Pedro Páramo

March 7th, 2010

pedroparamoA Mexican goes in search of his father. On her deathbed, his mother has told him to return to her native village in the south to search him out: ‘Just as you pass the gate of los Colimotes, there’s a beautiful view of a green plain tinged with the yellow of ripe corn. From there you can see Comala.’ But when the man gets to Comala, he finds an arid plain and an empty village, with nothing except the voices of the dead to speak to him. It soon seems that he too is bound to die.

From these slender elements, the Mexican novelist Juan Rulfo weaves a story that relentlessly draws the reader in, and says more about life as well as death in rural Mexico than many longer and more elaborate works. Rulfo is a story-teller who is well aware that poetry comes from knowing what to leave out as much as what to leave in.

The narrative of Pedro Paramo – the name of the protagonist’s father – consists of some 60 fragments. These fragments are the voices of the ghosts still present in the village of Comala, who between them gradually build up the jigsaw of his father’s life and death. Pedro Paramo, we discover, was the local landowner, who accumulated his lands and power by treachery or by brutally arranged marriages, until at last he fell for a woman he found it impossible to win, as she retreated first into madness and then – inevitably in this novel – death.

The 100 or so pages of the novel are held together not only by the gradually unfolding story, but by repeated images and expressions that broaden out the impact of the local events and endow them with a more general resonance. The voices of the former inhabitants of Comala give a stark impression of life as something suffered rather than created.

Pedro Paramo was originally published in Mexico in 1955. Despite the fact that Rulfo only wrote this novel and the short stories of The Burning Plain, he has been universally acknowledged as one of the masters of recent Mexican writing, both because of the sobriety and resonant understatement that he consistently achieves, and because of the way he uses these gifts to capture the emptiness and despair of rural Mexico. This is a Mexico which has been abandoned to suffering for centuries, but which still retains its capacity to burst into shocking life.

Pedro Paramo is a classic in the truest sense. It is a book that has profoundly influenced the making of literature, and continues to resonate in other books.

Bush Versus Chávez: Washington’s War on Venezuela

March 7th, 2010

bushvchavezPresident Hugo Chávez openly defies the ruling class in the United States, daring to push forward new productive relationships, to advance social reform that provides access to health care and education, to remove Venezuela from the economic orbit dominated by the United States, to diversify its production to meet human needs and promote human development, and to forge an economic coalition between Latin American countries.

But as Bush Versus Chávez reveals, Venezuela’s revolutionary process has drawn more than simply the ire of Washington. It has precipitated an ongoing campaign to contain and cripple the democratically elected government of Latin America’s leading oil power. Bush Versus Chávez details how millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars are used to fund groups – such as the National Endowment for Democracy, the United States Agency for International Development, and the Office for Transition – with the express purpose to support counter-revolutionary groups in Venezuela. It describes how Washington is attempting to impose endless sanctions, justified by fabricated evidence, to cause economic distress. And it illuminates the build-up of U.S. military troops, operations, and exercises in the Caribbean, that specifically threaten the Venezuelan people and government. Bush Versus Chávez exposes the imperialist machinations of Washington as it tries to “subvert a socialist revolution for the twenty-first century.”

“An essential read for understanding the conflict between the United States and Venezuela” Noam Chomsky.

Chile Earthquake: Some 700,000 Animals May Be Affected

March 7th, 2010

earthquakedogCoalition for the Ethical Control of Urban Animals (CEFU) executive director Alejandra Cassino estimates more than 700,000 companion animals may be affected by the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Chile’s central region on the 27 February 2010. CEFU has called upon other Chilean animal organizations to unite for these victims. Under the banner ‘Animal Relief Chile,’ the coalition provides a national support network to cover veterinary care, resource management, communications, volunteers, etc.

CéU – Vagarosa

March 6th, 2010

ceuCool in voice, cool in demeanour, Sao Paulo siren Céu belongs in a great tradition of unflappable Brazilian female singers that goes back beyond Astrid Gilberto and the iconic Girl from Ipanema. And if the fact that Céu updates this tradition with elements of drum’n’bass, r&b and left-field rock will appal some, that essential, timeless bossa nova composure remains the centre of her music. Indeed, this 29-year-old tropical ice maiden is probably incapable of singing a crude note or making an inelegant gesture.

Featuring a veritable who’s who of the Sao Paulo music scene, from cult soundtrack producer Gui Amabis to Brazil’s most in-demand rhythm section, Dengue and Pupilo, this second album is a testament to the sophistication of current Brazilian music. Nodding to Brazil’s musical past – from plinking samba guitars to Sixties-flavoured horns – the music weaves these elements into a blend of electronic and acoustic textures. Rosa Menina Rosa, with its vibes and vintage synths has a dark, dreamlike feel. And at the centre of it all is that spookily composed voice, at once other-worldly and knowing. This is wonderfully classy music, that will bring a deliciously different sense of now straight into your living room.

