Jaime Ennis BLOG

122 contestants vying to be crowned Miss World 2011 in London

2011-11-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

The reigning Miss World, Alexandria Mills of the United States wrapped up her worldwide travel and charitable duties to join the party. The 19 year-old won the Miss World 2010 pageant after a controversy surrounding the venue of the event.

Vietnam was to host the 2010 contest but pulled out, leaving it to China to fill-in on an emergency basis. The pageant is back in London this year, where it all started in 1951. Way back then 60 years ago, there were only 26 contestants, a far cry from the current crop of stunners that hale from every corner of the world.

In London this week, the Miss World contestants engaged in the final fast-track competitions that help narrow the field when it comes to naming the 20 semi-finalists who will take part in the worldwide broadcast Sunday night. It is estimated that one billion people will tune in to catch the final winner receive her crown.

Fast-track events include the following categories: Top Model, Top Designer, Talent, Beach Beauty and the most meaningful of all, Beauty with a Purpose. It highlights the contestants' charitable interests in their home countries as well as around the world.

Alexandria Mills landed in the top three in 201 fast-track competitions in the Beach Beauty and Top Model categories, while snagging the nod for the winning contestant in the continent mini-contests. She was named Queen of the Americas.

The fast-track contests are meant to narrow the beauties down to a more manageable circle of contestants when the 20 semi-finalists are named on Sunday night in the finals.

The top ten ladies in the 2011 Beauty with a Purpose category highlighted specific causes and issues they intend to take front and center should they be crowned Miss World 2011. They hail from the following countries: Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and Zimbabwe.

Miss Zimbabwe's expressed interest in her country's lack of clean water in many areas. Miss Ghana spoke of the lack of proper health care for her fellow citizens, most particularly Ghana's children.

As of this writing, two days prior to a new Miss World being crowned, the Miss World-Philippines contestant, Gwendoline Ruais has placed among the top 20 in the Beach Beauty, Top Model and Beauty with a Purpose mini-contests. It guarantees her a slot in Sunday night's semi-final round.

Her Beauty with a Purpose credentials include the Model United Nations Assembly, an academic simulation of the United Nations. Ruais subsequently chose to join the Human Rights Council, where she was elected best debater.

The telecast and audio stream are available on various places online including Pageantism.com as well as local radio and television stations in the participating countries.

The Mongo concept a contemporary proposal, with a touch of cultural enchantment

2011-09-24T09:25:00.000-05:00

Pet a Mongo Monkey

Click on the picture to enlarge

At the Mesoamerican folk religion, a Nagual or Nahual (both pronounced [na'wal]) is a human being who has the power to magically turn him- or herself into an animal form: most commonly a monkey, turkey, or lizard but also other and more powerful animals such as the jaguar or a puma.

In modern rural Mexico, nagual is sometimes synonymous with brujo ("witch"): one who is able to shape shift into an animal at night, there is where the Mongo project fits in, Mongo is a venture develop by Adriana Higuera that engage several arts and crafts designers’ from different rural regions of Mexico, this artists using raw materials from their local areas, create this lovely animals named Mongo.

Higuera developed this cultural management project, assisting and supporting indigenous people from the Tzeltal, Mazahua and Otomi areas of Mexico, giving them information to market their products and with the help of another three great entrepreneurs’ Sandra Villa a graphic designer, Esperanza Villar a business mogul and Fernanda Paniagua a marketing expert, developed and conceptualized this project to document and sale this Mexican products around the world, creating this cultural trademark “Mongo”

Mongo involve so much more than just the sale of a product, every item in their catalog have a description of the region where it was created, but also includes a written message in a form of a poem or an epic from the artist who created t, so each artifact has a soul of its own.

Their catalog have an extensive choice of products that includes from this lovely Mongo pets to a wide diversity of home products so you can enchant your house with this unique talismans or just design a special room for you to mesmerize your time on a unique space of coziness, relaxation and pleasure.

You can contact these creative entrepreneurs at their web site Mundo Mongo or write them at mongolife2011@hotmail.com

Pet a Mongo Beaver

Click on the picture to enlarge

Pet a Mongo Raccoon

Click on the picture to enlarge

Beautiful bed set and cushions

Click on the picture to enlarge

Mongo´s showroom at the International Tourism Fair of the Americas
Mexico City, Mexico

Miss Universe 2011 crown goes to Miss Angola, Leila Lopes

2011-09-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

In a live telecast that reach over a billion viewers around the world, Miss Angola, Leila Lopes 25, was crowned Miss Universe 2011 on Monday at the Creditcard Hall in Sao Paulo, Brasil, defeating off the competition from 89 contestants.

The venue was fully booked, Lopes dressed in a beige gown impressed judges with her catwalk that was out of this world and also by highlighting with in Portuguese the importance about family values.

She was followed by Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko while Miss Brazil Priscila Machado was the second runner-up the third runner-up went to Miss Philippines Shacey Supsup and Miss China , Luo Zilin rounded up the top five at the 60th Anniversary of this beauty pageant, considered by the experts as the most significant pageant in the world.

Leila Lopes replaces Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete of Mexico who won the title in 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As part of her winning she will get a luxury New York apartment with living expenses, a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy, jewelry, clothes, shoes and an undisclosed sum of money. Leila will be sharing the apartment with Alyssa Campanella Miss USA 2011 and Danielle Doty Miss Teen USA 2011

The best in swimsuit were Misses Australia, Bahamas, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Curacao, Greece, Kosovo, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Perú, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Ukraine and Venezuela. Venezuela's Vanessa Goncalves clearly has the best body.

The most beautiful gowns were worn by Misses Angola, Aruba, Bahamas, Bolivia, Cayman Islands, China, Egypt, Estonia, Ghana, Israel, Kosovo, Malaysia, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Ukraine, Venezuela and USA. There's no question that the gown worn by Miss Puerto Rico, designed by Puerto Rican designer Harry Robles, was the conqueror.

The judges of the event included; Amelia Vega, Helios Castroneves, Connie Chung,; Isabeli Fontana; Vivica Fox, Adrienne Maloof, Lea Salonga, Farouk Shami, Italo Zanzi

The evening's hosts, Natalie Morales a news anchor for NBC’s “Today” and Andy Cohen the host and executive producer of “Watch What Happens: Live," at Bravo, displayed genuine chemistry as they kept the action flowing. Ms. Morales kept pace with the contestants, changing dresses three times, while Mr. Cohen remained sharp and cheery trough the entire event.

The commentators of the event were Style Network’s “How Do I Look” Jeannie Mai and Shandi Finnessy, Miss USA 2004, Jeannie and Shandi provided skybox fashion commentaries throughout the LIVE telecast.

Swimsuit Competition

Brazilian native pop singer Claudia Leitte turns the heat up throughout the performance of her new single “Locomotion Batucada” during the swimsuit competition.

Evening Gowns
Accompanied by Brazilian singer and song writer Babel Gilberto, who added a touch of bossa nova to the ambience, singing her single hit “Close Your Eyes” the contestants lit up the night in their evening gowns. Continuing in her winning ways Miss angola shone brightest in a beige evening gown she scored highest with an 8.913

The Miss Congeniality 2011 award went to Miss Montenegro, Nikolina Lončar and the Miss Photogenic 2011 award went to Miss Sweden, Ronnia Fornstedt

The best National Costume went to Miss Panama Sheldry Sáez

The 16 Semi-Finalists:
- Miss France, Laury Thilleman, 20

- Miss Kosovo, Afërdita Dreshaj, 25
- Miss Colombia, Catalina Robayo, 22
- Miss China, Luo Zilin, 24
- Miss Angola, Leila Lopes 25
- Miss Australia, Scherri-Lee Biggs, 20
- Miss Puerto Rico, Viviana Ortiz 24
- Miss Brazil, Priscila Machado 25
- Miss Netherlands, Kelly Weekers, 21
- Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella 21
- Miss Ukraine, Olesya Stefanko
- Miss Panama, Sheldry Sáez, 19
- Miss Costa Rica, (Johanna Solano, 18
- Miss Portugal, Laura Gonçalves, 22
- Miss Philippines, Shamcey Supsup, 25
- Miss Venezuela, Vanessa Gonçalves, 25

Brittany Booker from Houston is the new Miss Texas USA 2012

2011-09-05T08:11:00.000-05:00

Brittany Booker from Houston is the new Miss Texas USA 2012

During a great production of the Crystal Group owners and producers of the Miss Texas USA pageant and competing against 123 contestants at the four diamonds Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel located in the heart of downtown Houston. Ana Christina Rodriguez crowned her successor Brittany Booker.

