Acusan a Cinthia Fernández de maltratar al perro que le regaló Marcelo Tinelli

Chiara Dic 2, 2011

La escracharon en las redes sociales porque el animal se la pasa llorando.
Los vecinos de la vedette Cinthia Fernández están molestos e indignados porque, según acusan, la chica tendría por costumbre dejar al perrito que le regaló Marcelo Tinelli metido en un balcón todo el día y totalmente solo, hasta que ella regresa al departamento. Decididos a organizar una campaña en su contra, coparon las redes sociales para denunciarla.

El animal todavía es cachorro y la morocha lo tiene desde que el conductor de “Bailando por un Sueño” se lo dio durante su ya clásica publicidad de alimento balanceado, en medio de un programa. Ahí mismo lo bautizó Chato (por Prada, el productor del show) y contó que ella ya tenía otro perro, al que llamó Hoppe (por Federico, el otro productor). Ahora, sus vecinos dicen que el nuevo pichicho se la pasa llorando, por lo que incomoda y también causa mucha lástima a todos.

Según cuentan, cuando un grupo de personas fue a quejarse con la vedette, ella los habría insultado y les habría dicho que “se ocupen de sus cosas”. Así, los copropietarios comenzaron a enviarle mensajes de Twitter a Cinthia, reprochándole por toda la situación.

Alertados por estos tweets, varios proteccionistas de animales se hicieron eco de la noticia en Facebook, haciendo llegar sus reproches a los sitios oficiales que la productora “Ideas del Sur” y el programa “Este es el Show” tienen en la red social. Incluso, hasta amenazaron con escrachar a la “chica Tinelli” en la puerta del estudio donde se graba el “Bailando”.

Como era de esperarse, ella sacó a relucir nuevamente su carácter indomable y respondió a las acusaciones vía Twitter. “Pero por qué no se van a la mierda! Ando todo el día con mi perro encima, cállense! Dejen de mentir! Amo a mis perros más que a nadie, idiotas!”, disparó la joven polvorita.

Y siguió: “Cómo me indignan estas cosas! Hace un mes publiqué puteadas por un informe que vi de maltrato de perros. Qué creen, que soy idiota, que me quieren ensuciar?”.

Este mensaje se refiere al día en que, tras conocerse la noticia de que en Chile habían sacrificado perros para controlar la superpoblación, ella expresó su enojo en la red del pajarito. “La con.. de la lora, toy llorando, qué m… esos chilenos hijos de re mil p… q matan a esos perros, hagan algo las sociedades protectoras, m…», había dicho en su momento.

Ahora, la morocha quiso dejar las cosas en claro de una manera muy poco sutil: “Dejen de joderme, amo más a mi perro que a muchas personas q conozco. Lo llevo a todos los ensayos y si viajo está con mi mama, estúpidos! Hasta con la tele prendida lo dejo, para que no se sienta solo si salgo. Y no sean ignorantes, no conocen mi balcón. No lo abro nunca y no es apto para los perritos que tengo, porque no está enrejado, así que cierren bien el orto! No se metan ni conmigo ni con mis animales”, retrucó, furiosa.

Esta no es la primera vez que la vedette es acusada de tener actitudes crueles con los animales. Hace algún tiempo, la nueva mediática Agustina Brisel contó su experiencia en una entrevista y dijo que una noche, cuando volvía de hacer un acto de presencia en la disco “Pinar de Rocha” de Ramos Mejía, el chico que la alcanzó hasta su casa recibió un polémico llamado de Cinthia.

“Coki es íntimo amigo de la Fernández y, en el transcurso de regreso a mi casa, recibió un llamado de esta estúpida donde, gritando y llorando, decía por el Nextel: ‘Este hijo de puta acaba de atropellar a un perro en la ruta y se quiere quedar a hacerle el velorio a este perro de mierda. Y yo estoy cansada y me quiero volver. Que me manden a buscar por otro chofer, que este inútil no sabe manejar», disparó Brisel.

Galería:

Según parece, esa misma noche Cinthia volvía de hacer un acto de presencia en un boliche de Córdoba, cuando el conductor del auto sufrió el accidente que despertó la Cruela Devil que llevaba dentro.
eltribuno.info

El secreto de la felicidad

Chiara Dic 2, 2011

Cierto mercader envió a su hijo con el más sabio de todos los hombres para que aprendiera el Secreto de la Felicidad. El joven anduvo durante cuarenta días por el desierto, hasta que llegó a un hermoso castillo, en lo alto de la montaña. Allí vivía el sabio que buscaba.

Sin embargo, en vez de encontrar a un hombre santo, nuestro héroe entró en una sala y vio una actividad inmensa; mercaderes que entraban y salían, personas conversando en los rincones, una pequeña orquesta que tocaba melodías suaves y una mesa repleta de los más deliciosos manjares de aquella región del mundo. El sabio conversaba con todos, y el joven tuvo que esperar dos horas para que lo atendiera.

El sabio escuchó atentamente el motivo de su visita, pero le dijo que en aquel momento no tenía tiempo de explicarle el Secreto de la Felicidad. Le sugirió que diese un paseo por su palacio y volviese dos horas más tarde.

-Pero quiero pedirte un favor- añadió el sabio entregándole una cucharita de té en la que dejó caer dos gotas de aceite-. Mientras caminas, lleva esta cucharita y cuida que el aceite no se derrame.

El joven comenzó a subir y bajar las escalinatas del palacio manteniendo siempre los ojos fijos en la cuchara. Pasadas las dos horas, retornó a la presencia del sabio.

¿Qué tal?- preguntó el sabio- ¿Viste los tapices de Persia que hay en mi comedor? ¿Viste el jardín que el Maestro de los Jardineros tardó diez años en crear? ¿Reparaste en los bellos pergaminos de mi biblioteca?

El joven avergonzado, confesó que no había visto nada. Su única preocupación había sido no derramar las gotas de aceite que el Sabio le había confiado.

Pues entonces vuelve y conoce las maravillas de mi mundo -dijo el Sabio-. No puedes confiar en un hombre si no conoces su casa.

Ya más tranquilo, el joven tomó nuevamente la cuchara y volvió a pasear por el palacio, esta vez mirando con atención todas las obras de arte que adornaban el techo y las paredes. Vio los jardines, las montañas a su alrededor, la delicadeza de las flores, el esmero con que cada obra de arte estaba colocada en su lugar. De regreso a la presencia del Sabio, le relató detalladamente todo lo que había visto.

¿Pero dónde están las dos gotas de aceite que te confié? -preguntó el Sabio.

El joven miró la cuchara y se dio cuenta que las había derramado.

Pues éste es el único consejo que puedo darte – le dijo el sabio. El secreto de la felicidad está en mirar todas las maravillas del mundo, pero sin olvidarse nunca de las dos gotas de aceite en la cuchara.

Moraleja: La felicidad es aprender a disfrutar de lo que tenemos alrededor, a ser más conscientes de las maravillas que existen, en el mundo, en nuestra vida, pero sin olvidar la responsabilidad de nuestro propósito vital. Cuando el chico disfruta de las maravillas pero también está pendiente de las gotas de aceite, encuentra el equilibrio.

