El Gaviero

Heads up, folks! Things are changing around here. This blog is KAPUT! I've got a new one over at gaverio.net. I'll probably have at least one more post on this blog, but set your browser over to the new (hopefully improved) blog that's following Bolivian politics and nuttiness. One more time: El Gaviero. See you there!

Inca Kola News

I've linked to Otto many times, particularly because he's an astute analyst of South American politics. And he's a smarty-pants, indeed. Not only does he stay on top of the latest political news, but he's an avid market man (specializing in minerals, natch).
I'd like to ask all my readers to click on over to Otto's Inca Kola News and give it a read. Then, if you are so inclined, head on over to the 2008 Weblog Awards and vote for him. It's easy, it's free, and it means a lot to a blogger to get some recognition (not to mention possible revenue). Even better: bookmark him and read him. He knows what's going on.

Ann Rynd Shrugged

From Forbes:

A construction official billed the government for supplies that were never delivered for the cleanup of a toxic ground zero skyscraper in exchange for cash, clothes and trips to the Caribbean, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Robert Chiarappa, 45, of Brooklyn, was charged with grand larceny in the theft of $1.2 million in fake invoices for work on the former Deutsche Bank tower across the street from the World Trade Center site.

Chiarappa was the purchasing agent for the John Galt Corp., a contractor fired from the job and later indicted on manslaughter charges for a 2007 fire that killed two firefighters at the toxic skyscraper. The criminal investigation of the fire uncovered evidence of the theft, according to the Manhattan district attorney's office.

Cambas Attack

Santa Cruz does itself proud: Watch white people attack indigenous folk because . . . well, their skin is brown, same color as the president's. Inka Kola News has the video. And while you're there, vote for Otto in the 2008 Weblog Awards.

Branko Arrested?

Has Branko Marinkovic been arrested in Santa Cruz and spirited away to La Paz? La Razón reported just that last week. But commenter Franco at the Blog From Bolivia questions that report, as Marinkovic still appears to be speaking to reporters from his native Santa Cruz. And the picture from La Razón just doesn't look right. Anybody know what's going on?

Happy New Year!

Life's been exciting in the U.S.A. for the past few weeks. I spent a great Christmas in Seattle and Minneapolis, ate well and drank good wine. Maybe a little too much, because I spent a couple of days in the klink, getting out in enough time to catch a flight back to New York City and celebrate at midnight on the subway platform at J.F.K. airport. I'll be explaining all later, for what is likely to be my last post on this blog. Fear not, though: I'm currently designing a new blog that'll detail my return to Bolivia later this month. Check back and I'll let you all know when it is up.

What's my New Year's resolution this year? I'm going to stop lipping off to cops!