• Brittany Booker (Houston), Miss Texas USA 2012
• Lauren Guzman (Laredo), 1st Runner Up
• Barbara Falcon (South Texas) 2nd Runner Up
• Shannon McAnally (Dallas) 3h Runner Up
• Erin Kay (Bay Area) 4th Runner Up

Among the duties as the new Miss Texas USA 2012, Brittany will be receiving this prizes

You can follow Brittany at her Twitter account in here

The hostess of the Miss Universe TV show Miss Brazil Priscilla Machado may be banned from the pageant

2011-09-03T10:19:00.001-05:00

THE TRUTH ABOUT MISS BRAZIL UNIVERSE ORG AND PRISCILA MACHADO'S VICTORY These are the comments of the pageantry expert Hector Joaquin regarding the designation of Priscila Machado as Miss Brazil 2011 : I find it interesting that Brazilians bash their own candidate, Priscila Machado (photo) more than they bash their own president. It is the opinion of every Brazilian that I have spoken to that Priscila should not have won Miss Brazil. Many claim that she won the national competition because four of her best friends were members of the jury and that she did not deserve the title of Brazil's most important beauty queen. Priscila is not the most beautiful woman, she lacks facial beauty. Maybe in photos she looks more stylish and more elegant, but when you see her in person, she looks ordinary. It was disappointing. I don’t want to be pessimistic, let alone being in her country, but when she posed for us, she had a bossy attitude and told everyone how the pictures should be taken. We the press members just looked at each other and wondered what the hell was going on with her. Her attitude leaves much to be desired; to think that she’s the hostess and she had nude photos taken before she won Miss Brazil! I noticed too that she always seemed angry or upset and couldn’t wait for the media junket to be over. Sorry, but she doesn’t deserve to be placed at all. She may have a great body, but she’s not beautiful and she’s the worst Miss Brazil ever.

Things that you can do by wearing the Miss Universe Crown by Ximena Navarrete

2011-08-26T10:13:00.001-05:00

Ximena Navarrete and Fadil Berisha on Ximenas last shooting of her reign

It's amazing how you can change someone's life, how people listen to you and how you can make a difference. For me, getting to different countries with business men and government people, people who have the means to help and provide money to organizations, among other things, and tell them to help us because things are happening and be that messenger is best time than I could spend.

"I never imagined I could talk with the presidents prime ministers or governors, to help change situations and these are things that the band and the crown confer to you. When people see you when you feel like they listening to you, this power you have to say something good and change something, is the most valuable things you can give to the people.

For a year, Ximena bear both symbols and she said that is why she was motivated to continue despite the long hours of work and traveling.

"It's amazing, is a phenomenon that is created when people work for Miss Universe. Start the day smiling to people and this stir something positive, that motto has motivated me a lot and obviously I know the pride that I could give to my country just by wearing that crown. What I've discovered is the power of the crown and the sash to do something positive in the world, she said.

Work for organizations that fight AIDS was the leading work of Navarrete this year, work for which from the first day of reign had to be prepared so she can provide the correct information.

"Since I came to New York in addition to the interviews that I had to do, I started my course on HIV. You do not know how much I learned and to do so I get information to help more people because it’s just not enough when you have the band and the crown, now I can continue to do my job for my beloved country Mexico.

"HIV was the main topic (from her job as Miss Universe), but it worth it I will still be working with people with cancer, with orphans and with the Operation Smile Organization on the near future.

A day in the life of the Miss Universe contestants in Sao Paulo Brazil

2011-08-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

Miss Colombia up on her arrival to the Sao Paulo airport

Miss Korea on the fitting room before her glam shot

Starting Friday the 19th contestants from all over the globe will be arriving to Sao Paulo Brazil to initiate their activities and be completely prepared for the final round on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Miss Universe Pageant.

The 89 contestants, will have a tight schedule from the beginning, no time to lean, first they get introduced to the Miss Universe chaperon ladies that will be taking absolute control of their lives and activities for the next three weeks, the contestants will be sharing their rooms with a peer from a different country that speaks a totally different language so they can meet different cultural behaviors, the girls will be making new friends for life.

After that when all the arrivals are completed, they concentrate them in a meet and greet room at the host hotel, to gather with the other delegates, but specially to get familiarize with their new teachers, they will be introduced with the team of chorographers that assembly the presentation show, the national customs show and the final telecast chorography, this well known chorographers, will be making this girls sweat 24/7 until they get the chorus line close to perfection.

Just after that they will meet their catwalk teachers, they are a team of fashion show´s designers that have a perfect knowledge on the women’s body expressions, this professionals will be working with the delegates also on a daily rigid schedules, until this girls learn to walk on stage like the supermodels do on the international trail of the fashion shows industry.

They also will be introduced to the wardrobe specialist that will be taking control of their national customs, their night gowns their swimsuit and the accessories that go with them to make them look gorgeous on stage, they also will meet the makeup and hair dressing team and at the end the photography team, that will make this girls appear magnificent on the world press.

So you can see these girls will be working very hard for the next two weeks, but this will be an unforgettable experience that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

Allysa Campanela Miss USA getting ready for her glam shot

Ximena Navarrete on the final road of her reign as Miss Universe 2010

2011-08-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Ximena Navarrete is about to finish a very busy year as Miss Universe 2010, for those who think that being a beauty queen is an easy job, you better think it twice. The girl that is designated as Miss Universe has a very complex job, she has to travel 90% of the time expending several hours in different airports of the world and she barely sleeps. When she comes down the plane she has to go straight to the wardrobe, hair and makeup specialist to look gorgeous in front of the cameras. She has to meet different personalities like executives, politicians and important people in the assistance organizations and she cannot look tired or grumpy, she have to answer all their questions politely and with knowledge of the subject, she have to prepare and read about the culture of that nation or organization before she lands in a foreign country; what a job!

Miss Universe travels an estimated 250,000 miles each year visiting dozens of countries.

Ximena travel all the time to be part of different charitable organizations or visiting different institutions, making media appearances, she had a 24/7 very demanding job, just this last month she visit 5 different countries and very soon she will make her last appearance as Miss Universe 2010 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this coming September the 12th

She will be very happy to go back to her home town in Guadalajara, Mexico and be embraced by her friends and family.

Fadil Berisha the official photographer for the Miss Universe Organization just comment on Ximena, saying that this last year he expend a lot of time with Ximena and he thinks that she is the most professional and delightful Miss Universe that he ever work with, and that it will be very hard to find a girl with that joyful personality and so committed to her career.

Ximena will have her last runway as Miss Universe and she will be handing the crown to her successor, Miss Universe 2011, but we will remember this beautiful woman for the years to come for her big smile and incomparable attitude.

On the road to Sao Paulo Miss Universe 2011

2011-08-01T14:54:00.004-05:00

Just a few weeks for the 60Th anniversary of the Miss Universe Pageant

2011 marks the 60Th anniversary of MISS UNIVERSE and MISS USA pageants, which began in 1952 as concurrent events in Long Beach, California. The competitions moved to Miami Beach, Florida in 1960, and the broadcast tradition began on the CBS Television Networks. In 1965, the two competitions became separate live television specials, and since 1972 have been telecast from exotic locations around the globe.

The contestants for the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant will start to arrive in Sao Paulo Brazil on the 21st of August.

The celebration will be full of surprises the Organization has invited quite a few former Miss Universe title holders, we are waiting to hear from Paula M. Shugart the MUO President to confirm how many of them will be traveling to Sao Paulo for the festivities.

