tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60818320968047379642012-01-27T14:59:39.549-06:00Hypervigilant ObserverFollowing 25 GROWTH/EMERGING Markets: MEXICO, CUBA, SOUTH /CENTRAL AMERICA; EASTERN EUROPE, RUSSIA, EUROZONE -from AUSTIN,TEXAS- with Freely Accessible, Reputable ENGLISH LANGUAGE LINKS: Economics..POLITICS..
Crime..Tourism..Energy..Currencies...Culture..Consumer Issues.
(hypervigilantobserver@gmail.com)The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comBlogger54961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-61859091877270908212012-01-27T14:52:00.000-06:002012-01-27T14:59:39.559-06:00USA / IRAN / CHINA : Brzezinski Interviewed By Charlie Rose.
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/12103
There aren't many people I lust to lunch with.
I was once lucky enough to break bread with Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla...aka Pope John Paul 2.
I even ate his fruit salad.
But that was long ago...well before the Pope was on the fast track to sainthood.
Zbigniew Brzezinski, 83...the USA's former NSA head...and current Johns The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-77079868804297833032012-01-27T14:15:00.001-06:002012-01-27T14:15:43.727-06:00COLOMBIA / GERMANY / AUSTRIA : Singer Fonseca's Song 'Arroyito'...Now A Hit In German.
With 3:47 music video
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/culture/21829-colombian-song-becomes-schlager-hit-in-europe-video.html
It only took a translation into German for Colombian singer Fonseca's famous song 'Arroyito'...to again become a hit...this time in Berlin, Austria and even Denmark.
Austrian schlager singer Hansi Hinterseer's music video is The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-64695873887837336432012-01-27T13:58:00.004-06:002012-01-27T14:19:20.850-06:00BRASIL: 1st Gay MP Takes On Religious Right.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/27/brazil-openly-gay-mp-jean-wyllys
Rio MP Jean Wyllys is in a battle.
Brasil's first openly gay MP is fighting with the nation's many powerful evangelical preachers.
Until now...his biggest claim to fame was winning the wildly popular 'Big Brother' TV show...with 50mn votes.
"This (BB win) had great political relevance," he said. "The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-79842249347497135992012-01-27T12:46:00.000-06:002012-01-27T12:46:23.310-06:00GUATEMALA : Ex-Gen. Rios Montt Finally Charged With Genocide.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16750880
Ex-Gen. Efrain Rios Montt, 85, will be tried for genocide and crimes against humanity.
He ran Guatemala in 1982-83...when entire villages of Mayans were wiped out...in an effort to defeat rebels.
Some 100 massacres killed 1,771 people...and displaced 29,000.
A judge has placed him under house arrest.
Rios Montt The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-34828063404757588102012-01-27T12:07:00.000-06:002012-01-27T12:50:08.252-06:00HUNGARY / CANADA : Roma Living In Fear In Gyongyospata.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/27/hungary-roma-living-in-fear
The right wing Jobbik paramilitary group has occupied the village of Gyongyospata, 50 miles from Budapest...since March 1, 2011.
The town had a population of 2,800...with about 450 Roma.
Since then...the paras have been busy fighting 'gypsy crime'...and instilling fear.
Helen Pidd describes the The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-52945405171225085402012-01-27T11:33:00.003-06:002012-01-27T12:26:46.101-06:00CUBA : Exploding The Myth About Cuba's Excellent Healthcare.
http://www.moon.com/blogs/cuba-costa-rica/cubas-lackluster-healthcare-system
Pioneer Cuba visitor...Chris Baker...writes a chilling blog post about his recent experience seeking emergency dental help in my old stomping grounds...Cienfuegos...that again explodes the persistent myth about Cuba's health prowess.
He describes the horrible conditions even inside the yuma/foreigners clinic.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-23029770398139328672012-01-26T14:23:00.002-06:002012-01-26T14:23:56.768-06:00ECUADOR : Correa's Public Spending Pays Off In Popularity.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h99A8RqmxwDg3szj8lraB7cUDE2Q?docId=3136e5542d1b4f32870cb6e1bb499ff3
President Rafael Correa's almost 70% popularity can be linked to many state funded programs he implemented since his 2006 election.
Before Correa...Ecuador had 6 presidents in just 10 years.
Supported by the high price of oil...its major export...Ecuador spends The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-41294858575308917452012-01-26T12:54:00.003-06:002012-01-26T12:54:26.708-06:00RUSSIA : Toy Protesters Upset Siberian Police.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/26/doll-protesters-problem-russian-police
Nervous police in Barnaul, Siberia...object to a protest by dozens of small toy dolls...teddy bears, lego figures, etc...arranged outside in the snow...that carry signs reading: 'I'm for clean elections'...and "A thief should sit in jail, not the Kremlin."
The city's deputy police chief opines that The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-2305840478602787472012-01-26T12:23:00.002-06:002012-01-26T12:23:19.663-06:00SLOVAKIA : Heavy Snow Collapses Namestovo Ice Rink.
TO SEE :54 VIDEO
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/slovakia/9039924/Roof-collapses-on-ice-hockey-rink-as-players-train.html
Heavy snows in Namestovo...caused the entire roof of a newly opened ice rink at the Hotel Altis...to collapse Sunday...while a junior hockey team was practicing.
No one was hurt.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-61412701397267148802012-01-26T11:55:00.004-06:002012-01-26T14:27:22.077-06:00ARGENTINA / UK / MALVINAS : Cristina Returns, Shows Scar, Laments UK's "Upside Down World."
http://en.mercopress.com/2012/01/26/cfk-on-malvinas-in-this-upside-down-world-we-are-called-colonialists-and-bad-guys
President Cristina Fernandez is back on the job...proudly sporting a new scar after her unnecessary thyroid surgery...and still puzzled by the UK's PM Cameron calling Argentina...the 'colonialists.'
She spoke for an hour in her office about the Malvinas and its The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-25362900827069176732012-01-26T11:15:00.000-06:002012-01-27T13:41:11.452-06:00BRASIL: 27 Jan. UPDATE: 11 Dead, 15 Missing After Rio Buildings Collapse.
LINK CHANGE
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jUhyhXQlSaSS4Q7amoXhmBAqk8EA?docId=CNG.10ca7123a4159c83da7576898740ccac.2f1
Rescuers continued to search rubble in Rio's historic downtown...after 3 buildings collapsed...killing at least 11...with 15 still missing.
Six people were pulled from the rubble.
The commercial buildings were mostly The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-43559653592488017672012-01-25T16:09:00.000-06:002012-01-26T13:56:00.054-06:00RUSSIA / USA : 26 Jan UPDATE: Putin Again Blasting USA In Siberia; Judges Throwing Out Election Fraud Cases...Despite Evidence.
