Cancer: Una guía bilingüe parte 1/ Cancer: A bilingual guide part 1.

Una guía bilingüe para el tratamiento y la prevención del cáncer a través de la dieta y la vida cotidiana

A Bilingual Guide to treatment and prevention of cancer using diet and lifestyle

En los últimos meses, mi familia, como muchas otras familias de todo el mundo, se ha visto afectada por el cáncer. Como resultado, he investigado el tema, buscando maneras de ayudar a mis seres queridos, y con el motivo de combatir la enfermedad con cambios de dieta, ejercicio, y medicinas naturales.

In the last few months, my family, like many other families throughout the world, has been affected by cancer. As a result, I have become interested in the subject as I seek ways to help my loved ones best manage and combat the disease through diet, exercise, and natural medicine. 

 Mi familia es bilingüe, y me parece que el acceso a la información que tengo disponible como anglohablante acerca de los usos de la medicina natural en el tratamiento y la prevención del cáncer no es siempre tan disponible para la comunidad hispanohablante. Por eso, he incorporado en este blog algunas ideas que he adquirido en mi investigación sobre la enfermedad del cáncer. Espero que este texto será, además de bilingüe, también útil, conciso y práctico.

My family is bilingual, and I found that the access to information that I have readily available to me about the uses of natural medicine in the treatment and prevention of cancer is not always as available to the Spanish speaking community. As a result, I have put together some ideas that I have gleaned from my research into the disease. I hope that this text will be, in addition to bilingual, concise, useful, and practical.

Uno de cada cinco fallecimientos en los Estados Unidos es causada por cáncer, y casi todos tenemos a alguien de nuestra familia que ha estado afectada por la enfermedad. Uno de cada tres personas serán afectadas con cáncer durante sus vidas. En este sentido, el cáncer es una parte fundamental de nuestras vidas, y es en interés de todos para ser lo más informado posible acerca de la enfermedad.

One in every five deaths in the United States is caused by cancer, and almost everyone has someone in their family who has been affected by the disease.  One in three people will be affected with cancer at some time in their lives.  In this sense, cancer is a part of all of our lives, and it is in everyone’s interest to be as informed as possible about the disease.

En primer lugar, intento explicar algunas formas en que el cáncer se puede prevenir para aquellos de nosotros que aún no han sido directamente afectados por la enfermedad. Luego voy a ofrecer también algunas ideas para el tratamiento de las personas cuyas vidas han sido tocadas ya por el cáncer.

In this guide, I will first explain some ways that cancer can be prevented for those of us who have not yet been directly touched by the disease.  I will also offer some ideas for care for those whose lives have been already touched by cancer.

¿Qué es el cancer?

What is cancer?

El cáncer es una anormalidad en las células. En cada celda, hay un núcleo, el núcleo es como la "yema de huevo", donde (entre otras cosas) el ADN (los genes) reside. Ese ADN contiene la fórmula para reproducirse a sí misma en las células en un ciclo de reproducción normalmente perfecta. Sin embargo, por alguna razón, estas células a veces se afectan por un cambio interno - una mutación.

Cancer is an abnormality in your cells. In each cell, there is a nucleus, the nucleus is like the the “egg yolk” where (among other things) your DNA (genes) resides. That DNA contains the formula for reproducing itself in perfect replica cells. For some reason, these cells undergo an internal change-- a mutation. 

Una mutación es un cambio en el ADN de la célula. Entonces, cuando esta célula se reproduce, sus copias no son réplicas exactas de la célula original, sino réplicas de la célula "mutante". Estas células crecen juntas en una masa que se convierte en un tumor maligno. Si el tumor no se elimina, las células afectadas por el cáncer a veces puede invadir otros órganos, especialmente si tienen acceso al torrente sanguíneo o del sistema linfático. Desde allí, se puede viajar al hígado, los pulmones, los huesos o el cerebro.

A mutation is a change in the DNA of the cell.  Then, when this cell goes to reproduce itself, its copies are not precise replicas of the original cell, but rather replicas of the “mutant” cell. These cells grow together into a mass which becomes a malignant tumor.  If this tumor is not removed, the mutated—or cancerous—cells can sometimes invade other organs, especially if they gain access to the bloodstream or lymphatic system.  From there, they can travel to the liver, lungs, bones, or brain.

¿De dónde proviene el cáncer?

Where does cancer come from?

