What's for dinner?

This is everyone's current favorite ad here in Argentina. I thought I would share it with you because it's just too to be missed.

For those who don't speak Castellano, here's the primer:

"Hoy hice arroz" = Today I made rice
"Lo hice para vos" = I made it for you

Enjoy responsibly!

A great, fledgling Spanish blog

Estimados,

I want to let all of my local friends who are working on their Spanish game know about a great new blog that's written by my former Spanish teacher in Chicago. Juan's approach is all about keeping it simple. When we have time to think about what we're saying, most of us extranjeros do a pretty solid job. But in the moment, we can get confused and mix things up. The key is of course getting practice. But if you can follow Juan's advice, keep things simple and learn the rules in way that makes them stick, you're nearly there.

It's gone through a few name changes, and it's currently called El Diario de un Profesor de Español. I highly recommend bookmarking the page as every time he posts something it either solidifies what I thought I already knew, or corrects me where I've been wrong.

Still no internet en casa. Hopefully we'll get this situation figured out soon. At least it now appears that the lavaropas disaster has been "ironed out." Jajaja.....ja. Ja.

Saludos!
A

The view from the top

Just a quick note here to say yes, I know I'm behind, and yes, I have a lot of stories, anecdotes, political rants, and other stuff to get to. It's all in the hopper. Work has been extremely busy as of late. But this Easter weekend, Belu and I have fled to the mountains to take some quiet time alone with me and my book. I am expecting major progress. But first, I did want to share what it looks like with all of you. Hopefully you can click and enlarge this, because it's the view from just above our cabin (it's the one just in front and to the left of that close roof you see), and it's amazing.
Coming up after I get back to Buenos Aires, time permitting:
A Real Ramble
How Glenn Beck is killing people
Jetskis to Brazil
Easter weekend in Villa General Belgrano

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

So I'm a little Irish. And here in BA, it's not quite the big deal that it is in Chicago. Apparently there's a parade planned (designed to be perfectly timed with my commute home), and maybe some green beer can be had around town. But for now, let's sing and weep!

Fulfilling Requests

Some folks requested a photo of Belu from Valentine's Day. So here it is!I told you my camera phone is not very capable. Also, this artsy shot was done between two glasses of the aforementioned goodass malbec.

Update a Comin

I've been working on a couple new postings here, but things are very busy with work right now. So, just to tide you over, here's a shot that Mike took at a recent Big Red practice:

Shuffle Your Life

This went out over the Facebook today, so I decided to give it a whack. But I'm posting here and not there, just because...

1. put the I-tunes on shuffle
2. use it to answer the questions in order
3. hit “next”
4. try not to cheat

1. How am I feeling today?
Razz – Kings of Leon
I don't know what that word means, but the song is a real burner. Wooh!

2. How far will I get in life?
I’m From Further North Than You – The Wedding Present
So, pretty far then? Note - I believe this title is applicable relative to every single person I have met in Buenos Aires except for Randall and Mike.

3. What is my best friend’s theme song?
Powerful Hankerin’- fIREHOSE
Well, that's true of all my friends. The question is, which one hankers for what? The answers, in random order: Beer, Love, Womanly Affection, Cigarettes, Speed (velocity, not the drug), Everything, A Baby, Adoration

4. What was high school like?
Almost Blue – Elvis Costello
Uhhhh, take out the almost?

5. How will today be?
Opus 40 – Mercury Rev
The day's almost over anyway.

6. What is in store for me this weekend?
Too Much of Anything – The Who
I can't wait!

7. What is the best thing about me?
Listening to Otis Redding at Home During Christmas – Okkervil River
Most accurate answer from the I-tunes yet.

8. What song describes my parents?
Circle the Fringes – The Gutter Twins
I have no idea what that is supposed to mean. I keep thinking of a rug they have that has fringes/tassles/whatevers that have never, ever been circled. Maybe it's due for circling?

9. How is my life going?
Good Old Funky Music – The Meters
Awwwwww riiiighhht.

10. What song will they play at my funeral?
Revolution Year Zero - The Poster Children
I like that this is the most upbeat song yet.

11. How does the world see me?
I’m a Man – Bo Diddley
Thank goodness.

12. What do my friends think of me?
Soulin’- J.J. Cale
Awwww... you people are too kind.

13. Do people secretly think I’m good looking?
Boplicity – Miles Davis
Since the song has no words and the title makes no sense, I assume that this is a solid "no." But one or two have said I'm good looking un-secretly.

14. How can I make myself happy?
I Wish I was a Motown Star – The Clifford Gilberto Rhythm Combination
Still looking for a remotely decent karaoke bar here. Actually, still looking for any karaoke bar here.

15. What should I do with my life?
I Can Only Give You Everything – The Troggs
You know, this is sadly apropos.

16. What is some good advice?
Tame - Pixies
Only advice-like line in the song: "fall on your face in those bad shoes". I think my I-tunes just insulted my wardrobe. Wouldn't be the first time.

17. Will I get married?
3XO - Pinback
Three times?!? Or is that three times zero? I'm so confused.

18. Where will I go in life?
You Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover – Bo Diddley
Bo knows life.

19. Will I Have Kids?
I Get So Excited – The Equals
Hmmmm, quite the positive response from the I-tunes here. Unless that means I'm excited about not having kids. I guess it depends if I get married three times, eh?

20. What is my current theme song?
Ciao! - Lush
Chau, chau. Besos!

People, feel free to add your own results of this grand experiment in the comments section!!!