The Best of Mexicanist Newsletter, Issue 13/2023
Discover Mexico's essence in the Best of Mexicanist newsletter. From Mexicana de Aviación's historic ascent to Tijuana's culinary delights, delve into jazz fiestas, eco-friendly innovations, and the rich Aztec history. Uncover the flavors, rhythms, and stories that define this vibrant nation.
Welcome to the Best of Mexicanist newsletter! Explore the soaring heights of Mexicana de Aviación's historic journey, dive into the brilliance of Merida's Museum of Light, groove to jazz in Riviera Maya, and savor eco-friendly mango seed plates. From ancient Aztec tales to modern sustainability, embark on a vibrant odyssey of culture, science, and gastronomy.
Mexicana de Aviación Prepares for Liftoff with Assignment Title
Mexicana de Aviación, Mexico's new state-owned airline, receives a historic assignment title from AFAC. Now, it's on the runway to launch, but the challenging journey to secure an Air Services Operator Certificate awaits.
Merida's New Museum Illuminates Science and Art
The Museum of Light in Merida, a collaboration between UNAM and the Yucatán government, is a multidisciplinary marvel where science, art, and technology converge. With colorful exhibits, historical insights, and the emotional impact of color, it's a brilliant addition to the cultural landscape.
Groove to the Tropi-cool Sounds of Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in Playa del Carmen is a tropical paradise where world-class jazz meets crystal-clear waters. Featuring legendary and rising talents, this free-access festival is a musical fiesta like no other! Don't miss the 2023 edition.
Mango Seed Plates That Make Plastics Green with Envy
In Mexico, researchers are turning mango seeds into eco-friendly disposable plates, combating plastic pollution. These plates are durable, biodegradable in under a year, and support the local economy. A tasty twist on sustainability!
Why Sun Is More than Just a Ball of Fire
Get ready for the Sun's stellar performance in the 2024 total eclipse! Dr. Xóchitl Blanco Cano reveals the Sun's fiery secrets, from its magnetic dances to solar wind, as we witness its cosmic choreography up close with spacecraft like Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter.
How Marrying a Princess Built Aztec Tenochtitlan
The Aztecs, once a barbaric, wandering group, found their home on islets in the Texcoco lagoon around 1370 AD. Their journey to greatness, propelled by prophecy, political maneuvering, and the pursuit of refuge, eventually led to the rise of Tenochtitlan.
Save the Frogs! A Mexican Amphibian Crisis
Mexico's amphibians are in hot water with over 50% at risk of extinction. Habitat changes and a deadly fungus are to blame. Frog enthusiast Gabriela Parra Olea and her team at UNAM are working hard to save these slimy wonders. Conservation and community involvement are their secret weapons.
Tijuana's Unique Sizzle From Caesar Salads to Jazz Jams
Tijuana, the capital of good food, offers a gastronomic fusion like no other. Explore Baja Med cuisine, sip aged wines, savor food truck delights, and dive into a taco tour. Culinary adventures await in this border city!
The Vital Role of Diet and Nutrition in Aging Gracefully
In Mexico, the elderly face a dual challenge of obesity and malnutrition. Adequate nutrition is crucial, with tailored calorie and protein intake, along with key micronutrients. A balanced diet and professional guidance can help older adults lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The Pioneering Power of Perovskite Solar Energy
Perovskite, a versatile mineral structure, is transforming renewable energy. Researchers are enhancing solar cells, achieving remarkable efficiency gains. Beyond solar energy, perovskite offers potential in LEDs, photocatalysts, and photodetectors.
How Mom's Education Shapes Your Brain Development
Your brain's journey from birth to adulthood is a wild ride! Mom's education, birth timing, and puberty play roles in brain development. Science explores the fascinating connections in our brains. The mystery of genes vs. environment continues to baffle.
The Spaniards' Pinch-Worthy Aztec Art Encounter
From Teotihuacan's inspiration to Tenochtitlan's grandeur, the Aztecs' artistry left Spaniards awestruck. Their complex temples, skilled stone carving, featherwork, and distinctive codices reveal a vibrant artistic journey.
Cracking the Case of Vanishing Plant Species Facing Extinction
Plant species are vanishing faster than ever, with 3 out of 4 undiscovered species at risk. Researchers at UNAM and Kew Gardens unveil the urgent need for taxonomy to understand and conserve our precious flora, highlighting the irreplaceable diversity of life on Earth.
The Rise and Fall of Moctezuma II and the Aztec Empire
In 1502, Motecuzoma II rose as the Aztec ruler, merging the priesthood with authoritarian rule. Faced with the Spanish conquest and wavering faith, he met a tragic end, marking the fall of the Aztec Empire's ascendancy from obscurity.
How We Can Pawsitively Change the World
Itzcóatl Maldonado Reséndiz, a bioethics expert, urges us to reevaluate our treatment of animals, stressing they deserve protection, not ownership. Speciesism must end, and we should embrace legal and ethical responsibilities for our furry, feathered, and scaly companions.
The Rise of the Aztec Triple Alliance
From a confederation of city-states, the Aztecs transformed into a formidable empire. Led by Motecuzoma Ilhuicamina, they conquered, thrived, and paved the way for commoners to participate in public life, marking a remarkable chapter in Mesoamerican history.
The Entertaining Evolution of Mexican Comic Art
Mexico's comic history dates back to the 1920s, and its golden age in the 1930s saw classics like “La Familia Burrón.” While it had its ups and downs, the 1990s brought a rebirth with “Ultrapato” and the rise of Mexican comic studios, promising a bright future for the country's comic scene.
A Tale of Antarctic Rivalry, Redemption and Icy Embrace
In 1912, Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic expedition lost a race to Roald Amundsen. Yet, Scott's unwavering determination and Amundsen's unexpected camaraderie revealed a deeper human spirit that transcended glory. A tale of rivalry and redemption in the frozen heart of Antarctica.
How to Make Mexican Rice with Peas and Sausage
Mexican rice with peas and sausage: This hearty dish is a flavor-packed extravaganza with sizzling sausages, golden rice, ripe tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parsley. It's like a cozy bear hug for your taste buds.
Are You Protected in the Digital Cybersecurity Jungle?
A deep dive into internet user's cybersecurity habits reveals a mix of awareness and neglect. Financial attacks and identity theft top their fears, but there's a lag in adopting advanced security measures. Antivirus use is declining, while cloud adoption is on the rise.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the Mexican culture, innovation, and history. From the soaring ambitions of Mexicana de Aviación to the enchanting melodies of Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, each story reveals the rich mosaic that defines Mexico. Stay tuned for more tales that celebrate the spirit of this extraordinary nation in our next edition.
