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Local News |
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Chicago Public School’s 1ST Ever Arts
School—Opening in the fall of 2009
Jose Ochoa, will lead the school as Executive Director |
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By Ivette Sandoval
Chicago is a city that is rich in history and a culturally diverse city, in addition you can find some of the most beautiful art, theatre, dance, and even some of the best art schools in the country. So why has it taken this long to have a Chicago Public School dedicated solely to the arts? No one really knows why, but finally The Chicago High School for the Arts will open its doors in 2009,. The school is part of Chicago Public School’s Renaissance 2010’s goal of having 100 new schools in the city. This school will be dedicated to the arts, and it was recently announced that Jose Ochoa will be the executive director of the school.
Ochoa is very excited to be taking this new role. As a person who has been in the arts, he knows what it takes succeed in the field and knows of the barriers that you often have when it comes to getting into the industry. He grew up in southern Texas in a town called Robstown, one of the poorest cities. In the 60’s when he was growing up, it was a predominantly Caucasian community, the Mexican community that lived there were primarily migrant workers. There was a lot of discrimination and segregation, and during the civil rights movement, Hispanics protested and caused the community to become even more segregated. Most of the Caucasian population left the town, which caused the community to be one of the poorest in Texas. “There were very little resources for me, so we rode to the next town, so I was pretty much self-taught, my parents didn’t have a lot of resources for me, but I loved music and that’s what I wanted to do and they gave me as much as they could,” said Ochoa.
When he got to college and pursued a career in the arts, he was the only one that hadn’t received private lessons. He graduated from North Carolina School for the Arts with a degree in music, and has a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, which focused in dance, music and theatre. “When I got to college, most of the students were from big cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, they all had private lessons and they had all sorts of resources that I didn’t have, so I was always behind,” he recalls. He didn’t begin doing ballet until he was in his 20’s, where he danced with a little civic company, which trained middle school and high school students. At that time he was a college graduate, training with teenage girls. “It was a humbling experience, and the company gave me free classes and in exchange I would do chores.”
“I’ve had a lot of opportunities where I’ve had to do it the hard way, but I’ve also been lucky and fortunate to work with people who have given me those opportunities,” explains Ochoa. He says that he’s seen both sides of the spectrum, he knows how to connect as an artist and knows what it takes to be a great artist, but at the same time knows how to connect with families and students who do not have the resources and who have to struggle to make it.
Chicago is probably the biggest city in the country that doesn’t have a school dedicated to the arts. The first year, it will serve 150 freshmen students in the areas of dance, music, theatre and the visual arts. They expect to have a student body of about 600 by 2012. “We have to provide a college preparatory program and a high performing training program for the arts in all the areas to increase diversity in Chicago,” explains Ochoa. A big portion of their day, students will focus on academics, and the latter on their artistic classes. The students admitted to this school will have to be extremely focused, since it’s not only going to be a rigorous program, but they will be in school from 8 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Three of those hours will be dedicated to their art form, so the remainder of their day will be dedicated to homework and often more rehearsals,
Ochoa explains that the board members who are behind the creation of this school are the true visionaries of this school. They were the ones that decided that we needed an arts school in Chicago. “I’m in awe because they’re a wonderful group of people that have really given their all to this project and they do it for their love of the arts, for the love of the city, and because they really believe that the city deserves to have something so great like this,” says Ochoa. The board is composed of philanthropic leaders, and many of them serve on boards in arts organizations.
Coming from Nashville, Tennessee, Ochoa was really surprised how Chicago has united for this school. They have almost 100 arts partners, so all the leading arts organizations in the city are involved with the school in one way or the other, the Joffrey Ballet, the Art Institute, the Mexican Museum of National Art, Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Symphony, and many more. “It’s amazing that the Chicago arts community has come together for one purpose and it’s thrilling to be part of this,” says Ochoa.
He says that coming from a small town, that it wasn’t common to pursue the arts. “In the Hispanic community, family is such a big part and I see parents who really want the best for their kids and the arts can really be a gamble, so I feel there’s hesitation for people to study the arts,” says Ochoa. Across different cultures, parents feel that a career as dancer is not very “manly” especially for young men. This will always be the stereotype, but many men become successful artists in the industry and a school like this can definitely help launch their career. “My parents…I’m still amazed at how much they supported me, even my dad was very supportive, he never questioned how I was going to make a living, he supported me and he went to the concerts too.” Now there’s way more options in careers for the arts, there’s education, being a dancer, an artist, a graphic artist, and so many other careers that can give you opportunities.
“One of my visions for this school is to offer the resources that I couldn’t have and if we really do this right, we can really put them in a place to be successful,” says Ochoa. He is already working in Chicago, and says that some days are overwhelming, but that he’s taking it one day at a time, since it’s a start-up school, everything is new and decisions need to be made. He said that he’s been in contact with other arts schools across the country and that they have been learning from them, and have also learned from their mistakes.
Currently they’re in the final stages of hiring a principal. As executive director, he is already preparing himself for a school that is not scheduled to open their doors until the fall of 2009; even as the exact location of the school has not been unveiled. They are still waiting for Chicago Public Schools to give them the exact location of the school, which they hope to know by this winter.
Having a school like this, and especially since it’s the only one of it’s kind, only means one thing: it’s going to be extremely competitive to get it. Students interested in attending the arts school will have to audition and show a unique talent in the arts. Students who have no experience, and those that have a lot of experience, can both audition to come to this school, and they can expect to be challenged separately. Many of the arts partners will help with the auditions. “We expect to have students from all levels, particularly in theatre, dance and visual arts, which will probably be more difficult than music,” he says. “We expect the admission process to be very competitive.” He adds that the students in the arts are a different type of breed, these are kids that are really focused and who know what they want to do. “When I was in graduate school, students sneaked out of the dorms not to party, but to practice—and that’s the kind of students that we expect to come to our school, students that are really motivated, who will give their all.”
