Saturday, March 30, 2013

Blogs Review - 10:45 AM 3/30/2013


at La Rogativa
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at La Rogativa
Piti
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Cabotaje
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Do you love or hate Puerto Ricans and why?
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1126 Comments, last updated on Friday Mar 22 by Brainiac2
Why do pro independence Puerto Ricans want to administer the colony?
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6 Comments, last updated on Friday Mar 22 by Brainiac2
The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor in her memoir.
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36 Comments, last updated on Sunday Mar 24 by Gitano
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Yo también
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Should Puerto Rico reunite with its Mother Spain?
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10 Comments, last updated on Saturday Mar 23 by Brainiac2
#kite type of day (at Castillo San Felipe Del Morro)
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#kite type of day (at Castillo San Felipe Del Morro)
¿Cambió?
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Silencio
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What's new in Puerto Rico?
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1 Comment, last updated on Monday Mar 25 by Jorge
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Island boricuas are better off than Bronx's NewYoricans.
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6 Comments, last updated on Wednesday Mar 27 by Jorge
Pesquera's contract?
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34 Comments, last updated on Wednesday Mar 27 by El cacique
If Puerto Rican women were that beautiful....
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4 Comments, last updated on Friday Mar 29 by Jorge
Era un buen tipo Jesús
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Había que convencer a todos de que lo único que hay que hacer en la vida es tratar a los demás como quieres que te traten a ti. Esa es la regla de oro.
Jornada hacia nuevas políticas culturales
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El Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe convoca a la comunidad cultural a la Jornada Hacia Nuevas Políticas Culturales, en honor al Dr. Ricardo Alegría.
El ojo extendido de Luis Rafael Vidal
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Luis R. Vidal // Foto por Alberto R. Novoa
El fotógrafo puertorriqueño Luis Rafael Vidal Alvarez es un hombre de mundo. No tan solo porque ha vivido en ciudades como San Juan, Madrid, Málaga, Londres, Barcelona y actualmente en Brooklyn, también porque su lente nos abre a un mundo lleno de colores, personajes, detalles, y nuevas perspectivas. Aquí los dejamos con una entrevista que le hicimos sobre sus comienzos, equipo, opiniones, entre otras cosas.
Praga, República Checa // Foto de Luis R. Vidal
Praga, República Checa // Foto de Luis R. Vidal
¿Cuáles son tus comienzos? ¿Qué estudiaste? ¿Cuándo supiste que querías ser fotógrafo?
Estudié Sociología en la UPR, Recinto de Cayey. Me gradué, y fui a la UPR, Recinto de Río Piedras a estudiar fotografía.
Siempre supe que quería hacer algo relacionado al arte. De chamaquito dibujaba y aunque no quedaban tan mal los dibuhos, no cultivé ese arte con la disciplina correcta. Recuerdo que en escuela superior un colega me prestó la cámara de su padre, una Nikon F. Me enamoré del sonido de sus botones, ese “crrrrk” cuando tirabas del carrete, y como se veía todo a través del visor. Tomé fotos con ella y cuando vi el resultado impreso, supe que era lo que quería hacer por el resto de mi vida. En la fotografía encontré una manera de dibujar, de pintar, pero con luz.
Luego fui a Madrid a estudiar cine. Estuve por allá 4 años. Después me mudé a Málaga buscando el sol andaluz, seguido por una mudanza a Londres buscando la experiencia citadina. De ciudad en ciudad terminé 12 años en total por Europa.
Cuando vivía en Londres estuve trabajando unos meses en una casa de alquiler de equipo de cine. Allí me hice bien amigo de un par de primeros asistentes de cámara (focus pullers) que me enseñaron a enhebrar la película, y parte de la disciplina que envuelve ser un segundo asistente (clapper loader). Tuve mi primera oportunidad en un video de música con el grupo Keane y su canción Everybody’s Changing.
