El Nuevo Dia
22 Agosto 2010
Algunos lo hablan, otros lo zapatean y uno en particular admite que lo desconoce
Por Yaritza Santiago Caraballo / end.ysantiago1@elnuevodia.com
“Do you speak English? Are you sure? This is Puerto Rico, mister”.
Se supone que Puerto Rico es una isla bilingüe, con dos idiomas oficiales: el español y el inglés. Tan es así que el inglés, idioma que en la Isla propulsó el ex gobernador Pedro Rosselló con la aprobación de la Ley 1 de 1993, ha sustituido al español en documentos oficiales del Gobierno, en rótulos y en municipios como “Guaynabo City”. Todos los boricuas estudian inglés desde kinder pero a la hora de hablarlo le siguen diciendo “el difícil”.
Ahora resulta que legisladores exigen que jefes de agencia, como el secretario interino de Educación, Jesús Rivera, sean bilingües. Sin embargo, al escuchar hablar en inglés a legisladores como el presidente del Senado Thomas Rivera Schatz durante una reciente conferencia de prensa, se percibe un diálogo escueto, poco fluido, lo que levanta la duda de si dominan el idioma que le exigen a otros.
¿Cómo “mastican” el inglés nuestros políticos? El Nuevo Día se lanzó al Capitolio a investigar en un sondeo informal si a los políticos, tanto populares como estadistas, se les hace fácil hablar el difícil. La mayoría, no todos, demostraron que más o menos, aunque sea gagueando, lo dominan y uno admitió francamente que no habla inglés. Claro está, el acento boricua, el inglés masticado típico de los latinos, las muletillas como el “ah, eh”, incluso el 'spanglish' no faltaron en su diálogo con El Nuevo Día. Tampoco faltaron las risas nerviosas que delatan el escaso conocimiento que tienen algunos del idioma de Shakespeare.
Sin complejo y sin temor, el senador Antonio Fas Alzamora fue uno de los que le sometió al inglés graduándose con “A” al demostrar seguridad y mucha fluidez en el idioma. Ni se turbó hablándolo.
“Me gradué”, dijo entre risas al terminar de hablar el difícil, el cual asegura solo lo pone en práctica cuando viaja a Estados Unidos, y lo practica leyendo libros de ciencia, de ficción, y periódicos, en inglés.
El senador Alejandro García Padilla, por su parte, también demostró dominarlo, aunque no quiso contestar las preguntas de este diario.
“Do you speak English?” , le preguntamos a lo que rápidamente contestó: “This is the Puerto Rico Senate and here we speak in Spanish, so I'll answer any question in Spanish. If I have to go to the United States I will speak English there, but not here”, destacó García Padilla, en broma o en serio.
Otra nota de “A” sacó la senadora Sila Mari González, aunque en un momento dado, después de su adecuada pronunciación y fluidez, se tiró el “spanglish” cuando no encontró cómo decir en inglés “Comisión de Hacienda”, al mencionar una lista de comisiones.
Durante el sondeo hubo quien no pasó el examen al ofrecer respuestas sin sentido como fue el caso del senador Antonio “El Chuchin” Soto, a quien desde el principio de la entrevista en inglés le dio un ataque de risa que delató su poco dominio del idioma.
“Do you speak English?”, le preguntamos.
“Yes, I speak English”, contestó con seriedad mientras varios empleados de la oficina donde se encontraba lo observaban en silencio.
“How often do you speak English?”, fue la segunda pregunta que de inmediato le arrancó carcajadas.
“In the school (en la escuela)”, contestó serio tras componerse de su episodio de risa.
“Ah?”, preguntamos.
“In the school”, reiteró.
“Do you read books in English? se le preguntó en otra ocasión
“Yes”, contestó el senador, quien al preguntarle de qué tipo, respondió rápidamente y con seriedad, “all of them” (de todas clases) sin explicar más.
De hecho, este senador fue el único del grupo entrevistado que tuvo más problemas en el inglés, pues hasta con buenas calificaciones se graduó el representante estadista Carlos Méndez.
El alcalde de Guaynabo, Héctor O'Neill, confesó no saber hablar inglés aunque asegura entenderlo un poco.
