In honor of the bicentennials (200 year anniversaries) of the nations of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, and of the shared history and values of the US and South America, the symposium “Creating Freedom in the Americas, 1776-1826” was celebrated in Washington, DC on November 19, 2010. The symposium was co-hosted by the Bureau of… Continue reading “Creating Freedom in the Americas, 1776-1826”
Tag: 2010
The Ultimate Burrito 2010
Sometimes, you just cannot have too much of a good thing, particularly when you’re trying to set a Guinness World Record. This dictum also applies to a favorite Mexican immigrant, the burrito. The largest burrito on record was prepared on November 3, 2010 in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The burrito was made from a… Continue reading The Ultimate Burrito 2010
33 Chilean Miners Rescued 2010
To jubilant cheers and heartfelt tears, the horrific mine accident crisis in Copiapó, Chile came to a happy conclusion as the last of 33 miners resurfaced from deep in the earth. The 33 men were trapped for 69 days, over 2300 feet underground and about 3 miles from the entrance to the mine. As the world watched the dramatic rescue, mining… Continue reading 33 Chilean Miners Rescued 2010
Mario Pedro Vargas Llosa awarded Nobel Prize 2010
Peruvian-Spanish writer, politician, and journalist Mario Pedro Vargas Llosa (1936-2025) was announced as the winner of the Nobel prize for literature on October 7, 2010. Llosa is regarded as one of Latin America’s most inspiring and significant authors, with international reputation and regard. Llosa began his acceptance speech in praise of literature and reading, “Once… Continue reading Mario Pedro Vargas Llosa awarded Nobel Prize 2010
Murder on the Border Crossing 2010
The Mexican Naval Infantry made a dark discovery on August 25, 2010, when they found 72 corpses near the US Mexican border. The victims were believed to be migrants from Central and South America, murdered by a drug cartel. This grim incident was the largest single body count since Mexican President Felipe Calderón made his… Continue reading Murder on the Border Crossing 2010
The First Use of the Sucre 2010
On July 7, 2010 the new South American currency, the Sucre, was used for the first time in an international trade transaction. The Sucre (Unitary System of Regional Compensation) is the currency developed by the Bolivarian Alliance of the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), enabling member states to trade internally without the US dollar. As… Continue reading The First Use of the Sucre 2010
Charo, Latina Singer, Musician, Activist
On June 25, 2010, Charo, a Latina singer, guitarist, and comedian, volunteered with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to protest against bullfighting as an inhumane sport. Charo addressed a rally in Los Angeles, urging tourists not to attend a bullfighting festival, Gran Corrida, in Mexico. Charo was born in Murcia, Spain, and… Continue reading Charo, Latina Singer, Musician, Activist
Billboard’s Spirit of Hope and Lifetime Achievement Awards 2010
On April 29, 2010, Puerto Rican pop superstar Marc Anthony received Billboard’s Spirit of Hope Award, and the iconic Mexican group Los Temerarios earned Billboard’s Lifetime Achievement Awards. Anthony was awarded the Spirit of Hope Award for his philanthropic efforts, including his work for the Children’s Health Fund, Make-a-Wish Foundation and ING’s Run for Something… Continue reading Billboard’s Spirit of Hope and Lifetime Achievement Awards 2010
Alejandra Castillo, US Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
On April 12, 2010, Alejandra Castillo was appointed by the Obama Administration as National Deputy Director of the US Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The MBDA serves minority entrepreneurs across America who are building and growing businesses. Castillo writes, “My advice to young Hispanics just starting out would be to pursue your dreams, follow your passion… Continue reading Alejandra Castillo, US Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
José Alberto “Pepe” Mujica Cordano, President of Uruguay
José Alberto “Pepe” Mujica Cordano, the President of Uruguay, was inaugurated on March 1, 2010. The politician and former Tupamaro guerilla fighter spent 14 years in a military prison and was wounded by police (unlike North American politicians, who usually are imprisoned after their careers in politics). A 2009 article by The Economist characterized him… Continue reading José Alberto “Pepe” Mujica Cordano, President of Uruguay
Porfirio Lobo Sosa, President of Honduras
Porfirio Lobo Sosa, President of Honduras, was inaugurated on January 27, 2010. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami and was granted a doctorate by Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow. Lobo’s administration has received mixed reviews, with criticism from Human Rights watch for political oppression and praise from the… Continue reading Porfirio Lobo Sosa, President of Honduras