Weekly Bilingual News - Special Edition

Dear Friends:

Hello! Welcome to a special online communication of the Spanish-English Club with several comments we posted in different online publications during the last few days.

Due to professional compromises and personal requirements, we don't have enough time to write the normal Weekly Bilingual News, but here you have interesting subjects for your debate and bilingual conversation. The Vocabulary included will help you.

WSJ Washington Wire: Via Twitter: Obama's Holiday Reading (President Obama is reading about Ronald Reagan), (Dec. 25, 2010)
Blog Comment: Maybe President Obama needs a special inspiration to address his next two years as president with the pragmatism of Ronald Reagan. Domingo A. Trassens

WSJ Real Times Economics: Outsize Importance of Holidays for Retailers (2010 Christmas shopping), (Dec. 25, 2010)
Blog Comment: In an economy struggling to survive, we have other priorities different fromTV panels, computers, and other electronic devices. Best Buy has to redefine its forecasts according to the reality. Domingo A. Trassens

PBS NEWSHOUR: Shields and Gerson on Obama's Gains, New Political Realities (Political analysis of the last week), (Dec. 24, 2010)
Members Blog: After weeks in free fall, today you showed President Obama gained in important battles. Are these victories the beginning of a realistic era of the White House administration or only some Christmas gifts? Domingo A. Trassens. 2 Recommendations

PBS NEWSHOUR: Violence Against Iraqi Christians Escalates. (Christmas in Iraq), (Dec. 24, 2010)
Members Blog: The persecution against the Iraqi Christians reminds me of the Roman Catacombs in the beginning of Christianity. The current religious intolerance of Iraq shows a violent backward movement from Saddam's times. Domingo A. Trassens. 3 Recommendations

WSJ Story: Parcel Bombs Target Embassies in Rome (Terrorism bombing in the embassies of Switzerland and Chile in Italy), (Dec. 23, 2010)
Journal Community Comment: I don't know if Switzerland and Chile have a lot in common, but Rome like London, Madrid, New York, and Moscow are very good windows to show how terrorism enjoy sacrificing innocent people everywhere. Domingo A. Trassens. 7 Recommendations

WSJ Story: Fortifying Phones From Attackers (Verizon and AT&T plan to protect smart-phones users), (Dec. 22, 2010)
Journal Community Comment: Telecommunication carriers have the OBLIGATION to protect consumers and companies whom embrace smart-phones. If they don't work fast and efficiently the smart-phones will lose value and nobody will believe in the benefits of their technology. These devices will only become luxury game machines. Domingo A. Trassens. 2 Recommendations

All the best,

Domingo

Domingo A. Trassens
Spanish-English Club
Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
URL: http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/

Questions - Preguntas:

1) From your point of view, what was the worst news for the last week?

1) Desde vuestro punto de vista, ¿cuál fue la peor noticia de la última semana?

2) And what was the best news from the last week?

2) ¿Y cuál fue la mejor noticia de la última semana?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

- backward movement = movimiento hacia atrás
- catacombs = catacumbas
- Christianity = cristianismo
- due to = debido a 
- embrace = adoptar
- forecast = pronóstico
- gift = regalo, presente
- in free fall = en caída libre
- innocent = inocente
- intolerance = intolerancia
- luxury = lujo
- parcel = paquete
- persecution = persecución
- reading = lectura
- realistic = realista
- sacrificing = sacrificando
- struggling = luchando 
- survive = sobrevivir

MEMBERS AND LIBRARY CORNER

Thanks to Anne, Bob, Erika, John, Lucie, Mary and Peter for your messages.

Weekly Bilingual News - Special Edition

Dear Friends:

Merry Christmas! ¡Feliz Navidad! Today is very a special celebration with a lot of meanings in the western countries and also important for the Christian communities in the rest of the world.

Its roots came from the New Testament – Second book of the Bible - that gives the historic references of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.

Today, Christmas is a family day when children, parents and friends exchange gifts that remind us the presents - food, clothes,...- that the small Jesus received in the birthday according to one of the Gospels written by Luke.

My best wishes of happiness for all of you in these Holidays and forever!

 ¡Mis mejores deseos de felicidad para todos ustedes en estas Fiestas y por siempre!

Domingo

Domingo A. Trassens
E-mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/

Questions - Preguntas:

1. Could you describe your own feelings about Christmas?

1. ¿Podrían describir sus propios sentimientos acerca de Navidad?

2. What is the most important for you in these Holidays?

2. ¿Qué es lo más importante para ustedes en estas Fiestas?

3. What do you remember from the Christmas of the childhood?

3. ¿Qué recuerdan de las Navidades de la niñez?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

 - Bethlehem = Belén
 - Bible = Biblia
- Christian = cristiano, cristiana, cristianos, cristianas
- Gospel = Evangelio
- Jesus = Jesús
- Luke = Lucas
- meanings = significados
- New Testament = Nuevo Testamento
- roots = raíces

German Christmas: indoors all is warm, outdoors all is icy.

This year, Northern Europe is suffering a hard winter, but Christmas - a mix of religious and family celebration - always is in the heart of the Europeans with strong cultural roots .

Weekly Bilingual News - Special Edition

Dear Friends:
 
Hello! Welcome to a special online communication of the Spanish-English Club with several comments we posted on the Journal Community of the Wall Street Journal Online during the last few days.
 
