Hugo Chávez is divisive figure in Venezuela, as he is the world over, but the enthusiasm he generates amongst a large and vocal segment of the population is undeniable. Omar Vizcaya is a Chávez supporter, and was kind enough to agree to share some of his thoughts and ideas about the current situation.

With a difficult subject like math, it really helps to have a friendly, likeable teacher to help you through all the mental gymnastics required, and to give you a boost of confidence when needed. Andrés Valencia is just such a guy! Luckily for us, he agreed to chat!

Our friend, Rafael, returns this week to talk to us about his homeland and its culture. As he explains, the Mayan culture continues to thrive in Guatemala via its language, clothing, and customs.

Marriage and children bring with them needs and responsiblities that a soltero doesn’t have. Rafael hopes to grow his small pharmacy into a cadena of drug stores that he can use to benefit his wife and kids. To raise the necessary capital, Rafael is working abroad for a few years.

Recently the song "Mesa Que Más Aplauda" from the Mexican group Climax had reached coastal Venezuela and was blasting from every bootleg music kiosk and bus stereo. Its catchy, inane, meaningless refrain za za za, yakuza, yakuza was on the lips of every impressionable child from 5 to 50. Taimur was no exception (nor were we!)

Young Taimur’s Spanish is not quite as easy for the non-native as that of his neighborhood pal Zulbani, but he does have a lot of interesting things to say! Listen up, because our young friend presents an opportunity to hear some expressions and turns of phase you may have not heard before.

Zoraida is a big fan of one of Spain’s newest exports, La Oreja de Van Gogh. Besides listening to “Van Gogh’s Ear”, let’s find out what else she likes to do for fun in her spare time… apart from giving interviews!

Zoraida is a spunky young woman from coastal Venezuela who talks about her recent past and her hopes for the coming year.

Sometimes it’s nearly impossible to understand younger folks speaking in a language that’s not native to you, and other times it’s extremely easy. Luckily, Zulbany falls into the latter category! Let’s listen while she tells us about her trip to Mérida, up in the Andes.

Direct from his kitchen, Fermín tells us how to prepare a refreshing summer salad whose main ingredient is garbanzo beans. Let's find out what other ingredients this delightful recipe includes.

Maoli talks to us about an important historical event that marked a before and after for the LBGTI collective: the Stonewall rebellion.

Can you guess the English equivalents of common Spanish idiomatic phrases that literally mean things like "to come from pearls," "from the milk" and "even in the soup"? Let's find out from our friend Fermín, who will both explain them and use them in context.

Professor Joan Martínez Manent continues to share with us details about Tarragona, this time showing us the ancient Roman aqueduct that was built in the first century A.D. and fulfilled a variety of important functions for the ancient city.

Fermín teaches us more colorful idiomatic phrases in Spanish to recognize and put into practice.

As Lombana attempts to hold his workers accountable for what happened to Duque, the pressure on Duque himself is beginning to be too much for him to handle.