Mexican Violence

Here is an interesting article from CNN on "Why Mexico's Violence is America's Problem" http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/11/kumar.el.paso.juarez/index.html

Haiti's teen tennis star

Of all we have learned about in class about Haiti I recall mostly negative and heartbreaking stories and facts. Here is an uplifting story about a girl from Haiti...

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/tennis/03/10/tennis.haiti.duval.earthquake/index.html

Runoff likely in tight Peruvian presidential race

The Peruvian presidential race looks like it will be very close and could be decided by a runoff. Ollanta Humala is likely to receive the most votes in the first round of Peru's Presidential elections, but he is not likely to receive enough votes to avoid a runoff. Read more here.

Brazil Mourns Children Gunned Down at School

While looking for information on my country profile report coming up this week I came across this article on Brazil. Although violence it is not something we like to hear about, this is a current event in Brazil right now.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/10/world/americas/10brazil.html?_r=1&ref=americas

LEGOS!

Of all things, the last thing I would have associated with Latin America is legos, but it seems that Brazil has just set the record for the tallest lego tower. This world record was stolen from Chile on April 10th, as a structure over 100 feet tall was constructed over 4 days in the parking lot of a grocery store.

Brazilian School Shooting

A former student opened fire at a school in Brazil and was caught on tape by the school's security camera. The shooter, Wellington de Oliviera, told security upon his arrival that he was there to deliver a speech but opened fire indiscriminately upon the students soon after.

"Europe Trap"

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/09/world/europe/09portugal.html?_r=1&ref=world

peru and bolivia make known complaints agains chile

Bolivian President and Peruvian Presidential candidate both spoke out against chile recently. http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21112:andean-nations-trumpet-their-grievances-with-chile-&catid=19:other&Itemid=142

US Ambassador Unwelcome in Ecuador

Recently, the Ecuadoran government stated that the US Ambassador for that region, Heather Hodges, was no longer welcome. She was told to leave immediately. The country claims this act was not done against the US but against the actions of an unsatisfactory diplomat--a cable had been leaked saying there was corruption among high command police which the president was aware of. The president was outraged by these accusations. Read More

Tierra del Fuego

When one thinks of natural wonders in South America, most think of either the Amazon River or the Andes Mountain Range. However, South America is rich in natural wonders that many people have no idea exist. One excellent example is Tierra del Fuego. Tierra del Fuego is the archipelago separated from the rest of South America by the Strait of Magellan. The main island, Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, is owned by both Chile and Argentina, both of which have settlements on the island. Though the island may be separated, the unique flora and fauna can be found everywhere. Though the climate is very cold, there are six species of trees that grow there. These trees have actually been replanted in places with a similar climate in which people once thought nothing would grow. The fauna is diverse and interesting, including the Austral Parakeet, the Firecrown Hummingbird, and the condor. Along with these, there are Sea Run Brown Trout, which make Tierra del Fuego one of the best places for trout fishing in the world. For more information, visit this website.

Bodies Found as Mexicans March Against Drug Violence

Protests in more than 20 Mexican cities against drug-related violence have been interrupted by news of the discovery of 59 bodies. Read more about the bodies found in the following article!

At Least a Dozen Dead in Brazil School Shooting

Police guarded the perimeter of a school in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday after a gunman opened fire, killing at least 12 people.

A gunman opened fire in an elementary school in Rio de Janeiro and at least 13 people are dead, authorities said.

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/world/americas/index.html

7 Injured in Gunfight at Hot Dog Stand

http://www.latinamericanews.net/story/765085/ht/7-hurt-in-shooting-at-hot-dog-stand-in-Venezuela A hot dog stand in Venezuela was the sight of a gunfight that left 7 people injured. The injured included 3 police officials, 3 pedestrians and the vendors son. The gunfight was rumored to have been started because the vendor put mustard on one of the hot dogs, or the officers refused to pay.

Lollapalooza in Chile

Every summer, a music festival called Lollapalooza is held in my hometown--Chicago. Turns out that this festival is also celebrated in Chile! Just as in the United States, Chileans have gained interest in tough female rappers. In Santiago, Jane's Addiction along with several other female hip hop artists headlined the show. There is talk of sending these Latin American rap stars to New York City in the near future! For more information, follow the link below...

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/lollapalooza-chile-tough-women-rappers-janes-addiction-and-polite-dancers/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Ironic?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/03/30/argentina.chavez.award/index.html

In the online article above, it mentions that President Chavez was given a prestigious journalism award (Rodolfo Walsh journalism award) from Argentina's Universidad Nacional de La Plata "for his unquestionable and authentic commitment to support the freedom of peoples."

I found this very ironic because I did my country profile report on Venezuela and my current issue was on the media being censored and how freedom of speech is diminishing.

Paraguayan Polka

Also known as "danza Paraguaya," the Paraguayan polka is a popular music style created in the 19th century. Paraguayan polka is very different than regular polka music, as it is vibrant, upbeat, and exciting. It combines two different types of rhythms. There are several different versions of the Paraguayan polka, such as "polca popo" and "polca saraki." It is danced in pairs by linking arms. For more information, visit this site.

News in Haiti

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12966875

Martelly Wins

I can not not believe that a man described as "'Sweet Mickey', a popular kompa singer who enthralled his fans with a bad-boy antics on stage that cursed and swayed with a bottle of Barbancourt rum in his hands and on occasion, mooned his audience" is the President of Haiti. After all of the turmoil occurring in Haiti they need a leader that is a true politician not some phony. They need a leader that will guide them out of the economic rut they are in.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/04/05/haiti.martelly/index.html?hpt=C1

"Preliminary results: Michel Martelly beats Mirlande Manigat in Haiti"

This article discusses the results of Haiti's election for a new president, held last month. Martelly is best known for being a carnival musician, and has the nickname of Tete Kale, or Bald Head. Results have been delayed due to fraud but the final decision is expected next week.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/04/04/haiti.election/index.html?hpt=T2

Tea from South America

I was sick this past week and my friend's mom was in town who is from South America. She gave me this tea, and it was so good! They give it to people in South America when they suffer from colds etc. Try it when your sick.

http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/cuisine/p/yerbamate.htm