Professional compromises don't give us time to write the normal Weekly Bilingual News issues. But here you have interesting subjects for your debate and bilingual conversation.
 
WSJ Story: Court Strikes at Health Law (December 13, 2010)
Comment: "How many more headaches the President Obama will suffer in the next two years? Is he in conditions to survive? "
Domingo A. Trassens
2 Recommendations
 
WSJ Story: Iran's Nuclear Chief Is Named Foreign Minister (December 13, 2010)
Comment: "Could a nuclear-chief run the office of foreign relations of a country? Strange play! In a normal country, the nuclear issues are not the main focus of the foreign relations. And the nuclear bombs are not good tools to gain friends abroad. In Iran, all is possible. "
Domingo A. Trassens
1 Recommendation
 
WSJ Story: Madoff's Son Is Found Dead in Apparent Suicide (December 12, 2010)
Comment: "Why the Bernard Madoff's elder son and not the own Bernard Madoff? Could Bernard Madoff think in a better future different to his death? "
Domingo A. Trassens
2 Recommendations
 
All the best,
 
Domingo
 
Domingo A. Trassens
Spanish-English Club
Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
URL: http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/



Questions - Preguntas:

1) From your point of view, what was the worst news for the last week?

1) Desde vuestro punto de vista, ¿cuál fue la peor noticia de la última semana?

2) And what was the best news from the last week?

2) ¿Y cuál fue la mejor noticia de la última semana?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

- abroad = en el extranjero, fuera del país
- elder son = hijo mayor
- headaches = dolores de cabeza, problemas, inconvenientes
- nuclear issues = asuntos relativos a la estrategia y/o política nuclear
- possible = posible
- survive = sobrevivir 

MEMBERS AND LIBRARY CORNER

Thanks to Bev, Bob, Carl and Mary for your messages.

Weekly Bilingual News - Special Edition

Dear Friends:

During the last few weeks, special professional compromises didn't give us a moment to write the normal Weekly Bilingual News in time. Please, excuse us!

Meanwhile, we would like to share with you the last comment we posted on the Journal Community pages of the Wall Street Journal Online about the WikiLeaks case: 

Story: Hackers Strike Back to Support WikiLeaks 

Comment: As I said before in a previous comment, WikiLeaks is the start of a diabolic project that will destroy more “Walls” than the Berlin Wall, changing the political relationships of all the world, “uncovering” the secrets of the most hermetic regimes, showing the “dirty” deals among countries, and putting in difficult situations to more than one of the current leaders of the Planet. Domingo A. Trassens (Dec.8, 2010)

7 Recommendations

Regards

Domingo A. Trassens
Spanish-English Club
December 8, 2010

Weekly Bilingual News - Special Edition

Dear Friends:


Today is a very special day, one of the most important celebrations of the United States.


Hoy es un día muy especial, una de las celebraciones más importantes de los Estados Unidos.


Our best wishes for you and family.


Nuestros mejores deseos para ustedes y vuestras familias.


Happy Thanksgiving!


¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias!


Domingo


Domingo A. Trassens
Spanish-English Club
Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
URL: http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/

Weekly Bilingual News

Dear Friends:

Hello! Welcome to the weekly online communication of the Spanish-English Club with a brief analysis of the main events and news of the last few days to help the members of the Club in your bilingual practice.

¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a la comunicación semanal en línea del Spanish-English Club con un breve análisis de los principales acontecimientos y noticias de los últimos días para ayudar a los miembros del Club en la práctica bilingüe.

This is the English version of the issue. We suggest you try to rewrite it in Spanish. Later, we will complete the issue with the Spanish part of this Weekly Bilingual News. You can write us for comments and more bilingual vocabulary everytime you need.

On Monday, November 15, press sources related the Afghan-American tensions for some comments of President Hamid Karsai published by The Washington Post during the previous weekend.

El lunes, 15 de noviembre, fuentes de prensa se refirieron a las tensiones afganas-americanas por algunos comentarios del Presidente Hamid Karsai publicados en The Washington Post durante el fin de semana previo.

On Tuesday, November 16, A House ethics panel found senior Democratic member Charles Rangel guilty of 11 of the 13 counts of US House of Representatives ethics violations presented against him.

El martes, 16 de noviembre, un panel de ética de la Cámara de Representantes encontró al miembro demócrata Charles Rangel culpable de 11 de los 13 asuntos de violaciones de ética a la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos presentados contra él.

Also on Tuesday, some press media talked about the new security searches implemented by theTransportation Safety Administration for the incoming holiday's sessions.

También el martes, algunos medios de prensa hablaron acerca de los nuevos procedimientos de securidad implementados por Transportation Safety Administration para las temporada de las fiestas venideras.

On Wednesday, November 17, General Motors Company priced its historic initial public offering at $33 per shares, raising $20.1 billion in common and preferred stock in one of the largest stock offerings in the United States.

El miércoles 17 de noviembre, General Motors Company estableció el precio de histórica oferta pública inicial en $33 por acción, subiendo el total de acciones comunes y preferidas a unos 20 mil cien millones de dólares en una de las ofertas de acciones más grandes de los Estados Unidos.  

