Latest posts by Eduardo Avila from January, 2008
Guatemala: New Year, Reason to Hope
Julio Serrano of Blog de mi Guatemala [es] writes that there are reasons to hope with the beginning of the new year and the start of a new presidential administration.
Peru: Free Trade Agreement Mentioned in Democratic Debate
Carlos Quiroz of Carlos @ DC points out how the Free Trade Agreement between the US and Peru was a topic of discussion in a recent debate among Democratic candidates in the United States.
Nicaragua: One Year of Daniel Ortega
At Barricada [es], Francisco Javier Amaya reflects on the one year since Daniel Ortega assumed the presidency of Nicaragua.
Peru: The Feast of the Three Kings in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo, Peru, located near the city of Cuzco, recently celebrated the “Fiesta de Reyes” (Feast of the Three Kings). The Quechua and Spanish bilingual blog Habla Quechua [qu/es] has pictures and a description of the event.
Ecuador: Correa's Powerpoint Presentation
After one year in office, Ecuador president Rafael Correa provided a powerpoint presentation of the achievements of his administration. Nelson Piedra contrasts Correa's presentation with another recent newsworthy event [es[, the Keynote presentation made by Apple Computer's Steve Jobs.
Argentina: Patagonian Lamb
Juan Pablo Meneses of Cronicas Argentinas [es] is now in the Patagonia region of Argentina looking for a good place to try the famous Patagonian lamb, cooked as “a rustic, delicious alternative, over an open fire.”
Argentina: Hip-Hop and Cumbia Mashups
Argentina Travel Guide introduces Zizek, a Wednesday night feature at the Niceto Club in Buenos Aires. Guest DJs, including Diplo from the US, spin hip-hop and cumbia mashups.
Mexico: Drug-Related Violence in Tijuana
Violence between Mexican authorities and members of powerful drug cartels has been erupting all across the country leaving scores dead and a society that often feels helpless. The Mexican government has attempted to curb this escalation in violence by dispatching federal police and soldiers to the areas most affected. Some Mexican bloggers are saddened by this brutal violence, and are often left wondering how to deal with its effects.
Chile: Microsoft Executive Insults Cyber-Activists
A Microsoft executive recently referred to some Chilean activists as “pelagatos,” which is an offensive slang term used in Chile. Luis Ramirez collects some reactions [es] and responses [en] to this reference and highlights the work of these activists from Liberación Digital, who are trying to monitor and become active...
Colombia: In Remembrance of Tomás Carrasquilla
Piso Tres [es] remembers Colombian writer Tomás Carrasquilla on the anniversary of his birth nearly 150 years ago. Several associated activities have been taking place in Medellín and Santo Domingo in Antioquia.
Peru: Thoughts on Options for US Elections
Peruvian blogger Nómad Andrea provides her thoughts on a recent Washington Post article about voting for a minority or woman candidate in the upcoming US elections. She writes, “being a woman or a member of a minority group guarantees a fair government? I think not and Condozleezza Rice is a...
Bolivia: Highway to Santa Cruz Closed Due to Rains
Desde Yapacani [es] is currently stranded in the city of Cochabamba, Bolivia because a landslide has closed off the highway to Santa Cruz due to the heavy rains.
Bolivia: Confrontational Groups
There are approximately six “grupos de choque” or organizations involved in often violent confrontation. Miguel Centellas of Pronto* breaks down the different groups.
Brazil: Missionaries and Their Effect on Indigenous Cultures
George Felipe de Lima Dantas writes in Brazzil Magazine that religious missionaries should be expelled in order to preserve indigenous cultures in Brazil. Andrew Comings, a missionary in Brazil, vehemently disagrees and writes his rebuttal at Comings Communiqué.
El Salvador: 16th Anniversary of the Peace Accords
On January 16, El Salvador observed the 16th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Accords that ended that country's civil war. Hunnapuh [es] reflects on the long process of political reform.
Paraguay: Musician Treatment at Celebration in Ciudad del Este
Criticanto [es] reports on the negative treatment received by some of the musicians during the anniversary festivities in Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.
Bolivia: Blogger Named to National Electoral Court
The Bolivian blog community is generally very supportive of its members. Recently, a well-known blogger was named to a high ranking position within the Bolivian government. Normally, a pat on the back and other displays of congratulations would have accompanied this new appointment. However, when the blogger in question was named to head up the National Electoral Court (CNE for its initials in Spanish), many bloggers began to question how appropriate was this new member of the CNE.
Colombia: Congressional Delegation and Release of Hostages
Adam Isaacson of Plan Colombia and Beyond is returning from Bogotá, where he accompanied a delegation of U.S. lawmakers that visited Colombia. He provides some thoughts on the visit.
Colombia: A Million Voices Against the FARC
Liberal Colombiano [es] and Jorge Montoya of Fabrica de Cosas [es] are taking note of the interest in the “A Million Voices Against the FARC” citizen's campaign in Colombia.
Cuba: Discussing Sex Education
Zenia of Regalado [es] writes about sex education in Cuba.
Mexico: Oldest Bar Closes
The oldest bar in Mexico and perhaps, in Latin America, recently closed its doors writes Philippe Seaz of Defecito [es]
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