Coca industry commissioners in Bolivia called on the Coca-Cola Company to take the word "Coca" out of its name and also asked the United Nations to decriminalize the leaf. The Coca-Cola Company has replied that their trademark is "the most valuable and recognized brand in the world."
To learn more about this story, please click here
Friday, March 16, 2007
Antigua Guatemala
We have recently been talking about Guatemala and its people in class. I found this website particularly interesting because it shows the personal photographs and descriptions of a colonial Guatemalan town. The photos show indigenous peoples in this town. It is extremely interesting to see the pictures of the indigenous women selling their textiles in the town square. This reminded my of Rigoberta Menchu's book, in which she describes her family traveling to the town to sell goods so that they could make money without being forced to go to the finca to work. The photos also show the traditional dress of the indigenous people that was also described in Rigoberta's book.
Here is the link to this website:
http://antiguadailyphoto.com/category/people/indigenous/
Here is the link to this website:
http://antiguadailyphoto.com/category/people/indigenous/
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Bush leaves Mexico without anything concrete
President Bush left Mexico yesterday without making any definate agreements on any issues with that country. The biggest concern Mexico has with the United States is immigration, and President Calderón has criticized the U.S. for its intentions of building an incredibly long wall along the border. President Bush spoke of his guest worker plan, but he has not been able to get that to pass Congress. For the article, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/15/world/americas/15latin.html?_r=1&ref=americas&oref=slogin.
Mayans to 'cleanse' Bush site
One of Bush's stops on his Latin American tour was at an ancient Mayan site in Guatemala- the ruins at Iximche. Bush is trying to show that he is interested in the countries around the United States, I don't think it's going to well for him though. However, at this site in Guatemala, the Mayans are very angry that Bush is visiting this site. Mayan priests are saying that they will purify the sacred archaeological site to rid it of any "bad spirits" after Bush is there.
While in Latin America, Bush is also trying to explain that CAFTA is helping the lives of the poor, whereas the leaders in Latin America, where the actual agreement is taking place are insisting that the agreement only helps the United States and other countries that signed.
Bush's enemy, Chavez, is also doing a tour of Latin America at this time. Some are calling it a "shadow" tour. Chavez is going to places and giving speeches that slam Bush and say that his political career is coming to an end.
To read more on this story, go here.
While in Latin America, Bush is also trying to explain that CAFTA is helping the lives of the poor, whereas the leaders in Latin America, where the actual agreement is taking place are insisting that the agreement only helps the United States and other countries that signed.
Bush's enemy, Chavez, is also doing a tour of Latin America at this time. Some are calling it a "shadow" tour. Chavez is going to places and giving speeches that slam Bush and say that his political career is coming to an end.
To read more on this story, go here.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
How to Make Guatemalan Tamales
INGREDIENTS:
4 pounds of banana leaves (they are also available in pre-cut packages, usually frozen.)
FOR THE FILLING: 5 pounds of tomatoes, roughly chopped
1-1/2 pounds of red bell pepers, sliced lengthwise into slivers
1 cup water
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 ounces squash seeds (available at Latino specialty stores)
1 quajillo chile, dried, stem removed and seeded
1 ancho chile, dried, stem removed and seeded
1 whole cinnamon stick
1-1/2 ounces sesame seeds
1/3 cup lard, about 3 ounces
3 pounds lean boneless pork (preferably from the shoulder) cut into 1-inch cubes
72 Spanish olives, about 3 cups
72 capers, about 1-1/2 cups
FOR THE MASA BATTER: 4 pounds, about 8 cups, fresh coarse-ground corn masa for tamales
3 cups water
1/2 pound (1 cup) pork lard
salt to taste
1
PREPARE THE BANANA LEAVES: Unfold the banana leaves and cut off the long hard sides and ends of the leaves. Check for holes and cut leaves into unbroken 12-inch segments (you will need about 36). Steam the segments for 20 minutes to make them soft and pliable.
2
PREPARE THE SAUCE: In a large pot, combine tomatoes, 1/2 pound of the bell peppers and 1 cup of water and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered for 30 minutes, until tomatoes break apart.
3
While tomatoes simmer, toast chiles, squash seeds and cinnamon stick in a nonstick pan for approximately 5 minutes until the chiles and seeds release their aroma. Be careful not to burn the seeds or chiles because they will make the sauce bitter. When fragrant, add sesame seeds and toast for another 5 minutes, until sesame seeds are fragrant.
4
Add chile and seed mixture to the tomatoes. In batches, puree mixture in a blender or food processor adding water if necessary to blend into a smooth puree. Strain the mixture through a medium-mesh strainer back into pot. Bring to a simmer and add lard. Taste for salt and add if necesary.
5
PREPARE THE MASA: In another pot, combine masa and water, beating until water is incorporated. Add lard and bring mixture to a boil. Taste for salt and add if necessary. The mixture should have the consistency of soft (not runny) cake batter.
6
TAMALE ASSEMBLY: Cut 36 12-inch pieces of butcher string or thin strips of banana leaves. Lay out a square banana leaf, shiny side up, and spread about 1/3 cup of the masa into an 8x4-inch rectangle over it toward the right edge of the leaf. An ice cream scoop is a great tool for this.
7
Spoon 3 tablespoons of the sauce onto the masa. Place 1 cube of pork, 2 olives, 2 capers, and several strands of bell pepper into a decorative pattern on the left half of the masa. Fold over the right edge of the banana leaf, enclosing the filling in the masa. Fold over the left edge, and then the top and bottom, creating a tight square package. Loosely tie the tamales with string.
8
Once all tamales are assembled arrange them in layers in a large pot with about 4-6 inches of water at the bottom. Bring to a boil and steam, covered, over a constant medium heat for about 1-1/4 hours. Watch carefully to make sure that all the water doesn't boil away and, to keep the steam steady, pour boiling water into the pot when more is necessary.
9
Tamales are done when the leaves peel away from the masa easily. Let the tamales stand for several minutes off the heat when done so they firm up.
10 NOTE: The most important ingredient in the tamale process is the masa preparation. It's truly essential. Fresh masa is either sold prepared or unprepared. Prepared masa has been mixed with lard and salt is heavier and greasy
AND ENJOY!!!
4 pounds of banana leaves (they are also available in pre-cut packages, usually frozen.)