The Organization is also confirming the participation of 89 different countries. The 89 contestants will be traveling to different locations in Brazil doing presentations to promote this beautiful country; the calendar of events will be as follow:

August 21-23: Arrivals
August 24: Welcome Event
August 26: Kandy Wrappers Pool Party (Hilton Sao Paulo)
August 29: National Gift Auction (Hilton Sao Paulo)
September 3: National Costume Show (Hilton Sao Paulo)
September 6: Lux Fashion Show at Morumbi Shopping Mall
September 8: Presentation Show at Credicard Hall
September 10: Miss Universe title holders’ reunion
September 12: Dress Rehearsal, Live Telecast of Miss Universe 2011, Credicard Hall and Coronation Ball, Hilton Sao Paulo

In this occasion Ximena Navarrete the current Miss Universe from Mexico, will be crowning her successor in a live telecast which will be broadcasted to more than 190 countries around the world by the National Broadcasting Company NBC and Telemundo Networks reaching an audience over one billion viewers, the Miss Universe Organization is expecting an increase in its audience from last year.

Satellite developments in the 1970s allowed the MISS UNIVERSE competition to travel outside the United States, and in 1972, it was telecast live, via satellite, for the first time from the Cerromar Beach Hotel in Dorado, Puerto Rico. That event inaugurated a series of annual television specials, which presented the culture and attractions of some of the most spectacular regions of the world to an international audience of hundreds of millions of people.

This time, Natalie Morales and Andy Cohen will be hosting the international telecast on Sunday September 12th

We will be following all the contestants through their presentation events and report to you everything that is happening behind the scenes.

Stay Tuned.

On the road to Sao Paulo Miss Universe 2011, an album at Flickr.

Ximena Navarrete Miss Universe 2010 starts her trip to the Miss Universe Pageant Here are some captions and video during her participation at the Guelaguetza festivities in Oaxaca Mexico

Las Fiestas de la Guelaguetza 2011 en Oaxaca

2011-07-26T07:51:00.002-05:00

Las Fiestas de la Guelaguetza 2011 en Oaxaca, un álbum en Flickr.

Era espléndido el retumbo causado por los gritos, el imparable ajetreo del aplauso, el gozo expresado en los miles de rostros venidos de todos lados, de la vecina Puebla, del Distrito Federal, del Norte y más allá, de una multitud incansable que disfrutó una Guelaguetza como no se había visto en los últimos años.

Guelaguetza which is the Zapotec word for “offering” was a pre-Columbian tradition here in the middle of the rainy season (July) to make offerings to the Gods so that they would continue the rains for a bountiful harvest. According to history, when the Spanish were converting the indigenous people into Catholicism, they tied the pagan Guelaguetza ritual/festival with the celebration of Saint Carmen Alto since they were around the same time. Now, the Guelaguetza has morphed into a celebration of all of Oaxaca’s indigenous people, traditions, food, mezcal, you name name it.

Inicia la fiesta mas espectacular de los Oaxaqueños las fiestas del lunes del cerro!

2011-07-24T08:39:00.010-05:00

En punto de las diez de la mañana se inicio con la primera presentación de la Guelaguetza 2011, Guelaguetza que este año regreso a el Auditorio Guelaguetza.

Llegaron las fiestas de Oaxaca y por fin el día mas esperado por todos: lunes 25 de julio, día en que se realizaría la Guelaguetza 2011 en sus dos presentaciones.

En la representación de Donají… La leyenda 2011 participaron 89 intérpretes y alrededor de 50 personas en la producción, en esta ocasión particularmente, se incorporaron nuevos elementos coreográficos, así como algunos cambios en el vestuario, además se usaron juegos pirotécnicos en frío que hicieron aun más impresionante esta muestra cultural oaxaqueña.

En el marco de las Fiestas de los Lunes del Cerro, el gobernador Gabino Cué inauguró la XIV Feria del Mezcal y recorrió los stands de 50 empresas expositoras, donde manifestó su respaldo a los productores de esta bebida milenaria y tradicional del estado. Aquí aseguró que Oaxaca vive sus fiestas en paz y en tranquilidad.

Señaló que los boletos para la Guelaguetza, en sus dos ediciones, están agotados, lo que comprueba que en Oaxaca existen las condiciones necesarias para disfrutar de la máxima representación cultural de Latinoamérica.

Con la llegada de turistas nacionales y extranjeros, a quienes dio la bienvenida, el gobernador dijo que se espera una fuerte derrama económica en esta temporada para beneficio de las familias y la entidad.

Acompañado del presidente municipal de Oaxaca de Juárez, Luis Julián Ugartechea Begué; la presidenta de la Mesa Directiva de la LXI Legislatura local, Eufrosina Cruz Mendoza; el secretario de Turismo y Desarrollo Económico, José Zorrilla de San Martín Diego y del presidente del Patronato Nacional del Mezcal, José López García; el mandatario también recorrió el Pabellón Pictórico “Maguey Mezcal”, donde participan 30 artistas oaxaqueños y la exposición de artesanías: barros, textiles y arte popular.

En entrevista, luego del recorrido, Cué Monteagudo sostuvo que Oaxaca vive sus fiestas en paz y en tranquilidad, por lo que dijo, que los visitantes pueden estar seguros y tranquilos.

Informó que a la Guelaguetza asistirán el gobernador de Guanajuato, Juan Manuel Oliva, la secretaria de Turismo, Gloria Guevara; senadores de diferentes partidos y la Miss Universo, Ximena Navarrete.

Comentó que han sido un éxito las diversas actividades como la “Sinfonía de luz”, una proyección de imágenes de lo más representativo de Oaxaca en la fachada de la Catedral. En tanto, este sábado por la noche se presentará el concierto “200 niños, una sola banda de música” y para este domingo, el gobernador y el edil capitalino presenciarán el espectáculo “Donají, La leyenda”, en el auditorio Guelaguetza.

En tanto, la XIV Feria del Mezcal permanecerá hasta el 2 de agosto, en el Paseo Juárez “El Llano”, en la capital oaxaqueña, donde exponen sus productos 50 empresas del ramo de diferentes estados, avalados por el Consejo Mexicano Regulador del Mezcal.

Entre los tipos de mezcal que se exponen se encuentran el añejo, blanco, de cedrón, de gusano, de pechuga, especial, gran reserva, joven, joven con gusano, minero, reposado, reposado con gusano, reserva, tobalá y cremas de mezcal.

En esta feria, también habrá actividades culturales, exposiciones pictóricas y fotográficas, además de muestras gastronómicas de los platillos más representativos de Oaxaca. Asimismo espectáculos con artistas gruperos y solistas.

De acuerdo con el Consejo Regulador de la Calidad del Mezcal, en 2010 se produjeron un millón 533 mil 177 litros de mezcal certificado, de 45% Alc. Vol., de ellos, Oaxaca destiló 809 mil 519 litros, seguido por Zacatecas, con 711 mil 317 litros.

Estados Unidos y Australia son los principales consumidores del mezcal mexicano, seguidos de Chile, España e Inglaterra. En el 2010, en Estados Unidos se consumieron 368 mil 910 litros de mezcal.

Por otro lado, el Consejo de Administración de la Unión de Ejidos y Comunidades de Producción y Comercialización Agropecuaria “Cosijopí” sostiene que en el país existen 61 marcas de mezcal certificadas, de los cuales 38 pertenecen a Oaxaca; sin embargo, existen más de 100 marcas en la entidad que no están revisadas por el Consejo Regulador de la Calidad del Mezcal.

Los 200 niños músicos en una sola banda cautivó a propios y extraños con sus piezas musicales, entre ellas los Sones y Jarabes Mixes, Sones Mazatecos, Son para ti, Flor de Piña, Alegoría Oaxaqueña y Dios Nunca Muere, entre otros. Este concierto fue presidido por el gobernador del estado, Gabino Cué Monteagudo

Como una actividad más que viene a enriquecer el programa de los festejos de Los Lunes del Cerro, este viernes a las 21:00 horas, en la Catedral oaxaqueña, se presenta el espectáculo “Sinfonía de la Luz” Guelaguetza.

