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A Train to Cross South America? Venezuela to Push Idea Forward : TreeHugger
I think this is a brilliant idea and one that would open up the continent to an immeasurable amount of possibilities.
I don't care for President Chavez, but this is truly visionary. I think this is a brilliant idea and one that would open up the continent to an immeasurable amount of possibilities. ... more -
Saving the World With Shoes
An Argentinean vacation turned into the inspiration of a lifetime for Tom's Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie. The 30-year-old entrepreneur, and former "Amazing Race" contestant, watched children running around the rocky terrain barefoot An Argentinean vacation turned into the inspiration of a lifetime for Tom's Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie. The 30-year-old entrepr... more
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Brazil set for Indian land ruling
Brazil's Supreme Court is preparing to deliver a landmark decision on the rights of indigenous people.
The court has been asked to rule on whether an indigenous reservation known as Raposa Serra do Sol can remain a single unbroken territory. Indian leaders believe the case will set a crucial precedent regarding the protection of their rights and land. Non-indigenous farmers living in the area say if they are forced to leave it will strangle economic development.
Indigenous groups have arrived in the capital, Brasilia, to make their voice heard, staging a traditional protest just across the road from where the Supreme Court judges will reach their decision. The Indian reservation known as Raposa Serra do Sol is home to 19,000 people and was given official status in 2005.
(continued at link) Brazil's Supreme Court is preparing to deliver a landmark decision on the rights of indigenous people. ... more -
Scarce water in Argentina threatened by Barrick gold mine
Tearing mountains apart, destroying indigenous lands, polluting scarce water sources, for what? A few pieces of shiny metal excavated in a greedy material world where the metal means more than the lives and environment ruined by it.
From the article:
For nearly a year and a half, local residents in the northwestern Argentine province of La Rioja have been blocking the road that climbs up to the Nevados de Famatina mountain to protest a gold mining project that they say will pollute the water in the country’s driest district.
"The mountain is our only source of water, and it regulates the region’s climate," said Marcela Crabbé, a shopkeeper in Chilecito, a city of 45,000 located 30 km from Nevados de Famatina. "One hundred years ago this was a mining zone, but that left the area neither gold nor progress, just a huge environmental debt," she told IPS.
Chilecito and Famatina -- a town of less than 8,000 people located 20 km from the mountain it takes its name from -- are in the northern part of La Rioja, in the foothills of the Andes mountains, some 1,200 km northwest of Buenos Aires.
More than 2,000 people took part in the latest protest against the mine, earlier this month.
Criss-crossed by dry river beds, and with virtually no surface water, La Rioja is Argentina’s most arid province. It obtains its water from wells more than 200 metres deep, and from mountains like the 6,250-metre Nevados de Famatina, which provide water during the thaw period. If this melt water is polluted, the very survival of the two nearby towns would be in danger.
La Rioja Governor Luis Beder Herrera himself acknowledged this month that the province’s biggest problem is the lack of water: "We are the only province which practically has no rivers; water means everything for us." Nevertheless, his administration has promoted mining activity.
"I don't understand people who say we are going to pollute," said the governor. "I don't know of a single case of people who have died of this famous pollution. They are trying to scare people, but we aren't going to bring this to a halt."
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Their only source of water. Tearing mountains apart, destroying indigenous lands, polluting scarce water sources, for what? A few pieces of shiny metal excavated ... more -
Brazil's oil wealth
Brazil has attracted international attention for its recent oil finds: One field alone could hold between 5 and 8 billion barrels of oil and gas, while there is speculation that another could contain up to 33 billion.
But how will this money be spent, and will the profits be put to good use to improve the country? Brazil's President insists that "we don't want to lose hold of this wealth that is 6,000 metres deep." Brazil has attracted international attention for its recent oil finds: One field alone could hold between 5 and 8 billion barrels of o... more -
Adolf Hitler 'fled into exile'
"Investigator claims Nazi leader fled to Barcelona instead of committing suicide in Berlin bunker: Nazi leader Adolf Hitler spent a month in Spain before fleeing Europe for South America, according to an Argentine investigator.