“Yo no hablo inglés, soy limitado en eso”, expresó el alcalde al resaltar que fue estudiante de escuela pública y en su niñez y juventud no tuvo la oportunidad de aprenderlo. A su juicio, no es irónico que siendo un novoprogresista que quiera la estadidad para Puerto Rico no domine el idioma. “No es irónico. Como ciudadanos americanos tenemos derecho a exigir lo que no tenemos independientemente se hable inglés o no”.
http://www.elnuevodia.com/durapruebapoliticadoyouspeakenglish?-764550.html
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
15 Things You Shouldn't Be Paying For
by Phil Taylor
Thursday, August 19, 2010
provided by U.S. News
So much money and energy is wasted on things we could get for free. If you're into new, shiny things and collecting stuff, this is not for you. But if you want less clutter in your life and want to keep more of your money, then check out these 15 things you shouldn't be paying for.
Basic Computer Software -- Thinking of purchasing a new computer? Think twice before you fork over the funds for a bunch of extra software. There are some great alternatives to the name brand software programs. The most notable is OpenOffice, the open-source alternative to those other guys. It's completely free and files can be exported in compatible formats.
Your Credit Report -- You don't have to pay for your credit report. You could sign up for one of the free credit monitoring services online to get a quick look at your credit report. You just have to remember to cancel the service before the end of the free trial. Or you could do one better and visit www.annualcreditreport.com, the only truly free place to see all three of your credit reports for free once a year.
Cell Phone -- The service plan may be expensive, but the phone itself doesn't have to cost a thing. Most major carriers will give you a free phone, even a free smart phone, with a two-year contract.
Books -- There's a cool place in your town that's renting out books for free: the library. Remember that place? Stop by and put your favorite book on reserve. And if you don't feel like getting out, visit www.paperbackswap.com and find your books there (small shipping fees apply).
Water -- Besides the monthly utility bill, there's no reason to shell out $1 for every bottle of water you drink. Bottled water is so last decade anyway. We're over it, and into tap, filters, and reusable water bottles. It's cheaper for you and better for the environment.
Credit Card -- With as many credit cards as there are available on the market today, it's easy to avoid a credit card with an annual fee. Unless you're dead set on a particular perk that a fee card brings, skip the annual fee card and pocket that money yourself.
[Why Spending Less Can Make You Happier]
Debt Reduction Help -- Speaking of credit cards, if you're in over your head with credit card help, there are many free sources you can turn to for help with your debt. No one is going to be able to magically wipe away your debts, but there is help out there that will set you up on a debt reduction plan you can handle. Start with a visit to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Basic Tax Preparation -- If your tax situation isn't that complicated, then you should probably be preparing your own tax return using one of the many free online services. It's now common for e-filing to be free as well with many services. You won't even need a stamp.
The News -- Leave it to a blogger to try and kill off traditional print. I'm not anti-newspaper. I just don't find them practical anymore. Skip the daily .50 cents and get your news online. And for you dedicated coupon clippers, you can get most of your Sunday coupons online now too.
Budgeting Tools -- There are many budgeting tools (both online and desktop) that offer up the service for free. Don't ask me how they do this, but who cares. If you're looking to reign in some of your spending, the good news is you can do it for free.
Pets -- This is a controversial one, I know. But there are likely many pets down at your local animal shelter that could use just as much love as the pure-bred types. There may be a small fee due to the shelter for shots and basic care, but you'll have your pet home without paying a mini-fortune.
Shipping -- If you like to buy online, you probably use coupons to get a percentage off of your purchase. Take your skills to the next level and look for coupons or promotion codes that offer free shipping. If in doubt, visit a site like www.freeshipping.org.
[Get Out of Debt the Right Way]
Checking Account -- Isn't it nice when a bank takes your money, lends it out to earn money, and then has the audacity to charge you for the service? What a joke. Checking should be free. If yours isn't free then move to one of the many banks that offers a checking account for free. And the same can be said for ATM fees, teller fees, and checks.
DVD Rentals -- Did you know that you can rent DVDs from RedBox locations for $1 a night? And better yet, if you use one of the coupon codes from www.insideredbox.com you can avoid the $1 charge. Free DVD rentals! Most libraries now have free DVD rental as well.
