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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Business

WWC Americas: Nearly 300 passionate Wi-Fi professionals converge on Cancún, Mexico

“…The event above all reflected the huge amount of innovation and not least business opportunities being developed across the industry right now. We’re particularly delighted that so many Mexican and other Latin American delegates decided to join the event as well as for the support of many of our new Latin American sponsors such as SamaWiFi, Datawifi, Arara, SitWiFi, i-Free, and not least our Brazilian partners Mambo. Broad participation from Latin America is a testament to the importance of Wi-Fi across the region including a thriving ecosystem of vendors and service providers…”

https://wifinowglobal.com/news-and-blog/wwc-americas-nearly-300-passionate-wi-fi-professionals-converge-on-cancun-mexico/

 

Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, ADEC Offers Free US-Mexico Trade Webinar May 12

“Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions and the Arkansas District Export Council will sponsor a free webinar focusing on trade opportunities available to U.S. companies with Mexico on Thursday May 12, 2022. Attendees can gain a broader understanding of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provisions and the opportunities they create for trade with Mexico in this webinar, featuring presentations from industry experts.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on July 1, 2020. The USMCA, which substituted the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), aims to be mutually beneficial for North American workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses by creating more balanced, reciprocal trade supporting high-paying jobs for Americans and grow the North American economy…”

https://www.armoneyandpolitics.com/free-us-mexico-trade-webinar/

 

Mexican border town sees an increase in sales of abortion drugs to women from the US

‘Since Texas passed a strict anti-abortion law in September, more and more women along the southern border have been going to unregulated pharmacies in Mexico to get abortion pills. Border health professionals fear the Mexican pharmacies have become a last resort for some women. Observers say it’s a sign of what’s to come if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.

The main street of Nuevo Progreso, Mexico — just across the sluggish Rio Grande from Weslaco, Texas — is a chaotic border bazaar that caters to American day-trippers looking for bargains and exotica. The street is packed with businesses that sell prescription eyeglasses, dental care, switchblades, tequila shots, statues of ghoulish drug saints and over-the-counter medicine.

You can buy many medications in Mexican pharmacies without a prescription, including the pills that have transformed the way women are ending pregnancies. Today, more than half of all abortions in the United States are achieved by what’s called a medication abortion, as opposed to a traditional surgical abortion…”

https://www.npr.org/2022/05/09/1097210654/mexican-border-town-sees-an-increase-in-sales-of-abortion-drugs-to-women-from-th

 

Latinx Newswire Rebrands as Noticias Newswire, Announces Major Expansion of Hispanic Press Release Guaranteed Media Placements Network

“— Communications professionals targeting U.S. Hispanics – the country’s largest minority group with a $2 Trillion Buying Power – can now reach over 12,000 Latino journalists and influencers and receive guaranteed placement on over 180 Hispanic media and influencer websites — — Press wire rebrands with new icon symbolizing Hispanic unity, growth and success —..”

https://belatina.com/noticias-newswire/?l=latinx-newswire-is-now-noticias-newswire

Student-run business Jewels by Jocy brings beaded accessories to buyers

“Through Instagram and Depop, the first-year architectural studies student sells assorted jewelry for her business, Jewels by Jocy. Having created her own jewelry for two years and drawing inspiration from beading materials such as pearls, Gonzalez said social media provided her with a community and platform to showcase her products such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. As a painter and sewer as well, she said she enjoys crafting her own accessories because the process blends the problem-solving skills of her major with creativity and self-expression…”

https://dailybruin.com/2022/04/20/student-run-business-jewels-by-jocy-brings-beaded-accessories-to-buyers

Q&A l “I Wanted to Create the School I Would Have Liked to Attend” – Christian Patiño, Coderhouse

“Latin American talent is becoming quite appealing. Increasingly more companies are looking to hire Argentinian, Colombian or Mexican professionals. This is partly because regional unicorns are in need of qualified talent, and partly because tech hubs like the U.S. are facing a talent shortage that LatAm workers are willing and able to fill…”

https://contxto.com/en/startups/qa-l-i-wanted-to-create-the-school-i-would-have-liked-to-attend-christian-patino-coderhouse/

Can Mexico turbocharge pandemic nearshoring by US firms?