Also on Wednesday, the outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi won the position of Minority Leader of the new US Congress effective starting in January.

También el miércoles, la saliente Jefa de la Cámara de Representantes Nancy Pelosi ganó la posición de Líder Minoritario del nuevo Congreso de los Estados Unidos efectivo comenzando en enero.

About this subject, we posted the following comment for the Journal Community of Wall Street Journal: "With the election of Nancy Pelosi as the leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, her party has locked its doors to the FUTURE. What will be the price for this decision? Who will be the winner after all?" Domingo A. Trassens. The comment received 7 recommendations from other members of the Community.

On Thursday, November 18, top Irish government officials acknowledged for the first time that the country is negotiating a massive international bailout. The analysts ask who will be the next members of the EU with big troubles. Some observers gave two potential names: Portugal and Spain.

El jueves 18 de noviembre, altos funcionarios del gobierno irlandés reconocieron por primera vez que el país está negociando un rescate financiero másivo a nivel internacional. Los analistas se preguntan quienes serán los proximos miembros de la Unión Europea con grandes problemas. Algunos observadores dieron dos posibles nombres: Portugal y España.

On Friday, November 19, at Frankfurt meeting, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke reacted against criticism at home and abroad of the Fed's policies, arguing that China and others are causing global problems by keeping their currencies artificially weak.

El viernes 19 de noviembre, en la reunión de Frankfurt, el Presidente de la Reserva Federal, Ben Bernanke, reaccionó contra las críticas internas e internacionales respecto de las políticas de la Reserva Federal, argumentando que China y otros son los que están causando los problemas mundiales porque mantienen sus monedas artificialmente débiles.

Also on Friday, the NATO Summit in Portugal kicked off with emphasis on missile defense. From Lisbon, President Obama looked to bolster support for a missile defense plan and the Afghan war timetable.

También el viernes, la Cumbre de la NATO en Portugal arrancó poniendo énfasis en la defensa de misiles. Desde Lisboa, el Presidente Obama busca la forma de buscar apoyo para un plan de defensa de misiles y una agenda de fin de la guerra afgana.

The main indexes of Wall Street closed the week with mixed results. Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 10.97 points or 0.10% to 11203.55. Nasdaq Composite fell 0.09 points, or 0.004% in the same period, to close at 2518.12.

On Saturday, November 20, the media reported German authorities have launched a large-scale search for several suspected suicide bombers. Across the European country, security forces are looking to control potential bombing targets from Islamic extremists. Berlin, Frankfurt and other important cities are on the list of possible attacks similar to the Mumbai's siege two years ago.

During all the week, the financial problems of Ireland and the currency politics of the US and other countries gained much attention in the media and TV programs. Also during the last few days, the body scans and pat downs implemented by TSA in the US airports created a lot of critics, complaints and opposition.

Additionally the NATO meeting in Lisbon was in focus due to the pending agreement between Russia and US nuclear missiles that some members of the Congress don't want to approve before the holiday's vacations. Many members felt that more discusion is needed before ratification. 

About the Russian-American agreement we posted the following comment for the Journal Community of Wall Street Journal: "I think it is a good idea the development of a friendly environment between U.S. and Russia. But I don't believe now it is the best moment for signing new arms pacts. In other words, in transition moments we have to manage our international relationships more carefully than in the normal times."  Domingo A. Trassens 

In summary, the week ended with a lot people planning their Thanksgiving vacations and thinking about the weather and the problems of the updated controls in the airports.

What is your summary of the week? What were the most important events from your point of view? Please explain them in a bilingual mode. 

All the best ,

Domingo

Domingo A. Trassens 
Spanish-English Club 
Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
URL: http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/ 

Questions - Preguntas:

1) From your point of view, what was the worst news for the last week?

1) Desde vuestro punto de vista, ¿cuál fue la peor noticia de la última semana?

2) And what was the best news from the last week?

2) ¿Y cuál fue la mejor noticia de la última semana?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

- acknowledge = reconocer
- official = funcionario, funcionaria
- siege = cerco, sitio

MEMBERS AND LIBRARY CORNER

Thanks to Bob, Caroline, Jimmy, Mark, Stephanie, and Suzanne for your messages.

Old Cadillac from the old General Motors without Chinese components.

Weekly Bilingual News

Dear Friends:

Hello! Welcome to a new issue of the Weekly Bilingual News with a brief analysis of the main events and news of the last few days to help the members of the Spanish-English Club in your bilingual practice.

¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a un nuevo número del Weekly Bilingual News con un análisis breve de los principales acontecimientos y noticias de los últimos días para ayudar a los miembros del Spanish-English Club en su práctica bilingüe.

This is the English version of the issue. We suggest you try to rewrite it in Spanish. Later, we will complete the issue with the Spanish part of this Weekly Bilingual News. You can write us for comments and more bilingual vocabulary everytime you need.

On Monday, November 8, President Obama traveling across India, announced support for this Asian country that is demanding a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. International analysts expect the initiative will have opposition from China and other countries. Do you think Brazil also will demand a permanent seat?

Also on Monday, at the Oil Spill Commission Hearing, inthe US Congress,BP, Halliburton and Transocean answered questions about the errors they made in the Deepwater Horizon rig's operation that ended in the horrible accident of the Gulf of Mexico last April.