Exercise -- Skip the expensive gym memberships. Visit your local park for a walk or run. Do basic push-up and sit-up programs in your living room. Rent a workout DVD from the library. There are many free workout programs you can download online as well.
Can you think of any other things you should be getting for free? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
provided by U.S. News
So much money and energy is wasted on things we could get for free. If you're into new, shiny things and collecting stuff, this is not for you. But if you want less clutter in your life and want to keep more of your money, then check out these 15 things you shouldn't be paying for.
Basic Computer Software -- Thinking of purchasing a new computer? Think twice before you fork over the funds for a bunch of extra software. There are some great alternatives to the name brand software programs. The most notable is OpenOffice, the open-source alternative to those other guys. It's completely free and files can be exported in compatible formats.
Your Credit Report -- You don't have to pay for your credit report. You could sign up for one of the free credit monitoring services online to get a quick look at your credit report. You just have to remember to cancel the service before the end of the free trial. Or you could do one better and visit www.annualcreditreport.com, the only truly free place to see all three of your credit reports for free once a year.
Cell Phone -- The service plan may be expensive, but the phone itself doesn't have to cost a thing. Most major carriers will give you a free phone, even a free smart phone, with a two-year contract.
Books -- There's a cool place in your town that's renting out books for free: the library. Remember that place? Stop by and put your favorite book on reserve. And if you don't feel like getting out, visit www.paperbackswap.com and find your books there (small shipping fees apply).
Water -- Besides the monthly utility bill, there's no reason to shell out $1 for every bottle of water you drink. Bottled water is so last decade anyway. We're over it, and into tap, filters, and reusable water bottles. It's cheaper for you and better for the environment.
Credit Card -- With as many credit cards as there are available on the market today, it's easy to avoid a credit card with an annual fee. Unless you're dead set on a particular perk that a fee card brings, skip the annual fee card and pocket that money yourself.
[Why Spending Less Can Make You Happier]
Debt Reduction Help -- Speaking of credit cards, if you're in over your head with credit card help, there are many free sources you can turn to for help with your debt. No one is going to be able to magically wipe away your debts, but there is help out there that will set you up on a debt reduction plan you can handle. Start with a visit to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Basic Tax Preparation -- If your tax situation isn't that complicated, then you should probably be preparing your own tax return using one of the many free online services. It's now common for e-filing to be free as well with many services. You won't even need a stamp.
The News -- Leave it to a blogger to try and kill off traditional print. I'm not anti-newspaper. I just don't find them practical anymore. Skip the daily .50 cents and get your news online. And for you dedicated coupon clippers, you can get most of your Sunday coupons online now too.
Budgeting Tools -- There are many budgeting tools (both online and desktop) that offer up the service for free. Don't ask me how they do this, but who cares. If you're looking to reign in some of your spending, the good news is you can do it for free.
Pets -- This is a controversial one, I know. But there are likely many pets down at your local animal shelter that could use just as much love as the pure-bred types. There may be a small fee due to the shelter for shots and basic care, but you'll have your pet home without paying a mini-fortune.
Shipping -- If you like to buy online, you probably use coupons to get a percentage off of your purchase. Take your skills to the next level and look for coupons or promotion codes that offer free shipping. If in doubt, visit a site like www.freeshipping.org.
[Get Out of Debt the Right Way]
Checking Account -- Isn't it nice when a bank takes your money, lends it out to earn money, and then has the audacity to charge you for the service? What a joke. Checking should be free. If yours isn't free then move to one of the many banks that offers a checking account for free. And the same can be said for ATM fees, teller fees, and checks.
DVD Rentals -- Did you know that you can rent DVDs from RedBox locations for $1 a night? And better yet, if you use one of the coupon codes from www.insideredbox.com you can avoid the $1 charge. Free DVD rentals! Most libraries now have free DVD rental as well.
Exercise -- Skip the expensive gym memberships. Visit your local park for a walk or run. Do basic push-up and sit-up programs in your living room. Rent a workout DVD from the library. There are many free workout programs you can download online as well.
Can you think of any other things you should be getting for free? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Business Letters
A business letter is more formal than a personal letter. It should have a margin of at least one inch on all four edges. It is always written on 8½"x11" (or metric equivalent) unlined stationery. There are six parts to a business letter.