Paulo Coelho

12 puntos para no renunciar a los subsidios

Chiara Dic 2, 2011

ENARGAS comunicó a las distribuidoras qué deberán preguntar. Entre otras, se interroga sobre si sufre enfermedades crónicas y la composición del hogar.
El Ente Nacional Regulador del Gas (ENARGAS) dio a las distribuidoras de gas el cuestionario por medio del cual debe preguntar los motivos a quien no renuncie a recibir los subsidios. Las empresas deberán ponerlo a disposición de los usuarios, quienes deberán reunir los requisitos suficientes para acceder al mismo. Los 12 ítems: 1.- Usted acredita una enfermedad crónica que implique un mayor consumo del servicio.2.- Usted percibe como único ingreso previsional una jubilación y/o pensión equivalente a un haber mínimo.3.- Usted percibe Pensiones No Contributivas.4.- Usted es beneficiario de algún Plan o Programa Social (Asignación Universal por Hijo, Subsidios Por Desempleo, Plan Familias, etc.).5.- Usted tiene el domicilio afectado por actividades de índole social (Institutos, comedores comunitarios, centros de recuperación, etc).6. Usted percibe alguna asignación familiar.7.- Usted cuenta con certificado de discapacidad.8.- Usted posee ingresos familiares insuficientes para afrontar el pago de la tarifa plena.9.- Usted se encuentra exento del pago de ABL.10.- Su vivienda posee características edilicias desfavorables que impliquen la utilización de un mayor consumo de otro servicio (vivienda precaria con familia numerosa, vivienda precaria carente de alguno de los servicios -gas o agua, etc).11.- Su vivienda posee un local anexo destinado a la actividad comercial (pequeños comercios, talleres de oficio, etc.).12.- En su vivienda conviven múltiples hogares.
www.agenciacna.com

Williams confirms Maldonado for 2012

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

The Williams team has confirmed Pastor Maldonado will enter his second season in Formula 1 with the team next year.
The Venezuelan made his debut with the Grove-based squad in 2011 and was expected to continue with the team, in a move that was confirmed by Williams on Thursday evening.
«I am delighted to be able to continue with Williams into my second season and I will give my very best to help the team as we push to return to the front of the grid,» he said. «This has been a tough season for the whole team but it has given me personally the opportunity to learn and develop.
«I am convinced that the steps we have taken to improve our competitiveness will bear fruit in 2012 and beyond. I am thrilled to be part of that and also to represent the people of Venezuela in Formula 1.»
Team boss Frank Williams added: «Pastor has proven this year that he is not only quick but also that he is able to maintain a consistent and strong race pace. Pastor has been responsible for all of our forays into Q3 in 2011 and his race at Monaco was outstanding.
«Pastor has also settled into the team at Williams very well, contributing strongly in the factory and with our partners. He will play a critical role in 2012 as we rebuild the team and move forward.»
The team also confirmed that Valtteri Bottas will stay on as a reserve driver, while there was no news on who will partner Maldonado in 2012.
Finn Bottas will drive in 15 Friday practice sessions during the upcoming season.
«I would like to thank Frank Williams and the whole team for the investment that everyone at Williams has made to help me over the past two years,» said Bottas.
«The opportunity now to continue this unique development with the position of Reserve Driver will enable me to gain essential experience as part of the race team in 2012.
«In this position, I will do my utmost to help the team to set up for a great race weekend and also look forward to playing a role off the track with the team at the factory and with our partners.»
uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Biologists find albino among Brazil dolphins

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian biologists have found an extremely rare example of an albino dolphin among an endangered species that lives off the southern coast of South America.
The research group, based at Univille university in Santa Catarina, said Thursday that it was the first recorded instance of an albino in the pontoporia blainvillei species, a very shy type of dolphin that rarely jumps out of the water. It’s known in Brazil as Toninha and in Argentina and Uruguay as the La Plata or Franciscana dolphin.
Camilla Meirelles Sartori, the lead biologist of Project Toninhas, said she first saw the white calf with pinkish fins at the end of October. Her group photographed him in early November.
«We were surprised, shocked,» Sartori said. «It’s very small, and the color is really different. We didn’t know what it was at first.»
Sartori said the baby was with an adult, probably its mother. The young live on their mother’s milk until they are six months old and remain dependent on the adult until they’re a year old.
The species is endangered. Its dolphins have long, thin snouts and get easily tangled in fishing nets. They can drown or die of stress if not quickly released, Sartori said.
Since Herman Melville created the albino whale Moby Dick in 1851, rare albino marine mammals have held a special fascination.
Albinism is the lack of melanin pigments in the body, giving an individual very light or white skin and hair. Little is known about the genetic predisposition in dolphins because it’s so unusual.
Sartori said the rarity of the baby spotted by her group only highlights the need to preserve the Bay of Babitonga in the southern Brazil state of Santa Catarina, where this population of endangered dolphins lives.
«Albino animals generally have fewer chances of survival because they have greater chances of being caught by predators,» Sartori said. «Here, in this bay, they don’t have natural predators. But there is a lot of environmental degradation from two ports, industrial and residential sewage, tourism. This is an another argument for its protection.»

BMW and Toyota combine to develop green tech in the future

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

German automaker BMW, and Japanese counterparts, Toyota, have agreed to collaborate on future green technologies. Both companies have signed a memorandum of understanding and entered into a mid-to-long-term contract.
Japanese automaker Toyota has met with great success, cornering the ever-competitive hybrid market. However, in Europe, Toyota has not fared as well as it would like – with more European consumers preferring fuel efficient diesel technology over hybrid-electric. In contrast, hybrid-electric autos are doing increasingly well in the American market, a trend BMW is fully aware of and seeks to capitalize on, and what better partner, it would seem, than Toyota to assist them along.
As agreed, both companies will help aid one another in furthering research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery technology. In addition, both Toyota and BMW have agreed to identify and discuss other possible fields of collaboration. Furthermore, BMW has also agreed to supply Toyota with 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to Toyota’s European subsidiary by 2014. These engines will be implemented into Toyota-produced vehicles destined solely for the European market.
Marking the announcement, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: “Toyota is the leading provider of environment-friendly series technology in the volume segment and the BMW Group is the most innovative and sustainable manufacturer of premium automobiles. He added further, ” We are now joining forces to further develop environment-friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments. Supplying Toyota with our fuel efficient and dynamic diesel engines represents another important step in the planned expansion of our sales activities for engines and powertrain systems.”
It would appear that both Toyota and BMW seek to gain a great deal for their collaborative efforts, and with all the development and research dollars being saved, consumers can only hope that they will see that savings passed onto them.
Digital Trends