FOR THE FILLING: 5 pounds of tomatoes, roughly chopped
1-1/2 pounds of red bell pepers, sliced lengthwise into slivers
1 cup water
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 ounces squash seeds (available at Latino specialty stores)
1 quajillo chile, dried, stem removed and seeded
1 ancho chile, dried, stem removed and seeded
1 whole cinnamon stick
1-1/2 ounces sesame seeds
1/3 cup lard, about 3 ounces
3 pounds lean boneless pork (preferably from the shoulder) cut into 1-inch cubes
72 Spanish olives, about 3 cups
72 capers, about 1-1/2 cups
FOR THE MASA BATTER: 4 pounds, about 8 cups, fresh coarse-ground corn masa for tamales
3 cups water
1/2 pound (1 cup) pork lard
salt to taste
1
PREPARE THE BANANA LEAVES: Unfold the banana leaves and cut off the long hard sides and ends of the leaves. Check for holes and cut leaves into unbroken 12-inch segments (you will need about 36). Steam the segments for 20 minutes to make them soft and pliable.
2
PREPARE THE SAUCE: In a large pot, combine tomatoes, 1/2 pound of the bell peppers and 1 cup of water and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered for 30 minutes, until tomatoes break apart.
3
While tomatoes simmer, toast chiles, squash seeds and cinnamon stick in a nonstick pan for approximately 5 minutes until the chiles and seeds release their aroma. Be careful not to burn the seeds or chiles because they will make the sauce bitter. When fragrant, add sesame seeds and toast for another 5 minutes, until sesame seeds are fragrant.
4
Add chile and seed mixture to the tomatoes. In batches, puree mixture in a blender or food processor adding water if necessary to blend into a smooth puree. Strain the mixture through a medium-mesh strainer back into pot. Bring to a simmer and add lard. Taste for salt and add if necesary.
5
PREPARE THE MASA: In another pot, combine masa and water, beating until water is incorporated. Add lard and bring mixture to a boil. Taste for salt and add if necessary. The mixture should have the consistency of soft (not runny) cake batter.
6
TAMALE ASSEMBLY: Cut 36 12-inch pieces of butcher string or thin strips of banana leaves. Lay out a square banana leaf, shiny side up, and spread about 1/3 cup of the masa into an 8x4-inch rectangle over it toward the right edge of the leaf. An ice cream scoop is a great tool for this.
7
Spoon 3 tablespoons of the sauce onto the masa. Place 1 cube of pork, 2 olives, 2 capers, and several strands of bell pepper into a decorative pattern on the left half of the masa. Fold over the right edge of the banana leaf, enclosing the filling in the masa. Fold over the left edge, and then the top and bottom, creating a tight square package. Loosely tie the tamales with string.
8
Once all tamales are assembled arrange them in layers in a large pot with about 4-6 inches of water at the bottom. Bring to a boil and steam, covered, over a constant medium heat for about 1-1/4 hours. Watch carefully to make sure that all the water doesn't boil away and, to keep the steam steady, pour boiling water into the pot when more is necessary.
9
Tamales are done when the leaves peel away from the masa easily. Let the tamales stand for several minutes off the heat when done so they firm up.
10 NOTE: The most important ingredient in the tamale process is the masa preparation. It's truly essential. Fresh masa is either sold prepared or unprepared. Prepared masa has been mixed with lard and salt is heavier and greasy
AND ENJOY!!!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Bush in Brasil
As I mentioned in my last post, President Bush is on his Latin American tour. In Sao Paolo, Brazilain police had to fire tear gas on anti-Bush protesters, who had signs reading "No.1 Enemy of Humanity" and "Get out Bush!". Bush is in Brazil to discuss biofuels and their use in Latin America with Brazilain president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Read the full article at http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-03-08T205719Z_01_N07275133_RTRUKOC_0_US-BUSH-LATINAMERICA.xml&src=rss
Bush v. Chavez
As I mentioned in my last post, President Bush is on his Latin American tour. In Sao Paolo, Brazilain police had to fire tear gas on anti-Bush protesters, who had signs reading "No.1 Enemy of Humanity" and "Get out Bush!". Bush is in Brazil to discuss biofuels and their use in Latin America with Brazilain president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Read the full article at http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-03-08T205719Z_01_N07275133_RTRUKOC_0_US-BUSH-LATINAMERICA.xml&src=rss
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Trouble in Ecuador
Ecuador, the Andean country that has been no stranger to contreversy, is in the middle of a executive power struggle. In the aftermath of a court decision that will cause over 57 lawmakers their jobs, there has been widespread dissent among the citizens. The current president, Rafeal Correa, delivered a speech from the balcony of his presidential palace and claimed that the 57 lawmakers should accept the court's decision and resign from power. The court stipulates that the displaced lawmakers will be replaced by members of their own political party as to keep the body an oppositional force. However, many are still worried that this act gives Correa too much power over his rival political party. This is an interesting story because it shows another example of political turmoil in Latin America. Ecuador a country with 8 presidents in the last 10 years, may be on the verge of another political uprising. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
Trouble in Ecuador
Ecuador, the Andean country that has been no stranger to contreversy, is in the middle of a executive power struggle. In the aftermath of a court decision that will cause over 57 lawmakers their jobs, there has been widespread dissent among the citizens. The current president, Rafeal Correa, delivered a speech from the balcony of his presidential palace and claimed that the 57 lawmakers should accept the court's decision and resign from power. The court stipulates that the displaced lawmakers will be replaced by members of their own political party as to keep the body an oppositional force. However, many are still worried that this act gives Correa too much power over his rival political party. This is an interesting story because it shows another example of political turmoil in Latin America. Ecuador a country with 8 presidents in the last 10 years, may be on the verge of another political uprising. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Swimming the Amazon
Here's an interesting little fact. As I was looking for an article on BBC's website, I found a blog of a man that is swimming the entire length of the Amazon. Yes, swimming. His name is Martin Strel and he's a Slovenian marathon swimmer. The Amazon is 3,375 miles long and he's already more than halfway there. He's been updating the blog on a regular basis. People can send him questions on the page too. He's been answering a lot of questions explaining how he avoids getting injured or even killed by the variety of creatures that live in the river. It's worth checking out.
Swimming the Amazon
Swimming the Amazon
Colombia wants more aid
President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia is begging the United States public to continue a $700 million annual aid package. He says the aid is helping to make the country more peaceful and less corrupt. The Bush administration wants to continue the package as is, however many Democrats are skeptical about Colombia's human rights record and want more emphasis on social programs.
