Today...

I woke up a little late today, but I made it to my first class in time. In my first class I wrote notes during the whole class and then I had to go to my next class. During my second class I watched a movie about cognitive behavior. Then I made my way to the best class (English) and we had a project due today. The project was about creating a holiday with your group and also we had to explain it in front of our classmates. So far, every project was interesting and fun. My group and I had to present our project. I hope everyone liked it. The worst part of my day was watching the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series, but tomorrow is a new day and the Miami Dolphins still have a chance to make the playoffs.

Juan C.

World Series...

The World Series of Baseball is here in Florida... Since the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 4 games to 3... And the Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4 games to 1... Now the World Series has started and the series is tied 1 game to 1... I do not like neither team, but I would prefer if Tampa Bay wins it...

Juan C.

Chapter 3: Tradition

Tradition

The eight street festival known as "calle ocho" is a local carnival that takes place every year on March 15. According to The Miami Herald "over one million people come from all over the world to attend this street party." Adults and children of all ages are welcomed to Calle Ocho. I have never been to this festival, but I have heard from people about it.

1. What are the local customs surrounding how this food is prepared, eaten, or celebrated?

This festival mainly celebrates the cuban heritage, but you may also find a variety of dishes. As you walk through the streets of "calle ocho" you see plates of black beans and rice being served while the next stand serves churrasco. Some countries prepare their foods with different ingredients, adding their own touch and making their plates unique. Instead of just frying, the food is cooked by many different methods such as "a la parilla", steamed, or barbecued. You can also eat these foods in different ways, besides a fork and a knife you can also use your hands, or eat it on a stick. Calle ocho is celebrated on March 15 from 11 am to 7 pm.

2. What would those attending this event for the first time learn about local or regional practices or traditions? What would they learn about the local or regional culture-its value or beliefs?

Those attending this event for the first time will learn about the Hispanic culture. They can also learn that most of the population in Miami speaks Spanish. Tasting the different native dishes for the first time in this festival can change your perspective of food. Once you have tried dishes like black beans and rice you will be tempted to come back next year. Newcomers are treated with hospitality because most people are friendly, happy, and nice.

3. When it comes to food, what makes a dish "traditional"? What is the difference between calling a food "traditional" and simply describing people's eating preferences?

A traditional dish is a meal that is eaten by most locals and has been around for years. It is usually passed on from generation to generation and can sometimes define the eating style of a community. Someone's eating prefereneces depends on the individual; but a "traditional" dish is something you are brought up with and something you are brought up to love. A "traditional" dish can always take you back to your roots and give you the sense of being back home. However, people's eating preferences are determined by the choices made in the household not by the entire community.

Juan C

Update on baseball

A little update on the baseball postseason. The Phillies beat the brewers 3 games to 1. The Dodgers swept the Cubs 3 games to nothing. Today the Dodgers and the Phillies will go head to head in a series that I wish the Dodgers win because I hate the Phillies. On the American League, the Boston Red Sox beat the Angels 3 games to 1 in a controversial call that in my opinion was the right call. The Rays beat the White Sox 3 games to 1 (I dislike the Rays too). Tomorrow the Red Sox and the Rays will play a series that will be very interesting. I hope that the Red Sox will go to the World Series and hopefully they will win it. GO MARLINS and RED SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baseball Postseason

The baseball postseason has arrived and I am disappointed because our Florida Marlins are not in it. The Marlins had been in first place for the first half of the season, but after the all-star game they lost first place to the Philadelphia Phillies. The happiest moment this year for me was knocking out the New York Mets from the postseason. I was hoping yesterday that the Phillies would lose to the Brewers in the first playoff game, but they won the game 3 to 1. Hopefully the Phillies will end up losing the series and not advance any further. My second favorite team is the Boston Red Sox and I hope they win the World Series. Yesterday they took a big step by coming back down by 1 and beating the Los Angeles Angels 4 to 1. I love watching baseball because the game is not over until you make the last out. Anything can happen like the time Boston was losing the series three to nothing to the New York Yankees and they came back and won every single game after that. Also the time that the Marlins beat the Yankees even though everyone thought that the Marlins were going to lose badly to the biggest baseball franchise. I love the Marlins and I like the Red Sox a lot.

Juancho