Every Day is Magic: Ada Limón

In her 2015 collection, Bright Dead Things, a National Book Award finalist for poetry, Ada Limón writes of moving to Kentucky: “Confession: I did not want to live here.” It’s perhaps not a surprising sentiment coming from a coastally oriented person who was raised in Northern California, attended college in Seattle, and then spent over a decade in New York City.

 

But Limón and her husband, Lucas, have been in Lexington for seven years now and the effects of settling into this place are noticeable in her new book, The Carrying (Milkweed, Aug.). It’s a phenomenally lively and attentive collection replete with the trappings of living a little closer to nature. While Bright Dead Things is marked by a preponderance of light, such as images of fireflies and neon signs, The Carrying features numerous appearances by various trees, birds, and beetles. Limón also demonstrates a greater willingness to be explicit in naming colors, particularly green. “It’s crazy green, the whole book,” she says. “Lexington is the greenest place I’ve ever lived.” Similarly, where in Bright Dead Things, Limón tells a lot of stories and anecdotes, in The Carrying she is very present in her thoughts and experiences.

As it turns out, these shifts in focus have another, altogether unexpected source. While putting Bright Dead Things together, Limón was diagnosed with chronic vestibular neuronitis, which can cause bouts of vertigo. “If I’m really having vertigo, it’s pretty intense and I really have to focus,”
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Economics

Mexico Nearshoring Boom to Require Massive Energy Investment, Experts Say

“Mexico will need to attract more than $41 billion in investment to generate an estimated 37 GW of additional electricity capacity required to meet the increased energy demand anticipated by nearshoring, Abraham Zamora, president of the Mexican Energy Association (AME), said during a recent presentation in Monterrey…”

https://www.naturalgasintel.com/mexico-nearshoring-boom-to-require-massive-energy-investment-experts-say/

 

Latin America Roundup: Brazil, Mexico lay out regulatory priorities

“…Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) also recently made public its priorities and work agenda for 2024, some of which parallel those laid out by ANVISA.

In a document released on 30 January, COFEPRIS described efforts to promote regulatory certainty, improve confidence in its processes, and expand digitalization as a strategy to speed approvals.

COFEPRIS said 2024 would see the launch of its biosimilars unit and pharmaceutical development committee, both of which share the goal of expanding Mexican manufacturing. The agency also promised to refine rules for conducting clinical research “with the aim of achieving competitive service times.”…”

https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2024/2/latin-america-roundup-brazil,-mexico-lay-out-regul

Thunderbird at ASU announces regional Center of Excellence in Mexico

“November 29, 2023

In a move that signaled a significant step forward in its commitment to fostering innovation and global, digital leadership in Latin America, the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, in partnership with Cintana Education and the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), has announced a new regional Center of Excellence in Mexico…”

https://news.asu.edu/20231128-thunderbird-asu-announces-regional-center-excellence-mexico-advancing-access-education

Policy Concerns or No, Mexico Natural Gas Imports to Keep Growing, Experts Say

“Mexico’s pipeline imports of U.S. natural gas should continue rising over the coming years even in the most conservative demand scenarios, experts agreed at the US-Mexico Natural Gas Forum

https://www.naturalgasintel.com/policy-concerns-or-no-mexico-natural-gas-imports-to-keep-growing-experts-say/

Mexican and Cuban experts to discuss diversification of the sugar agroindustry

“HAVANA, Cuba, Nov 3 (ACN) Experts and specialists of the Associations of Sugar Technicians of Cuba and Mexico (ATAC-ATAM) are meeting today in Havana for their 7th meeting on the flexibility and diversification of the sugar agribusiness in their countries and also in Brazil.

The deliberations will be held at the National Sugar Training Center, starting from the consideration of aspects common to their respective managements, especially for a space for analysis, reflection and exchange of experiences, ATAC reported exclusively to the Cuban News Agency.

Mainly, it added, to contribute to the reorientation and development of the productive chains of co-products and derivatives, in an efficient and effective way in the current conditions, taking into account the requirements of sugarcane agriculture that supports it…”

http://www.cubanews.acn.cu/economy/22843-mexican-and-cuban-experts-to-discuss-diversification-of-the-sugar-agroindustry

San Antonio event discusses the barriers preventing Latinos from buying homes

“SAN ANTONIO — City of San Antonio leaders are working with federal partners to address housing barriers, particularly as it pertains to the Latino community.

