Latest news with #Quito
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I hate online dating, but as a single woman living abroad, the pros outweigh the cons
Sinead Mulhern is a single woman living abroad in Ecuador. She has canceled dating apps from her phone several times. But has decided that the benefits of using dating apps while living abroad outweigh the negatives. Between applying layers of sunscreen during a day at the beach, I delete the dating apps from my phone. Good riddance, I think. But in a moment of boredom, a few weeks later, they're back. "Maybe this time…," I tell myself. By now, deleting dating apps feels about as monumental as taking out the trash. I can't even recall how many times I've removed Tinder and Bumble from my phone, telling myself I would be better off without them. I have a love-hate relationship with dating apps, and I'm sure anyone else who's single and swiping in 2025 can relate. On top of the chaos that already comes with decision fatigue and endless small talk, I live abroad, so cultural differences and the second-language barrier also come into play. And frankly, after living abroad alone for 7 years, I'm surprised I haven't developed carpal tunnel from all the swiping. Over the years, I've developed some grievances with the apps and dating culture in general. Recently, a friend and I recounted some absurd dating stories — memories we wish we could block out forever. There were the guys who had secret wives or girlfriends (a Tinder classic), the bad kissers, the guy who fell asleep while eating dinner, and the one who we discovered sold guns illegally (I wish I were joking). More recently, there was a seemingly pleasant man who took me out for dinner, messaged the following day, and then vanished into thin air. (Ghosting. Another Tinder classic.) These are just a handful of our Tinder tales — the hall of fame, so to speak. "The expectation-versus-reality of dating apps would be like if you went to a steakhouse but all they had was canned tuna," I said to my friend. We laughed ourselves into stitches. I've never been more grateful for female friendship. Laughter heals. Honestly? It is pretty funny. There can be a stigma around dating apps — something I've noticed more living in Ecuador than in Toronto, where I lived before. Anecdotally, North American women have a reputation here for being more forward or casual when it comes to dating, which can influence how we're perceived, fairly or not. Another stereotype is that these are "just hookup apps." Although I've found that dating apps are for whatever you're looking for, be it a relationship, new friends, or something in between, so long as you're clear. Besides, I've seen men creepily shoot their shot just about anywhere — the corner store, a taxi, my running route, bars where they work, hotel receptions, even grocery stores. If dating apps are a space for hookups, apparently so is everywhere else. At least apps come with filters and block buttons. Still, in 2025, these modern systems have their ups as well. I've met many great people through dating apps — some I remain in touch with. I've learned about places I'd love to go to one day from people from Spain, Argentina, and Venezuela. Not having expectations anymore means I'm open to the friendships, fun dates, and meaningful conversations that do come along. I've developed a deep appreciation for the good. For example, soon after arriving in Ecuador, I considered it a win to go on dates in Spanish, practice speaking, and learn about the culture. During that time, I went to a bar dedicated to a specific soccer team, took a motorcycle ride to the city's lookout point, found what became my beer spot, and tried a local dish, encebollado, for the first time. The first time I went out with someone in Spanish, I felt so proud to hold a conversation all night. Dating apps have played a significant role in speaking Spanish with fluidity. That's a tangible win. I notice the little things too — like how holding restaurant or car doors open for me is second nature to South American men, and how Sundays are reserved for family. Neither is standard back home, and these small gestures reveal something lovely about Ecuadorians. When I travel, exploring the mountains, cities, and coastline, I swipe through profiles to see if there's someone interesting to meet. I'm happy on my own, but meeting others can add to travel experiences. Read the original article on Business Insider
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Ecuador reopens mining concession registry after seven years
QUITO, June 16 (Reuters) - Ecuador's mining ministry announced on Monday the launch of a new registry of concessions for the first time in seven years in an effort to attract more mining projects to the South American country and curb illegal operations. The prior registry was shut down in 2018 over concerns of irregularities in the concession system, and no new concessions have been granted since. "Mining needs regulation to secure investments and promote development that is responsible with the environment and with communities," Mining Minister Ines Manzano told a press conference. The ministry will open the registry in several phases, beginning with the small-scale non-metallic mining, such as limestone and clay that are used for cement and ceramic products. The next phase, for small-scale metallic mining, will open in September. The registry will open to other types of mining at the start of 2026. Manzano said the registry, called the National Mining Cadastre, will consolidate information on mining concessions with transparency and efficiency. The reopening coincides with new regulations on how to request permits for small-scale, non-metallic mining. "We have improved the regulations and will issue guidelines that enable the proper development of the mining value chain," Manzano said. President Daniel Noboa, who has pledged to fight drug gangs and boost the economy, ordered the re-launch of the registry in October as part of a mining decree that includes actions to stop the spread of illegal gold mining. Ecuador mainly produces copper, gold and silver, and last year generated more than $3 billion in exports. Despite holding considerable resources, the country has lagged behind other Andean countries such as Peru and Chile in developing large-scale mining due to opposition from indigenous communities and adverse court rulings. Noboa's administration has also proposed new mining fees, which sparked backlash from the country's mining chamber. Government spokesperson Carolina Jaramillo on Monday told reporters that the fees would correspond to the size and type of the mining project, and that an "open dialogue" was in process with sector representatives.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Resecurity Expands LATAM Presence Through Strategic Partnership with INFORC in Ecuador