Después de 4 años, decidí que quería estar más tranquilo y entonces volví a Málaga. Allí monté un estudio de fotografía fija con un colega, y por tema de poco presupuesto, terminamos retocando las fotos nosotros mismos – aunque aveces contábamos con un retocador, de hecho, aprendí mucho con él. Fue ahí que entré al laberinto de Photoshop y poco a poco retocando cada vez más rápido. Ahora soy retocador freelance para J.Crew NYC.
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Orquesta El Macabeo // Foto de Luis R. Vidal
¿Qué tipo de equipo usas? 
Depende del trabajo. Cuando son trabajos de presupuesto, casi siempre parte o gran parte de las herramientas se alquilan, pero equipo mío de cámara tengo: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; un lente 20-40mm; un lente fijo 50mm; un lente 70-200mm; un lente fijo 85mm (todos f2.8); par de flashes Speedlite; y un sistema de luces de estudio portátilElinchrom Ranger Quadra con juguetitos (beauty dishsoftbox).
¿Tienes algún lente favorito? De ser así, ¿porqué?
Ninguno. Para mi son herramientas. Aunque al 70-200mm le tengo cierto cariño por los años de fotoperiodismo. Sentía una sensación de “francotirador” cuando lo usaba.
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Policía de Puerto Rico // Foto de Luis R. Vidal
¿Cuándo viajas, que equipo consideras esencial y que no sea pesado?
Todo lo que quepa en una Pelican 1510.
¿Alguna vez has comprado algún equipo que hayas encontrado luego como “innecesario”?
La verdad que no. Todo lo he usado.
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Foto de Luis R. Vidal
¿Qué temas tratas en las fotos? 
Espacios, streetportraits. Amo los retratos (relacionados con fotos de “moda”). Me disfruto el juego psicológico necesario para llevar a la persona al resultado previsto en nuestra imaginación. Esa mezcla de la disciplina más precisa con la espontaneidad más sincera. Cada persona es distinta y ese reto de “llegarle” a cada una me encanta. Y sobre todo poder transmitir eso en el impreso.
¿Algún setting en particular que hayas creado que le permite a la persona identificar tu trabajo? 
Todo lo tiro en Raw, pero la verdad es que no tengo ningún setting preferido. Cada foto es distinta y requiere una combinación distinta.
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Foto de Luis R. Vidal
¿Alguna preparación o ritual antes de trabajar un shoot?
El día antes del shoot lo chequeo todo. Me aseguro que todas las herramientas que se necesitan para el trabajo estén presentes y funcionando. Más que rituales son manías: siempre cerrar la maleta cuando se cambia de lentes; si trabajo con un asistente, los lentes los paso de una manera muy específica; cuando guardo los lentes siempre les abro la apertura a f2.8. En fin, manías que vienen de la manera militar de trabajar en cine. Soy un nerd en cuanto a eso.
¿Qué te parece Instagram?
Una fiebre tripeosa. Volveremos a imprimir. (sigan a Luis por Instagram aquí)
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Foto de Luis R. Vidal
¿Qué haces para mantener tu conocimiento al día en cuanto a técnicas y equipo en el mundo de la fotografía? 
Hay un par de blogs que visito con frecuencia, pero en realidad siempre estoy viendo fotos – tratando de leer lo que no se ve. Analizando el encuadre mientras intento saber exactamente donde se pusieron los flashes, las banderas negras y todos los aparatos para iluminar. Es como una obsesión.
¿Qué otros fotógrafos te inspiran?
Depende del momento y las etapas… sigo mucho a Melissa Rodwell que es “panita” de Instagram. Me encantan los retratos sencillos de Krijn van Noordwijk y como transmiten los retratos de Vincent Peters. Me fascina la elegancia y el control del blanco y negro que tiene Rodney Smith. De vez en cuando me meto en PLSR para ver fotógrafos.
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Foto de Luis R. Vidal
¿Alguna colaboración pasada que te gustaría mencionar?
Cuando vivía en Londres trabajé en la porción que se rodó en estudio del video One Way Ticket de The Darkness que dirigió Tim Pope. Pope le hizo casi todos los videos a The Cure, y ver a este loco dirigir a estos otros dementes fue una experiencia bastante intensa. Londres fue rock ‘n’ roll.
¿Algún dato curioso sobre ti?
Me gusta Roberto Carlos…bastante.
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Foto de Luis R. Vidal