Don’t Shy Away From Chile Because of the Earthquake

March 5th, 2010

torresdelpaineThe tourism industry in Chile has been hit hard as travellers cancel trips to the disaster-struck country.

It is important for people to realise that Santiago, as well as other tourist areas in northern and southern Chile (Atacama Desert, Pucon, Patagonia, etc), are all fine. Although aftershocks can be felt in Santiago, the city is not damaged significantly like in Concepcion.

The travel industry is vital to the nation’s economy and visiting Chile as a tourist is the best thing you could do to boost the economy and help rebuild the country.

Aftershocks Shake Chile

March 5th, 2010

chileaftershocksA series of strong aftershocks has rattled Chile, not far from where the deadly 8.8 magnitude quake caused widespread destruction and triggered a tsunami nearly a week ago.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the aftershock early Friday had a magnitude of 6.6 and was centered 41 kilometres northwest of Concepcion, the city hardest hit by last Saturday’s quake. There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Chocolate: The Food of The Gods

March 3rd, 2010

chocolatehistoryThere are few foodstuffs with such a rich and intriguing history as chocolate. Many people have a love affair with chocolate yet few of us know the unique origins of this popular treat. We tend to think of chocolate as a sweet candy created during modern times. But actually, chocolate dates back to the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica who drank chocolate as a bitter beverage.

The story of chocolate spans more than 3,000 years and began in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America where cacao trees, the seeds of which are made into chocolate, first grew. These tropical evergreen trees are native to Central and South America.

The botanical name of the tree that gives us chocolate is Theobroma Cacao, which literally means ‘food of the gods.’ The tree’s modern generic Latin name (Theobrama Cacao) actually derives from the Mayan word ‘cacao’ meaning ‘god food.’

Cacao trees produce large leathery fruits containing large seeds enveloped by a sweet-sour, cream-colored pulp. Fruits sometimes called pods can get to be the size of footballs and may contain as many as 50 seeds. Chocolate is made from the large seeds. It takes around 400 seeds to make 1 pound of chocolate.

The earliest known evidence for cacao use dates from around 1100 BC. Researchers identified residue of a chemical compound that comes exclusively from the cacao plant – the source of chocolate – in pottery vessels at an archaeological site in Puerto Escondido, Honduras.

The earliest cacao beverages consumed at Puerto Escondido were likely produced by fermenting the sweet pulp surrounding the seeds – and it was this beer-like drink that started the chocolate craze

The chocolate enjoyed by later Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs was made from ground cacao seeds with added seasonings, producing a spicy, frothy drink.

Both the Maya and Aztec people prized cacao, using the beans not only for culinary purposes but also for trade and as currency. Pre-Conquest chocolate was almost always a drink, which had many forms and flavourings. The Maya brewed a spicy, bitter sweet drink by roasting and pounding the seeds of the cacao tree (cocoa beans) with maize and capsicum (chilli) peppers and letting the mixture ferment. The Aztecs, like the Mayans, also enjoyed cacao as a beverage fermented from the raw beans. The Aztecs called this drink Xocolatl, the Spanish conquistadors found this almost impossible to pronounce and so corrupted it to the easier ‘chocolat,’ the English further changed this to chocolate.

Chocolate was of major ceremonial importance to the Maya and the Aztecs. It was served at lavish banquets, buried with the dead, and used to anoint newborn babies. The Aztec’s also regarded chocolate as an aphrodisiac and their Emperor, Montezuma reputedly drank it fifty times a day from a golden goblet.

In fact, the Aztec’s prized Xocolatl so highly, that when Montezuma was defeated by Cortez in 1519 and the victorious ‘conquistadors’ searched his palace for the Aztec treasury expecting to find gold and silver, all they found were huge quantities of cocoa beans!

The Spanish brought cacao back to Europe in the 16th century. Eventually the drink’s popularity spread throughout the continent. Since then, new technologies and innovations have changed the texture and taste of chocolate, but it still remains one of the world’s favourite flavours.

Today, per capita consumption of chocolate in the United States and western Europe has doubled since 1945. The Swiss and the British eat the most chocolate. The Norwegians and Austrians drink the most chocolate.

Should any chocolate lovers need justification to indulge in their sweet addiction, the good news is that chocolate provides minerals such as potassium and calcium. Research also indicates that cacao consumption produces a marijuana-like effect, with a harmless euphoria. Chocoholics everywhere will attest to at least a mildly ecstatic psychological state from chocolate.

