uma nova experiência

as a "traditional martial artist" i've been skeptical about capoeira, but after trying it i'm singing a new tune. capoeira, in brief, is a martial art from brasil with origins stemming from african slaves in the early 1800's. its highly stylized kicks are said to have come from the slaves bounded hands preventing hand attacks. although there is no contact and the stylization renders the art impractical for self defense purposes, i found a unique experience even in the very non afro-brasilian environment. the involvement of the music was exceptionally interesting with my genetic predisposal to a lack of rhythym. i can now definitively say i consider capoeiristas not only athletes but martial artists.

Surprising news from Costa Rica

I just read an article in the Costa Rican weekly newspaper, Tico Times. In the article, Blake Schmidt discusses the drug trade, a common problem for all Latin American countries. I was aware that the drug trade was a pressing issue throughout Latin America before reading this article. However I found it very surprising that the drug trade was present in Costa Rica. Maybe i was being naive, but I thought that because Costa Rica is the oldest democracy in Latin America, and because it has had one of the most stable and transparent governments in Latin America, that it would repel the drug trade. However after reading this article, I learned that since "May 2006, authorities have seized an 'historical record' of nearly 27 metric tons of cocaine, more than sextupling seizures the year before." I think this displays the overall growth of the drug trade. The trade is getting so large and the cartels are gaining so much power, that it is beginning to invade at a higher rate into countries that would seem less prone to its influence. Here is the link for the article.

New fight against drug trafficking in Mexico

Mexico's new president, Felipe Calderón is taking strides to stop drug trafficking. He has dispatched thousands of federal police officers towards this goal and disarmed the Tijuana police, who are known as corrupt. Maybe his biggest step was extraditing 11 men to the United States, which is politically unthinkable. To read more, click here.

Mexico Leftist Leader Sees Strength Fade

JANUARY 31, 2007
Leftist leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has declared himself Mexico's "legitimate president," saw his strength wane as organizers of Wednesday's march to protest skyrocketing tortilla prices asked him to stay on the sidelines.

Click here for more details.

Chavez gains more powers in the Venezuelan Government

The Venezuelan Congress enacted measures to grant President Hugo Chavez massive law-making powers. He wants to use his new powers to change Venezuela into a completely socalistic society, bringing oil and gas projects under state control. Supporters say the law will make the state more efficient, however opponenets claim the law puts too much power into one person's hands, which is a recipe for disaster. Read more here.

Protestors in Ecuador

Today in Ecuador protestors stormed Congress to demand that they approve leftist president, Correa's, proposed referendum on whether or not to rewrite the constitution. The protestors caused the lawmakers to evacuate the building. Correa is the leftist president of Ecuador that wants to make changes to stop the influence from traditional political parties. The protest forced officials to close the legislature. More can be read here.

-Meredith West

Castro Video

Possible verification that Castro is up and about... go here.

Dirty War Reprisals

Since the death of August Pinochet, a military Gen. of Cuba, people wishing for justice for the perpetrators of Chile's dirty war are going to have to move fast if they want anything to be done.
Read all about it here.

world cup

As of 2001, Brazil had last won the world cup in 1994. Before that, they won it in 1970. Add 1994 and 1970 and you get 1964.
Germany last one in 1990. Before that they won in 1974. Add the two and again you get 3964.
Argentina last won the world cup in 1986 before that they won it in 1978. Add 1978 and 1986 and you again get 3964.
So going by this logic the winner of the 2002 world cup would have been the same winner as the winner in 1962, Brazil. Crazy enough, this actually happened.

a little trivia

Alanis Morissette shocked fans when she ended her first gig in Peru by shouting: "Thank you Brazil!" Morissette made the mistake in front of a 14,000 crowd at the Monumental Stadium in Lima. She was criticised by a number of Peruvian newspapers but some were more forgiving. Newspaper Ojo said: "We have already forgiven her thanks to her magical performance in which we witnessed a true rock star. "It was the first time something like that happened over here but it must have been the emotion she felt for being in Peru."

Two million alcohol cars running in Brazil

A new form of car that runs on flex-fuel, a mixture of any combination of ethanol and petrol, has just hit the two million car mark in Brazil. These now make up 77% of the Brazilian car market. Link is here.

