glucans. These sugars help boost our infection-fighting immune cells. Minerals like selenium and zinc in oats are also essential nutrients for fighting infection and disease.

– Oats help keep blood sugar stable – Besides reducing bad cholesterol, beta-glucans also aid in regulating blood sugar. Numerous studies also confirm that soluble fiber in high-fiber foods stalls the digestion of food in the intestine, thus keeping blood sugar from spiking after a meal. In fact, recent research suggests that oats intake has a beneficial effect on glucose control in diabetic patients.

– Oats regulate appetite – The fiber in oats helps keep us feeling full for longer periods. In fact, just half a cup of oats should keep us full until the next meal.

– Oats support gut health – Fiber-rich oats also make it easier to pass stool, thus minimizing the risk of constipation. In addition, increased fiber intake is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer.

– Oats make for a balanced breakfast – One cup of cooked oatmeal contains about 150 calories, four grams of fiber (soluble and insoluble) and six grams of protein. Oats are also often cooked in butter or milk to increase their protein and nutrient content.

– Oats can be incorporated into other dishes – Shocking as it might sound, oats aren’t just for making oatmeal. These gluten-free grains can be combined or paired with other foods, including fruits, salad greens, spices and even last night’s leftovers.

Oatmeal recipe for breakfast

The classic milk-and-oats combo can get tiring after some time. But instead of grabbing some other food for breakfast, use these recipes instead for a fun spin on the classic oatmeal.

Steel-cut oatmeal

Steel-cut oats, or Irish oatmeal as it is also called, are perhaps the closest you can get to the original, unprocessed oat groat. These oats are the perfect building block for an ultra-nutritious breakfast.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup steel-cut oats
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon low-fat buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation:

  1. In a large saucepot, melt the butter, then add the oats.
  2. Stir for 2 minutes or until the oats are toasted.
  3. Pour in the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  4. Keep it at a low simmer for 25 minutes without stirring.
  5. Pour in the milk and half of the buttermilk with the oatmeal.
  6. Stir to combine and cook for 10 minutes.
  7. Transfer the oatmeal onto a bowl and top with the remaining buttermilk, sugar and cinnamon.

Here’s a good reason to switch to the Mediterranean diet: It helps prevent cancer, says study

by Skye Anderson

 

The Mediterranean diet is an eating plan that gained popularity worldwide in the 1990s. Although the very first study mentioning its health benefits was published in 1978, the Mediterranean diet didn’t attract public attention until it began featuring in books and other mainstream media as a diet that promotes weight loss.

Today, the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest — if not THE healthiest — diets in the world. Many studies have emerged promoting the health benefits of this eating pattern, which include, above all things, a longer lifespan. The longevity enjoyed by people who follow this eating pattern is attributed by researchers to a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

In a recent article written by Italian researchers, they reviewed published literature about the Mediterranean diet and how it could help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Given the wide variety of foods associated with the Mediterranean diet, the researchers specifically addressed the lack of current information about which components of the diet can help prevent the development of cancer.

Facts about the Mediterranean diet

Back in the 1950s, researchers noticed that blood cholesterol levels and heart attack rates varied widely between countries with different diets. Formal studies conducted in Finland, Greece and Italy, on the other hand, reported that certain foods and eating patterns may have a favorable effect on disease rates. These findings convinced a physiologist from Minnesota named Ancel Keys to conduct a large study now known as The Seven Countries Study.

The Seven Countries Study was built on the assumption that the physical characteristics and lifestyles of different populations, particularly the amount of fat in their diet and their blood cholesterol levels, have a huge impact on their risk of coronary heart disease. To explore these associations, Keys brought together researchers from all over the world. Their collaborative effort involved populations in countries with traditional eating patterns and lifestyles, such as Finland, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, the former Yugoslavia and the United States.

One of the most significant findings reported by The Seven Countries Study was the existence of dietary patterns that contributed to good health and long life. Keys and his colleagues reported that diets prevalent in the Mediterranean as well as in Japan in the 1960s were not only associated with low rates of coronary heart disease but also of all-cause mortality. In addition, they noted that together with a healthy lifestyle, which included sufficient physical activity, no smoking and only moderate alcohol consumption, this healthy diet, now known as the Mediterranean diet, also delayed cognitive decline and decreased the risk of depression among the elderly.