To read more, please click here
To read more, please click here
the restavek system
This is an opinion article that discusses the restavek system in Haiti. It is very interesting, I recommend checking it out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/opinion/05tue3.html?ex=1315108800&en=d1a6856dd37956d6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/opinion/05tue3.html?ex=1315108800&en=d1a6856dd37956d6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Nicaragua-Honduras border dispute
Nicaragua and Honduras called on the highest court of the United Nations to hear their case of a maritime dispute that almost started a war in 1999. The land being disputed is a Carribbean area that is rich in fish and could possibly have oil and natural gas reserves. Nicaragua maintains that its maritime border extends to 17 degrees north latitude, while Honduras claims its maritime border begins at 15 degrees north latitude. The two countries have been enemies for a long time, especially since the 1980s when the United States offered assistance to the Honduras military to help fight Nicaragua's Marxist government. While relations are still strained between the two countries, the hope is that at the end of this case the two countries will both come out with some kind of gain.
To read the whole story, go here.
To read the whole story, go here.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
The Controversy about Rigoberta Menchu
Anthropologist David Stoll presented many allegations against Rigoberta Menchu's biography. He claimed that she falsified many of her stories to further her cause. She claimed her father founded the Committee for Campesino Unity and fought for land against the ladinos. However, Stoll claimed that her father was relatively well off by Mayan standards. Her family was also less poor than she claimed and didn't have to work in the fincas like she said. Menchu also said her father wouldn't allow her to go to school so she wouldn't be "ladinized." In reality, she was educated by many Catholic nuns. Her brother wasn't burned to death, but shot by security forces. Even though Menchu exaggerated many of her stories, Stoll concluded that her story was not made up--she lost most of her family to the Guatemalan army. Her nobel peace prize wasn't taken away as well.
Anti-Bush protests in Latin America
Demonstrations are going on in Latin America to protest Bush's visit. Tear gas was fired on many of the protesters in Sao Paulo despite it being mostly peaceful gathering. There were also some conflicts in Colombia, where President Bush is scheduled to come on Sunday. For more, go to http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/03/08/bush.protests.ap/index.html
My Mexican Dentist: A medical tourist gets her teeth fixed in Nogales.
This is a humorous story about a New Yorkan who doesn't want to pay ~$6,000 for 4 new porcelain veneers for her teeth, so some acquaintances recommend going to Mexico. She is obviously wary of it, but the price tag is only $300, so she decides to go for it. Read the rest of Molly McCloy's story here!
On Wednesday in class we watched the film Men With Guns. I found this film very interesting and wanted to learn more about its production. I discovered that Men With Guns, was based on true stories of the disappearances of doctors and agronomists in rural towns. I also discovered that this movie in which the story is set in Guatemala City and its rural lands, was actually not filmed in Guatemala. The Movie was filmed in Mexico City, Chiapas, as well as other rural and jungle areas in Mexico. I also discovered that the film's director, John Sayles, is an American film director born in New York. In 1996, he directed Lonestar about the border between Mexico and Texas. I find both of these facts very interesting, because as I was watching the movie, I almost assumed that it was filmed in Guatemala by a Guatemalan director who was very passionate about his home. Therefore I was quite surprised to realize that this was an American-made film because in my opinion it represented the Guatemalan point of view very well. Especially with the allegorical "American tourist" characters that kept reappearing throughout the films. One other interesting fact I learned about this movie is that a key question John Sayles wanted to impose on the audience is, are we ignorant because we are not truly aware of the actual situation, or are we ignorant because we have to be to live our lives? This is the same question that the main character Dr. Fuentes faces throughout the film. And I believe it is the very same question that many Americans ask themselves with regards to Latin America in general.
Here is a website about the production of Men With Guns:
http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/menwithguns/production.html
Here is a website about the production of Men With Guns:
http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/menwithguns/production.html
Flooding in Bolivia
An area of Bolivia twice the size of Switzerland has flooded, affecting 400,000 people. Exteme weather started in Bolivia a couple of months ago as part of the "el nino" weather phenomenon. Economic growth projections for the country have been reduced, and damages exceed hundreds of millions of dollars. See the rest at http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/03/05/bolivia.flood.reut/index.html
Chavez takes over hospital
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the source of much controversy during in his term, just nationalized a nonprofit hospital, saying it was operating inefficiently and not fulfilling its role to the community. Chavez has been criticized for a nationalization agenda that he has been implementing since his re-election in December. Chavez denies plans to nationalize all public healthcare. Read more at http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/03/06/venezuela.hospital.ap/index.html
Women In Latin America
This is an interesting article on women in Latin America that are involved in politics; it reminded me about a few points made in our discussion about the roles of women in Latin American society two weeks ago. Visit this link to read the article:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-05-voa31.cfm
http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-03-05-voa31.cfm
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Bush in L.A.
Latin America often seems to go unnoticed in mainstream press in the U.S., which seems to be a reflection of U.S. foriegn policy concerning the region. This is especially pertinent for we living in New Orleans, but it would seem changes are coming, at least on the surface. Following his New Orleans trip, President Bush plans on taking a five country tour of Latin America. Read more here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-03-05-bush-latin-america_N.htm?POE=click-refer
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Bush talks with Brazil about fuel
An article in the Houston Chronicle reports that President Bush is negotiating a deal with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva about internationally trading ethanol fuel, and stimulating more production. Brazil is a huge producer of ethanol, where it fuels 8 out of 10 cars. The full article is at:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/business/4601199.html
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/business/4601199.html
Cuban foreign minister says Castro could be back
• Official says Fidel Castro "is recovering noticeably" from a stomach illness
• Castro, 80, gave power to his brother in July after emergency surgery
• He's not been seen in public since, leading some to think he's dying of cancer
Read the full article here.
• Castro, 80, gave power to his brother in July after emergency surgery
• He's not been seen in public since, leading some to think he's dying of cancer
Read the full article here.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
"Peru stiffens penalties for attacks"
Recently the peruvian congress voted unanimously to approve a new harsher law, that makes murdering or severly injuring a tourist punishable by life imprisonment. It also lengthens the punishment for drugging or assaulting tourist. This demonstrates the importance of tourism in the Peruvian economy, especially since previously only terrorism and rape of a minor were punishable by life imprisonment. For more information go to
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070304/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/peru_tourist_attacks;_ylt=AlhxqZLzU1qa7lwJwXMpIbBvaA8F
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070304/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/peru_tourist_attacks;_ylt=AlhxqZLzU1qa7lwJwXMpIbBvaA8F
Friday, March 02, 2007
Rigoberta Menchu
I was looking up Rigoberta Menchu online to find out a little bit about her in light of our assignment to read her book, I, Rigoberta Menchu, An Indian Woman in Guatemala. Apparently, there was some controversy over the accuracy of her autobiography which prompted the publishing of another book in 1999 called Rigoberta Menchu and the Story of All Poor Guatemalans. But the controversy wasn't substantial enough to revoke her 1992 Nobel Peace Prize. In my opinion, most stories that make an impact are often somewhat altered. When anyone tells a story, they alter small details, simplify facts and add what is necessary to the story so that the listener gets the impact of it, and so the listener can feel somewhat like how the narrator felt. The purpose of a story is to get people to realize something they didn't know before, move them to action or inspire emotions within them that they have not had before. I would say that Rigoberta has succeeded in shedding light on some very tragic circumstances. You can read more here.