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Darwin, homosexualidad y patería
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En Darwin podemos encontrar las bases para fundamentar teóricamente una patería combativa con las herramientas conceptuales para derrotar a los representantes del odio institucionalizado.
Flying Paramotor Southwest of Puerto Rico
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Paramotor pilot Luis Pabón Flying over Southwest Coast of Puerto Rico. Boqueron, Punta Guaniquilla, Combate.
From: Luis Pabon
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Americas: Puerto Rico - P3 Authority's Alvarez to Parsons - Project Finance International
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Americas: Puerto Rico - P3 Authority's Alvarez to Parsons
Project Finance International
... advisor taking a lead in execution of major public-private partnerships (PPPs) and other advisory assignments. Prior to joining Parsons Brinckerhoff, Alvarez was executive director of the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnerships Authority (PRPPA).

Inauguración de autopista PUERTO RICO - MOGÁN con ministros Ana Pastor y José Manuel Soria
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Mogán (Gran Canaria) | 25-03-2013 La ministra de Fomento, Ana Pastor, presidió hoy, junto al presidente del Gobierno de Canarias, Paulino Rivero, al ministro...
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Bayamón
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BayamónThe island's second most populous city
Thursday, March 28, 2013

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What Are Your Metaphors for Success?
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... place when I was 2 or 3 years old and my parents took me to an Olympic-sized swimming venue in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, where we lived. My dad was teaching me how to swim and took me into the deeper water -- 14'-16' deep. With no warning, I ...
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Puerto Rico's All Sato Rescue making it a better world for abandoned animals - Examiner.com
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Puerto Rico's All Sato Rescue making it a better world for abandoned animals
Examiner.com
The United States territory of Puerto Rico is the size of the state of Connecticut and very similar to many cities having a tragic overpopulation of abandoned and homeless pets. It is estimated that 200,000 strays walk the streets in Puerto Rico, and ...

Spain's holy parades thrive despite falling faith
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It is 1 a.m. on Good Friday and thousands of people hush their chatter in Seville's Duque Plaza.
Puerto Rican music stars scorn fame to become pastors - GlobalPost
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Puerto Rican music stars scorn fame to become pastors
GlobalPost
San Juan, Mar 29 (EFE).- Salsa star Alex D'Castro and reggaeton's Hector "El Father" Delgado are some of the Puerto Rican artists who left fame and fortune behind to become Evangelical pastors. D'Castro told Efe that his conversion came while he was ...

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Spain Holy Parade in full swing
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Thousands of people hush their chatter in Seville's Duque Plaza. A cloud of incense is the only sign of what approaches.
Brothers create luxury golf resort in Puerto Rico - U-T San Diego
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Brothers create luxury golf resort in Puerto Rico
U-T San Diego
ISABELA, Puerto Rico — On the surface, rejecting the opportunity to have Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer or Gary Player design your golf course and then building the thing yourself might seem a little imprudent. Hiring any one of golf's Big Three ...
Golf Course Review - Golf Links at Royal IsabelaMiamiHerald.com

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Puerto Rican Music Stars Scorn Fame to Become Pastors - Latin American Herald Tribune
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Latin American Herald Tribune

Puerto Rican Music Stars Scorn Fame to Become Pastors
Latin American Herald Tribune
Puerto Rican Music Stars Scorn Fame to Become Pastors. SAN JUAN – Salsa star Alex D'Castro and reggaeton's Hector “El Father” Delgado are some of the Puerto Rican artists who left fame and fortune behind to become Evangelical pastors. D'Castro told ...

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Obama pitches public works spending to create jobs
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Obama pitches public works spending to create jobs

MIAMI — Trying to show that the economy remains a top priority, President Barack ...

PR jobless rate dips in February

Puerto Rico’s unemployment rate dipped to 14.5 percent in February after rising ...

Pope’s foot-washing blow for traditionalists

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has won over many hearts and minds with his simple s ...

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Heavy rains strand dozens in northeast Puerto Rico - Windsor Star
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Heavy rains strand dozens in northeast Puerto Rico
Windsor Star
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Authorities in Puerto Rico have rescued 13 people and evacuated dozens of others amid heavy rains that pelted the island's northeast region. The director of the Emergency Management Agency said crews also closed a road near El ...
Randolph students explore Puerto RicoCannon Falls Beacon