NEW LINK
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-25/putin-says-u-s-seeks-vassals-not-allies-as-campaign-heats-up.html
PM Putin is campaigning in Siberia...and again attacking the USA...claiming it wants to 'control everything'...and 'needs only vassals.'
One observer calls it "vintage" Putin "saber rattling."
AND...recently Putin told protesters complaining The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-4541195885472559952012-01-25T15:49:00.001-06:002012-01-25T16:20:28.548-06:00POLAND / CANADA: Holland's "In Darkness" Gets Hollywood Nod.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/24/us-oscars-foreignfilms-idUSTRE80N2I820120124
Diverse foreign films were selected for Hollywood's 84th Academy awards ceremony on 28 Feb.
There are films from Iran, Belgium, Israel and Canada...along with Poland's entry...'In Darkness'...directed by Agniezska Holland.
'In Darkness' is the story of a WW2 rescue of Jewish refugees from The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-5774021953798717392012-01-25T14:42:00.001-06:002012-01-26T14:03:29.284-06:00CUBA / BRASIL : 26 Jan. UPDATE: Dilma Heads For La Habana; Grants Dissident Blogger Sanchez Visa.
LINK CHANGE
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-26/brazil-issues-visa-to-dissident-cuban-blogger-on-eve-of-rousseff-s-visit.html
President Dilma Rousseff visits Cuba next week...to check-out her nation's $800 mn expansion of La Habana's Mariel harbor.
But she has thrown a big curve ball to President Raul Castro...by issuing a 30-day visa The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-28124954485718696522012-01-25T14:19:00.003-06:002012-01-25T14:28:55.233-06:00MEXICO : Safe Refuge For Felipe Calderon...May Mean Exile.
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/25/4212602/calderon-may-seek-safe-haven.html
President Felipe Calderon, 49, will soon be leaving office.
But he is haunted by charges of human rights abuses...with more than 50,000 dead since he took office in 2006.
And...likely venganza/revenge...from the narco gangs he has relentlessly pursued.
Now the question is...where will Felipe go forThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-12714212715240859492012-01-25T13:41:00.004-06:002012-01-25T16:18:41.698-06:00MEXICO / JAPAN : Nissan Will Build New $2 Bn Plant In Aguascalientes.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-25/nissan-to-build-2-billion-mexican-plant-to-avoid-yen-losses.html
Japan is in trouble.
But it means a coup...for Mexico.
For the first time since 1980...Japan registered a trade deficit...$32 bn...in 2011.
Blame an unreasonably strong yen, a catastrophic earthquake/tsunami...and widespread shutdown of nuke plants...requiring massive fuelThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-11808132127046803202012-01-25T13:07:00.000-06:002012-01-25T13:08:43.614-06:00RUSSIA : Assange To Host Wikileaks TV Show On State RT Channel.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16716904
Wikileaks reports that its founder Julian Assange will host a TV show on the state funded RT satellite channel.
Beginning in mid-March...the half hour interview show will reportedly feature 'key political players, thinkers and revolutionaries from around the world.'The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-32349001195804968332012-01-25T12:32:00.000-06:002012-01-25T13:20:35.027-06:00VENEZUELA : Hugo's Teen Daughter $USD Foto Angers Many.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-25/chavez-s-daughter-with-fistful-of-dollars-angers-venezuelans.html
Because of soaring inflation...President Hugo Chavez has tightly controlled $USDs for almost a decade...strictly limiting how much citizens can hold.
So a new foto posted on the web...of his daughter Rosines, 14, holding a fan of $USDs...has set off critics...and regular citizensThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-3565257671108003872012-01-25T12:10:00.000-06:002012-01-27T13:33:47.455-06:00POLAND: 27 Jan UPDATE: Thousands Protest Internet Copyright Treaty For 2nd Day.
TO SEE :59 ENews Video Report...follows :17 ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrvV2BDbmE8&feature=player_embedded
For a 2nd day...thousands gathered outside the EU's office in Warsaw showing their disapproval of PM Tusk's intention to sign an international copyright treaty...known as ACTA.
Shouting "down with censorship"...their fury resembles the recent outcry in The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-11985175894394779622012-01-25T11:51:00.002-06:002012-01-25T11:57:59.329-06:00PORTUGAL : Protesters Mock Prez. Cavaco Silva's Pension Complaint.
TO SEE: 1:00 Video Report
http://www.euronews.net/2012/01/25/portugal-s-president-complains-about-his-pension-cut
Portugal's President Anibal Cavaco Silva...is painfully out of touch.
He recently complained about a cut to his huge pension of 10,000 euros...monthly...because of the nation's required new austerity measures.
Protesters gathered outside his palace and The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-9390548179116368172012-01-24T15:47:00.001-06:002012-01-24T15:47:10.972-06:00PERU : Europe's Love Of Asparagus Sucking Ica Region Dry.
http://www.pri.org/stories/business/global-development/peru-s-cash-crop-asparagus-is-bleeding-the-nation-dry-8080.html
Peru's Ica Valley is a hotbed for growing asparagus...and is now the world's biggest exporter of the pencil shaped veggie.
There's almost no unemployment there...and poverty is way down
But...a danger lurks...because the water table is also way down...since The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-35038069664285660622012-01-24T14:42:00.000-06:002012-01-24T15:50:34.989-06:00EUROZONE / GREECE : When Is A Default...NOT A Default?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/24/uk-greece-default-idUSTRE80N22B20120124
Apparently...a forced Greek default is near...because eurozone finance ministers wouldn't agree to what the banks call their final offer for a 2nd bailout burden...a 4% interest rate.
One creditor told REUTERS that Greece is headed down the same disorderly debt road last trod in 2002...by Argentina.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-8012071601859365232012-01-24T14:11:00.001-06:002012-01-24T14:11:17.576-06:00ROMANIA : PM Boc Fires ForMin Baconschi For Protester Comments.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/23/world/europe/romania-minister-fired/index.html
Nerves are naturally raw in Bucharest after 11 days of protest over austerity measures.
But PM Emil Boc couldn't allow Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi's (foto) remarks about protesters to stand.
Baconschi called the protesters "inept and violent slum dwellers."
He also compared them to The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-61031016931766638402012-01-24T13:39:00.001-06:002012-01-24T13:39:02.490-06:00RUSSIA : Jews Omitted From Holocaust Site Plaque In Rostov-On-Don.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16697485
Though more than half of the 27,000 victims murdered by Nazis...in August 1942...at Rostvov-on Don...were Jewish...a new replacement plaque there...fails to mention it.