On Tuesday, November 9, President Obama returned to Indonesia, where he spent a portion of his childhood, encouraging the United States to build stronger ties with the most populous Muslim nation in the world. The President was reminded of emotional moments from his past.

Also on Tuesday, former President George W. Bush released his memoir titled "Decision Points". Through this book, President Bush explains some of the tough decisions he made while in office, including how he dealt with September 11, the lack of weapons of mass destruction and Hurricane Katrina. Do you like to read memoirs of important leaders? Did you read the autobiographies of other presidents?

On Wednesday, November 10, a bipartisan deficit commission appointed by President Obama issued a draft proposal of drastic spending cuts including changes in Social Security and in the tax policy.

On Thursday, November 11, after months of discussions, Iraqis political rivals reached an agreement that keeps Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in power but distributes other key positions. 

On Friday, November 12, from Seoul, South Korea, the G-20 summit set broad guidelines for the global economy but left out details on how key issues will be resolved. China, Germany and others rebuffed U.S. propositions.

In Seoul, President Obama suffered two defeats: one in the G-20 environment, and the second in the deal with the South Korea's government to improve the commercial relationships between the United States and the Asian country.

About this subject we posted the following comment for the Journal Community of Wall Street Journal: "It was not the best time for going to the G-20. If President Obama had asked me before the beginning of his trip, I would say him: "Please Mr. President, Send a delegate." When the internal problems are complex, and especially after a defeat like the November 2 election, the silence at home is better decision than a very visible footbridge across the world." Domingo A. Trassens

Also on Friday, Wall Street Journal posted an article titled "Chinese Plan to Buy Stake in GM" where this media commented the biggest Chinese auto maker plans to buy stock from General Motors. The article begins: "China's biggest auto maker, SAIC Motor Corp., is close to finalizing a plan to buy a stake in General Motors, which is preparing for an initial public offering next week."

In this case we added the following comment: "I see the potential purchase of a General Motors Co's stake by China's biggest auto maker from another perspective. Despite all the problems GM lived with, during the last years, till now it is part of the American inheritance. The Chinese companies and institutions have the capacity to advance step by step with national targets. They will be very happy buying today only a stake in GM. Surely tomorrow they will try to buy a second bigger portion of GM. What will be the GM's nationality in ten or fifteen years? Maybe in some years, we have to cry another mistake looking at the brilliant red lights of the brand new CHINESE MOTORS CO. (CM). What do you think?" Domingo A. Trassens

The main indexes of Wall Street closed the week in negative territory. Dow Jones Industrial Average went down251.50 points or 2.20% to 11192.58. Nasdaq Composite fell 60.77 points, or 2.36% in the same period, to close at 2518.21.

During the last week, the trip of President Obama abroad generated different news and analyses about the relationships of the United States and the rest of the world. In particular, the negative attitude of China to solve economic differences with U.S. gained concerns of economists and other observers.

In summary, the week ended with a new economic map of the globe. The G-20 Summit showed a world divided about economic and social issues. Some countries like Germany, Brazil and China are growing faster than United States. This international news impacted in the Wall Street indexes.

What is your summary of the week? What were the most important events from your point of view? Please explain them in a bilingual mode.

All the best,

Domingo

Domingo A. Trassens
Spanish-English Club
Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
URL: http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/ 

Questions - Preguntas:

1) From your point of view, what was the worst news for the last week? 

1) Desde vuestro punto de vista, ¿cuál fue la peor noticia de la última semana?

2) And what was the best news from the last week?

2) ¿Y cuál fue la mejor noticia de la última semana?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

- autobiography, autobiographies = autobiografía, autobiografías
- biggest = más grande
- childhood = niñez, infancia
- commercial = comercial
- defeat = derrota
- economic = económico, económica, económicos, económicas
- economy = economía
- encourage = alentar, estimular
- footbridge = pasarela
- improve = mejorar
- inheritance = patrimonio, herencia
- keep, keeps = mantener, mantiene
- map = mapa
- memoir, memoirs = memoria, memorias
- Muslim = musulmán, musulmana
- permanent = permanente
- propositons = propuestas
- rebuff = desaire, rechazo, rechazar
- rig = plataforma petrolera, torre de perforación
- seat = escaño, asiento
- Seoul = Seul 
- South Korea = Corea del Sur
- stock = acción, acciones
- ties = vínculos, lazos

MEMBERS AND LIBRARY CORNER

Thanks to Anne, Bob, Erika, John, Mary, Stephanie, and Suzanne for your messages.

This is not a Chinese car. It is a Rolls-Royce decorated by an American artist. Could the Chinese create something similar? Please write your comments in a bilingual mode.

Weekly Bilingual News

Dear Friends:

Hello! Welcome to the weekly communication of the Spanish-English Club with a brief analysis of the main events and news of the last few days to help the members of the Club in your bilingual practice.

¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a la comunicación semanal del Spanish-English Club con un breve análisis de los principales acontecimientos y noticias de los últimos días para ayudar a los miembros del Club en su práctica bilingüe.

This is the English version of the issue. We suggest you try to rewrite it in Spanish. Later, we will complete the issue with the Spanish part of this Weekly Bilingual News. You can write us for comments and more bilingual vocabulary everytime you need.