Chavez touts new Latin America, Caribbean bloc

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — What if they threw a giant party for the Americas and didn’t invite the United States or Canada? That’s what Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is doing with a two-day, 33-nation summit starting Friday, welcoming nations from Brazil to Jamaica in what he hopes will be a grand alliance to counter U.S. influence.
Many presidents have less sweeping goals in mind, seeing the new Community of Latin American and Caribbean States mainly as a forum for resolving regional conflicts, building closer ties and promoting economic development.
Yet the bloc’s creation is also a sign that for many countries, the United States is no longer seen as an essential diplomatic player in regional affairs.
«The U.S. has lost an awful lot of space in the region, even though it’s still the most important, the most powerful country in the region,» said Eduardo Gamarra, a Latin American politics professor at Florida International University in Miami. Still, he said, it’s unclear whether the region’s governments are truly committed to forming a close alliance that brings together Latin America in ways that offset U.S. power.
Chavez, who sells the largest share of Venezuela’s oil to the United States, is urging the region to assert its independence, noting it was once a dream of 19th century independence hero Simon Bolivar to unify Latin American nations. Lampposts in Caracas are now festooned with banners picturing independence leaders ranging from Bolivar to Cuba’s Jose Marti, along with the slogan «the path of our Liberators.»
At least publicly, though, only some of Chavez’s closest allies seem to share his interests in creating alternatives to established bodies such as the Washington-based Organization of American States, which includes every nation in the Americas except Cuba among its active members.
Nor are the region’s leaders likely to agree with Chavez in creating organizations to replace those he strongly criticizes, such as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the World Bank.
The new group, known by its Spanish initials CELAC, will add one more acronym to a region with plenty of smaller organizations, including Unasur, Mercosur and the Caribbean Community. Some of Chavez’s most fervent support comes from within the nine-nation, socialist-leaning Bolivarian Alternative bloc known as ALBA, which he has promoted with allies including Cuba and Nicaragua.
«This isn’t aimed at becoming a new economic integration bloc nor replacing the OAS,» said Maria Teresa Romero, an international studies professor at the Central University of Venezuela.
«President Chavez and others in the ALBA are using the CELAC for their political and propagandistic aims,» Romero said. For Chavez, she said, it’s a chance to show the outside world and Venezuelans «that he still has great international leadership» even though his influence has slipped in the past several years.
The summit’s agenda as described by diplomats includes rather modest aims: approving the group’s procedural rules as well as a clause dealing with democratic norms, formally launching the organization and adopting a declaration of shared principles.
At the very least, the summit will serve as Chavez’s international debut after months of cancer treatment that forced him to postpone the meeting, which originally was planned in July. Many presidents, including those who differ with him, are on a personal level showing solidarity with Chavez and the cancer struggle that has left his head shaved to a fine stubble after chemotherapy.
Many presidents say the inclusion of every nation in Latin America and the Caribbean is indeed historic. Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman called it a step toward unifying «a region that had been divided.»
Cuba, for instance, was long suspended from the OAS, and when in 2009 the body voted to lift the suspension, President Raul Castro’s communist government rejected the offer while accusing the OAS of supporting U.S. hostility toward Cuba.
Now, Cuba says the new bloc is a sign of the region’s independence, a stance echoed by Chavez.
«The CELAC is being born with a new spirit,» Chavez said Thursday. «As the years pass, the CELAC will leave behind the old and worn out OAS.»
Chavez met separately with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff ahead of the summit.
Plans for the new organization, which grew out of the 24-nation Rio Group, have been in the works since a 2008 summit hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Brazil, as Latin America’s largest nation, will play a key role in setting the group’s objectives.
Brazil’s delegation is primarily concerned with examining a regional response to the global financial crisis. The region has so far weathered the turbulence better than the U.S. or Europe, recording economic growth of more than 5 percent last year, and leaders are looking for ways to further strengthen economies by encouraging local industries and reducing imports from outside the region.
The U.S. remains the top trading partner of many countries in the region, with exceptions including Brazil and Chile, where China has become the biggest trading partner. China has also made diplomatic inroads, including by granting about $38 billion in loans to Venezuela in exchange for increasing shipments of oil.
Brazil has joined Chavez in promoting a new Bank of the South to pool funds for development financing. But that doesn’t mean nations are ready to abandon the World Bank.
Mexico’s undersecretary for Latin America, Ruben Beltran Guerrero, told The Associated Press that the new bloc «isn’t a forum that excludes any other,» but rather will complement established organizations.
Mexico and other countries also view it as a body that will, similarly to the OAS, stand up for democratic principles in a region that has seen its share of coups, most recently in Honduras in 2009. Beltran said Mexico wants the bloc to «send a very clear signal to the countries of the region that a breakdown in constitutional order brings consequences.»
Chile is to assume the rotating presidency in the group’s inaugural year, and its mission will include «promoting human rights and democracy,» said Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno. It will also be a forum for discussing issues ranging from counter-drug efforts to improving transportation routes, Moreno told the AP in an email.
On a practical level, though, some analysts say the fledgling group will face many constraints.
«It’s going to be underfunded. It’s not going to have any enforcement mechanisms. At least that’s been the history of what we’ve done with these multilateral organizations,» Gamarra said.
He cited the example of Unasur, saying that since its 2008 founding the South American bloc has had little clout.
Chavez, in typical style, has been playing up the gathering for months. He at one point called it «the political event of the greatest importance … in 100 years.»

World deforestation rate ‘accelerating’: UN

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

The world’s deforestation rate has accelerated to 6.4 million hectares a year, a new UN survey showed on Wednesday, but Asia showed net gains in forest land-use largely due to extensive planting in China.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) used satellite technology for the first time to map forests, finding there was a net loss of 4.1 million hectares a year between 1990 and 200 and 6.4 million between 2000 and 2005.
«Deforestation is depriving millions of people of forest goods and services that are crucial to food security, economic well-being and environmental health,» said Eduardo Rojas-Briales, FAO’s assistant director-general.
The figures showed that the world has lost 10 hectares (25 acres) of forest per minute over the 15-year period, mainly because of the conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land in South America and Africa.
The survey however found that the net global loss of forests over the whole period was 72.9 million hectares — 32 percentage points lower than previously thought — and that deforestation in Africa was lower than past estimates.
The survey showed forests now cover 30 percent of the world’s landmass.
AFP

Rajaratnam ordered to prison on Monday

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Disgraced hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam Thursday lost his final attempt to avoid starting an 11-year prison sentence in the biggest Wall Street insider trading case in a generation.
The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals turned down a bid by the Sri Lankan-born founder of the Galleon Group hedge fund to stay at home while his case is appealed, something that could take about a year.
The order from the court in New York means Rajaratnam will have to start his sentence, the longest ever imposed for insider trading, on Monday.
In the brief document, the court said Rajaratnam’s motion to be released pending appeal «is denied. The defendant shall surrender at such time and place as shall be instructed.»
Rajaratnam, once a star of the high-powered hedge fund industry, was convicted on all 14 counts of insider trading while at Galleon, which managed some $7 billion in funds.
Dozens of others have been convicted or have pleaded guilty in the probe, which was unusual for a white collar crime case because of the extensive use of wiretaps.
The sentencing judge refused the prosecution’s request that he be sentenced to as much as 24 years in prison, citing Rajaratnam’s poor health. Rajaratnam was said to suffer diabetes and to need urgent treatment for kidney failure.
AFP

Dollar trades steady at AR$4.30

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

The US dollar traded at AR$4.26/AR$4.30 today, remaining unchanged from the previous price at the close of trading yesterday at Buenos Aires exchange houses.
Meanwhile, the Euro was trading at AR$5.65/AR$5.77 at City exchange trade agencies.
buenosairesherald.com

Bulls’ Rose eyeing championship

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP)—Derrick Rose(notes) is aiming for the ultimate trophy. The NBA MVP is eyeing a championship after the Chicago Bulls fell a bit short last season.

“This year, our goal is nothing else but a championship,” Rose said Thursday. “I’m not thinking about anything else. I’m going to stand on my teammates. I know they’re going to do the same thing. We’re just trying to hold each other accountable while we’re on the court and off the court.”

Rose wondered before last season why he couldn’t be the league MVP and became the youngest player to win the award. Now, his sights are on the biggest prize.

The Bulls came close last season, winning a league-leading 62 games and advancing to the Eastern Conference finals. Now, they’re looking for more.

With a new Collective Bargaining Agreement tentatively in place, teams opened their doors to players on Thursday in anticipation of practices starting Dec. 9. Games are expected to begin Dec. 25, and Rose thought “for a minute, toward the end” the season might get wiped out.

They won’t have much time to get ready for the opener, but the Bulls are in a better spot than most teams.

They boast the MVP along with the Coach of the Year in Tom Thibodeau, not to mention a core returning intact.

They could use an upgrade on the wing, and a person familiar with the situation confirmed a Chicago Tribune report that they’re considering Caron Butler(notes), saying there’s “very serious, genuine, mutual interest.” The person spoke, who on the condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the discussions, said 11 teams have expressed interest.

Butler has been working out in Chicago and is recovered from a ruptured a tendon in his right knee that limited him to 29 games with Dallas last season. He averaged 15.0 points and was the team’s second-leading scorer when he was hurt on New Year’s Day.

The Mavericks went on to win the championship without him, beating Miami in six games. But with Tyson Chandler(notes) and J.J. Barea(notes) on the market, they might not be able to keep Butler.