According to research by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, only half of Hispanic households are homeowners in the U.S. On Thursday, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) hosted the housing forum to discuss the factors why…”

https://www.kens5.com/article/news/community/latino-housing-obstacles-san-antonio-texas/273-ca99e69f-f468-445f-81ab-059bf8d62d83

First-generation students discuss experiences, resources at UCLA

“There’s just a lot of fear of reaching out or asking a ‘dumb question,’” said Williams, who studies at the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies and taught a university studies class geared toward first-generation students. “It’s just that lack of confidence because you haven’t had these experiences or know anyone that’s had these experiences.”

First-generation students can also feel a lack of belonging compared to other students depending on their socioeconomic background.

According to the Brookings Institution, about 51% of students from low-income families go to college compared to about 89% of students from well-off families…”

https://dailybruin.com/2023/09/21/first-generation-students-discuss-experiences-resources-at-ucla

American Imports of Mexico-Manufactured Goods on the Rise: Study

“U.S. supply chains responded to the global volatility from the past two years by transforming supply chain networks to improve resilience against future disruption, according to a new report released by Penske Logistics, Kearney and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)…”

https://www.sdcexec.com/transportation/3pl-4pl/news/22865245/penske-logistics-american-imports-of-mexicomanufactured-goods-on-the-rise-study

Turning to Mexico in gaining market share

“…Naysayers and skeptics immediately emerged, he recalled. “Unfortunately, there are still misconceptions – Mexico is a third world country; Mexico is too dangerous; Mexico is violent,” he said, mimicking some of the more prominent critiques of his launch. “People thought I was crazy, insane, lunatic,” he said. Skeptics were misinformed about Mexico, Guzzo said, viewing it as a violent country although violence is largely limited to certain regions. He suggested the US has its fair share of violence: “I live in LA,” he added. “I know all about violence.”

His own views on doing business in Mexico have evolved, he noted. “When I started to look into Mexico, I took an investment approach rather than a mortgage approach,” he said, noting he manages a group of more than 30 loan officers although he personally is not licensed to originate loans. “Then I took the mortgage approach and was looking at the numbers.”…”

https://www.mpamag.com/us/mortgage-industry/industry-trends/turning-to-mexico-in-gaining-market-share/445046

While Leisure Continues To Dominate, Experts Foresee Dramatic Rebound for Mexico’s Business Hotels

“…MEXICO CITY — While hoteliers in Mexico remain optimistic about the outsize demand seen at Mexican resorts, there is increasing hope that the county’s business travel sector is poised for a dramatic rebound as more North American companies look to move Asia-based manufacturing back to North America…”

https://www.costar.com/article/129129797/while-leisure-continues-to-dominate-experts-foresee-dramatic-rebound-for-mexicos-business-hotels

U.S. demands formal talks with Mexico over GMO corn dispute

“CHICAGO/WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) – The United States requested formal trade consultations with Mexico on Monday over U.S. objections to its southern neighbor’s plans to limit imports of genetically modified corn and other agricultural biotechnology products.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office announced the request for technical talks after months of informal discussions with Mexican officials over their plans to ban GMO corn for human consumption failed to satisfy U.S. trade officials…”

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-ask-mexico-formal-talks-over-gmo-corn-dispute-bbg-2023-03-06/

Tesla to build new factory in Mexico

“Tesla is planning to build a new factory in Mexico, joining other carmakers bulking up their presence south of the US border.Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the plant for the electric car firm would be in Monterrey, which is about a three-hour drive from Texas…”

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64803467

The importance and potential role of services in North American supply chains

“Imagine you are a manufacturing firm in the United States considering locating a stage of your manufacturing process in Mexico. What is the full set of activities you would need to provide or procure to ensure that the operation in Mexico successfully integrates with your operations in the U.S.?…”

https://www.brookings.edu/essay/usmca-forward-2023-chapter-4-services/

 

What’s behind the Mexican wave of optimism?

