Olentzero 2010

Dec 16, 2010 by guerrica

read more

Basque speaking professional needed!-Paid 2-day contract position in Seattle!

Dec 8, 2010 by guerrica

Kaixo lagunak,

Today I was contacted by Alex Saenz of Modis (an Information Technology staffing firm) regarding an interesting, short, 2-day contract for a bilingual Basque/English speaker who would work with a company called Swype which has developed a novel texting method. The aim is to translate terminology and words for Swype into Euskara. Position requirements are given below:

Please feel free to forward this on to any local (Seattle metro) applicants who might be interested, but may not be on Seattle Euskal Etxea’s roster.

Eskerrik asko!

Joe M. Guerricabeitia
President, Seattle Euskal Etxea
president@seattleeuskal.org
www.seattleeuskal.org

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Saenz, Jr., Alex <Alex.Saenz@modis.com>
Date: Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Subject: Basque speaking professional needed!
To: president@seattleeuskal.org
Cc: “Saenz, Jr., Alex” <Alex.Saenz@modis.com>

Hello –

My name is Alex Saenz and I am recruiter for Modis Inc. I currently have a client that is in need of a Basque language expert for a short term work contract. I wanted to reach out to you and see if you could send this out to the members of your organization. Your help is very much appreciated. The job description can be found below:

If you have knowledge of Basque language I’d love to talk to you about this very short, two day contract position in downtown Seattle. This is with a cutting edge technology group in the mobile device field.

The requirements for this position are:

1.      Please be available for at least two days to complete this assignment
2.      Please be knowledgeable in Basque as well as English
3.      Please have experience working with mobile phones. iPhones a plus!
4.      Please be authorized to work for any employer in the US

If you are interested in this opportunity, I’d love to speak to you! This is a great way to earn some extra money before the holidays! Please let me know and I look forward to hearing from you.

Alex Saenz Jr. | Resource Development Manager | Modis

Modis, Inc. | 2101 4th Ave, Suite 750 | Seattle, WA 98121

alex.saenz@modis.com

Office – 206.269.2432 | Mobile – 206.962.9384 | Fax – 206.441.6628

www.modisit.com

read more

Picasso is in Seattle!

Dec 5, 2010 by guerrica

For the first time in its history, the Musee National Picasso from Paris, France is releasing its major works for exhibition around the world.  Seattle is one of only 3 US cities who are being honored with the event.  More than 150 pieces which span Picasso’s 80 years of work are currently on display at the Seattle Art Museum.

Picasso was able to transcend the standard boundaries of artists and move throughout various mediums during his long and prosperous career.  Whether it was his sketches, sculpture, cubist drawings or his more political works, he was recognized and praised for each.

Visitors to SAM are able to view Picasso’s works with 12 galleries housing pieces from of his art over a certain phase of his life.  Picasso’s personal life certainly influences his art and it can be seen as you move through the galleries. From ”Weeping Woman” to his  ”Head of a Bull” sculpture, the artist was not afraid to experiment and collaborate with others to express his ideas.   Although one of his most famous pieces, “Guernica” is only viewed through photographs of the production process, the images are still worth seeing.

Enjoy Picasso at SAM through January 17th, 2011!

read more

SEE-Picasso 11/4; Basque Dancing 11/7; Mus 11/12; Euskara classes coming Jan 2011

Nov 2, 2010 by guerrica

Kaixo Lagunak,

Please find a reminder below regarding upcoming activities and as always check out our website: www.seattleeuskal.org

Come join us @ 4pm to beat the crowds and enjoy Picasso for FREE. Afterwards we will head down the street and enjoy some pinxtos while ponder Picasso’s inspiration for his work.

BASQUE DANCING (under 18)-11/07 @ 4pm @ Gure Garmendia’s;RSVP/CONTACT TONI FOR ADDRESS @ SABAROTS@SEANET.COM OR ( 206-321-2107 OR 206-324-4161)

Bring something to share (drink or eat) and be ready to play!

NEWSLETTER COMING IN MID-DECEMBER
Have an announcement? Want to write an article on a general Basque topic? Contact Joe G @ president@seattleeuskal.org. Articles will be due by Thanksgiving 11/25.

EUSKARA CLASSES-Fall 2010/Spring 2011- RSVP/Contact Amaya @ secretary@seattleeuskal.org
Many of you have asked for an introduction to Euskara and by networking with our fellow clubs and the NABO and Basque government sponsored Basque Language Coordinator, Izaskun Kortazar, we are on track to launch local classes via the web assistance of the HABE Basque language program. The hope is to give individuals who are interested in learning the opportunity to study collectively online with supplemented group meetings. In order to partake in this initial offering please contact Amaya for details.