Los elementos que causan cáncer se llaman agentes carcinógenos. Estos incluyen químicos como el formaldehído, otras enfermedades como el VIH o SIDA y factores ambientales, tales como el hollín o polvo de madera. Una lista completa está disponible en inglés en: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/GeneralInformationaboutCarcinogens/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens

Elements that cause cancer are called carcinogens.  These include chemicals such as formaldehyde, other diseases such as HIV, and environmental factors such as soot or wood dust. A complete list is at http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/GeneralInformationaboutCarcinogens/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens

Estas sustancias cancerígenas suelen producir átomos tóxicos llamados “radicales libres” que dañan las células humanas y destruyen los tejidos humanos. Hacen esto porque, en algún punto a lo largo de estar expuesto a las células, se han convertido en inestable, como cuando se cambia la composición de la grasa en el aceite cuando se hace las comidas fritas. (Sí, desafortunadamente, los alimentos fritos son cancerígenos). Una definición de los radicales libres se encuentra en: http://ciencia.glosario.net/ecotropia/radicales-libres-9360.html

These carcinogens usually produce toxic atoms called “free radicals” which damage human cells and destroy human tissues. They do this because, somewhere along the line, they have become unstable, like when you change the composition of the fat in the cooking oil when you are making fried foods. (Yes, unfortunately, fried foods are carcinogens).

Estos átomos inestables emiten un electrón que se había separado del átomo original, y por lo tanto vuela por nuestras células causando daños cuando pasan por las estructuras de la célula. A veces, estos radicales libres dañan la estructura de hasta el ADN de la célula, que ocasionalmente causa una mutación que fomenta al cáncer.

These unstable atoms give off an electron which had been separated from the original atom and so flies through our cells causing damage as it goes.  Sometimes these free radicals damage the structure of the cell’s DNA, which occasionally causes a mutation which leads to cancer.

¿Cómo se puede saber si tiene cáncer?

How do you know if you have cancer?

Pacientes a menudo descubren que tienen cáncer cuando un sistema o un órgano no está funcionando normalmente o cuando tienen dolor. Por ejemplo, si un tumor es capaz de crecer sin control, con el tiempo se encargará de la parte del cuerpo donde se originó, remplazando las células originales. Sin embargo, estas células cancerosas no pueden hacer el trabajo habitual  de las células originales, ya que han mutado. El paciente comienza a descubrir síntomas de funcionamiento anormal. A veces, el tumor también puede crecer hasta que ejerce presión sobre órganos, nervios o tejidos cercanos. El paciente se sienta un bulto doloroso o presión en el punto de contacto.

People often find out that they have cancer when a system or an organ is not functioning properly or they are feeling pain.  For example, if a tumor is able to grow unchecked, it will eventually take over the part of the body where it originated. Nevertheless, these cancerous cells are unable to do the work of the original cells, since they have mutated. The patient then begins to show symptom of abnormal function.  Sometimes, the tumor can also grow so big that it pushes on organs, nerves, or nearby tissues. The patient will feel a painful lump or pressure at the point of contact.

Sin embargo, el cáncer es a menudo completamente oculto del paciente. Por esta razón, es vital que busque exámenes periódicos con un profesional.

Nevertheless, cancer is often hidden from the patient. For this reason, it is vital that you seek periodic screenings.

Prevención

Prevention

La forma más importante que se puede disminuir su riesgo de desarrollar cáncer es vivir un estilo de vida saludable. Esto significa que usted debe mantener una buena dieta, hacer ejercicio con regularidad, y mantener una actitud positiva. Estas tres cosas, además de ayudar a prevenir el cáncer, también mejorará la calidad general de su vida.

The most important way that you can diminish your risk of developing cancer is to live a healthy lifestyle in general.  This means that you should maintain a good diet, exercise regularly, and a keep a positive outlook. These three things, in addition to helping to prevent cancer, will also improve the overall quality of your life.

Su sistema inmunológico, si es fuerte, es un impedimento muy natural del cáncer. Hay células del sistema inmunológico viajan por todo el cuerpo con el propósito expreso de encontrar y destruir las células anormales antes de que puedan empezar a reproducirse y formar tumores. Al mantener su sistema inmunológico fuerte, se puede combatir el cáncer antes de que comience. Mantener el sistema inmunológico saludable requiere un buen sueño, la buena comida y abundante agua natural.

