MEZCAL Party Zipolite

Rip cur­rents have got­ten a lot of press lately. Every sum­mer local and national news sta­tions invari­ably run a short piece on the dan­gers of rip cur­rents. This is great, as pub­lic aware­ness is the first step to decreas­ing drown­ing acci­dents. Unfor­tu­nately, most media pieces on rip cur­rents don’t tell the whole story. Here are five things you might not know about rip cur­rents that could save your life.

5 Things You Might Not Know About Rip Currents

They don’t pull you under­wa­ter.
There is no such thing as an under­tow. Noth­ing is going to pull you under­wa­ter (except a mael­strom or very large surf). Rip cur­rents occur when water from incom­ing swell energy returns to the ocean. As such, rip cur­rents do not pull under, but rather flow out­ward like a river.

They don’t always go straight out to sea.
Now we know that rip cur­rents go out, not under, but it is impor­tant to under­stand that they do not always go straight out.  Water fol­lows the path of least resis­tance. A rip cur­rent may flow straight out, it may curve, it may zig-zag, it may flow at an angle, or it may flow par­al­lel to shore and then curve sharply out­ward. Because rip cur­rents don’t always flow away from shore, many vic­tims do not real­ize they are in a rip until it is too late.

You shouldn’t always swim par­al­lel to shore.
Con­ven­tional wis­dom dic­tates that you should swim par­al­lel to shore when you are in a rip. That’s great if the rip is mov­ing straight out to sea, but if the rip is diag­o­nal, long­shore, or zig-zagging you will  tire your­self out by swim­ming par­al­lel to shore. As a rule, you should always swim per­pen­dic­u­lar to the flow of the rip, towards shore, with the wind.

You shouldn’t always wait for the rip to end.
Some peo­ple sug­gest wait­ing for the rip to stop flow­ing before fig­ur­ing out how to reach the shore. That’s fine if you are in a small rip, but some rips flow 300 yards out to sea. The best way to escape a rip is by act­ing quickly and ratio­nally. Once you feel the pull, fig­ure out which direc­tion you are going and then fol­low the guide­lines in step three. Wait­ing until the rip ends may leave you very far from shore.

You don’t have to be an expert swim­mer to save a life.
You just need to be smart and informed. If you notice some­one in a rip, first sig­nal for help. Life­guards and surfers will be able to respond effec­tively. If you are on land, call 9–11. If you have avail­able flota­tion (rafts, body boards, surf­boards) approach the vic­tim and lend the flota­tion. If you do not have flota­tion, but have avail­able assis­tance, a human chain can help pull vic­tims to the safety of the sand­bar. Just remem­ber, never panic and never ever approach a vic­tim with­out flota­tion. A poten­tial res­cuer should never become a victim.

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How To Say “Fat” in Spanish

This time Andy only made 2 mistakes instead of the usual 5. Again, I made a note of his mistakes with my smart phone in order to share them with you.

Patrick Jackson

How to say fat in Spanish is what you will learn from this blog post. And I will talk about a Spanish word that can be both used as an insult or a term of affection. I will also teach you how to say fat as in body fat, animal fat and “fat” as in being over-weight.

How To Say Fat in Spanish

In a previous blog post, I told you about how I went “al cine” (to the movies) with some Colombian friends and they had a friend named Andy who joined us.

Andy is from the U.K, and he is sort of a “mochilero” (backpacker) who has traveled throughout Latin America. “Mochilero” comes from the word “mochila” which means “backpack.”

In that email, I told you about 5 mistakes that I heard Andy make when speaking Spanish.

Well, Andy is still here visiting Medellin, Colombia. And last night Andy, the same group of friends, and I went out to get something to eat.

1. At the “restaurante,” when the “mesero” (waiter) took Andy’s order, he asked for “costillas de cerdo” (pork ribs) and “papas a la francesa” (french fries). (In Colombia, french fries are called “papas a la francesa” but in most parts of Latin America they are called “papas fritas” — literally, fried potatoes).

After telling the “mesero” (waiter) that he wanted “costillas” (ribs) — but at the same time wanting to eat somewhat healthy — Andy then told the “mesero,” “sin mucha grasa.”

In Latin America, that’s not the correct way to say “without a lot of fat.” Well, “grasa” does mean fat. But in Latin America, when referring to the fat that is on meat, the word that you should use is “gordo.” So Andy should have said “sin mucho gordo” (without a lot of fat).

