Culture, Inglés

Capturing the Geminid meteor shower

MoKa Hammeken

For many astronomers, the Geminid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular with approximately 120 meteors per hour, a remarkable streak indeed.

A meteor shower is ideal for this cozy December season. Away from city lights, without the moon brandishing its fullness, the sky becomes a monumental galactic work of Jackson Pollock - colors, lights, constellations and stars crisscrossing the celestial dome, transforming the night into one of the most marvelous natural spectacles.  It’s like having a window into another world, an ensemble of meteors entering the earth’s atmosphere at outstanding speed, which, thanks to friction, ignite and become the iconic falling stars we find ourselves wishing upon. The Geminid meteor shower is expected to last from Dec. 4th – 16th, with the nights (or rather early hours of the morning) of Dec. 13th and 14th highlighting the most activity and visibility, taking advantage as well of the moon in its first quarter. The Geminid meteor shower consists of moderate speed meteors from a radiant of the Gemini constellation, having been created by the Phaethon asteroid (though this asteroid is thought

to be an extinct comet whose particles were ejected centuries ago, which in effect is a very interesting story). For many astronomers, the Geminid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular with approximately 120 meteors per hour, a remarkable streak indeed. So, it would be ideal to be prepared to catch this December show: chairs, blankets, hot drinks, and – thanks to technology – it’s ever easier to capture a memory; sufficing a smartphone with a minimum of 12 megapixels. The first step is to know where to look, or in this case locating the Gemini constellation at coordinates: right ascension 7h28m, declination +32,2°.  If you’re not sure how to find the constellation, there are plenty of apps out there to help, such Star Walk 2 - which identifies stars, planets and constellations in real time – and Sky Map Devs, which is quite simple, not to mention the app from NASA. Second step, it’s important to set up a…

Culture

RP360 Photographers in Traveler magazine

MoKa Hammeken

A few years ago, the writer Cristina Rascón visited Puerto Peñasco to lead a writing workshop for a few days…and then stayed on for four months. She was drawn by the environment and wanted to delve in as much as possible. Now, the September edition of National Geographic Traveler Latin America  features an article by […]

A few years ago, the writer Cristina Rascón visited Puerto Peñasco to lead a writing workshop for a few days…and then stayed on for four months. She was drawn by the environment and wanted to delve in as much as possible. Now, the September edition of National Geographic Traveler Latin America  features an article by Rascón about Puerto Peñasco. It is a mixture of the frigid environment, melancholy, and discovery from the point of view of a writer seeking to be as faithful as possible to her memory while leaving room for literary license (for example, what she recalls as Blvd. Fremont is actually the renowned Calle 13). Illustrations for the article were provided by our own Rocky Point 360 photographers, Ariel González and Edwin Peraza. The photos are vibrant and mysterious, of such intensity that it doesn’t appear to be winter. Ariel’s photos have actually been seen

millions of times, not just by those who visit our photo galleries, but rather in other digital and printed means, including many who don’t even know they are his.  His photos have been in numerous publications, posters, designs, and publicity. He is a tried and true photographer! Edwin Peraza, the most recent member of our team, and a photographer with a clinical eye for just the right click. His photos feed our Instagram and numerous galleries with freshness and settings.  He is also very serious, though fun. So, this publication is very exciting! To be featured in such a magazine known for both its photographic and literary qualities. I am extremely pleased for them, and for the way their talents came together despite distance. Plus, once more, Peñasco has found a spot on the map!  Congratulations!

Culture

¡Viva Mexico! September celebrations

MoKa Hammeken

(Republished from September 2012) In Mexico, September is known as “mes patrio”, or rather month of the homeland. From the early minutes of the first of the month, streets within the center of the country become adorned in green, white, and red, along with the national eagle symbol. This fervor is seen along sidewalks, with […]

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Cultura, Culture, Español, Rocky Lounge

Skribalia. Escuela de escritores

MoKa Hammeken

Abrió la primera escuela de escritura en México exclusivamente virtual y de carácter internacional. Y le hablé a Cristina Rascón, la directora de la escuela, a ver si me podía platicar un poco de ésta. Es muy simpático y genial. Simpático porque responde a una necesidad que muchos solo han platicado en las noches de […]