After decades of studying the Mediterranean diet and its benefits, modern researchers have concluded that there is no one right way of following this eating pattern. There are, however, certain foods that should be more prominent in meals and foods that should be avoided or eaten in very limited amounts. Here are the foods that should be included in a Mediterranean diet:

– Fresh fruits and vegetables

– Nuts

– Seeds

– Legumes

– Whole grains

– Herbs

– Spices

– Fish and other seafood

– Bread

– Extra-virgin olive oil

Foods that should be eaten in moderation include poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt. A glass of red wine a day is considered acceptable. Red meat, on the other hand, should only be eaten occasionally.

Foods that have no place in the Mediterranean diet include the following:

– Refined grains like white bread and pasta made from refined wheat

– Refined oils live canola oil and cottonseed oil

– Processed meats like sausages, hot dogs and bacon

– Sugar-laden foods like ice cream, candies, pastries and sodas

– Highly processed foods that contain trans fats

Following the Mediterranean diet can lower your risk of certain cancers

For their review, the researchers conducted a thorough analysis of studies published within the last 10 years on the Mediterranean diet and its impact on cancer risk. They noted that the combination of foods included in this eating plan, as well as their abundance of essential nutrients and active plant components, are what’s responsible for the Mediterranean diet’s numerous health benefits.

According to multiple studies, adhering to a Mediterranean diet is one of the best ways to protect yourself against cancer. The Italian researchers found that high intake of olive oil, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, can greatly lower cancer risk because they are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. These beneficial components can fight inflammation-causing oxidative stress, which is linked to the onset of different cancers, such as those of the breast, lungs, prostate, stomach, bladder, ovaries, head and neck, biliary tract, rectum and colon.

“Given its protective effects in reducing oxidative and inflammatory processes … and [preventing] DNA [damage], [cancer] cell proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, [inflammation] and [cancer] metastasis, the Mediterranean diet is … a powerful and manageable method [that can] fight cancer,” the researchers concluded in their report, which appeared in the journal Nutrients.

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet include not just better heart health, but also protection from life-threatening diseases like cancer. These protective effects are thanks to plant-based foods, which are excellent sources of beneficial plant nutrients. These phytonutrients include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that can protect cells and DNA from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Research suggests that oxidative damage to both triggers the development of cancer.

New political movement seeks greater citizen participation

‘The citizens of Mexico must take the future in their hands:’ Sí por México

 

by Mexico News Daily

 

A new political movement opposed to the government of President López Obrador will be formally launched on Oct.s 20.

Sí por México (Yes for Mexico) is committed to combatting corruption and ending polarization fostered by the president, among other goals, according to a document posted on Twitter by Gustavo de Hoyos, president of the Mexican Employers Federation (Coparmex).

His publication of the document came hours after López Obrador said at his morning news conference that a new opposition movement was being formed. The president claimed that Claudio X. González, a businessman, and de Hoyos would head up the opposition group, which he likened to the National Anti-AMLO Front, or Frenaaa, which last month set up a protest camp in Mexico City’s main square.

“[It will be a] Frenaaa 2,” said López Obrador, best known as AMLO.

The document posted by the Coparmex chief began with a question: “What bothers you Mr. President? That citizens are organizing? That there are people who think differently?”

It confirmed that Sí por México was indeed organizing.

“We don’t want to return to how things were before but nor can we remain as we are. The citizens of Mexico must take the future of Mexico in their hands,” the document said.

“On October 20, 2020, we will begin our campaign: yes to citizens’ causes, yes to dialogue and unity, yes to the right to think differently, yes to a fairer Mexico, yes to the head-on combat of corruption, yes to listening to each other, especially others,” Sí por México said.

“This is not the movement of a single person nor two or three. Today there are at least 100 organizations supporting Sí [por México]. The people you mentioned are participating like any other organization; they’re not the bosses. … There are dozens of organizations and thousands of people behind and in front of Sí.”

Sí por México says it is a community of people and organizations that believes that “another Mexico is possible.”

“We are convinced that citizens’ participation is the best path we have to achieve the change the country has been seeking for decades,” the document said.