The massacre at Zmiyevskaya Balka is conceded as the worst holocaust in Russia.
The new plaque only describes victims as the "peaceful citizens of Rostov-on-DonThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-44667626770850570692012-01-24T13:14:00.002-06:002012-01-24T13:17:37.135-06:00POLAND : Blood Flooded Sewers...Scare Koscierzyna.
With :15 video...after :15 advert/ generic web foto
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9035047/Polish-town-in-shock-as-blood-bubbles-from-drains.html
The alarmed citizens of the small town of Koscierznya...called police after seeing blood bubbling-up thru manhole covers...and pooling into a river of red on its streets.
Residents feared serious public The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-10046856094625726262012-01-24T12:48:00.001-06:002012-01-24T12:48:44.376-06:00VENEZUELA / SPAIN : Newspaper Claims Chavez Cancer Has Spread; Opponent Lopez Withdraws, Supports Capriles Radonski.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/23/world/americas/venezuela-chavez-health/index.html?hpt=ila_c1
Spain's ABC newspaper is reporting that President Hugo Chavez has 9 months to live...because his cancer has spread to his colon, spine and bones.
The report is based only on unidentified intelligence sources.
Some recent events seem to contradict that report.
Chavez has been The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-52985765506131062982012-01-24T12:18:00.001-06:002012-01-24T16:23:40.227-06:00AUSTIN, TEXAS / USA : Failed GOP Candidate, Gov. Rick Perry's One Good Idea.
http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2012/01/30/120130taco_talk_hertzberg?mbid=gnep&google_editors_picks=true
Texas Governor Rick Perry is now known for more than his good hair.
Namely...many, many verbal, conceptual and factual...blunders.
His reputation was greatly tarnished while he was running to the far right...in hopes of capturing the USA's Republican party presidential The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-84696296417226676602012-01-23T15:48:00.000-06:002012-01-23T15:48:04.179-06:00PORTUGAL : Diners Eating Light...During Austerity.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/20/us-portugal-restaurants-idUSTRE80J0PB20120120
Portugal's restaurants are going hungry in the nation's new austerity.
They are the 4th largest source of jobs...and account for 4% of GDP.
But many are near closing.
Part of the reason for the slow business...a newly hiked VAT tax...to 23%...from 13%.
Instead of full meals...peopleThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-60987029850635461132012-01-23T14:21:00.002-06:002012-01-23T14:29:08.542-06:00MEXICO : Durango Raid Kills 'Chapo' Guzman Aide..."Architect" Cabrera Sarabria.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16693432
A military helicopter attack in Durango killed the Sinaloa narco gang's regional leader...Luis Alberto Cabrera Sarabria...and captured 11 other members.
Cabrera Sarabria...aka 'the Architect'...was killed trying to hide in a cave.
He was described as a close aide to Sinaloan boss...Joaquin 'El Chapo'/Shorty Guzman...The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-63512135305072942862012-01-23T14:02:00.000-06:002012-01-24T14:55:43.650-06:00MEXICO : Narcos Schemed To Use Innocents As Drug Mules.
LONG READ
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/23/world/americas/mexico-blind-drug-mules/?hpt=wo_t2
Mexico's narcos are cunning...and ingenious.
By employing spotters...and then secretly hiding GPS devices...the narcos took advantage of a special USA SENTRI border pass...to plant drugs on unlikely 'blind' regular commuters.
The highly screened drivers The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-90666230594636939332012-01-23T13:45:00.003-06:002012-01-23T13:45:36.110-06:00RUSSIA : Putin Opponent Yavlinsky Likely Excluded From Prez. Election.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/23/russian-liberal-exclusion-presidential-election
Moscow's elections commission is said to be ready to reject the application of Putin opponent Grigory Yavlinsky, an economist who heads the Liberal Party.
Sources say Yavlinsky had violations among the 2 million signatures needed to run in 4 March's presidential election...with perhaps 23% The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-84142075061544037052012-01-23T12:46:00.002-06:002012-01-23T12:46:29.716-06:00CROATIA / EU : Zagreb Votes To Join EU.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-22/croatia-votes-for-european-union-entry-early-results-show-1-.html
Croatia is on schedule to become the EU's 28th member...after Sunday's 66% approval of the 'yes/no' referendum.
But...turnout was low...only about 47%...with 33% voting against joining the EU...as membership appeal wanes because of huge ongoing bailouts.
All EU members must The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-32274264940733225232012-01-23T12:21:00.001-06:002012-01-26T11:33:42.366-06:00BRASIL : 26 Jan UPDATE: Many Residents Living Rough After Police Raid Illegal Sao Jose dos Campos Settlement To Reclaim Land.
TO SEE: Al Jazeera 2:19 Video Report
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf1cILLV4d4&feature=player_embedded
Many residents are sleeping rough...or living in churches and cars...a day after some 2,000 riot police...with helicopter support...stormed an illegal settlement of landless workers in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo state...to clear them out.
And police won't evenThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-24078914612854061282012-01-23T11:41:00.001-06:002012-01-24T10:58:38.040-06:00MUSIC FOR MONDAYS : Samba With Brasil's Almirzinho.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hWj4OcxQpk
With Portuguese Lyrics / 3:50
Here's a return to mellow...but lively...music for a Monday.
MFM presents Brasil's Almirzinho...singing a samba classic...'Nosso Amor.'
This is great music to commute with...traffic somehow seems less threatening and challenging...when this sensual samba beat...with flute, The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-37238462268630407842012-01-22T17:06:00.000-06:002012-01-22T17:06:25.708-06:00COLOMBIA : FARC Attack, Disable Cali Airport Radar.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16669488
FARC narco rebels bombarded a mountain top radar facility for 12 hours...destroying it and disrupting aviation in a vast area around the southern Cali region.
About 100 guerrillas attacked the radar facility and garrison with homemade missiles...killing a guard.
Flights were disrupted.
Officials say it will take months The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-7895117037151222412012-01-22T16:42:00.000-06:002012-01-24T14:27:41.517-06:00BRASIL : 24 Jan UPDATE: Petrobras Chief Gabrielli...Gone! Das Gracas Foster Profiled.
LINK CHANGE / New Details
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-24/top-woman-in-oil-to-head-225-billion-plan-as-petrobras-chief.html
Petrobras shares continued to rise after President Dilma Rousseff announced that she would replace its chief Jose Sergio Gabrielli...after 6 years at the helm of the oil giant.