“Gordo/a” also means fat as in overweight:

• Mi jefe estaba gordo. My boss used to be overweight.

Got Learning-Spanish Questions? Come Learn with "La Familia" 

Calling somone “gordo” (fatso) or “gorda” (fatso) is also a way to insult someone.

But in many parts of Latin America and also in Spain, “gordo/gordito” and “gorda/gordita” can be used as names of affection. For example, “dame un beso, gorda” (give me a kiss, sweetheart.)

Speaking personally, my “novia” (girlfriend) could probably score more points with me by calling me “flaquito” (the diminutive word for skinny) instead of calling me “gordo.”

After Andy placed his order, I then placed my order and requested:

- Pechuga a la parrilla – grilled chick breast – Ensalada – salad – Un vaso de agua de la llave – glass of tap water.

And yes, you can drink the “agua de la llave” (tap water) in Medellin. It actually tastes pretty good. But not as good as the tap water from “Nueva York” (New York) — which, in my opinion, tastes better than any bottled water. (But I would not recommend drinking “agua de la llave” in any Colombian city other than Medellin.)

Andy noticing that I had ordered a healthy “plato” (dish), he then asked me in Spanish:

2. “Patrick, ¿quieres perder gordo?

I responded, “Sí, quiero perder GRASA y ganar músculo.” (emphasis added). (Yes, I want to lose fat and gain muscle.)

As I mentioned earlier, “gordo” does refer to fat. But when you are talking about body fat (or blubber) the word to use is “grasa.”

So Andy should have asked me, “Patrick, ¿quieres perder grasa?” “Patrick do you want to lose fat?”

The Spanish word “grasa” also means grease. And the Spanish word for lard is “manteca.”

No related posts.

SLACKLINE I Epic Slack Tandem

Mezcal Zipolite The Mexican Party!!!! Viva Mexico!!!!!! Ven a Pasartela bien Los esperamos tenemos muchas Promos!!!!

Dream it. Do it.

Playa Zipolite. Welcome To The Beach Of The Dead!: The Hot 100 ... Ivans Favs ... Of Monsters and Men...

Playa Zipolite. Welcome To The Beach Of The Dead!: The Hot 100 ... Ivans Favs ... Of Monsters and Men...


First time I have played and listened to this set since I posted back in April.

I am busy at work.  Life is good.

:)

ivan

Masa For The Masses Mazunte Taqueria brings authentic Oaxacan cuisine to Red Bank BY MICHAEL TAYLOR · SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2013 · DINER

Masa For The Masses

Mazunte Taqueria brings authentic Oaxacan cuisine to Red Bank

BY MICHAEL TAYLOR · SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2013 · DINER

Photo: Jesse Fox

0 Comments

      

Tags: Diner, Mazunte Taqueria, Oaxaca, Cincinnati food, Cincinnati restaurant,tacos, Mexican

At Mexico’s southern tip lie three small coastal fishing villages: San Agustinillo, La Ventanilla and Mazunte, whose combined population tops out at just more than a thousand. Thatched roof huts of dried palm overlook golden sandy beaches, frolicking sea turtles and stunning ocean views, luring eco-tourists who seek the last of the world’s pristine, undeveloped lands.

The setting had inspired Mazunte Taqueria owner Josh Wamsley to create a dining experience matching those spent as a hungry English professor in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, a place he calls the “unofficial mecca of Mexican cuisine.” During his tenure, he culled together recipes from “old grandmothers,” who no doubt are among those carrying on the region’s reputation as the “land of the seven moles,” richly complex, chocolaty, spicy sauces that take a day (or more) to prepare.   

Wamsley steams tamales — masa mixed with meat and mole wrapped in either corn husks or toasted banana leaves. He chops avocado and presses corn maize dough onto a flat clay “comal” to form tortillas and jagged, cupped-edged memelitas. He fire-roasts peppers and tomatoes to produce smoky salsa. He stands watch over a soupy, hominy-rich pot of pozole. Through it all, he has unearthed the true Mexico, not the one spoon-fed to most Americans, but the one demanding preparation borne of tradition, heart, sweat and soul.

