Turn Up the Music

When I saw this story, who would not enjoy the music and the spectacular scenes.

I was in Mexico a few months ago and saw in Guadalajara the Mariachi's standing in the Mariachi Square waiting to play at festive parties.

Thank You Ted

When I was young it was such a shock when JFK died, then later RFK, and now Ted has peace being with his brothers and family in Heaven.

I wanted to share an email shared from the Obamas (ok to distribute).

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely, President Barack Obama

Colombia

Today I have started to post on my blog. I wanted to thank you for coming here and I hope to share a little of me and learn a little about you.

I have been soul searching since I was young. I was born in Medellin, Colombia. I came to the US when I was three years old, and have only traveled to Colombia three times in my life. I was 18 years old the last time I was there, that was thirty-four years ago. So here I start my journey not only of Colombia but also my other Latino friends and with it the magic of learning more of my culture.

A world that is happy and colorful, like many latino countries are. Musical styles that are enjoyed by Colombian Americans include vallenato, salsa and cumbia.

The vast majority of Colombians are Roman Catholic, although younger Colombians are significantly more secular than the older generation.

Colombian food is varied due to the several distinct regions of Colombia. Popular dishes include bandeja paisa, sancocho (chicken soup), empanadas (meat-filled turnovers), pandebono (a type of cheese-bread), and arepas (corncake similar to a tortilla).

The main pastime of Colombians in the United States is soccer, and most Colombian Americans raised in the United States continue to follow soccer. Another popular pastime, especially among the older generation, is parqués, a Colombian board game which is very similar to Parcheesi.