Gabrielli planned the world class expansion ofThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-59760374079464712392012-01-22T15:37:00.002-06:002012-01-22T15:37:51.526-06:00SERBIA : Escaped War Criminal Stankovic Recaptured.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/22/world/europe/bosnia-arrest/index.html?hpt=ieu_c1
Convicted Serb war criminal Radovan Stankovic has been recaptured...after nearly 5 years on the run.
He escaped from a Bosnian prison in May 2007.
In 2006...Stankovic was convicted of crimes against humanity...including rapes and enslavement of women during Bosnia's 4 year war.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-37186664680880503612012-01-22T15:27:00.002-06:002012-01-27T12:23:16.220-06:00MEXICO / CANADA : 27 Jan UPDATE: Sheila McNabb Returns Home For Surgery After Mazatlan Hotel Beating.
LINK CHANGE
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/01/27/nabb-mexico-beating-calgary.html
In an unexpected move...Sheila McNabb...the Calgary woman beaten senseless in Mazatlan...has returned to Canadian soil and medical care.
Mexican doctors claimed she couldn't be moved for a month...because of her condition.
Facial surgery in Mazatlan had been postponed...because she The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-88883339250411580712012-01-22T15:12:00.000-06:002012-01-22T16:51:17.974-06:00CHILE : Maid's Short Walk Thru Gated Community...Aborted...Outraging Many.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/22/2948089/maids-protest-sparks-rights-debate.html
Maid Chile Felicita Pinto, 57, was forced to end her short walk to work...and returned to the front gates of an exclusive residential community...because of a bylaw that stopped servants from moving about freely.
The action is causing an uproar...over what is seen as widespread discrimination The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-76822937440522373282012-01-22T14:50:00.001-06:002012-01-22T17:23:13.466-06:00MEXICO : Tulum Called New 'Hot Spot' For Fashionistas And Celebs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/fashion/tulum-mexico-is-a-hot-spot-for-fashion-insiders.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
It's a shock when your favorite sleepy little Mexican beach town is paraded on the front page of the NYTimes Sunday Style Section.
It's like learning a longtime ex-girlfriend...has married serial husband and aged former TV personality Larry King.
Good for her...I The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-49650081361760515132012-01-22T14:22:00.001-06:002012-01-22T14:25:24.065-06:00BRASIL: Praia do Rosa...Santa Catarina's New Chic Beach.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/travel/praia-do-rosa-brazil-refined-but-untouched.html?pagewanted=all
Praia do Rosa is officially outed in the NYTimes...as southern Brasil's newest laid back, chic beach for jet set wannabes.
The little, long ignored beach town is one hour's drive south of Santa Catarina's capital... Florianopolis.
It still has only 2 paved streets...but The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-74680393027121381202012-01-21T15:13:00.000-06:002012-01-21T15:18:55.057-06:00CUBA / CANADA : Tourists Returning Sick From Cuban Resorts.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/visitors+Cuba+return+sick/6030202/story.html
For the 3rd time in a week...passengers returning from Cuba reported being ill.
At last report...39 people arriving on 3 flights to Ottawa and Toronto...complained of stomach illness.
And...it doesn't matter which city or resort they stayed at.
Public health authorities report that 4 flights fromThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-9164567747845509032012-01-21T14:55:00.003-06:002012-01-21T16:07:19.174-06:00BRASIL: Billionaire Eike Batista...Profiled.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/21/world/americas/a-brazilian-magnate-points-to-himself-for-inspiration.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Eike Batista...Brasil's richest man...biggest self-promoter...and it's version of the USA's Donald Trump...scored another profile.
But this time Batista, 55...hit the big time...in the NYTimes.
Worth an estimated $30 billion...Eike gets to talk about his The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-63716180693437882752012-01-21T14:42:00.000-06:002012-01-21T14:42:28.701-06:00BOLIVIA / BRASIL / USA: Morales Agrees To Anti-Drug Aid.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16663728
After 5 delays over wording...Bolivia has finally signed an agreement with Brasil and the USA to control its coca production.
The USA and Brasil will provide technical assistance.
President Evo Morales expelled the DEA from Bolivia...more than 3 years ago.
Bolivia is currently Brasil's biggest coca supplier.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-91380179296966784132012-01-21T14:20:00.000-06:002012-01-21T16:07:59.415-06:00MEXICO : Controversial Narco Movie: 'Miss Bala'...Reviewed.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/21/miss-bala-is-mexico-s-drug-war-thriller.html
There's another new movie about Mexico's brutal narco war.
It's called 'Miss Bala'/ Miss Bullet.
But it's getting some surprising positive reviews.
Directed and co-written by Gerald Naranjo...it stars first time actress...Stephanie Sigman (foto)...and is shot from her point of viewThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-87221584182288384252012-01-21T13:52:00.000-06:002012-01-21T13:52:13.334-06:00HUNGARY : 100,000 Support PM Orban In Budapest.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hqW8VFSpzCyv4g11k0dYAx_EYsgA?docId=CNG.903f4d85cf5f59a1d7becd00f64409e4.111
Almost 100,000 people rallied in Budapest...to show support for PM Viktor Orban and his reforms.
"We want nothing else than for the people of Europe and the United States to understand that we want to live in freedom, within the framework of democracy, by The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-55670620729369588492012-01-21T13:24:00.002-06:002012-01-21T13:24:39.394-06:00CROATIA : Nationalists Clash With Police...On EU Vote Eve.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os7XwKw2eJ4 /1:00
About 1,000 nationalists fought with police in Zagreb...on the eve of a referendum on EU membership...as they tried to tear down an EU flag.
They demanded that the vote be postponed.
At least 3 were injured...and an unknown number were arrested.
An estimated 40% of the population is against EU membership.
Croatia negotiated The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-55739027914330880432012-01-21T12:50:00.001-06:002012-01-21T16:10:20.787-06:00VENEZUELA : 40 Robbed At Margarita Island Resort.
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=464292&CategoryId=10717
A dozen armed men invaded an Antolin del Campo resort on Venezuela's famous Margarita island...and robbed 40 Brasilians...fleeing in 2 stolen cars.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-59325291939433335582012-01-20T13:25:00.000-06:002012-01-22T16:05:47.018-06:00ITALY / HUNGARY : Drowned Cruise Ship Violinist Feher Remembered.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/drowned-violinist-doomed-italian-cruise-ship-costa-concordia-helped-children-safety-lost-article-1.1008315
For Hungarian violinist Sandor Feher, 38...his instrument was his life.
So when Feher went back to his cabin to rescue his violin...he perished...as the cruise ship Costa Concordia hit rocks...and sank.