Remember to look for fair-trade designations when purchasing chocolate as cacao plantations are often criticised for poor working conditions and the destruction of rainforests.

Volunteer at the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

March 3rd, 2010

homelessworldcupThe Homeless World Cup is a world-class international football tournament, which unites teams of people who are homeless to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country.

The event raises awareness of the fact that an estimated one billion people around the world are currently living without secure shelter and draws homeless players from 60 different countries. It is one of the biggest football events of the year, with thousands of spectators expected throughout the week.

Football has the power to uplift spirits, rebuild broken lives, and create new paths for a better future. Being part of it and making a difference is simply a magical experience that will stay with you forever.

The Homeless World Cup provides an exciting opportunity to work closely with people of another culture and make a difference in their lives. Regardless of the work you carry out, you will inject enthusiasm and encourage the local volunteers by sharing the burden of the numerous tasks involved in making the event happen on a daily basis.

To participate you just need to raise the minimum amount of sponsorship (£2300 or £800 if you are a self funder), which will allow you plus a homeless player to be part of this amazing event. If you raise £2300 (or equivalent in other currencies) in sponsorship then your flights, accommodation and food are provided for free.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Homeless World Cup please contact Volunteer Latin America

Chile Earthquake: Shock Effect on Earth’s Axis

March 3rd, 2010

earthaxisThe Chilean earthquake may have shortened the length of days on Earth by shifting the planet’s axis by 8cm, a Nasa scientist has calculated.

Richard Gross, a geophysicist at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, has concluded the rotation of the Earth should have altered as a result of the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday.

It means the earthquake has probably shortened the length of a day by about 1.26 microseconds (a microsecond is one millionth of a second).

Mr Gross said the 9.1-magnitude Sumatran earthquake in 2004 has also shortened the length of day by 6.8 microseconds.

Chile Earthquake: How to Help, Volunteer Opportunities

March 1st, 2010

cihileterremotoSeveral organizations have mobilized to send disaster relief teams and supplies to Chile after Saturday’s 8.8-magnitude earthquake. If you want to donate, here are some organizations to consider: OXFAM; AmeriCares; World Vision; British Red Cross; Habitat for Humanity; Save The Children.

Unlike Haiti, there isn’t as much need for volunteer assistance in Chile. This is because Chile is infinitely better prepared to deal with natural disasters. Chile is one of the wealthiest, most developed countries in the region, with a long history of handling seismic catastrophes through robust emergency services. Thus, there isn’t as much need for international disaster relief organizations. If there are any volunteer opportunities with an international disaster relief organization these will be limited to people with technical skills in health or engineering, or people with prior disaster experience.

Heart to Heart has initiated on-ground assessment and logistical preparation for deployment of medical personnel, providing volunteers with the opportunity for first hand involvement in recovery efforts. Heart to Heart is seeking medical professionals (licensed physicians and nurses, etc) willing to be first responders to the crisis in Chile.

The Salvation Army’s emergency response teams are currently assessing needs in the affected areas of Southern Chile. Once needs are identified, The Salvation Army may assemble volunteer teams to deploy from the United States if needed. Individuals with specialty expertise like medical training or disaster response, and the ability to travel to deployment locations are encouraged to sign-up on The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services volunteer waiting list.

Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) provides information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief. Both medical and non-medical workers can register to volunteer their services with CIDI. Relief agencies browse through the listings to find volunteers who match their needs. Individuals, groups, corporations, NGOs, embassies, media and others from around the world have come to rely upon CIDI’s resources and services in order to provide more effective international emergency assistance.

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network is a nonprofit that mobilizes resources for animal victims through its network of trained responders in the U.S. and Canada. They work in agreement with government agencies or NGOs to deploy trained and credentialed animal responders for assessment, search and rescue, and emergency sheltering aid. They also report disaster news, to inform the public about ways they can support animal relief efforts. For more information and to sign up to volunteer please visit their website.

International Medical Corps has a doctor on the ground in Chile, coordinating with ONEMI (the National Office of Emergencies and Information) and assessing needs at local hospitals and clinics, following the devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake. International Medical Corps is also gathering emergency medicines and supplies and has Emergency Response Teams of volunteer doctors and nurses on standby, ready to deploy as needed. International Medical Corps might be looking for highly trained medical staff in the future.

Although there are limited opportunities with international disaster relief organizations there will be other ways of getting involved in relief efforts. There might be opportunities to join a grassroots organization or help out in the area you visit (i.e. aid distribution, helping the homeless, construction projects, etc). You just need to ask around and keep your eye on notice boards in language schools, hostels, community centres, local shops and businesses.