“Our mission is to break down the walls that separate citizens from politics and to place the great causes of citizens at the center of the political discussion … so that politicians work for the causes of citizens …”

Sí por México said it aimed to achieve its goals with a three-point plan.

“Firstly, we’re going to propose a great national agenda,” the organization said, adding that it would seek to put an end to polarization, “sterile debates” and fights between politicians.

Secondly, a “new majority” will be built around Sí por México, the document said. “We’re going to promote the proposals of Sí in every corner of the country and we’re going to join together all the organizations and people who are willing to work for a Mexico where everyone has a place.”

“… We’re going to show the government and the political parties that we are the difference between winning and losing elections; that they need us given that their duty is to work for the citizens.”

Thirdly, Sí por México said it would “challenge” political parties to adopt its proposals, asserting that a party can win our vote with a “real commitment” to them.

“We’re going to demand that they commit to our agenda in the lead-up to the next elections [in 2021] and we are going to be vigilant [to ensure that] whoever wins complies with their agreements. We’re not going to wait passively for them to come and ask for our vote, we’re going to be active so that they are accountable and win our support.”

The names of about 90 organizations appear on the document. Although de Hoyos published it on his Twitter account, Coparmex is not one of them.

Speaking at his news conference on Thursday morning, López Obrador said the formation of Sí por México was part of a plan by “organic intellectuals” to bring together opponents to his government in the lead-up to the elections, at which the lower house of federal Congress will be renewed and new municipal and state representatives will be elected.

“It’s OK, they’re within their rights and all their freedoms are guaranteed,” he said.

Despite that pledge the president, after reading a different document he attributed to Sí por México, took a moment to mock the group, saying sarcastically: “I am moved, they are so sincere.”

Source: Sin Embargo (sp), Animal Político (sp), Forbes México (sp) 

 

Postpone new refinery, direct resources to essential activities: IMF  

The fund also urged more fiscal support to reduce economic effects of coronavirus

by Mexico News Daily

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that construction of the new oil refinery on the Tabasco coast be postponed.

In a concluding statement after an official staff visit to Mexico, the IMF said that Pemex’s business strategy, including construction of the Dos Bocas refinery, is “crowding out resources for essential spending.”

Given the state oil company’s “widening losses,” it is advisable that it focus production only in profitable fields, the organization said.

Many analysts have criticized the plan to build the US $8-billion refinery on the grounds that it diverts resources from Pemex’s more profitable exploration business.

To improve its financial position, the state-run company, which has debt in excess of US $100 billion, should “sell non-core assets, curb plans to increase refining output at a loss and postpone new refinery plans …” the IMF said.

It recommended that Pemex partner with private firms, asserting that doing so would supply “needed capital and know-how.”

The government has been criticized for not allowing Pemex to enter into new joint ventures known as farm-outs with private companies.

In its concluding statement, the IMF also noted that the coronavirus pandemic “has exacted a tragic human, social and economic toll on Mexico.”

Given the coronavirus-induced economic downturn, Mexico needs more near-term fiscal support, the organization said.

“The [Mexican] authorities are providing very modest near-term direct fiscal support. They increased health spending and direct budget support to households and firms by 0.7 percent of GDP. However, this compares with over 3 percent of GDP support among G20 emerging markets,” the IMF said.

“To stem the decline in economic activity and rise in poverty, Mexico would benefit from higher temporary near-term fiscal support of 2½–3½ percent of GDP (relative to pre-pandemic policy settings). Mexico has some fiscal space and enjoys comfortable market access that could be used during these difficult times.”

The IMF also said that there “appears to be room for further monetary easing,” even though the central bank has cut interest rates seven times this year, lowering the Bank of México’s benchmark rate from 7.25 percent at the start of 2020 to 4.25 percent.

Lower interest rates would provide further relief to the economy, “with likely limited risk to external financial stability,” the monetary fund said.

“A lower cost of borrowing would help reduce debt servicing pressures, especially among weaker borrowers, possibly boost investment, and increase the marginal attractiveness of the credit facilities of the central bank.”

Farmers to stop military burning poppies; it’s their only source of income

They say authorities have failed to deliver on promises of education, health and road improvements

Residents of 33 communities in Guerrero have pledged that they will not allow the military to destroy their opium poppy plantations.