Since there will only be 150 freshmen students, they hope that by the end of the four years, the school has prepared them to get into college and hopefully those that are more advanced can go right into their professional field. There will be audition workshops this fall. For additional information about the Chicago High School for the Arts, visit their website at www.chiarts.org or call 312-924-3495. |
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Primera Escuela de Arte de las Escuelas Públicas
de Chicago - Inauguración Otoño del 2009
José Ochoa conducirá la escuela como Director Ejecutivo |
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Por Ivette Sandoval
Chicago es una ciudad rica en historia y culturalmente diversa, además, usted puede encontrar algunas de las mejores obras de arte, teatro, danza e inclusive algunas de las mejores escuelas de arte en el país. Entonces, ¿Porqué ha tardado tanto el tener una Escuela Pública de Chicago dedicada solamente a las artes? Nadie sabe realmente porqué, pero finalmente la Secundaria de Chicago de las Artes abrirá sus puertas en el 2009. La escuela es parte de la meta del programa Renacimiento del 2010 de las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago, tener 100 nuevas escuelas en la ciudad. Esta escuela estará dedicada a las artes y recientemente se anunció que José Ochoa será el director ejecutivo de la escuela.
Ochoa está muy entusiasmado de ocupar este nuevo puesto. Como persona dedicada a las artes, sabe lo que se necesita para tener éxito en el campo y conoce las barreras que muchas veces se enfrentan para ingresar en la industria. José creció en el sur de Texas, en un pueblo llamado Robstown, una de las ciudades más pobres del estado. En la década de los 60's, cuando estaba creciendo, la comunidad era predominantemente caucasia, la comunidad mexicana que vivía ahí estaba compuesta casi toda por trabajadores emigrantes. Había mucha discriminación y segregación y durante el movimiento de los derechos civiles los hispanos protestaron e hicieron que la comunidad se segregara aún más. La mayoría de la población caucasia dejó el pueblo, lo que hizo que la comunidad fuera una de las más pobres de Texas. "Había muy pocos recursos para mi, por lo que nos fuimos al pueblo siguiente, por lo que yo realmente era, en mucho, autodidáctico, mis padres no tenían muchos recursos para mi, pero a mi me encantaba la música y eso es lo que yo quería hacer y ellos me proporcionaron todo lo que pudieron", dice Ochoa.
Cuando fue al colegio y siguió una carrera en las artes, era el único que no había recibido lecciones privadas. Se graduó en la Escuela North Carolina School for the Arts, con un diploma en música y tiene una maestría en estudios interdisciplinarios, enfocados en el baile, la música y el teatro. "Cuando fui al colegio, la mayoría de estudiantes eran de ciudades grandes como Houston, Dallas y Austin, todos habían tenido lecciones particulares y tenían toda clase de recursos de los que yo carecía, por lo que siempre estaba rezagado", recuerda. No comenzó a practicar el ballet hasta que tenía 20 años, cuando bailó con una compañía cívica que entrenaba a escudiantes de escuela media y a estudiantes de secundaria. En esa época tenía que hacerlo de la manera difícil, pero siempre he tenido la suerte y la fortuna de trabajar con personas que me han dado una oportunidad", explica Ochoa. Dice que ha visto ambos lados del espectro, sabe como conectarse como artista y sabe lo que cuesta ser un buen artista, pero al mismo tiempo sabe como conectarse con familias y estudiantes que no tienen recursos y que tienen que luchar por conseguir lo que quieren.
Chicago es probablemente la ciudad más grande del país que no tiene una escuela dedicada a las artes. El primer año, servirá a 150 estudiantes del 9º año (freshmen) en danza, música, teatro y artes visuales. Esperan tener un cuerpo estudiantil de aproximadamente 600 a 2012 estudiantes. "Tenemos que ofrecer un programa de preparatoria de colegio y un programa de entrenamiento en alto desempeño para las artes en todas las áreas, para incrementar la diversidad en Chicago", explica Ochoa. Una gran porción de su día los estudiantes estarán enfocados en cursos académicos y más tarde en sus clases artísticas. Los estudiantes admitidos a esta escuela tendrán que estar extremadamente enfocados, ya que no solo es cursar un riguroso programa, sino que estarán en la escuela desde las 8 de la mañana hasta las 5 de la tarde. Tres de estas horas estarán dedicadas a su forma de arte, por lo que el resto del día estará dedicado a tareas y muchas veces a más ensayos.
Ochoa explica que los miembros de la junta que están tras la creación de esta escuela son los verdaderos visionarios de ella. Fueron los que decidieron que necesitábamos una escuela de arte en Chicago. "Estoy asombrado porque son un maravilloso grupo de gente que se ha entregado de lleno a este proyecto y lo hacen por amor al arte, por amor a la ciudad y porque realmente creen que la ciudad merece tener algo como esto", dice Ochoa. La junta está compuesta por líderes filantróficos y muchos de ellos sirven en juntas de organizaciones de arte.
Viniendo de Nashville, Tennessee, Ochoa realmente se sorprende de que Chicago se haya unido para esta escuela. Son casi 100 socios de arte, por lo que las organizaciones de arte de la ciudad están involucradas con la escuela en una forma u otra, el Joffrey Ballet, el Instituto de Arte, El Museo de Arte Nacional Mexicano, el Teatro Steppenwolf, la Sinfónica de Chicago y muchas más. "Es asombroso que la comunidad artística de Chicago se haya unido para este propósito y es emocionante ser parte de esto", dice Ochoa.
Dice que viniendo de un pueblo pequeño no era muy común estudiar las artes. "En la comunidad hispana, la familia es tan grande y veo a padres que verdaderamente desean lo mejor para sus hijos y las artes pueden realmente ser un juego, por lo que siento que puede haber duda para que la gente estudie artes", dice Ochoa. A través de diferentes culturas, los padres piensan que una carrera como danzante no es una especialidad muy "varonil" para los jóvenes. Esto siempre será el estereotipo, pero muchos hombres llegan a ser exitosos artistas en la industria y una escuela como esta puede definitivamente ayudarles a iniciar su carrera. "Mis padres... todavía me asombro de cuanto me apoyaron, inclusive mi papá me apoyó mucho, nunca questionó de que iba yo a vivir, me apoyó e iba a mis conciertos". Ahora hay más opciones en carreras que pueden brindar una oportunidad.