Wikipedia Article on Rigoberta Menchu
Nobel Peace Prize Biography
Wikipedia Article on Rigoberta Menchu
Nobel Peace Prize Biography
Chivas in CONCACAF
Mexico's most popular soccer team, the Chivas from Guadalajara, Mexico defeated Trinidad and Tobago's W Connection this past Wednesday 3-0. With this win, Chivas advance to the CONCACAF semi finals. I found this interesting, because I didn't know that the CONCACAF cup even existed. It is a league encompassing all North America and the Caribbean, including Central American countries such as Honduras. Chivas will play DC United, a team from the United States in the semi finals. This was so striking to me, because I had no idea that this CONCACAF soccer cup even existed and that teams from the U.S. are participants. I think this shows the contrast between the popularity of soccer in Latin American countries and the lesser importance soccer has in the United States. This forces me to pose this question: why is soccer not as popular in the United States as in all the other countries of the World, including Latin American countries? What circumstances caused its lesser significance?
Here are some articles for further information on CONCACAF and Chivas' win last Wednesday:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONCACAF_Champions'_Cup
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/01/sports/LA-SPT-SOC-Chivas-W-Connection.php
Here are some articles for further information on CONCACAF and Chivas' win last Wednesday:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONCACAF_Champions'_Cup
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/01/sports/LA-SPT-SOC-Chivas-W-Connection.php
Dias de la Selva
In my ongoing revolution based Latin American literary quest, I started Mario Payeras' short novel Dias de la Selva. Thus far, a group of renegades from all walks of life are traveling through the Guatemalan jungles recruiting and setting up camp for a revolutionary effort against the government in the 1970's. Little information is given about the groups ideals, outside of the want to rebel in the name of socialism, and in the preface and introduction it is noted that the book is intentionally spotty and full of holes. Written from an anynomous first person perspective, it reads like a journal of one of the revolutionaries. As I progress, hopefull more will be made clear as to how and why these revolutionaries are fighting.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Sinkhole in Guatemala
A giant sinkhole opened before dawn last Friday, leaving two teenagers and their father missing and officials have found 3 bodies so far. 1,000 homes have been evacuated in vicinity of 330-foot-deep hole. There are loud noises and sewage smells coming from the hole, and officials are saying that it was most likely caused by heavy rains and a sewer leak.
To learn more about this disaster, go here.
To learn more about this disaster, go here.
La Hora sin Demora
At noon on Thursday, bells rang in Lima as part of the nationally televised ceremony "La Hora sin Demora," or "Time without Delay." It was part of an effort to get Peruvians to synchronize their watches to end their customary traditional lateness or "hora peruna" (Peruvian time)
To read more about this campaign, please click here
To read more about this campaign, please click here
Bolivia's flooding now a natural disaster
Evo Morales has declared a natural disaster after flooding throughout the country has killed 35 people and affected tens of thousands more. Flooding was heaviest in the states of Beni and Santa Cruz, where Morales has his most outspoken opposition and where Morales is planning to redistribute much of the land as part of his reforms. However, there is a clause in Bolivia's law exempting natural disaster areas from expropriation from the government. You can find an article on this at http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/02/28/bolivia.floods.ap/index.html.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
"Costan Ricans Protest trade with U.S."
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSN2633519120070227?pageNumber=2
It seems that protesters in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, have gathered in the streets to protest the signing of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Tens of thousands of educators and students marched together in an attempt to get the government, led by Arias, to vote against the measure. It is expected that the measure will pass though. If passed, the bill will create a free trade zone between the United States, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Citizens worry that this would cause privitization of state run utilities and ruin the common farmer. Ironically, Costa Rica is the only nation not to have approved the bill yet. It is just funny to see that not everyone is in favor of the globalization that is currently occurring. Further, it shows that there may be problems in these free trade agreements.
It seems that protesters in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, have gathered in the streets to protest the signing of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). Tens of thousands of educators and students marched together in an attempt to get the government, led by Arias, to vote against the measure. It is expected that the measure will pass though. If passed, the bill will create a free trade zone between the United States, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Citizens worry that this would cause privitization of state run utilities and ruin the common farmer. Ironically, Costa Rica is the only nation not to have approved the bill yet. It is just funny to see that not everyone is in favor of the globalization that is currently occurring. Further, it shows that there may be problems in these free trade agreements.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Venezuela Spending on Arms Rises to the Top of the List
Venezuela has now taken the lead of Latin American countries in weapons purchasing and even spends more than Iran and Pakistan, spending $4 billion in the past two years. Venezuela officials claim they are building up their weapons before the US puts on a ban on the sale of American arms to the country and just in case the US mounts some sort of military aggression towards them. I'm sure this has President Bush shaking in his boots. Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/world/americas/25venez.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.
Police officer thought to be vigilante killed in Rio
Story Highlights
• Violence rising in Rio as vigilantes take control of slums from drug gangs
• Slain officer fired, accused of leading vigilantes; 40 bullets pumped into his car
• Off-duty police officers, soldiers and firefighters form militias
• The militias charge slum residents and shopkeepers protection fees
Check out the rest of the story here
• Violence rising in Rio as vigilantes take control of slums from drug gangs
• Slain officer fired, accused of leading vigilantes; 40 bullets pumped into his car
• Off-duty police officers, soldiers and firefighters form militias
• The militias charge slum residents and shopkeepers protection fees
Check out the rest of the story here
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Vigilante Justice in Rio
A police officer was found dead in Rio, suspected of directing a vigilante militia that battles drug gangs in the slums of Rio. Violence is on the rise in Rio de Janeiro as such groups have attempted to take control of many of the city's poverty-stricken slums. The government has denounced such groups, comparing them to paramilitary organizations in Colombia and other Latin American countries. Read more here.