Abel Basti claims to have found an FBI document, which states Hitler did not commit suicide in his Berlin bunker. Instead, he flew to Spain with lover Eva Braun and 13 high-ranking Nazi officials ..." "Investigator claims Nazi leader fled to Barcelona instead of committing suicide in Berlin bunker: Nazi leader Adolf Hitler spen... more -
Dying for water: Bolivia's H2O privatization scheme (the corporation)
Bechtel owns even the water that falls from the sky!!
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WAR ON DEMOCRACY
John Pilger's 2007 documentary explores the historic and current relationship of Washington with countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile. Pilger claims that the film "...tells a universal story... analyzing and revealing, through vivid testimony, the story of great power behind its venerable myths. It allows us to understand the true nature of the so-called "war on terror". According to Pilger, the film’s message is that the greed and power of empire is not invincible and that people power is always the "seed beneath the snow".
Pilger interviews several ex-CIA agents who purportedly took part in secret campaigns against democratic countries and who he claims are profiting from the war in Iraq. He investigates the School of the Americas in the U.S. state of Georgia, where General Pinochet’s torture squads were reportedly trained along with tyrants and death-squad leaders in Haiti, El Salvador, Brazil and Argentina.
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This is a film that should be shown in History classrooms throughout the states and the world. Pilger aptly displays the American government’s involvement in manipulating Latin America’s leadership over the past 60 years or so.
The focus on Venezuela for the first 40 minutes of the film is an interesting change from what we see in mainstream media. An unabashed socialist, Chavez has thrown out American control in Venezuela, and has gone a long way in convincing his neighbors to do the same. However, the beauty of this film is much more than its discussion of Venezuela. Pilger goes through the history of several countries other Latin American countries weaving them into the bigger picture, thoroughly explaining many of the important details. Its rare to find such a comprehensive history of US involvement in Latin America. Pilger tries establish how the system has evolved from physical control to financial control in today's era. Pilger has mastered obtaining great interviews. For example, in this film he the interviews the head former head of CIA involvement in Latin America as well as interviews an American nun who was tortured in Guatemala in 1989.
Add to the list Georgia and Ukraine. When will "we the people" wake up?
INITIATE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS, CO-WORKERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS. PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATING THOSE THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH YOU. John Pilger's 2007 documentary explores the historic and current relationship of Washington with countries such as Venezuela, Bol... more -
Save the planet? Buy it
Millionaires are purchasing entire ecosystems around the world and turning them into conservation areas. Their goal? To stop environmental catastrophe.
Sebastián Piñera, one of the richest men in Chile, has a CV that includes introducing credit cards to his country and many large-scale property developments. Now he has added what every chic millionaire needs - his own private ecosystem.
Parque Tantauco, which Piñera created in 2005, is on one of South America's largest islands, Chiloé, off the coast of Patagonia.
Piñera bought the land and immediately set about protecting the offshore habitat of blue whales and the inland virgin forests.
Pulling out a map of the park, Piñera explains his plan, tracing his finger over a trekking route that will be connected by rustic cabins.
'We have been buying all the land around us. We started with 110,000 acres and now we have 150,000,' he says. 'I want my children and grandchildren to remember me for making one more million? No! So I now have many projects like this.'
While yachts and jets marked the status of last century's super rich, today the stylish accessory for millionaires is their very own ecosystem. Millionaires are purchasing entire ecosystems around the world and turning them into conservation areas. Their goal? To stop environme... more -
Menem probed over 1995 explosion
Argentina's former president, Carlos Menem, has been placed under investigation over his alleged role in a deadly explosion in 1995.
Prosecutors say Mr Menem was responsible for the blast that killed seven people at an arsenal. They allege Mr Menem was trying to cover up proof of illegal arms trafficking to Ecuador and Croatia in the 1990s. Mr Menem, president from 1989 to 1999, denies the charges. The blast took place in the city of Rio Tercero and also injured 300 people. About 19,000 residents had to be evacuated.
Argentine police have also raided the offices of the German firm Siemens over alleged bribes that were paid to win contracts in the 1990s. Documents and computers were seized. Siemens won a contract for national identity cards in 1998 but the order was withdrawn by Mr Menem's successor. The company has said it is investigating certain payments on its books.
Mr Menem, 78, was last year charged with involvement in the illegal sale of weapons to Croatia and Ecuador. His 10 years in office were dogged by a string of alleged and proven corruption scandals. Argentina's former president, Carlos Menem, has been placed under investigation over his alleged role in a deadly explosion in 19... more -
Thousands join Peru quake protest
Thousands of Peruvians have marched in protest at what they say is the inadequate official response to a quake a year ago that killed 519 people.