Ikusi arte,

Joe
–
Joe M. Guerricabeitia
President, Seattle Euskal Etxea
president@seattleeuskal.org
www.seattleeuskal.org

read more

Seattle Euskal Etxea-Upcoming Events

Oct 20, 2010 by guerrica

Kaixo Lagunak:

Please take a minute to check out a brief review of what has been going on with SEE and what we have coming up in the near future.

SEE Summer Picnic Recap-9/11
Last month SEE successfully celebrated its summer picnic with the support of members from throughout Washington. Those who came shared food, stories and in some cases played mus. In honor of our gathering Mother Nature did her part and provided great weather along Lake Sammamish. Only darkness and the police brought the festivities to a close (it’s oks; they closed the park because of dusk…not us . This year, we held a 50-50 mus tournament in which seven teams played in two brackets. The championship match paired the Ciganda’s of Moses Lake vs Gaizka Mallea (SEE Treasurer) and me (Joe Guerricabeitia; SEE President) channeling the skills of our father’s home town of Munitibar, Bizkaia. After initially swapping chicos Gaizka and I were victorious against the gracious Ciganda’s. In addition to the standard NABO mus tournament in the Spring we intend to continue to hold a mus tournament in the summer and are looking to hold more regular mus events in the Seattle area throughout the year (see below).

I was happy to see several SEE regulars as well as a few new faces wanting to find out about SEE and our activities. Hopefully, we can continue to grow from the success of the annual Spring & Summer events and hold other smaller events throughout the year (see below).

Amongst our guests were documentary filmmakers Brent Barras and Amaya-Oxarango Ingraham who are working on documentary of Basques of the American West. You may have seen them completing the Basque festival circuit this summer and you can catch a taste of the final product here:

NABO Meeting-10/9 in Rocklin, CA

I, Joe Guerricabeitia, attended NABO meeting in Rocklin, CA hosted by the Iparreko Ibarra Basque Club. Many things were discussed and a two-and-a-half page summary of notes can be found here:

http://www.seattleeuskal.org/2010/10/11/nabo-fall-meeting-oct-9th-lincoln-ca/

A few notable highlights:
Basque TV & Radio-Euskal Telebista has great online streaming for TV and Radio located here: www.eitb.com; Use links for EiTB, Canal Vasco, Radio Euskadi, Euskadi Irratia, Radio Vitoria, Gaztea and EiTB Musika

-TBD when ETB via satellite will be coming to the US West coast

Udaleku-Basque Music Camp

SF 6/18-7/2; Two one-week camps; $250/child; Ask club for $50

Mus-

i. New website: www.GlobalMus.com

ii. NABO Tournament 2011 in Fresno, CA

iii. International Mus Tournament 2010;

1. Came in under budget @ 22K;

2. NABO hosted players and visiting delegates;

3. Tourists paid $1200 for 9-10 days

iv. NABO Tournament 2012 Vancouver, BC

v. Jr Mus-Gina Espinal; Ages 12-17; How to attract more players 12-17?

vi. Mus cards: NABO mus cards still available for sale through SEE $5 a pack

j. Kantari Eguna-in absentia: 2011 tentatively in Gardnerville

k. Facilitator’s Report-John Ysursa

i. ”.eus” Internet domain “.eus” is being worked on. Cataluña successfully lobbied for “.cat”; www.puntueus.org

ii. Aukera (choice) = Being Basque today is more a question of choice as generations become more removed from the 1st generation. In order to continue to “market” and brand Basqueness to the masses a couple of individuals and their websites have been contacted to support “Basqueness”

1. Pedro J. Oiarzabal; www.euskalidentity.com

2. Blas Uberuaga; www.buber.net/Basque

Mus-Playing at an etxea near you!-10/22 7pm 2602 NW 59th Street, Seattle, 98107; RSVP/Contact Gaizka @ treasurer@seattleeuskal.org

A few of us have started to play on a sporadic time table at various people’s houses, but now that we have garnered a loyal following we’d like to see if there are more players who are willing to play and potentially host a more regular game. Initial thoughts were potentially playing twice a month. Care to play? Join us on Friday and/or contact Gaizka Mallea at: treasurer@seattleeuskal.org, about getting on our mus e-mail list.