Feher was part of the ship's comboThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-51816743542118660092012-01-20T13:04:00.005-06:002012-01-20T13:04:50.478-06:00CROATIA / EU : Vote Nears On Joining EU; Doubts Grow.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-19/croats-split-on-eu-entry-as-government-fights-to-pass-referendum.html
On Sunday, 22 January...many of Croatia's 4.2 million citizens will vote on joining the EU.
New polling suggests only 53% now approve of the move...with many fearing loss of control.
But by joining the EU...Croatia would be in line for huge subsidies.
President The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-35520861661009734442012-01-20T12:45:00.003-06:002012-01-20T13:47:49.533-06:00ROMANIA : Bucharest Protesters Call For Resignations; 55 Arrested.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/world/europe/romanian-protesters-urge-governments-ouster.html
An estimated 7,000 protesters gathered in Bucharest/Bucuresti demanding the resignations of President Traian Basescu and PM Emil Boc...because of recent austerity measures.
Some violence erupted...resulting in at least 55 arrests...and 5 injuries.
National media reported The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-20437607381425763462012-01-20T11:46:00.000-06:002012-01-21T16:22:16.535-06:00CUBA: Dissident Villar Mendoza Dies After 56 Day Hunger Strike; Farinas Freed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/20/us-cuba-dissident-death-idUSTRE80J0C020120120
Political dissident Wilmar Villar Mendoza, 31...died in a Santiago de Cuba hospital...after a 56 day hunger strike. (The BBC/AP/CNN report a 50-day fast).
Villar was protesting his 4-year sentence for demonstrating.
Authorities announced releasing another well known dissident...Guillermo The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-14463044474162653702012-01-19T14:51:00.004-06:002012-01-20T11:24:46.619-06:00CUBA : 20 Jan UPDATE: Giant Scarabeo 9 Oil Rig Finally Arrives.
LINK CHANGE / More Details
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=463974&CategoryId=14510
Scarabeo 9...a mammoth Chinese built oil drilling rig...has finally arrived near La Habana.
It will be used to drill at least 2 wells...in potentially large oil fields off Cuba's Gulf coast...just 55 miles from the USA's Florida Keys.
TO SEE: :45 The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-25913166684247938742012-01-19T14:28:00.003-06:002012-01-19T15:01:35.250-06:00UK / ARGENTINA : Temp Prez Boudou Calls Cameron 'Ignorant' About Malvinas/Falklands.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2088904/Argentinas-acting-president-angrily-tells-Cameron-to-school-stop-ignorant-Falklands.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
As the 30th anniversary of the 74 day Falklands/Malvinas War nears...rhetoric is heating-up...because of the prospect of new oil finds there.
Acting as president...VP Amado Boudou (foto)...verbally attacked UK PM David Cameron...forThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-38134197423032321792012-01-19T14:06:00.002-06:002012-01-21T14:04:07.335-06:00MEXICO / IRELAND : 21 Jan UPDATE: 15 Irish Investigated In Guadalajara Black Market Adoptions.
LINK CHANGE/ http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jhq2eCObcyr9vqWh_jbJacsb4wVA?docId=CNG.6c59117697b540dd3fa7f0314f6ff7b4.41
Mexican officials have interviewed 15 Irish nationals...and discovered that 4 of 10 children provided by a smuggling ring for adoption in Guadalajara...were sexually abused.
They have arrested 9 suspects...and taken 10 babies in custody.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-75218600118569971022012-01-19T13:40:00.002-06:002012-01-19T13:42:04.580-06:00PANAMA: Leaders Alarmed By Prez Martinelli's Growing 'Abuse Of Power.'
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/18/2596211/panamas-paradox-a-boom-with-gloom.html
Andres Oppenheimer column
Panama is on track for the best growth in Latin America in 2012...a projected 6.8%.
But increasingly...even its business leaders are criticizing President Ricardo Martinelli (foto) for a strong arm style.
His popularity has plummeted from 80% to the The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-71974070610317577922012-01-19T13:04:00.001-06:002012-01-22T16:02:30.904-06:00ITALY / MOLDOVA : 22 Jan UPDATE : Young Blonde Dancer Will Interview In Cruise Ship Tragedy; Denies Being Captain's Lover.
LINK CHANGE/ NEW Details/ With 1:33 captioned video
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/9030908/Moldovan-dancer-at-centre-of-Concordia-disaster-to-be-questioned-by-Italian-prosecutors.html
Though he has vehemently denied being drunk...now notorious Captain Francisco Schettino, 51, of the capsized liner Costa Concordia...was reportedly eating The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-39415748045093575112012-01-19T12:30:00.001-06:002012-01-19T14:55:50.246-06:00RUSSIA : Testy Putin Attacks Radio ECHO For 'Diarrheal' Coverage.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16627415
During his regular meeting with the media...a suddenly sensitive and downright testy PM Vladimir Putin accused opposition radio ECHO of continually attacking him...'pouring diarrhea over me day and night'...and working for foreign interests.
Moscow's ECHO radio is partially owned by Gazprom.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-16250016091991093602012-01-19T12:19:00.000-06:002012-01-19T13:22:00.639-06:00BRASIL: FIFA Demands That Beer Be Sold At World Cup.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16624823
Since 2003...Brasil has banned beer sales at football matches...to lessen fan violence.
Now FIFA is demanding that Brasil change its law...and sell beer at all 2014 World Cup matches.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-55795394328780501232012-01-19T12:10:00.001-06:002012-01-19T13:24:07.242-06:00BULGARIA / FRANCE : Sofia Bans Shale Gas 'Fracking' Exploration.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16626580
Bulgaria now joins France...in banning shale gas drilling...using the 'fracking' method of exploration.
Its parliament voted overwhelmingly for a ban...after protests by environmentalists that it may poison water...and even cause earthquakes.
Sofia has revoked a shale gas permit for the USA's Chevron.
Bulgaria currently The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-41290541909205335582012-01-19T11:56:00.004-06:002012-01-19T13:25:11.991-06:00BRASIL: C.Bank Cuts Benchmark Again...To 10.5%.
http://en.mercopress.com/2012/01/19/brazil-cuts-basic-rate-to-10.5-and-signals-further-reductions-in-the-future
Another 50 bps benchmark rate cut!
For the 4th straight meeting...Brasil's central bank lowered its benchmark...this time...to 10.5%.
Led by Alexandre Tombini (foto)...the c.bank is not messing around...when it comes to adjusting the important rate.
