Stories about Spanish from June, 2009
Paraguay: The Possibility of a New Bullet Train
There is speculation that a new bullet train could be built linking the Paraguayan capital city of Asunción with the Brazilian city of Paranaguá and which uses the energy from the Itaipú dam. Carlos Rodríguez of Rescatar [es] thinks that it could be beneficial for the region.
Peru: Interview with Peruvian Books
Juan Arellano of Globalizado [es] interviews the creator of the website Peruvian Books [es], which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. The site shares information about new books from Peruvian authors and upcoming literature conferences.
Argentina: Kirchner Handed Defeat in Congressional Elections
The parliamentary elections held on Sunday, June 28 across Argentina have left a negative balance for the government of President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, and her husband Néstor. Their representation fell in both the Chamber of Deputies and in the Senate. Their candidates were also defeated in many of the most heavily populated provinces.
Ecuador: State Contracts With President's Brother Raise Concerns
Contracts between the state petroleum company and several private companies raised some eyebrows when it was discovered that the brother of current president Rafael Correa was a member of some of the private enterprises. Even though Fabricio Correa has been emphatic that the contracts were won legally, it is still causing the government to look bad.
Honduras: Zelaya Arrested and Removed as President
The day started across Honduras with news that President Mel Zelaya was arrested in his home by armed soldiers on the same day of a controversial referendum. Days earlier, Zelaya had removed the head of the Armed Forces. Reactions ranged from calling the situation a coup d'état to those who saw the move as the only way to stop Zelaya's attempts to run for an additional term.
Honduras: Still Heading to the Polls Despite Arrest of President
Despite the arrest of President Mel Zelaya and with military planes flying over the cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, Juan Carlos Rivera of Mirada de Halcon [es] writes that Hondurans are still heading to the polls.
Honduras: Political Crisis Over Controversial Referendum
The political crisis in Honduras is deepening after the removal of the head of the Armed Forces because of his statements that the military would not support the scheduled referendum to take place on Sunday, June 28. Now there is increased uncertainty regarding the vote. Bloggers are worried about their country's present and future.
Colombia: Living with Flooding in Barranquilla
Barranquilla in Colombia is the most important coastal city with a distinct characteristic: no rainwater drainage systems, so whenever it rains, the whole city floods with dangerous fast running rivers (called arroyos) replacing roads. On the following videos, taxis, cars and even buses float by on the streets as other citizens try to lend a helping hand to keep them from getting away.
Paraguay: Referendum on Performance of Congress
The relationship with the Paraguayan Congress has been difficult for President Fernando Lugo. His recent statements that he is analyzing the possibility of holding a referendum about the legislative branch's performance have raised suspicions about his true intentions. Critics claim that this shows his inability to come to a consensus with the parliament, while the ones who agree with this referendum are those who are far from satisfied with the Congress's performance.
Dominican Republic: Against the Cement Factory in Los Haitises
Dominicans have been protesting against the proposed construction of a cement factory in the protected area of Los Haitises National Park. Citing the rich biodiversity in this ecosystem, many feel like the flora and fauna would be damaged and that there are other places where this development could take place. Those involved in the online campaigns have felt like celebrating when a judge ruled that the development should be suspended due to these concerns.
Ecuador: Everything Ready for BarCamp in Guayaquil
Everything is ready for the next BarCamp in Guayaquil, Ecuador [es] that will take place on June 27. So far, there are more than 270 people registered for the event, writes Milton Ramírez.
Venezuela: The Relationship With Iran
The Venezuelan blogosphere has been both touched, and moved by the latest development in Iran. There have been blogger opinions that try to make comparisons with similar events in Venezuelan recent history, as well viewpoints on the support given by President Hugo Chavez to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. However, some point out that the relationship may not as simple as it may be portrayed.
Bolivia: Warnings of Scams in El Alto
Falling victim to scams in Bolivia is not uncommon. Attempts to swindle people out of money come in all shapes and sizes, and often come at times when people are most vulnerable, in a hurry or when they are alone, for example. Two bloggers from El Alto share their experiences of these types of tricks, each with different outcomes. They both wanted to share their stories, so that the same thing does not happen to anyone else.
Uruguay: Daily Users of Internet
Statistics in Uruguay shows a big jump in the number of users that access the internet on a daily basis from 11% to 33% in just six years, notes Gabriel Budiño of D Todo 1 Poco [es].
Dominican Republic: Bicycles as Alternate Form of Transport
Joan Guerrero of Duarte 101 [es] asks whether bicycles could be an alternative form of transport for residents in the Dominican Republic. A commenter adds four points that could make it a reality, such as tax incentives for those that bike to work, as well as lanes set aside for...
Costa Rica: Chairs, Posters, and Lamps on Exhibit
A curious collection of chairs, posters, and lamps called 300% Spanish Design, is currently on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design in San José, Costa Rica.. The 300 pieces of Spanish artwork from some of the biggest names in Spanish art and design, such as Picasso, Gaudí, and Dalí, have caught the attention of Costa Rican bloggers, who are eager to see this traveling exhibit.
Ecuador: Galapagos Islands Advance in 7 New Wonders Competition
Ecuador's Galapagos Islands have advanced to the next round in the online competition for the 7 New Wonders of the World. These islands boast some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the world and has attracted many tourists to the area, along with settlers to take part in this industry. As a result, problems such as overpopulation, excess waste, and the introduction of foreign plants and animals can be found. Ecuadorian bloggers are proud that their territory has made it this far, but hopes that this awareness will bring about better care for the land.
Guatemala: The Mayan City of Nakum
Located in the Petén department of Guatemala, the Mayan city of Nakum is a little-known archaeological site not visited very often by tourists. El Blog de Rudel [es] writes that it is well worth the effort and “to reach it is an authentic adventure.”
Ecuador: Eugenio Espejo, Precursor for the Independence Movement
Eugenio Espejo was a writer, journalist, and philospher in colonial Ecuador during the late 18th century. He is often credited for contributing to the precursor of the independence movement. Belén Proaño of Temas Para Debatir [es] has a profile of the man.
Paraguay: Governmental Response to Arrival of H1N1 Virus
New cases of the AH1N1 virus have been confirmed in Paraguay. The total people infected rose to 25, however, there have not been any deaths linked to the virus. Bloggers reflect on the steps that the government is taking in regards to providing information from the public, and detection at the airport.
Peru: Marches of Support in Lima
Twitterer Omar 2312 has photos of the marches of support in Lima, Peru for those in the Amazon region caught up in the conflict with the police. Juan Arellano of Globalizado [es] has photos of the heavy police presence that were closing off streets in response to these mobilizations.