1. The Heading. This contains the return address (usually two or three lines) with the date on the last line.
Sometimes it may be necessary to include a line after the address and before the date for a phone number, fax number, E-mail address, or something similar.
Often a line is skipped between the address and date. That should always be done if the heading is next to the left margin. (See Business Letter Styles.)
It is not necessary to type the return address if you are using stationery with the return address already imprinted. Always include the date.
2. The Inside Address. This is the address you are sending your letter to. Make it as complete as possible. Include titles and names if you know them.
This is always on the left margin. If an 8½" x 11" paper is folded in thirds to fit in a standard 9" business envelope, the inside address can appear through the window in the envelope.
An inside address also helps the recipient route the letter properly and can help should the envelope be damaged and the address become unreadable.
Skip a line after the heading before the inside address. Skip another line after the inside address before the greeting.
3. The Greeting. Also called the salutation. The greeting in a business letter is always formal. It normally begins with the word "Dear" and always includes the person's last name.
It normally has a title. Use a first name only if the title is unclear--for example, you are writing to someone named "Leslie," but do not know whether the person is male or female. For more on the form of titles, see Titles with Names.
The greeting in a business letter always ends in a colon. (You know you are in trouble if you get a letter from a boyfriend or girlfriend and the greeting ends in a colon--it is not going to be friendly.)
4. The Body. The body is written as text. A business letter is never hand written. Depending on the letter style you choose, paragraphs may be indented. Regardless of format, skip a line between paragraphs.
Skip a line between the greeting and the body. Skip a line between the body and the close.
5. The Complimentary Close. This short, polite closing ends with a comma. It is either at the left margin or its left edge is in the center, depending on the Business Letter Style that you use. It begins at the same column the heading does.
The block style is becoming more widely used because there is no indenting to bother with in the whole letter.
6. The Signature Line. Skip two lines (unless you have unusually wide or narrow lines) and type out the name to be signed. This customarily includes a middle initial, but does not have to. Women may indicate how they wish to be addressed by placing Miss, Mrs., Ms. or similar title in parentheses before their name.
The signature line may include a second line for a title, if appropriate. The term "By direction" in the second line means that a superior is authorizing the signer.
The signature should start directly above the first letter of the signature line in the space between the close and the signature line. Use blue or black ink.
Business letters should not contain postscripts.
1. The Heading. This contains the return address (usually two or three lines) with the date on the last line.
Sometimes it may be necessary to include a line after the address and before the date for a phone number, fax number, E-mail address, or something similar.
Often a line is skipped between the address and date. That should always be done if the heading is next to the left margin. (See Business Letter Styles.)
It is not necessary to type the return address if you are using stationery with the return address already imprinted. Always include the date.
2. The Inside Address. This is the address you are sending your letter to. Make it as complete as possible. Include titles and names if you know them.
This is always on the left margin. If an 8½" x 11" paper is folded in thirds to fit in a standard 9" business envelope, the inside address can appear through the window in the envelope.
An inside address also helps the recipient route the letter properly and can help should the envelope be damaged and the address become unreadable.
Skip a line after the heading before the inside address. Skip another line after the inside address before the greeting.
3. The Greeting. Also called the salutation. The greeting in a business letter is always formal. It normally begins with the word "Dear" and always includes the person's last name.
It normally has a title. Use a first name only if the title is unclear--for example, you are writing to someone named "Leslie," but do not know whether the person is male or female. For more on the form of titles, see Titles with Names.
The greeting in a business letter always ends in a colon. (You know you are in trouble if you get a letter from a boyfriend or girlfriend and the greeting ends in a colon--it is not going to be friendly.)
4. The Body. The body is written as text. A business letter is never hand written. Depending on the letter style you choose, paragraphs may be indented. Regardless of format, skip a line between paragraphs.
Skip a line between the greeting and the body. Skip a line between the body and the close.
5. The Complimentary Close. This short, polite closing ends with a comma. It is either at the left margin or its left edge is in the center, depending on the Business Letter Style that you use. It begins at the same column the heading does.
The block style is becoming more widely used because there is no indenting to bother with in the whole letter.
