Can the forced displacement of families ever be justified? This is a question that knows no borders as governments seek out locations for new highways, hospitals, universities, and, especially, airports. The people of Atenco, Mexico, argue against plans to put one on their farmlands.

If you find it unusual that a farmer is comparing compensation for his land with the cost of presidential bath linens, you are clearly not aware of the toallagate scandal that rocked Vicente Fox’s administration and led to resignations at Los Pinos. We’re not sure what kind of towel US $400 buys, but it best be pretty darned afelpado is all we can say!

Something that induces lagrimas (tears) is said to be lacrimógeno. So if you were organizing a Festival de cine lacrimógeno, only tear-jerkers would fit the bill. If, on the other hand, you were organizing a protest of the forced seizure of your family’s farm, you might find yourself crying because of the gas lacrimógeno wafting through the air.

In this installment of the dispute documentary we hear Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata quoted over a protester’s loudspeaker. As Zapata said: “¡Victoria o muerte!” (“Victory or death!”). To protest the taking of their farmland, the people of Atenco are using stronger and stronger language. Listen in.

Carlos introduces us to the Muiscas, one of the most developed pre-Columbian civilizations to inhabit the Cundiboyacense plateau in the central part of present day Colombia.

Carlos describes for us the fascinating enthronement ceremony that gave rise to to the legend of "El Dorado" ["The Golden One"], a nickname which referred to the cacique, or king, of Colombia's Muisca people.

Carlos explains the different roles myths have played historically and tells us the Muisca myth of Bachué, which explains the origin of Man.

Carlos closes his series on pre-Columbian America by sharing with us the myth of Bochica, a God thought to be responsible for several natural phenomena.

Take a tour of the "La Leyenda" chocolate factory in Quito, Ecuador, where we gain insight into the various stages of chocolate production.

Carlos from Colombia tells us about his nontraditional job as a freelance content editor for a Latin music website who works from home.

Carlos from Colombia teaches us about various genres of Latin music with a focus on salsa.

Acrobat Francesca was a mujer de casa before becoming a circus artist. It was love that brought her here to the big tent, where she now splits her time between performances and day-to-day chores.

Most people agree that there’s nothing quite like a tasty wood-fired grill, but because the traditional stove of the Peruvian highlands lacks adequate ventilation of the home and kitchen, serious health problems can arise. A team of researchers have identified this unique regional problem and worked with a clever team of engineers to design an affordable and elegant safer alternative that will be accepted and used by the local people.

Daily exposure to wood smoke can really wreak havoc on the body. It affects the eyes, the skin, and, of course, the lungs. With small material investment, kitchen smoke is minimized through a cleverly designed, well-ventilated, stove.

The inhabitants of the first village where special stoves were installed experienced a marked improvement in their respiratory health. Word quickly spread to a nearby community which then made the change over to the new technology. As the materials are inexpensive, it should not be difficult to get all of Peru to switch to the new stoves.