Humita (Chilean traditional food)


This typical food is very popular in the Central zone of Chile, and likewise in other countries of South America. The humita is made of ground sweet corn wrapped in corn husks and steamed or boiled.  In the Chilean recipe, the mixture contains basil, chili pepper and some chopped onion. The humita  is a bow tie -shaped mixture. The humitas usually go with some tomato salad.



WHAT DOES DEFINE CHILE? (ICONS)















WHAT DOES DEFINE CHILE? (TEXT)







Official name of the country:  República de Chile.

Geographical location: (South) American Continent; Chile is between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east and the Drake Passage in the far south.

Features: Long and narrow (over 4, 200 kms long)

Capital city:  Santiago de Chile

Nature:  (Flowered) Desert, Valleys, Mountains, Lakes, Countryside, Seaside, Forests, Islands, Glaciers, Rivers... 

National language: (Chilean) Spanish. Ethnic groups: Mapuches, Aymaras, Quechuas, Kawéskar, Pehuenches.

National flower:  Copihue (Lapageria Rosae)

National dance:  Cueca

Most popular comic magazine:  "Condorito"   (regarding to Cóndor)

Flag description: Two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; a blue square that bears a star in the centre. It's located at the hoist-side end of the white band. The star represents a guide to progress and honor; blue represents the sky; white is for the snow-covered Andes and red represents the blood spilled to achieve Independence. Adopted: October 18th, 1817. 

Coat of arms:  A shield divided into 2 equal parts: at the top one is blue and the bottom one is red with a white star in the centre.  The crest of the shield has 3 feathers: blue, white, and red.
The shield has two emblematic animals at both sides: a Condor (The most significant bird of prey from the Andes) and the Huemul (a kind of deer). Both animals have in their heads a navy's golden crown. It symbolizes the heroic deeds of the  Chilean Navy in the Pacific Ocean. Its motto is "Por la razón o la fuerza" (Engl. transl. "By reason or by force").  Adopted: June 26th, 1834.

Currency: Peso Chileno (Chilean Peso) - CLP




POPULAR CHILEAN LIQUOR: COLA DE MONO

According to what a legend says, the Chilean President, Manuel Montt (1st Gov.: 1851-1856; 2nd Gov.: 1856-1861) whose nickname was  "Mono Montt " called by his close friends. He used to drink milk with liquor and some coffee. When M. Montt got drunk, he started to shoot his "Colt" firearm. Later, the liquor became denominated as "Colt de Montt". Throughout the years, its name changed into "Cola de Mono".

This famous and popular Chilean liquor is preferentially drunk at Christmas season. It's made of milk, coffee, liquor, cinnamon sticks, some nutmeg, water, sugar and vanilla extract. Then the ingredients are mixed in a blender.



GREETINGS TO MY DEAR VISITORS AROUND THE WORLD :)

I wish all my visitors around the world, a wonderful Christmas Eve, a Merry Christmas and a wonderful coming New Year 2014; filled with peace, love, blessings and hope. From Chile, I sent you all a warm hug and good vibes...

The Minga: An Ancestral Tradition Of The Chiloé Island (Southern Chile)





This tradition, unique in the world, the Minga is an ancient tradition that starts in the summer. It's a community work that has existed on the Chiloé Island throughout generations. The most known tradition is the house dragging. It consists of moving a house or a church (made of wooden ridge tiles) from one place to another. It can be dragged by land, using oxen and a platform on the base of the building with huge logs. Also, the house / church can be dragged by sea using boats. All people of the island take part in this event. After finishing the house dragging, the hosts of this event prepare a feast with typical food (curanto, apple  hard cider, barbecue, etc.) and some dance.


BUSCO

Te busco en mis sueños
En el universo paralelo
Que nos une y nos separa.

Te busco en los caminos
Donde dejaste tu huella,
Busco la luz de tus ojos
En esa fugaz estrella,
Que recorre el cielo
Y la tierra que nos ampara.

Busco el beso que guarda tus labios,
Busco ese dulce tesoro
Como pirata que busca el oro
Te busco sobre todos los deseos.

Te busco por los mares, por tierras extrañas,
En los lugares desconocidos;
En los valles y en las islas
Pues yo te amo por sobre todas las riquezas.