The bank indicated The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-14453668082333062262012-01-19T11:38:00.002-06:002012-01-19T13:26:26.182-06:00MEXICO : Headlines Grabbing Tarahumara Suicides Report...Was False.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-indians-hunger-20120119,0,10371.story
A false report in many media...that more than 50 members of the reclusive Tarahumara indigena tribe...had killed themselves...has brought new attention...and new help to relieve their harsh living conditions.
A historic drought has worsened their self sufficient lifestyle in the remote and The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-61416463538897181582012-01-18T14:55:00.000-06:002012-01-18T15:15:28.374-06:00MEXICO : The DF...Long Safe From Narco Violence...Grows Worried.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/17/world/americas/mexico-city-security/index.html
LONG READ
Mexico City...aka the D.F./Distrito Federal...has escaped Mexico's widespread brutal and bloody narco violence...for the most part.
It has a strong police force.
And the military is based there.
But...some recent events...now have resident Chilangos.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-570223165094303282012-01-18T13:59:00.001-06:002012-01-18T14:13:16.028-06:00RUSSIA : Ex-Putin Ally Mironov Says Vladimir Must Go.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-18/ex-putin-ally-paratrooper-vows-to-end-premier-s-12-year-rule.html
Sergei Mironov...ousted ex-speaker of parliament's upper house...wants PM Vladimir Putin to end his run for the presidency.
Mironov says : 'Putin must go. I don't see any willingness by Putin to change the political system. He believes monopoly of power is good.'
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-10933410951838163722012-01-18T13:04:00.000-06:002012-01-18T15:38:07.840-06:00ITALY: Coast Guard Commander de Falco...Profiled.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/18/costa-concordia-coastguard-rejects-hero?newsfeed=true
Gregorio de Falco, 46...Italy's Coast Guard Commander in Livorno...is now famous for his 4-minute recorded berating of the vilified, cowardly captain of the beleaguered half-sunken liner...Costa Concordia.
But de Falco says he is not a hero.
He says that he was just doing The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-57847428067271727742012-01-18T12:33:00.001-06:002012-01-18T12:33:17.280-06:00RUSSIA / USA : TV Pundit Claims New Ambassador McFaul Will Promote 'Revolution.'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16609390
A Russian TV pundit says new USA ambassador Michael McFaul is in Moscow to promote revolution.
Mikhail Leonyvev noted that McFaul once worked for an agency close to USA intelligence.
Stanford professor McFaul is regarded by many as a Russia expert.
They say it was McFaul's idea to 'reset' USA/Russia relations.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-66679291076887729652012-01-18T11:56:00.000-06:002012-01-19T12:44:19.269-06:00AUSTIN / ISTANBUL: Perry Embarrasses Texas By Trashing Turkey.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/17/world/europe/turkey-perry-remarks/index.html
Seeming Texas Governor for Life...Rick Perry...bashed the USA's 50-year long NATO ally Turkey...in a attempt to curry right-wing favor...while feebly running in the GOP presidential primary in South Carolina.
Perry has again exposed his legendary ignorance...and again embarrassed Texas!
During a TV The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-41316830467450537462012-01-18T11:21:00.001-06:002012-01-18T15:19:07.675-06:00PERU: Humala Relieved As Chehade Resigns As VP.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/us-peru-politics-chehade-idUSTRE80H09F20120118
After months of resisting...VP Omar Chehade (foto) finally resigned...over corruption allegations.
Though Chehade's post was largely ceremonial...his resignation will remove growing pressure on President Humala...who campaigned promising to fight corruption.
By one vote...Chehade just The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-22192100626655739152012-01-17T13:49:00.000-06:002012-01-17T13:59:05.044-06:00BRASIL: TV 'Big Brother' Rape Alleged.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2087801/Housemate-Brazilian-version-Big-Brother-raped-live-TV-alcohol-fueled-party.html
Police are investigating charges of rape against a contestant in Brasil's 'Big Brother' TV show.
Male model Daniel Echaniz, 31, was removed because of suspicions of "gravely inadequate" behavior... with a 23-year-old female contestant who passed out The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-44749818676978062342012-01-17T13:28:00.000-06:002012-01-18T12:15:12.071-06:00PANAMA: 18 Jan UPDATE: Walkout Stops Canal Construction.
LINK CHANGE/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16607458
Thousands of workers walked off the $5.25 billion Panama Canal expansion...demanding payment of back pay, higher wages and better working conditions.
The expansion...with new wider locks to handle mammoth container ships...is scheduled for a 2014 completion.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-5723782139217574892012-01-17T12:51:00.001-06:002012-01-17T14:37:33.440-06:00UKRAINE / RUSSIA / EU: Pressure Increases On Kyiv Over Nat Gas Deal.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-16/ukraine-enters-final-russian-gas-push-in-bid-to-duck-imf-demands.html
It appears that talks between Moscow and Kyiv over lower gas rates...have ended for now.
Kyiv needs a lower price from Russia...or will have to levy a 30% increase on ALL its households...to access a needed $15.6 billion EU bailout.
Ukraine wants its negotiated The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-10844040384737091152012-01-17T12:25:00.001-06:002012-01-20T11:55:04.038-06:00AUSTIN BLOG NOTES: Gripes About GOOGLE.
No Link
Perhaps it seems wrong to criticize the company that publishes this blog...but that has never stopped the H. Observer.
Visitors will notice a new really UGLY look here...with 1st links now displayed...instead of hidden.
Why the change?
Google has FORCED a new posting procedure on its bloggers...and taken away the old method.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-77340745158908330342012-01-17T11:57:00.001-06:002012-01-17T14:39:57.315-06:00KAZAKHSTAN: 81% Ruling Party Win...Called Undemocratic.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16572986
The ruling Nur Otan party...has kept its big majority... 81% in Sunday's election.
But observers are calling the election 'fundamentally undemocratic'...even though 2 new parties won seats in parliament.
At least 17 oil workers there were killed in December.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-6590986828520577312012-01-17T11:44:00.000-06:002012-01-17T14:42:34.172-06:00EU / HUNGARY : EC Takes Orban To Court.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16593827
The executive arm of the EU has begun legal action against Hungary because of central bank 'reforms'.
PM Viktor Orban has 30 days to respond to charges that his government is infringing on democratic principles and on the independence of the c.bank...warned Commission President Barroso (foto).
The commission can only fineThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-42711670863849978262012-01-17T11:22:00.002-06:002012-01-18T13:41:28.641-06:00MEXICO / CANADA: Canuck Killed In Culiacan.
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=462966&CategoryId=14091
Another Canadian was murdered in Mexico.
Salid Abdulcias Sabas's body was found in a street in Sinaloa's capital ,Culiacan.
He had been shot 9 times...execution style...mainly to the head.
