We’ve all heard of the bolero, which has its modern roots in nineteenth century Santiago de Cuba (even though we might not be able to hum one on cue). But what about the cuartetazo? Born in Córdoba, Argentina, and derived from Spanish and Italian dances, the name is derived from the fact that the earliest players were invariably four-piece bands. The rhythm is similar to merengue.

¿Quién es Javier García? With his producer (and two-time Academy Award winner) Gustavo Santaolalla, Javier Garcia talks about his roots and influences. Also, we learn about some noted musicians who contributed to the album 13, including the great trumpet player, Arturo Sandoval.

As an artesan, Javier Marin works with a variety of materials, employing many techniques to create his pieces. He has been kind enough to take the time to explain some of these materials and processes. Javier’s father, in the days well before email, used to transmit telegraph messages via morse code in the building adjacent to where his son now works.

Ecological awareness is universal these days, especially among young people. Javier explains his own use of natural and biological materials, a use that does not involve the destruction of any living creatures, but rather the reuse of materials that have been jettisoned by their original animal owners.

Sometimes we wonder: What do people from Chile eat? Well, thanks to our friend Joaquín we have an answer. And who doesn’t love sandwiches?

José Rodriguez, the caretaker of a beautiful finca, or farm, is kind enough to show us around and tell us a bit about the area and himself. You will probably realize that pues, as José employs it, is a common muletilla (“filler” word), used to add a bit of emphasis or just as a matter of speech style, and doesn’t really always have to be translated (though it can often be thought of as akin to “well”).

Also known as "Nito Paya," comedic actor Juan Sanchez shares with us his experience teaching a children's circus class in Ecuador.

The game of brisca uses 40 cards known as the “Spanish deck.” One aspect of play involves using body language to reveal your hand to your partner. This is why the gentleman says “we blink an eye and we do like this…” He is making a joke about this body language/cards relationship when he says “your head aches when you have the ace of oros.”

Do you like playing cards? Then don't miss this video in which Silvia introduces you to the Spanish card deck.

Do you know what each of the suits of the Spanish deck was associated with in the past? Discover this and other interesting facts about it, such as the names of some of the plethora of games that it can be used to play.

Sylvia teaches us about some of the verbs that are commonly used during the course of a card game in Spanish as well as some of the different types of decks there are worldwide.

Aside from the meaning of a playing card, the Spanish word "carta" also has many other meanings. Let's learn several of them!

The board game Parcheesi is played all over the world with varying names. In this video, Silvia explains the board in detail and talks about the objective of the game.

How is Parcheesi played? Although there are some regional variations in the rules for this game, there are some generally applicable fundamentals. Let's hear Silvia explain some of them!

Silvia introduces us to the Game of the Goose, which is played with a special board, different colored pieces, and a single dice. Let's find out how to play this simple yet entertaining game.