“…Encourage more US firms to move businesses they have offshored to China and Southeast Asia closer to home.“Some of our members have been successfully nearshoring to Mexico for several years,” Aburto told Al Jazeera. “About 5 percent of our members had taken up nearshoring prior to the pandemic.”

Here’s why agricultural experts think an avocado shortage — and price surge — may be looming

“Over 80% of the avocados found in the United States — whether that be in supermarket produce sections or on the line at your local Chipotle — are imported from Michoacán, Mexico. However, over the weekend, the United States Department of Agriculture (the USDA) suspended avocado imports from the Mexican state after an American inspector was allegedly verbally threatened on his official cellphone.

According to the USDA, the agency is working with Customs and Border Protection to funnel avocados that were certified for export on or before Feb. 11 into the United States. However, avocados certified for export after that date will not be allowed to enter the United States “as long as necessary to ensure the appropriate actions are taken, to secure the safety of APHIS personnel working in Mexico.” …”

https://www.salon.com/2022/02/16/heres-why-agricultural-experts-think-an-avocado-shortage–and-price-surge–may-be-looming/

Bestselling author Patricia Mota is dedicated to closing gaps for Latinas in business

“She lived the education gap. Now the CEO of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement is working to help under represented women close pay gaps on the way to the next level in their careers…”

https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/bestselling-author-patricia-mota-is-dedicated-to-closing-gaps-for-latinas-in-business

 

Proteum Energy and Istmo Energy Sign MOU For Production of Low Cost, Clean Hydrogen in the Permian Basin

“…”Istmo Energy is pleased to have the option to leverage our onsite de-ethanizers to produce hydrogen from ethane for our hydrotreaters, while at the same time offer additional clean hydrogen sales in the Permian region,” said Alex Gutierrez, Principal and Co-Founder of Istmo Energy…”

https://www.yahoo.com/now/proteum-energy-istmo-energy-sign-120000729.html

Statewide Gender and Race/Ethnicity Pay Gaps in California Exceed $46 Billion Trusaic Analysis of California SB 973 Pay Data Identifies Large Pay Differences

“…Comparing white (non-Hispanic) and nonwhite (or Hispanic) employees, executives have the largest annual race/ethnicity pay gap per employee of about $12,700, followed by officials & managers (of about $10,400) and professionals (of about $7,800). The smallest race/ethnicity pay gaps per employee were found in service and laborers (both about $800).,,”

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/statewide-gender-and-raceethnicity-pay-gaps-in-california-exceed-46-billion-301399006.html

 

Happening Today: Mayor Turner to honor Hispanic Heritage Award Winners

“…Ana Maria Martinez is the 2021 Mayor’s Hispanic Arts in the Community Award winner. The Grammy Award-winning soprano was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Martinez has 24 albums and an international career that spans the world’s most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. Ana Maria is also the first ever Artistic Advisor for the Houston Grand Opera and was recently designated Artist in Residence at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music…”

https://cw39.com/news/hispanic-heritage-month/happening-today-mayor-turner-to-honor-hispanic-heritage-winners/

 

Crediverso, bilingual financial platform, first to serve Hispanic community

“…Fresno, Calif. (KFSN)-Hispanic-owned personal finance company is taking action to break down barriers by launching its first bilingual platform to serve more than 62 million Hispanic consumers. ..Crediverso is a new one-stop shop for Latin Americans looking for free access to compare credit cards, loans, international money transfers and credit checks.Digital platforms set themselves apart by providing these resources in Spanish. This is the first time in this country.We also offer a live forum moderated by advisors of Spanish-speaking professionals such as personal finance professionals and celebrities.Carlos Hernandez, CEO of Creed Verso, said:Carlos Hernandez says the idea began a few years ago with a personal experience growing up in a Mexican-American family. He says the team is also passionate about the opportunities they are creating for Latino Americans….”