Mazunte’s abbreviated but compelling menu is a homage to los antojitos, “little cravings” of street food filling Mexican streets, quieting growling stomachs of a hard-working population. Only a month old, the taqueria is quickly earning good word-of-mouth as Wamsley transmits his passion for authentic Mexican cuisine via a series of eloquent, heartfelt Facebook posts.

Mazunte’s opening was a long time coming: We’d first heard of the place several months ago, frequently driving by the restaurant near the corner of Madison and Red Bank roads with the hope of finally trying it.

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We entered Mazunte with a healthy dose of cynicism — after all, how unique could this place be when Cincinnati is already home to a diverse makeup of both Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican cuisine? How many more ways can one cook up a taco or tamale or an enchilada? Oh, to be naïve again.

Mazunte is located in the east corner of a tiny strip mall, its darkened windows making it appear deserted from a distance. Wamsley’s “reusable, sustainable” interior theme is clear: Scouring area farms, he’s breathed new life out of refuse stacked by the truckload, taking the phrase “reclaimed wood” to a literal extreme. The restaurant is cozy and simple: an L-shaped bar, a row of makeshift wooden stools, cinder block partitions and DIY tables make efficient use of the small, street art-spiked space. 

At the register, we ordered a “mixed taco” plate ($9) including three of four available proteins: braised chicken with red chili and avocado salsa, spinach crema and queso fresco; shredded pork with avocado and roja salsa; and beer-battered fish with Mexican slaw, mango-habanero salsa and guacamole. Each taco was served on a single, hearty corn tortilla.   

We also selected the chicken enchilada plate ($9), several melted Oaxaca cheese-filled tortillas topped with shredded, slow-cooked chicken, spinach and queso fresco, served with white Mexican rice dusted with cilantro. A side of fresh guacamole ($4.75) was too good to resist.  

Presented with an empty basket and cup, we were directed to the opposite corner where a woman took our receptacles and filled them with piping-hot fried tortillas, hearty guacamole and two varieties of salsa, conservatively doled out from larger reservoirs of delicious eye candy.

We sat triumphant at a nearby table, retrieving drinks from a tiny fountain machine already depleted of two Coke varieties. Our “chips” and salsa were unlike anything we’d seen: stacks of whole fried tortillas with slits in the center to keep them flat. The smoky fire-roasted and verde salsas were both piquant and vibrant. While the guacamole portion was small, it boasted a pleasing ratio of cumin, onion and cilantro.

My tacos, while diminutive, packed bold, hearty flavors usually found at more expensive, trendier taquerias. My girlfriend’s chicken enchiladas offered an attractive stacked presentation showcasing the spicy braised chicken. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the Mexican rice — usually an afterthought; this wasn’t at all like the forgettable red stuff served at other Mexican restaurants. Essences of chicken and cilantro electrified our senses. 

Mazunte honors its ambitious theme of tradition, authenticity and care.

Mazunte Taqueria
Go: 5207 Madison Road, Madisonville
Call: 513-785-0000
Internet: mazuntetacos.com 
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday

 

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How to Drive in Mexico: Get to Puerto Escondido and Vivo! Posted by Vivo Resorts on Fri, Sep 06, 2013

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How to Drive in Mexico: Get to Puerto Escondido and Vivo!

Posted by Vivo Resorts on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 @ 06:30 AM

  

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Making your way to Puerto Escondido and Vivo Resorts is half the fun of being there! Mexico is a country of striking landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, and driving is one of the best ways to enjoy it. However, driving in Mexico may take some getting used to if you've never operated a vehicle outside Canada or the United States, as the driving culture is quite a bit different than what you might be used to. Be aware of some major differences in driving and auto insurance laws that may come into play during your journey.

Understanding the Local Highway InfrastructureRight now, construction of a major new highway is underway in Oaxaca. Known as the Puerto Escondido-Oaxaca highway, the project is nearing completion and will make getting to Puerto Escondido  easier than ever before. If you're thinking about investing in Oaxaca or Puerto Escondido real estate, the highway project may turn out to be a boon to your bottom line. It is expected to stimulate a great deal of economic growth in the region, which should also trigger significant appreciation in local real estate values. Given that Puerto Escondido is already experiencing double-digit year-over-year increases in property values, there is no telling just how high the market could climb once the highway is complete.

