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News Item A New and Better Site

By Barbara Gastel | Jul 19, 2008

Looking at this blog, you might think that I am having a quiet summer. After all, no new post has appeared in more than a month. Perhaps you think that I am relaxing at the beach or vacationing in the mountains. 

Actually, this summer has been busy. Since returning from the Spanish course in Mexico, I have done lots of teaching, writing, and editing. Sadly, I have also flown many miles to see my husband’s mother one last time and to attend her memorial service. 

Several of us have been busy working on AuthorAID. One result is a new, bigger, and more useful AuthorAID Web site. This blog will now appear at the new site. 

What’s different about the new site? 

“The main difference is a change in focus from a news-based blog site to a COMMUNITY Web site,” says consultant Stuart Church, who helped develop the new site. “New features include a community discussion forum, where you can ask questions and provide help to others. You’ll also find an events calendar with information about upcoming AuthorAID and AuthorAID-related events.” 

Later, Church says, the site will include private collaborative ...

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News Item A Message from Mexico

By Barbara Gastel | Jun 18, 2008

Greetings from Mexico! This time, I am away to learn, not to teach.

For many years, I have wanted to study Spanish. This language has become increasingly important in the United States. Also, I am working more and more with people in other countries who are native speakers of Spanish.

“How can I best start learning Spanish?” I asked a colleague whose job is to facilitate collaboration with Spanish-speaking countries. He suggested an “immersion approach”: spending at least 2 weeks in Mexico taking classes in Spanish and living in a Mexican home.

So, I am now spending 2 weeks in Mexico. I am taking 5 hours of Spanish classes per day. And I am staying in the home of a Mexican woman who does not speak English.

Although I wish I could learn faster, I have learned a lot since arriving about 10 days ago. I think I will have a good foundation to build on. And the experience has helped motivate me to continue learning Spanish.

Also, I appreciate the chance to “be on the other side”. I often teach English-language scientific writing to non-native speakers of English. Also, I have placed many ...

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