LOS ANGELES & QUITO, Ecuador--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 15, 2025-- Resecurity, a U.S.-based cybersecurity and threat intelligence company, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with INFORC ECUADOR, a leading Ecuadorian cybersecurity company that specializes in offering cybersecurity solutions and services to organizations across the region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Resecurity Expands LATAM Presence Through Strategic Partnership with INFORC in Ecuador This partnership marks a key development in Resecurity's expansion strategy across Latin America, solidifying its presence in Ecuador and further enhancing the availability of its advanced threat intelligence and cybersecurity solutions to local organizations. Founded in 2005, INFORC ECUADOR® is widely recognized for its expertise in information security compliance, secure software development, incident response (CSIRT), and offensive security testing. As a reseller of Resecurity's cybersecurity solutions, INFORC will help local organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture by delivering Resecurity's state-of-the-art products, including the Context™ threat intelligence platform, advanced endpoint protection, and fraud prevention solutions. Through this partnership, INFORC will: 'Our partnership with Resecurity is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to Ecuador,' said Ing. Carlos Jumbo, CEO of INFORC. 'By reselling Resecurity's solutions, we can offer our clients world-class cyber threat intelligence and risk management capabilities to help them secure their operations and meet compliance requirements.' 'We are thrilled to partner with INFORC to bring our advanced cybersecurity solutions to Ecuador,' said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity. 'This partnership helps us further extend our presence in Latin America and equips INFORC with the tools and expertise needed to help local organizations defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.' The collaboration is poised to address the growing demand for cybersecurity solutions in Ecuador, especially in light of rising cyber threats targeting both public and private sector entities. INFORC's trusted status in the region, combined with Resecurity's innovative technology, will provide Ecuadorian organizations with the advanced tools necessary to proactively manage and mitigate digital risks. With this agreement, Resecurity continues its commitment to building strong relationships with regional partners across Latin America, reinforcing its role as a key player in the cybersecurity space. About Resecurity® Resecurity® is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified endpoint protection, fraud prevention, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence platform. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, by Inc. Magazine, Resecurity was named one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California. As a member of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore (AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), Thailand (AmChamThailand), and UAE (AmChamDubai). To learn more about Resecurity, visit About INFORC ECUADOR® Founded in 2005, INFORC ECUADOR® is a leading Ecuadorian cybersecurity company recognized for its expertise in providing comprehensive cybersecurity services and solutions. With a strong presence in the local market, INFORC specializes in areas such as information security compliance, secure software development, incident response, penetration testing, phishing detection, and cyber intelligence services. The company also offers cybersecurity training, awareness programs, and operates a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). INFORC's in-depth knowledge of the Ecuadorian market and its commitment to delivering top-tier security solutions make it a trusted partner for both private and public sector organizations. Learn more at View source version on CONTACT: Shawn Loveland [email protected] KEYWORD: LATIN AMERICA NORTH AMERICA UNITED STATES ECUADOR SOUTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SOURCE: Resecurity Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/15/2025 01:51 PM/DISC: 06/15/2025 01:50 PM
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Resecurity Expands LATAM Presence Through Strategic Partnership with INFORC in Ecuador
LOS ANGELES & QUITO, Ecuador, June 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Resecurity, a U.S.