Colombian hostages
Ingrid Betancourt, a former Presidential candidate in Colombia, has been held hostage by the FARC guerilla organization for the last five years. FARC officials say they are willing to strike a deal, however the government of Colombia says the only solution is a military rescue of Betancourt and about 60 other hostages held with her. See more here.
Incan Mummies
After doing research about Peru's history, I found this article very interesting. It is from a women's website called BellaOnline. It states that scientists recently uncovered around 2,000 mummies around Lima Peru. The mummies are thought to be from the time of the Incan Empire. It will be very interesting to see what the scientists can learn from these mummies about daily life in the ancient empire. Here is the website for the article.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Mexican Police Crack Down on Crime
It seems that Mexican Federal Police have vowed their support in order to keep the tourist areas of Acapulco safe. Due to a recent increase in crime, the newly elected president has dispatched extra forces to the area. The police clad in black and carrying assault rifles have apparently been targeting any large vehicles with tinted windows due to their popularity among drug runners. Specifically, the police have been focusing on the area of Acapulco ridden with hotels frequented by foreigners. This is interesting because it shows Mexico's interest in their tourism and relations with foreigners. They realize that a large part of their economy is their tourism and they need to protect its interests in the country. I find this interesting because this is just one more case where American interests and citizens are playing a large part of policy in foreign nations. The president has vowed that the presence will be permanent and that the region will continue to be safe despite recent problems.
National Geographic: Guns, Germs and Steel
Hey everyone!
I do not know if you have already heard of this, but there is a National Geographic Special that you can rent on DVD that is on the book Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. It explains Diamond's theory on why western cultures gained dominance over other countries and regions, like Latin America, due to Guns, Germs and Steel. Anyways, I know a lot of people have started to read the book but have not finished it, so this is a quick four-hour summary. Although I have not finished watching it yet, I highly recommend it. The title is National Geographic: Guns, Germs and Steel.
I do not know if you have already heard of this, but there is a National Geographic Special that you can rent on DVD that is on the book Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. It explains Diamond's theory on why western cultures gained dominance over other countries and regions, like Latin America, due to Guns, Germs and Steel. Anyways, I know a lot of people have started to read the book but have not finished it, so this is a quick four-hour summary. Although I have not finished watching it yet, I highly recommend it. The title is National Geographic: Guns, Germs and Steel.
Aristide Returning to Haiti?
Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the former president of Haiti who was ousted from the country three years ago, has said that he is planning on returning to Haiti, depending on "judging the security and stability" of Haiti. Current president Rene Preval has made no comment on whether he will welcome Aristide back into the country.
To read more, please click here
To read more, please click here
Thursday, February 22, 2007
"La Ciudad y Los Perros"
"La Ciudad y Los Perros" is a novel written by the famous Peruvian writer Maria Vargas Llosa. This novel narrates the story of a group of teenage boys who attend a military school in Lima. The main characters represent different sectors of Peruvian society. What is most interesting and relevant to our studies is the rivalry between the Serranos and the more elite students.
Police arrested for the killings of Parliament members
Today there were arrests of four Guatemalan police officers for the killings of three politicians who represent El Salvador in the Central American Parliament. The three men were shot and then set on fire before they died. The motive is most likely political. To find out more, visit this site.
Mas de Libro de Manuel
In my continuation of the Cortazar novel Libro de Manuel, the confusion has continued but with some plot developments (to my understanding). As far as I can deduce, there are three overlying themes in this revolutionary novel; (for those who aren't familiar with the novel please humor me). La Joda is meant to represent change inthe form of violent revolution. Andres sees progress coming via "culturalization", be it filosofia, el cine, libros, etc., and Lonstein sees change coming through a sexual revolution, confronting topics considered taboo. The role of "El que te dije" is not an omniscient narrarator, but a compiler inserting his own views and writing from his own perspective, hoping the truth lies somewhere therein.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Ecuador President Threatens to Resign
Leftist president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, stated Saturday that he would resign if his supporters did not win control of an assembly to rewrite Ecuador's constitution. Correa took office on January 15th and was voted in last November and pledged to lead a "citizen's revolution" against a political establishment that is generally viewed as corrupt. Ecuador has been known for its political instability, having 8 presidents in the last decade, and 60 percent of the country living in poverty.
To read more about this controversy, go to this link.
To read more about this controversy, go to this link.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Paraguayan Women and Tall Tales
On a lighter post, I read this article about a Paraguayan women who made up a story about her husband being eaten by a boa constrictor. Apparently, the lady had reported to a radio talk show in Puerto Piasco that a 10 meter long boa constrictor had eaten her husband as he was boating in a river. She then claims that after wrapping him up and eating him, locals helped to kill the snake and retrieve the man's remains. In the end, the story gained national attention and was even printed on the front pages of many newspapers. Upon this fame, the lady began to ask for donations for her and her three children. Ultimately, a state prosecutor found the story to be fabricated and found the husband alive and well working on a ranch. The lady aknowledges that she made up the story, but justified it due to the fact that "she felt abandoned." And thats what makes the news these days.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Leftists and Populists in Latin America
On Washintonpost.com, I found a little map of Latin America. You can click on each country and read a little bit about the leaders there, and the map makes a point to highlight those countries with new "leftist and populist leaders." It's an interesting little insight into Washington's idea of Latin America being very left.
See the Map Here
See the Map Here
libro de circunvolución
I started reading Juilo Cortazar's Libro de Manuel this week. This is easily one of the most difficult to comprehend books I've ever read. One character, Lonstein, not only uses highly technical and/or archaic castellano, sometimes he makes up his own words. The narration switches between Andres and "El que te dije", thourghouly confusing me. Written as a journal, it includes actual newspaper clippings of the era (early 1970's) commenting on violence against leftist idealists. Hopefully as the book unfolds I will have a better understanding (or any understanding) of the drama.
Peruvian President Questioned in Massacre
The Peruvian president Alan Garcia was recently questioned about his actions during a massacre of Maoist guerrillas during the 1980's.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Haitian Corruption
After viewing The Agronomist this week in class, I was interested to learn more about the country of Haiti. I found The Haitian Times online and perused all of the articles. There were editorials commenting on Chavez's Venezuela, the new immigration laws and fees of the United States, and an article about a former New York police officer that covered up the torture of a Haitian man. All of these provided an interesting and alternative viewpoint than the one generated by the media of the United States. The article about the police officer really struck me because it blatantly shows that racism against Haitians is still a very large problem. One other article I read was about Socabank. This was Haiti's third largest private bank. It is in the news because the bank stole its clients money and would not pay them back. This story becomes even more interesting because the Federal bank of Haiti stole money from the Socabank just as the Socabank stole from its customers. It is practically a cycle of corruption. I think this illustrates a common problem facing many countries in Latin America, the tendency for corruption. This article ends by stating that the government needs to regulate the private banks and prevent them from committing corrupt actions. With the removal of corruption, more money and time can be put towards development in Haiti. Here is the link to the article:
Referendum on Ecudor's Constitution
Ecuador will have a national referendum on holding an assembly to rewrite the country's constitution. There's some more at this link.