Rose said if management decides to add another scorer, then that’s “up to them,” but he isn’t sure that’s necessary. He made it clear he’d like the Bulls to bring back Keith Bogans(notes), with the team holding a $1.73 million option, and that he believes there’s no shortage of talent in place.

He also blamed himself for the loss to Miami in the conference finals.

“We’re fine,” said Rose, who’s in line for a five-year maximum contract extension worth about $100 million. “With my teammates that we have right now, we made it that far. It wasn’t my teammates’ fault that we lost last year. It was me—me not making the plays and me not playing smart enough throughout the whole game. I think that last year is going to help me grow this year as a player more mentally, where in certain situations I know what to do. Hopefully, by me looking at film and really studying everything, when I get in those situations again, it’ll be different.”

One teammate who took his share of the heat last season was Carlos Boozer(notes).

Signed to a five-year, $75 million deal, he averaged 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds. He missed the first month with a broken right hand and was limited down the stretch by an ankle injury. A turf toe problem in the playoffs didn’t help, and he averaged just 12.6 points in the postseason.

“I felt a big part of that criticism was unjust,” Thibodeau said. “He didn’t have a great year but when you look at what he did, he had a very good year and I expect him to be better this year because hopefully he’ll be healthy. But if you look at Carlos’ career, you’re talking about a guy who has performed at a high level and his team has won at a high level, so I’m expecting great things from him this year.”

Rose, meanwhile, is expecting more of himself. He said he’s worked on his low-post game, another wrinkle as he tries to continue his rapid and steady progression.

He went from Rookie of the Year to All-Star to MVP in his first three seasons. He’d like to become a champion in his fourth year.

Buenos Aires stocks edge up

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Buenos Aires stocks were lower, with the Merval benchmark stock index edging up by 1.8 percent, to 2,609.14 points.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s country-risk fell by 2% to 922 basis points in the JP Morgan EMBI index.
buenosairesherald.com

Gang clashes with teachers in front of City Legislature

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Hours before the debate on the bill that aims to eliminate the current teachers’ Classification and Disciplinary Boards started, a hooded gang began acts of violence against teachers who were protesting outside the Buenos Aires City Legislature, also blocking the entrance to the building. Teachers assured that the group had nothing to do with the teachers unions.
buenosairesherald.com

Ruling party to lead Guyana’s first minority gov’t

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — Guyana’s ruling party will head a minority government that will not control the South American country’s parliament, election officials announced Thursday after three days of counting paper ballots.
Chief Elections Officer Gocool Boodhoo announced that the East Indian-dominated People’s Progressive Party led by 61-year-old economist Donald Ramotar won the most seats in Monday’s elections but fell short of an absolute majority.
The result is likely to mean turbulent political times for Guyana since opposition parties could control the 65-seat parliament if they are able to work together.
Ramotar’s party won 32 seats, four less than it had in the last parliament. The opposition Partnership For National Unity has 26 seats, a gain of four, and the Alliance For Change holds seven, a gain of two.
It is the first minority government since Guyana achieved self-governance from Britain in 1953 and independence in 1966.
Analysts said that will require political compromises in a country largely divided along ethnic lines, between people of Indian and African descent.
The hung parliament «is the best thing to have happened to us as a nation as there are now checks to one race group dominating all the others,» said Guyanese political analyst Christopher Ram. «It forces us to share power or could force good governance.»
During the campaign, the Partnership For National Unity coalition, led by retired army commander David Granger, accused the previous government of racial discrimination, allying with drug traffickers and turning a blind eye to corruption.
After the results were announced Thursday, about 200 of the coalition’s supporters marched from its headquarters toward the legislature chanting, «We want Granger.» Another group of opposition demonstrators blew horns as police in riot gear looked on.
Opposition parties have alleged voting irregularities in various districts.
After the results were announced, Granger and Rupert Roopnarine, the Partnership For National Unity’s candidate for prime minister, attended a meeting with officials of the People’s Progressive Party and the Alliance for Change.
Roopnarine would only say that the various leaders agreed to meet soon with a «fixed agenda, perhaps next week.»
Ramotar will be sworn in as president Saturday, replacing Bharrat Jagdeo, who served the two-term maximum set by Guyana’s constitution.
Ramotar has pledged to continue Jagdeo’s policies by safeguarding vital mining and agricultural sectors and improving education in Guyana, a nation of roughly 780,000 people on South America’s northern shoulder bordered by the Caribbean, Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname. Its economy depends on the export of commodities such as gold, bauxite, sugar, rice, shrimp and timber.

Crystal Palace stun Man United in League Cup quarters

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Manchester United»s English defender Ezekiel Fryers (C) reacts at the final whistle after his side had lost 2-1 during the League cup fifth round football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Second-tier side Crystal Palace stunned Premier League champions Manchester United to win 2-1 after extra time in their League Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Wednesday and set up a semi-final against Cardiff City in January.
Darren Ambrose proved Palace’s inspiration, firing in a 35-metre wonderstrike after 65 minutes which television pundit and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said was the best goal he had seen in 20 years at his old stomping ground.
Ambrose then turned provider when his wicked freekick was nodded home by Glenn Murray, who appeared marginally offside, on 98 minutes to set the London team on their way to a clash with fellow Championship (second division) club Cardiff.
Premier League leaders Manchester City will face Liverpool in the other semi-final, to be played over two legs early next year, after they beat Arsenal and Chelsea on Tuesday.
«You can hear the fans out there now. We’re delighted. We’ve got a great team spirit and we can beat anyone,» former Newcastle United midfielder Ambrose told Sky Sports.
Matchwinner Murray added: «It’s what every boy’s dream is, to come to a place like this and score a goal like that,» added .
Palace’s 1-0 advantage thanks to Ambrose lasted just three minutes when Italian Federico Macheda levelled from the penalty spot after he was hauled to the ground by captain Patrick McCarthy.
However United, fielding an inexperienced side in the often unloved competition, were lacklustre and Palace deservedly seized their opportunity to register a famous win and inflict a very rare home defeat on Alex Ferguson’s men.
«It’s a real privilege to be here at Old Trafford, and the lads have learnt a lot from tonight,» said manager Dougie Freedman.
buenosairesherald.com