Se trata de un bello espectáculo de luz y sonido, con una técnica mixta de animación en tercera dimensión, que se proyectará sobre toda la fachada de la Catedral, con imágenes, colores y figuras que capturan la esencia del arte popular oaxaqueño, como la elaboración de textiles, alfarería y orfebrería.

Behind the scenes at the 2011 Miss Teen USA Pageant in Paradise Island Bahamas

2011-07-14T14:43:00.016-05:00

And the winner of the 2011 Miss Teen USA is Danniele Doty from Harlingen Texas CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

Miss Texas Teen USA 2011, Danielle Doty, is crowned Miss Teen USA 2011.

I am an eighteen year old girl who just graduated number eight in her class. I have been in dance and gymnastics for sixteen years and cheerleading for five. Next year, I will be attending Baylor University where I will be continuing my love of cheerleading as a Baylor Bear spirit squad member! I love adventures and a challenge. I collect quotes and one of my favorites is from Coco Chanel: "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." I feel as if everyone has the chance to make a difference in the world; so that is my goal.

Miss Texas Teen USA 2011, Danielle Doty, poses for a photo, Sunday, July 17, 2011, after being crowned Miss Teen USA

Miss Teen USA 2011 Crowning Moment

Miss Texas Teen USA 2011, Danielle Doty, answers her final question for the 2011 MISS TEEN USA

Miss Texas Teen USA 2011, Danielle Doty, is a contestant vying for the title of Miss Teen USA 2011 and the Diamond Nexus Labs crown. She poses for the judges in her wardrobe by Sherri Hill during the 2011 MISS TEEN USA® Competition

Miss Teen USA 2011, Danielle Doty, poses for a photo with 2011 MISS TEEN USA Runners-Up Miss Missouri Teen USA 2011, Sydnee Stottlemyre; Miss California Teen USA 2011, Alexis Swanstrom; Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2011, Audra Mari; and Miss Kansas Teen USA 2011, Taylor Lindsay Clark. Doty was crowned on the Live 2011 MISS TEEN USA competition from Atlantis, Paradise Island and Resort in The Bahamas

Miss Teen USA® 2010, Kamie Crawford and the Contestants for Miss Teen USA® 2011 poses for a group photo in there Kooey swimwear at ATLANTIS on Paradise Island, Bahamas

Miss Wyoming Teen USA 2011, Ashley Golden; Miss West Virginia Teen USA 2011, Susan King; Miss Utah Teen USA 2011, Maqael Knight; Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2011, Victoria Sorone Johnston; and Miss Vermont Teen USA 2011, Bridget Martin; pose for the judges in her wardrobe by Sherri Hill during the 2011 MISS TEEN USA® Preliminary Competition from Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort in The Bahamas

Rehearsals at the Atlantis Resort Paradise Island Bahamas for the Preliminaries on Friday July 15th

Miss Idaho Teen USA 2011, Claira Hollingsworth; Miss Colorado Teen USA 2011, Caley-Rae Pavillard; Miss Washington Teen USA 2011, Cheyenne Taylor Van Tine; Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2011, Elizabeth Nicole Heinen; Miss Michigan Teen USA 2011, Taylor Teresa Sherman; Miss Nevada Teen USA 2011, Ashley Brown; Miss Arkansas Teen USA 2011, Mary-Kate Hartley; Miss Oregon Teen USAЁ 2011, Kayla Ann Marie Roush; Miss Utah Teen USA 2011, Maqael Knight; and Miss North Dakota Teen USA 2011, Audra Mari; at Poseidon's Throne in ATLANTIS on Paradise Island, Bahamas

Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2011, Annie Catherine Read, huggs one of the Dolphins at Dolphin Cay at ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Miss North Carolina Teen USA 2011, Vanessa McClelland, climbs the rock wall at Climber's Rush in ATLANTIS, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Miss Teen USA 2010, Kamie Crawford and Miss Texas Teen USA 2011, Danielle Doty; show their pals birth certificate at ATLANTIS Pals, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Miss Texas Teen USA 2011, Danielle Doty, poses for a photo with some new friends at ATLANTIS Pals, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Pictures provided by Miss Universe Organization LP, LLLP
Photographers: Darren Decker, Tom Lew, Richard D. Salyer

Miss Teen USA 2011 My Top 15 prediction!

2011-07-08T12:34:00.004-05:00

Miss Teen USA 2011 My Top 15 prediction! , an album at Flickr.

1.-Miss Texas Teen 2011 Danielle Doty from Harlingen, she is 18 years old
2.-Miss South Carolina Teen 2011 Keyla Childs from Summerville, she is 17 years old
3.-Miss Ohio Teen 2011 Morgan Marie Smigel from Avon, she is 16 years old
4.-Miss North Carolina Teen 2011 Vanessa McClelland from Fayetteville, she is 19 years old
5.-Miss New Hampshire Teen 2011 Annie Catherine Read from Sandwich New Hampshire, she is 17 years old
6.-Miss Nevada Teen 2011 Ashley Brown from Las Vegas she is 17 years old
7.-Miss Nebraska Teen 2011 Madison Novak from Nebraska, she is 17 years old
8.-Miss Montana Teen 2011 Sibahn Jade Doxey from Frenchtown, she is 18 years old
9.-Miss Michigan Teen 2011 Taylor Teresa Sherman from Dearborn Heigths, she is 17 years old
10.-Miss Kentucky Teen 2011 Stephanie Tyler Jones from Elizabethtown, she is 18 years old
11.-Miss Indiana Teen 2011 Jessica Buch from Bedford, she is 16 years old
12.-Miss Colorado Teen 2011 Caley-Rae Pavillard from Castle Rock, she is 17 years old
13.-Miss California Teen 2011 Alexis Suanstrom from San Diego, she is 17 years old
14.-Miss Arizona Teen 2011 Molly Arge from Paradise Valley, she is 18 years old
15.-Miss Alabama Teen 2011 Barron Rae Williams from Dadeville, she is 16 years old

The 2011 Miss Teen USA will be held at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas on July 16th.

"We are happy to be back at Atlantis, Paradise Island for the fourth consecutive year for our Miss Teen USA Pageant," says Miss Universe Organization President, Paula Shugart. "Our notable judging panel will evaluate the 51 contestants on both their beauty and brains, and will ultimately choose which young woman will serve as a spokesperson for teen issues over the next year."

Miss Teen USA 2010, Kamie Crawford of Maryland, has worked with several cause alliances during her reign including Best Buddies, D.A.R.E., Girl Talk, Project Sunshine and Same Sky Trade Initiative. Kamie also traveled with the USO to Cuba, Portugal and Spain to visit with military families and support the troops. She will hand over the Miss Teen USA crown to the winner at the conclusion of the pageant.

The new Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella from California see you in Sao Paulo Brasil September 12th

2011-06-19T22:20:00.005-05:00

Miss California Alyssa Campanella was crowned the new Miss USA last night. She’s going to be representing the US at the Miss Universe pageant this fall, so what do you need to know about her?

She’s addicted to Angry Birds.
Alyssa was reportedly playing Angry Birds backstage in between her time on stage. It’s official: everyone is addicted.

She supports medical marijuana use.
During the interview portion of the pageant, Alyssa was asked (by Real Housewives of New Jersey star Caroline Manzo!) if she would support legalizing marijuana. Alyssa said that she supports use of medical marijuana, but thinks it should be banned otherwise. Guess that makes sense for a Californian.

She’s a natural blonde.
Although she was born a blonde, Alyssa started dyeing her hair red in her teens and never went back. The color totally works on her, so we think she made the right call.

She’s a self-described geek.
In the Q&A portion of the pageant, the women were asked to state an interesting fact about themselves. Alyssa’s was “I’m obsessed with the Tudor and Stuart era,” and then added that she’s a huge Game of Thrones fan. Too bad for her that the pageant was on the same time as the Thrones season finale! Alyssa also reportedly went to space camp as a kid and identifies herself as “a history geek.”

She’s about to move to New York.
As per tradition, Miss USA gets to live for free in an apartment in the Trump Tower in New York City (Trump owns the Miss Universe organization, which includes the Miss USA pageant). She’ll be rooming with Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe. That is a whole lot of pretty in one place.