https://californianewstimes.com/crediverso-bilingual-financial-platform-first-to-serve-hispanic-community/532026/

 

 

With Latin American Demand for Cloud Rising, Oracle Hunts for Tech Professionals

“American software firm Oracle Corp is reportedly gearing up to add as many as 500 professionals to its operations in Latin America.The news comes barely a month after the Austin, Texas-based company reshuffled its top management team in the region.Oracle has been present in Latin America for more than 30 years, with its clients including the likes of Grupo Bimbo, GNP Seguros, McDonald’s (Arcos Dorados), Dorinka (Walmart), Arcor, Televisa, TV Globo, Solistica, Consultatio and Smartfit…”

https://nearshoreamericas.com/cloud-oracle-latin-america/

Exclusive: Wizeline’s New Majority Shareholder Will Empower an Enduring Vision

“Wizeline is “the global services technology provider founded by Mexican-American entrepreneur Bismarck Lepe, has taken a giant step towards its expansion goals after Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) purchased a majority stake in the firm…”

https://nearshoreamericas.com/exclusive-wizelines-new-majority-shareholder-empower-enduring-vision-cdpq/

Tidjane Thiam’s Spac pursues $1.5bn Latin American fintech target

“…The special purpose acquisition company of former Credit Suisse boss Tidjane Thiam is in talks to acquire two companies in Latin America, as part of plans to capitalise on rapid growth in the region’s fintech sector.

Mexican fintech group Credijusto and continental corporate data provider CIAL Dun & Bradstreet would be merged and listed in New York later this year under the plans, people familiar with the matter told the Financial Times…”

https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/tidjane-thiams-spac-pursues-1-5bn-latin-american-fintech-target-20210806

 

Crehana Raises Largest Series B for Edtech in Latin America

“…Crehana, a leading education technology platform for companies and individuals focused on closing the reskilling and upskilling gap in Latin America, announced today that it has raised $70M in a Series B round led by General Atlantic. This round represents Latin America’s largest Series B funding for an education technology company and comes just months after Crehana raised a $13M Series A extension round. Crehana will leverage the funding to expand its enterprise solution, launch operations in Brazil, and invest in new products and technologies…”

https://www.joplinglobe.com/region/national_business/crehana-raises-largest-series-b-for-edtech-in-latin-america/article_9285a726-6be4-56d9-a6e8-6f248e9c247e.html

Mexicans judge the USMCA trade deal’s first year a success

“…One thing Mexicans do agree on is that the USMCA has proved a success in its first year, albeit not always for the reasons they imagined. Business is happy that the deal’s detailed strictures on regulation and governance provide a layer of protection against López Obrador’s more radical ideas. The president and his supporters like the deal’s role as a job creator, as well as its labor provisions. These help improve wages for Mexicans and have enabled moves against a union closely tied to an opposing political party.

Above all, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of manufacturing close to home, providing a reason for U.S. businesses already in Mexico to consider expanding operations, even when the overall business climate under López Obrador is far from ideal…”

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/analysis/mexicans-judge-the-usmca-trade-deals-first-year-a-success/

 

Reimagining Regional Governance in Latin America

“…Latin America is experiencing one of the most difficult moments in its recent history as it confronts three overlapping crises: the coronavirus pandemic, a steep economic contraction, and high levels of political polarization and democratic erosion. No region has been more impacted by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, than Latin America, both in human and economic terms.1 As of April 30, 2021, Latin America had a total of 28 million confirmed cases (out of a world total of 150 million) and just over 900,000 deaths (out of a world total of just over 3 million). With around 8 percent of the world’s population, the region has almost 19 percent of confirmed cases and 28 percent of total deaths. Also, as of April 30, Latin America had administered only 8 percent of the total vaccines.2..

https://carnegieendowment.org/2021/06/24/reimagining-regional-governance-in-latin-america-pub-84813

 

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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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