Abrió la primera escuela de escritura en México exclusivamente virtual y de carácter internacional. Y le hablé a Cristina Rascón, la directora de la escuela, a ver si me podía platicar un poco de ésta. Es muy simpático y genial. Simpático porque responde a una necesidad que muchos solo han platicado en las noches de bar con amigos, cuando salen sus más fervorosos deseos: el de escribir, el de aprender a saber hacerlo, el de mejorar, pero que no cuentan con tiempo para asistir a un curso o no tienen grandes cantidades de dinero que cuestan luego los cursos en el extranjero. Genial, pues porque es la primera escuela mexicana virtual para formar escritores, y por puro orgullo patriótico, ese simple hecho nos provoca una sonrisa en la boca (igual que sentimos cuando leemos que nuestros chicos ganan las Olimpiadas de Matemáticas, Robótica, nos enteramos que una mexicana es Primera bailarina del Staatsballet Berlín en  Alemania…o pasamos a los cuartos de finales en soccer).   Ahora la lejanía ya no va a

ser un pretexto. Y puedes participar con maestros de primer nivel, que muchas veces solo los encontrabas en la Ciudad de México, y a veces … (por ejemplo, yo tomo clase con Israel Pintor, que está en España).   Skrib significa, en lengua esperanto, escribir, mientras que -alia es un sufijo del latín que significa conjunto de, relacionado con o relativo a una festividad. Por ende tenemos que Skribalia es la “Celebración de la escritura”, según la voz de Cristina Rascón su directora. El esperanto es una lengua creada a fines del siglo XIX con la aspiración a ser una lengua internacional, ya que integraba un poco de cada universo lingüístico conocido. Skribalia coincide con su búsqueda al unir a varios idiomas y culturas en una misma conversación, en nuestro caso de índole literaria. ¿Recuerdan a Cristina Rascón? Con varios premios nacionales e internacionales en su haber, es…

Culture

World Migratory Bird Day – Birdwatching @ Pinacate

MoKa Hammeken

Do you like birds? Enjoy ecotourism and outdoor activities? May 14th is World Migratory Bird Day, and it’s a big international deal (with a hashtag and all #WMBD2016 @WMBD). For a period of 24 hours on May 14th, thousands of birdwatchers from across the globe will participate in registering bird species they observe in different […]

Do you like birds? Enjoy ecotourism and outdoor activities? May 14th is World Migratory Bird Day, and it’s a big international deal (with a hashtag and all #WMBD2016 @WMBD). For a period of 24 hours on May 14th, thousands of birdwatchers from across the globe will participate in registering bird species they observe in different areas.  The purpose of this is to contribute to bird registries, while also updating geographic information. Every bird counts, and every registry is important. Puerto Peñasco has an ample variety of birds; you can spot them from your home, at the docks, in the malecón, atop Whale Hill, on the beach, on the golf course, on competition hill, and in the estuaries, among other

areas. This Saturday, May 14th, at 7 a.m., the Schuk Toak Visitors Center of the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve will be the place to join in global birdwatching activities.  For information, you can contact miguel.grageda@conanp.gob.mx    This will be great as biologists will be on hand to identify the birds for the registry! Keep in mind, in order to be included in the World Global Migratory Bird Watch Day, your observations must be entered into eBird on one or more lists of birds, by May 17th at the latest. Visit  http://eBird.org/globalbigday  and be part of the grand day (even if it does begin at 7 a.m.)!

Culture

Want to learn something about Chinelos?

MoKa Hammeken

There has been a lot of talk recently during these “carnavalesque” days. Most of us get excited about the dancing, music, parade floats, and chinelos of course. “But, what are chinelos?” I heard someone express dubiously, “They’re not from here, I believe.”  ..and, they were right. The chinelos, full of music and jumping while inviting […]

There has been a lot of talk recently during these “carnavalesque” days. Most of us get excited about the dancing, music, parade floats, and chinelos of course. “But, what are chinelos?” I heard someone express dubiously, “They’re not from here, I believe.”  ..and, they were right. The chinelos, full of music and jumping while inviting everyone to follow them, are from the southern part of Mexico, from the State of Morelos to be exact. The lively chinelos are a symbol of identity for those from Morelos and a typical site at large festivals. Originating from Tlayacapan, chinelos have become even more famous in the community of Tepoztlán (just outside Cuernavaca) where they can easily be found. They also pop up in many other towns in Morelos, as well as in the neighboring state of Puebla, and, as people have moved, they’ve migrated to become part of other festivities…and now, in Puerto Peñasco. According to the Tlayacapan Casa de la Cultura, in 1870 a

group of young people native to the area, who were tired of being excluded from the Carnaval activities celebrated by the wealthy classes (access to which was denied to the general public), organized a group dressed up in old clothing, covering their faces with a handkerchief (or piece of cloth). They began to yell, whistle, and jump through the town’s streets, making fun of the Spanish. This improvised move was tremendously success, so much so that the following year the youth organized it again. Year after year, as it became popular, the fiesta became a ritual and the character gradually evolved. To further represent the Spanish, beards were added to masks and the name “chinelo” appeared. The costume designed in Tlayacapan consists of a long white dress with blue strips bordering both the skirt as well as the sleeves and neckline. Completing the outfit is a cartoon-like mask with rosy cheeks and a long, pointy beard. Yet,…