Shifting geopolitics shake UN climate talks

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

New tensions and alignments are emerging at the UN talks here, reflecting subtle but far-reaching changes in the geopolitics of climate change.
Delegates and veteran observers say the shifts challenge the very heart of the nearly two-decade-old climate process, which until now has neatly divided the world into two blocs — the north and the south, the rich and the poor.
But whether these changes will drive the negotiations towards a potentially catastrophic failure by next Friday’s close or whether they will break the deadlock remains unclear, say these sources.
«I’ve been to 16 of the 17 (annual) meetings since the process started, and this is one of the most unpredictable that has ever been,» said Alden Meyer, a policy analyst at the Washington-based Union of Concerned Scientists.
«Everything is fluid, everything is still in play,» agreed WWF International’s Tasneem Essop, another climate negotiations veteran.
The bedrock for the 194-nation talks is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
But since that agreement was adopted in 1992 the world has changed dramatically, and some of those changes clash head-on with the document’s defining architecture.
Under the terms of the UNFCCC, developed countries acknowledge historical responsibility for global warming and pledge to shoulder most of the burden for fixing it and to help developing countries cope with its impacts.
The convention’s landmark achievement, the Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, locked industrialised nations into carbon-cutting commitments that expire next year. The rest of the world pledged to tackle climate change on a voluntary basis.
More than a decade later, however, this vision of the world is, for many, woefully out of date.
«We are not prepared to go forward on the basis of the old-style agreement, which essentially had a firewall between all developed countries and all developing countries,» Todd Stern, chief climate negotiator for the United States, said Tuesday in a radio interview.
«China, at this point, is the largest emitter in the world.»
When the UNFCCC was crafted, developed countries accounted for two-thirds of greenhouse-gas emissions.
Today, that proportion is fast being reversed.
Developing nations — led by China, India and Brazil — emit half, and by 2030 the figure will be 65 percent, according to several estimates.
Indeed, several countries that are still categorised as «developing» economies are now richer per-capita than «developed» nations in eastern and central Europe.
China acknowledges its new status as the world’s top carbon polluter, but insists that the current rules should continue to apply, at least until 2020.
But the growing emissions and prosperity of the so-called BASIC nations — Brazil, South Africa, India and China — have caused cracks to appear within a once-solid bloc of 132 nations known as the Group of 77 and China.
Poorer countries already struggling to cope with intense droughts, floods and rising seas have gingerly begun to appeal to their developing big brothers to beef up their commitment on climate.
Their concern fanned into alarm when in the opening days of the 12-day parlay in Durban, emerging giants clearly preferred to put off any new pledges on emissions for at least a decade.
«This is extremely worrying for us,» said a lead negotiator from one of these most vulnerable nations.
«The science is clear — if there is no action for another decade, then it means that many of the vulnerable developing countries are doomed.»
There has long been simmering tension within the G77 bloc on this issue, he continued, but now it is bubbling to the surface.
At the Durban talks, the European Union (EU) is trying to convince both the United States and BASIC nations to sign on to a «roadmap» leading to a global climate pact in 2015.
So far, the EU proposal has been rejected by both.
For Brice Lalonde, a former French environment minister and co-chair of next year’s Rio +20 summit, emerging giants are still on a learning curve.
«They are used to being the spokesman of the poor of the planet. They have not yet had time to make the transition to co-managing the planet,» he said before the conference.
AFP

CFK, Chávez sign bilateral agreements

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.
President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner attended a bilateral meeting with her Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chávez at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, where they both signed several bilateral cooperation agreements.
According to official sources, Fernández de Kirchner and Chávez reviewed their bilateral agenda and the possibility that the Argentine Government get involved in particular social matters.
During the ceremony, Chávez surprised Fernández de Kirchner with the announcement of the creation of the Néstor Kirchner meeting room.
He also unveiled a painting, created by himself, showing the face of her late husband sitting next to the Bolivarian leader..
“It’s my best work of art,” Chávez said after unveiling the painting. He also revealed that the paint “was still fresh” because he had “finished it last night.”
He repeated that the painting had been created entirely by him.
Visibly moved, Fernández de Kirchner received the original painting and thanked her Venezuelan counterpart.
“I would like to thank you for such an immense gesture of love and appreciation towards a man who was my partner in life and the father of my children,” she stated in tears.
The room could be seen decorated with framed photos of Chávez with the former Argentine president, and two of large oil portraits, both of them painted by Chávez.
Later, the Argentine head of State will participate in a ceremony presenting a social programme for women, launched by the Venezuelan government; to take place at the Teresa Carreño Theatre.
Fernández de Kirchner arrived to Caracas last night for an official three-day visit, in which she will participate in a historical ceremony honouring the creation of the Community for Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
Tomorrow, the Argentine president is to meet with her Brazilian counterpart, Dilma Rousseff.
buenosairesherald.com

Del Potro, Nalbandian and Monaco undergo routine drug test

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Argentine Davis Cup team players Juan Martin Del Potro (L), Juan Monaco (C) and David Nalbandian (R) chat during the David Cup final Draw at Lope de Vega theater in Sevilla on December 1, 2011, ahead of the final matches against Spain.
Tennis players Juan Martín Del Potro, David Nalbandian and Juan Mónaco, three of the members of the team representing Argentina in the Davis Cup, were all sent to take a routine drug test today, before the final matches against Spain which take place between tomorrow and Sunday.
With regard to the test, even though regulations suggest that it can be performed at any moment, the timing was questioned, as the three Argentines were woken up at 6.45am to take it, on the day they were supposed to be resting before tomorrow’s start of the finals.
“I thought that the timing of the test was a little out of place, today was supposed to be a day of rest. It’s clear that they could have waited or simply chosen another time,” said the Argentine captain Modesto “Tito” Vásquez.
Meanwhile, Del Potro stated, “it’s just the rules of the game, I’d prefer not to talk about it,” whilst being questioned by press.
buenosairesherald.com

‘Heavy clashes’ in Sudan’s South Kordofan

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Sudanese troops on Thursday occupied a key stronghold of the southern-aligned rebels they are battling in South Kordofan state, the information minister said.
The claims were denied by the rebels, however, who said heavy fighting was ongoing.
«The armed forces managed today to retake the area of Taruje, south of the town of Kadugli, from the rebels,» Kamal Obeid was quoted as saying by the official SUNA news agency, describing it as an «important victory» for the Sudanese army.
But a rebel fighter in the embattled border state insisted the claim was not true, saying that since Wednesday there had been heavy fighting in an area 15 kilometres (nine miles) east of Taruje, which itself remained under the control of the SPLA/M-North rebels.
«They are attacking with heavy artillery — they have been shelling the area since yesterday — and they have five tanks. But they will be forced back to Talodi, where they came from,» Mubarak Abdelrahman told AFP by phone.
«We didn’t get the number of casualties from the fighting because the operation is still going on,» he added.
Fighting erupted in South Kordofan in June between the army and militiamen who fought alongside the ex-southern rebels during their 22-year conflict with the north, as Khartoum moved to assert its authority within its borders ahead of southern independence in July.
A similar conflict broke out three months later in nearby Blue Nile state.
It has been very difficult to verify information about the ongoing violence, since the Khartoum government has prohibited foreign aid workers and journalists from visiting the region.
But the clashes along the poorly defined north-south border have badly affected relations between the former civil war enemies, with each side accusing the other of supporting rebels within their territories.
In recent weeks, there has been evidence of cross-border attacks.
The SAF said on Wednesday that a group of SPLA soldiers, the rebels turned regular army of South Sudan, had advanced nine kilometres (six miles) into Sudan’s White Nile state with the aim of looting civilian property.
It claimed in a statement to have repulsed the group, killing an unspecified number of them and capturing one SPLA soldier.
A South Sudanese official, Renk county commissioner Deng Akuei, confirmed that «some of the SPLA soldiers» were killed in clashes between the two sides.
But he said the Sudanese army had attacked an SPLA patrol south of the border, in Upper Nile state.
«The Sudan Armed Forces ambushed the SPLA patrol in the Bakhit Hameda area and some of the SPLA soldiers were killed and some were injured,» he added.
Last month, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) bombed a refugee camp in South Sudan’s Unity state, according to eyewitnesses, causing international outcry.
The United Nations refugee agency said last week that the number of people fleeing the unrest in Sudan’s two warn-torn border states is likely to reach 100,000 by the end of the year, up from around 80,000 now.
AFP

Salaries increase 1.21% in October, Indec

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Salaries increased 1.21 percent in October in comparison to the volume registered in the previous month, Indec national statistics bureau reported.
Salaries increased 1.13 percent in the private, registered jobs sector, while unregistered jobs in the private sector rose by 1.08 percent. Wages in the public sector increased by 1.62percent.
When compared with the October-December 2001 time frame, salaries increased 418.39 percent in the General Level, 533.07 percent in the private, registered jobs sector,403.03 percent in the private, unregistered jobs and 236.32 percent in the public sector.
buenosairesherald.com