Your immune system, if it is strong, is a great natural cancer preventer. Cells from your immune system travel throughout your body with the express purpose of finding and destroying abnormal cells before they can begin to reproduce themselves and form tumors. By keeping your immune system strong, you can combat cancer before it starts.  Keeping your immune system healthy requires good sleep, good food, and plenty of fresh water.   

¿Cuál es su factor de riesgo?

What is your risk factor?

La evaluación de su "factor de riesgo" de cáncer es importante. Estos factores de riesgo puede ser hereditaria (genética) o ambientales (estilo de vida). Alrededor del 15% de los cánceres tienen su origen en factores genéticos, mientras que el otro 85% de los cánceres son el resultado del estilo de vida. Esto implica que el 85% de los cánceres se pueden prevenir con cambios de vida y dieta.

Assessing your “risk factor” of developing cancer is important. These risk factors can be either inherited (genetic) or environmental (lifestyle).  About 15% of cancers have their source in genetic factors, while the other 85% of cancers are a result of lifestyle.  This implies that 85% of cancer is actually preventable with changes to diet and lifestyle.

Por ejemplo, fumar puede ser un elemento de su vida. Si usted elije comprar y inhalar el tabaco a los pulmones, será hasta diez veces más probable de desarrollar cáncer comparado con una persona no fumadora. A continuación  les muestro una lista de "factores de riesgo" y su grado de riesgo relacionado con una serie de números que representan el riesgo de elegir este elemento en su vida de 1-10. Haga una puntuación para usted mismo, y ver cómo sus opciones de estilo de vida influyen su riesgo de cáncer.

For example, smoking could be an element of your lifestyle. If you make the choice to buy and breathe tobacco into your lungs, you will be ten times more likely to develop cancer than a nonsmoker. Below is a list of “risk factors” and their related degree of risk with a number of 1-10. Score yourself, and see how many of your lifestyle choices put you at increased risk of developing cancer.

1. fumar -10
2. Fumador pasivo (por ejemplo, trabajar en un bar lleno de humo) -4,5
3. La familia inmediata (padres, abuelos o hermanos) han tenido cáncer - 2.5
4. trabajador de línea telefónica -2
5. No come pescado -2
6. Ex fumador -2
7. Comer carne roja más de cuatro veces a la semana - 2
8. Come menos de 2 porciones de frutas y verduras por día -1,7
9. Más de 5 oz de azúcar por  1,6
10. Obesidad - 1.5
11. depresion -1,4
12. Respira emisiones de diesel (conductores de tractores, etc)-1,4

13. Más de 1 porción de productos lácteos por día -1,4
14. Uso de aceites omega-6 poliinsaturados (maíz, soja, girasol, cártamo)-1,4
15. Comer mucha harina refinada (blanca) -1,3
16. Muchas bebidas de alcohol por semana (+21 hombres, las mujeres +10) -1,2

____________ riesgo total

Smoking —10 

Passive Smoker —4.5 (e.g. working in a smoky bar)

Immediate family (parent, grandparent or sibling) with cancer --2.5

Telephone line worker –2

Eat no fish –2

Former smoker –2

Eat red meat more than four times per week --2

Eat less than 2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day –1.7

More than 5 oz. of sugar/day- 1.6

Obese --1.5

Depressed –1.4

Diesel emissions –1.4 (tractor drivers, etc.)

More than 1 serving of dairy per day –1.4

Omega-6 polyunsaturated oils –1.4 (corn, soy, sunflower, safflower)

Refined flour –1.3

Many drinks of Alcohol per week –1.2 (+21 men, +10 women)

Total risk____________

Ahora las buenas noticias! Mira la lista de abajo. Aquí puedes ver el estilo de vida que disminuyen la probabilidad de que usted desarrolle cáncer de:

1. Comer granos enteros - .85
2. Dos o más porciones de fruta por día, .85
3. Un multivitamínico diario con ácido fólico menores de 14 años, 0.8
4. 1-2 vasos diarios de vino tinto - .8
5. Una cucharada por día de aceite de oliva - 0.75
6. Cuatro o más porciones de vegetales por día, .7
7. Suplemento de vitamina E - 0.7
8. Tres o más tazas de té verde por día - .7
9. Cinco dientes de ajo a la semana - .6
10. Suplemento de zinc - 0.5
11. Beber más de 2,5 litros de agua por día - .5
12. 200 mcg. De selenio por día - 0.5
13. Comer pescado más de tres veces por semana - .5
14. Comer más de cinco verduras familia de la col a la semana (brócoli, col rizada, coles de Brussles, etc) - .5
15. Beber leche de soja - 0.5
16. Cinco o más horas de ejercicio por semana - .5
17. Un multivitamínico diario con ácido fólico más de 14 años - 0,25