Brazil, Bolivia reach natural gas deal
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Bolivian President Evo Morales finally came to an agreement on the 14th about how much Brazil would pay Bolivia for Bolivian natural gas. This issue had been unresolved for about a year now, but the two countries' leaders finally reached an agreement after a bargaining session. The leaders are scheduled to sign an official agreement today. None of the details have been made public yet.
Click here to find about more about the problem and the solution.
Click here to find about more about the problem and the solution.
More Nationalizations in Venezuela
President Hugo Chavez has warned any privately owned supermarkets and distributors that if they are caught hoarding inventory or violating price controls, their facilities will be nationalized. As Jose Luis Betancourt, president of Venezuela's main business chamber, explains, "This is a veiled threat against any company, any business owner, any investor, any citizen."
To read more, please go to this article.
To read more, please go to this article.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Rio samba school leader shot dead
• Vice president of Rio's Salgueiro samba school slain by gunmen in his car
• Up to 600,000 tourists set to gather for the city's famed Carnival celebrations
• Killing comes one day after shootout between police, drug gangs leaves six dead
Terrible story, now that Mardi Gras and Carnival season is in full swing here in New Orleans as well as Brazil. Read the full story.
Peacekeeping in Haiti
Related to our study of Haiti for this week's class. See what the current situation is in this small carribean nation, go here.
Acapulco Mayor Investigated
In class we've discussed government corruption and drug trafficking as two major problems in Latin America. Here's one recent example of both in Mexico, as well as an example of the Mexican government's efforts to fight them. Go here.
Authentic Nicaraguan Tamales
Makes 20 tamales
30 corn husks or 20 pieces of aluminum foil cut into 10-inch squares
Dough
4 cups (1 pound) flour;
2 cups skim milk;
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (remove fat);
½ cup mashed potatoes;
1 tablespoon vegetable oil;
1 tablespoon lemon juice;
½ teaspoon salt
Filling
¼ cup lemon juice;
½ teaspoon salt;
2 cloves garlic, minced;
½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 20 strips, ½-inch by 2 inches
Garnishes
2 medium potatoes, peeled, and thinly sliced (20 slices);
40 raisins;
2 tomatoes, thinly sliced (20 slices);
1 onion, thinly sliced;
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced (20 slices);
2 fresh green chilies, thinly sliced (20 slices);
20 fresh mint sprigs
To make the dough
In a large saucepan, stir the dough ingredients with a wooden spoon. Cook the dough over medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until firm but still moist. Cool to room temperature and wrap in plastic until needed. The dough may be made one day in advance and refrigerated.
To make the filling
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the lemon juice, salt, and garlic. Stir in the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
To assemble and cook
1. If you are using packaged corn husks, separate them, put in large bowl, cover with water and set aside for several hours or overnight.
2. Divide the dough into 20 pieces. Form each piece into a cylinder about 3 inches long and place it in the center of a husk or foil. Press into the dough a piece of chicken, 2 raisins, and a slice of potato. On top of the dough place a slice of tomato, some onion slices, and slice each of chile and pepper. Top with a sprig of mint.
3. Fold the ends of each foil or husk wrapper over the filling and garnishes, and then fold the sides of the wrapper tightly. To tie them into waterproof packages, use thin strips torn from several husks or use 5-inch pieces of string. If you are using foil instead of husks, tying is not necessary.
4. Fill the bottom half of a large steamer with water. Stand all the tamales upright in the top of the steamer and cover them with corn husks. Cover the pot tightly, bring the water to a boil, adjust heat to maintain a simmer, and let the tamales cook for about 1½ hours. To check for doneness, open a tamale; the dough should come away solidly from the husk or foil. As the tamales cook, check the water level occasionally and replenish if necessary.
5. Unwrap and serve immediately.
Serve with chayote soup.
Enjoy!!
30 corn husks or 20 pieces of aluminum foil cut into 10-inch squares
Dough
4 cups (1 pound) flour;
2 cups skim milk;
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (remove fat);
½ cup mashed potatoes;
1 tablespoon vegetable oil;
1 tablespoon lemon juice;
½ teaspoon salt
Filling
¼ cup lemon juice;
½ teaspoon salt;
2 cloves garlic, minced;
½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 20 strips, ½-inch by 2 inches
Garnishes
2 medium potatoes, peeled, and thinly sliced (20 slices);
40 raisins;
2 tomatoes, thinly sliced (20 slices);
1 onion, thinly sliced;
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced (20 slices);
2 fresh green chilies, thinly sliced (20 slices);
20 fresh mint sprigs
To make the dough
In a large saucepan, stir the dough ingredients with a wooden spoon. Cook the dough over medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until firm but still moist. Cool to room temperature and wrap in plastic until needed. The dough may be made one day in advance and refrigerated.
To make the filling
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the lemon juice, salt, and garlic. Stir in the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
To assemble and cook
1. If you are using packaged corn husks, separate them, put in large bowl, cover with water and set aside for several hours or overnight.
2. Divide the dough into 20 pieces. Form each piece into a cylinder about 3 inches long and place it in the center of a husk or foil. Press into the dough a piece of chicken, 2 raisins, and a slice of potato. On top of the dough place a slice of tomato, some onion slices, and slice each of chile and pepper. Top with a sprig of mint.
3. Fold the ends of each foil or husk wrapper over the filling and garnishes, and then fold the sides of the wrapper tightly. To tie them into waterproof packages, use thin strips torn from several husks or use 5-inch pieces of string. If you are using foil instead of husks, tying is not necessary.
4. Fill the bottom half of a large steamer with water. Stand all the tamales upright in the top of the steamer and cover them with corn husks. Cover the pot tightly, bring the water to a boil, adjust heat to maintain a simmer, and let the tamales cook for about 1½ hours. To check for doneness, open a tamale; the dough should come away solidly from the husk or foil. As the tamales cook, check the water level occasionally and replenish if necessary.
5. Unwrap and serve immediately.
Serve with chayote soup.