-based cybersecurity and threat intelligence company, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with INFORC ECUADOR, a leading Ecuadorian cybersecurity company that specializes in offering cybersecurity solutions and services to organizations across the region. This partnership marks a key development in Resecurity's expansion strategy across Latin America, solidifying its presence in Ecuador and further enhancing the availability of its advanced threat intelligence and cybersecurity solutions to local organizations. Founded in 2005, INFORC ECUADOR® is widely recognized for its expertise in information security compliance, secure software development, incident response (CSIRT), and offensive security testing. As a reseller of Resecurity's cybersecurity solutions, INFORC will help local organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture by delivering Resecurity's state-of-the-art products, including the Context™ threat intelligence platform, advanced endpoint protection, and fraud prevention solutions. Through this partnership, INFORC will: Offer Resecurity's market-leading cyber threat intelligence and fraud prevention solutions to Ecuadorian enterprises and government entities. Deliver expert services related to Resecurity's platform implementation, training, and support. Collaborate with Resecurity to offer cybersecurity compliance, incident response, and intelligence services tailored to Ecuador's regulatory environment. Provide enhanced threat detection, phishing prevention, malware tracking, and brand abuse protection solutions. "Our partnership with Resecurity is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to Ecuador," said Ing. Carlos Jumbo, CEO of INFORC. "By reselling Resecurity's solutions, we can offer our clients world-class cyber threat intelligence and risk management capabilities to help them secure their operations and meet compliance requirements." "We are thrilled to partner with INFORC to bring our advanced cybersecurity solutions to Ecuador," said Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity. "This partnership helps us further extend our presence in Latin America and equips INFORC with the tools and expertise needed to help local organizations defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats." The collaboration is poised to address the growing demand for cybersecurity solutions in Ecuador, especially in light of rising cyber threats targeting both public and private sector entities. INFORC's trusted status in the region, combined with Resecurity's innovative technology, will provide Ecuadorian organizations with the advanced tools necessary to proactively manage and mitigate digital risks. With this agreement, Resecurity continues its commitment to building strong relationships with regional partners across Latin America, reinforcing its role as a key player in the cybersecurity space. About Resecurity® Resecurity® is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified endpoint protection, fraud prevention, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence platform. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, by Inc. Magazine, Resecurity was named one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California. As a member of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore (AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), Thailand (AmChamThailand), and UAE (AmChamDubai). To learn more about Resecurity, visit About INFORC ECUADOR® Founded in 2005, INFORC ECUADOR® is a leading Ecuadorian cybersecurity company recognized for its expertise in providing comprehensive cybersecurity services and solutions. With a strong presence in the local market, INFORC specializes in areas such as information security compliance, secure software development, incident response, penetration testing, phishing detection, and cyber intelligence services. The company also offers cybersecurity training, awareness programs, and operates a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). INFORC's in-depth knowledge of the Ecuadorian market and its commitment to delivering top-tier security solutions make it a trusted partner for both private and public sector organizations. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Shawn Lovelandpress@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Adult Swim's ‘Women Wearing Shoulder Pads' Gives Almodóvar-Style Melodrama a Stop-Motion Twist
'It's [like] a film by Pedro Almodóvar, but animated,' 'Women Wearing Shoulder Pads' creator and director Gonzalo Cordova said during an Annecy Work in Progress session on Friday. The influence of the Spanish filmmaker can be seen in the very structure of the show's title and the bright colors of the sets and costumes appearing in this upcoming Adult Swim show. More from Variety Golden Globe Nominated 'Inu-Oh' Director Masaaki Yuasa Explores the 4th Dimension, Friendship and the Texture of Noodles in New Film 'Daisy's Life' Pixar Announces New Original Film 'Gatto,' Previews Joan Cusack's 'Toy Story 5' Return and Presents 'Hoppers' Exclusive Footage at Annecy Laika Unveils New 'ParaNorman' Short Starring Anna Kendrick and Finn Wolfhard: Original Feature Getting Halloween Re-Release Pitching in a Work in Progress panel at the Annecy Animation Festival, Cordova, once a writer for 'Tuca & Bertie,' linked the show back to his familial connection with Ecuador. The initial idea came from Cordova's move to the United States at age five and his estrangement from the practice of people eating guinea pigs. This turned into the overarching plot of 'Women Wearing Shoulder Pads.' Primarily set in Quito, Ecuador, the show follows a wealthy woman who moves to the country, seeking to exploit the guinea pigs and turn them into a business. But the series is also touched by the absurd: for starters, the guinea pigs are massive. 'These ones are the size of people and can be fought in bullfighting rings,' Cordova explained. The work-in-progress session showed off other intentionally silly clips of non-sequitur scenes, like a woman being told to adopt a duck in her meat business, and in response, imagining herself dancing and romancing one of the waterfowl. Others featured a character explaining being bribed with a slideshow and a woman finding the priest's side of a confession booth occupied by a pigeon. To build the show, Cordova connected with the studio Cinema Fantasma, which is also debuting 'I Am Frankelda'—the first stop-motion animated feature produced in Mexico—at this year's festival. Episode director, art director and production designer Ana Coronilla, and Cinema Fantasma founders Roy and Arturo Ambriz spoke at the panel about their collaboration with Cordova. Coronilla spoke extensively about the design work and how 'when you design for stop motion, you have to think about all the other departments of your studio—how the costumes are going to affect animation and construction.' In an interview with Variety following the session, Coronilla, who directed some episodes of the show and worked on developing its look, described how they used mixed media to manage time and the cost of set building, which also allowed freedom to experiment with the spaces. 