In the meantime, you can use several other existing, albeit more scenic, routes to get to Puerto Escondido:

• Highway 190. While this is not the most direct route to Puerto Escondido, many believe it is the easiest to navigate. If you don't mind a little sightseeing along the way, Highway 190 leads through Huatulco and Salina Cruz, both of which are well worth a visit.
• Highway 175 & Highway 200. Taking Highway 175 through Pochutla, then continuing north on Highway 200 to Oaxaca is a relatively easy drive and is more direct than taking Highway 190. This route also offers a number of interesting vistas and is a relatively easy drive.
• Highway 131. This is the most direct route between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido, but you should be aware that road conditions are not the best and that the highway runs through mountainous terrain. While the highland views are impressive, you are also at heightened risk of encountering landslides, especially during the rainy season. If you choose to take this route, always be mindful of weather and road conditions.

Driving in Mexico: Practical Information and Tips
Generally speaking, drivers in Mexico and other Latin American countries are more aggressive and have a looser interpretation of the rules of the road. Here are some practical tips and pointers to keep in mind:

• Drivers tend to be very aggressive, and may not always use turn signals
• Always try to anticipate what others around you are going to do
• Do not turn left out of a parking lot; instead, always turn right and go around the block
• Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night if you're not comfortable with nighttime driving
• Expect a high volume of commercial traffic on Mexican highways
• A two-lane highway with paved shoulders is usually used as a four-lane highway; pull onto the shoulder to let passing drivers get past you
• Try to drive at the speed of the traffic around you; if you want to go slower, keep right

Combine caution with vigilance until you get used to driving in Mexico. It may take a period of adjustment at first, but within a few days, you should feel right at home on the roadways.

Bringing Your Vehicle into Mexico
First and most importantly, make sure that you have valid and current auto insurance coverage while driving in Mexico. If you are involved in an accident and you do not have proper insurance, you are subject to imprisonment if injury or property damage was caused. Check with your auto insurance provider to see if your present coverage will carry over to Mexico; if it won't, purchase additional coverage prior to your departure.

Your current and valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license is all you need to drive in Mexico, but you must be absolutely certain that it will not expire while you are away. You'll encounter problems with the authorities if you attempt to drive on an expired or invalid license. Also, you should always keep a copy of your passport in your vehicle with you as a secondary form of identification.

Learn Spanish, Links Great Links to Learn Spanish for FREE This is my collection of what I consider to be the best sites on the internet to learn Spanish, most of which are free. The links to resources and/or products that you actually have to pay for are ones that I have purchased or subscribed to myself. This list is far from complete,

Learn Spanish Links

Great Links to Learn Spanish for FREE

This is my collection of what I consider to be the best sites on the internet to learn Spanish, most of which are free.  The links to resources and/or products that you actually have to pay for are ones that I have purchased or subscribed to myself.   

This list is far from complete, and I'll continue to add more links as time permits, and as I continue to find more great resources.  There are literaly hundreds of sites to learn Spanish from on the internet, but I think these are the cream of the crop.

Enough chit-chat, here are the links, and ¡buena suerte!

Grammar

Dr Lemon's Grammar Notes

Fred Jehle - Spanish Verb Forms

This site is packed with verb conjugation charts, giving you not only the conjugations, but the English meaning of each conjugation as well.  If you need to see verb conjugations, this is the page you need to go to.


Video 

The Destinos

This is an online telenovela designed and produced by the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.  This is not your typical telenovela, but instead an amazing production with a great storyline, great acting and will keep you intrigued, all the while helping you learn Spanish.  This telenovela was specifically designed to teach you Spanish and entertain you.  Each chapter focuses on specific grammar topic.  There are 52 episodes, you won't be disappointed.

This site has been recently updated and looks great.  New learning material has been added to help you learn even more.

 University of Texas at Austin

This site has a huge collection of videos that are interviews of native Spanish speakers that cover a variety of topics and proficiency levels, from beginner to superior.  Each video has Spanish and English transcripts and an associated grammar lesson.  Without a doubt, this is a must see.

Language Media - Spanish Language by country

This site has a collection of homemade videos of Spanish speakers from the countries of Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua and Spain as they conduct their day-to-day business in the streets.  There are transcripts in both English and Spanish, and to my knowledge, none of the videos are scripted, they capture people speaking naturally in plain old everyday Spanish.  You definitely should take a look at this site.