Brazilian Billboard Ban in Biggest City

The recently imposed ban on billiboards in Sao Paulo has been challenged legally as unconstitutional. The link to the article is here.

A leftist leader in Mexico joins Oaxaca protest

Leonel Cota, president of Democratic Revolution Party, joined in protests that are occurring in Oaxaca. These protests are occuring because of a six-month long conflict that has been occurring, and because over 600 people have been arrested since the conflict started. Link here.

Cancer in Haiti's Preval may be back.

Haiti's President Rene Preval, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago, has recently reported that the cancer may have returned. The article is linked here.

Mexico to begin cracking down on drug violence.

The Mexican government is sending out 6500 soldiers to the state of Michoacan to crack down on the violence, including execution-style killings, that have plagued the region. Link is here.

Marine Reserve Created in Mexico

A new Marine Reserve was created in Espiritu Santo Archipelago in the Gulf of California. This water was home to many endangered species. Link here.

Cancun Prison riots prove to be Deadly

After prisoners overpowered guards at a prison in Cancun, Mexico, over 150 prisoners escaped. About half of these have been recaptured. Link here.

Gas Smuggling Problem in Brazil and Venezuela

The huge price disparity between Brazil and Venezuela have caused a new form of crime to rise, gas smuggling. The link to the story is here.

Protecting the Amazon rain forest

Brazil is ramping up protections on the important and ecologically diverse region known as the Amazon rainforest. Some of this area will be used for sustainable development, while some will be open to only researchers. The link is here.

human right's day protest broken up

On Human Right's Day in Cuba a small protest was broken up in the middle of a Cuban park. Apparently government supporters assaulted a dozen or so people as soon as their protest, they were forced to flee. It is sad that this happened on Human Right's Day but it exemplifies the political and social instability the Cubans suffer. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061210/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cuba_human_rights_day

Gang Violence in Colombia

After some interesting conversation at the last Intercambio session, I thought it would be appropriate to post a link to this page containing information on Colombian gang violence.

"2 U.S. Pilots Charged in Air Collision Over Brazil"

After a deadly September 29 plane crash that killed 154 people, two US citizens who were piloting the private jet that struck and felled a Brazilian commercial airliner have been charged with unintentionally endangering an aircraft. They face up to 12 years in prison. More details here.

Former Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet Dies at 91

Pinochet, a dictator who violently ruled the country of Chile from 1973 to 1990 died earlier today due to heart complications. Read the full article here.

South American Economic Bloc

Leaders from 12 South American nations on creating an economic bloc much like the one created in Europe. The hope is that this would give these nations more power in international trade. Read more here-- http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a2wViflRrU9I&refer=latin_america

The former dictator of Chile Augusto Pinochet Ugarte died on Sunday. He ruled Chile from 1973 through 1990. Here is the link-- http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/16210088.htm

Chavez's post election visit to Uruguay

Here's an article about Venezual's recently reelected president Hugo CHavez. Apparently he is deeply devoted to greater ties between the leftist communities of South America. He also criticized the U.S. on his recent trip to Uruguay. Read the whole article here. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/08/america/LA_GEN_Latam_Chavez.php

Hugo Chavez' Reelection

Hugo Chavez was reelected as President of Venezuela and the most significant result of the election is the reappearance of a political opposition. In fact, Mr. Chavez's rule contains the seeds of its own destruction. His wild use of oil revenue -- government spending has grown eightfold during his eight years in office -- has gone mainly for consumption or foolish foreign adventures. Investment in the economy, and even in the oil industry itself, is paltry, and most experts believe Venezuela's petroleum production has declined. Crime and corruption are soaring: Murders are up 67 percent during the Chavez era. If oil prices continue to drop, Mr. Chavez's revolution eventually will be revealed for what it is: a populist fraud. Read the entire editorial here.

VMA's Latin America!

Paulina Rubio, Juanes Performing At VMAs Latin America, along with System of a Down, Shakira, Santana, and Avril Lavigne. Read more about the first MTV Video Music Awards Latin America celebration here.

Latin American Recipes

Check out this awesome website with any Latin American recipe you could possibly want...
Mi Cocina Latina.

Summer in Santiago?