On Monday, November 1, a mail bomb exploded in Athens, Greece burning one employee of the mail delivery service of that city. Greek police find more bombs in packages. One was addressed to French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

On Tuesday, November 2, American citizens voted in the midterm election. During the day, the country was waiting the closure of the voting locations to confirm previous polls that showed a bleak outlook for Democrats, with Republicans poised to take back the House of Representatives and gain Senate's seats.

Also on Tuesday, at least 13 car bombs and roadside blasts exploded across Baghdad, killing 76 people. The attacks were against Shiite areas of the city.

On Wednesday, November 3, the results of the midterm election showed an important victory for the Republicans who recovered the House control. Meanwhile, California said "No" to legalizing marijuana.

About this subject we posted the following comment for the Journal Community of Wall Street Journal: "The results of the November's midterm elections are a very good lesson against politicians who didn't listen to the shouting of the people without jobs or homes. The social-economic issues were a flu in 2008 and they are more than a cancer now in 2010. " Domingo A. Trassens

On Thursday, November 4, President Obama invited Republican leaders to White House for a meeting later in the month to "talk substantively" about how to work together.

On Friday, November 5, US Labor Department published the October job report with 151,000 new jobs but unemployment rate held steady at 9.6 percent.

About this subject we answered an optimistic article from Wall Street Journal posted the following comment for the Journal Community of Wall Street Journal: "I think your message is more optimistic than the facts show us. From my point of view, we do not have anything to celebrate. The 151,000 jobs created last month doesn't change the landscape. We have fallen very far during the last years for different reasons. Meanwhile our economy hasn't grown enough to produce a strong recovery for employment because during the last decade many US companies moved their factories to China, India, Brazil, Vietnam, and other countries - labor costs are cheaper. From a macro-economic perspective, we have lost our creators of industrial jobs. Without manufacturing plants and big lines of production it will be very difficult to recover our domestic economy despite the dynamic of the services sector. An economic model without factories is like a table without legs." Domingo A. Trassens.

Also on Friday, President Obama began a 10-day trip to Asia that includes India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and the conference of the G-20.

In other news, the outgoing Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she wants to be the leader of the Democratic minority in the House of Representatives.

About this subject we posted the following comment for the Journal Community of Wall Street Journal: "I think it will be a serious mistake if the current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues leading the Democrats in the House of Representatives after the big defeat of her party last Tuesday. From my point of view, she should resign her seat as a member of the House. The results of the elections were clearly against her leadership. Humbleness and silence are two patriotic attitudes that the country demands from her now." Domingo A. Trassens 

The main indexes of Wall Street closed the week in positive territory.  Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 325.59 points or 2.93% to 11444.08. Nasdaq Composite gained 71.57 points, or 2.85% in the same period, to close at 2578.98.

During the last week, on the domestic side, the November's midterm elections was at the top of press and TV debates, and the analysts discussed their results and the next steps from January.

In summary, the week ended with a new political geography and many questions marks about the next two years of the President Obama administration.

What is your summary of the week? What were the most important events from your point of view? Please explain them in a bilingual mode.

All the best,

Domingo

Domingo A. Trassens
Spanish-English Club
Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
URL: http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/ 

Questions - Preguntas:

1) From your point of view, what was the worst news for the last week?

1) Desde vuestro punto de vista, ¿cuál fue la peor noticia de la última semana?

2) And what was the best news from the last week?

2) ¿Y cuál fue la mejor noticia de la última semana?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

- blast = carga explosiva
- bleak = poco prometedor, poca prometedora
- domestic economy = economía interna
- economy = economía
- election = elección - geography = geografía
- macro-economic = macroeconómico
- patriotic = patriótico, patriótica, patrióticos, patrióticas
- voter = votante

MEMBERS AND LIBRARY CORNER

Thanks to Bill, Bob, Erika, Jim, John, Mark, Stephanie, and Suzanne for your messages.

Weekly Bilingual News

Dear Friends:

Hello! Welcome to the Weekly Bilingual News of the Spanish-English Club with a brief analysis of the main events and news of the last few days to help the members of the Club in your bilingual practice.

¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos al Weekly Bilingual News del Spanish-English Club con un breve análisis de los principales acontecimientos y noticias de los últimos días para ayudar a los miembros del Club en vuestra práctica bilingüe.

This is the English version of the issue. We suggest you try to rewrite it in Spanish. Later, we will complete the issue with the Spanish part of this Weekly Bilingual News.

On Monday, October 25, in Mexico, 10 people were killed in another bloody incident of drug violence occurred in Tijuana, near the Californian border.

El lunes 25 de octubre, en México, 10 personas fueron muertas en otro incidente sangriento de la violencia de la droga ocurrido en Tijuana, cerca de la frontera californiana.

In other news, an earthquake in the Indonesia region triggered a massive tsunami on the island of Sumatra, followed by a volcanic eruption on Mount Merapi.

En otra noticia, un terremoto en la región de Indonesia desencadenó un masivo maremoto en la isla de Sumatra, seguido por una erupción volcánica del Monte Merapi.

On Tuesday, October 26, press sources said Iran is helping Afghanistan financially with funding for reconstruction. Some observers think the Iranian regime is trying to buy influence with the Karsai administration. Do you have any opinion about the bags of cash Iran sent to Afghanistan?

