Toyota will now cut production in China by 70%, the cut back will last until June 5.
A few days ago they originally planned for 50% cuts, until June 3. The problem is lack of parts from disaster stricken Japan.
All posts by Hutchins AAron
Bolivians don’t like Reporters
Currently there are protests going on in Bolivia. The issue is workers rights, but it’s become clear no one cares about the rights of journalists.
Journalists are being attacked by protesters and police. Everyone accuses the reporters of working for the police, or the protesters. Even Bolivian judges are treating reporter with contempt.
In one case a reporter waited for months before his case was brought to trial. He had been charged with causing a riot that destroyed a police station. Then he was let go, but only with the warning that he could not talk about the details of his trial.
In another court case, a reporter was ruled incompetent, and that all trials involving journalists had to be heard by a special judge. The reporter in this case had been charged with insulting a government official.
Finally there is the case where a radio personality was murdered, and no investigation has been undertaken. Reporters Without Borders
Firefighters from Yellowstone & Gallatin heading to Texas
Four firefighters from Yellowstone National Park and Gallatin National Forest were sent to help fight the fires in Texas.
The ‘Pipeline’ wildfire, one of many in Texas, is burning on the Big Thicket National Preserve. The local firefighters were sent in because of a inter-agency request. Officials believe the ‘Pipeline’ fire was started by people.
Camera used at Idaho Lucky Friday mine rescue
Rescuers used a tiny camera to see if Larry Marek was behind the cave in debris. No such luck.
Rescuers also pumped in air and water, through the holes they drilled. They’re hoping that Marek is in the open space found behind the rubble of last Friday’s cave in.
They’re still trying to dig alternate tunnels. They had to stop digging through the cave in rubble because the ground was unstable.
Radiation Evacuation Zone expanded!
Not only has the Japanese government made it a legal offense to enter the evacuation zone around Fukushima Daiichi, they have expanded the zone as well.
Because of high radiation build up, towns outside the original 20km (12.4miles) zone will be evacuated. The towns are Katsurao, Namie, Iitate and some areas of Kawamata and Minamisoma. Residents have until the end of May to leave.
Fukushima says No to TEPCo!
The prefectural government of Fukushima said no to allowing Tokyo Electric Power Company to resume any nuke plant operations. ”A resumption of plant operations must be impossible.”-Sato Yuhei, Fukushima Governor
Governor Sato made the statement after a 15 minute meeting with TEPCo president Shimizu Masataka. TEPCo had tried to meet with the state government of Fukushima twice before, and was unofficially told to take a hike both times. This time Fukushima officials made it official. They told TEPCo there is no way they will allow them to resume any nuclear power functions at the damaged Fukusima Daiichi plant.
Chile hoping to become major oil hub
Chile is investing more than $400 million into developing petroleum resources at the south end of the country.
Punta Arenas, in the Magallanes region, has become the “Alaskan Gold Rush” of South America. Labor, oil prospectors and investor’s money is flowing in. The area is also a tourist destination, for Antarctic trips.
The oil boom has resulted in high inflation in the area, which surprises many tourists.
Chile has been wanting to develop the region’s oil potential for a while, but costs held them back. With oil prices back over $100 per barrel they are now proceeding full steam ahead.
Coffee exports skyrocket, will that bring prices down?
Colombia is reporting their coffee exports rose 53% in March 2011, compared to the same time last year. They give credit to good weather and success fighting a fungal disease.
As of April 21, Arabica-coffee futures, for July delivery, fell 1.15 cents, to $2.983 a pound. Colombia and Brazil are the biggest exporters of Arabica coffee.
Food crisis hits Guatemala, needs $26 million in food aid
The Guatemalan government announced they have discovered 15 thousand cases of chronic malnutrition in the country, for this year so far.
Next week the government will reveal a “nutritional risk” plan. They say the plan follows UN World Health Organization’s guidelines.
The European Union already sent about $9 million last year. Now Guatemalan officials say they will need about $26 million for this year.
Like your online Poker games? The creators are now wanted men, under a new law
“Our 1.2 million members are shocked and outraged. Many players cannot get access to their money. It is a confusing and concerning time for our members.”-John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players’ Alliance
Players can’t get their money because the online poker company’s bank accounts have been frozen.
Executives from online companies like PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker have been indicted by the U.S. Attorney General’s office for bank fraud, money laundering, illegal gambling and other crimes.
Three defendants were arraigned in federal courts in New York and Utah. Eight other defendants remain at large, and Interpol (international police) thinks they’re in Costa Rica, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Costa Rica is the capitol of online gambling soliciting gamblers in the United States and around the world. Prosecutors are seeking U.S.$3 billion in assets from the three companies and have seized, or frozen, 76 bank accounts in 14 countries.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, made it illegal to accept or process payments in connection with “unlawful” Internet gambling, but did not define what “unlawful” gambling was. This is the second time arrests have been made under the new law.