Not exactly anything new, but it's easy to forget that much of South America is south of the equator, thus winter here means summer there. Check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/south_america/. While we freeze our butts off, its sunny and warm from Manaus to Buenos Aires. Check out Asuncion for Monday, December 11: 38 degrees celsius. Guess they've got no hope for a white Christmas/Holiday season.

Dirty War extraditions

Six men accused of abducting and torturing 11 Uruguayans during the period of Argentine history known as the "Dirty War," will soon be extradited to Argentina for trial. Also interesting is the link for related articles, showing the continuing quest for justice from the crimes of the Dirty War. Interesting fact: the sentence of life imprisonment is banned in Uruguay. For more go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6161131.stm

"American pilots charged in Amazon jetliner crash"

"Brazilian federal police on Friday charged two New York pilots involved in a collision that killed 154 people with exposing an aircraft to danger."

More here: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/12/08/brazil.pilots.ap/index.html

Columbian paramilitaries

Those of you who went to intercambio on tuesday should appreciate this. It's an article concerning the paramilitary groups in columbia. Enjoy!http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061207/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/colombia_paramilitaries

NY Times Cuba Travel Guide...WHAT?!?!

This caught my eye on a link because it was so bizarre. NY Times has a Cuba Travel guide with articles titled "The Nicest Place You'll Never Go" and the likes. Check it out! It's pretty funny....

Water Issues in Peru

Wow, this is exactly what we were talking about last class with the lack of infrascructure, such as water. Even, within the cities only 2/3 of the population has access to clean drinking water and flushable toilets. This number drops even further to only 1/3 in rural areas. More information on Perus current water issues is available at http://article.wn.com/view/2006/11/27/Water_crisis_is_big_test_for_Perus_president/

Just an ironic story I thought I'd share with ya'll.....Today my Brazilian econ professor was saying that many Brazilians were infuriated and writing letters to protest new Hollywood movie set in Brazil (sorry, I forgot the name), because it depicts them as a violent, aggressive, money-hungry people. However, the same day that their protests were announced on the news, a group of rich American tourists was robbed leaving the Brazilian airport.

Country profiles

Go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/default.stm for a "country profile" feature, where information is present on any nation in the world. Included are basic encyclopedic facts, media such as national anthems and historical timelines, related articles, and more.

Pinochet's current health and other related stories

General Augusto Pinochet, Chile's former military leader, has suffered poor health in recent years and just underwent heart surgery in a life-saving procedure. More interesting is the current dispute in Chile over what to do when the General dies. Some argue for a state funeral while others feel the ex-dictator doesn't deserve such honors. He currently faces charges of human rights abuses that alledgedly occured during his time in office. For more go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6210528.stm

Gabriel Garcia Marquez

In relation to our class discussion of Latin American literature, here is some information on one of Latin America's greatest authors:

"Believed by many to be one of the world’s greatest writers, Gabriel García Márquez is a Colombian-born author and journalist, winner of the 1982 Nobel Prize for Literature and a pioneer of the Latin American 'Boom.'"...

Go to http://www.themodernword.com/gabo/

Instituto Cultural Oaxaca

Hey guys, if any of you are looking for a really amazing summer Spanish language immersion program, I would like to recommend the Instituto Cultural Oaxaca in the colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is sooo much fun, relatively inexpensive, and I know they give college credit (although I am not sure how it transfers for Tulane). I have gone for the past three summers for about three weeks and my Spanish speaking skills have definitely improved because of it! You stay with really awesome families, go to grammar class from 9-12, and then also have some form of cultural classes, of which I took Salsa Dancing. There are many really interesting/cool people from all over the world that come to the Institute, and I have met and kept so many good friends from my Oaxaca experiences. Here is the link to the website if you are interested to learn more!

U.S. Seeks To Boost Competitiveness of Latin America, Caribbean

Wow, this is pretty much the opposite of what we talked about in class today...these big wigs from the US want to go to Latin America and show them how to conduct business in a competitive way so that they can compete on the world stage. Read more about this here.

HIV Stories from 3 Latin Americans---a tribute to AIDS awareness week

Three people living in Latin America who are affected by HIV/Aids spoke to BBCMundo.com, as part of the BBC's coverage of World Aids Day on December 1. Read their testimonies here.