The protest took place in the city of Pisco, one of the worst affected by the 8.0-magnitude tremor that also left more than 300,000 people homeless. Strikes were held in Ica and Chincha, which were also near the epicentre. The government says the scale of the devastation hindered reconstruction, but accepts it could have been quicker.
So far, about 30,000 families have received government credits worth $2,045 (£1,100) to help build new homes and bonds for a further 8,000 families are pending. Marching through the main square thousands of Pisco residents showed their frustration that much of their city is still in ruins a year on from the earthquake. Some began at midnight, banging pots and pans and marching around the city's main square.
(continued at link with video) Thousands of Peruvians have marched in protest at what they say is the inadequate official response to a quake a year ago that killed ... more -
Venezuela lifts basic food prices
Prices of foodstuffs from bread to beef have risen by up to 50% in Venezuela after the country's government raised the regulated prices of basic items.
It also removed price controls on other food products including oatmeal, salt and certain cuts of pork. It is hoped that higher prices will encourage production of staple items to prevent further shortages. Some food producers welcomed the move, but it could add to Venezuela's already high rate of inflation. In July, prices in the metropolitan area of Caracas, which are used as a benchmark, were 33.7% higher than 12 months earlier.
The Venezuelan Pork Federation welcomed the "very important" price adjustments. However, the Bread Industry Federation said bread production was still not profitable, even at the latest high prices. The measures, which included a 50% rise in the price of beef and a 49% increase in bread prices, were introduced on Tuesday. Beef has risen to $8 (£4.30) per kilo and bread has increased to $2.06 per kilo. Prices of foodstuffs from bread to beef have risen by up to 50% in Venezuela after the country's government raised the regulated ... more -
Squeeze fruit seeds, get fuel
Bryan Beer, a citrus grower in southwestern Florida, sees himself as a bit of a pioneer. He's not digging for gold. It's more like he's planting for oil.
He is planting a jatropha tree, a plant that can produce diesel fuel and could one day power a 747. His plans are a little less ambitious; he just wants to plant enough to run his tractors.
"Any kind of relief or help we can get from a cheaper source of oil could impact the agricultural industry tremendously throughout the country, throughout the world," said Beer, whose family has been growing citrus for decades.
Jatropha means "doctor food." It originated in South America, where it was once used for medicinal purposes. There are three seeds within the golf-ball-sized fruit. When pressed, its oil can be used as fuel in any standard diesel engine with zero processing, experts say.
Sound like a pipe dream? It's not.
It's being taken very seriously by companies all over the world, including the Chrysler motor company and Air New Zealand. The airline is planning a test flight in November in Auckland in which jatropha biodiesel will be mixed with diesel fuel.
This is what has farmers, scientists and engineers excited. Video Bryan Beer, a citrus grower in southwestern Florida, sees himself as a bit of a pioneer. He's not digging for gold. It's mor... more -
38 killed by vampire bats
At least 38 people have died in a village in Venezuela, after a suspected outbreak of rabies spread by vampire bats.
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ARTE Y VINO
A spectacular festival of arts and wines(made to match) in the andalucia of South America.
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Penguins dying in record numbers, washing up closer to Equator
When you think of locations for penguins, Antarctica is probably your first guess. If you know a bit more about penguins, you might point to Patagonia or even down my way, where the Fairy Penguins live at Phillip Island. However I would very much hope that you wouldn’t predict that they could be making their way as far north as Bahia, one of the 26 states of Brazil. When you think of locations for penguins, Antarctica is probably your first guess. If you know a bit more about penguins, you might po... more
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BREAKING NEWS: BOLIVIA
One week before the national revocatory elections as to wethere president Evo Morales and govenors will stay in office or whether the govenors seeking autonomy from the federal government will continue to gain support in many parts of Bolivia, Venezuelan military planes and personnel supporting Evo Morales, arrrived in Tarija, causing major public unrest. All American Peace Corps volunteers have unofficially been eveacutaed to Santa Cruz Bolivia, at least until after the upcoming elections. One week before the national revocatory elections as to wethere president Evo Morales and govenors will stay in office or whether the ... more
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Bolivia protests prevent summit
The leaders of Venezuela and Argentina have cancelled a planned meeting with Bolivia's president after violent clashes between police and protestors.