Enjoy!!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Cuban officials send Colombian drug dealer to Colombia
The leader of Colombian drug cartel whose cartel was responsible for 30%% of the cocaine brought into the US is being held in Colombiia, awaiting extradition charges to the US. The Mr. Gomez Bustamante was arrested in Cuba on immigration charges in 2004, however Cuba decided to send him to Colombia to be transported to the US. This somewhat surprising action has baffled the US government. Read more here.
UN Peacekeepers Raid Haiti Slum
"PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- Hundreds of U.N. peacekeepers raided Haiti's largest and most violent slum Friday, seizing a portion of it in a six-hour gunbattle that left a gang member dead and two soldiers wounded, officials said."
Read More Here
Read More Here
Friday, February 09, 2007
Pensamientos sobre "Cenizas"
This week I finished reading the book Cenizas de Izalco, a multifaceted novel set in El Salvador. The momento cumbre and origin of the books title comes from the 1932 peasant massacre in Izalco, El Salvador, where an uprising of starving peasants was put down violently with military force. An interesting aspect of the book is its narrative style; it is told partly in the first person by Carmen Rojas, a Salvaducha returning home for her mothers funeral. When she does, she reads the diary of Frank Wolf, a freind of her family, which is also narrarated through the novel. While sometimes causing some confusion, this narrative style is unique to any novels I have ever read.
U.S. tries to win over Latin America's moderate left
Article here.
In a very interesting and applicable article, Reuters tells of the Bush Administration's recent attempts to make friends in the Latin American region. The U.S. is meeting with key leaders in the region due to poor relations in the area. Further, the recent shift towards Leftist ideals among elected leaders has worried the administration. Specifically, the United States has been worried by the influential and charismatic leader of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. However, it seems that the United States has paid more attention to leaders in Brazil and Argentine and have focused mainly on trade issues. This is all before President Bush plans to take a 5 month tour of the region later in the year. It seems that President Bush is finally realizing the importance of Latin America as a whole and the fact that they will no longer merely be satellites of a stronger global power.
In a very interesting and applicable article, Reuters tells of the Bush Administration's recent attempts to make friends in the Latin American region. The U.S. is meeting with key leaders in the region due to poor relations in the area. Further, the recent shift towards Leftist ideals among elected leaders has worried the administration. Specifically, the United States has been worried by the influential and charismatic leader of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. However, it seems that the United States has paid more attention to leaders in Brazil and Argentine and have focused mainly on trade issues. This is all before President Bush plans to take a 5 month tour of the region later in the year. It seems that President Bush is finally realizing the importance of Latin America as a whole and the fact that they will no longer merely be satellites of a stronger global power.
Bolivia nationalizes key smelter
I just read an article saying that the Bolivian president, Evo Morales just sent two hundred troops to seize control of Bolivia's largest time smelter company. The company was owned by the Swiss company Glencore. President Morales says he does not have any plans in the near future to compensate the company. This is really interesting, especially after the earlier reading about economics and politics in Latin America, and their relationship with international exchange. This is an example of Latin America being proactive rather than reactive.
Mexican Dish Recipe
Here is a recipe for an authentic mexican dish, it looks tasty!
Migas II
SUBMITTED BY: SHELLSHOCK
Original recipe yield:
5 servings
| PREP TIME | 10 Min |
| COOK TIME | 10 Min |
| READY IN | 20 Min |
PHOTO BY: BRIANADORAN
SERVINGS About scaling and conversions
INGREDIENTS
- 4 teaspoons corn oil
- 12 (6 inch) corn tortillas
- 6 eggs, beaten
- salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Tear corn tortillas into bite size pieces, and fry them in the skillet, stirring constantly, until they are just starting to get crisp.
- Pour the eggs into the skillet with the tortillas, stirring until the egg is cooked through. Season with salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Castro- Making A Comeback?
I've been following Castro's story since last semester- this is the latest update.
Castro had emergency surgery 6 months ago for intestinal bleeding. There were media reports at the end of 2006 that stated that Castro had to be drip-fed because his condition had worsened since the surgery. However, now, it has been reported that Castro is eating again. Castro is now thought to be suffering from a disorder of the large intestine, but the actual diagnosis is a state secret. Finally, Chavez reported on the situation adding that Castro was putting on weight and that his health was improving. Read everything here.
-Meredith West
Castro had emergency surgery 6 months ago for intestinal bleeding. There were media reports at the end of 2006 that stated that Castro had to be drip-fed because his condition had worsened since the surgery. However, now, it has been reported that Castro is eating again. Castro is now thought to be suffering from a disorder of the large intestine, but the actual diagnosis is a state secret. Finally, Chavez reported on the situation adding that Castro was putting on weight and that his health was improving. Read everything here.
-Meredith West
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Gay Rights in Colombia
The Constitutional Court in Bogota decided that gay couples in long-term relationships should have the same right to shared assets as regular heterosexual couples. This is the first recognition of gay people's rights in Colombia. To read more, please go to this article.
Exchange in Ecuador
I found an old article dealing with exchange and international relations. The former president of Ecuador, Lucio Gutierrez, was voted out of office by Ecuador's legislature and was the cause of riots and his exile in the Brazilian Embassy. He became unpopular when he started negociating with the IMF, and it worsened with his support for the Plan Colombia, a policy of the U.S. For more information, see this article.
European Union and Latin America
I found this website on the internet and I thought it was interesting. We have been discussing the economic and regional integration policies of Latin American countries in class. It is a fact that the United States has had a very large role in Latin American economies throughout history. However this website discusses the European Union's relations with Latin America. Specifically this website shows that the European Commission has advised the European Union to start regional free market agreements with both Central American and the Andean countries in 2007. It is interesting to note that the European Commission also seeks to increase democracy, stability, and economic development in these regions through their relations. Here is the link to this website.
Assaults in Acapulco
Over a dozen armed assailants attacked offices of the State Attorney General in Acapulco, Mexico, on Tuesday, February 6. Here is the link.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
México versus Estados Unidos: Eternos Rivales
This semester I have the mixed blessing of owning a television in my dorm room, and I have been watching a variety of Mexican soap operas on Univision in an attempt to improve my Spanish. But today Univision decided to show a soccer game between the American and the Mexican soccer teams.
I just thought it was interesting the way the media tried to hype the game between the two countries. Mexico and the USA aren't rivals at all: we economically, culturally, and politically tied together through NAFTA, and although there is a lot of rhetoric behind the whole immigration issue, Mexico provides the United States with valuable labor needed by American businesses.