Civil War in Bolivia?

It seems that Bolivia might be moving towards civil unrest as the president has threatened to disband the senate as they have not approved his program of land reforms. Although the article is short, it mentions that a number of provincial governors are considering breaking away from the current government. Check out the whole story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/25/world/americas/25briefs-BOLIVIASENATE.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Castro Too Sick to Attend Birthday Party

Cubans fear that Castro might be close to end of his life, causing uncertainty in the nation.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/11/28/castro.ap/index.html

The Race for Numero Uno in Latin Wireless

As cell phones are becoming so widely popular and accessible across Latin America and the world, the prices are dropping for the consumers as the two major companies duke it out for the top spot. America Movil (AMX), is controlled by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, and Telefonica (TEF) is a company from Spain. Both have spent billions to snap up competitors and expand their networks for hemisphere-wide coverage. So far, America Movil has the upper hand, with 113.9 million wireless clients to Telefonica's 78.8 million. Read more about this rivalry here.

"Radio Is Blamed For Unrest In Ecuador"

After our discussion in a previous class on the importance of art and the media in political change, I found this article on a small FM radio station in Ecuador very interesting.

Presidential Election in Ecuador

In the ongoing presidential election in Ecuador, a leftist nationalist and friend of Hugo Chavez stands to take the country's highest office. Rafael Correa has threatened to reduce payments on Ecuador's foreign debt and in an unofficial poll has gained 56.9% of the national vote. For more go to: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/11/26/ecuador.elex.ap/index.html

Bolivian Justice System Returns to Old Ways

Recently, Evo Morales has been promoting the community based justice system of the native population in Bolivia, which sanctions whipping for offenses. It is returning to popularity due to past sentiments of unjust use of the adopted European system from the rich, and the ineffectiveness of the current system. Three main traditional rules among the communities are "Amu Sua - Don't Steal; Amu Llulla - Don't Lie, and Ama Quella - Don't Be Lazy." For more http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/crossing_continents/6173268.stm.

"Anti-Chavez protesters march en masse in Caracas"

"Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans showed their support on Saturday for the opposition's leading presidential challenger, Manuel Rosales, jamming a main highway in the capital and vowing to vote President Hugo Chavez out of office on December 3."

More here:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/11/25/chavez.protest.ap/index.html

"Dirty War" in Mexico

I just saw this article about a report that Vicente Fox's governemnt just put out about a dirty war in that took place in Mexico during three president's administartions for more than ten years. The report details how government policy encouraged numerous murders and "disappearances" of suspected rebels and sypathizers as well as student protestors. I never knew that something like this hasppened in recent history in Mexico. Check out the whole story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/world/americas/23mexico.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Dance and Music of Latin America

After our discussion in class on the important of dance in Latin America as both popular culture and national identity, I thought that this Wikipedia article on the subject seemed relevant.

How Hispanics Celebrate Thanksgiving!

Here is a link to an article describing how Hispanic Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. It is interesting because, for the most part, immigrants as a whole do not celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe because they do not quite understand what the holiday is about and partly because they are still holding onto their own individual customs from the homeland.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art37460.asp

Abortion Completely Banned in Nicaragua

The current president of Nicaragua has signed a law closing up any remaining exceptions to its existing abortion laws including cases of rape and when the woman's life is in danger. President-elect Ortega also supports this new ban though he supported abortion rights in the past. Check out the whole story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061118/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/nicaragua_abortions

"Sergio weakens to tropical storm"

"Hurricane Sergio weakened to a tropical storm Friday, soaking areas of Mexico's Pacific coast with rain."

More at http://www.cnn.com/2006/WEATHER/11/17/sergio.ap/index.html

Brazilian & American Plane Crash

WOW! This is really strange....On Sept 29th, an American Corporate plane and Brazilian airliner mysteriously crashed into each other over the rainforest. Radio calls from both planes went unanswered and neither collision alert went off. Neither of these problems has been explained. For more information visit http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/17/world/americas/17briefs-brazilcrash.html?_r=1&ref=americas&oref=slogin

Losing Its Young to an American Dream

I found this article on illegal immigrants from Brazil interesting; I always thought of Brazil as a more affluent and independent nation, but according to the article, "U.S. immigration officials believe Brazilians were the fastest-growing group of illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border between 2000 and 2005. Last year, only Mexicans and Hondurans are believed to have crossed in greater numbers."