Te busco, te busco mi amor
Sin encontrarte, es mi amargo dolor;
Te busco, te busco aquí y en la eternidad,
En la Luz y en la oscuridad,
Te busco, te busco mi amor.





La Educación Chilena, ¿Posibilidad de Cambios y Mejoras Radicales en el Futuro?

  Es sabido que desde el año 2006, el Movimiento de los "pingüinos" para exigir una Educación gratuita y de calidad es perfectamente válido. Según estudios de la OCDE (Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico), Chile tiene la Educación Superior más costosa: US$3.400 en promedio cada año, cifra que equivale al 22% del ingreso per cápita del país.*(1) Sin embargo, aun siendo la más costosa, no está proporcionalmente relacionado con la calidad. Eso es lo más indignante, considerando que muchas familias de clase media y media baja con mucho esfuerzo (y suerte también) consiguen créditos estatales para estudiar y con la pesada consecuencia de vivir endeudados muchos años por ese crédito que no se condice con el valor bruto del arancel.

   Hasta la fecha, protesta tras protesta a lo largo del país, la situación sigue igual: Sin educación de calidad y sin gratuidad. Una carga bien pesada, sobre todo para quienes tienen precarios recursos económicos y quieren surgir. Ser un(a) profesional por medio de una carrera técnica y/o universitaria.

   Por otra parte, la calidad que a mi parecer, debiera cambiar radicalmente. Desde mis perspectivas como docente, pienso que debería utilizarse en parte una enseñanza más "rudimentaria" donde el estudiante aprenda a pensar, a analizar, a resolver problemas, a calcular, ejercer los procesos del pensamiento pensando y aplicando. En parte, es culpa de la tecnología, si bien ayuda a facilitar algunas tareas; no significa que no utilicemos la capacidad de pensar. He ahí el problema. Mucho Internet, muchos IPhones, Ipads, etc. pero los estudiantes (he podido constatar nefastamente) que no saben las operaciones matemáticas básicas (sumar, restar, dividir, multiplicar), estudiantes que no saben redactar un texto o una historia sencilla y conjuntamente, personas que no comprenden lo que leen. (el 44% de los chilenos). Entonces, creo que debiera exponerse a la clase "al estilo antiguo" donde los estudiantes tengan que escribir, leer (y leer mucho), sacar cálculos sin usar la calculadora, el notebook o el celular... 

Leer libros a gusto del estudiante y no que sea una literatura impuesta / obligada  y que el estudiante por el disgusto de leer, tenga que recurrir a reseñas o resúmenes de la obra literaria en Google, Wikipedia, etc. para eludir ese paso importante que significa la lectura. Hasta cierto punto, la tecnología ha fomentado la flojera, juntamente con las fotocopias y el Internet. ¿Por qué? Porque con el Internet están todas las respuestas y no es necesario pasar por el proceso de pensar, analizar y concluir una información. Es más fácil "copiar y pegar" en los trabajos estudiantiles. Con las fotocopias, se ahorra la tarea de escribir la información, por lo tanto no hay capacidad de una buena redacción y ortografía, a menos que se lea muchísimo. La tecnología no es mala, pero se utiliza mal. No sustituye el cerebro humano con su capacidad de pensar, crear y resolver...


   Además no existe una cultura generalizada de que el estudiante desde niño debe hacer sus tareas y aprender. No inculcarlo como una obligación tediosa, sino como una herramienta que le ayude a desarrollar sus capacidades y le permita desenvolverse en su vida diaria y académica en los años posteriores.

     Debido a todo lo anterior, he ahí los malos resultados de las pruebas que se han aplicado... Porque desde años se enseña a repetir, a memorizar, a copiar. Pero no a utilizar el cerebro. A pensar críticamente*(3), a crear,  a analizar, a resolver problemas... No basta con obtener conocimientos, hay que utilizarlos.

    Dejo planteada la pregunta del título y enfocar a la reflexión para tomar consciencia de lo que debemos cambiar como Sociedad.