Author, Lilit Marcus

Miss California USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, is the winner of the 2011 MISS USA® Competition. She celebrates on stage after the crowning

Miss California USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, is the winner of the 2011 MISS USA® Competition. She celebrates on stage after the crowning, which was broadcast LIVE on NBC from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theatre for the Performing Arts, in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, June 19, 2011. The winner will compete in the 2011 MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12.

3th Runner Up Miss Texas USA 2011, Ana Christina Rodriguez; 2th Runner Up Miss Alabama USA 2011, Madeline Mitchell; 1st Runner up Miss Tennessee USA 2011, Ashley Durham; and Miss California USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella is the winner of the Miss USA 2011 Pageant

Images courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization, © Miss Universe L.P., LLLP

Alyssa Campanella Press Conference

Happy 60th Anniversary Miss USA looking forward to see you in September at Sao Paulo, Brasil for the 2011 Miss Universe Gala I can´t wait

My prediction for the 5 semi finalist for the Miss USA 2011

2011-06-16T09:35:00.008-05:00

My prediction for the 5 semi finalist for the Miss USA 2011

My prediction for the five semifinalist for the 2011 Miss USA Pageant they are Miss Alabama USA 2011, Madeline Mitchell, Miss California USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, Miss Hawaii USA 2011, Angela Byrd, Miss Texas USA 2011, Ana Christina Rodriguez and Miss Virginia USA 2011, Nikki Poteet

Goodbye Rima you were wonderfully stunning the hole year, may God Bless you in your new adventures.

Video "A day in a life of a Miss USA contestants"

Miss USA 2011 Behind the scenes at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas

2011-06-07T10:17:00.021-05:00

The 60th 2011 Miss USA Pageant is returning to Las Vegas. MIss USA 2010, Rima Fakih and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees will welcome the 51 Miss USA 2011 contestants with a red carpet event tonight, June 6, 6:30 p.m. at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. For the next two weeks the ladies will participate in pageant activities leading up to the June 19th pageant live on NBC.

On Saturday the contestants got all dolled up in evening gowns for a photo shoot with renowned photographer Fadel Berisha and on Sunday the girls attended a pool party at the Palms Place pool. Las Vegas' own Rain Cosmetics is the official makeup of the Miss USA pageant and the talented Rain makeup artists will keep the contestants looking marvelous. Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, crowned in Las Vegas last year, will crown the new winner live on June 19th. You can vote for your favorite now, by visiting www.missusa.com.

Click on the images to enlarge

The 51 contestants for the Miss USA 2011 pageant prior to the reveal of four new OPI nail polish colors at COLOR, a Salon by Michael Boychuck inside Caesers Palace Las Vegas, Tuesday June 14, 2011

My favorite, Miss Texas USA 2011, Ana Christina Rodriguez, walks the runway in the Rain Cosmetics Fashion Show at the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rain is the Official Cosmetics Sponsor of Miss USA

Matt Goss and Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih, pose for a photo with 25 of the Miss USA Contestants before attending the Matt Goss Show at Ceasers in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday June 11, 2011.

The contestants on the stage of the Human Nature Concert at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada

Miss Florida USA 2011, Lissette Garcia; winner of the Hula Hoop contest, here with Richard Simmons, at the Miracle Mile, sponsored by The Chinese Laundry, more shoes for Lissette.

Miss Illinois USA 2011, Angela Sparrow, Miss Kentucky USA 2011, Kia Ben-et Hampton, Miss Oregon USA 2011, Anna Prosser, and Miss Florida USA 2011, Lissette Garcia, rehearsing the opening dance number for the 2011 Miss USA LIVE telecast. Choreographer, Michael Schwandt.

Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih, teaches the 2011 Miss USA contestants how to belly dance at the Flamingo pool

Miss Oregon USA 2011, Anna Prosser and Miss Michigan USA 2011, Channing Pierce arrive at the Sugar Factory on the Las Vegas strip in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Contestants talk with Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon before lunch at Kerry's Gourmet Burgers in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 9th, 2011.

Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih, is levitated by Las Vegas magician, Nathan Burton at the Flamingo pool.

Miss Tennessee USA 2011, Ashley Durham and Miss Texas USA 2011, Ana Christina Rodriguez dance at XS Nightclub at Encore in Las Vegas

Miss Texas USA 2011 Ana Cristina Rodriguez

The Contestants at the Red Rock Canyon Bike Tour

Despite the apparent glamour, the beauties that have flown to Nevada from all around the United States to compete for the title of Miss USA 2011, face a gruelling few days.

Contestants at the Red Road Canyon Bike Tour

Based at the Planet Hollywood hotel, the girls are tied into a heavy schedule of 16-18 hours of interviews with judges each day.
Then there are back-to-back photo shoots at various Sin City hotels, not to mention the filming of segments to form part of the NBC live broadcast on June 19th.

The 2011 Miss USA contestants enjoy the Las Vegas sunshine at the Eiffel Tower Experience.

But when it all looks as glorious as this, it's tempting not to look too far beneath the surface.

And there's no denying that these girls appear to be having a marvellous time.

The 2011 Miss USA contestants soak up the sun at the Palms pool party. With their Candy Rapers Swimsuit

They're an eclectic group, too - last year's winner Rima Fakih was the first Muslim to ever win the competition, and she's back this year to inspire the new crop.

The 2011 Miss USA contestants soak up the sun at the Palms pool party. With their Candy Rapers Swimsuit

"People don't realize that pageantry is really a sport and there are girls who have been practicing it for their whole lives. The ones that are too coached are called Pageant Pattys.'

The 2011 Miss USA Pageant contestants at Buca di Beppo on June 6, 2011.

“It’s only fitting that as we celebrate the 60th anniversary milestone, we are in the sexiest, most glamorous place on Earth -- Vegas! What began all the way back in 1952 as a local bathing suit competition has now become a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for today’s young women.

Reigning Miss USA 2010, Rima Fakih, struts down the famous, glimmering Jubilee! staircase at Bally's Las Vegas.

The search for the new Miss USA 2011 begins pick you favorite Vote Here

Images courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization, © Miss Universe L.P., LLLP
Photographers: Patrick Prather, Darren Decker, Ivan Vejar
Miss USA

Mitla Place of the dead

2011-05-30T14:08:00.009-05:00

Mitla Place of the dead, Photos by Jose Mata.

Mitla Oaxaca “The place of the dead” or “Place of rest” the Zapotec Culture

Mitla is one of the most important archaeological sites of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Mitla's archaeological zone, which is about 30 miles east of Oaxaca City, lies within the modern Zapotec town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla.

Mitla was most important in Oaxaca during the Postclassical period, although evidence of earlier occupations, dating to the Late Preclassic and Classic times, has also been found. The site was an important religious center and, according to indigenous sources, it was not only the center of a powerful oracle and priest, but also the place where Zapotec kings and nobles were buried.

The name of the site is a Spanish corruption of the Nahuatl the language spoken by the Aztecs term Mictlan, which means “The Place of the Dead”. Its Zapotec name was Lyobaa which means “Place of Rest”.

The ancient town of Mitla probably covered an area of about one square mile and was surrounded by a wider cultivated area that supported the community. The hills around Mitla were terraced in order to provide farming land. It is logical to suppose that much of the remains of the ancient settlement still lies under modern construction.

The archaeological zone includes five groups that are incorporated into the modern town, and a hilltop fortress, only partially explored, that seems to date to the 8th and 11thcenturies AD, when some political instability affected the Valley of Oaxaca and the residents felt the need of more protected location.

Five groups form the bulk of the accessible structures at Mitla, and include different buildings organized around central patios. These are the Church Group, the Group of the Columns, the Arroyo Group, the Adobe Group and the South Group. These structures include elegant residential complexes, temples and several burials located underneath the patios and buildings.
These residential groups are characterized by friezes of stone mosaics, applied without mortar, that decorate Mitla's internal and external walls. These friezes are considered among the most elegant examples of stone works of all ancient Mesoamerica.