"Una de mis visiones para esta escuela es ofrecer los recursos que yo no pude tener y si realmente lo hacemos bien, los colocaremos camino al éxito", dice Ochoa. José está trabajando ya en Chicago y dice que algunos días son abrumadores, pero que toma un día a la vez, ya que es una escuela que comienza, todo es nuevo y se necesita tomar decisiones. Dice que ha estado en contacto con otras escuelas de arte del país y que han estado aprendiendo de ellas y también de sus errores.
Actualmente están en la etapa final de conrtratación de un director. Como director ejecutivo se prepara para una esquela que no está programada a abrir sino hasta el otoño del 2009, inclusive la ubicación exacta de la escuela aún no se ha identificado. Aún están esperando que las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago les indiquen el lugar exacto de la escuela, que esperamos saber ya para este invierno.
El tener una escuela como esta y especialmente porque es la única de su clase, solo significa una cosa: va a ser extremadamente difícil entrar. Los estudiantes interesados en asistir a la escuela de arte tendrán que audicionar y mostrar un talento único en las artes. Los estudiantes que no tengan experiencia y los que tengan mucha experiencia pueden audicionar juntos para venir a esta escuela y se les catalogará por separado. Muchos de los socios de arte ayudarán con las audiciones. "Esperamos tener estudiantes de todos los niveles, particularmente en teatro, danza y artes visuales, lo que probablemente sea más difícil que la música", dice. "Esperamos que el proceso de admisión sea muy competitivo". Agrega que los estudiantes de las artes son un tipo diferente de estudiantes, son muchachos realmente enfocados, que saben lo que quieren. "Cuando yo estaba en la escuela de graduados, los estudiantes se escapaban de los dorminorios, no a una fiesta, sino a practicar - y es es la clase de estudiantes que esperamos que vengan a nuestra escuela, estudiantes que estén realmente motivados, que se entreguen al estudio".
Puesto que solo habrá 150 estudiantes freshmen, esperan que para el final de los cuatro años la escuela los haya preparado para entrar al colegio y esperamos que estén más adelantados y puedan entrar directamente a su campo profesional. Habrá talleres de audición este otoño. Para información adicional sobre la Secundaria de las Artes de Chicago, visitar www.chiarts.org o llamar al 312-924-3495.
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UNO Negotiates Agreement with Check
Cashing Company in Chicago
Chicago Currency Exchange Company debuts “Change is Good”
Campaign to Benefit Urban Communities |
The United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) and PLS Check Cashers were partner sponsors of the Viva America Festival which took place during this year’s 4th of July weekend and was designed to facilitate the citizenship process for immigrants in Chicago through UNO’s Immigration Department. Over the past two months, representatives of UNO have met with executives of PLS Check Cashers, which is headquartered in Chicago. The goal of these meetings was to find a way to reduce the fees that are associated with check cashing institutions. “Too many people in our community are being stretched by the economic environment, and we sought a company that would be willing to sit down, discuss the subject, and come to a resolution that would benefit our community,” stated Juan Rangel, CEO of the United Neighborhood Organization, “PLS Check Cashers was willing to do this, and together formed a plan to meet the needs of the community in these difficult times.” On July 28th, PLS Check Cashers announced the “Change is Good” campaign which significantly reduces their check cashing fees. The fees that PLS Check Cashers charges consumers that use their services are now lower than their competitors. With a 1% + $1 fee charged for cashing most recurring checks, they have set a new standard for Chicagoland check cashing consumers and providers. UNO is happy to announce this historic partnership with PLS Check Cashers and firmly believes that a dialogue must continue between community organizations and executive leaders within industries that are sustained by our communities.
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UNO Negocía Acuerdo con Compañía de
Cambio de Cheques en Chicago
Chicago Currency Exchange Company inicia "El Cambio es Bueno"
Campaña a Beneficio de las Comunidades Urbanas |
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United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) y PLS Check Cashers fueron patrocinadores conjuntos del Festival Viva America, que tuvo lugar el fin de semana del 4 de julio de este año y fue designada para facilitar el proceso de ciudadanía de los inmigrantes de Chicago a través del Departamento de Inmigración de UNO. Durante los dos meses paados, representantes de UNO se reunieron con ejecutivos de PLS Check Cashers, con oficina en Chicago. La meta de estas juntas era encontrar la forma de reducir los costos asociados con las instituciones de cambios de cheques. "Demasiada gente de nuestra comunidad se ve afectada por el ambiente económico y buscamos una compañía que aceptara sentarse y discutir el tema y llegar a una resolución que beneficiara a nuestra comunidad", declaró Juan Rangel, CEO de United Neighborhood Organization, "PLS Check Cashers estaba dispuesto a hacerlo y juntos formamos un plan para atender las necesidades de la comunidad en estos tiempos difíciles". El 28 de julio, PLS Check Cashers anunció la campaña "Change is Good" (El Cambio es Bueno) que reduce considerablemente el costo del cambio de cheques. El costo que PLS Check Cashers impone a los clientes que utilizan sus servicios son ahora más bajos que los de sus competidores. Con un costo de 1% + $1 por cambiar los cheques más comunes, han fijado una nueva norma para el cambio de cheques en Chicago, para consumidores y proveedores. UNO se complace en anunciar esta histórica afiliación con PLS Check Cashers y cree firmemente que el diálogo debe continuar entre las orgaizaciones comunitarias y los líderes ejecutivos, dentro de las industrias que atienden a nuestras comunidades.
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San Antonio Deep in the Heart |
The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau were in Chicago hosting a San Antonio Fiesta to show all the great things that San Antonio has to offer. The fiesta was aboard The Star of Chicago at Navy Pier, where a mariachi band performed. In addition, Chef, Michael Flores prepared Cilantro Shrimp, a fast recipe that delighted everyone’s taste buds. Deep in the heart of Texas, San Antonio’s bold spirit and historic legacies make it an ideal gateway to so much more than a blended cultural tapestry with Latino and European infusions. San Antonio has a lot to offer from their River Walk, festivals, great food, great shopping and so much more.