3D printing came in handy for the puppets, too. The pilot of the series was entirely handmade, with Roy Ambriz describing how much of it evolved, particularly with puppet parts being 3D printed. 'At first we were a little afraid because we like to do everything manually,' he said, 'but then we figured out that it's also manual. The programs still allow you to use them like clay.' But much of the production design, particularly the costumes, came from somewhere even more personal: the fashion school designs of Cordova's mother. Her designs were among the first images Cordova showed the Cinema Fantasma team. The filmmaker's wife, Rachel, also consulted on the fashion elements of the series, pinpointing the most accurate shoulder pads and silhouettes associated with the era. Their feature film 'I Am Frankelda' came up during the panel, as the productions were happening simultaneously. 'The sets were literally right next to each other to the point they were just separated by black fabric,' Cordova said. 'So you just walk in, see a monster, and then you'd go to the other side and see a puppet dancing.' (Coronilla chimed in to clarify that the puppet was dancing with a duck.) Crew was often shared between the two, a process Roy Ambriz describes as 'crazy' because the productions each had their own identity and mood. 'We have a system in our 'war room,' as we call it, where we take all the decisions,' Ambriz said. 'It was full of whiteboards with a lot of cards, and it was like if we were paranoid, connecting things' (he mimed connecting threads on an investigation board). He continued to explain that the logistics came down to the characters in 'Women Wearing Shoulder Pads' using many different wardrobes. For the extras, they would reuse bodies and change the heads. Coronilla explained that just keeping track of all of the moving puppet parts was a challenge in itself, especially with mishaps. 'You'll have different situations: 'Oh, this puppet broke a finger, you have to adjust the wig on this one, we have to change the clothes on this one,'' she said. 'And you are running all the time, and sometimes you need to know exactly which puppet which animator has in which set.' As well as keeping the timelines straight, it was also a challenge overall for the studio to work in a new style, according to Arturo Ambriz. 'That was one of the main directions why [Roy] and I didn't direct any of the episodes,' he added. 'We were involved in the direction of the pilot, but we thought we have created a toolbox, and now Gonzalo needs to have access to the full toolbox, but without us interfering.' Cordova responded that he learned a lot from them about working with stop motion, one thing being flexibility: 'You do have to let the soul of the shot be what guides you and not the specifics of the shot.' Coronilla also spoke about meeting in the middle regarding the physics of the puppets and the set. 'The camera movements you can do in this environment, you have to have some flexibility because Gonzalo would have this reference, and while they're amazing, there are some things which are physically impossible to do,' she said. 'But at the same time, we had freedom and creativity to change things which we knew how to do.' The two sets existing in parallel may have created logistical chaos, but it also solved as many problems. Ambriz said that the opportunity itself was enriching, saying that for the animators, the switch from animating monsters to more everyday circumstances was a good experience. He described the process as being like a dance, the partnered productions each learning from the other. Sometimes the solutions were of a more direct nature. The team recalled cinematographer Fernanda G. Manzur using pupils from a 'Frankelda' puppet as replacements for one on 'Women,' for more expressivity. Cordova also studied erotic thrillers when considering the show's tone. 'People like Brian De Palma, we also were looking at 'Working Girl,' which was a big influence,' he said. 'What I found is if you try to imitate them, you just get a copy of a copy.' So in order to get the right fit, they went to the source. 'Back when Todd Haynes did 'Far From Heaven,' that was like a gateway drug to Douglas Sirk,' Cordova said, 'Which was a gateway drug to, you know, 'Leave Her to Heaven,' which was a big influence. William Wyler's movies like 'The Letter' and 'Jezebel' and all these things with Bette Davis and Joan Crawford—I wanted to tap into that same inspiration.' In discussing John M. Stahl's 'Leave Her to Heaven,' Cordova recalled that the team 'actually referenced that scene where [Gene Tierney] throws herself down the stairs because she doesn't want to have a baby,' replicating the tension as well as the heightened tone. 'There's also the one where she's scattering her father's ashes while majestically riding a horse, chin held high,' Cordova added. 'A lot of this series comes back to that 'chin held high' influence.' A love of kitsch is important to 'Women Wearing Shoulder Pads,' but the creators recognized that chasing that tone is a delicate balance. 'If you're doing camp intentionally, you have to forget you're doing camp, and you have to be really sincere.' The team admitted that sometimes they found that sweet spot and sometimes they didn't. But the earnestness remains important. 'You have to think that you're going to make the audience cry even though the scene is about a fucking duck,' Cordova laughed. The conversation turned to a scene from 'Shin Kamen Rider,' where the main character has a serious conversation and ends it by solemnly doing a standing backflip before leaving on his motorcycle. Cordova responded: 'There might be a scene like that here.' 'Women Wearing Shoulder Pads' will be released on Aug.17 on Adult Swim. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