6. The Signature Line. Skip two lines (unless you have unusually wide or narrow lines) and type out the name to be signed. This customarily includes a middle initial, but does not have to. Women may indicate how they wish to be addressed by placing Miss, Mrs., Ms. or similar title in parentheses before their name.
The signature line may include a second line for a title, if appropriate. The term "By direction" in the second line means that a superior is authorizing the signer.
The signature should start directly above the first letter of the signature line in the space between the close and the signature line. Use blue or black ink.
Business letters should not contain postscripts.
Friendly or Personal Letters
Friendly or Personal Letters
Personal letters, also known as friendly letters, and social notes normally have five parts.
1. The Heading. This includes the address, line by line, with the last line being the date. Skip a line after the heading. The heading is indented to the middle of the page. If using preaddressed stationery, add just the date.
2. The Greeting. The greeting always ends with a comma. The greeting may be formal, beginning with the word "dear" and using the person's given name or relationship, or it may be informal if appropriate.
Formal: Dear Uncle Jim, Dear Mr. Wilkins,
Informal: Hi Joe, Greetings,
(Occasionally very personal greetings may end with an exclamation point for emphasis.)
3. The body. Also known as the main text. This includes the message you want to write. Normally in a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is indented. If not indented, be sure to skip a space between paragraphs. Skip a line after the greeting and before the close.
4. The complimentary close. This short expression is always a few words on a single line. It ends in a comma. It should be indented to the same column as the heading. Skip one to three spaces (two is usual) for the signature line.
5. The signature line. Type or print your name. The handwritten signature goes above this line and below the close. The signature line and the handwritten signature are indented to the same column as the close. The signature should be written in blue or black ink. If the letter is quite informal, you may omit the signature line as long as you sign the letter.
Postscript. If your letter contains a postscript, begin it with P.S. and end it with your initials. Skip a line after the signature line to begin the postscript.
Personal letters, also known as friendly letters, and social notes normally have five parts.
1. The Heading. This includes the address, line by line, with the last line being the date. Skip a line after the heading. The heading is indented to the middle of the page. If using preaddressed stationery, add just the date.
2. The Greeting. The greeting always ends with a comma. The greeting may be formal, beginning with the word "dear" and using the person's given name or relationship, or it may be informal if appropriate.
Formal: Dear Uncle Jim, Dear Mr. Wilkins,
Informal: Hi Joe, Greetings,
(Occasionally very personal greetings may end with an exclamation point for emphasis.)
3. The body. Also known as the main text. This includes the message you want to write. Normally in a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is indented. If not indented, be sure to skip a space between paragraphs. Skip a line after the greeting and before the close.
4. The complimentary close. This short expression is always a few words on a single line. It ends in a comma. It should be indented to the same column as the heading. Skip one to three spaces (two is usual) for the signature line.
5. The signature line. Type or print your name. The handwritten signature goes above this line and below the close. The signature line and the handwritten signature are indented to the same column as the close. The signature should be written in blue or black ink. If the letter is quite informal, you may omit the signature line as long as you sign the letter.
Postscript. If your letter contains a postscript, begin it with P.S. and end it with your initials. Skip a line after the signature line to begin the postscript.
Journal # 1
Select form the follwig Topics:
• A special birthday
• I’d like to see . . .
• The biggest thing I ever saw
• Noisy times and quiet times
Due on Friday Aug. 20th, 2010
• A special birthday
• I’d like to see . . .
• The biggest thing I ever saw
• Noisy times and quiet times
Due on Friday Aug. 20th, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
VERBOS PARA OBJETIVOS
1.- OBJETIVOS CONCEPTUALES (Saber teórico / conocimiento):
Estos objetivos conforman el saber, en cuanto aspecto disciplinar y teórico. Se refieren a las capacidades de formar estructuras conceptuales con las informaciones, conceptos, principios y teorías que conforman el saber disciplinar, y como operar exitosamente a partir de ellas.
2. OBJETIVOS PROCEDIMENTALES (Saber práctico y metodológico /aptitud):
Estos objetivos conforman el saber-hacer, en cuanto procedimiento. Se refieren a las capacidades de formar estructuras prácticas con las metodologías, procedimientos y técnicas habituales para operar sobre los saberes conceptuales.