Colombian Refugees in Ecuador

I recomend this article because it discusses life in Ecuador, and problems that exist for Colombian refugees. It is estimated that 400,000 people have left Colombia to escape the violence, and currently live in Ecuador. It also highlights the racism that is developing against Colombians in Ecuador because of the mass immigration that is occurring.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6132216.stm

Latin American Network Information Center

Looking for information on Latin America? The Latin American Network Information Center (LANIC) of UT Austin is a great resource for finding any kind of information on Latin America available on the Internet. Anything you need can be found here... however, spanish may come in handy for some of the pages LANIC links to. Go to: http://www1.lanic.utexas.edu/

Argentina Issues Warrant for Former Iranian Leader

This article got my attention because I didn't realize that Latin AMerica had problems with terrorists from the Middle East. A judge in Argentina has issued an international arrest warrant for former Iranian leader Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. The warrant was issued blaming him for the bombing of a Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires in 1994. it is widely thought that Iran-sponsored Hezbollah was behind the attacks and that Rafsanjani, the Iranian leader of the time, had some role in the attack.
More here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/10/world/americas/10argentina.html?ref=americas

Capoeira

Capoeira is a martial art form brought to Brazil by slaves from Angola. The ritual is often performed with a special type of music, and high kicking movements of the leg. To see pictures, listen to the music, or learn more, go to http://www.capoeira-angola.org/what_is_capoeira.htm.

Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo works of art

Here is a link to some artwork by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
My favorite is the "Lilies" by Diego Rivera.
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/jcummings/ph55diegokahlo.html

Sadly, in Oaxaca this past year, there have been many problems and disruption.
As it mentions in this article, the teacher strike that has happened every year for the past 26 years that usually lasts only about 2 weeks and is generally peaceful, has grown into a full-out protest. The first American was killed this past week and it is finally waking the government up to the fact that something needs to be done immediately for this beautiful city before it is completely ruined.
Here is the article from the Washington Post describing the police invasion of Oaxaca's city center...http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900180_pf.html

Latin American Politics Overview

I found this page on the Washington Post website, which documents and gives information on the current state of government and politics in Latin America, very informative.

Carter on Ortega

For an audio clip of former American President Jimmy Carter's views on Daniel Ortega and the recent elections in Nicaragua, go to http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6444204 and scroll down to the box at the bottom.

Sandinista Leader Daniel Ortega Won Nicaraguan Presidential Election Yesterday

Daniel Ortega, the leader of the FSLN (Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional - Sandinista National Liberation Front), won the Nicaraguan Presidential Elections held on Sunday, November 5 with approximately 38% of the vote. The election seems to be clean, and the results are final.

The US is already worried about Ortega's return to power. He was the principle rebel in Nicaragua during the US's military action in the country in the 1980s.
The election has sparked international controversy, but Ortega promises to improve the country and has been working closely with Venezuela leader Chavez.

More at http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6195745,00.html

Viva Daniel:)

In a national referendum, Panama voted to expand the Panama Canal. For more information and interviews go to "http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/2006/panama_votes/"

Trouble in Bolivia

Here's an interesting article about the political situation in Bolivia. Their president Evo Morales is having troubles. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/world/americas/15916209.htm

Panama to get UN Security Council Seat

After a number of rounds of voting over whether Venezuela or Guatemala will get the seat, they have agreed to give the seat to Panama. Hugo Chavez, was not happy, claiming that the Bush Administration supported Guatemala. More here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/02/world/americas/02nations.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Columbian Anti-Coke Ads Aimed at Europe

This is an interesting new approach. Columbia is now making anti-cocaine ads directed at celebrity users in Europe. The country blames part of its civil unrest on the large demand coming from other countries and has decided to crack down on demand rather than supply. More information may be read at...http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-acolombia01nov01,0,799448.story

Colada Morada

I found this recipe for COLADA MORADA, a typical Ecuadorian drink that is served during this time of the year. Its full of fruits and spices and is a favorite for all family members. Anyways, here it is, although this is a recipe that can be made in the United States, with slightly different ingredients:

"1 qt. blueberries (or blackberries or raspberries)
1 can crushed pineapple
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. cloves
2 c. pineapple juice
1/3 c. cornstarch
Cinnamon sticks (opt.)

