Miercoles, 10/2/2016: Flower exports to China soar, Unemployment insurance debated, Father saves children then drowns in Rio Jabones

Hola, Todos –

Pagina cultural –

Taller de dibujo (drawing workshop) – on Fri., 12/2 at 19:30 in the Sala Comunitaria del Museo Pumapungo. There will be a an exhibit and the workshop on drawing and designing cartoon characters. (I wonder if the designers who created “Speedy Alka-Seltzer” and the “Pillsbury Doughboy” went on to brag about their work at parties.)

Ecuador en Francia – the exhibit “Chamanes y Divinidades” (Shamans and Gods) will open at the Musée du quai Branly in Paris on 16/2 and run to 15/5. (I think that’s enough time to buy a discounted ticket so you can catch the show before it closes.)

Invitación – the Ministry of Culture and Patrimony is inviting Ecuadorian artists to participate in the MECOSUR prize in Visual Arts. Get more info at www.cultureypatrimonio.gob.ec.

Articles about –

The Ley de Cultura (Culture Law) – which has been demanded by cultural managers, interested parties and the general public, has had two debates in the Assembly, and now needs to incorporate a budget. (Or something like that – it’s not a compelling article.)

The archeological collection – at the Museo Remigio Crespo se trasladará (will be moved) temporarily to a space in the Casa de Chaguarchimbana during restoration work. When the 14,000 pieces are returned they will be displayed in a specific gallery so as to avoid double work. (More planning ahead than I would have expected.)

Otras cosas –

Titular – Deslave aisla a la paroquia Chaucha (Landslide isolates Chaucha Parish) A huge slide occured Mon. night on the vía Chaucha-La Iberia in an area known as the curva de Yunguilla (the Yunguilla curve). (This is your sliver of life article for today – and there will probably be a lot more landslide articles as the rainy season continues.)

A father – drowned in the río Jubones after saving his son and a nephew. All three were swimming and got caught in a whirlpool and the father was able to save the children (17 & 12) but not himself.

Ecuadorian flowers – in 2015, Ecuador exported 233 tons of flowers, most of them roses, to China, a 21.9% greater volume than in 2015, much of the increase because the flowers are becoming popularized through giant e-commerce sites in China such as TMall.com and JD.com. (If you go to the JD site, and keep clicking on the roses you can see what Ecuador is selling – one bunch was about $36 at current exchange rates. And you can get them at the flower market for 1/10 that price.)

Sweden – has sent another request to Ecuador to question Julian Assange in London.

Unemployment insurance – Pres. Correa announced that a law creating unemployment insurance is being drafted. Financing alternatives would be by the worker, the employer or the state. This is different from the severance pay requirements already in force.

The “Desde Hoy Cuenca Sin Ruido” (From Today, Cuenca Without Noise) – campaign kicked off. 70% of ambient noise is from rush hour traffic as well as commercial activities and “el uso indiscriminado de bocinas” (the indiscriminate use of horns). The public is being asked to reduce the use of loud mufflers (good thing no one’s caught on to those shrieking, whistling mufflers they had in the US) and car stereos. Noise from house and car alarms were mentioned along with noise levels on the inside of public transport. (Like the bus driver’s radio.)

The VIP room – at the airport has been remodeled with paid internet and TV services, preferential boarding and other services. The airport corporation has partnerships with various financial institutions and Loungs (Lounge?) Cards.

Tranvia – publicity about the system will be at the mercados – Mon. at the 10 de Agosto, Tue. at the 27 de Feb, Wed. at the Feria Libre, Thu. at the 12 de Abril, and Fri. at the Feria de Totoracocha.

Intercultural –

El Museo Aqueológico de Huantug – tells Cañari history with ceramics and metals from the Narrío, Cashaloma and Tacalshapa peoples. Some pieces date to 4,500 to 5,000 BC.

Internacional –

Bolivia – Lago Poopó has completely evaporated. the 3,000 sq. meter lake was the second largest in Bolivia but only 3 m. deep. The lake last evaporated in 1944, but it takes a long time to refill. It is an important stop on bird migrations and is the water source for endangered species such as the Andean puma.

Deportes –

San Blas 10K – will be on 20/3 at 8:30. Registrations will open in the 1st week of March at the Parish Convent next to the church. The committee is considering “volume” discounts for families with lots of members running, and clubs.

Rugby tournament – 24 teams will compete for the Copa Don Bosco sometime in the first half of March. The tournament was delayed from this month because the dressing rooms and field of “Valeriano Gavinelli” are being improved.

Chess tournament – in Salinas, Santa Elena from today to 14/2.

And that´s all for today so Hasta Mañana –

Jeanne