3. OBJETIVOS ACTITUDINALES (Saber social / actitud, valor):
Estos objetivos conforman el saber-ser. Se refieren a la predisposición sobre la adopción de determinadas actitudes o hacia determinados tipos de percepción, valoración o acción.
1. Verbos para definir objetivos que aludan a capacidades conceptuales:
Analizar
Clasificar
Comparar
Comprender
Comprobar
Conocer
Deducir
Definir
Demostrar
Describir
Diferenciar
Distinguir
Elegir
Enumerar
Evaluar
Explicar
Expresar
Generalizar
Identificar
Inducir
Interpretar
Localizar
Memorizar
Planear
Razonar
Reconocer
Recordar
Resolver
Relacionar
Resumir
Sintetizar
Señalar
2. Verbos para definir objetivos que aludan a capacidades procedimentales:
Adaptar
Aplicar
Comentar
Construir
Controlar
Conversar
Crear
Debatir
Diferenciar
Desarrollar
Diseñar
Dramatizar
Efectuar
Expresar
Experimentar
Formar
Formular
Investigar
Investigar
Manejar
Observar
Manipular
Modelar
Operar
Organizar
Orientarse
Planear
Producir
Programar
Proyectar
Recoger
Representar
Resolver
Simular
Usar
Utilizar
3. Verbos para definir objetivos que aludan a capacidades actitudinales:
Aceptar
Admirar
Apreciar
Asumir
Autoestimar-se
Colaborar
Compartir
Contemplar
Cooperar
Crear
Cuidar
Disfrutar
Integrar (se)
Interesar (se)
Interiorizar
Inventar
Mostrar
Participar
Preferir
Rechazar
Respetar
Responsabilizar
Solidarizar
Tolerar
Tender a
Valorar
Estos objetivos conforman el saber, en cuanto aspecto disciplinar y teórico. Se refieren a las capacidades de formar estructuras conceptuales con las informaciones, conceptos, principios y teorías que conforman el saber disciplinar, y como operar exitosamente a partir de ellas.
2. OBJETIVOS PROCEDIMENTALES (Saber práctico y metodológico /aptitud):
Estos objetivos conforman el saber-hacer, en cuanto procedimiento. Se refieren a las capacidades de formar estructuras prácticas con las metodologías, procedimientos y técnicas habituales para operar sobre los saberes conceptuales.
3. OBJETIVOS ACTITUDINALES (Saber social / actitud, valor):
Estos objetivos conforman el saber-ser. Se refieren a la predisposición sobre la adopción de determinadas actitudes o hacia determinados tipos de percepción, valoración o acción.
1. Verbos para definir objetivos que aludan a capacidades conceptuales:
Analizar
Clasificar
Comparar
Comprender
Comprobar
Conocer
Deducir
Definir
Demostrar
Describir
Diferenciar
Distinguir
Elegir
Enumerar
Evaluar
Explicar
Expresar
Generalizar
Identificar
Inducir
Interpretar
Localizar
Memorizar
Planear
Razonar
Reconocer
Recordar
Resolver
Relacionar
Resumir
Sintetizar
Señalar
2. Verbos para definir objetivos que aludan a capacidades procedimentales:
Adaptar
Aplicar
Comentar
Construir
Controlar
Conversar
Crear
Debatir
Diferenciar
Desarrollar
Diseñar
Dramatizar
Efectuar
Expresar
Experimentar
Formar
Formular
Investigar
Investigar
Manejar
Observar
Manipular
Modelar
Operar
Organizar
Orientarse
Planear
Producir
Programar
Proyectar
Recoger
Representar
Resolver
Simular
Usar
Utilizar
3. Verbos para definir objetivos que aludan a capacidades actitudinales:
Aceptar
Admirar
Apreciar
Asumir
Autoestimar-se
Colaborar
Compartir
Contemplar
Cooperar
Crear
Cuidar
Disfrutar
Integrar (se)
Interesar (se)
Interiorizar
Inventar
Mostrar
Participar
Preferir
Rechazar
Respetar
Responsabilizar
Solidarizar
Tolerar
Tender a
Valorar
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