Simmer berries in a little (1/4 to 1/2 cup) water. Mash and strain. Put berry liquid in a large 6 quart kettle. Add water (to equal 1/2 water - 1/2 juice). Add pineapple and pineapple juice. Mix well and heat thoroughly. Add sugar and spices (adjust amounts to taste). Stir. When mixture reaches simmer, add cornstarch softened in cold water. Mix well. Serve warm. 6 servings. Optional: Serve with cinnamon sticks."

source: http://blog.willamette.edu/people/twik/journal/archives/2005/10/index.html

If you are interested in learning to Salsa or Merengue, there are free dance classes every friday at 9:00 at Cafe Brazil, and then band to practice to later at night. Its a fun opportunity to try something new, and I recommend checking it out.

"Chilean judge orders Pinochet's arrest"

"A judge on Friday ordered the arrest of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in crimes related to a secret detention center used in the years following his 1973 coup."

More here.

"Ecuador Reaps Costs Of Anti-Trade Fervor"

I thought this article was interesting as it is related to prior class discussions we had on the influence of the US on many Latin American economies in the fruit trade in particular.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/23/AR2006102301129.html

'La Malinche'

I learned about this interesting lady the other day in Spanish class. One of her many names , "La Malinche," is supposedly the mother of the mexican race. Here is a link to a full article describing her controversial history...
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/history/malinche.html

Here's an interesting site I found about the world's most dangerous road, apparently there are between 100-200 hundred deaths on it each year. Ignore the bad grammar and check it out...
http://www.carinfacts.com/deathroad.shtml

Drug Violence in Mexico

This article really grabbed me. There is a wave of drug violence going through Mexico. This does not greatly surprise me but the scale and brutality do. More here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/26/world/americas/26mexico.html

"Nicaraguan lawmakers vote to ban all abortions"

"Nicaragua's Congress voted Thursday to ban all abortions, including those that could save a mother's life. If signed into law by President Enrique Bolanos, the measure would eliminate a century-old exception to Nicaragua's abortion ban that permits the procedure if three doctors certify that the woman's health is at risk"

More at http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/10/26/nicaragua.abortion.ap/index.html

I think its highly unreasonable, but Argentina is cracking down on many of its farmers and creating intense pressure for them to cut back on tobacco crops. Due to my obviously American opinion, I feel the government has no right to tell people what crops to farm as long as they are making enough profit on what they are growing. Obviously, if the farmers are refusing to change their crops over to alternatives, they are making enough profit on the tobacco. More infomation at http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=143&art_id=qw1161760862978B231

"Strong quake rattles Peruvian coast"

"A strong earthquake rattled Peru's southern coast shortly after dawn Friday, causing alarm, but no damage or injuries were immediately reported.
The quake struck at 5:48 a.m. below the floor of the Pacific Ocean, 56 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of the coastal city of Pisco, 125 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Lima, according to Peru's Geophysics Institute."

More here.

Yet Another Update on the Mystery Illness

It seems that the medicine that killed 26 people in Panama and sickened many more was made by the government scientists and contaminated with chemicals found in antifreeze. It's not clear whether it was deliberate or not. Check out the full story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/20/world/americas/20briefs-006.html

Latin American Remittances

Here's a neat article about some of what we were talking about class. It's all about how emmigration to the United States for work could be doing perminent damage to the family structure in Latin America. Enjoy.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/columns/article_1293593.php

Brazilian Indians Leave Mining Complex

Some 200 Indians of the Xikrin tribe, armed with war clubs and bows and arrows, occupied the company town of Carajas on Tuesday to demand money and road improvements. Read more about this encounter with the indigenous people of Brazil...

http://news.aol.com/world/story/_a/brazilian-indians-leave-mining-complex/n20061019184909990004?cid=774

Interesting fact...hitchiking is a common, accepted method of transportation in Cuba. To read a personal account go to the following link: http://www.latinamericanpost.com/index.php?mod=seccion&secc=38&conn=4330