Townsfolk from the municipalities of Helidoro Castillo and San Miguel Totolapan who say that cultivating poppies provides them with their only source of income signed a document in early June in which they committed to defending their plants in the face of destruction by the army, which routinely burns fields of the illicit crop.

At a meeting in Helidoro Castillo on Sunday, leaders from the 33 communities agreed that if they don’t receive a commitment from federal authorities that their poppies will be respected, they will block highways in Guerrero.

In video footage of the meeting, one of the town commissioners proposes blocking the Acapulco-Zihuatanejo highway and the one linking Chilpancingo and Iguala.

Another town commissioner said municipal, state and federal authorities have failed to fulfill promises in the areas of education, health and construction of roads. “The truth is we’re forgotten,” he said.

According to a report by the newspaper Reforma, the community leaders warned that if something untoward happens to a military fumigation helicopter or to military personnel deployed to destroy poppies, it will not be their fault but rather that of the federal government.

In the June document, the residents pledge to defend their “work” until the government provides them with financial assistance that allows them to maintain their families.

“We are determined to prevent our poppy plantations from being destroyed whether it is by air or land,” the document said.

Reforma reported that the protest tactics of farmers from the Sierra region of Guerrero, some of whom have been growing opium poppies for decades, have become more radical, noting that residents of one Helidoro Castillo community detained a group of 40 soldiers in April last year to demand that they halt operations to destroy poppies.

Farmers from the Sierra region have also detained soldiers and police to demand that the government distribute free fertilizer.

Farmers say they use state-supplied fertilizer for crops such as corn, beans and squash. But federal and state authorities have detected that most farmers use the fertilizer for illicit crops, including opium.

Source: Reforma (sp).

 

Doña María, 103, wins 11-day battle against coronavirus

She always maintained a sunny disposition and was proactive about her care, the hospital said

A 103-year-old Jalisco woman has beat Covid-19 after 11 days in the hospital battling the deadly coronavirus.

The woman, identified only as Doña María, left a public hospital in Jalisco Friday healthy, with a smile on her face, and to thunderous applause from the hospital’s staff.

“The whole time she was very animated, aware, talking with the doctors,” reported David Sánchez González, the hospital’s director. “At the end, she told us to take care of ourselves.”

The centenarian was admitted to the hospital September 22 after being referred there by her medical clinic, where she presented with a fever and difficulty breathing. According to Sánchez, she was likely the oldest coronavirus patient that the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Jalisco has ever treated.

Doña María arrived at the hospital with a preexisting condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which she developed from years of being exposed to wood smoke while cooking.

But she did not have other risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or obesity, a fact which probably explained why she responded well to treatment, said Sánchez. She never needed to be on a ventilator.

“She’s the mother of five children and, really, is quite healthy, besides the pulmonary condition, which makes her dependent on portable oxygen,” he said, adding that she always maintained a sunny disposition and was proactive about her care.

Each Covid-19 case brings doctors at the hospital unique lessons, Sánchez said, but Doña María’s is one that has really motivated staff, “because we feel like what we’re doing matters.”

Sources: Milenio (sp)

Mexico bans global brands’ dairy products for breaching standards

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

 

Mexico, Oct 14 – It is inadvisable to consume yogurt and cheeses in Mexico, as they are anything but dairy and, consequently, Mexico’s Economy Ministry and Federal Consumer Prosecutor’s Office (PROFECO) on Wednesday ordered to ban their sale. This was announced by Economy Minister Graciela Marquez and Ricardo Sheffield, from POFECO, who claim to have verified that a great number of dairy products called as ‘cheese’ and ‘natural yogurt’ do not meet the Official Mexican Standards.

Both leaders said its marketing is carried out to the detriment and with information, which can mislead consumers, and ordered the immediate ban of its marketing to many brands.

These two products (cheese and yogurt) violate the ‘100 percent milk’ nutrition fact; add vegetable fat to replace the dairy they should contain in their preparation, provide a lower grammage than that declared on the label as ‘net content’ and do not show the percentage of use of caseinates for the cheese processing.