   

        

ARTESANÍAS EN CRIN DE CABALLO / HORSE HAIR HANDCRAFTS *RARI*

Esta única artesanía hecha con crin  o la cola de caballo, está ubicada en el pueblo de la Séptima Región de Chile, llamada Rari. Esta artesanía, hecha 100% a mano son realizadas por mujeres que a través de generaciones quieren seguir con esta tradición.
Los objetos incluyen adornos tales como mariposas, mujeres, aros, etc....Los colores de los objetos se obtiene tiñendo el crin naturalmente usando diversas plantas de la zona.

This unique handcraft, made of horse hair,  it is located in a  rural village of the Seventh Region of Chile, called Rari. This handcraft, 100% handmade by women throughout generations who want to continue this ancient tradition.
The objects include decorations such as butterflies, women, earrings and so on... The colouring of the objects are obtained by a natural dyeing, using diverse local plants.









MASCARILLA CASERA PARA EL CUTIS: FRUTILLAS / HOMEMADE FACIAL MASK: STRAWBERRIES

   Esta deliciosa fruta puedes utlizarla para embellecer tu rostro debido a las variadas propiedades que posee como depurativa, balanceadora y rejuvenecedora, entre otras..
  La frutilla tiene una acción depurativa. Si tienes puntos negros, impurezas o cutis graso, es recomendable aplicar esta máscara debido a estas propiedades. Además contiene ácido salicílico que es efectivo en el acné.
   Es también un antioxidante natural, por el contenido de vitaminas C y E, lo cual también ayuda a regenerar, hidratar y rejuvenecer el cutis.

  Aplicación:  Machacar 3 ó 4 frutillas (dependiendo del tamaño), escurrir el jugo de las frutillas molidas en un recipiente y la pulpa en otro. Si tienes cutis graso, añadir unas gotas de limón al jugo de frutillas. Aplicar el zumo con un algodón en el rostro y cuello. Cuando esté absorbido en la piel, aplicar la pulpa sobre el rostro y dejar actuar por 30 minutos. Enjuagar con agua tibia. 
                                       

  This delicious fruit can be used for make your skin beautiful, due to the diverse benefits that strawberries have as purifyer, balancing and rejuvenating, and so on...
 Strawberries has a purifyer action. If your skin has blackheads, imperfections or is oily/combination one, it is suggested to apply this facial mask, taking advantage of the properties. Besides, strawberries contain salicylic acid, that is effective in cases of acne.
Strawberries is a natural antioxidant, for the content of vitamin C and E, helpful to revitalize, moisturise and rejuvenate skin.

Directions: Mash 3 or 4 strawberries (depending on the size), drain their juice and put it in a bowl and the pulp in another bowl. If you have oily skin, add some drops of lemon juice to the strawberries juice. Apply this juice on face and neck with a piece of cotton. When absorbed, apply the pulp on the face and wait for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

  




HOMEMADE INSECT REPELLENT

Ingredients:

1/2 Litre of Alcohol
100 grs. of cloves
1 glass of any essential oil ( chamomille, lavender, almond, etc.)

Materials:

1  spray atomizer



Directions:

Soak the cloves in alcohol for 4 days, shaking the liquid in the morning and afternoon every day. After these days, add the essential oil and it's ready to use... Apply some drops on the body when needed...







RECETA: LECHE DE ALMENDRAS

Usted  puede preparar en casa esta deliciosa leche de almendras. Un alimento saludable y vitamínico...

Ingredientes:

100 grs. de almendras
4 tazas de agua
1 cucharadita de esencia de vainilla
Endulzante a gusto

Preparación:

Dejar remojar las almendras durante la noche (entre 8-12 horas). Pelar las almendras. En una juguera, batir las almendras con el agua durante 3 minutos aproximadamente. Colar la mezcla con un colador fino o también puede servir una panty. Luego agregar una cucharadita de esencia de vainilla y endulzante (si desea).
Embotellar y guardar en el refrigerador ( durará 4-5 días).
Agitar bien antes de beber.


RECIPE:   ALMOND MILK


You can make yourself  this delicious almond milk at home. A healthy beverage and with vitamins....