“Mexico’s economy was relatively robust in 2022, while its equity market comfortably outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

In many ways the backdrop for 2023 looks considerably less favourable, yet there is optimism regarding Mexico’s outlook. Amid increased geopolitical concerns and a fundamental shift in global supply chains, Mexico stands to be a potential winner…”

https://www.schroders.com/en/us/professional-investor/insights/equities/whats-behind-the-mexican-wave-of-optimism/

As ‘Three Amigos’ meet in Mexico, experts call on leaders for North American vision

“With Canadian and Mexican manufacturers added in the 11th hour to Biden’s plan to encourage the sale of climate-friendly electric vehicles, there will be room to talk about more familiar irritants like trade disputes and U.S. protectionism…

…As a country that’s not immune to the influences of irregular migration and the flow of fentanyl at the U.S.-Mexico border, Canada will need to be part of that conversation as well, one that’s widely expected to dominate the agenda…”

https://www.sootoday.com/national-news/as-three-amigos-meet-in-mexico-experts-call-on-leaders-for-north-american-vision-6349468

 

US-Mexico trade growth to remain steady in 2023, bolstered by nearshoring

“…As the new year approaches, cross-border operators and logistics professionals said 2023 cross-border freight flows should remain strong throughout the year, held up by reshoring and nearshoring of manufacturing operations to North America, particularly Mexico.

“I believe cross-border volumes will be resilient and grow year over year in contrast to a sharp decline in U.S. domestic volumes we are currently seeing,” said Jordan Dewart, president of logistics operator Redwood Mexico. “Nearshoring efforts of companies trying to avoid a repeat of the Asia-trans-Pacific fiasco that occurred during the COVID [pandemic] can already be seen.”..”

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/us-mexico-trade-growth-to-remain-steady-in-2023-bolstered-by-nearshoring

 

Could Mexico replace China as top global manufacturing exporter?

“While the world economy continues to face multiple headwinds, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, lingering pandemic effects and inflationary pressures, many trade professionals remain bullish about the prospect of more companies nearshoring operations to Mexico over the next decade.

A growing number of global shippers view Mexico as an alternative sourcing location to China and other Asian nations by either relocating manufacturing operations just south of the border or choosing to expand existing production in Mexico, experts said….”

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/could-mexico-replace-china-as-top-global-manufacturing-exporter

Mexico.. Promised Land for American Immigrants

“In contrast to the waves of immigrants drawn by the American El Dorado, 38-year-old Gabriel Zarate has left San Diego and California to live in Tijuana, the Mexican border city.

Like Zarate, an increasing number of Americans are moving to Mexico, where they find life less expensive and smoother, despite the risk of upsetting Mexicans deprived of their purchasing power.

“I’ve been in Tijuana for four years,” says the man who crosses the border to work in San Diego as an English teacher for foreign students and returns in the evening.

“One of the main reasons is the cost of living,” explains this Chilean-American. It is less expensive than California.”

“In San Diego, I lived in a studio for $1,275 a month,” says his colleague Mike Rashval, 36, who also teaches English in San Diego but works remotely from Tijuana. Here I pay about half of the amount.”

“I love Mexicans, and Mexican food,” continues Gabriel Zarate, who lived in Latin America for several years…

https://globeecho.com/politics/mexico-promised-land-for-american-immigrants/

Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month

“…The U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.5 million in 2021, up from 50.5 million in 2010. The 19% increase in the Hispanic population was faster than the nation’s 7% growth rate, but slower than the 23% increase in the Asian population. In 2021, Hispanics made up nearly one-in-five people in the U.S. (19%) – the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This is up from 16% in 2010 and just 5% in 1970…”

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/09/23/key-facts-about-u-s-latinos-for-national-hispanic-heritage-month/

 

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Poem
“…And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while…”

T.S. Eliot
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Mexican American Proarchive Annual Report for 2022

The American Community Survey is an annual survey administered by the federal government to help local officials and community leaders and businesses understand the changes that take place in their communities. It includes percentages of our population’s graduate school attainment and the employment of Mexican Americans in various occupations.  These important factors influence the allocation of federal resources. Mexican American Proarchives uses the data provided by the American Community Survey to better understand how Mexican Americans compare to the general population.

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