La Casa Rojas Free Daily Spanish Video Classes


Don't miss this one. Señor Rojas has posted a series of great videos designed to teach you Spanish. These videos are very well done, another site you don't want to miss.

Lingus.Tv

Yet another fantastic video site, this contains numerous videos at different levels.  The vidoes are creative, funny and great learning tools.  The videos are downloadable, and transcripts are provided.

Free Audio Courses


FSI Spanish

Many people sell the FSI course for $100 or more, but the truth is this is a complete course that is in the public domain and available for download for FREE at the following sites:

Download from the official FSI website

Download from Spanish Dimensions

Download from FreeLanguageCourses

 - The download link is hard to see.  It's underneath the image of the FSI course in tiny letters.

I hate the fact people are making money off of a course that is absolutely free to the public.  DO NOT pay for this course.  If you can't find it anywhere else, contact me and I'll give it you.

Podcasts


Audiria

Another amazing site, completely free.  It's packed full of podcasts, all of which are 100% in Spanish, cover all sorts of topics - grammar, interviews, short stories and more.  There are transcripts, but again, everything is 100% Spanish.  This site can definitely take your Spanish to the next level.  If you're interested in Spanish from Spain, this site is for you.

They have material for all levels of Spanish learners.


Learn Spanish with the Independent from Cactus Language Learning

This site offers free learning Spanish podcasts with levels from beginner to advanced.   Here's the site description:

Cactus’ Language Minis is a Spanish podcast series, developed to offer easy learning on the go. It consists of seven levels, each with 10 downloadable podcast lessons and PDF workbooks, which take you from beginner through to advanced level. The Language Minis series is designed to help you increase your understanding of the Spanish language and equip you with language skills for use in everyday situations.

Personally I really like this site.  Did I mention these learning Spanish podcasts are free?


Q and A Spanish

This is another great site, totally free.  The podcasts answer questions that have been submitted by listeners.  Got a question?  Ask it at Q&A Spanish.  No question is too easy or too hard.  Just go to their Facebook page and ask away.

If you aren't going to this site and their Facebook page, you need to be.


Other stuff


Lyrics Training

Don't miss this site.  It's a really fun way to improve your Spanish listening skills by listening to music.  They have lots of songs rated from easy to advanced with a Karaoke mode that displays the lyrics as the song plays and a game mode that tests your listening ability.

Check out the site, it's a great way to improve your Spanish and it's lots of fun as well.


Paysites

SpanishPod101

You'll have to register for a free account, but they publish several new lessons a week.  You can download the audio for free, but you'll have to pay for the lesson notes.  Be sure to take advantage of their free trial.

If you decide to subscribe, the lessons are very good and they have a huge library of lessons for all levels.  I think a basic subscription is well worth the money.

 SpanishPod

Unlike the majority of the other links listed, this is actually a pay service, but well worth your hard earned cash.  They publish lessons almost everyday of various levels.  They've got a free 7 day trial, which I recommend.  For roughly $60/yr, you get access to their now huge library of lessons and videos.  I was a member of this site for several years, and if you're goal is to be fluent in the language, I strongly recommend this site.  I will say that if you are a nearly fluent speaker, then this site is probably not for you.  But for the rest of us, I consider this site to be invaluable.

Learning Spanish Like Crazy

Available by download, this is a great course that will have you speaking Spanish if you put your due diligence.  It has 3 levels that cover everything you need to know.  You search Google and/or Amazon for reviews.  Each level is available for download for roughly $97 each.

I highly recommend this course, it's what I used to learn Spanish. I own all three levels.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3


Marcus Santa Maria

I purchased nearly every course or subscription service Santa Maria offers.  I highly recommend his material.  His philosophy is teaching you what you need to know to get you communicating effectively in the shortest amount of time possible.  Marcus has a talent for taking the most complicated Spanish and making it easy to understand.

Synergy Spanish

Learn how to speak Spanish

Orále wey, Sunday, September 8, 2013 When it comes to Mexican Spanish, you almost can't get any more Mexican 'than' this.