El martes 26 de octubre, fuentes de prensa dijeron que Irán está ayudando financieramente a Afganistán con fondos para reconstrucción. Algunos observadores piensan que el régimen iraní está tratando de comprar influencia con la administración de Karsai. ¿Tienen alguna opinión acerca de las bolsa de dinero que Irán envió a Afganistán?

Also on Tuesday, an Iraqi High Tribunal convicted former Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz of crimes against humanity and sentenced him to death by hanging. Aziz was a prominent aide of Saddam Hussein, but without direct participation in the famous killings of the enemies of the regime. Do you remember Tariq Aziz in international conferences before the war? 

También el martes, un alto tribunal iraqí condenó al anterior Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores Tariq Aziz por crímenes contra la humanidad y lo sentenció a morir en la horca. Aziz fue un prominente ayudante de Saddam Hussein, pero sin participación directa en las famosas matanzas de los enemigos del régimen. ¿Recuerdan a Tariq Aziz en conferencias internacionales antes de la guerra?

On Wednesday, October 27, French Parliament passed the retirement reform. Despite the street protests, the parliament voted in favor of President Nicolas Sarkozy's pension reform, including an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 62. 

El miércoles 27 de octubre, el Parlamento Francés pasó la reforma del retiro. A pesar de las protestas de las calles, el parlamento votó en favor de la reforma sobre pensión del Presidente Nicolas Sarkozy, incluyendo el incremento de la edad de retiro de 60 a 62.

Also on Wednesday, Nestor Kirchner, former Argentine president, 60 years old, died due to a heart attack. Mr. Kirchner had been expected to seek another term in 2011. For the other side, during the last years, he was master behind the scene for his wife, the current president of the country, Cristina Fernandez.

También el miércoles, Néstor Kirchner, anterior presidente argentino, de 60 años de edad, murió debido a un ataque cardíaco. El Señor Kirchner estaba esperando buscar otro término de presidente en el 2011. Por otro lado, durante los últimos años, fue el maestro (o guía) de su esposa, la actual presidente del país, Cristina Fernández, detrás de la escena.

About the Nestor Kirchner's dead we wrote the following comment to the Journal Community of Wall Street Journal: "The death of enemies demands the same respect when best friends are dying around us. In this case we would like to ask two crucial questions:  What will be the changes in Argentina's politics after Néstor Kirchner? Who will be the new "master" of the current president Cristina Fernandez?" Domingo A. Trassens.

On Thursday, October 28, six men were killed by members of drug groups in Mexico City. During the past few days the new attacks came from dangerous cities along the frontier with the United States to the capital of the country. Does the Mexican Government make the necessary efforts to stop the drug war? What do you think?

El jueves 28 de octubre, seis hombres fueron muertos por miembros de grupos de la droga en la Ciudad de México. Durante los últimos días, los nuevos ataques llegaron desde las peligrosas ciudades a lo largo con la frontera con los Estados Unidos a la capital del país. ¿Piensan que el gobierno mexicano hace los esfuerzos necesarios para parar la guerra de la droga? ¿Qué piensan ustedes?

 On Friday, October 29, President Obama confirmed that two packages containing explosives were shipped from Yemen to synagogues in Chicago as part of a new threat against the United States. The packages were intercepted in Dubai and Britain. Why were these Yemeni bombs were bound for U.S. targets several days before the November's midterm elections? Could al Qaeda have some interest to motivate American citizens in one or another direction?

El viernes 29 de octube, el Presidente Obama confirmó que dos paquetes conteniendo explosivos fueron despachados desde Yemen a sinagogas de Chicago como parte de una nueva amenaza contra los Estados Unidos. Los paquetes fueron interceptados en Dubai e Inglaterra. ¿Porqué estas bombas yemenitas fueron dirigidas a objetivos de los Estados Unidos algunos días antes de las elecciones de mitad de término de noviembre? ¿Podría al Qaeda tener algún interés de motivar a los ciudadanos americanos en una u otra dirección?

The main indexes of Wall Street closed October in positive territory. For all month, Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 330.44 points, or 3.06% to 11132.56. Nasdaq Composite rose 139.79 points, or 5.86% in the same period, to close at 2507.41.

Los principales índices de Wall Street cerraron el mes de octubre en territorio positivo. Por todo el mes, Dow Jones Industrial Average saltó 330,44 puntos, o sea 3,06%, a 11.132,56. Nasdaq Composite creció 139,79 puntos, sea 5,86% en el mismo período, para cerrar en 2.507,41.

On Sunday, October 31, Islamic militants attacked a Catholic church in Baghdad, killing 58 people and wounded dozens more. This slaughter was a new signal of the persecution by Islamic groups against Christians. After the fall of Saddam Hussein, a lot of Christians fled from Iraq due to the persecution from extremist groups. Did you know Saddam's regime protected the practice of Christian's worship?

El domingo 31 de octubre, militantes islámicos atacaron una iglesia católica en Bagdad, matando a 58 personas e hirendo a docenas más. La matanza fue una nueva señal de la persecución de grupos islámicos contra cristianos. Después de la caída de Saddam Hussein, muchos cristiianos huyeron de Iraq debido a la persecución de grupos extremistas. ¿Conocían que el régimen de Saddam protegía la práctica del culto cristiano?