Protección total de ____________

Now for the good news!  Look at the list below.  Here you will see lifestyle choices which decrease the likelihood that you will develop cancer:

Eating whole grains --.85

Two or more servings of fruit per day  --.85

A daily multivitamin with folate under 14 years- .8

1-2 glasses per day of red wine --.8

I tablespoon per day of olive oil--.75

Four or more servings of vegetables per day --.7

Vitamin E supplement --.7

Three or more cups of green tea per day --.7

Five cloves per week of garlic --.6

Zinc supplement --.5

Drinking more than 2.5 liters of water per day --.5

200 mcg. Of Selenium per day --.5

Fish more than three times per week --.5

Eating more than five cabbage family vegetables per week --.5 (broccoli, kale, brussles sprouts, etc.)

Drink soy milk  --.5

Five or more hours of exercise per week --.5

A daily multivitamin with folate over 14 years --.25

Total protections ____________

Si se resta el total de las protecciones de los factores de riesgo total, disfrutará una idea de su riesgo de desarrollar cáncer como resultado de su estilo de vida. Usted puede comenzar a hacer un esfuerzo para disminuir sus riesgos y aumentar las protecciones con cambios muy simples en su vida, como llevar consigo una botella de agua al trabajo o cambiarse de café a té verde. En general, su dieta hace un papel importante en la protección contra el cáncer. En general, usted debe limitar el consumo de carnes, productos lácteos, grasas saturadas, azúcar refinada y alcohol. Usted debe aumentar su consumo de pescado, granos enteros, legumbres, repollo, verduras, frutos secos y fruta.

If you subtract the total protections from the total risk factors, you will get some idea of what the risk of developing cancer as a result of your lifestyle. You can start to make an effort to decrease your risks and increase your protections with very simple changes in your life, such as bringing along a water bottle to work or switching from coffee to green tea.  In general, your diet pays a big part in cancer protection.  In general you should limit your consumption of meats, dairy, saturated fats, refined sugar, and alcohol. You should increase your consumption of fish, whole grains, legumes, cabbage, vegetables, nuts, and fruit.

Viva bien cada día, y vivirás bien en el largo plazo. Les deseo salud y muchas bendiciones en el camino de tu vida.

Live well every day, and you will live well for the long term. I wish you health and many blessings in your life’s journey.

 

Xavi Hernández dona premio de cien mil euros a la Cruz Roja/ Xavi Donates prize money to the Red Cross

Xavi Hernandez continues to inspire me with the choices he makes in his career.  A gentleman both on and off the soccer field, Xavi is co-captain and point of reference for a Barcelona team that is breaking records and changing the face of world football. 

Xavi Hernández continúa inspirándome con las decisiones que toma en su carrera. Un caballero dentro y fuera de la cancha de fútbol, Xavi es el co-capitán y punto de referencia para un equipo de Barcelona que está destrozando records y cambiando la cara del fútbol mundial.

In the Camp Nou stadium, where he has played every home game of his career, the 32 year old was presented with a 100,000 Euro check before the team’s record 7-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen. 

En el estadio Camp Nou, donde ha jugado todos los partidos de casa de su carrera, el jugador de años 32 recibió unos 100.000 euros antes del partido en que Barca golearon  un récord 7-1 ante el Bayer Leverkusen.

The check was presented to him as a result of winning the UEFA.com vote as captain of the “User’s team”. As he did before on the occasion of wining the prize in 2008, instead of keeping the money for personal use, Xavi decided to donate the money to the international Committee of the Red Cross that provides physical rehabilitation services in war-torn Afghanistan. The money will be used to help victims of land mines receive physical therapy, prosthetics, and vocational therapy so that they may one day walk—or even play soccer—again.

El UEFA le presentó el cheque a él por ganar el voto deUEFA.com como capitán del "equipo del usuario". Como lo había hecho antes, cuando ganó el premio en 2008, en lugar de quedarse con el dinero para uso personal, Xavi decidió donar el dinero al Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja que presta servicios de rehabilitación física a victimas de la guerra en Afganistán. El dinero será utilizado para ayudar a las víctimas de las minas a recibir terapia física, prótesis y terapia vocacional para que puedan un día caminar, o incluso jugar al fútbol de nuevo.