NABO (the North American Basque Organization) to which SEE is a member has also launched a new website to facilitate teaching of mus in English, French, Spanish and Euskara. Chjeck out www.Globalmus.com A cheat sheet for mus put together by SEE can be found here: http://www.nabasque.org/pdf/Mus.pdf

Basque Dancing for Children-10/24 @ 5pm @ 2309 Warren Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 (Rosa Urrutia’s); RSVP Toni @ (206-321-2107 or 206-324-4161)

Toni Sabarots Etulain, a former SEE President, and Rosa Urrutia, a former Boise Oinkari, have paired up to get a feel for interest in teaching Basque dancing to Seattle area children. They will be holding a meeting/dance lesson for children this Sunday in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. If you’d like to participate bring your little ones and an appetizer to share. Also RSVP to Toni (206-321-2107 or 206-324-4161) so she can have an idea of how many people are coming. FEEL FREE TO PASS THIS ALONG.

A Night with Picasso-11/4 @ 4pm @ Seattle Art Museum; followed by pintxos at Taberna del Alabardero; RSVP Marilou @ board1@seattleeuskal.org www.seattleartmuseum.org ; www.alabardero.com
You may have heard that Picasso has landed at the Seattle Art Museum! Picasso arrived at SAM 10/8 and will be on display through 1/17/11. This extraordinary collection comes from the largest Picasso museum in Pablo’s native France. Due to a necessary museum renovation these masterpieces have left France for the first (and potentially last!) time and come directly to Seattle to start their world tour.

Although not Basque Picasso has left his mark on the Basques. His controversial piece “Guernica” highlighted the travesty which was the Spanish Civil War and specifically the German Condor Legions bombing of Gernika in 1937. This piece was so controversial that it was housed in the Guggenheim of New York until after the death of Spanish dictator Gen. Francisco Franco for fear it would be destroyed. Mind you this piece is larger than a standard wall in a home!. Basques have long asked for the piece to be moved to the Guggenheim in Bilbo, but for now it remains in the museum “La Reina Sofia” in Madrid. I recommend seeing it in person if you have the chance. It is quite moving.

Keeping in mind that economic times are tough for many, SEE has decided to take advantage of SAM’s “1st Thursday” free admission and meet at SAM on the 1st Thursday of Nov. Both the time and date have been selected to garner a group prior to the later post 5 o’clock crowd while still taking advantage of the waived admission fee. Afterwards we will head to Taberna del Alabardero a great Belltown Spanish bar/restaurant with an interesting social mission and two employees (the Manager and a Sommalier) that trace their roots to Euskadi (with last names like Anasagasti and Oyarzabal you are Basque!).

Euskara Classes-Fall 2010/Spring 2011- RSVP/Contact Amaya @ secretary@seattleeuskal.org
Many of you have asked for an introduction to Euskara and by networking with our fellow clubs and the NABO and Basque government sponsored Basque Language Coordinator, Izaskun Lortazar we are on track to launch local classes via the web assist of HABE Basque language program. The hope is to give individuals who are interested in learning the opportunity to study collectively online with supplemented group meetings. On order to partake in this intial offering please contact Amaya for details.

Olentzero in British Colombia, Canada-December-Details to come
As fall swiftly encroaches it is time again to think about the holidays. Although I was unable to find details at the time of this posting (the Zazpiak Bat BC website appears down) remember that our friends up north traditionally host a a gathering complete with a Basque Santa or Olentzero. Details for this event will be post to the SE website as they become available.

BASQUE GOVERNMENT GRANT APPROVED; YET TO BE FUNDED
SEE was notified that our grant to the Basque government was fully funded for 2010!. Although we have yet to receive the funds we did determine that we were one of the only clubs that had already been contacted with a positive outcome. Although these monies have already been earmarked (they must be spent as indicated in the grant submitted) they free up monies brought in from dues, and funds generated from events. Our goal with SEE is not to “make money” but to hold, and sponsor events celebrating our heritage and unique culture. As a Board we do not wish to become reliant on EuskoJJaurlitza (Basque Governement) money as many other clubs and even NABO have (60% of NABO monies come from EJ!), especially as the fallout from last years political upheaval continues to be determined. However, we appreciate that the EJ has recognized that we are doing some of value here in Seattle. SEE will always continue to look at any opportunity to obtain grants or funds that will allow us to continue to celebrate being Basque.

SEE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 2011!
It’s that time of year again to begin thinking about SEE membership. Although a formal mailing will be sent with the next newsletter it is never too early to renew It is only with the support of SEE members that we are able to pay the upfront costs associated with hosting major events such as the the spring dinner and summer picnic, musicians, and visitors as well as smaller activities such as UW Language Day, NABO Mus tournaments, Euskara classes (these are coming this spring!), etc.

read more

Upcoming Events + SEE Spring Dinner Recap.

Apr 16, 2010 by guerrica

Egun On and Happy Friday,

I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight SEE’s recent Spring Dinner and make you all aware of upcoming events next week (Aita Tillous Memorail Mass Viewing April 24th), in May (Mus) and in June (Dance).