For more to see and do in San Antonio go to visitsanantonio.com |
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San Antonio Dentro del Corazón |
La Convención de San Antonio y la Oficina de Visitantes estuvieron en Chicago ofreciendo una Fiesta San Antonio, para mostrar a todos lo mucho que San Antonio tiene que ofrecer. La fiesta fue a bordo del "Star of Chicago" en el Navy Pier, con la interpretación de un mariachi. Además, el Chef, Michael Flores preparó Camarones al Cilantro, una receta rápida que deleitó a todos. El espíritu de San Antonio y sus legados históricos hacen un paseo ideal, siendo más que una mezcla de culturas con infusiones latinas y europeas. San Antonio tiene mucho que ofrecer, desde su Paseo en el Río, festivales, buena comida, grandes compras y mucho más.
Para más información sobre todo lo que hay que hacer en San Antonio visite visitsanantonio.com |
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Free Museum Visits August 2nd and 3rd |
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Bank of America offers cardholders free admission to the Art Institute, The Chicago History Museum, and The Museum of Contemporary Art as part of yearlong Museums on Us™ Program. Before the summer months slip away, families, tourists and culture enthusiasts in search of artistic and recreational refreshment can take advantage of Bank of America's Museum on Us™ program on August 2 and 3. The program provides an opportunity to visit more than 70 leading cultural institutions across the United States, including museums, historical sites and science centers, on the first weekend of each month for free. The yearlong program launched in May. |
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Visitas Gratis al Museo el 2 y 3 de Agosto
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Bank of America ofrece a los tarjetahabientes admisión gratuita al Instituto de Arte. El Museo de Historia de Chicago y el Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, como parte del Programa Us. Antes de que pasen los meses de verano, las familias, turistas y entusiastas de la cultura en busca de eventos artísticos y recreativos, pueden aprovechar el Programa Museo Us de América el 2 y 3 de agosto. El programa le ofrece la oportunidad de visitar más de 70 instituciones culturales de Estados Unidos, incluyendo museos, sitios históricos y centros científicos, el primer fin de semana de cada mes, completamente gratis. El programa, que dura todo el año, se inició en mayo. |
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Environmental Resource Event |
Nearly every Chicago family has some sort of product in their home that poses a danger to their family, or the environment. Offering Chicago residents the opportunity to do their part for the environment, while making their home and City safe, the City of Chicago, in partnership with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Northeastern Illinois University, is hosting a special Environmental Resource Event on Saturday, August 9th from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Participants at the event will receive one free compact fluorescent light bulb and will also have the opportunity to purchase a $30 compost bin or rain barrel for $40. All giveaways are while supplies last and rain barrels and compost bins are available to Chicago residents only (check only; no cash or credit cards accepted).
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Eventos de Recursos Ambientales
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Casi toda familia de Chicago tiene algún producto en su casa que supone un peligro para su familia o para el ambiente. Ofreciendo a los residentes de Chicago la oportunidad de hacer su parte en cuanto al ambiente, mientras hacen de su hogar y de la ciudad un lugar seguro, la Ciudad de Chicago, en colaboración con la Agencia de Protección al Ambiente de Illinois y la Universidad Northwestern de Illinois, ofrece un Evento Especial de Recursos Ambientales, el sábado, 9 de agosto, de 8 a.m. a 3 p.m. Los participantes del evento recibirán un foco de luz fluorescente compacto, completamente gratis y tendrán la oportunidad de comprar un recipiente para abono por $30 o un barril para la lluvia por $40. Todos estos artículos están disponibles mientras dura el surtido y los barriles para lluvia y recipientes para abono solo disponibles para los residentes de Chicago (solamente cheques, no se aceptan ni dinero en efectivo ni tarjetas de crédito.
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Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Rolls out the
Red Carpet at the Bicycle Film Festival |
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The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation will proudly sponsor the Bicycle Film Festival, Aug. 6-10, to celebrate the bicycle as a muse for artists and a sustainable, fun form of transportation. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation will provide bike racks that will give festival-goers the star treatment by providing secure and safe places to lock their bicycles. The first 20 film-lovers who become Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members Aug. 6 at the opening night party at Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., will receive free admission to one screening.The Bicycle Film Festival will screen films – one feature and several shorts – on Aug. 8-9 at Columbia College in Chicago.
More about the event is at bicyclefilmfestival.com/2008_site/Chicago. |
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La Federación de Ciclismo de Chicago Extiende
la Alfombra Roja en el Festival Fílmico de Ciclismo |
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La Federación de Ciclismo de Chicago patrocinará el Festival Fílmico de Ciclismo, del 6 al 10 de agosto, para celebrar el ciclismo como una diversión de artistas y una forma económica y divertida de transporte. La Federación de ciclismo de Chicago ofrecerá pistas de bicicletas que brindarán a los asistentes al festival el tratamiento estrella que se merecen, brindándoles lugares seguros para dejar sus bicicletas. Los primeros 20 amantes del cine que se comviertan en miembros de la Federación de Ciclismo de Chicago, el 6 de agosto, en la fiesta de apertura en Sonotheque, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., y entrarán gratis a una película. El Festival Fílmico de Ciclismo patrocinará las películas - una película y varios corto metrajes - del 8 al 9 de agosto, en Columbia College en Chicago.