Also on Sunday, Brazil elected its first woman president, Dilma Rousseff, former Brazilian guerrilla who was fighting against the military regime in the 70s. Do you expect Dilma will continue the same line of her predecessor?

También el domingo, Brasil eligió a su primer presidente mujer, Dilma Rousseff, ex-guerrillera brasileña que estuvo luchando contra el régimen militar de los 70. ¿Esperan que Dilma continue con la misma línea de su predecesor?

During the last week, on the domestic side, the November's midterm elections continued at the top of press and TV debates, and a lot of citizens voted in the centers open for early voting.

Durante la semana, en el sector interno, las elecciones de mitad de período de noviembre continuaron en el tope de las noticias de prensa y los debates de televisión, y muchos ciudadanos votaron en los centros abiertos para votación temprana.

In summary, the week ended with polls and more polls about the potential winners of the midterm elections. This was the main subject of all the country during the last few days.

En resumen, la semana finalizó con encuestas y más encuestas acerca de los potenciales ganadores de las elecciones de medio término. Este fue el principal asunto de todo el país durante los últimos días.

What is your summary of the week? What were the most important events from your point of view? Please explain them in a bilingual mode. 

¿Cuáles fueron vuestros resúmenes de la semana? ¿Cuáles fueron los acontecimientos más importantes desde vuestro punto de vista? Por favor explíquenlos en una forma bilingüe.

All the best,

Domingo

Domingo A. Trassens
Spanish-English Club
Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com
URL: http://spaengclub.blogspot.com/

Questions - Preguntas:

1) From your point of view, what was the worst news for the last week?

1) Desde vuestro punto de vista, ¿cuál fue la peor noticia de la última semana?

2) And what was the best news from the last week?

2) ¿Y cuál fue la mejor noticia de la última semana?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

- bloody = sangriento
- Brazil = Brasil
- Brazilian = brasileño, brasileña
- drug = droga
- ghost = fantasma
- hanging = horca
- influence = influencia
- Iranian = iraní
- master = maestro, guïa
- Mexican = mexicano, mexicana
- Mexico = México
- persecution = persecución
- poll = encuesta 
- reconstruction = reconstrucción 
- regime = régimen
- trigger = desencadenar
- tsunami = maremoto
- worship = culto 
- Yemen = Yemen
- Yemeni = yemenita 

MEMBERS AND LIBRARY CORNER

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Ghosts looking for new voters everywhere on Election Day

Weekly Bilingual News

Dear Friends:

Hello! Welcome to a new weekly communication from the Spanish-English Club with a brief analysis of the main events and news of the last few days to help the members of the Club in your bilingual practice.

¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a una nueva comunicación semanal del Spanish-English Club con un breve análisis de los principales acontecimientos y noticias de los últimos dias para ayudar a los miembros del Club en su práctica bilingüe.

This is the English version of the issue. We suggest you try to rewrite it in Spanish. Later, we will complete the issue with the Spanish part of this Weekly Bilingual News.

On Monday, October 18, in France, strikers defied a government order to stop blockading the country’s oil refineries. More than 1,500 gas stations had fuel shortage. The incidents in the European country began with the complains of labor groups and students who want to stop the proposed retirement age change from 60 to 62 years old. What is your opinion about this subject that is producing a lot of noise in the streets of the main French cities?

El lunes 18 de octubre, en Francia, huelguistas desafiaron una orden del gobierno de para el bloqueo de las refinerías de petróleo del país. Más de 1.500 estaciones de gasolina tenía escasez de combustible.

About this point we wrote in the PBS Blog the following comment: “French protesters are dreamers from the golden ages. They didn’t realize the retirement plans of the past don’t plug with the math of today.  It is a common problem to all the countries with their big population growing old.” Domingo A. Trassens.

On Tuesday, October 19, insurgents made a deadly attack on Chechen Parliament killing 6 people and injured 17 in Grozny. The violence was unleashed by Islamist militants in the Russian Republic of Chechnya. The attackers yelled “Allah Akbar” (“God is Greatest”). Is the Chechen God a War God? The ethnic and religious problems are not new in Russian’s North Caucasus region.

El martes 19 de octubre, insurgentes dieron un ataque mortal en el Parlamento Checheno matando a 6 personas e hiriendo a 17 en Grozny.

On Wednesday, October 20, Apple unveiled an all new MacBook Air, the first of a next generation of notebooks which will replace mechanical hard disks and optical drives with Internet services and solid state flash storage. Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO of Apple, is taking a new step to reinvent their notebooks. From the other side, some few days ago, Seagate, the first world hard-disk manufacturer, showed symptoms that the classic disk drive industry is in trouble from emerging technologies that take sides in the storage business.

El miércoles 20 de octubre, Apple presentó una totalmente nueva MacBook Air, la primera de la próxima generación de computadores móviles los cuales remplazarán discos duros mecánicos y discos ópticos por servicios de Internet y almacenamiento flash de estado sólido.

Also on Wednesday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, gave orders for riot police to clear blockades from the country’s oil refineries while more gas stations ran dry due to the protests. 

También el miércoles, el Presidente Francés Nicolás Sarkozy dio órdenes a la policia anti-motines para abrir los bloqueos de ls refinerías de petróleo del país mientras muchas estaciones de gasolínas estaban sin combustible debido a las protestas.