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Crash that Killed Cuban Democracy Advocate Still Shrouded in Mystery
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The car accident that killed democracy advocate Oswaldo Payá has been shrouded in mystery and misinformation since it happened in eastern Cuba last July.
Payá, who dedicated his life to promoting human rights and democratic governance in Cuba, died along with his colleague, advocate Harold Cepero. Angel Carromero and Jens Aron Modig, European politicians who were visiting Cuba to support Payá's efforts, survived the crash.
Oswaldo Paya, at his home. Screenshot from video by Tracey Eaton, taken with photographer's permission.
Oswaldo Paya, at his home. Screenshot from video by Tracey Eaton, taken with photographer's permission.
While state press and Cuban officials [es] reported that Carromero, who was at the wheel, lost control of the car and hit a tree, rumors of a second car began to circulate. Though the two Europeans survived the crash, weeks passed before either survivor gave an account of the accident. Having endured decades of harassment and threats on her father’s life, Payá’s daughter Rosa Maria publicly stated that she suspected foul play. Cuban authorities charged Carromero with vehicular manslaughter; he was put on trial in October, found guilty, and sentenced to four years in prison. Carromero also delivered a statement, before the press, confirming authorities’ version of the story.
Given that the passengers killed in the accident were in the back seat of the car, the claim that the car crashed into a tree seems unlikely.
This month, Angel Carromero, who served jail time in Cuba and was then (with assistance from the Spanish government) granted permission to complete his sentence in Spain, gave an interview to The Washington Post. The newspaper’s website does not specify who conducted the interview.
In this new account of the accident and its aftermath, Carromero describes being followed by a series of strange cars, the last of which crashed into the back of the car, killing Payá and Cepero, who were riding in the backseat. Carromero recalls being taken to a hospital and later asked to sign the “official” account of the accident and recite the account before members of the press.
Carromero says that military officers intimidated him, suggesting that he would face further trouble if he did not stick to the official version of the story.
One of them told me that what I had told them had not happened and that I should be careful, that depending on what I said things could go very well or very badly for me.
He also describes meager prison conditions and claims that while he was in the hospital, personnel unnecessarily sedated him. He believes this may have caused his memory of the incident to lapse.
Phil Peters, US-Cuba policy expert and author of The Cuban Triangle, is doubtful that those following the case will find Carromero’s account credible:
…[Carromero’s] conduct to date has frustrated those that most want to pin Paya’s death on the Cuban government, and the presentation of the case – slow, late, and piecemeal, with Modig consistently useless – has limited its impact.  My strong guess is that skeptics of both accounts are not going to get satisfaction.
Carromero claims that when they saw a vehicle following them, Paya and Cepero said it was “from ‘la comunista.’”  Peters notes that this doesn't sound right — Cubans do not colloquially refer to authorities this way. “La comunista” would be a pretty general way to refer to just about anyone in Cuba, a Communist country.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo says he has no reason to believe Carromero. Spanish daily El Pais notes that the Spanish government has handled the case delicately, likely in the interest of preserving Cuba-Spain relations and protecting other Spanish citizens who are awaiting trial in Cuba.
Havana Times reports that García-Margallo has said that Carromero should present this information before the court. At his trial, Carromero gave what he now claims was a false description of the accident.
Havana Times blogger Harold Dilla also expressed skepticism about Carromero’s account. He noted that people on all sides of the incident seem to have given accounts and spread information that is not entirely truthful– the lack of impartial, thorough reporting on the incident has made the situation all the worse. Dilla wrote,
The unfortunate death of Oswaldo Paya is another example of the morbidities that come with the lack of information openness in Cuba and the lack of independent response channels.
Although the Cuban government acted to provide rapid and technically supported information on the facts of the incident, I don’t think it was sufficient for anyone, if we consider that Paya was always considered an enemy and harassed accordingly.
Dilla also supported the Paya family’s request for an independent investigation of the case and argued that “the Cuban government should, in the name of decency, be obligated to allow that.”
Many have called for an independent investigation of the accident; the Payá family has sought assistance on the matter from the United Nations. But even this may be a challenge. Agustín López casts doubt [es] on the efficacy of such an effort
¿Qué tribunal internacional tendrá la suficiente potestad para realizar una investigación imparcial y por qué métodos obtendrán pruebas periciales que no sean fraudulentas? ¿Se dignara algún cubano que conozca la verdad a arriesgar la vida en una transparente declaración?
What international court will have sufficient power to conduct an impartial investigation and what methods will be used to obtain credible evidence that will not be fraudulent? Will any Cuban who knows the truth to deign to risk his or her life by making a transparent statement?
In the wake of the accident, a diverse range of Cuban voices — even those who didn’t agree with Payá — expressed appreciation for his efforts to push for reform on the island. Payá was internationally recognized as one of Cuba's most pragmatic, forward-thinking advocates for freedom of expression, freedom of association, and other fundamental rights on the island. For Payá's family and those who supported his work, it is unfortunate that his death has been marked on all sides by layers of misinformation and mistrust.
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Recipes for Health: Oven-Poached Pacific Sole With Lemon Caper Sauce
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Serving more than the four favorite species of fish is wise advice for the home cook trying to eat more seafood.

Dental Patients in Oklahoma Warned of Disease Risk
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Letters are being sent urging patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington to get tested for H.I.V. and hepatitis B and C after state officials found health and safety violations at his practice.

Bits Blog: New Android Smartphone Is Said to Favor Facebook
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Facebook will introduce a special version of Google’s Android software system next week that is modified to put the social network front and center on a smartphone.