The most popular cheese brands that were banned from sale are, among others, Caperucita, Cuadritos, Frankly, El Parral, Walter, Sargento and Burr.

Peasants announce protests against ‘Banana Law’ in Honduras

Representatives of several peasant organizations in Honduras announced protests against the so-called ‘Banana Law’, which currently favors domestic and international private capital in the agricultural sector.

According to the peasants, the decree represents a setback for the agrarian conquests obtained in the last few years, as it motivates to transfer lands now cultivated by them to the highest bidder, Criterio noted.

The Executive Decree No. PCM-030-2020, official name of the legal regulation signed by President Juan Orlando Hernandez and his Council of State Secretaries (ministers) on April 9, established measures to ensure sovereignty and food security in Honduras, given the health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The peasant movement presented at the Supreme Court of Honduras an appeal of unconstitutionality against Decree No. PCM 030-2020.

Consulting attorneys of the peasant movement denounce that the decree gives lands to the domestic and international agricultural industry for 30 years.

Buggies go horseless in Yucatán, gasoline engines take over

Motul replaces horse-drawn buggies with a motorized version

Motul, Yucatán, has become the second city in the state to replace horse-drawn carriages with motorized ones following pressure by animal rights activists to abandon the practice, citing animal cruelty.

Mérida was the first city in the state to begin using gas-powered buggies, which it did in November 2019.

Horse-drawn carriages have been banned in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, since May as the practice violates the state’s animal welfare laws.

They were also banned in Acapulco, Guerrero, this spring after the state decided to begin enforcing animal welfare laws on the books since 2014.

In that city, buggy drivers have taken to pulling the carriages with ATVs provided by the state government. Carriage drivers also received 10,000 pesos (US$ 469) from the government and a year’s worth of free maintenance on the four-wheelers. They were instructed to find a dignified retirement home for the now prohibited horses.

In Guadalajara, horse-drawn carriages were banned in 2017 and replaced with electric buggies equipped with a 10-horsepower motor that can drive the carriage at speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour.

“We cannot continue to mistake the idea of tradition with animal abuse. That no longer has a place in Guadalajara; we’ve put a stop to it today,” then-mayor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez said at the time.

Costa Rica’s border shutdown brings about large losses to Panama

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

 

Panama, Oct 7 – Losses due to Costa Rica’s border shutdown caused by popular riots in its neighboring nation amounted to over 30 million dollars, according to Transporters Union.

In statements to the press, Rodolfo De La Guardia, president of the Council of Logistics Company, assured the shutdowns generate negative consequences on domestic economy since they make it impossible to export and merchandise traffic from Panama to other countries in the region.

He specified there are some pharmaceutical products, palm oil and others such as bananas that, if not sent to their destination on time, could deteriorate.

Although he did not refer to an exact figure, the businessman emphasized that any situation at Panama-Costa Rica border really affects business.

On Tuesday, a caravan of trucks waited for the opening of the border to continue heading along the Inter-American highway, the transfer point of land trade to/from Central America.

De La Guardia urged the neighboring country and its people to seek a solution as soon as possible so that the border is definitively opened and trade continues, as this not only affects Costa Rica, but also the entire region.

After the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the world, the Panama Canal was affected by the consequences of the economic contraction, with emphasis in May and June, when crossings dropped by one-fifth, mainly cruise ships, vehicle carriers and ships laden with natural liquefied gas, according to the source.

The crossings of ships and cargo normalized in August and September, so the fiscal year ended with 475.1 million tons of cargo and 13,369 ships, although both figures were under the plans, the ACP noted.

Container carriers were the most important segment and contributed 35% of the cargo handled during the abovementioned period, followed by bulk carriers, tankers and ships carrying natural liquefied gas and other gases.

 

‘Fair Shake’: Trump Administration introduces changes to H-1B guest worker visa

 

by Daria Bedenko

 

The H-1B is a non-immigrant United States visa for specialized workers, including areas such as IT, engineering, architecture, medicine and others – fields that normally require a degree.

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced new changes to the program of the H-1B visa, touting the move as a means of protecting American wages and cracking down on market abuse.

According to Fox News, citing the Department of Labor, the new rule will change the way the so-called ‘prevailing wage’ is formed with regard to workers in specialized fields, commonly resulting in making employers pay higher salaries.