Group of the Columns
The Group of Columns is probably the most famous and visited complex of Mitla. It is formed by two patios, a smaller one on the south and a bigger one on the north. The group is so called because of the series of huge columns that were built to support the roof of the front room of the main building. This room, called the Hall of Columns, leads through a narrow passageway to the interior of the building which was, according to indigenous sources, the residence of the powerful oracle-priest, called “The Great Seer”.

The other buildings around the patio sit over high platforms, and their facades present the typical decorations with stone mosaics. On both patios, in front of the building access ways, there were subterranean tombs accessible through narrow stairways. Most of these subterranean tombs had a cruciform shape and were decorated with additional elegant stone mosaics and painted in vivid colors. These were the places where the funerary bundles of the Zapotec noble ancestors were kept and attended by the priests.

The Church Group
The northern sector of the site is occupied by the Church Group, a multi-patio group so called because it was the place where the Spanish constructed the church of San Pablo in the 17th century. The church is attached to one of the patios and its construction covered one of the pre-Hispanic buildings. This complex was probably another residential compound with both private and public spaces, and was decorated with stone mosaics with geometric motifs

In the Church Group as well as in the most southern Arroyo Group there are rooms with mural paintings. John Pohl, an expert on ancient codices and Oaxaca iconography, suggests (2002) that these paintings, now badly deteriorated, could represent scenes from Zapotec and Mixtec creation stories. According to his idea, in the Postclassic period, Zapotec and Mixtec ruling dynasties used these images as a form of social bonding as well as to reinforce political alliances among the groups whose rulers were periodically meeting in the sacred city of Mitla.

The contestants of the the Miss USA Pageant 2011 at New York City

2011-05-27T10:44:00.015-05:00

Picture yourself on a spectacular stage in exciting Las Vegas!

You’re wearing an elegant evening gown. You’re holding your breath. The moment has come. The spotlight turns to you as your name is announced as the next United States Winner! This dream can become a reality for you!

It all starts from the moment you are selected as a representative of your State. As a State titleholder, you will attend the National Pageant with young women from around the country. From the Delegates' Orientation to the Ball Gowns and Bowling Shoes Kick-Off Event to the Supermodels with Style Magazine Fashion Contest, it's all about enjoying the experience, making new friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Good luck to all the contestants

Miss USA Pageant live on Sunday, June 19th at 9:00 p.m. ET
#VegasUSA2011

The Miss USA contestants touring NY City

With the Big Boss in NY Trump Tower

Ya viene la Feria del Mezcal

2011-05-25T15:09:00.005-05:00

Ya viene la XIV Feria del Mezcal, un álbum en Flickr.

Oaxaca de Juárez, 25 de mayo.- Para la próxima Feria del Mezcal se espera una afluencia de 56 mil personas, esperando que con los espectáculos que se presentarán esta cifra se incremente en un 50 por ciento, la cual tendrá una inversión de 7 millones de pesos, así lo dio a conocer el presidente del Patronato de la Industria del Mezcal, José López García.
Explicó que como parte de las actividades a efectuarse a partir del 22 de julio, se contarán en el Paseo Juárez, el Llano con pabellones que darán a conocer la cultura del mezcal, la artesanía, y mesas redondas en donde participarán instituciones y dependencias.
Con un espacio de 50 stands para los productores, se mostrará toda la cadena de la producción al turismo, como un brazo más de la Guelaguetza, y una opción para generar más afluencia de turismo.
Dijo que se ofertarán más eventos de distintos tipos, esperando una gran participación de la ciudadanía, por lo que se trabaja de manera conjunta con tránsito estatal, así como con seguridad pública municipal y estatal.
Los artistas que participarán en esta feria son María José, y la Apuesta, con la confirmación en los siguientes días para saber si participará Alejandra Guzmán y la Banda el Recodo, concluyó.

Conozca las chicatanas un platillo prehispánico mexicano

2011-05-21T12:46:00.000-05:00

Las chicatanas una delicia de la gastronomía Mexicana

En una madrugada típica de mayo, uno se puede despertar entre los olores de tortilla recién hecha a mano y a café de olla que las mujeres, de amplias caderas y amables rostros morenos, se empeñan en preparar en los fogones ancestrales, antes de la partida de los hombres al campo, a la siembra, a la ordeña.

Pero si la noche pasó cálida y tranquila entre los sonidos armónicos de la primera lluvia y del viento suave, típicos del sureste del país, a los que madrugan este día les ha reservado una hacendosa diligencia. Una hora antes del amanecer y de que los primeros rayos del sol iluminen el verde del paisaje, con las últimas gotas que se precipitan entre las hojas de los árboles, una dinámica presencia atraerá la atención: las chicatanas que danzan en torno a cualquier fuente de luz, estimuladas por el calor y, sobre todo, por el instinto de supervivencia.

Sucede que mientras las siembras se fortalecen y los ríos renacen con el caudal de energía que sólo la temporada de lluvias puede ofrecer al campo unos pequeños seres abandonan sus moradas, inundadas por el torrente, y buscan refugio en las fuentes de calor más cercanas, huyendo de la humedad.

Se trata de unas peculiares hormigas rojas, aladas, conocidas como chicatanas (derivado de la voz indígena náhuatl tzicatl, que significa “hormiga grande”), cuyas reinas pueden alcanzar hasta 2.5 cms de longitud. Se les encuentra en tierras cálidas y húmedas, semi-selváticas, por eso es bien conocida en Colombia, Nicaragua, Cuba, Brasil, Ecuador, Venezuela, aunque con diversos nombres, dependiendo también de las regiones.

En México se les encuentra fácilmente al sur y sureste: Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatán. Sus colonias son bastante numerosas (hasta un millón de individuos) y pueden causar graves daños a plantaciones porque su dieta alimenticia a base de hojas las impulsa a destruir en muy poco tiempo siembras enteras o jardines.

Para la persona que jamás haya visto y degustado una chicatana, le parecerá inverosímil que un insecto pueda ser considerado un manjar, aunque únicamente de temporada.

Y es que desde épocas precolombinas forman parte de la economía alimentaria de la población, porque la propiedad especial de estas pequeñas ilustres es su composición orgánica, capaz de convertir en miel el alimento que consumen. Sí, al estilo de las abejas. Pero si para éstas el susodicho oro líquido es el producto final de toda una meticulosa cadena de elaboración -de cuya eficiencia biológica se aprovecha el hombre-, para las chicatanas funcionaría como una especie de auto abastecimiento de energía, porque poseen la particularidad de sólo almacenar en su cuerpo la miel convertida, algo así como los osos polares almacenan grasa para la temporada invernal.

La gran diferencia es que el hombre se sirve del producto de las abejas, mientras que en este caso, las chicatanas mismas son el blanco. Y es que esa pequeña hormiga se ha convertido en el alimento más codiciado entre la población mexicana, amante de cosas naturales, aun con cierto toque de exotismo.

Este prodigio se presenta una sola noche al año, y aunque su aparición es largamente esperada, siempre llega de sorpresa. La población rural lo sabe bien: con las primeras lluvias pueden resurgir de sus colonias, y hay que estar atentos, a veces noches enteras. El primero que se percate del fenómeno dará la voz de alerta a los familiares y vecinos, quienes despertarán también a sus niños y se darán a la búsqueda de tan esperado alimento en los focos del exterior de la propia casa o en las farolas de la calle, donde las hormigas se amontonan frenéticamente, tratando de alcanzar un poco del calor -semejante al del hogar originario que les ha sido arrebatado por la implacable incursión del agua.

Pero el refugio será efímero, porque las mujeres no dudarán en tomarlas a manojos y meterlas en los primero que tengan a mano (la mayoría de las veces se tratará del mandil o el espacio a manera de bolsa que se puede hacer con las largas faldas).

Aunque por lo general -como en los tiempos del más elemental sistema de organización social- quienes se encargan de la “recolección” son las mujeres y los niños, es una actividad que promueve el trabajo en equipo, involucrando a todos los miembros de la familia y, si bien puede conllevar el retraso al trabajo de los hombres, se convierte en uno de los tantos momentos de unión y alegría en la vida social de la comunidad. Se pueden ver las risas y el júbilo de los pequeños “cazadores” cuando, confundiendo temor con emoción, sienten entre sus dedos el vibrar de los diminutos y suaves cuerpos de las abejormigas.