Secondly, who cares about United States soccer in the USA? If Mexico beat us in football or in basketball, I think Americans would be angry, but in soccer? I believe the Mexican head coach was saying something about this being a historical moment to win in America, but I am sure that it would be a history that only Mexicans would care about--sort of like those heroes who saved the Mexican flag when the American army stormed the capital. America doesn't even know about that war.
I also wonder where those who are wearing Mexican jerseys live. Surely most of them must live in the United States--are they citizens of the USA or Mexico? I bring this up because it raises interesting questions regarding national affiliation, the meaning of what it means to be American, and the ethnic composition of our country.
I just thought it was interesting the way the media tried to hype the game between the two countries. Mexico and the USA aren't rivals at all: we economically, culturally, and politically tied together through NAFTA, and although there is a lot of rhetoric behind the whole immigration issue, Mexico provides the United States with valuable labor needed by American businesses.
Secondly, who cares about United States soccer in the USA? If Mexico beat us in football or in basketball, I think Americans would be angry, but in soccer? I believe the Mexican head coach was saying something about this being a historical moment to win in America, but I am sure that it would be a history that only Mexicans would care about--sort of like those heroes who saved the Mexican flag when the American army stormed the capital. America doesn't even know about that war.
I also wonder where those who are wearing Mexican jerseys live. Surely most of them must live in the United States--are they citizens of the USA or Mexico? I bring this up because it raises interesting questions regarding national affiliation, the meaning of what it means to be American, and the ethnic composition of our country.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Thousands in Mexico City Protest Rising Food Prices
"As marchers gathered at dusk in the city’s main square, a former television personality, Verónica Velasco, read a statement condemning the government’s policies. “While other countries are looking for alternatives to neoliberal policies, in Mexico, the government has lagged behind and insisted in applying a model that, after a quarter century, has shown its inefficiency and inequality,” the statement said."
Read more here.
Read more here.
Cocaine is king on Nicaragua's Caribbean coast
"From the drug runners' point of view, the working environment along Nicaragua's Caribbean coast is as good as it gets. Deep poverty, high unemployment and widespread resentment over decades of government neglect has made it easy for cocaine traffickers to set up support networks in the towns along the Miskito coast and the islands off it. The area is so remote and so different from the rest of Nicaragua, it could be another country."
Read more here.
Read more here.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Recipe for Venison Fajitas
Marinade
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
2 jalapenos, chopped
3 T Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c white wine
1/2 T coarse ground black pepper
2 c. vegetable oil
Accompaniments
Guacamole
Pico de Gallo
Sour cream
cheddar cheese, grated
bell peppers and onions sliced into strips, sauted then drizzled with sizzling sauce
fresh lime wedges
flour or corn tortillas
Sizzling Sauce
1/2 c chicken or beef broth
3 T soy sauce
2 T butter, melted
1/4 c. white wine
2.5 lb venison
Trim the meat of all silvery membrane and connective tissue. Lightly pound to an even thickness. Place in a ziploc bag and marinate 3-4 hours in the fridge.
Remove meat from marinade; season with salt and pepper. Grill on both sides over a hot fire 2 minutes/side. Cover and set aside.
Heat the sizzling sauce in a small pan. Cut the meat into thin stips. Place an iron skillet over high heat. Add a few drops of oil and stir fry the meat a few seconds to reheat. Drizzle with the sizzling sauce and serve with warm flour tortillas and accompaniments.
Serves 6, 2 per person
Friday, February 02, 2007
Hugo Chavez At It Again
Click here for article.
^^"Chavez defends broad new powers"
Upon reading the local news on cnn.com, it seems that one of my greatest friends is at it again. My favorite politician and life role model, Hugo Chavez, has expanded his political power and taken on the Bush regime. In statements yesterday, he commented on the fact that the bills recently passed through government giving him tremendous lawmaking powers are legitimate and the will of the people. He further notes that the true enemy of Venezuela is the greatest consumer of their oil, the United States. He even begged that we release ourselves from the tyranny that we are under. This paired with Chavez's plans to nationalize many products must be of much concern to the United States. I will let everyone draw their own conclusions, but it seems that Venezuela is quite satisfied with their left winged leader.
^^"Chavez defends broad new powers"
Upon reading the local news on cnn.com, it seems that one of my greatest friends is at it again. My favorite politician and life role model, Hugo Chavez, has expanded his political power and taken on the Bush regime. In statements yesterday, he commented on the fact that the bills recently passed through government giving him tremendous lawmaking powers are legitimate and the will of the people. He further notes that the true enemy of Venezuela is the greatest consumer of their oil, the United States. He even begged that we release ourselves from the tyranny that we are under. This paired with Chavez's plans to nationalize many products must be of much concern to the United States. I will let everyone draw their own conclusions, but it seems that Venezuela is quite satisfied with their left winged leader.
Vatican Suspends Bishop in Paraguay
The Vatican has suspended retired Bishop Lugo Mendez after he refused to end his run for the presidency of Paraguay. Despite warnings from the Vatican, he is stillin the running for president and some polls suggest that he may win the election in 2008. I know that there is bound to some bias in the article but seems to have the most information on the Bishop's suspension. Check out the story here.
Venezuelan Inflation
Venezuela's inflation climbed to the highest in two years in January. This article is interesting,e specially when you consider the ideas we were talking about in class about economic security. Here it is ---
Mexico's first gay civil union has upset a Roman Catholic bishop in Coahuila, Mexico.
Bishop Alonso Garza of Piedras Negras said Friday that Mexico's first gay civil union -- which occurred Wednesday in his state's capital of Saltillo on -- was "a disgrace" and "a show." Read more about this story here.
"Chavez sets May oil takeover"
This is a really interesting article, especially with the current politics of Latin America. The President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, has announced that he will be nationalizing a series of oil projects within the next eighteen months. He also announced that if an agreement were not reached, with the five current international oil companies that exist in Venezuela, the oil projects would be seized. Chavez also stated that by May 1st, all of the oil projects along the Orinoco river belt would belong to the government of Venezuela.
The End of a Ski Resort
The highest ski resort in the world, located in Chacaltaya, Bolivia, is facing its last days as global warming is taking its toll on a nearby glacier. The only ski resort in Bolivia was founded in the 1930's and probably only has three years left. However, more than just the resort will be affected. To read more, click here.
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.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
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.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Mexico Leftist Leader Sees Strength Fade
JANUARY 31, 2007Click here for more details.
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
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
-Meredith West
Saturday, December 16, 2006
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.
Read all about it here.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
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.
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."
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
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.
Monday, December 11, 2006
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
Sunday, December 10, 2006
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.
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