Más sobre el evento en bicyclefilmfestival.com/2008-site/Chicago. |
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HIS HOLINESS THE XIV DALAI
LAMA VISITS WISCONSIN |
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By Sylvia Tencer
Many masters from all over the country came to Madison, Wisconsin to listen to the teachings of His Holiness The XIV Dalai Lama. The teachings were based on the practices and Way of Life of Bodhisattva, and the middle Stages of Meditation from July 19th –July 24th. It is always an honor to be in the presence of His Holiness. He is highly regarded and loved, cherished and respected by numerous people around the world. His Holiness is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, for millions of believers he is the source of wisdom and compassion. His Holiness has been awarded numerous awards including The Raoul Wallenberg Congressional Human Rights Award in 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize awarded in the same year and the United States Congressional Gold Medal Award in 2007. The Dalai Lama often says: “I am just a simple Buddhist monk-no more no less.” A monk that has struggled to obtain prosperous solutions and the liberation of Tibet advocating peacefully world-wide. His continuous message of hope, harmony and protection of human values are embraced around the globe.
The Tibetan term Tenshug, is a ceremonial long life offering to a spiritual teacher (lama) who has chosen to be born in this life in an ordinary form. This ritual was done to request the spiritual teacher (lama) to live a long life for the preservation of Buddhist teachings (dharma) and the happiness of all living beings. This was done by supplications to the Goddess White Tara, the deity of longevity, which also clears obstacles and collect extensive merit for oneself. This beautiful and sacred ceremony benefited everyone present. His Holiness recited the prayer: Guide to a Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, prayer that he recites regularly:
As Long As Space Remains,
And As Long As Sentient Beings Remain,
So May I Too Remain
To Dispel The Miseries Of The World.
His Holiness explained that training the mind is a process of familiarization and a positive transformation. It eliminates defective or negative qualities bringing about positive qualities that are generated and enhanced. The practitioner needs to bring his own state of mind progressively and realize the emptiness. If one analyzes more deeply one can realize the importance and significance of clear light.
Speaking with Ngawang Thekchen an ordained Buddhist nun, she mentioned what His Holiness said about anger and patience… anger destroys all the good conduct, such as generosity. There is no vice like hatred, and there is no austerity like patience. One should cultivate patience in various ways. The people who become angry are our teachers because of them we develop and practice patience. If someone is angry at you, is because you have done something karmic in the past that stimulated that to come back to you. Another way to look at it is that the reasons they are angry is because of the causes and conditions in their own mind. They are unenlightened beings and you should feel compassion for them. This is because they are at the mercy of those causes and conditions and have not yet learned how to work with it to overcome it. Since they can’t overcome the anger yet and they are not working with it, they are suffering from ignorance. So you should feel compassion for them as they are the ones we want to save.
If one falls into extreme adversity, one should not disrupt ones happiness.
Thekchen how can we overcome anger? His Holiness showed three techniques, to choose the one is going to work best for you in the moment…1) We need to remember that they do not know better and they are suffering from their own actions. 2) To remember that you created the karma in the first place by harming someone in the past that is causing this to come back to you. 3) Remembering that if they did not give you the opportunity to practice patience you can’t learn patience and become enlightened. So they are actually your teacher, they are challenging you to develop the skill and ability to control your mind. Therefore, you should thank them for giving you the opportunity to become engaged.
The practice of meditation is the maximum benefit to yourself. Meditation or emptiness protects the mind against falling into ordinary perceptions and identity. In the realization of emptiness, there is no dimension of purity. The key is to cultivate the understanding of emptiness, meditate upon emptiness and then imagine that understanding of emptiness to arise and assume an enlightened being or a form of a deity. Visualization is an important part used for a specific purpose. The meaning of mantra is very important it literally means the protection of the mind. The practice of the secret mantra is appropriate only to those who have the fortune to benefit of these teachings. In the Tantric teachings there is a different characterizations of mantras. One should not use tantric practices for mundane needs.
In the initiation and Long Life Ceremony, His Holiness mentioned about the Self which is the absence of independent existence, and the Bodhisattva vows: You should protect others. Investigate the Self or I, and know what is Buddha? What is Buddha’s body and Buddha’s mind?
It is important to have two purification’s: to purify our mind and ultimately become Buddha. To purify our subtle bodies, ultimately we become Buddha’s body. To stabilize the empowerment the initiates received, auspicious symbols.
Thekchen mentioned that His Holiness says everywhere he teaches…The goal of all spiritual traditions is to help people to become more compassionate, more loving and more forgiving. Whether they are Buddhist, Catholic, Jewish, whatever they are, the idea of having compassion to look at other people with a gentle and warm heart as opposed to an angry heart is in line with all spiritual traditions and we will all learn from each other. Desire happiness and joy for oneself and others.
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Corey Maggette Flight 50 Basketball Camp 2008
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Fenwick High School graduate, Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers, believes in giving back to the community. This summer, Corey Maggette will host his Flight 50 Basketball Camp for area youth at Fenwick High School. The camp welcomes boys and girls from 8th through 12th grades. The camp will be held July 28 – August 1from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Lunch will be provided each day. Attendees will receive instruction in the fundamentals of passing, dribbling, shooting, rebounding, offense, defense and team strategies. Proceeds will benefit the “Corey Cares Foundation.” Maggette was a standout player at Fenwick and Duke University before going on to a successful NBA career. Tuition is $275 per participant however, because of a generous gift, students may now attend free of charge with a suggested donation of $100 to the “Corey Cares” Foundation.
Registration and additional information is available all of this week by contacting Blair Betts at bbetts@fenwickfriars.com (708-386-0127 extension 199.) |
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COUNTRY Chef Challenge Returns To Showcase Fresh Produce
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Daley Plaza Farmers Market visitors will get some fresh ideas for turning abundant summer produce into tasty dishes at the second COUNTRY Chef Challenge on Aug. 7, sponsored by COUNTRY Financial and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE).