Venezuelan Newspaper

While doing a research project for my Spanish class, my teacher recommended that I use this site. It is a Venezuelan newspaper, and you can choose to read the articles in Spanish or in English. It is very interesting to read current events from the Venezuelan point of view. < www.eluniversal.com>

Frida Kahlo

See the work of one of Mexico and Latin America's most famous female artists:

http://www.fridakahlo.com/

"CIA was warned about '76 Cuban airline bombing"

I felt that this article on Cuban bombings in the '70s was relevant to the previous class discussions we had on US-Cuba relations and the impact of the United States on Latin American nations in general.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/10/10/cuba.airlinebombing.ap/index.html

Top 25 Latin Music Videos

Here is the link to the AOL site with the top 25 Latin Music videos right now. My favorite is "Te Mando Flores" by Fonseca. Enjoy!
http://music.aol.com/musicstyles/latin

Former Chilean dictator tried for murder

WOW. This is pretty intense, especially being that he is now 90 years old and medically diagnosed to have dementia. Chile's former dictator, General Augusto Pinochet is currently being tried for the murder of both a chemist and a secret police agent during his 17-year rule. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6046414.stm

Update on Mystery Deaths in Panama

The Panamanian government has pulled a drug from the market that was being used by half of the people who died of an unknown illness. It seems that the drug may have a role in these mysterious deaths.

Check out the whole story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/10/world/americas/10briefs-004.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Brazil Plane Crash

"Authorities say there were no survivors among the 155 people aboard the Brazilian jetliner that crashed deep in the Amazon jungle."

More here.

Update on Brazilian elections

http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8001234

Puerto Rican reporters attacked

Although personal expression through media is not in itself illegal in many countries of Latin American, authorities are often highly pressuring to prevent inethical political acts from reaching the media. This fact is highly visible of the attack on the journalists as they attempted to report a Puerto Rican political scandal. http://www.lapress.org/Article.asp?lanCode=1&artCode=4837

Latin American Art Exhibit

Hey, this article is a couple of weeks old, but it discusses a new art exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It's all Latin American art from the Colonial Period. The article states that most of the art from that time period was religious in subject matter. It ties in well with our readings this week, i think. Check it out...
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/15526560.htm

"In Rural Cuba, a Slow Road to Progress"

I found this article on the recent progress of rural Cuba and found the mentions of The United States' impact on it relevant to some of our past discussions.

"Supporters of Castro blame the U.S. trade embargo for the transportation woes and especially for the dearth of personal cars. Cuba makes no cars of its own..."

Isolation in the Amazon

Many indigenous tribes in the Amazon region of South America live in isolation from the industrialized world by choice. They are under constant pressure from loggers and developers that threaten to push them off of their traditional lands. Efforts are being made in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador to protect these indigenous peoples. It is believed that there are some groups or people that have not yet been "discovered." For more information, see: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/03/0310_030310_invisible1.html

Mystery Epidemic in Panama

Panamanian officials are on alert for an epidemic after an unknown illness has killed 15. Check out the whole story here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/05/world/americas/05briefs-006.html

"Significant Aztec ruin unearthed in busy Mexico City"

"Mexican archeologists have found what may be the most significant Aztec ruin in decades, with the unearthing of an altar and a monolith in the busy heart of Mexico City, Mayor Alejandro Encinas said on Wednesday."

More here

"Mexico doubts border fence will happen"

"A spokesman for Mexican President Vincente Fox on Wednesday said the United States will likely never build 700 miles of new fencing along the border dividing the two nations."

More here

New Nicaraguan Canal

Nicaragua announced plans to build a new canal connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans within the next twelve years. Panama will vote in three weeks on whether to widen the Panama Canal to accommodate modern boats. For more information go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5405884.stm

"Polls show president slipping on eve of Brazil vote"

Brazil's current president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was initially thought to be a shoo-in for reelection, is now facing doubts concerning his victory. When Silva was previously elected, he was the country's first working-class president, a quality very important to the decrease of poverty in the Latin American nation. This article seemed relevant considering our class discussion on how the upper class have been in power for so long in Latin America and the lower class has subsequently had little or no success.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/10/01/brazil.elections.ap/index.html