Main suspect in La Plata murders undergoes psychiatric tests

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

Osvaldo Martínez, the only suspect arrested for the quadruple murder of four women in La Plata last weekend, was today sent to undergo psychological and psychiatric tests in connection with the crime, to a specialist investigation centre in La Plata, officials confirmed.
Alvaro Garganta, the public prosecutor in charge of the case, stated that the tests would begin today during the day, while also stating that next week the definitive results of the victims’ bodies and of possible murder weapons, will come through.
Martínez es el único detenido por el crimen de su novia, Bárbara Santos, de 29 años; de la hija de 11 años de ésta, Micaela; de la madre, Susana de Barttole, de 63, y de su amiga Marisol Pereyra, de 35, cometidos en un departamento de planta baja de las calles 28, entre 41 y 42, de La Plata. (Télam)
The murders were committed last Sunday morning in a house along road 28 in La Plata, where Marisol Pereyra (35), Bárbara Santos (29), her mother Susana de Barttole (63) and her daughter Micaela Yamilla Galle were beaten and stabbed to death.
buenosairesherald.com

Children with HIV in Asia resistant to AIDS drugs

Felipe Dic 2, 2011

(Reuters) – Teenagers in Asia receiving treatment for HIV are showing early signs of osteoporosis and children as young as five are becoming resistant to AIDS drugs, an anti-AIDS group said on Thursday, urging more attention be given to young HIV patients.
The finding, made available on World AIDS Day, is a reminder that while more people in Asia now have access to basic AIDS drugs, improved medicines remain out of reach and patients — both adults and children — still suffer from inadequate care.
In Asia, some 160,000 children are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Of these, 57,000 require treatment but only 30,000 were receiving it as of the end of 2008, according to UNICEF.
Researchers at TREAT Asia found children as young as five were developing resistance to AIDS drugs and may soon require improved, more expensive medicines, which are not available for them yet.
«In our cohort, about 14 percent of the children have failed first-line drugs … Some of the children who are already on second-line are under the age of five,» Annette Sohn, director of TREAT Asia, told Reuters in a phone interview.
Poor adherence to the timing or frequency of taking AIDS drugs can result in resistance. But in Asia, resistance is also due to the lack of drug formulations for children.
«We all made some mistakes on how we managed patients with HIV in the beginning of the epidemic,» Sohn said. «We used adult tablets. We had no pediatric formulations in our countries.»
Sohn said health experts and drug providers need to find ways to make third-line, more powerful drugs available for children in poor countries. Such medications are available or subsidized in rich nations but very expensive and sometimes unavailable in developing countries.
«Unless we develop access to third-line drugs, we are going to find ourselves in a clinic room with a patient that there is nothing left and we have no other drug to give them.»
A long-term study of 4,000 HIV patients under the age of 23 in Asia by TREAT Asia also showed that a high percentage of teenagers had low bone mineral density, a precursor of osteoporosis.
«We did a special X-ray on these teenagers who are about 16 years old and found that 15 percent of them had low bone mass,» Sohn said.
«That is not normal. Kids are not supposed to have low bone mass when they’re 16 years old and that’s because of the effect of HIV on their bodies … brain, bone, immune system.»
Sohn, a pediatric specialist for children with HIV/AIDS, said this may also be due to toxic effects that some AIDS drugs, such as tenofovir, have on bones.
«It is not so much about avoiding one drug or another but being aware of these side effects, studying what drug doses will suppress the virus while not being toxic, having the resources to monitor the side effects, and having access to alternate drugs if they do arise.»
The study covers Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia and India. TREAT Asia is a network of clinics, hospitals and research institutions working together to improve treatment access.

Legislatura: El PJ le dio el quórum al PRO y hay bronca en el interbloque K

Chiara Dic 1, 2011

Los tres diputados peronistas le dieron el número al macrismo para empezar la sesión y tratar la modificación del estatuto. Furia en el interbloque que tiene 3 legisladores ligados a los sindicatos.
Con los gremios docentes manifestándose afuera de la Legislatura, el PRO logró que se sentaran en su banca 32 diputados, uno más de lo que necesita para empezar la sesión en la que tratará una larga lista de proyectos polémicos ente los que se destaca la modificación del estatuto de los maestros.

Ese número lo alcanzo gracias a la presencia de los diputados Diego Kravetz, Raúl Fernández (Encuentro Progresista), Sergio Abrevaya, Fernando Sánchez, Juan Pablo Arenaza (Coalición Cívica) y los tres peronistas Silvina Pedreira, Mateo Romeo y Claudio Palmeyro.

La presencia de los legisladores de la Coalición y de Encuentro Progresista se entiende puesto que ambos bloques presentaron sendos proyectos que serán utilizados por el PRO para redactar una nueva norma para modificar el estatuto docente -para eso se pidió un cuarto intermedio de una hora a las 16.30-. El proyecto de Kravetz, que reduce el número de Juntas y su composición, sería el elegido por el Pro para obtener el consenso.

Pero la presencia de los justicialistas ocasionó la bronca en el interbloque del kirchnerismo, puesto que entre sus filas se encuentran tres diputados provenientes de los gremios docentes (Delia Bisutti, Francisco «Tito» Nenna y María Elena Naddeo).

La situación del interbloque se vuelve más tensa por el reparto de cargos en la Auditoría General. Es que por las últimas negociaciones que beneficiarían a un sector de los aliados del kirchnerismo en detrimento de otro, el interbloque sólo lograrí reunir 11 voluntades de las 15 que ostentaba. Por esa razón, el Pro no estaría dispuesto a darle 3 de las 7 auditorías como estaba previsto hasta hace horas.

Por otra parte, el macrismo tiene problemas para juntar los votos para modificar el Código Contravencional y prohibir la actividad de los manteros de calle Florida.

En tanto que el proyecto para licitar la recolección de basura por ocho años también tiene resistencias por parte de la oposición.

Los incidentes

Por otro lado, los gremialistas continúan manifestándose en las inmediaciones de la Legislatura, que fue vallada por la Policía. Los manifestantes quisieron entrar por la fuerza por la puerta de Perú 130, pero la fuerza policial la bloqueó con vallas, efectivos y una manguera contra incendios.

En cuanto a los incidentes de la mañana, entre los que se registraron ataques contra docentes y diputados del PRO, el kirchnerismo y el macrismo se acusan mutuamente de dirigir a las barras.

Mientras que algunos diputados del interbloque K señalan al propio gobierno macrista como el autor intelectual de las agresiones, desde el PRO señalan que se trató de una barra de Boca pero que no responde a Daniel «El Tano» Angelici sino al barrabraba Mauro Martìn, supuestamente relacionado con el presidente de la institución, Jorge Amor Ameal. Este último tiene el apoyo del kirchnerismo para las elecciones de Boca, que serán el domingo.

La sesión se retomó tras una hora y media y el jefe de bloque del PRO, Cristian Ritondo, pidió un cuarto intermedio por una hora más. Enseguida estalló parte del público presente. Entre ellos estaba Vilma Ripoll, que se la agarró con el jefe del interbloque K.

«Poné los huevos, Cabandié, hacen esto para que los docentes se vayan a la casa, pero esto se paga tarde o temprano», gritó Ripoll en referencia al nuevo cuarto intermedio que estira la sesión.

Cabandié le respondió que él había conseguido que el proyecto de modificación del estatuto se tratara primero que nada en la sesión, para que la norma se tratara de día, con la presencia de los manifestantes fuera del Palacio Legislativo.

Al instante ingresó al recinto «Tito» Nenna a los gritos, diciendo que había gente del ministerio de Educación en el recinto y exigiendo que por ende dejaran entrar a los secretarios generales de todos los gremios. Como el macrista Martín Ocampo le dijo que estaan en un cuarto intermedio, Nenna le dijo «no me tomés el pelo», agregando un cuadro de tensión a la espera.
lapoliticaonline.com

México: desde 2009 los narcos reclutaron unas 800 adolescentes

Chiara Dic 1, 2011

Desde 2009 narcotraficantes mexicanos reclutaron alrededor de 800 adolescentes de 12 a 17 años para usarlas como espías contra las autoridades o como esclavas sexuales.
La denuncia fue realizada por la ONG Coalición contra el Tráfico de Mujeres y Niñas en América Latina y el Caribe (CATWLAC) y el hecho es considerado por la organización como «una nueva modalidad de trata» de personas.