Chefs vying to become Master of the Market from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. are:
· Mark Mendez, Carnivale
· Jimmy “Tasty J” Madla, Coobah
· Kaminsky Thomas, Anteprima
Competing chefs will be given 30 minutes to select fresh ingredients from the market. They will then be given another 30 minutes to create a winning dish in a flavorful food face-off. A panel of judges led by James Oliver Cury, executive editor of Epicurious.com, will determine the best dish and name the second COUNTRY Chef Challenge Master of the Market. Ann Flood, editor of Edible Chicago will also serve as a judge. Jackie Tranchida from CLTV’s MetroMix will emcee the event. One thousand COUNTRY Chef Challenge guests will receive a canvas bag provided by COUNTRY. The bag was designed by Adrianna Hedean, a Stephen Tyng Mather High School junior. She received a $1,000 scholarship from COUNTRY as winner of the first Farmers Markets Reusable Bag Design Contest. http://www.countryfinancial.com |
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Artists Fellowships Available From the Illinois Arts Council
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The Illinois Arts Council is pleased to announce a new online application process (CueRate) for the Artists Fellowship Program. The Artists Fellowship Program awards $7,000 Fellowship and $700 Finalist Awards to honor Illinois artists of exceptional talent and enable them to pursue their artistic goals. Artists Fellowship Application and CueRate informational workshops are being offered throughout the state, and a schedule is provided below. The Artists Fellowship Program operates on a two-year rotating cycle. This year, applications for the following disciplines will be accepted: Interdisciplinary/Computer Art, Music Composition, Photography, Poetry, and Visual Arts. The primary factor on which applications will be judged is quality of submitted work. Guidelines and the online application are available from the Illinois Arts Council website: www.state.il.us/agency/iac.
For further information about this program, please contact the Illinois Arts Council at 312/814-6750, toll-free in Illinois 800/237-6994, TTY 888/261-7957 for individuals who have hearing or voice impairments, or via email: iac.info@illinois.gov. |
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Fiesta del Sol Begins July 31st |
P.N.C.C. (Pilsen Neighbors Community Council) is a grassroots organization founded in 1954. Its organizing efforts focus on issues such as education, healthcare, housing and civil rights. Among other issues P.N.C.C. also helps in immigrant civil rights issues. P.N.C.C. has been responsible for ground breaking events in the Pilsen neighborhood. P.N.C.C. was the lead organization in helping build Alivio Medical Center , that is now a very important institution in the Pilsen neighborhood. P.N.C.C. was also instrumental in the building of Benito Juarez High School . In 1972 Fiesta de Sol began as a celebration to commemorate P.N.C.C.'s role in securing the city's commitment to building Benito Juarez High School. Fiesta del Sol continues to reflect P.N.C.C.'s desire for social transformation. What started off as a block party, has evolved into a nationally publicized event complete with corporate sponsorship and major Latin entertainment. But unlike other festivals, Fiesta del Sol is alcohol and tobacco-free. Just great food, great entertainment, and a whole lot of fun! The event will take place at 1400 W. Cermak Road, Chicago beginning Thursday, July 31st @ 5 p.m. - 10 p.m until August 3rd.
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Ford City’s Back-to-School Block Party |
Come and join the fun at the SHOP+EAT+PLAY =Win, Back-to School Block Party. The event will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 12pm –6 pm in Center Court. Kids ages 4 – 12 can play games and win FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Receive discounts and saving from stores like 5-7-9, Rainbow, f.y.e, Lenscrafters, Kids Foot Locker, Deb, and Lane Bryant and shop for all your back-to-school needs at Ford City Mall. In addition to fun and games, Zemsky’s, The Official Uniform Store will host a back to school Fashion Show in Center Court at 2pm. You and your kids can see all the latest styles in uniforms that are available at Zemsky’s.Parents can enter the SHOP+EAT=WIN Sweepstakes! For every $50 you spend at Ford City Mall you will receive an entry form into the drawing to win a Ford City Prize Package. The more you spend, the better your chances! Sweepstakes begins on August 2 and ends on September 7. So shop all month long and enter. Visit the customer service center for details.
For more information, please call (773) 767-6400 or visit our website at www.shopfordcity.com. |
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ISAC to Honor Silas Purnell in Billiken Parade |
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The late Silas Purnell - the onetime Tuskegee Airman who helped 60,000 African-American students from Chicago to attend college - will be honored by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) during the 79th Annual Bud Billiken Back-to-School Parade on Saturday, August 8, 2008.Purnell, a product of Wendell Phillips High and Roosevelt University, was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. He gave up a successful marketing career at Coca-Cola to establish a college placement program at the Ada S. McKinley Community Center in the CHA Dearborn Homes. With help from the federal “Talent Search Program”, Purnell personally mentored future judges, legislators, entrepreneurs and journalists. Between 1967 and his retirement in 2000, Purnell helped raise funds for more than 60,000 disadvantaged Chicago high school students to attend 200 colleges across the nation. Purnell died in November, 2003. A section of State Street by 29th Street (near the Bud Billiken Parade route) is named “Honorary Silas Purnell Drive”.Several scholarship programs honor Purnell, and a unique State of Illinois grant program administered by ISAC is named for him. The Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA) Grant has helped thousands of college freshmen receive a one-time $500 grant ($250 per semester) to help with college expenses.
High school students are urged to visit (www.collegezone.com) for more information about the many college financial assistance programs available. |
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JazzFest Heritage Music This Weekend |
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Jazz United, Inc. presents the 27th annual JazzFest Heritage Music weekend, August 1-3, 2008 at the South Shore Culture Center, 7059 S. Shore Drive. This relaxed, family friendly, carefree outdoor concert combines picnics, family reunions, a bit of shopping, socializing and eating—all accompanied bby the very best in jazz, Latin jazz, and Blues music. The “We Love You Madly” awards gala kicks off the weekend events on Friday, August 1st. This year’s honorees include: Historian and Educator, Dr. Timuel Black, Entrepreneur and Historian, Dempsey Travis; Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services, Dr. Carol Adams; Jazz Entrepreneur Jose Segal; and American Airlines. All awards are designed by sculptor Debra Hand. After dinner, partygoers will be treated to the smooth sounds of select members from the South Shore Youth Jazz Ensemble. On Saturday, August 2nd, the program begins with the Battle of the High School Bands, at approximately 11am, and concluded with the Donald Byrd sextet. The Sunday concert, begins at approximately 12:30pm and features The Columbia College Youth Blues Ensemble, directed by Mr. Fernando Jones and Ms. Jean Carne closes the festival. Other performers scheduled to appear include: (Saturday) The Columbia College Youth Blues Band, The Bethany Pickens Trio, The Tecora Rodgers Ensemble; (Sunday) the Ava Logan Quartet, and the Art Hoyle Quintet featuring Eric Schneider. This 2-day festival is free to the public.