Sinaloa is the home state of notorious narco honcho 'El Chapo' Guzman.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-346050946424933922012-01-17T11:09:00.000-06:002012-01-17T14:34:56.982-06:00COMMODITIES / COLOMBIA: 2011 Coffee Production Hits 36 Year Low.
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/21553-colombia-coffee-production-for-2011-a-35-year-pw.html
As observers predicted...La Nina's heavy rains and a fungus decimated Colombia's valuable 2011 coffee crop...lowering yields by 12%...from 2010...to 7.8mn bags...the lowest in 36 years.
Yet...because of growing global demand...income rose y/y by 13%.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-30356870177164909752012-01-16T12:36:00.001-06:002012-01-16T12:38:45.600-06:00LATIN AMERICA / CHINA: Commodities Dependence...Backfires. BLOOMBERG / Overview/ ANALYSIS
South America's failure to reduce it dependency on exporting raw materials...makes the region vulnerable to the global slowdown...and less attractive for investors.
Experts say the region has generally failed to increase productivity, education and infrastructure...and reduce red tape.
Chile's dependence on copper is an The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-51941265299271314972012-01-16T11:03:00.003-06:002012-01-16T14:05:43.593-06:00MUSIC FOR MONDAYS : Exotic Ethiopian Beat...By Paulista Mariana Da Cruz.
YOUTUBE 5:15...STATIC FOTO
An eerie trumpet solo sets the tone for this mysterious tune...'Ethiopia Kopie'...that slowly builds to a climax.
Sung by Paulista native...Mariana Da Cruz...who now lives in Bern, Switzerland.
This tune's addictive big band treatment would be great for a murder movie.
A slight problem...it ends way too soon.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-91178052496687738042012-01-15T16:18:00.001-06:002012-01-17T13:05:24.897-06:00ARGENTINA / UK : 17 Jan UPDATE: Dismembered Brit Found In Santiago del Estero.
LINK CHANGE/ GUARDIAN/ More Details
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/9018786/Dismembered-body-of-British-scientist-found-in-rural-Argentina.html
Another foreigner has been found dead in northern Argentina.
This time the dismembered body of Brit. Donald Brooks, 75...was discovered in Santiago del Estero province...where he reportedly lived for 15 The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-1200976087763502522012-01-15T15:27:00.001-06:002012-01-15T15:28:53.024-06:00SPAIN: Controversial Judge Garzon...Goes On Trial With Judicial Career At Risk. AP/ SAC BEE
In Madrid...workaholic Judge Baltasar Garzon, 56, is facing 2 trials...that may end his controversial career.
Garzon is world famous for indicting Chile's dictator Augusto Pinochet on genocide charges and Osama Bin Laden...and also investigating Guantanamo Bay abuses.
Plus he began a probe in Spain over atrocities during its Civil War.
Now his The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-73359792797755243562012-01-15T14:52:00.005-06:002012-01-16T11:49:21.779-06:00ROMANIA : 16 Jan UPDATE: 59 Injured In Bucharest Anti-Austerity Riot...On 4th Day Of Protests. TO READ: CNN
For the 4th day...thousands of demonstrators in Bucharest protested against proposed severe health revisions...and austerity measures.
But this time...a clash occurred with 2,000 police firing tear gas...after protesters threw stones and petrol bombs...injuring at least 59...including 10 riot police.
At least 250 were detained.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-3451347540841462172012-01-15T14:32:00.001-06:002012-01-16T11:41:06.307-06:00GUATEMALA : 16 Jan UPDATE: Gen. Perez Molina Assumes Presidency; Sends In Army To Fight Narcos. LINK CHANGE/ BBC
Just one day after being sworn-in as the first military man elected president since 1986...
ex-Gen. Otto Perez Molina, 61...called in the army to control violence and combat narcos.
Guatemala has one of the world's worst murder rates.
Just days ago...a congressman and his brother were assassinated in their auto in Guat. The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-34802787347261694292012-01-15T14:18:00.001-06:002012-01-16T13:35:57.424-06:00MEXICO: Why All The Savage Narco Violence? Fighting Over $39 Billion...Annually. CNN / A. FANTZ
Overview/ Long Read
So much savagery in Mexico.
Why the gruesome decapitations...burned bodies...and many mass narco fosas/ hidden graves?
The government recently put its narco death toll since Dec. 2006...at 47,515.
NGOs say Mexico is low-balling the tragic numbers.
But thereThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-42311326002824447982012-01-14T14:43:00.000-06:002012-01-14T14:43:22.987-06:00MEXICO: Another Alleged Zeta Jefe...Sarabia Ramon...Arrested. LAHT
The army captured alleged Zetas boss...Luis Jesus Sarabia Ramon and an accomplice... without a shot being fired.
Sarabia Ramon...reportedly headed Zeta operations in the states of Coahuila, Aguascalientes and San Luis Potosi
They claim that he ordered at least 50 killings...including the murder of a USA agent...plus at least 20 The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-50135771543678815222012-01-14T14:00:00.001-06:002012-01-16T11:21:04.309-06:00CHILE: 16 Jan. UPDATE: Camila Vallejo Interviewed; May Run For MP As Communist. GUARDIAN with 2:44 subtitled Esp Video
A brief interview with Camila Vallejo, 23, Chile's foremost student protest leader for the past 8 months.
She is promoting her new book..."Podemos Cambiar el Mundo"/We Can Change The World."
FOR MORE ON BOOK:
http://en.mercopress.com/2012/01/16/chilean-student-leader-launches-book-and-considers-entering-formal-politicsThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-58333842489737078232012-01-14T13:17:00.004-06:002012-01-15T15:57:29.243-06:00CHILE / RUSSIA: 15 Jan UPDATE: Moscow's Marred Mission To Mars; Probe Crashes In Pacific. AP/ New Details
The expensive $170 million...but miserably failed 13 ton Mars probe called Phobos-Grunt...crashed thru the atmosphere...and some of it landed west of Chile's Wellington Island...on Sunday.
But other parts apparently landed across the globe...including the Indian Ocean.
The probe's ambitious mission was to scoop up The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-32161854319305294652012-01-14T12:30:00.001-06:002012-01-14T12:33:57.356-06:00BOLIVIA / PERU / ECUADOR / COLOMBIA / VENEZUELA : Narcos Adjust To Whack-A-Mole Enforcement. WSJ / J. LYONS/ Long Read
The USA's expensive $8 billion 'Plan Colombia' seems to have worked...on one level.
Narcos have slowed and even stopped processing coca into cocaine there...but only to move production to Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.
