Tag / Venezuela

by Greg

FIFA World Cup 2010: Vuvuzelas!

If you have been watching any of the World Cup so far this month (perhaps even if you haven’t) you know that the word of the tournament so far is: Vuvuzela.

Now, I am no fan of the constant, buzzing drone that provides the soundtrack to every minute of every match… nor am I so completely anti-Vuvuzela. (First of all, it’s a pretty fun word, and probably lexically reminds me of one of my previous homes.)

If you watch the video above, and read the linked page … well, you’ll see that even though it might be slightly annoying—enough to want to ban it—it’s not all bad. It has certainly given the entire world something to talk about!

There’s even an iPhone app!

So, if it really bothers you, just turn down your sound and root on your country in silence. Or… you could just buy your own?

by Greg

Aló Presidente! : The Hugo Chávez Show

I came across this documentary while browsing that category at Netflix. Having lived in Venezuela for three years as a kid, I do notice anything pertaining to that country, and this one intrigued me. I didn’t know much about Hugo Chávez, just that he doesn’t like America. This is still true (although he is buddies with his socialist friend, Obama – per his own comments) but this documentary showed a side of Chávez that I didn’t know. He kind of comes off as a bumbling fool … yet with just enough smarts to definitely play (read:manipulate) the system.

It’s a fascinating look at Venezuela (loved hearing the Venezuelan music and the people speaking, and seeing a view of Caracas that looked similar to the view I remember from our apartment building!) and the her history since Hugo Chávez has been involved.

(For example, did you know that years before he was elected, he was part of a military coup attempt … that failed miserably? Then that he was removed from the office of president (by the military) after he was elected … only to return two days later? Crazy stuff.)

Also, the title of the documentary (and title of this post) is from his weekly Sunday TV show (by the same title). Chávez does a live show from various locations around Venezuela (and of random durations) every week to connect with the people. Much like our own president Obama, he certainly knows the power of the media. He is very similarly a “information age” political leader.

I believe this documentary was produced by a media guy from Venezuela, and I thought it was well done. If you’re interested in such things, the video embedded above is the first segment. The entire documentary is available online here.

by Greg

Venezuelans Say NO To Chavez

Venezuelan Coat of ArmsNot sure if you heard about the vote or not, but any mention in the news of my former place of residence usually catches my attention. There was a vote (yesterday, I believe) where current president Hugo Chavez was attempting to amend the constitution to remove term limits (among other things). He wanted to ensure that he could continue to run for – and win – the presidency. His ultimate goal is to move Venezuela from the democracy that it currently is to a socialist state – with him in command.

The vote was 51% “No”, so not overwhelming (and Chavez is spinning that to his advantage) but it was still ‘No’. This is a small victory, but still a victory.

I was just talking with a former elementary school classmate from Venezuela about the current conditions down there, and her response was, “He won’t last too long.”

I only have fond memories of Caracas. I mean, it’s a huge city, and I’m not too fond of huge cities now, as an adult, but what I remember from living there with my family is all good. I’m sure a lot of that goodness is still there, but it’s so sad to hear in the news, and from Venezuelan friends that it is not the same place it was when we left more than two decades ago. Maybe someday it will be again.

If you are interested, here are a couple articles I found today about the election.
Venezuela Rejects Chavez’ Power Play (CBS News)
Hugo Chavez tastes defeat in referendum (The Telegraph, UK)