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American Lung Association Recognized
for their Community Service |
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The American Lung Association of Illinois-Greater Chicago announced that it has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for its success in expanding access to health care and improving the well-being of the community, and has been awarded a $5,000 grant to continue its important efforts. Founded in 1904, the American Lung Association is the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Its overall mission is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Initially created to fight tuberculosis, the American Lung Association fights lung diseases in all forms emphasizing on asthma, environmental health, and tobacco. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ charitable giving program is available at www.bcbsil.com.
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Senator Sandoval calls for a historic meeting
with Barack Obama’s National Campaign
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Although Illinois State Senator Martin Sandoval is a former colleague of Barack Obama, he was elected as a Hillary Clinton delegate in the 4th Congressional District for the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Today, in a historic and key moment in this nation’s future, he and his colleagues formally met with “Barack Obama’s National Campaign” to learn more of Obama’s platform on issues that are important to the residents of Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Pilsen, Gage Park, West Lawn, Archer Hts. Gardfield Ridge, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Cicero, Berwyn and Aurora.He was joined by some of his fellow colleagues of the state legislature and Chicago’s City Council that represent the southwest and the north sides of Chicago. Also in attendance were City Clerk Miguel del Valle and Alderman Muñoz.Senator Hillary Clinton’s candidacy carried many wards on the southwest and north sides of Chicago during the primary last January. Issues such as improving the economy, healthcare for all, investing in our infrastructure and fighting crime are of significant importance to the electorate in the region. Last month, Senator Sandoval was invited and met with Senator John McCain to discuss his vision for America. “I am a lifelong card carrying Democrat that has served as a surrogate for Al Gore and Hillary Clinton”, said Sandoval “I believe that George W. Bush and his administration have been detrimental for our nation and I want to work to the fullest extent of my capacity to ensure that the Democrats regain the White House, once again”.
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100 Year Olds Using Latest Technology to Stay Connected |
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The third annual Evercare 100@100 Survey™ released today finds that the keys to longevity are staying connected to family, friends and current events. The poll of 100 centenarians shifts conventional stereotypes on aging by revealing that some of the oldest Americans are using the latest technologies to keep up and stay close – talking on cell phones, sending emails, “Googling” lost acquaintances, surfing Wikipedia and even online dating. Created to be a cultural snapshot of 100 Americans turning 100 or older in 2008, this year’s Evercare 100@100 Survey™ also polled 900 of those in other generations to compare and contrast the generational findings on topics of maintaining relationships and staying independent. The other generations surveyed included G.I. (ages 84-98), Silent (ages 63-83), Baby Boomers (ages 44-62), Gen X (ages 30-43) and Millennials (ages 20-29). According to the 2007 U.S. Census Bureau data, there are more than 84,000 Centenarians in the United States, and that number is projected to increase seven-fold, to 580,000, by 2040. Key findings of the 2008 Evercare 100@100 Survey™ can be found by visiting AboutEvercare.com.
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Tratamiento Nuevo Para el Trastorno Bipolar
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Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: NOVN) anunció hoy que la Administración de Alimentos y Drogas de los Estados Unidos (FDA) ha aprobado Stavzor™ (cápsulas de liberación demorada de ácido valproico) en concentraciones de 125 mg., 250 mg. y 500 mg. Stavzor se aprobó para el tratamiento de episodios maníacos asociados con el trastorno bipolar, como terapia única o en conjunto en el tratamiento de pacientes con ataques parciales complejos que ocurren en forma aislada o asociados con otros tipos de ataques y para la profilaxis de migrañas. Noven Therapeutics, LLC, la subsidiaria de especialidades farmacéuticas de Noven comercializará y venderá el producto. El mismo estará disponible en las farmacias en la segunda mitad de agosto. Las cápsulas de gel blando Stavzor son pequeñas (hasta un 40% más pequeñas que las tabletas Depakote® y Depakote ER® en la dosis de 500 mg. de concentración) y fáciles de digerir, con tecnología entérica avanzada diseñada para reducir el reflujo y la irritabilidad gástrica. Banner Pharmacaps Inc., la compañía socia de Noven para el desarrollo de este producto, desarrolló Stavzor utilizando su sistema EnteriCare™ de cápsula de gel blando, y entregó la solicitud de Stavzor como nueva droga a la FDA. Al visitar www.stavzor.com, los consumidores pueden acceder información adicional sobre Stavzor y solicitar una Tarjeta Stavzor de Ahorro Fácil en Farmacias que puede proporcionar a los pacientes un ahorro significativo en cada co-pago. La página Web de Stavzor también explica el Servicio Localizador de Farmacias Stavzor que ayuda a los pacientes a encontrar Stavzor en su farmacia de preferencia. Además, los médicos pueden usar la página para solicitar muestras de Stavzor.
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Familias de Detenidos Necesitan Su Ayuda en La Villita |
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Las familias, en su mayoria menores de edad, de varios detenidos por la policia y actualmente en manos de las autoridades de inmigracion en la carcel del Condado Cook, en la 26 y California, necesitan ayuda, anuncio Marilu Vargas, voluntaria de la Mision de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, 25 y Harding, en La Villita. La edad de los menores es de entre seis meses a 15 anos de edad, dijo Vargas, quien trabaja al lado del padre de la mision, Jose S. Landaverde.“Necesitamos leche en polvo, comida en latada y ropa usada,”dijo Vargas, “Para que las familias vengan y escojan lo que necesitan.”Otro activista, Jorge Mujica, declaro que inclusive una mujer de un detenido y sus dos hijos menores se ha tenido que mudar ya dos veces de su apartamento por falta de recursos, ya que su esposo esta detenido. Este llamado, dijeron Mujica y Vargas, es para individuos, organizaciones, iglesias y demas instituciones de la comunidad. Se suplica a la comunidad en general cooperar con estas familias haciendo sus donaciones de 9:30 a.m. a las 7 p.m. de lunes a viernes. Tambien se aceptan donaciones en efectivo.
