Category Archives: in english

in english

Multiculturalism and different identities

I was talking with some friends about multiculturalism and different levels of culture identification (what do you feel part of, basically). I, for example, am Mexicano, Chilango/Sateluco, Espoolainen, Uussuomalainen and Brusselaar. I’m a North American, a Latin American, but also Europeanised and with a light Asian sensitivity. I’m the couple to my significant other, son of my parents, member of my family, friend of my friends and alumnus of the different schools I’ve studied in. I’ve taken parts of the places I’ve been to, so I eat a lot of Japanese food, listen to Brazilian pagode and read American sci-fi. I’m a techie, an engineer, a photographer, a linguist and a business person. But most importantly, I’m myself, and I know I’m all those things. I’ll use them when I need to, and depending on where I am.

As a friend of mine said: “It’s like a snowball, wherever you’ve rolled some things stick to you”. Just be sure they’re the good ones.

in english

Sunny boy or cloudy boy

A Chinese friend of mine said that I’m a sunny boy, but she prefers cloudy boys (referring to my temperament). I know I might be a little bit too annoying sometimes, but I make the conscious choice to smile as much as possible, as it makes me and others feel good.

in english

HIV drug marketing

In London we had a marketing workshop with Beaconbrands, where they showed some examples of advertising campaigns they have done about drugs that are used to treat HIV/AIDS. What really struck me is that they mentioned that HIV patients have to love life, otherwise it would destroy them emotionally as well as physically. I had never thought about it that way. These people must be tough.

in english

While we were away, Belgium ceased to exist… not!


It’s the end of Belgium as we know it… only joking, originally uploaded by Chiva Congelado.

As we came back from London in the Eurostar, I came accross this newspaper article (also reported in the Beeb). If you’re not aware of the story, check it first before continuing reading this post.

The good news is that at least now people noticed that this can really happen, and the backlash was, I’d say, healthy. I, for one, would be very sad to see the idea of Belgium be defeated, as this country is very unique, and I quite like the good sides of it (in both Dutch and French). More background about Belgium and Belgian politics in Wikipedia.

in english

Mind the Gap (London trip review)

Parliament

The funniest part of London is that they all speak English (sort of). At least that’s the first thing that strikes you when you’re there after living in countries with other languages for so long (“oh my, all the ads shout at me directly”).

I have to say that the city looks in very good shape. Everything seems clean, fixed and properly maintained, besides being a beautiful place per se.

We visited JPMorgan, Mergermarket and Lloyd’s, besides attending a marketing workshop with Beaconbrands at the Anglo-Belgian Club. The visits were very well organised and we had plenty of time to explore the city. Even though I had been to London many times before, there were many places I didn’t know and enjoyed immensely.

Having visited many firms in the City, I realised one thing: City life is not for me. These guys have no life outside of the office, and no time for marriage or kids. Maybe if I were another kind of person, but I’m not; money is very important, but it’s definitely not everything in life. I’d rather have a chat with my significant other any day of the week, and twice on Sundays.

Another thing that really strikes you when you reach London is their different take to multiculturalism form what we’re used to in the Continent. In England policement are allowed to wear scarves or turbants, as long as their face is seen. There is many, many foreigners, but they’re, if not accepted, at least tolerated. The situation is not perfect, but I believe it fosters less marginalisation in general. The level of society acceptance is reflected in something that is obvious to Brits, but not very well understood anywhere else: the national food of England is not fish and chips, but curry.

The pictures from the trip are in Flickr, of course.

in english

¡Chivas Campeón! (2-1 vs. Toluca)

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Finally, after a long wait the Mexican Championship is ours in the year of our 100th birthday. I’m overflowing with joy right now.

The match was quite a ride, as Toluca scored first and they’re known for their sturdy defence. All the details at mediotiempo.com.

¡Chivas, Chivas, Chivas!

They almost kicked me out of the internet café where I was watching the game when Bofo Bautista scored the second goal, as a little shout came out of my mouth without me noticing where I was… 😉

Now, we’ll have the publishing break. See you next week.

Update: The goals below. 100,000 people celebrated in Guadalajara, and a couple of thousand in Mexico City. Not bad for a club with 50 million followers.

in english

Mexican league Finals (first leg): Chivas 1-1 Toluca


What we didn’t want to happened happened, and Toluca got a tie out of the first leg of the Mexican league finals (and to think I woke up at 5 a.m. CET friday to listen to the second half). The game was tactical as expected (Chivas plays very attacking football, whereas Toluca is pure catenaccio these days). The refereeing was horrible (they didn’t signal a penalty), and Toluca got what they went to the Jalisco Stadium for, they got the tie.

The goals courtesy of Youtube here and here.

The penalty that wasn’t awarded below:

Now Chivas has to beat Toluca at their stadium on Sunday either in regular time, extra time or penalties, something the team hasn’t pulled off for 9 years. Now would be the time.