In spite of being a highly- paid star of European soccer, Xavi continues to live at home with his parents, brothers, and sister.  He has chosen a simple personal life as a contrast and a complement to his status as one of the most respected footballers on the planet. His choice to donate this sum of money is in complete accord with the way he has chosen to live his life.

A pesar de ser un crack bien pagado del fútbol europeo, Xavi sigue en casa con sus padres, hermanos y hermana. Él ha elegido una vida personal sencilla como un contraste y  complemento a ser uno de los futbolistas más respetados del planeta. Su decisión de donar esta suma de dinero está en  acuerdo completo con la forma en que ha elegido vivir su vida.

 UEFA.com reports that the star said on the occasion, "It's an honour to be part of the team and also to be captain," said Xavi. "It's an honour to represent European and world football, and in this case we are helping people who are more vulnerable and who need it – so I am proud in that sense.”

Informes de UEFA.com reportan que el Crack dijo en la ocasión, "Es un honor ser parte de este equipo y además ser el capitán. Estoy muy contento por representar al fútbol europeo y mundial y en esta ocasión estamos ayudando a la gente que más lo necesita, algo que me hace sentir muy orgulloso". 

Native vs. Non-Native Language Teachers of Spanish: a brief review.

A Thorny Issue.

At my school this year, the language department, and particularly the

Spanish faculty, will see some significant changes. As a veteran

teacher enters her retirement or “Jubilation” (jubilación), we are compelled to find a teacher to replace

her who brings many of the same qualities and skills to the classroom.

As the department undergoes these changes, we

want to ensure that the quality of instruction across the language and

department remains strong. As the department evolves we must seek to

define our teaching of the Spanish language in ways that will lead to

increased student achievement and deep enjoyment and satisfaction in

language learning.

One significant language teaching component that we have enjoyed with

The retiring teacher  is that Spanish is her native language. In fact, she is only

teacher of Spanish at our school who speaks as

her first language the material that she teaches. Over the years, she has

been be an excellent resource both to students and colleagues. As her

understanding of the language is so complete, she has long been a point of

reference for the department. For this reason, as we lose this veteran

teacher this year, we must consider how best to replace what she has

brought to the teaching of Spanish as a second language.

This brought up for me an essential question: as a language instructor, is

the best teacher a native or non-native speaker?

Native speakers have levels of language competence themselves which is

seldom matched by non-native speakers. Native speakers by definition have

a fundamental mastery of pronunciation and an ear for what "sounds

right".  In other words, they hay a complete understanding of

descriptive, what Chomsky calls Deep, grammar.  Truly great

native-speaking language teachers also develop in their professional

practice an understanding of Proscriptive grammar, as well, that is, what

the Real Academia Espanola deems officially correct usage.

Certainly, simply being a native Spanish speaker does not automatically

make you a competent teacher in general, nor a competent teacher of the

language. Being a great teacher is a learned skill, not a fixed or innate

quality. As Robert Phillipson (1996) has explained, “Teachers are made

rather than born, whether they are natives or non-natives.”

Non-native teachers have advantages too.  Because they have gone through

the process of learning themselves, they have empathy for language

learners, and a very clear understanding of the problem areas for language

learners (such as using the “to be” verbs Ser and Estar in Spanish). They

also can present themselves as models to their students of successful

models of non-native speakers who have achieved language competence. A

great advantage of a non-native teacher is his language awareness. This

teacher, as a result of his or her own experience with learning the

language, can help language learners to think about the language and about

the process of  language learning itself.  Incidentally, these advantages

also apply to native Spanish speakers who have achieved a high level of

proficiency in English as language learners themselves.  Because they

understand the process of learning a second language, they are able to

bring that knowledge to bear in the classroom.

In the hiring of a non-native teacher, however, one must also be vigilant

to ensure that the candidate is in fact truly competent in the language.

Sadly, a university degree in the language, or the accident of place of

birth does not always ensure competence in the language.  Because not all

members of the hiring committee are necessarily experts in the language, it

is important that the candidates be vetted through an interview in the

native language by other department members who are known to be competent

in the language.  I vividly remember being interviewed by

members of the department in Spanish for over an hour before my hire

eight years ago.