Presidents Hugo Chavez and Cristina Fernandez had been due to fly to Bolivia to discuss energy contracts. They cancelled the visit when protestors attempted to storm the runway at Tarija airport in the south. Tensions are high in Bolivia ahead of a referendum on whether President Evo Morales should remain in office. Mr Chavez, who is on a visit to Argentina, said calling off the meeting had been the best option in the circumstances.
Elsewhere, two miners died in clashes with police near Bolivia's largest tin mine, near Huanuni, where miners are demanding higher pensions. In Tarija, police used tear gas to break up dozens of protesters at the airport, shouting slogans against Mr Chavez, who had been scheduled to land there with Ms Fernandez. The military shut the airport after the protest.
Mr Chavez is a major ally of Mr Morales, and has pledged investment in Bolivia's rich natural gas fields. Argentina, which buys natural gas from Bolivia, had planned to sign energy accords in the Tarija meeting. Mr Morales will hold a recall referendum on 10 August, on whether he and eight regional governors should remain in office.
He is locked in a bitter dispute with regional governors who want more autonomy from the central government. In June the province of Tarija became the fourth region to vote in favour of greater independence. The government said that both the Huanuni and the Tarija protests were attempts by the opposition to weaken the president before the recall vote.
At the heart of Bolivia's political impasse is Mr Morales's attempt to push through constitutional changes that would enshrine reforms such as land redistribution to Bolivia's indigenous majority and the sharing of wealth with the poorer western regions. The proposals also include allowing the president to stand for re-election for another five-year term. The leaders of Venezuela and Argentina have cancelled a planned meeting with Bolivia's president after violent clashes between po... more -
Brazil launches rainforest fund
Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva has launched an international fund to protect the Amazon rainforest and help combat climate change.
The fund will promote alternatives to forest-clearing for people living in the Amazon, and support conservation and sustainable development
Officials will seek donations abroad and aim to raise $21bn (£11bn) by 2021.
But a government minister said Brazil would not accept foreign interference in its Amazon policy.
The environmental group Greenpeace said it was the first time Brazil had accepted a link between global warming and preserving the rainforest.
Read more... Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva has launched an international fund to protect the Amazon rainforest and help combat clim... more -
Total Recall in Bolivia: Divided Nation Faces Historic Vote
Bolivia's president, vice president and eight of nine departmental governors are the subject of an upcoming recall vote.
Some opposition governors and their supporters will likely not respect the results of the recall vote, or even participate in it at all. Vice president Linera recently told reporters that "They will probably boycott some regions, those where they know will lose. I believe they are laying the grounds for some sort of boycott on August 10 to create conflicts." It is also not entirely clear if the recall vote will proceed at all. Magistrate Silvia Salame, the only judge on Bolivia's Constitutional Tribunal Court, has called on the National Electoral Court to postpone the recall vote until challenges to the vote's legality are considered. Government officials in the Morales administration said they would ignore her decision because the Tribunal requires three votes, not one, to make a decision. Salame is on the only judge serving on the court at this time. In response, Bolivian Electoral Court President José Luis Exeni stated the recall vote would proceed as planned.
While debates over the recall vote go on, controversy continues to surround how to best use Bolivia's gas and oil wealth. Right wing governors and civic leaders in Santa Cruz, Tarija, Beni and Pando are demanding more funding from the profits of the oil and gas industry, which was partially nationalized by the Morales administration on May 1, 2006. Opposition leaders denounce that the Morales government redirected $166 million dollars from oil and gas tax revenue into a new pension plan that currently gives $315 dollars per year to Bolivians over 60 years old. Right wing governors have threatened to go on a hunger strike on August 4 in protest of the policy. Yet what the opposition doesn't acknowledge in their pleas is that their departments now receive many times more funding from the gas industry this year than they did in 2005 thanks to the Morales administration's nationalization policies and renegotiations with private and foreign gas companies.
Meanwhile, Washington's influence in the coca-producing Chapare region of Bolivia is waning, and Morales' is strengthening his own relations with other Latin American leaders as he presses forward with progressive economic and development policies. Bolivia's president, vice president and eight of nine departmental governors are the subject of an upcoming recall vote. ... more
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