Stories about Latin America from November, 2007
Innovative Tools: Live Bicycle Radio
Innovative tools in Colombia and Bangladesh are bringing internet access to communities that would otherwise be disconnected. We take a look at wi-max bicycles in Medellin and mobile phone internet kiosks in Bangladesh.
Cuba: Unearthing Che
Child of the Revolution reports on a recently-held Cuban press conference “to reveal that they had undertaken extensive DNA testing on…the remains of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara.”
Argentina: Restaurant Recommendations from Taxi Drivers
Who better to know where the best places to eat than a cabdriver? Go Where the Taxista Takes You is a blog by freelance writer Layne Mosler and “each week, I hop in a taxi, ask the driver to take me to his favorite place to eat, and chronicle my...
Colombia: The Breakdown of Negotiations
Adam Isaacson of Plan Colombia and Beyond provides a thorough analysis of the hostage mediation that was called off by Colombian president Álvaro Uribe.
Bolivia: Conflicts in Sucre Over New Constitution
In the city of Sucre, confrontations between citizens and police claimed the lives of four Bolivians. Delegates from the governing party decided on the text of a new constitution without including the opposition. Bolivian bloggers based in Sucre and across the country commented on the violence and tactics used by the majority party.
Cuba: Howard Out
Child of the Revolution reports on the results of the Australian election: “The demise of Mr Howard will be seen as good news in Havana, given the outgoing prime minister’s close links to US president George W Bush.”
Bolivia: Goodbye to Oscar Sanchez
Alberto Medrano of El Alto Noticias [es] says farewell to Bolivian football player Oscar Sanchez, who recently passed away due to liver cancer.
Peru: One of the Few Remaining Blacksmiths
From the city of Huánuco, Orlando Bravo writes about one of the last blacksmiths in the district of Panao, Peru [es]. Photos are included in the description of this dying trade.
Paraguay: Ice Cream on a Hot Afternoon
As a child, Muna Annahas of Muna's Blog recalls the ice cream vendor that would visit her neighborhood on those hot Asuncion, Paraguay afternoons.
Ecuador: Transportation Hub for China
¡¡¡Cambiemos Ecuador!!! [es] writes about a proposal to convert the airport in Manta as an important transportation hub for travelers arriving to and from China.
Ecuador: Opposition to Constituent Assembly
Quito, La Carolina writes about the upcoming Constituent Assembly and the possible areas of disagreement between prospective Assembly president Alberto Acosta and Ecuadoran president Rafael Correa, who may be “actually more conservative in his political thinking than he lets on.”
Peru: Possible Changes in Fujimori Trial
The rules in the trial of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori may change if a proposed law passes, which would excuse the accused from being present for much of the testimony against him. El útero de marita [es] discusses these proposed changes.
Bolivia: Tension in Sucre Remains
Based in Sucre, Bolivia, Ciudad de Patas [es] continues the updates from various local sources. In addition to reports that citizens have taken control of the local airport and departmental police station, he is requesting photographs from citizens documenting the occurrences in the streets.
Brazil: On the “Che e-mails” and credibility of journalism
An article on the 40th anniversary of Che Guevara's death, led to a heated email exchange between an editor of Brazilian magazine Veja and an American reporter for The New Yorker. The correspondence has spilled onto the internet, where it has fueled a juicy public debate about the impartiality and credibility of Brazilian journalism.
Haiti: New Public Market in Port-au-Prince
Collectif-haiti-de-provence posts an article about a new public market [Fr] being built in Port-au-Prince, thanks to Venezuela.
Ahmadinejad and Chavez: “Love is in the air”
Last week, Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez made his fourth visit to Tehran in two years to sign more economic agreements with Iran. The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Chavez, say they “admire” each other. Ahmadinejad calls Iran a second home for the Venezuelan president, and Chavez offers support to the...
Bolivia: About the Latest in Sucre
Ciudad de Patas [es] is an up-to-date blog about the recent developments in Sucre, Bolivia, including news of unconfirmed and confirmed deaths as a result of clashes with the police. In addition, there is news about the approved draft of the new Constitution.
Mexico: The Finances of Fox
The Mex Files discusses the recent investigations into the finances of former Mexican President Vicente Fox.
Mexico: Free Wi-Fi for the Capital
Vivir México [es] writes about the agreement signed by Mexico City government and a the ZTE Corporation to provide free wi-fi throughout the city.
Brazil: Bogota is the next to host the Campus Party
Guilherme Felitti [pt] reports that after the first international edition of Campus Party in São Paulo- Brazil this February, the event will be hosted in Bogota, Colombia from 16 through 22 June.
Brazil: Police demoralization
PE Body Count [pt] reports on a case that reflects the lack of security in Pernambuco-Brazil. The official car of the Secretary of Social Defense, Servilho Paiva, was stolen. The vehicle was found this morning, but guns belonging to two security guards were stolen. “This seems to be more of...