Student perceptions are important too. Hertel and Sunderman administered a

questionnaire to 292 students of Spanish at Florida State University. The

results revealed that “students perceive native speaking instructors to

possess advantages over non-native speaking instructors with regard to

pronunciation and culture, but not with regard to the teaching of grammar

or vocabulary.” English language learner forums on Englishbaby.com also

revealed some interesting perceptions.   On this discussion board, the

overall consensus seemed to be that non-native teachers were often most

useful as lower-level classes because, “he can explain differences between

languages, he can clarify the basic rules, grammar etc. in you language.”

This same contributor also stated,  “But a native speaker can help you

with pronunciation more then non native speaker, because his ears are used

to listening his own language, so he can easily correct your pronunciation.

Then you must talk with him in English, so you practice your speaking too.”

Clearly being a native speaker or non-native speaker does not predict your

success or competence as a teacher. In this sense, the question has an

easy comparison in sports:  Who is the better coach:  A former

professional athlete or a professionally trained coach who has played the

game recreationally?  Certainly we can think of many examples where

successful coaches have come from either background (for example,

Barcelona’s Guardiola and Real Madrid’s Mourinho). In his work contrasting

Native and non-native English teachers, Medgyes (1992) has noted that both

native and non-native teachers bring different advantages and

disadvantages to the table, and in the end, they have essentially an equal

chance of becoming successful language instructors.

For me, the element that is most important in a teacher of any material,

be it language or anything else, is passion and enthusiasm.  For a

language teacher, I believe the best teachers seek ways to be involved in

the langauge.  Whether native speakers or not, these lifelong students

view the language in the context in which it most often appears: a life

skill and a pleasure. They make connections in music, friends, lifestyle,

entertainment, food that they can use to inspire their students to take a

true interest in the material.

In summary, the best language teachers have a combination of excellent

training, rich experience with the language, and enthusiasm about the

material, the culture, and learning itself. It is important that they love

the language they are teaching, whether they are native or non-native

speakers.

Phillipson, R. (1996). ELT: the native speaker’s burden ? Power, Pedagogy,

and Practice.

     Oxford: OUP.

Medgyes, P. (1992). Native or non-native: Who's worth more? ELT Journal,

46, 340-49.

Hertel and Sunderman accessed February 10, 2012 at:

http://mailer.fsu.edu/~gsunderm/Research/Hertel%20and%20Sunderman.pdf

Englishbaby.com Forum topic: Native speaking teacher vs. non native

speaker http://www.englishbaby.com/forum/AskEnglish/thread/434175

 

Effort / Esfuerzo

Teachers, coaches, parents, and managers take as our sacred charge the mission to foster growth and development in the people we influence. We hope to foster a productive work environment, a unified team, or a proficient student.

Maestros, entrenadores, padres y jefes tenemos como responsabilidad sagrada el crecimiento y desarrollo de las personas que influenciamos. Tenemos la esperanza, a través de nuestra dirección, de fomentar un ambiente de trabajo productivo, un equipo unido, o un estudiante competente.

As it turns out, one of the most valuable contributions these leaders can make to this end is not simply to praise the trophy, the medal, or the win. Instead, great influential figures show their appreciation of effort, and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Como resultado, los aportes más valiosos de estos líderes en este sentido no es simplemente alabar el trofeo, la medalla, o la victoria. En cambio, las grandes figuras influyentes muestran su aprecio por el esfuerzo y la capacidad de perseverar ante la adversidad en la gente que influyen.

As Thomas Edison famously asserted, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” Success, in this view, is largely determined by one’s commitment to his goal. When we encourage someone’s effort rather than results, we communicate our value of their determination and willingness to take risks.

Como afirmó Thomas Edison, "El genio es uno por ciento inspiración y noventa y nueve por ciento transpiración." El éxito, de este punto de vista, es en gran parte determinada por su compromiso con su objetivo. Cuando apoyamos a los esfuerzos de una persona y no simplemente alabamos sus resultados, comunicamos nuestro valor de su determinación y voluntad de asumir riesgos.

Students who are rewarded for being “brilliant,” or athletes who are told they are “naturals” instead of “hard workers” are often sent the wrong message. As Carol Dweck asserts in The Secret to raising Smart Kids, “More than 30 years of scientific investigation suggests that an overemphasis on intellect or talent leaves people vulnerable to failure, fearful of challenges and unwilling to remedy their shortcomings.” Instead, Dweck asserts that those we influence should be encouraged to develop a “growth mindset” focusing more on effort than intelligence or talent.