My Spanish Notes rodney.spanish@gmail.com via google.com	11:10 AM (11 hours ago)
to me

My Spanish Notes

---

Orále wey Posted: 08 Sep 2013 11:02 AM PDT When it comes to Mexican Spanish, you almost can't get any more Mexican this. No cabe duda (there's no doubt) that when you hear the word orále you're either speaking to a Mexican or speaking to someone who spends a lot of time with Mexicans. Back in the days when I had a tutor, almost every time we talked on the phone she would end the call with: Orále, chao or Orále, nos vemos  One day I decided to ask her about it, and she gave me a not so direct  answer (I got this type of answer a lot).  She said "It depends, it can mean a lot things".  Well, eventually everything started to make sense, but let's see if I can save you some heartache by telling you about the most common uses. Orále, chao Ok, bye Orále, nos vemos Ok, see you later Here are a few more examples: Te llamo despues Orále I'll call you later Ok ¿Quieres ir al cine? Orále, vamos Do you want to go to the movies? Ok, let's go Voy al super, ahorita vengo Orále I'm going to the store, I'll be right back Ok You can use it to tell someone to get the lead out. ¡Orále!, No tengo todo el día Hurry up, I don't have all day When you see something amazing, like a super cool car or a huge one punch knockout in a boxing match: ¡Ooooraleeee! Wow! You've really gotta drag it out to get the best effect. It can also mean cool, great or fantastic. Saqué un 100 en mi examen ¡Orále! I gotta 100 on my exam That's great ! You can use it for disbelief: Estoy saliendo con Selma Hayak Orále wey I'm going out with Selma Hayak Yeah right It's perfect for when someone surprises you with news you weren't expecting. Mi novia esta embarazada Orale wey! ¿Neta? My girlfriend is pregnant Seriously dude! Really? And lastly you can use as with the intention of "please, come on" Papa, préstame el coche, órale Dad, let me use the car, come on As you can see there a number of ways to use orále.  It's meaning changes based on context and more importantly your tone of voice. While I'm on the topic of Mexican Spanish, many people ask me "where did you learn all this stuff?"  Well, it's time to share my secrets. OK, I'm busted.  The truth is I don't have any secrets.  Most of my knowledge of Mexican slang and colloquialisms come from partying hard in the bars and streets of Mexico, from talking with my local Mexican friends and my old tutor.  But I did have some extra help along the way from some pretty good books. All of the books below are about Mexican Spanish and have been pretty useful.  I own them all.  In fact, I have a ton books about learning Spanish, it's an addiction.   Anyway, let's get on with it. Speaking Spanish Like a Native is really a great book, it's one of my favorites even though it took me a long to realize it.  It talks about greetings, goodbyes, partying, swearing, and all sorts of Spanish for situations you'll need that you probably haven't even thought of yet, like to refresh your memory, to put someone to the test, to be sick of, fed up, kill the mood, be in the same boat, and way too many others to mention.  And the good news a lot of this stuff is actually fairly neutral Spanish you can use with anyone. Spanish Lingo for the Savvy Gringo is another book dedicated to Mexican Spanish.  And again, even though it targets Mexican Spanish, a lot of it is pretty neutral.  It covers a variety of topics you don't see in other books like groceries, seafood, cooking, housing, housework, driving, the mechanic and a ton more, so if you're an ex-pat in Mexico this book may be what the doctor ordered. Mexican Slang plus Grafiti.  This book stands out in my mind for several reasons.  Right now the number one reason is because I know I bought it and I can't find it.  That makes me angry, but that's not your problem.  The other reason is because it's also a very good book.  With chapters like sex, drugs, rock and roll and party time, how can it not be a good book? Any one or all of those books will help you impress your friends and make you sound like you were born Mexican.  I've rambled on long enough, but I'll leave you with one more place you can go to learn Spanish in general, as well as Mexican Spanish. SpanishPod101.com - Learn Spanish with Free Podcasts I've rambled on enough, so I'll let you click on the link and check it out.  And yes, the podcasts are free, there's no catch involved.  I download them all the time and they help a lot.  It's good stuff.   But like any business, they are out to make a buck.  The podcasts are free, but PDF transcripts are not.  I will say the price is reasonable (maybe $60/yr for a basic subscription) and you get access to a huge library of Spanish lessons that have been built up over several years.  I've been a long time user and customer of that site.  What I find most impressive is it's the only site I've seen that has lessons on regional Spanish...Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and even Argentina. Orále pues, this has gone on too long.  Go try out what you just learned with your friends and have fun. ¡Hasta la próxima!