Ingredients:

100 grs./ 3,52 oz of almonds
4 cups of water
1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
Sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

Soak the almonds overnight (up to 8-12 hrs). Uncover the almonds. Then put them in a blender along with  4 cups of water for about 3 minutes. Strain the mixture using a fine strainer (nut bag or also a piece of pantyhose). Then add a teaspoonful of vanilla extract and sweetener (if you want).
Bottle and store in the fridge (it 'll last for 4-5 days).
Shake well before serving.


DID YOU KNOW THAT...?

*CHOCOLATE* :
- Has a component called Theobromine, that stimulates the nervous system, making you feel good mood and addicted to it.

- Contains B2, B12 vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium and phosphorus, pholic acid, carbohydrate and proteins that help to keep healthy our body and organs.

- Suitable for women, because of the premenstrual syndrome. Chocolate acts  as a natural antidepressant.

- Contains flavonoids that keeps healthy arteries...

- Is a natural aphrodisiac.

- Acts as an antioxidant, due to the cocoa.  Black and bitter chocolates have more cocoa extract.


HEALTH COUNSEL: HOW TO HAVE A BRILLIANT MEMORY

Foods to remember:  Foods rich in vitamin B have an essential aminoacid which helps the memory. Eggs, liver, cabbage and soya beans are all sources, as is the nutritional supplement lecithin. (The good news is ice cream contains lecithin!). 
Eat iron- rich foods to help the brain's oxygen supply. Iron is also a component of vital neurotransmitters and its absortion is enhanced if you get plenty of vitamin C. Cut down on fats-- a fatty diet impairs the blood supply to capillaries in the brain, slowing down memory function.

Keep blood sugar levels steady: The electricity in the brain is permanently on, even when you're asleep and it's fuelled by glucose-- it takes two-thirds of the body requirement. Dr. David Benton of University College, Swansea, found that higher blood glucose levels produced a 10 - 15 per cent improvement in performance during a memory test. But it is important to keep blood sugar stable. This is best done through a high fibre diet with sufficient protein and lots of fruit and vegetables, in up to six small meals a day. Crash diets and skipping meals can make you absent-minded, while the instant high from sugary snacks is cancelled out by a big downer afterwards.

You can memorise to music: The right environment can help us remember things. According to researh, classical music puts people in "concert" state-- physically passive, mentally alert-- ideal for registering facts and events. And negative noisy distractions can block information uptake. But one woman's Mozart is another woman's Meatloaf, so reggae with homework could be just right for some students.

Remembering names: To retain information, you must first understand it, which is why we never remember how the video works. You also need the right information. If someone else always does it, why remember? If names are a nightmare, listen carefully when introduced, make sure you've heard correctly. Repeat the name in conversation, look at the person, link the face to the name. Association is what does it. We can all remember the shape of Italy because it looks like a boot. But what about the shape of Chile?

Things you hear are more memorable than things you read: Research has shown that our "sensory" memory finds it easier to retain information that the brain hears than information that it sees. So if you want to memorise a list, for example, it may help to have someone read it aloud to you.

Depression and smoking affect your memory:  Poor health affects the physical workings of  your memory, and this includes depression, a major cause of memory loss. Alcohol, even in small amounts, will interfere with your ability to process new information. Nicotine has the same effect. Caffeine, like glucose, gives a short-term lift, but leads to fatigue, and is addictive, so drink coffee and tea sparingly.

Relax to remember: Information is retained well when it's associated with an emotion or experience, but anxiety narrows your attention span so these memory cues can be missed. Stress does serious damage at retrieval time too-- that's what mental blocks and exam nerves are all about. When your memory blocks, just relax. "It will come to me in a minute" almost always works, as the neural pathways re-open. Sometimes we deliberately "forget" things because they're unpleasant-- they're in the memory, but the brain refuses access. Or too much stress leads to information overload. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself what you need. Dump the rest by practising a stress reduction technique such as yoga or meditation. This really works.

Physical exercise improves memory: A good memory is partly inherited-- but it needs regular stimulation. Think of the brain as a muscle. Mental exercise like reading, crosswords and puzzles sharpen it up. And some experts think physical exercise is more vital for the mind than the body. One 10-week jogging study demonstrated improvements in brain function. A main cause of memory loss in the elderly is thought to be their inactivity. We lose thousands of neurones daily, but this only adds up to about 1 billion brain cells out of a total of 15 billion by the age of 70.