Cuando premiamos estudiantes ​​por ser "brillantes", o alabamos a los atletas diciendo que son "naturales" en lugar de "muy trabajadores" enviamos el mensaje equivocado. Como Carol Dweck afirma en El secreto de la crianza de hijos inteligentes ", más de 30 años de investigación científica sugiere que un énfasis excesivo en la inteligencia o en el talento deja esas personas vulnerables al fracaso, miedo a retos y dispuesto a remediar sus deficiencias." En cambio, Dweck afirma que a los que influenciamos debemos ayudarles a desarrollar una "mentalidad de crecimiento", centrándose más en el esfuerzo que en la inteligencia o el talento.

Where there is effort, there is development. A growth mindset that rewards effort views improvement as a lifelong endless pursuit. In this way, the goal remains continuous improvement, not simply a material reward, a win, or a success. Keep making an effort, and you will be richly rewarded.

Donde hay esfuerzo, hay desarrollo. Una mentalidad de crecimiento premia el esfuerzo como una búsqueda sin fin para toda la vida. De esta manera, el objetivo sigue siendo el avance continuo, en lugar de una recompensa material o una ganancia. Cuando uno sigue esforzándose, se ve abundantemente recompensado.

Es

El Clásico December 10, 2011: Barcelona and Real Madrid both in stellar form

El Clásico December 10, 2011: Barcelona and Real Madrid both in stellar form leading up to the match

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are in excellent form going into this Saturday’s Clasico.  Los Blancos have the best team the club has had since the 1950s, having earned 37 points from 14 games, a record for la Liga Española. Barcelona is also in top form, though a 1-0 defeat away to Sporting Gijon last week has left them three points behind the league leaders, having played one game more (15).

Over the weekend, Angel di Maria distinguished himself in a 3-0 win over Sporting Gijon. Meanwhile, Cesc Fábregas was instrumental in a 5-0 win for Barcelona over fourth place Levante. The superb form of both teams will set up this Saturday’s match for a tremendous encounter.

Real Madrid is no longer the clutch of anti-football schoolyard bullies that Barcelona thrashed and humiliated 5-0 at Camp Nou twelve months ago.  Madrid are playing attacking football and scoring plenty of goals, averaging just under four goals per game. They have played several games with skill and style this season against weaker teams, and it is possible that the ugly “win at all costs” and “park the bus” defend and counterattack style that the self-named “Special One” Mourinho had used to such great success in the past may be behind them.  It remains to be seen, however, if they will maintain the high road of the “beautiful game” and continue to play an open and attacking game against a team with the consummate skill and possession ability of Barcelona.

Barcelona is beyond all doubt the greatest team in the modern game.  Champions of Spain and champions of Europe, they play beautiful tiki-taka attacking football and remain true to their style no matter who they play.  There are no secrets when you play against Barcelona.  The team will keep possession with short passes on the ground and pass the ball into the back of your net.  The problem is not figuring out what they are going to do, but rather figuring out how to stop them. 

In the recent past, Madrid has been the team on the outside looking in as Barcelona collected the silverware.  But could the balance of power be changing?   Tune in this Saturday to find out!

The history of Mourinho's Real Madrid v Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona
Nov 29, 2010: La Liga, Barça 5, Real 0. Barcelona played with joy and pleasure while Mourinho’s side were brushed aside like schoolboys.
April 16, 2011: La Liga, Real 1, Barça 1. This draw ensures that Barca will keep the title of Spanish Champions at the Bernabeu.  
April 20, 2011: Copa del Rey final (Valencia), Barça 0, Real 1. The only trophy for Los Blancos was won by Ronaldo's header in extra time against the run of play.  
April 27, 2011: Champions League semi-final 1st leg, Real 0, Barça 2. Real Madrid was again humiliated at home as Barca proves to be the far superior side.
May 3, 2011: Champions league semi-final 2nd leg, Barça 1, Real 1. Real play a more even game, and are able to achieve a draw at the Nou Camp.
Aug 14, 2011: Spanish Supercup, Real 2, Barça 2. Real again play well, with Xabi Alonso scoring a late equalizer.  
Aug 17, 2011: Spanish Supercup, Barça 3, Real 2. Jose Mourinho  shows his ugly side once again by fighting on the sideline. Nevertheless, Barca get the win with a late goal from Lionel Messi to break the draw.
Dec. 10, 2011:  ????