Para mas informacion, llame a Marilu Vargas (773) 317-5903. |
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Martinez Anuncia su 4ta Feria Anual de
la Salud y el Bienestar Familiar
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La Senadora Estatal Iris Y. Martinez y el Consejo Consultivo Legislativo del Distrito 2do anuncia la Segunda Feria Anual de la Salud y el Bienestar Familiar el viernes 14 de agosto del 2008, del 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Este evento tendrá lugar en ASPIRA Haugan Middle School, 3729 W. Leland Avenue, Chicago. En La Feria de la Salud y del Bienestar Familiar los niños podrán recibir las vacunas y los exámenes físicos necesarios para iniciar la escuela en buen estado de salud. Es muy importante que las mamas traigan la historia clínica de las vacunas de sus hijos.Asimismo, los niños también podrán recibir los análisis para detectar plomo en la sangre y anemia, exámenes de la vista, del oído y del asma.
Para mayor información llamar a Sonia al 773-489-2020. |
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El Festival de Verano de St. Mary de
Czestochowa Comienza el 21 de Agosto
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El Festival de Verano de la Parrquia St. Mary de Czestochowa tendrá lugar en el estacionamiento de la Calle 32 y la Ave., Cicero en Cicero, del jueves, 21 de agosto al domingo, 24 de agosto del 2008. El estacionamiento está justo al norte de Hawthorn Race Track y Sportsman Park y la admisión y el estacionamiento son gratuitos. La feria tendrá juegos provistos por Fantasy Amusement, así como actividades para todas las edades. En el estrado Sound Stage del Festival de Verano, los cuatro días habrá variedad: música en vivo, DJ's y bailes folclóricos. Deliciosas comidas étnicas preparadas en el lugar - latinas, polacas y estadounidenses pueden disfrutarse bajo el techo de la Parroquia. Cerveza, la tradicional mexicana y sodas podrán encontrarse en el mismo lugar. Comidas tradicionales de las ferias - dulce de algodón, pastelillos - provistos también por Fantasy Amusements. Otros vendedores de comida brindarán una amplia variedad de opciones.
Para más información, visitar la página web de St. Mary of Czestochowa www.stmaryofczestochwa.org o llamar a la rectoría al 708-652-0948. |
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Programa de Pre-Kindergarten
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¿Vive usted en Cicero? A Child's Eyes Foundation for Early Learning es un programa de Pre-Kindergarten para niños de 3 a 5 años. El programa es gratuito, de medio día, de lunes a viernes. Para saber si su hijo es elegible, tráigalo a una prueba al 5310 W. 24 Place. Traiga el certificado de nacimiento de su hijo o hija, prueba de que vive en Cicero, un comprobante de pago reciente, contrato, tarjeta médica reciente, etc.
Para más información, llamar al 708-222-1077. |
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México con un alto índice de enfermos de SIDA,
se ubica en el segundo lugar: Onusida
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POR KARENT LOPEZ IBARRA
El Informe Mundial sobre la Epidemia de VIH 2008 revela datos alarmantes y coloca a México en el segundo lugar de personas infectadas de VIH, colocando Brazil en primer lugar.
César Núñez, representante en América Latina y el Caribe del Programa de Naciones Unidas contra el Sida (Onusida), durante el lanzamiento del informe, advirtió sobre la urgencia de que los gobiernos inviertan recursos económicos crecientes a programas de prevención, como la principal alternativa para detener la epidemia. Señaló que actualmente, por cada dos nuevas infecciones sólo dos personas tienen acceso a medicamentos. El compromiso político de los países se debe mover hacia acciones concretas, subrayó.
El informe de Onusida dio a conocer que en el contexto de la Conferencia Internacional de Sida 2008 que dará inicio el próximo domingo en la ciudad de México se destacará el problema de los altos costos de los medicamentos; en la actualidad el costo de los tratamientos asciende a 2.7 mil millones de dólares, pero si hubiera cobertura universal el monto se elevaría a 11 mil millones de dólares. |
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¡Un éxito la consulta de Reforma energética,
los mexicanos opinaron!: Organizadores
Se tuvo una votación de 721 mil 827 sufragios |
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POR KARENT LOPEZ IBARRA
En un hecho insólito, nueve estados de la República Mexicana se unieron el pasado 27 de julio para votar a favor o en contra de la Reforma energética propuesta por el presidente Felipe Calderón.
Baja California Sur, Guerrero, Hidalgo, estado de México, Michoacán, Morelos, San Luis Potosí, Tlaxcala y Veracruz fueron los estados en los que se colocaron las casillas. "Con 68 por ciento de los votos computados en nueve entidades, sin considerar al Distrito Federal, se tuvo una votación de 721 mil 827 sufragios, que sumados a los obtenidos en la capital del país rebasan el millón y medio de votos". Asimismo, se dio a conocer que el costo de la consulta fue de 4 millones 245 mil pesos.
En conferencia de prensa Manuel Camacho Solís, uno de los principales organizadores de la consulta se manifestó "satisfecho" por los resultados obtenidos e informó que aún falta de computarse 30 por ciento de la votación en los estados referidos "y ya rebasamos el millón y medio de asistentes."
Al termino de la conferencia de prensa; Camacho Solís criticó, "Felipe Calderón pudo haber convocado a la consulta y no lo hizo. Cuando asistí a los foros de debate en el Senado y se nos criticó porque se dijo que la consulta iba a ser sesgada, que iba a ser un cochinero y algo no representativo, yo les pregunté a los senadores del PAN si estaban en favor de la consulta, y nos dijeron que sí; les ofrecí retirar nuestra consulta para hacer una entre todos, y no quisieron, y la razón de fondo es que el Ejecutivo calculó que era seguro que iba a perder o que era muy alta la probabilidad de que la perdiera." |
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