Después de correr y afanarse por atrapar el mayor número posible de chicatanas, la responsabilidad del trabajo pasa únicamente a las manos de la madre y/o mujeres de casa. Meticulosamente despojadas de alas y cabeza, las chicatanas estarán listas para ser tostadas en el comal, y sólo entonces se dará paso a la condimentación y las diversas preparaciones.

En la alta -o exótica- gastronomía se les puede encontrar en una salsa bañando la carne de cerdo, pero en el ambiente rural y la vida tradicional mexicana existen sólo una par de opciones: con un poco de sal, chile piquín y limón (elecciones del todo personales) a manera de botana crujiente, o como protagonista de alguna salsa, se trate de la excelente por tradición salsa de pipián (semilla de calabaza), o la más humilde salsa macha (de jitomate y chile verde). Sea cual sea, siempre será acompañada de una tortilla caliente recién hecha, con la que se recibirá a los padres y maridos, poco antes del atardecer.

Pero el privilegio del manjar no se detiene allí; desde que la industria gastronómica ha valorizado de manera impresionante su adquisición, las chicatanas se han convertido en un codiciado alimento. Excelentemente pagado en el mercado nacional, ha llegado a cotizarse hasta en 600 pesos el litro (alrededor de 50 dólares americanos), y como su popularidad ha crecido bastante gracias a que son fuente de proteínas y bajos niveles de grasas saturadas (algunos incluso las consideran afrodisíacas), también se exporta a Canadá, Gran Bretaña y Japón. Así, además de la fortuna de degustar un nutritivo y excepcional platillo una vez al año, la presencia de las chicatanas ofrece una fuente de ingreso extra a los campesinos. De tal modo que a la faena se puede aplicar el dicho: “al que madruga, la chicatana lo ayuda”.

Receta de costillas de cerdo con salsa de chicatanas

Ingredientes

1/2 kilo de chicatanas arriera reina asadas
2 kilos de costilla de cerdo
Ajo y cebolla para cocer la carne
1 cebolla mediana finamente picada
3 dientes de ajo
150g de chile costeño seco asado al comal
Sal al gusto
Aceite.

Preparación

En tres tazas de agua se cuece la carne con ajo, cebolla y sal al gusto. ya que casi esta cocida se deja freír en su mismo jugo hasta dorar

Aparte se prepara la salsa de chicatanas de la siguiente manera; asar los chiles y remojarlos en agua caliente para suavizarlos, asar también los ajos, ahora licuar, chiles, ajos y chicatanas, acitronar la cebolla picada y ahí agregar la salsa de chicatanas dejar que se fría por un momento y por ultimo agregar la carne frita, dejar sazonar unos 5 minutos y servir caliente. comer con tortillas de maíz calientitas

Preparar el guiso de preferencia en una cazuela de barro

An ancient ritual from the Sierra Madre, the trueque at the tianguis

2011-05-21T09:42:00.005-05:00

Tlacolula Oaxaca has a very peculiar market or “tianguis”, every Sunday since the XIV century, an assorted group of Indians from the nearby villages as far as 2 hours walking, come down to the market to do a very ancient practice the “Trueque” which is a tradition of trading goods.

This market, the largest on the Oaxacan Valley and unique with this ritual.

The locals have this ancient practice; very early every Sunday morning you will see these peasants mostly woman dressing with different and dazzling colors, because they know their precedence from the dye and embroidery of their dresses, set their products on a top of a cloth on the floor and start to trade this merchandise between each other, you will see a variety of herbs and spices, multicolored vegetables and fruits from the region, cocoa, coffee, cactus plants and , prickly pears, bread and tortillas, goats, hogs, crickets and chickens, textiles, knitted bags and blouses , leather bags and hats, woven straw baskets, red, black and green handcraft clay, cooper or iron cast pots and pans, wooded carved or painted figures, beautifully designed and handmade, colorful candles, all of this they will trade between each other until seven in the morning, before the market is open to the local community, sometimes they trade everything they brought from their village and go away, the ones that still have some goods stay and sale it to the regular customers and tourist that pack the market to see this beautiful colors, smell those ancient flavors and hear the murmur of different languages blended with the music of bands and lonely performers singing to the crowds.

Handmade art crafts from Oaxaca , álbum at Flickr.

Santa Maria de la Asuncion of Tlacolula its the religious name, or Tlacolula de Matamoros, the official name. The town is located about 20 miles from the state capital of Oaxaca. An ancient settlement, is home to the Zapotecan Indians, the mezcal and the shrine of the Assumption, erect in tribute to the holly Lady of Tlacolula. The Church is from the XVI Century but don´t get confused the market and its traditions go way back in to the past of this Zapotec region.

The gazpacho an unusual kind of soup El gazpacho una sopa que hace la diferencia

2011-05-15T11:18:00.001-05:00

El gazpacho es un clásico en su clase: refrescante y con sabrosos sabores que combinan lo amargo con lo dulce el gazpacho es esencialmente, un plato campesino andaluz diseñado para extender los ingredientes más económicos a su límite absoluto

No en vano el Gazpacho es conocido como la ensalada de las sopas ya, que contiene todo lo que puedas incluir en una ensalada, hasta el pan y el mismo aderezo para verter sobre ella.

El Gazpacho es una sopa que fue creada por los campesinos del sur de España que la cocinaban para refrescar los calurosos días de esta época del año, siempre te quedaras impresionado por los sabores y textura de esta deliciosa sopa campesina.

Tiene un ligero sabor a ajo, obviamente, es jugosa y dulce, pero con un dejillo excitante, tiene tomates y pepinos lo que la hace más seductora.

Sopa de Gazpacho fue concebida para el verano. Refrescante y fría para estos días cálidos de verano, esta adaptación de la receta es un clásico de los andaluces disfrútenla

U2 360° World Tour , México City, Winnipeg .......

2011-05-09T13:33:00.009-05:00

Durante el 11, 14 y 15 de mayo el cuarteto irlandés U2 tocará por cuarta ocasión en nuestro país, esta vez con su U2 360° Tour, considerado por ellos mismos como su gira más ambiciosa y espectacular en sus tres décadas de existencia.

El U2 360° Tour, desde su arranque el 30 junio del 2009 en el Estadio Camp Nou de Barcelona, ha sorprendido con su fastuoso escenario a sus seguidores en diferentes ciudades de Europa, Nueva Zelanda, Australia, Estados Unidos, y Sudáfrica. En América Latina el fenómeno se repitió en Chile, Argentina y Brasil.

Cuando la gira 360° llegue a nuestro país, ya habrá sido vista por 4 millones de fans.

Se calcula que será la gira mundial más rentable de todos los tiempos, al obtener 700 millones de dólares por ganancias netas de entradas. Toda ella gira en torno de The Claw (La Garra), un escenario en formato 360° pensado para permitir a los asistentes una gran visibilidad en cualquiera de sus ubicaciones.

El creador del concepto fue Willie Williams, director de los conciertos de U2, quien al término del Vertigo Tour en el 2006 presentó un boceto de un monstruo de cuatro patas, de lo que se convertiría en La Garra, una enorme estructura que permite crear una proximidad física real con la multitud.

The U2 360° tour in Mexico City the band will preform on the 11, 14 and 15 May, the Irish band will be playing for the fourth time in our country, this time with the 360 ° Tour, considered by themselves as their most ambitious and spectacular tour in three decades of existence.

The U2 360 ° Tour since its start on June 30, 2009 at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, has surprised with its magnificent stage and scenery to all their followers in different cities of Europe, New Zealand, Australia, USA, and South Africa. In Latin America, the phenomenon was repeated in Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

When the tour reaches Mexico City, will have been seen by 4 million fans.

It´s estimated to be the most profitable world tour of all times, getting $700 million net earnings to the show producers. All of it revolves around The Claw a 360° scenario format designed to allow the viewers’ a high visibility at any of their locations.

The creator of the concept was Willie Williams, director of the concerts of U2, who at the end of the Vertigo Tour in 2006 presented a sketch of a monster with four legs, which would become The Claw, a huge structure that creates a real physical proximity with the crowd.