La directora regional de CATWLAC, Teresa Ulloa Ziáurriz, dijo que los grupos delictivos aprovechan las condiciones de pobreza en las que viven las jovencitas para lograr que les sirvan de «halcones» (espías) para informar la ubicación de los diferentes cuerpos policíacos por un sueldo de 1.200 pesos semanales (unos 92 dólares).

«Las jovencitas creen que es mucho dinero, sobre todo cuando la familia tiene necesidad», señaló.

Ulloa aseguró que las mujeres además fueron entrenadas para ser sicarias o «son esclavas sexuales de los jefes de las plazas, quienes llegan a cometer feminicidio contra ellas cuando se aburren de su compañía», según despacho de DPA.

«Están apareciendo los cuerpos tres meses después de matarlas. Los criminales las llevan a granjas en las afueras de los estados para entrenarlas», manifestó la también ganadora del premio de activismo internacional Gleitsman 2011.

Según la representante de la organización, en los estados de Coahuila, Nuevo León y Tamaulipas ocurrieron los primeros casos, pero la táctica se extendió después a Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Hidalgo y Estado de México.

Ulloa consideró que para combatir eficazmente este delito debe ser aprobada la nueva ley general para prevenir, sancionar y erradicar la trata de personas y delitos relacionados.

«Mientras en México 500.000 personas son víctimas del delito de trata, la ley vigente para enfrentar este ilícito no es eficiente para perseguirlo y deja en desamparo total a todas las víctimas de la trata interna y con muy deficientes instrumentos para su asistencia y protección», señaló.
mdzol.com

Venezuela: Chávez y Cristina inauguraron el Salón Néstor Kirchner

Chiara Dic 1, 2011

«Queda inaugurado el Salón Néstor Kirchner», manifestó Hugo Chávez tras revelar un cuadro del fallecido ex presidente en el Palacio de Miraflores. Los mandatarios firmaron una serie de acuerdos en el sector agrícola, comercial y tecnólogico, entre otros.

El presidente de Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, y su homóloga argentina, Cristina Fernández, inauguraron este jueves el Salón Néstor Kirchner en el Palacio de Miraflores (Casa de Gobierno), en el marco de un encuentro bilateral y la firma de acuerdos.

“Queda inaugurado el Salón Néstor Kirchner”, manifestó el mandatario venezolano tras revelar un cuadro del fallecido ex presidente argentino.

“Es el Salón del Consejo de Ministros, lo acondicionamos en menos de una semana (…) quedó bien bonito”, sostuvo Chávez quien estuvo acompañado de Cristina Fernández y su hija Florencia Kirchner.

Con el tema “Esa Musiquita”, de la cantora argentina Mercedes Sosa, fueron revelados cuadros con pinturas del político argentino y uno de ellos realizado por el mandatario venezolano.

Tras inaugurar el Salón, acondicionado para las sesiones del Consejo de Ministros venezolano, los mandatarios suramericanos firmaron una serie de acuerdos en el sector agrícola, comercial y tecnólogico, entre otros.

En el área de comercio, se firmó un acuerdo en el ámbito de la promoción comercial y de la transferencia de tecnología en materia de comercio internacional.

En el área de energía se firmó un convenio de estudio conjunto para campos maduros de la estatal Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa) y la YPFSA.

En cuanto a Ciencia y Tecnología se firmó un convenio de cooperación para intercambios de experiencias entre el programa argentino conectarigualdad.com y el proyecto venezolano Canaima educativo.

Argentina y Venezuela firmaron también un memorándum de entendimiento en el área de industria para la cooperación de fábricas socialistas, productos en mano.

Esté memorándum de entendimiento fue firmado por los ministros de Industria de Venezuela y Argentina.

Asimismo, firmaron un acuerdo en materia de vivienda. Se ha acordado la construcción de desarrollo urbano. En este pacto se edificarán 10 mil viviendas en el estado Carabobo (centro).

En el área social se suscribió un convenio denominado Plan de acción de hijos. Venezuela y Argentina darán una asignación para dar apoyo a las madres que tengan hijos con discapacidad, mujeres embarazadas y quienes no hayan podido cotizar en el Seguro Social para nivelar a los pensionados.

Tras la firma de los documentos, la presidenta Cristina Fernández, agradeció a su homólogo venezolano por «el gesto de amor y cariño hacia quien fuera mi compañero de vida, el padre de mis hijos», Néstor Kirchner.

«Este gesto de honrarnos con esta sala que lleva el nombre de Nestor Kirchner, sus imágenes es un honor (…) Estas imágenes son muy fuertes», expresó la mandataria en el mencionado Salón donde se dio la firma de acuerdos.

Agradeció el gesto del mandatario venezolano. En nombre «de mi pueblo y de mis hijos, mi hija estaba muy emocionada», enfatizó.

Fuente: Telesur TV.

Para S&P, Francia y Alemania están en riesgo de recesión

Chiara Dic 1, 2011

La calificadora de riesgo Standard & Poor’s anuncio que hoy que la recesión que primero puso pie en España, Portugal y Grecia, y ahora se está volcando sobre el corazón de Europa: Francia y Alemania”. Por esta razón, la agencia anunció que bajó las previsiones de crecimiento para las principales economías de Europa.

La agencia Standard & Poor’s sostuvo hoy en un reporte que “la recesión al acecho en Europa puso pie primero en España, Portugal y Grecia, y ahora se está volcando sobre el corazón de Europa: Francia y Alemania”.

La calificadora afirmó que, por este motivo, “hemos recortado las estimaciones de crecimiento del PIB para Francia (del 0,8% al 0,5%), para Alemania (del 1% al 0,6%) y para Italia del 0,2% al 0,1%)”, según consignó la agencia de noticias ANSA en una nota publicada hoy el El Cronista.com

Según S&P, “ahora se espera una tenue recesión en la primera mitad el 2012 en la eurozona; pero los riesgos a la baja se mantienen significativos”.

En tanto, el Producto Interior Bruto (PIB) de la zona euro en su conjunto sólo subirá 0,4-0,5 % en 2012, después del 1,5 % este año, señaló sobre las perspectivas europeas titulado ‘Vuelta a la Recesión‘, en el que precisa que larecuperación en el segundo semestre del próximo ejercicio será “modesta”.

Esas nuevas estimaciones suponen una corrección a la baja del crecimiento de los tres grandes países de la zona euro en 2012: un 0,8 % en lugar del 1% para Alemania, 0,5 % en lugar del 0,8 % para Francia y un 0,1 % en lugar del 0,2 % para Italia.

La agencia de calificación añadió que la progresión del PIB español será del 0,5 % en 2011 (tres décimas menos de lo que esperael Gobierno), con una ralentización al 0,3 % en 2012.

Avanzó en Diputados el proyecto de muerte digna

Felipe Dic 1, 2011

Los enfermos podrían rechazar tratamientos médicos. Tuvo 140 votos a favor y sólo 6 en contra. Ahora pasa a la Cámara de Senadores y de ser sancionada modificará la Ley de Derechos del Paciente, que establece pautas sobre procedimientos quirúrgicos.

¿Es verdaderamente humanitario mantener vidas muertas?”. La pregunta del diputado Gerardo Milman (GEN) sobrevoló el recinto. Su discurso fue uno de tantos que ayudaron a que anoche se le diera media sanción, por 140 votos a favor y 6 en contra, a un dictamen que modifica la ley 26.529 de Derechos del Paciente para incorporar la muerte digna. Los legisladores dejaron en claro que el espíritu de la ley es ayudar a tener una vida digna hasta el final, evitando todo tipo de encarnizamiento terapéutico y que no se trata en absoluto de permitir la eutanasia ni el suicidio asistido.

