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Welcome! Welcome to ThroughTheTube.com! Here you'll find the latest news from South America, as well as cultural features and traveller's tales. When the smoke blocks out the sun or the store shelves are suddenly barren, this is the place to go for timely explanations. We're working with the Argentimes so you can make the best of your time here, whether you're staying awhile or are just passing through. We publish something new every weekday, so check back often!
Dirty War Adoption Couple Convicted
In a groundbreaking case, a couple have been jailed for illegally adopting a girl born to parents disappeared by the military government in Argentina. Even more intriguing is that it was their adopted daughter who championed their imprisonment.
Good for the Sole
Alpargatas are as fundamentally Argentine as mate and dulce de leche. The traditional shoes are worn by Argentines of all shapes, sizes and classes; from the Patagonian cordillera to the porteño avenidas. They’ve even made the fashion culture leap to America, spurred on by the philanthropic mission behind TOMS.
US News
Rising Oil Prices: $1000 to Fill an 18-WheelerRising fuel prices are causing transportation companies to shutter and pushing some tuckers to creative forms of protest.
U.S. Workforce Shedding Jobs as Prices RiseFor the fourth month in a row, the economy lost jobs in April… but President Bush is promising that those rebate checks will turn things around.
VA Official Caught Lying to CongressEmail records reveal Veteran’s Administration Mental Health Director lied to Congress about troop mental health care.
Charlie's Corner - UK News
Vigilante Justice on London BusesWar has been declared on the streets of London against a vile inconsiderate scourge. Bands of vigilantes have started roaming buses, trams and tube carriages desperate to brutalise the offenders of society’s norms.
Austrian House(s) of HorrorsDNA test results confirmed that a monster who locked up his daughter for 24 years in a windowless cellar is the father of her six children. Surprisingly, this is the second child sex dungeon found recently in Austria. London bookmakers are considering offering 10:1 if you can guess the total number of Austrian incestual sex cellars.
Bulimia Comes In All SizesLONDON - Confusion reigned this week when 20-stone former British deputy prime minister John Prescott admitted his lifelong struggle with an eating disorder normally associated with weight-conscious models.
South America News
Second Chaitén Eruption Leads to Mandatory EvacuationsEvacuations continue in Chile as the Chaitén volcano spewed ash into the sky anew yesterday, creating a 6 mile high plume, visible from 150 miles away. Chilean government officials were alarmed by the level of volcanic activity and stepped up efforts to evacuate towns within a 30 mile radius of the peak.
Boca Stadium Banned from International PlayBoca’s infamous stadium, La Bombonera, has been suspended from the Copa Libertadores after a linesman was hit on the forehead by ice hurled from the stands.
Small Town Justice in the Big CityCondemned to life in prison for murdering his wife, a Banfield man was given a reprieve by way of an unusual legal decision. Justices reviewing his case reduced the sentence to 15 years after determining his wife had provoked her murder by having an affair.
Santa Cruz Autonomy Referendum Passes Amidst ViolenceViolent clashes at polling places killed one man and wounded dozens of others on Sunday in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Despite the violence and government attempts to stifle the vote, the referendum passed with over 80% of the vote.
Argentina News Feed
Links open in new windowCHAITEN, Chile 8 May (AFP) — A thick cloud of ash from the erupting Chaiten volcano in southern Chile spread across a swath of South America Wednesday, prompting fears of health crisis for the people caught in its wake.
BUENOS AIRES 8 May (AFP) — Thousands of Argentine farmers resumed a crippling strike Wednesday after one month of talks with the government to roll back a stiff tax hike on soybean exports broke down, a union leader said.
BUENOS AIRES 8 May (BBC) - Farmers in Argentina say they will resume protests against tax increases on food exports, following the collapse of talks with the government.
May 7 (MercoPress) - In spite of conflicting versions over the latest round of talks between Argentine farmers and government representatives both sides agreed on a recess until tomorrow Wednesday when they will retake discussions on the sliding export levies which triggered a three weeks conflict in March and promises of more if no agreement [...]
Yes Way José!
Thirty kilometers east of Punta del Este, the tiny hideaway of José Ignacio nestles in the sand dunes along the Atlantic coast of Uruguay. A coastal resort now favoured by those for whom Punta del Este has lost its allure and exclusivity, José Ignacio is overrun by the beautiful people from December to February: the author Martin Amis and the singer Shakira are said to have homes here, while stars of the fashion world Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Cambpell and Mario Testino have all frequented these Uruguayan shores.
Having experienced the beauty of José Ignacio over New Year, I was keen to return under less hectic circumstances and enjoy all that the fishing village had to offer.
El Bolsón: Go South Young Man!
If you’re beginning to feel a tad claustrophobic in the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, then by all means strap on a pack and head down to El Bolsón. Take a breather with some small town tranquility and big time mountain climbing.
Siete Lagos: A Route Well-Travelled
On a quest to regain the affection of her parents, our author takes the family on a three day drive through the Argentine Andes and the Seven Lakes district of Barlioche.