Feliz Día del Profesor (Chile) - 16 de Octubre

 Un cariñoso saludo para todos quienes ejercemos esta hermosa, noble y abnegada labor de formar a cientos de niños y jóvenes. Feliz Día a todos los profesores de Chile...



CONSEJOS DE BELLEZA Y SALUD / BEAUTY AND HEALTH TIPS (3)

 EL MARAVILLOSO ALOE VERA / THE AMAZING ALOE VERA

Esta maravillosa planta ha sido usada desde tiempos remotísimos. Varias culturas como la China, Griega, Árabe, Egipcia, entre otras;  han reconocido el enorme valor de esta  medicina natural para diversas afecciones de la piel como para uso interno. Algunas propiedades del Aloe Vera son los siguientes:

-Actúa como regenerador celular.
-Post- solar.
-Psoriasis.
-Rosácea.
-Antiage.
-Acné / Erupciones.
-Después afeitado / depilación.
-Cicatrizante.
-Quemaduras leves.
-Humectante.
-Alivia irritaciones cutáneas.
-Alivia picadura de insectos.
-Apta para piel sensible.
-Antiinflamatorio.
-Refresca la piel.
-Regulador de la digestión.
-Diabetes.
-Comestible apto para celíacos.

*Para la piel,  cortar la hoja, extraer el gel y aplicar... Guardar el gel en el refrigerador para mantenerla fresca en la misma hoja.

*Para uso interno: usar el gel, mezclándolo con yogurt, jugo, etc.


This wonderful plant has been used since the furthermost centuries. Several cultures such as Chinese, Greek, Arabian, Egyptian, among others; they have recognised the richness of this natural remedy for several skin diseases and  internal use as well. Some properties of Aloe Vera are the following:

-Acting as a cell regenerator.
-After sunbathing.
-Psoriasis.
-Rosacea.
-Antiaging.
-Acne / Pimples.
-After shave / depilatory.
-Ability to heal.
-Mild burns.
-Moisturizer.
-Relieves skin irritations.
-Relieves insect bites.
-Suitable for sensitive skin.
-Anti- inflammatory.
-Soothes / Cool the skin off.
-Regulates digestion.
-Diabetes.
-Food suitable for celiacs.

* For skin use, cut the leave, take the gel off and apply on. Store the aloe in the fridge to keep it fresh.
* For internal use: add to yogurt, juice, etc.

CONSEJOS DE BELLEZA Y SALUD / BEAUTY AND HEALTH TIPS (2)

ACLARAR  SU  CABELLO  DE  FORMA  NATURAL

USTED PUEDE USAR 3 INGREDIENTES PARA ACLARAR SU CABELLO:

- MANZANILLA:  PONGA 1/2 TAZA DE MANZANILLA  ( Ó  2 BOLSAS DE TÉ DEL MISMO) EN 2 LITROS DE AGUA TIBIA.

- LIMÓN: VERTER EL JUGO DE UN LIMÓN EN 2 LITROS DE AGUA TIBIA.

- MIEL:  PONER 2 CUCHARADAS DE MIEL EN UN LITRO DE AGUA TIBIA.

* PARA LOS 3 INGREDIENTES, APLICAR  EN EL ÚLTIMO ENJUAGUE. SECAR AL SOL O SECADOR TIBIO. REPITA TAN FRECUENTE COMO SEA NECESARIO.


LIGHTEN  YOUR  HAIR  NATURALLY


YOU CAN USE 3 INGREDIENTS TO LIGHTEN YOUR  HAIR:


CHAMOMILE:  PUT 1/2 A CUP CHAMOMILE ( OR TEA BAGS AS WELL) IN 2 LITERS OF WARM WATER.

-LEMON:  POUR  ONE LEMON JUICE IN 2 LITERS OF WARM WATER.

-HONEY:  PUT 2  TABLESPOONFUL OF HONEY IN 1 LITER OF WARM WATER.

* FOR EACH INGREDIENT, APPLY IT AT THE LAST RINSE.  SUN DRY  OR  MEDIUM-TEMPERATURE  HAIRDRYER.  REPEAT AS OFTEN AS NEEDED.









