BOOKS: The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives and Amazing Stories

Bestselling travel writer Mark D. Walker has announced that his latest travel e-book, The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives and Amazing Stories, will be available for download at no charge September 24 through September 26 at Amazon. The ebook achieved bestseller status in the Guatemala History and the Guatemala Travel Guides categories.With over 50 years of study and writing about Guatemala, Walker delves into the extraordinary lives and stories of its people. At a time when Guatemala faces a crisis of democracy and persistent turmoil along its borders, understanding these human realities is more crucial than ever.In a recent review, Midwest Book Review wrote, "Embark on a journey of a lifetime as you delve into the pages of The Guatemala Reader, penned by the exceptional author Mark D. Walker. With his seasoned writer's perspective, Walker understands the transformative power of exploring exotic destinations that leave an indelible mark on your soul. His vivid descriptions, along with those of local authors and historians, bring to life the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Guatemala."The Guatemala Reader offers a unique and insightful perspective on this mesmerizing country, promising to transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment. Whether you are planning your next adventure to Guatemala or simply yearning to learn more about this captivating destination, The Guatemala Reader is your key to unlocking the secrets and treasures of this remarkable land."The ebook will be available for download at no charge September 24 through September 26 at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-D.-Walker/author/B071CZQZMC.Guatemala attracts several million tourists per year, with visits often beginning in Central America's largest city before venturing to ancient Mayan ruins and contemporary Maya villages. Over the years, Walker has journeyed to remote areas of Guatemala that remain unseen, even by most Guatemalans. Through his personal encounters with ordinary Guatemalans and his profiles of local Mayan leaders, advocates, writers, and poets, he offers a profound appreciation and nuanced understanding of this vibrant country.Maps, graphs, fact sheets, and photos support 18 stories to provide insights into the inner workings of Guatemalan society, starting with stories seen through literary and biographical prisms.The reader can also tap into the "Yin and Yang of Travel Series," which transports the reader to the far-off reaches of the country and includes some of his "saddest pleasures"- horrendous journeys that "gave him eyes." The remaining stories focus on contemporary Guatemala, from the impact of the Peace Corps over the last 60 years to the dynamics leading to the ongoing immigration crisis, ending with an insightful overview of Guatemala's political, cultural, and economic life with a new section at the end about how individuals can make a difference through their actions and philanthropy.The new travel book has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers. One 5-star reviewer called the book "A treasure trove of things Guatemalan." Another said, "I recommend this book to anyone who seeks a humanistic view of the country and its people not gained except through intimate contact."Bob Graham, Author of 50-50 at 50 and Founder of the Katalysis Partnership and Namaste Direct, said, "As a 50+ year student of all things Guatemalan, I can enthusiastically say the book is a modern-day classic."Joe Lurie, Emeritus Executive Director of UC Berkeley's International House, stated, "The Guatemala Reader offers inspiring escape hatches from misleading, oversimplified stereotypes and opens the possibility for enriching personal and humane engagement. As a former Peace Corps volunteer, like Mark, I see his book as an important and increasingly relevant and fulfilling contribution to the Third Goal of The Peace Corps –" 'To help promote a better understanding of other peoples among Americans."Professor of English Literature at the University of New Mexico, Stephen Benz, said, "The Guatemala Reader is brimming with wisdom, insight, and compassion. Mark D. Walker is the ideal guide for those looking for a deeper understanding of the issues confronting Guatemala and Central America."Walker was recently interviewed by Voyage Phoenix Magazine, which features some of Phoenix's most inspiring stories. The full interview is available at https://voyagephoenix.com/interview/life-work-with-mark-walker-of-scottsdale.In his second book, My Saddest of Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road, he describes how as a young Peace Corps Volunteer with no overseas travel experience, the world was his oyster, and he figured he could go anywhere if he set his mind to it—with little or no money. Then he married a Guatemalan lady and had to think more about "our" needs; three children meant additional requirements and responsibilities. Later, as a professional fundraiser, he set up donor visits to program areas where the organizations he represented needed funds. This meant considering the needs of up to fifteen individuals of all ages, including children and some donors in their 70s and 80s. He's become a savvier trekker, although he was still prone to the occasional snafu. The book is part of the "Yin & Yang of Travel" Series."His first book, a memoir, Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond, was recognized by the Arizona Literary Association for Non-Fiction. More than 20 of his articles were published in journals, including Ragazine, Literary Yard, Literary Travelers, Quail Bell, and WorldView Magazines. He is a contributing writer for Revue Magazine, Literary Traveler and the Wanderlust Journal. He has a column in the Arizona Authors Association newsletter, "The Million Mile Walker Review, What We're Reading and Why." His reviews can also be found on the Midwest Review Book Shelf, GoodReads and his website. "Hugs not Walls, Returning the Children" was an essay winner for the Arizona Authors Association 2020 Annual Literary Awards. Another article from his "Yin & Yang of Travel" series, which is also included in his new book, was recognized in the Solas Literary Awards for Best Travel Writing.