La muerte digna fue uno de los temas más debatidos del año. Lo instaló Selva, una mamá que necesita la sanción de una ley para que “dejen ir” de una vez a su hija Camila, postrada en una cuna y conectada a un respirador desde que nació, hace dos años. Ahora falta que Senadores de media sanción para que se convierta en ley.

La ley de los Derechos del Paciente es bastante nueva, de octubre de 2009, pero en ella no se habla de muerte digna. Ahora, la media sanción de Diputados dio pie a la modificación de algunos artículos. Uno de los más importantes es el que trata la Autonomía de la Voluntad: “El paciente tiene derecho a aceptar o rechazar determinadas terapias o procedimientos médicos o biológicos, como así también a revocar posteriormente su manifestación de la voluntad”. El derecho se extiende a los niños y adolescentes. La negativa puede ser a procedimientos quirúrgicos, de hidratación y alimentación, de reanimación artificial o al retiro de medidas de soporte vital; cuando sean extraordinarias o desproporcionadas en relación a las perspectivas de mejoría, o produzcan un sufrimiento desmesurado.

Otra de las modificaciones refiere a la posibilidad que haya directivas anticipadas sobre la salud, pudiendo consentir o rechazar determinados tratamientos médicos, preventivos o paliativos. Un punto importante es que se le quita a los profesionales responsabilidad civil y penal. “Lo fundamental es que exista la voluntad anticipada a recibir o no tratamientos, y que en el caso de los menores puedan decidir sus familiares o representantes legales. Y lo otro importante es que los profesionales que tenían miedo a los juicios, la ley los inhibe de toda represalia civil y penal”, dijo Milman a Clarín . Y agregó: “Vamos a pedirle al Ejecutivo que se trate especialmente porque este tema afecta a muchas familias”.

Después de tanta espera, la mamá de Camila, Selva Herbón, estaba conforme: “Queda contemplada la posibilidad de una muerte digna para todos. Ahora debería haber una sesión extraordinaria para que Senadores lo trate este año. El tema no puede esperar más”.

Fuente: Clarín

Argentina: 130 mil personas tienen sida

Chiara Dic 1, 2011

En el día mundial de la Lucha contra el Sida, según un informe de la ONU, en América latina, disminuyó la cantidad de infecciones anuales.
En el día mundial de la Lucha contra el Sida, según datos oficiales del Ministerio de Salud, en Argentina son 130 mil las personas afectadas. Un dato inquietante: la mitad lo desconoce.

En 2010, de acuerdo con un informe de ONU-SIDA, a fines de 2010 cerca de 34 millones de personas vivían con el HIV.

Por otro lado, el trabajo citado destacó que «el número de personas que mueren por causas relacionadas con el sida disminuyó a 1,8 millones en 2010, desde el nivel máximo de 2,2 millones alcanzado a mediados de los años 2000».

La región, proporcionalmente, con más infectados es Africa subsahariana, la cual, a pesar de representar el 12% de toda la población, tiene aproximadamente el 68% del total de los infectados.

En lo que concierne a América latina, disminuyó la cantidad de infecciones anuales. A la vez que, en 2010, en la región, el 36% de los adultos afectados por el virus eran mujeres.
www.agenciacna.com

Vélez, el tercer mejor del mundo

Felipe Dic 1, 2011

Vélez Sarsfield se ubica tercero, detrás de Barcelona y Real Madrid, de España, en el escalafón mundial que elabora mensualmente la Federación Internacional de Historia y Estadísticas de Fútbol (IFFHS).

Vélez suma 279 puntos, mientras que Barcelona, con Lionel Messi, es el `Mejor equipo del Mundo´ con 332 unidades, seguido por el Real Madrid, con Gonzalo Higuaín, con 316.

El mejor argentino después de Vélez es Independiente, actual campeón de la Copa Sudamericana, posicionado 49no. con 154 puntos, mientras que Boca está 144to. con 102 unidades.

Los torneos que cuentan con mayor representación de clubes en el «top 100» son Inglaterra (8), España (7), Brasil (6), Italia (6), Alemania (5), Francia (5), Portugal (4), Argentina (4), Holanda (4) y Rusia (4).

Para esta clasificación se toman en cuenta los partidos de cada equipo a nivel local (cada certamen tiene un grado de complejidad diferente) y a los cotejos en torneos continentales.

Los 10 primeros del escalafón y los equipos argentinos clasificados son los siguientes.

1) Barcelona (España) 332,0 puntos ..
2) Real Madrid (España) 316,0 ..
3) Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina) 279,0 ..
4) Manchester United (Inglaterra) 267,0 ..
5) Oporto (Portugal) 256,0 ..
6) Manchester City (Inglaterra) 245,0 ..
7) Bayern Múnich (Alemania) 239,0 ..
8) Inter Milan (Italia) 232,0 ..
9) Schalke 04 (Alemania) 231,0 .
10) Santos (Brasil) 226,0 =============================================
.49) Independiente 154,0
.61) Estudiantes 145,0
.67) Godoy Cruz 141,0
116) Argentinos Juniors 115,0
132) Arsenal 108,0
139) Lanús 104,0
144) Boca 102,0
195) Tigre 88,0
242) Racing Club 78,0
269) Olimpo 74,0
285) Colón 72,0 ..+) All Boys 72,0
333) San Lorenzo 66,0
362) Banfield 62,0.

Fuente: Télam

Rescatan a 85 personas que eran sometidas a trabajo esclavo en un campo de San Andrés de Giles

Felipe Dic 1, 2011

Efectivos de la Policía Federal rescataron en las últimas horas a un total de 85 personas, 11 de ellas menores, que eran sometidas a trabajo esclavo en un campo ubicado en la localidad bonaerense de San Andrés de Giles, según informó el Ministerio de Seguridad.

Los policías detuvieron además a cinco personas en tres allanamientos realizados en la empresa exportadora de frutas finas propietaria del campo, que «llevaba engañados a trabajadores rurales y los coaccionaba con personal armado».

El operativo fue realizado por efectivos de la División Trata de Personas, de la División Jurídico Contable y del Grupo Especial 1 del Cuerpo Guardia de Infantería, quienes llevaron a cabo dos allanamientos en forma simultanea relacionados en una causa que tramita la Fiscalía Especializada en Delitos Conexos del Departamento Judicial de San Isidro a cargo de Marcelo Rubén Fuenzalida.

Uno de los allanamientos, según informó el Ministerio de Seguridad, fue efectuado por personal de la División Jurídico Contable donde funcionan las oficinas comerciales de la firma Baldones S.A. dedicada a la exportación de arándanos.

El segundo de los allanamientos y más importante fue realizado en el campo ubicado sobre ruta 8 Kilómetro 90,900 de la localidad bonaerense de San Andrés de Giles, dedicado a la plantación, cultivo, recolección y envase de arándanos.

En el lugar fueron liberadas 85 personas, 11 de ellas menores de edad, «que se encontraban en condiciones infrahumanas y hacinados en un galpón, siendo todos oriundos de la Provincia de Misiones».

En el mismo operativo se detuvo a cinco hombres mayores de edad y de nacionalidad argentina, «algunos de ellos armados».

En el lugar se logró el secuestro de 3 pistolas, 2 escopetas, 2 fusiles, 2 carabinas y municiones respectivas a las mismas.

La totalidad de los trabajadores rescatados quedaron bajo la protección del personal de la Oficina de Rescate y Acompañamiento a las Personas Damnificadas por el Delito de Trata, dependiente del Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos de la Nación.

Fuente: Télam