Stories about Spanish from December, 2013
Art in the Trolley – Invading Public Spaces in Quito
Art in the Trolley is an initiative of intervention in the public spaces of Quito's transportation system known as the Trolleybus. Get to know them.
The Best of Infoactivism LATAM 2013
The SocialTIC team lists "The Year's Best in Latin American Infoactivism," projects and events that inspired them to use the TIC to generate social impact in 2013.
Widespread Power Outages Leave Argentines Dying of Heat
Record high temperaturas provokes energy crisis in Argentina, leaving many citizens in the dark.
Colombia: 60 Unfading Phrases of 2013
The blog Unfading phrases of Colombians [es] features the 60 unfading phrases of 2013 [es]. This an annual compilation, or from nationalwide events, such as football soccer [es]. The ongoing peace negotiation process held in Havana, Cuba, was among the topics of the selected phrases, as the one by Colombian...
4 Women Journalists Defying the Odds in Mexico City
This post is part of our series on gender and sexuality in Latin America and the Caribbean in collaboration with North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA). Despite the low salaries and the dangers that come with being a reporter in the most dangerous country for journalists in the Americas, some Mexican female...
Tour Builder, Another Google Service Not Allowed for Cubans
Google maintains that it bases its decision on the provisions of the United States' economic embargo on Cuba.
The Postcolonialist Calls for Submissions on ‘Sites of Home’
A recently launched online magazine and journal, The Postcolonialist, is calling for submissions for the upcoming edition of its academic journal. The Postcolonialist is an inter-disciplinary, multi-lingual publication featuring research, commentary, and creative production from and about postcolonial regions and perspectives. The About page of the website adds: We are an alternative and interactive avenue by which scholars, journalists, writers...
“We Are More Alive Than Ever:” Coral Herrera and the Struggle for Gender Equality
In this second part of an interview with scholar and blogger Coral Herrera we discuss the struggle for gender equality in Latin America and the road that remains before us.
Mexico's Congress Approves Energy Reform Bill Ending State Oil Monopoly
Mexico's Senate approves an energy reform bill that will end a 75-year state oil monopoly and open the door to private national and international investment.
Chungui: Digging up the Horror of Terrorism in Peru
30 years ago, hundreds of people were victims of terrorism in the remote communities of Chungui and Oreja de Perro.
Uruguay Becomes a “Sanctuary for Whales and Dolphins”
Uruguay's new law prohibiting the hunting, fishing, or mistreatment of whales and dolphins was passed unanimously by the country's legislature and put into effect by President José Mujica.
Uruguayan Trade Union Federation Backs Launch of Worker-run Airline
PIT-CNT, Uruguay's national trade union centre, has offered financial guarantees for the launch of the worker-run airline, Alas Uruguay.
Spanish Television Show Does Not Represent Reality of Expats in Santiago
Madrid native David Sigüenza [es] watched a recent episode [es] of Spanish program “Madrileños por el Mundo,” focusing on Chilean capital Santiago, “hoping to see a representation of the reality of this city, where many young Spanish people have found themselves living due to the crisis faced by our country.”...
Barack Obama and Raúl Castro's Handshake at Mandela's Memorial Goes Viral
Reactions to the handshake spread like fire on social media.
Romantic Love vs. Gender Equality: An Interview with Coral Herrera
Coral Herrera is a blogger and an expert in gender relations, specifically regarding the construction of romantic love. Author Laura Vidal interviews Herrera for this two part series.
Uruguay Legalizes the Sale and Production of Marijuana
With 16 votes for and 13 against, the Uruguayan Senate passed a bill regulating production and distribution of marihuana, making waves and stirring up opinion both nationally and internationally.
‘Negreo Inc.’ Tumblr Blog Exposes Demeaning Job Offers in Argentina
Negreo Inc. [es] is a Tumblr blog dedicated to compiling the harsh working conditions and low wages which Argentine companies currently offer potential employees. This ad [es], for example, is looking for “an ambitious salesman who wants to work 12 hours a day” for an income “based on results.” You...
A New Law to Shield Police in Panama?
Panamanians see the proposed Law 651 as an attempt to shield the police and increase their potential to abuse authority, especially after recent unpleasant incidents involving police officers.
Bolivians Protest Against Cochabamba Public Transport Price Hike
Pictures and messages shared on social networks show public dissatisfaction with public transport services and suggest that locals would be willing to pay more if the service were better.
Uruguay Becomes First Country to Legalize Marijuana Market
Uruguay's Senate voted 16 to 13 to legalize the production and sale of marijuana. President Mujica is expected to sign the law, which would become effective starting next year. Estoy a favor de legalizar la Marihuana pero estaria bueno ser noticia en el mundo por nuestra Seguridad y Educacion —...
Cuba Temporarily Reestablishes Consular Services in the United States
The Cuban Interest Section, the country's diplomatic mission in Washington, has temporarily reestablished its consular services until 17 February 2014. The decision comes after M&T Bank Corporation indicated they would postpone closing the Cuban diplomatic mission's accounts in the United States. The official announcement by the Cuban Interest Section is...
