Having failed to reach an agreement with the government by the self-imposed May 2 deadline, the farmers are returning to their protests today, albeit in a slightly different form.

Following in the footsteps of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Bolivian President Evo Morales took control of three foreign oil firms operating inside the country. The coca farmer-cum-presidente issued a sweeping decree this morning, nationalizing Adina, a subsidiary of Repsol YPF, Chaco and Panamerican Energy, a subsidary of British Petroleum, as well oil transportation companies belonging to Shell.

The Superclasico is here and all of Buenos Aires is counting down the hours until kickoff. A world renowned event, noted for unmatched fan passion, the Superclasico is the most popular game of the year in Argentine football.

Earlier this month Guatemalan police seized a massive 136 thousand kilo cocaine shipment as it was heading for the Mexican border. Aside from the sheer volume of drugs, the cocaine bricks stood out for another reason. Their branding.

Maybe it’s the influence of the large agriculture industry, a legacy of ranch culture, or maybe they are just more creative than English speakers… But here in Argentina, they seem to have many more food/sex expressions than we do. Here’s your guide to talking dirty like an Argentine.

On a quest to regain the affection of her parents, our author takes the family on a three day drive through the Argentine Andes and the Seven Lakes district of Barlioche.

Rays from the setting sun spill through the cracked windowpane of an open garage. The tiny dust particles catch in the soft light, swirling ethereally around cars used in the time of our great grandfathers. Phonographs, paraffin lanterns, antique water pitchers, wooden wheel barrels, time appears to have stopped long ago. However, its 2008 and one of Uruguay’s oldest estancias near the town of Carmelo is in its sixth year running as a refurbished luxury bed and breakfast.

Police in Mar del Plata, Argentina could never have expected the tale that would unravel after a seemingly routine drug bust. The story they found themselves part of after a 2 am arrest is still causing the lawmen to shake their heads in wonderment.

The smoke that has blanketed Buenos Aires for the past week will continue through at least Wednesday, Servicio Meteorologico Nacional warned today. On Wednesday the wind patterns will provide a respite from the smoke choking the city, however the relief will be minor and short lived.

For city residents the negative health affects of living downwind from a 10,000-hectare grass fire are starting to take hold. Over 400 people have been admitted to hospitals for smoke related ailments, prompting the Ministry of Health to declare a yellow alert for hospitals, ophthalmologists and pediatricians. Authorities in La Plata have recommended people not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

UPDATE 4/21 03:45 : SMN is predicting that the winds will shift back to the south this morning, providing another smoky day in Capital. Slight clearing may occur by mid-afternoon. Residents are again warned to take precautions against the smoke.

Over 300 people have filed a $15 million lawsuit against farm owners, as well as the provincial and national governments for the damage caused by the fires and the smoke.

UPDATE 4/23 7:42 The dense cloud of smoke has returned to Buenos Aires, bringing with it a familiar smell and the expected round of transportation cuts. Visibility has dropped to 400m in the city and large sections of Rutas 9, 12 and 14 are all closed. Retiro bus station has stopped service to the northern part of Argentina as well as Brazil and Uruguay.