They have shifted to nations where leaders are ambivalent or loath to work with the USA.
The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-28938993437248159822012-01-14T12:13:00.001-06:002012-01-14T13:26:19.671-06:00PERU: Traffic Accident Kills 10, Injures 50 In Barranca. LAHT
A crowded bus headed for Lima...and a truck...collided and burned...in Barranca province in the early morning...killing 10 and injuring at least 50.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-8694858709675318602012-01-13T14:14:00.000-06:002012-01-13T14:14:02.571-06:00MEXICO: It's Garbage Hell In D.F. After Dump Closing. AP/ K. Corcoran
"Mounds of debris piled up at illegal dumping sites around the city in recent weeks as the metropolis grappled with an avalanche of refuse after closing one of the world's largest landfills.
Garbage trucks queued up for more than six hours to dump loads at transfer stations, while overstuffed bags and other trash piled up even on theThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-66342369585645914602012-01-13T13:57:00.002-06:002012-01-13T14:25:14.601-06:00POLAND / USA : Ohio State University President Slams Polish Army. AP
It seems that making fun of Poland...just won't die here in the USA.
Even allegedly educated persons unthinkingly continue to do it.
But...one wonders how smart one really is...to do it in the belly of the beast...the state of Ohio...home to hundreds of thousands with Polish ancestry.
That didn't stop Gordon Gee, the current The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-86997847224949006292012-01-13T13:27:00.000-06:002012-01-13T13:27:13.028-06:00BOLIVIA : 4 Dead, 80 Arrested In Santa Cruz Clash. ABC.ES/ :52 Video/ En Esp Only
There has been ZERO coverage in English...of a clash with police in Yapacani (Santa Cruz)...that left 4 dead...and at least 80 arrested.
A court ordered Mayor David Carvajal to return to office...despite corruption charges against him.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-57846960822059083372012-01-13T13:02:00.003-06:002012-01-14T15:01:42.369-06:00CUBA / USA / GERMANY : 14 Jan UPDATE: Che Guevara Display In Las Vegas Upsets Miami; Sen. Menendez Blasts Daimler. LINK CHANGE/ FOX
The Germans had no clue.
Daimler...which makes Mercedes-Benz...has soundly pissed-off some Cuban-Americans and others for using "Che" Guevara's image...to promote their cars at the important annual CES show in Las Vegas.
Daimler apologized.
But perhaps...too late.
Guevara is highly radioactive in the Cuban American The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-40041102705437385362012-01-13T12:25:00.004-06:002012-01-13T12:38:06.677-06:00RUSSIA: Man Buys Firewood...And Also Gets 79 Kalashnikov Rifles; Protest Leaders Snub Putin Meeting. BBC
A villager in Udmurtia bought 64 wooden crates to burn for firewood...but found 79 usable Kalashnikov rifles and parts inside.
An investigation is underway over whether the rifles were "thrown out accidentally or there was an organised channel for selling them off illegally".
AND: Several protest leaders rejected the chance to meet withThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-64109904411311280152012-01-13T12:04:00.001-06:002012-01-13T12:32:09.844-06:00CHILE : C.Bank Surprises With Small Rate Cut; Benchmark Now 5%. BLOOMBERG
It was a small rate cut...just 25 bps...but it caught markets by surprise.
The central bank...under new President Rodrigo Vergara...dropped its benchmark interest rate...to 5%.
“The decision shows that the central bank feels very comfortable about the inflation outlook; that it believes economic growth is definitely decelerating,” The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-27944217866904147722012-01-13T11:41:00.007-06:002012-01-14T13:02:19.892-06:00EUROZONE / FRANCE / AUSTRIA : 14 Jan UPDATE: S/P Cuts Paris, 8 Others Credit Ratings; Berlin Remains AAA. BLOOMBERG
Those nasty, unsettling rumors...were true.
France was stripped of its AAA rating...downgraded by one notch...equal to the USA's.
All day there was widespread speculation that...S/P...that often discredited but still 400 pound gorilla and big bad credit-ratings agency...was downgrading many eurozone nations... including France andThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-36220001832197933532012-01-12T14:40:00.000-06:002012-01-12T14:40:07.308-06:00BOLIVIA / PERU : Population Explosion Threatens Lake Titicaca. GUARDIAN
Famous pristine Lake Titicaca is growing polluted from increasing levels of untreated waste from fast-growing cities.
El Alto sits in the Titicaca watershed...and is now Bolivia's 2nd largest city.
For 20 years...El Alto has grown by 4% a year...because of peasants seeking a better life.
Its sewage is barely treated by an The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-14419063673319642552012-01-12T13:50:00.003-06:002012-01-12T14:25:18.763-06:00CUBA : A Tale Of New Small Business Success...In The Hinterland. REUTERS/ Marc Frank
Marc Frank has been reporting about Cuba...from Cuba...for a long time.
AP's Anita Snow is long gone. She famously tried to live on a typical Cuban's monthly rations...and, of course, lost weight.
Upon landing...the Miami Herald's reporters are reportedly escorted to the next departing flight.
Nick Miroff providesThe Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-32364625801838077792012-01-12T13:14:00.001-06:002012-01-12T13:21:11.681-06:00CHILE : Pinera Increases Raids And Arrests Of Indigena Mapuches After Patagonia Fires. ALJAZEERA
2:41 Video Report Only
Tensions are heating-up in Patagonia after President Pinera blamed indigena Mapuche for recent deadly wildfires there.
Mapuche say police have made at least 14 raids and many arrests in the region.
About 600,000 with Mapuche blood live in Chile.The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-85865346725403181982012-01-12T12:56:00.000-06:002012-01-12T12:56:16.897-06:00SLOVENIA : Picture Is Murky After MPs Reject PM Candidate Jankovic. GUARDIAN
Suddenly...Slovenia faces borrowing costs above 7%...because of a recent downgrade by Moody's..and a murky political picture...after its MPs rejected Zoran Jankovic as new PM.
Worries about 'another Hungary'...are starting to be muttered by 'the markets.'The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6081832096804737964.post-10581770692787357592012-01-12T12:40:00.000-06:002012-01-12T12:40:30.176-06:00ITALY : Burnt Berlusconi Effigy...Upsets Silvio's Supporters. BBC/ D. MITZMAN
Former PM Silvio Berlusconi's popularity and legacy is a hot topic in Italy.
Can new technocrat Super Mario Monti save Italy?
If not...will Silvio stage a triumphant return?
BBC: "On New Year's Eve, Italians traditionally see in the new year by burning the vecchione (old man) - an effigy personifying the The Hypervigilant Observernoreply@blogger.com