Researcher, thinker, dancer, linguist, writer, translator (not necessarily in that order but passionate about all simultaneously). In short, a hopeful communicator of ideas. Strong interests in topics surrounding identity, particularly global/cultural consumption and the impact on identity formation. Regions of special interest: Latin America and Africa. Background in Literature and Languages, and MA in Dance Anthropology.
Latest posts by Alexandra Quinn
Canine Passports and the People Making Money Selling Dogs to Brazil from Venezuela
"Many of those selling dogs do not care about their condition […] The majority arrive with falsified documents and have not been certified by a vet."
Who is Responsible for the Explosions in Bogota, Colombia?
Two small bombs explosions in Bogota left eight injured.
Prejudices Erode in Chilean Floods as Colombian Immigrants Mount a Relief Effort
Colombian immigrants have displayed remarkable solidarity by volunteering for relief work in Chile's flooded cities, challenging many Chileans' anti-immigrant prejudices.
Indigenous People, Afro-Colombians and Peasants Unite Against Illegal Mining in River Ovejas, Colombia
Despite threats, indigenous people from the Laguna Siberia, members from five different areas within the ancestral territory of Sat Tama Kiwe de Caldono, Afro-descendents from the La Toma Community Council and resident campesinos in the surrounding areas joined together to protest against illegal mining in the area of Río Ovejas...
Mining and Ecocide in Santander, Colombia
Illegal mining is a problem affecting the Colombian department of Santander, where residents have seen first-hand how extraction and other processes linked to mining cause pollution. The video below was produced by Corporación PODION, as part of the project “Caravan for the awareness and collection of complaints in defense of...
Peruvian Congressman Michael Urtecho Accused of Corruption
Urtecho will be suspended for 120 days and charged constitutionally. If proven that Congressman was involved in various corrupt acts, a 15-year jail sentence awaits him.
Missing ‘Bar Heaven’ Patrons in Mexico Found Dead
The bodies of the missing youth from #BarHeaven have been uncovered in a secret grave in Mexico State.
The Brazil Effect: Thousands Protest ‘For a Better Paraguay’
Following the trend that marked protests in Brazil in the last few weeks, some 3000 people took to the streets of Paraguay's capital to make their voices heard in protest against recent parliamentary decisions.
Colombia: Learning from Vallenato
Amongst Colombian Twitter users, the trend of publishing phrases from Vallenato songs -under the tag #Elvallenatomeenseñó (Vallenato taught me)- has emerged, with the intention of highlighting famous lyrics immortalised in songs that reflect different life lessons.
Omar Banuchi Finds His Niche in the Puerto Rican Web (Part III)
Banuchi's career path can be seen in the transformation that his illustrations have had in the last five years. The technique has been refined, and the topics point towards an increased maturity. Here is the third, and final, part of the interview with Puerto Rican digital artist Omar Banuchi.
Omar Banuchi Finds His Niche in the Puerto Rican Web (Part II)
Omar Banuchi, a quiet, introverted boy that didn't leave the family appartment much, could easily connect with the stories of superheros capabale of supporting the weight of the world on their shoulders and achieving great super-human deeds. Here we see the second interview with the Puerto Rican digital artist.
Omar Banuchi Finds His Niche in the Puerto Rican Web (Part I)
Hugely influenced by the culture of fan boy from comics such as Marvel or DC, Banuchi has fully installed himself in the indie scene of Puerto Rico, where his pixelated brush strokes connect with a small, but growing, public.
Dreams Come Alive, Baseball Player José Contreras Returns to Cuba
The arrival of José Ariel Contreras to Cuba, a Cuban baseball pitcher based in the US since 2002, has moved the habitants of his native province, Pinar del Río, and also fans of the island's national sport, baseball. Elaine Díaz tells us about this emotional event and its historical and political meaning for Cuba at the moment.
Ecuador: Humour and Election Time
Humour, satire and a few fines are all part of the environment experienced in Ecuador just a few weeks away from the public choosing their new president, vice-president and other assembly members, after analyzing each of their proposals.
Peru: Flooding of Toll Road Via Parque Rimac
At 3 am on 28th December, 2012, part of the retaining wall of the Rimac River yielded to the flood, alongside the work which was being carried out from the VIa Parque Rimac above the normal riverbed height. Here we have a chronology of events as well as reactions to what took place.
Lobbying and Transparency: Pressuring the European Union
In the European Union, there is considerable political resistance to the culture of transparency. NGOs and bloggers stand up for citizen rights and for participatory democracy.
Day 2 of Developing Latin America 2012
Last Sunday December 2 saw the completion of day 2 of the regional hackathon Developing Latin America 2012, organised by the Ciudadano Inteligente Foundation in eight Latin American countries. After 36 hours of intense and continuous work, the teams participating in the various headquarters began the presentations of their projects in order to later find out the jurys' decision. Here we present the winners from the different headquarters.
7D: Argentina Prepares for New Media Law
On December 7, 2012, the new Media Law will come into full effect in Argentina. The date is known as 7D. What do the media, government and citizens think about this new law?
Day 1 of Developing Latin America 2012
December 1 saw the start of Developing Latin America 2012 (#DAL2012). The regional hackathon organised by the Ciudadano Inteligente Foundation is being carried out in 8 Latin American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay. Here we share some reports from the first day.
Developing Latin America Hackathon Draws Near!
We are only 2 days short of commencing the regional hackathon Developing Latin America 2012. Anca Matioc, who is in charge of organising the event, spoke with us about the preparations. She also answered some questions relating to the development of a hackathon like Developing Latin America.
Hackathons in Droves: How is a Hackathon Organised?
In the following guest article, J.J. Merelo, Doctor in Physics and Professor at the University of Granada, Spain, tells us of his experience organising educational hackathons in light of the regional Hackathon, "Developing Latin America 2012 "which will take place next December.