The move aims at making sure that wages are not artificially suppressed by employers who hire would “lower cost foreign labor”.

“With millions of Americans looking for work, and as the economy continues its recovery, immediate action is needed to guard against the risk lower cost foreign labor can pose to the wellbeing of US workers,” according to Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella.

According to Pizzella, the to-be-introduced new rule will be “faraway one of the most significant reforms made to the H-1B program in the past 20 years”.

“The H-1B program has been abused by some companies who seek to undermine American workers by bringing low cost or low paid foreign labor into our country,” Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said, cited by Fox News. “The DHS rule will affect over one third of H-1B petitions — I cannot overstate how big a deal this is.”

One change is thought to be an altered definition of the “specialty occupation” to a job, that would require a degree rather than simply recommending it, while also “tightening standards to require that foreign workers show specialized merit to establish their eligibility”.

The H-1B program will also envisage more frequent vettings for compliance with its requirements – moreover, it is noted that in case one fails to fit them, it can lead to “denial or revocation of employer H-1B petitions”.

Trump, who is known to be tough on immigration and visa policy, in June signed an executive order suspending a variety of visas, including the H-1B, until the end of 2020, citing fear that foreign workers would take jobs from Americans.

The move received criticism, particularly regarding the H-1B visa, with many noting that this type of visa is aimed primarily at filling gaps in the US job market that cannot be filled by US-born workers.

Pizzella, when announcing the changes to the program, outlined that they would still allow gaps to be filled, while also giving US workers a “fair shake”.

The US issues around 85,000 H-1B visas annually, according to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data, with the majority of applicants from China and India.

SF celebrates court decision blocking USCIS fee increases, urges immigrants to naturalize now

by the El Reportero‘s wire services

 

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco leaders celebrated a federal court decision that blocks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from increasing fees for citizenship and other immigration benefits.

On Tuesday, a federal judge in the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction blocking the fee increases days before they were set to take effect. USCIS had planned to increase fees, and largely eliminate fee waivers, for naturalization and other immigration benefits starting Oct. 2, 2020. The decision means that USCIS fees would not increase on Oct. 2, 2020, and fee waivers will still be available for qualifying applicants.

San Francisco’s Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs and the San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative lauded the judge’s decision, which gives immigrants more time to apply for a fee waiver and pay the current fees. But City and community leaders are encouraging immigrants not to wait.

“The San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative (SFPCI) applauds the court’s decision,” said Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, the Initiative’s lead organization. “Since the inception of SFPCI in 2013, a vast majority of our participants were assisted with fee waivers and almost 10,000 LPRs (lawful permanent residents) became U.S. citizens.”

Funded by the City and local foundation partners, the San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative has held 50 free workshops across San Francisco, provided legal screenings to nearly 15,000 immigrants, and saved applicants a total of nearly $4.5 million in application fees.

“San Francisco is committed to making citizenship more accessible, inclusive and affordable for our residents,” said Adrienne Pon, executive director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) and a co-founder of the Initiative.

The administration’s new fee rule would eliminate most fee waivers, and dramatically increase fees for naturalization from $725 to $1,170. It would double the cost of applying for a green card and related fees from $1,125 to $2,270, and charge a fee for asylum for the first time in American history. The rule was challenged by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., International Rescue Committee, OneAmerica, Asian Counseling and Referral Service, and Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Meanwhile, City and community leaders say those eligible for citizenship and other immigration benefits should apply now, and it is crucial for applicants who need financial assistance to get the help they need.

San Francisco is continuing its partnership with local non-profit organization Mission Asset Fund to help applicants cover the cost of citizenship and other immigration applications. The City of San Francisco provides a 50 percent match through Mission Asset Fund for applicants who live, work, or attend school in San Francisco. Applicants can use the 50 percent match to pay the filing fee for naturalization or other immigration benefits including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U visas for crime victims, family petitions, or renewal of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Applicants can make an individual appointment with a San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship partner organization at sfcitizenship.org, or leave a message on one of their multilingual hotlines: Spanish: 415-662-8902, English: 415-662-8901, Filipino: 415-692-6798; Russian: 415-754-3818.

[San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative and the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA)]