CONSEJOS DE BELLEZA Y SALUD / BEAUTY AND HEALTH TIPS (1)

  6  MANERAS  DE  ALIVIAR  LA  PICADURA  DE  ZANCUDOS *

1. FROTAR EL ÁREA AFECTADA CON LA PARTE INTERNA DE LA CÁSCARA DEL PLÁTANO.

2. APLICAR VINAGRE DE MANZANA O SIDRA AL ÁREA.

3. APLICAR UNA RODAJA DE LIMÓN AL ÁREA AFECTADA

4. HACER UNA PASTA CON BICARBONATO DE SODIO Y AGUA.

5. APLICAR ACEITE ESENCIAL DE LAVANDA O ÁRBOL DEL TÉ.

6. APLICAR AL ÁREA UNA RODAJA DE CEBOLLA.


   
    6 WAYS TO RELIEVE MOSQUITO BITES*

1. RUB AREA WITH INSIDE OF BANANA PEEL.

2. APPLY  APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TO AREA.

3. APPLY A LEMON SLICE TO AFFECTED AREA.

4. MAKE A PASTE OF BAKING SODA AND WATER.

5. APPLY LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL OR TEA TREE OIL.

6. APPLY A SLICE OF ONION TO AFFECTED AREA.

* Extraído del sitio "English is Fun" / Extract from the site "English is Fun".

BECAUSE OF YOU

I used to be drugged of your memories
I used to keep you engraved on my heart
I used to call up your name all day all night long
Et tu es trop loin maintenant
Everything is falling apart
Pourquoi, pourquoi mon garcon charmant
I'm dying so lonely in the dark
So lonely in the dark...

LOOK AT ME (2000)

Look at me,
One more time,
'Cause maybe we won't meet
Again.
Look at me,
This last day,
'Cause I'll be gone.
I don't know how I'll feel
When you'll be so far.
Look at me,
With your beautiful eyes
They drive me crazy.
Look at my sad eyes,
'Cause it's near the end.
Look at me,
And listen to my heart,
'Cause I'm dying slowly
Without your love.
Look at me,
'Cause I mustn't tell you
About it.
Don't think that's dream...
Don't think it's illusion...
Look at me now,
There's no more time,
I still can't understand
What happened
Why happened
Is it destiny?
I don't know...
I try to forget you,
But I can't do it,
'Cause I need you...
Look at me,
One more time...

OTOÑO


Camino por la Alameda,
Los árboles se desnudan
De sus hojas amarillas.

Las hojas caen y caen
Anunciando una despedida...
¿Acaso se suicidan?

El rocío matutino
Envuelve el paisaje de triste tono
Como velo transparente y fino,
Invade mi alma de melancolía.

Camino por la Alameda
Como por la senda de la Vida,
Las hojas caen y caen
De faz dorada duermen...
Añoranza en mí se ha volcado
Evocando los recuerdos
Como un tesoro desenterrado...
Las hojas caídas
Volverán a despertar,
Cuando mi alma ascienda dormida,
No volverá jamás.


TOXIC LOVE

 It  was a full moon night
 When I knew that mystery,
 It was a sadistic delight
 Leading me into agony.

 I've tasted that poison
 And such a dangerous weapon
 Made me a deep open wound
 That's what I've ever found.

WE'RE GONNA DUEL

I need to look at your face
I need to find your trace
Somewhere,
I'd dare
Research into your mysteries
Be hidden in your memories
Yeah, baby.

Why don't you come to hold me?
Come into my lonely room
Don't let me imagining it
And dreaming on
Only you can make it real.
Now tell me
If her love's mightier than mine
Surely


We're gonna duel
For a precious man like a jewel (like a jewel)
We're gonna duel
We're gonna duel
For getting to you.

I don't know how long I'll endure
You know what's the way to cure
While I'm turning around
Waiting for you
Do you think it's easy to me?
My feeling's stronger
She can't erase about
Then

We're gonna duel (gonna duel)
For a precious man like a jewel (like a jewel)
We're gonna duel (gonna duel)
We're gonna duel ( gonna duel)
For getting to you (getting to you)

I'll get to you
I bet you'll be
Here with me.
Written by Jovanna Ovando R.

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