Full house/Casa llena

So far so good the first U2 360° concert in Mexico City congregate more than 95,000 fans

El primer concierto de U2, 360° congrega a mas de 95,000 fanáticos y aun hay mas

El segundo concierto

La espera valio la pena, impresionante, epico, majestuoso, asi calificaron los fans en twitter el segundo concierto de U2 360° en la Ciudad de México.

The wait was worth it, awesome, epic, majestic, that is how twitter fans rated the second concert of U2 360 ° in the Mexico City

Epilogo

El Tour 360 grados de U2 en México. Será memorable para siempre. Bono (Paul Heuson) es dueño de un gran magnetismo. Quizá comparable sólo con el impacto que hizo en México el Papa Juan Pablo II. Heuson lanzó un mensaje profundo para condenar a EU por la venta de armas que genera la muerte y la violencia en nuestro país. Que trescientos y pico mil de fans durante los 3 conciertos se hubieran entregado con euforia de cuerpo y alma a este gran artista-activista.es algo superior. Bono fue capaz de traer el futuro al presente, hurgando en el pasado. Sus mensajes musicales son profundos. Se agradecen. Ver al público, comulgar con el grupo, estremece. El Concierto de U2 fue algo sublime.

U2 360 Tour in Winnipeg, Manitoba - May 29, 2011 - Compilation (HD)

Anastagia Pierre the New Miss Bahamas Universe 2011 Anastagia Pierre la nueva Miss Bahamas Universo 2011

2011-05-08T12:04:00.003-05:00

A story of perseverance and success in beauty pageants

Bahamas has a new beauty, but not a regular one. This year they will be represented by Anastagia Pierre, a 22 year-old professional model and aspiring TV host originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida who also has Bahamian citizenship. During this year’s competition, Pierre was also named “Top Model Bahamas” during a special event. After being crowned Miss Bahamas, Anastagia will be completing the trilogy of pageants under the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

First, she competed at Miss Teen USA 2004 representing Florida. Then, in 2009 she represented that state again at Miss USA. In both opportunities she did not make the first cut. Now in 2011 she is back and ready to go after the Miss Universe crown, now for the Caribbean country.

The panel of judges counted with some well-known personalities such as Fadil Berisha, MUO’s oficial photographer, George Wittels, Miss Venezuela’s jewelry designer and Flaviana Matata, model and Miss Tanzania 2007.

Anastagia first competed at Miss Bahamas in 2010 placing as first Runner-Up.

The 2011 Miss Universe pageant will take place at the Credicard Hall, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Monday September 12, 2011

Congratulations Anastagia and Good Luck!

Her life ambitions

My life ambition is to remain humble, while achieving a healthy balance between my professional and personal life. I want to reach a point where I can have a successful career and still dedicate enough time to raising a family because both are very important to me.

Una historia de perseverancia y éxito en los certámenes de belleza

Bahamas tiene una nueva reina de la belleza, pero no una belleza cotidiana. Este año las Bahamas que estará representada en el certamen Miss Universo por Anastagia Pierre, una modelo profesional de 22 años de edad y presentadora de televisión originaria de Fort Lauderdale, Florida, quien también posee la ciudadanía de las Bahamas. Durante el certamen de este año, Pierre también fue nombrada "Top Bahamas Model" durante un evento especial. Después de ser coronada Miss Bahamas, Anastagia completará la trilogía de los concursos de belleza durante el Certamen Miss Universo que se llevara a cabo en SaoPaulo Brasill el próximo 12 de Septiembre

Anastagia compitió en Miss Teen USA 2004 representando a la Florida. Posteriormente, en 2009 representó a ese Estado de nuevo en Miss USA.. En ambas ocasiones no logro pasar a las 10 finalistas. Ahora en 2011 está de regreso y lista para ir tras la corona de Miss Universo, ahora por el país caribeño.

El jurado de Mis Bahamas contó con algunas personalidades muy conocidas, en el medio como Fadil Berisha fotógrafo oficial de Miss Universe, George Wittels, diseñador de joyas para Miss Venezuela y Flaviana Matata, modelo y Miss Tanzania en 2007.

Anastagia compitió por primera vez en Miss Bahamas en 2010, colocándose como primera finalista.

El concurso de Miss Universo 2011 se llevará a cabo en el Credicard Hall, en Sao Paulo, Brasil, el lunes 12 de septiembre.

Felicidades Anastagia y buena suerte!

Sus ambiciones de vida

Mis principales metas en la vida es seguir siendo humilde, mientras que pueda lograr un equilibrio saludable entre mi vida profesional y personal. Quiero llegar a un punto en el que pueda tener una carrera exitosa y todavía dedicar tiempo suficiente para formar una familia, ya que tanto mi éxito profesional como el formar una familia son muy importantes para mí.

Las Tichindas de la costa de Oaxaca y los Mejillones de Galicia

2011-05-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

Las Tichindas

Las tichindas son moluscos de tamaño pequeño (unos cuatro a seis cm.). Viven en las aguas de los manglares de las lagunas de esta parte del océano Pacífico. Son moluscos bivalvos, de concha en forma de cuña, lisa, negruzca en los adultos, y a diferencia de otros bivalvos, sus caparazones se unen por un solo músculo sin gozne de cierre.

Segregan una sustancia viscosa, la cual, al endurecer en sus filamentos forman una pilosidad llamada bissus o biso, con la que se adhieren a las raíces de los mangles o a cualquier otro objeto del fondo del lago

Son de hábitos gregarios y se unen en masas compactas de miles de individuos. Su nombre regional es de origen mixteco. El consumo de las tichindas en esta región es enorme, debido principalmente a su gran abundancia y a su bajo precio. Su explotación y captura se realiza principalmente en tiempo de secas.

Es un molusco comestible muy apreciado, a pesar de que su sabor no es tan delicado como el de las almejas o los ostiones. Se preparan en caldos, frijoles molidos, chileatoles, ceviches y tamales.

En la gastronomía de la costa oaxaqueña es muy frecuente hervirlas o cocinarlas a las brasas, en este momento las caparazones se abren debido al calor y se puede ver el contenido de la tichinda. Cuando se sirven se suelen acompañar de diferentes salsas que pueden ir desde los moles hasta de salsas muy picantes

Los mejillones

El mejillón cultivado en batea, sistema gallego, es un molusco bivalvo, con una característica forma de hacha, puntiaguda y gruesa en el extremo anterior o umbo y ancha, muy afilada, en el posterior. Color negro azulado, con unas líneas concéntricas (estrías de crecimiento). Internamente el manto es de color crema anaranjado. En los bordes se encuentra una sinuosa banda de color violeta oscuro.

Desde los tiempos más remotos el mejillón constituyó una fuente de alimento para los primeros pobladores de la costa gallega, encontrando numerosas evidencias en las excavaciones de los 'castros' y documentos históricos. Esta relación se remonta por tanto al siglo VI AC., continuando en los años siguientes, como demuestran multitud de topónimos, gentilicios, fiestas gastronómicas, etc. El mismo paisaje de Galicia, no se entendería hoy día sin las bateas de sus rías, que son reflejo del desarrollo de un sector mejillonero.

En la gastronomía de algunos países es muy frecuente verlo cocido, en este momento las caparazones se abren debido al calor y se puede ver el contenido del mejillón. Cuando se sirve se suele acompañar de diferentes salsas que pueden ir desde una vinagreta hasta acompañados con mayonesa, es muy popular en la cocina española del norte.

En lo referido a la vinculación biológica, las Rías Gallegas están consideradas como ecosistemas y presentan una gran producción primaria en las que se cultivan moluscos bivalvos, y muy particularmente mejillón, que ocupan niveles bajos en la cadena alimenticia, lo que resulta imprescindible para obtener grandes rendimientos. De ello, podemos concluir que las diferencias productivas (crecimiento y rendimiento en carne) observadas en los mejillones en las rías gallegas, tienen su base en procesos fisiológicos adaptativos relacionados con la absorción de nutrientes.

Receta de preparación para mejillones o tichindas