UPCOMING EVENTS

AITA TILLOUS MEMORIAL MASS VIEWING-APRIL 24th, 3PM-?, $-DONATIONS APPRECIATED
It has been just over a year since the passing of Aita Tillous the Basque priest that  served the US Basque communities from 1994 until his cancer prevented him from doing so. In order to honor his memory  SEE members Toni Sabarots Etulain and Jon Etulain will be hosting a viewing of the Aita Tillous Memorial Mass, Saturday April 24th @ 3:00pm. More details to come.  Please e-mail Toni to RSVP and with questions: asabarots@seanet.com

MUS IN MAY-$20, 3-4 meetings, TBD
Ever wanted to learn how to play mus? Know how to play but were never comfortable enough to play in a tournament? Want to get some practice throughout the year? Willing to teach what you know? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions then Mus in May is for you!

The intent of Mus in May is to teach mus, so that more players will continue to play in our semi-annual tournaments and so we can increase the level of play coming out Washington. Although played by many Spaniards and latinos, mus is uniquely Basque and it is a complex game in the style of poker, but with more betting rounds for various “hands”. Played in pairs it is ubiquitous with almost any Basque gathering, next to bread and wine. Mus in May will include becoming familiar with the traditional card set, mus vernacular from the various Basque regions as well as Spanish, how to count points and basic strategy. A mus “cheat sheet” will be provided.

If you’d like to take part in Mus in May please e-mail me, Joe, at president@seattleeuskal.org and let me know your availability in May. I will attempt to put together 3 or 4 meeting times that will accommodate the most people. All proceeds will be used to support continued mus activities such as annual travel to the NABO mus tournament. Mus decks for purchase will be available to players at cost.

JOTAS IN JUNIO-$20 3-4 meetings, TBD
Ever want to learn a Basque dance? Know how to dance but its been years and you think you might roll an ankle? Willing to teach what you know? Now is your chance! If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions then Jotas in Junio is for you.

The intent of Jotas in Junio is to teach everyone a basic jota (fandango) and as time permits a basic porruslada (arin arin). Traditionally danced in pairs or groups these two dances are the most popular and can get you through just about any Basque festival, street dance or informal Basque affair where music and wine are present.

If you’d like to take part in Jotas in Junio please e-mail me, Joe, at president@seattleeuskal.org and let me know your availability in June. I will attempt to put together 3 or 4 meeting times that will accommodate the most people. All proceeds will be used to support continued dance activities.

PAST EVENTS

SPRING DINNER
Mil esker to everyone who helped to make the Spring Dinner a success. This includes everyone who helped set-up, clean-up (taking trash home in some cases and all who attended. Your continued support makes SEE and events like the Spring Dinner possible. The SEE Board would especially like to thank Nora Leech for her gracious hosting of the event, Conchita Michelena for her culinary delights which continue to grace our events, Brandi Peetsch and Jennifer “Mackie” MacDougal for tireless kitchen support, Mary Guerricabeitia Murelaga for helping fill the house with Basque music and a few “gringo” tunes and Lindsey Boldrin for acting as an unofficial child wrangler for all of the little kids. Thank yous also go out to everyone who brought a side dish to share. Lastly, a big eskerrik asko to all members of the Board who worked before, during and after the event to make sure that everything went smoothly. I look forward to continue to work with you all in 2010.

MUS TXAPELDUNAK
The turnout for mus was exceptional this year! Fortunately we were able to use an extra room at PRAG house to accommodate all of the players. After several hours of play Jose Mari Guerricabeitia and Fidel Michelena were crowned the 2010 Mus Txapeldunak. Zorionak to them both as this is their 2nd year in a row as champions! We wish them luck at the NABO national mus tournament, June 12th in Winnemucca, NV.

BYLAW REVISION
In conjunction with the Spring Dinner SEE was able to update our bylaws to better reflect the historic practices of the club and remove prescriptions that were in place that only made it more difficult for the SEE Board to be successful. Thank you for the great turn out! Without a quorum of voters this would not have been possible. Shortly, we will be adding a page to the SEE website which will list the current bylaws.

ELECTIONS
SEE elections were held at the Spring Dinner and the work of the Board was reaffirmed as all prior members were re-elected with one positional shift. Danielle Bock-Grande, who has served successfully as President for the past several years is now Vice President, and I, Joe M. Guerricabeitia, am President. A big thank you to Danielle for her tenure as President. I look forward to continue working with her and the other members of the Board to promote the Basque culture in the Washington state.

Hope to see many of you soon for Mass, mus or dance!

Ondo segui!

Joe

read more