In other news, United Kingdom government said it is taking new austerity measures to make a dramatic cut in their new budget to tackle the country’s mounting deficit. Together the problems of France and UK show that old Europe continues immersed in difficult fiscal problems.

En otra noticia, el Gobierno del Reino Unido dijo que está tomando nuevas medidas de austeridad para poner un dramático corte en su nuevo presupuesto que enfrente el creciente defícit del país.

On Thursday, October 21, NATO and Afghan troops reported important advances in the Taliban stronghold area of Kandshar by deploying a new mobile rocket and disrupting militant supply lines. In other news about this war, some analysts talk about a possible peace treaty is running well. Could you imagine Taliban militants accepting key changes in the social rules of the country with women going to school and more open behaviors in the society? Do you remember when the Taliban was ruling Afghanistan?

El jueves 21 de octubre, tropas de la NATO y afganas reportaron importantes avances en el bastión Talibán de Kandshar.

On Friday, October 22, the United States offered a new $2 billion aid package to Pakistan in a plan to reduce recent tensions between the two nations. Since the Afghan war began, the US is giving money and other assistance to the Pakistani government. Do you think it is possible to buy the friendship of the Pakistanis with money? 

El viernes 22 de octubre, los Estados Unidos ofrecieron un nuevo paquete de ayuda de dos mil millones de dólares a Pakistán.

Also on Friday, Wall Street Journal wrote an interesting article with the opinion of the Eli Harari, CEO of SanDisk, about the current advance of the flash memory, We added the following comments: “In the technology arena, nobody can buy the “future”. At all times innovations and emerging technologies change the direction of current businesses, but a lot of responsible strong players of the semiconductor industry has predicted the flash memory will continue taking sides in the classic hard disk segment. For this reason, I like your analysis about Eli Harari’s comments.” Domingo A. Trassens.

También el viernes, Wall Street Journla escribió un interesante artículo con la opinión de Eli Harari, jefe ejecutivo de SanDisk, acerca del actual avance de las memorias flash.

The main indexes of Wall Street closed the week in positive territory despite decline of the Friday’s session. For the last five days of financial operations, Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 69.78 points, or 0.63% this week to 11132.56. Nasdaq Composite gained 10.62 points or 0.43% in the same period, to close at 2479.39. S&P 500 added 6.89 points, or 0.59%, to 1183.08.

Los principales índices de Wall Street cerraron la semana en territorio positivo a pesar de la declinación de la sesión del viernes.

During the last week, on the domestic side, the November’s midterm elections continued at the top of press comments and TV debates. Everybody is talking about the social and economic crisis for the country. Colorado, California, Nevada, and Florida continue in the first list of the political observers. Will the Republicans take the control of the US House of Representatives? Will the balance of power change in the Senate? How many states will change the color of the governor seats? 

Durante la última semana, en el ámbito interno, las elecciones de mediados de período de noviembre continuaron el tope de los comentarios de prensa y los debates de la televisión.

Also in the last few days, important companies reported their financial results of the quarter ended during the last days of September or the first days of October with mixed figures and announcing more job cuts - Nokia, Xerox...- to improve their incomes and reduce expenditures. In summary, the week showed the economy and social issues are the most important concerns of the people in the United States and other western countries. After years of bubbles, also the growing rates are slowing in China.

También en los últimos días, importantes compañías informaron sus resultados financieros del trimestre finalizado durante los últimos días de septiembre o los primeros días de octubre con resultados mixtos y anunciando más cortes de trabajo.

Due to the confusion that reign about what are the solutions for the economic crisis, some American analysts suggest to reduce the salary of the employees. We answer to this subjection with the following comment: “You can not reduce the salary amount of workers who are earning $7.25 the hour working less than 40 hours per week and paying their own transportation, uniform and other expenditures to go to their work. What do you expect?  Do you expect more slaves?”  Domingo A. Trassens, PBS Blog, October 23, 2010.

Debido a la confusión que reina acerca de las soluciones para la crisis económica, algunos analistas americanos sugieren reducir los salarios de los empleados.

What is your summary of the week? What were the most important events from your point of view? Please explain them in a bilingual mode.

¿Cuál es vuestro resumen de la semana? ¿Cuáles fueron los más importantes acontecimientos desde vuestro punto de vista? Por favor explíquenlos en un modo bilingüe.

 All the best,

Domingo

Domingo A. Trassens

Spanish-English Club

Electronic mail: domingo.trassens@gmail.com 

URL: http://www.blogger.com/  

Questions - Preguntas:

1) From your point of view, what was the worst news for the last week?

1) Desde vuestro punto de vista, ¿cuál fue la peor noticia de la última semana?

2) And what was the best news from the last week?

2) ¿Y cuál fue la mejor noticia de la última semana?

Vocabulary - Vocabulario:

- blockade = bloqueo
- Chechen = checheno 

- governor = gobernador, gobernadora

- immerse = sumergir

- oil refineries = refinerías de petróleo
- Chechen Parlament = Parlamento Checheno
- Chechnya = Chechenia
- refinery = refinería
- reign = reinar

- riot = motín, disturbio
- shortage = escasez, falta

- tackle = enfrentar
- unleash = desatar
- yell = gritar

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