Culture

Champurrado, please

MoKa Hammeken

Who hasn’t tried the famous champurrado (or champurro…) [traditional warm Mexican beverage for Winter]? It’s ideal for the cold, partnered with bread, or possibly a morning with family or for snuggling up next to a fireplace or campfire by night. We ask for, we buy it, and undoubtedly there are those who make a tastier […]

Who hasn’t tried the famous champurrado (or champurro…) [traditional warm Mexican beverage for Winter]? It’s ideal for the cold, partnered with bread, or possibly a morning with family or for snuggling up next to a fireplace or campfire by night. We ask for, we buy it, and undoubtedly there are those who make a tastier version than others. Nevertheless, there are times that Murphy’s Law arises and when you’re most in the mood for champurrado none can be found. So, why not make our own? Traditional Sonoran style, of course! The best thing to do is combine champurrado with the traditional tamales of February 2nd (Día de la Candelaria)

Ingredients: 1¼ liters of water 250 grams of piloncillo [sugar cane “cones”] 1 cinnamon stick 4 cloves ½ cup of flour 100 grams of cocoa (1/2 cup) Water to mix flour Preparation: Boil together water, piloncillo, cinnamon and cloves until piloncillo dissolves. Toast the flour in a separate pan until it takes on a golden color. Let cool and mix with cold water Add cocoa and stir until all lumps are gone. Can be strained. Once the water has boiled, slowly add flour diluted with cocoa and stir constantly so it does not stick Continue boiling until it finishes cooking and thickens Pour yourself a cup, unwrap a tamale, and enjoy!

Culture, Español, Rocky Lounge

El performance de Guille

MoKa Hammeken

No creo que lo sepan, ni que lo hayan imaginado siquiera. Muchos (por no decir la gran mayoría) la vieron pasearse muy de rosa, entaconada con plumas, por la Plaza Colosio y la explanada del Malecón. Sin embargo, no supieron lo muy emocionada que estaba, ni todo el tiempo que invirtió para esa aparición y […]

No creo que lo sepan, ni que lo hayan imaginado siquiera. Muchos (por no decir la gran mayoría) la vieron pasearse muy de rosa, entaconada con plumas, por la Plaza Colosio y la explanada del Malecón. Sin embargo, no supieron lo muy emocionada que estaba, ni todo el tiempo que invirtió para esa aparición y para ese recorrido (al igual que la mayoría de los artistas). Después de tantos años de sequía (sus palabras); sin carnaval ni nada por el estilo, por fin venía un rayito de luz. Desde que se habló del Festival Cervantino, regresó a los tacones, para acostumbrarse de nuevo. La vi en su estética (para mis mechas rosas ahora ya desvanecidas)  hace como tres semanas y ahí me mostró que había empezado a trabajar en su vestido y en el tocado que usaría en el Festival. Los primeros dos días del  Cervantino, se paseó por el Malecón con dos tipos de maquillajes distintos, para ver cuál le favorecía más, con la luz del lugar. Me pidió le tomara fotos para analizar ese punto.

Todo con antelación para el performance que iba a realizar el sábado: Transformarse, en vivo, de Guillermo Salazar, en Guille, La Eterna Princesa. Nada fue improvisado, todo fue planeado. El sábado 10 de octubre, Guillermo empezó su transformación dentro del museo, sin más espejo que el de mano que traía, preparó todo mientras se organizaban para la inauguración de la exposición pictórica. Por asuntos de logística, luz, e imprevistos, muchos creyeron que  el “en vivo”  en realidad era un “in situ”; algo así como “pues en algún lugar se tiene que arreglar” y pensaron que era algo improvisado.  La miraban con estupor, como cuando uno entra familiarmente al cuarto de la tía, y la cachan arreglándose. ¿Miramos? ¿Interrumpimos? ¿Nos seguimos de largo?... ¿Se puede pasar? Siguió mientras dieron por inaugurado el lugar y la gente entraba para ver los cuadros. Ahí estaban también…

Culture, Interviews / Entrevistas

MoKa goes one on one with MoKa

MoKa Hammeken

[Original in Spanish -La entrevista de Moka] “We need to interview you,” said Sami when I announced the upcoming date to go to Hermosillo to sign the (FECAS Grant) agreement. I felt a little strange about the idea. Someone else interviewing me makes me nervous and I stutter, now imagine doing that for our own […]

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