Thousands flee as Category 5 storm approaches resorts

Reuters Aug 20, 07 5:06 PM CDT
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The Mayan Riviera emptied today as tens of thousands fled before Hurricane Dean, which has already killed nine and will likely be a Category 5 by the time it hits the Yucatan Peninsula tomorrow. Tourist destinations in the area are still recovering from 2005’s Hurricane Wilma, and beach resorts could see even worse damage this time, Reuters reports.
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Woman lived in Chicago church for a year, in bid to stay with son

Associated Press Aug 20, 07 2:57 PM CDT
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An illegal immigrant who held a vigil of sorts in a Chicago church for almost a year to publicize the plight of of divided families has been deported back to Mexico. Elvira Arellano, who left the sanctuary of the church last week to push for immigration reform, had just spoken at a Los Angeles rally yesterday when authorities seized her.
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Storm tears across Caribbean, homes in
on Jamaica, Mexico

Reuters Aug 18, 07 11:00 AM CDT
(Newser)
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Hurricane Dean is now expected to strengthen into a Category 5 as it barrels toward Jamaica and Mexico. Forecasters say Dean, powered by 150-mph winds, will hit the Dominican Republic and Haiti today, after ploughing through homes and banana plantations on St. Lucia and Martinique yesterday.
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Forget that city stress—these getaway spas will have you relaxing in no time
Conde Nast Traveler Aug 18, 07 7:03 AM CDT
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The nine most delicious getaway spa experiences, from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler . Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, Conn. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas Cal-A-Vie: Vista, Calif.
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Brazil and Mexico lead in growth, reform

Economist Aug 18, 07 7:02 AM CDT
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Despite the rhetorical drumbeat from Hugo Chavez, not all of Latin America is mired in poverty exacerbated by free-market extremes exported from the US, the Economist writes. Led by giants Brazil and Mexico, much of the region is actually better off now than at any time in 30 years; the area is enjoying its fourth straight year of growth, averaging 5%.
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A patron kept them hidden, afraid of hurting her reputation

Guardian (UK) Aug 12, 07 8:06 PM CDT
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Mexican artist Frida Kahlo reveals one of her long-held secrets in a new collection of letters published for the centenary of her birth, the Guardian reports. Titled “My Beloved Doctor,” they express her anguish over being unable to bear Diego Rivera’s child after injuries she suffered in a tram crash. “I cried a lot, but it's over, there is nothing else that can be done,” Kahlo writes.
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Tall monuments are great, but what about the caverns under the surface?
Jaunted Aug 11, 07 7:20 AM CDT
(Newser)
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To appreciate the earth's natural beauty, sometimes you have to dig under the surface. Jaunted tips you off to the best caves in the world. Waitomo Glow Worms Caves, New Zealand: Abseil down a tiny hole, black-water raft for 3 hours, and then see a glow-worm-studded cave ceiling.
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Letter comes months after incident at
Miss Universe pageant

Associated Press Aug 9, 07 4:29 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Over 2 months after a Mexico City crowd booed Miss USA during the Miss Universe pageant, a national tourism official today apologized for the “incorrect behavior of a small group.” The blink-and-you-missed-it international incident started during the interview portion of the competition and crested after Rachel Smith fell backward in her evening gown.
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Aid package would signal new level of cooperation

Washington Post Aug 8, 07 1:15 PM CDT
(Newser)
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The Bush administration will send hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Mexico to combat drug cartels in a deal that's on the verge of approval, the Washington Post reports. The package, which would include equipment and training for anti-drug teams, represents a new level of cooperation. "The days of the finger-pointing are over," says a senior Republican aide.
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Associated Press Aug 4, 07 6:45 AM CDT
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Mexican archaeologists believe their ground-penetrating radar has detected the first tomb of an Aztec ruler ever found, the AP reports. Workers in Mexico City, hanging from slings and digging delicately in a muddy underground passage, hope to uncover the remains of Emperor Ahuizotl, who ruled the Aztec empire at its height before the Spanish invasion of 1521.
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Retail giant calls
young, uncompensated workers 'volunteers'

MSNBC Aug 1, 07 4:54 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Wal-Mart has 4,300 teenagers bagging merchandise for free in its Mexican stores, Newsweek reports. The retail giant isn't doing anything illegal, since the kids aren't technically workers but "volunteers" who donate their time in exchange for gratuities from customers. But labor activists say the notoriously bottom-line-minded company is nefariously exploiting local customs.
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Environment minister warns US against proceeding with plan

BBC Jul 31, 07 5:14 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Citing environmental concerns, Mexico is calling on the US to revise its plan to expand border fences. The current layout threatens fragile ecosystems in the Sonora Desert area and could wipe out endangered species like the Mexican black bear, a new report shows. Mexico is ready to take the US to international court if it doesn't respond, the BBC reports.
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Chinese-born fugitive doesn't get to finish his codfish, DEA says

Washington Post Jul 25, 07 1:17 PM CDT
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A reputed Mexican drug lord known for his flamboyant lifestyle and vast supply of cash fell into the hands of the DEA Monday in a decidedly unglamorous setting: a suburban Maryland mall. Zhenli Ye Gon faces charges under US drug laws, the Washington Post reports, and Mexico wants him extradited. He claims the case against him is a political set-up.
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