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"TENAY RODRÍGUEZ", SERÁ JURADO INVITADA EN EL MISS UNIVERSO CUBA 2024 EN MIAMI

Tenay Rodríguez, reconocida empresaria, coach motivacional, oradora, autora y presentadora de televisión y radio, ha sido invitada a formar parte del jurado en la primera edición del Miss Universo Cuba en Miami después de varios años sin realizarse. Este evento histórico, que se llevará a cabo en Miami, marca un regreso significativo para el concurso de belleza en la diáspora cubana.

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Julián Gil se une en Punta Cana...

Punta Cana, República Dominicana - El reconocido actor, conductor y empresario Julián Gil ha anunciado su participación como inversionista en el exclusivo desarrollo Riviera Costeña en Punta Cana, en colaboración con la destacada arquitecta Yermys Peña, conocida como "la arquitecta de las celebridades del sur de Florida", CEO de Construger. Reconocida por su capacidad para crear obras arquitectónicas innovadoras y adaptadas al entorno natural. Esta alianza promete consolidar un desarrollo inmobiliario de alto nivel en una de las zonas más atractivas del Caribe.Riviera Costeña es un proyecto ambicioso que busca ofrecer una experiencia residencial inigualable en las costas de Punta Cana, integrando diseño innovador y respeto por el entorno natural de la región. La participación de Julián Gil en este proyecto no solo refuerza su compromiso con la inversión en bienes raíces, sino que también subraya su visión de apoyar desarrollos en áreas de gran proyección internacional.“Punta Cana siempre ha sido un lugar muy especial para mí. Cuando conocí la visión de Riviera Costeña, supe que era una oportunidad perfecta para involucrarme como inversor ,Contar con Yermys Peña, una arquitecta con tanto talento y experiencia, es clave para que este proyecto sea un éxito.”, declaró Gil.Por su parte, la arquitecta Yermys Peña no solo participará en el diseño del proyecto, sino que también se ha unido a Julián Gil como inversionista. Conocida por sus destacadas obras en el Caribe, Peña aportará su experiencia y sensibilidad arquitectónica al desarrollo de Riviera Costeña, creando un entorno que refleje la esencia de la vida junto al mar. “Riviera Costeña es un proyecto que me llena de orgullo. Poder contribuir con mi visión de diseño y, al mismo tiempo, invertir en su crecimiento junto a Julián, es una oportunidad única. Estoy convencida de que este desarrollo marcará una nueva etapa en la oferta residencial de Punta Cana.”, expresó la arquitecta Peña.Sobre Julián GilJulián Gil es un actor, conductor y empresario de origen argentino, criado en Puerto Rico, con una exitosa carrera en la televisión, cine y teatro de habla hispana. Conocido por sus papeles protagónicos en telenovelas y su carisma como conductor, Gil ha construido una sólida carrera en la industria del entretenimiento.  Además de su carrera artística, Gil ha diversificado sus intereses en el ámbito empresarial, participando como socios en restaurantes en Miami y México. Sobre la Arq. Yermys PeñaYermys Peña es una arquitecta y urbanista dominicana con más de 20 años de experiencia, es CEO de Construger y Studio YP ha sido pionera en el diseño de edificios sostenibles en la República Dominicana. Ha recibido numerosos reconocimientos, incluyendo su membresía en el Forbes Business Council y la American Institute of Architects (AIA). Entre sus proyectos destacados se encuentran Vista 311, el primer edificio LEED Gold en la región, y Eco 23 Residences. Actualmente, lidera proyectos en Punta Cana, Rep Dom, Miami y Nueva York. Página web: www.yermyspena.com / www.construger.com Instagram: @yermyspena @construgerrdLinkdln: https://do.linkedin.com/in/yermysX: @yermysp

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Nuevo contagioso Sencillo de Salsa "QUE LE DEN CHAMPAN" de JCee Colon

[Miami, Florida] – [16 de julio de 2024] – Prepárate para moverte y bailar al ritmo vibrante de la salsa mientras la estrella en ascenso puertorriqueño JCee Colon conquista el mundo de la música con su electrizante nuevo sencillo, "QUE LE DEN CHAMPAN". Esta cautivadora canción es una versión fresca de la salsa tradicional, infusionada con el ritmo irresistible de JCee Colon y garantizada para ponerte de pie.

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Puerto Rican Salsa Sensation JCee Colon Ignites the Dance Floor with Infectious Salsa New Single "QUE LE DEN CHAMPAN"

[Miami, Florida] – [July 16, 2024] – Get ready to move and groove to the pulsating rhythms of salsa as Puerto Rican rising star JCee Colon takes the music world by storm with his electrifying new single, "QUE LE DEN CHAMPAN" (Let Them Have Champagne). This captivating track is a fresh take on traditional salsa, infused with JCee Colon's irresistible flow and guaranteed to get you on your feet.

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