Can't help but love ...

the new South American presence at the U.N.. This normally, stodgy, petulant bunch of bureaucrats who are able to put one to sleep faster than a Methodist minister have among them a bit of B.T. Barnum.

Chavez, of Venezuela, said the podium stilled smelled of sulfur a day after Bush spoke there.

Evo Morales, of Bolivia, took the podium waving a coca leaf and claiming the U.S. needs to recognize that the coca leaf is green and cocaine is white. He also told the U.S. it could keep its millions of 'drug interdiction' money if it meant Bolivia had to change a thousand years of its culture to get it.

I'm not defending or even taking these guys seriously but, damn it's great to introduce a little Woodstock into this lifeless political body.


It looks as if the Muslims have taken a page from the African American political playbook. They are now dictating what words may be used when referring to them and exactly how they must be viewed by the rest of us or else.

The Pope is falling all over himself trying to placate the Muslim world for quoting a 14th century Byzantine king who thought Mohammad was a pain in the ass.

Isn't it funny how there is never outrage by the 'peaceful' Islamic community over sawing off the heads of infidels or training children to strap on bombs or denying the right of Israel to even exist but, a single cartoon or a six hundred year old quotation will unite them into a worldwide flurry of destruction?

Pretty touchy lot I'd say.


QUOTE OF THE DAY:

More people are driven insane through religious hysteria than by drinking alcohol. - anon.

MEXICO (as I see it):

STREET FOODS OF MEXICO


WE LEFT OFF HERE:

With reasonable precautions you will be able to enjoy the world of Mexican taste treats with nothing but happy consequences.





PRONUNCIATION GUIDE


It is necessary to include a word or two regarding this guide. As you will quickly recognize it bears little resemblance to any other known, or accepted, pronunciation guide. I'm forced to admit that it was strictly my idea and I am not sure if there is any defense for using it.

It was my intention for the guide to be visually orientated, that is, made up of easily recognizable syllables or short words which can be sounded out with no difficulty. It is my hope that when the reader pronounces each syllable or word in a purely American way he will be correctly, however unwittingly, pronouncing the word perfectly as it is said in Spanish.

In any list of words this long there are going to be a few sticklers but I have tried to approximate the Spanish sounds as nearly as possible without tampering too much with this basic system.

Rather than asking the reader to remember that the Spanish 'a' is always pronounced as 'ah' and their 'e' sounds like our 'a' in words like hay and gray I have simply spelled out these sounds so it will be very difficult not to pronounce the word correctly.

I have used the letter 'z' where, it might be argued that, an 's' would serve more logically. Again, there is no defense for the method other than I thought the letter 'z' had a little more visual impact than the very familiar 's' and the difference it would make on the pronunciation of a word would be negligible.
Also, using an 's' after a vowel gives the English speaker too many vowel sound options hence more chances to mispronounce a Spanish word

At any rate, people totally confused can always go to any good dictionary using a more conventional system to resolve particular problems.


EATERIES


Most of the foods described in STREET FOODS will be sold in one or more of the following establishments. The word 'restaurant' might cover most of these terms if one doesn't expect too much of the word.

1. AMBULANTES (ahm-bu-LAN-tayz):

Roving carts or simply vendors carrying baskets full of food.

2. CANTINAS (kahn-TEE-naz):

Typically, places where men go to drink, talk, sing and eat a variety of botanas.

Some cantinas admit women, others will not. There should be a sign on the door explaining what is what.

3. CARRITOS/CARROS (ka-REET-toz/ Ka-rows):

Carts from which food is sold. Many are quite large, with enough stools to seat several customers. Others are so small one must stand, balancing a paper plate in one hand, trying to eat with the other. Some carts are permanently situated, even to having concrete foundations. Some, just appear during their business hours then disappear after they've sold everything.

4. COMEDORES (Ko-may-DOOR-rayz):

Small restaurants squeezed between shops in busy commercial districts. They offer good food at reasonable prices. Nothing more.

5. FONDAS (PHONE-daz):

Very small eating stalls or booths found in and around teeming market places. Do not be intimidated if the cooks and kitchen help vigorously solicit your business, it's all part of the fun. It may be worthwhile to roam among the FONDAS to see what the competition is offering.

6. LONCHERIAS (lone-chay-REE-yaz):

Similar to COMEDORES and FONDAS. Simple 'Mom and Dad' operations. No frills.

7. PUESTOS (pooh-ACE-toz):

This word literally translates as: a place. Here in Mexico it usually refers to a booth or stall where food is sold. There probably won't be a menu so it is proper to ask, ¿Que Hay? (¿kay eye?), "What is there?"

After that a fat lady will permit you to take a peek into whatever pots she has working. Don't be afraid, it's home cooking at its best.

8. TIANGUIS (tee-AHN-geese):

This is an Indian word meaning 'market'. Hundreds of merchants gather on a given day and construct rows of makeshift tents, stalls and booths. These market may stretch for several blocks and completely close off an,otherwise, busy thoroughfare.

Everything from ladies panties to pickaxes is sold. It is like a traveling K-Mart. An endless variety of food and drink is also available. Make a day of it if you like. Ask for prices and check around before buying.

(cont.)