Over the past decade, Chinese shopkeepers in Argentina have been targeted by criminal gangs for extortion, kidnapping, and murder. These gangs demand initial and monthly fees for 'protection,' and failure to pay can result in violence, as experienced by grocery store owner Zhou and immigrant Yuzhu King. The Chinese community, estimated to be between 90,000 and 100,000, often does not seek help from local authorities due to language barriers and mistrust. The Argentina China Chamber of Production, Industry and Trade and the Federation of Chinese Supermarkets and Associations provide insights into the situation. Chinese supermarkets, which have grown significantly since the 1980s, contribute to 30% of the country's retail sales.

The Miss Chubby beauty pageant in Paraguay, organized by Michael Beras, challenges societal discrimination against overweight individuals by celebrating plus-size beauty. The event includes a three-month program with professional support to help contestants improve their health and self-esteem. The pageant, which requires participants to weigh over 70kg, culminates in a fashion show where they showcase their confidence on the catwalk. Romina Verna, the winner, received a nutritionist consultation and gym membership and aims to use her platform to promote a better image of obese people. The event has been positively received, with participants like Jessica de Souza experiencing significant personal growth.

Indigenous communities in Ecuador's Amazonia, a region of high biodiversity, equate the destruction of nature with the loss of life. Since the 1960s, oil operations have led to severe environmental degradation, with less than 15% of Ecuador's primary rainforests remaining. Chevron, through its subsidiary Texaco Petroleum, is accused of dumping crude residue, affecting 30,000 indigenous people. Despite Chevron's denial of responsibility, citing a fraudulent Ecuadorian judgment, the conflict persists. Indigenous leaders and locals express a strong desire to protect their 'paradise' from further destruction, while legal battles with the government and oil companies continue.

Indigenous communities in Ecuador's Amazonia, a region of high biodiversity, equate the destruction of nature with the loss of life. Since the 1960s, oil operations have led to severe environmental degradation, with less than 15% of Ecuador's primary rainforests remaining. Chevron, through its subsidiary Texaco Petroleum, is accused of dumping crude residue, affecting 30,000 indigenous people. Despite Chevron's denial of responsibility, citing a fraudulent Ecuadorian judgment, the conflict persists. Indigenous leaders and locals express a strong desire to protect their 'paradise' from further destruction, while legal battles with the government and oil companies continue.

Soccer holds a place akin to religion in Argentina, celebrated through cultural expressions like Maradona's graffiti-labeled as 'God'. The sport's influence extends to politics, exemplified by President Mauricio Macri's previous role as head of Boca Juniors, a leading soccer club.

Foreigners in Argentina often encounter the country's unique language idiosyncrasies, such as the broad categorization of anyone from the Middle East as 'Turco,' regardless of their actual ethnic origin. This practice dates back to the early 20th century when Middle Eastern immigrants to Argentina held Ottoman passports.

Inti Montenegro de Wit, a young consultant for the United Nations, tragically died in a car accident in Mexico, highlighting the global issue of road safety. According to the World Health Organization's 2015 report, road accidents are the leading cause of death for 15 to 29-year-olds, with 1.25 million fatalities annually. The economic impact is also significant, costing low and middle-income countries 3-5% of their GDP. The lack of government action is a major factor in these accidents, and local solutions involving multiple government sectors are imperative. Measures such as enforcing seatbelt and helmet use, respecting speed limits, and alcohol consumption laws are necessary, along with improved emergency response systems.

Meat is central to Argentine culture, with the asado, or barbecue, being more than just cooking meat; it's a ceremony, passion, and art. Asados are a weekly family tradition, enjoyed in various settings, and are so integral to the culture that local TV hosts forecast the weather's suitability for outdoor asados. Expats are advised to learn the key rules to avoid cultural faux pas.

Pablo Novak, at 85 years old, is the sole inhabitant of the ghost village Epecuen, located about 500 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Epecuen was submerged under water for 25 years and re-emerged in 2009. Novak, who lived outside the town during the flood, returned to live in solitude with his cattle. His daily life includes visits from his grandson Christian, and he reminisces about the town's past as a popular vacation spot. Despite the desolation, Novak enjoys walking through the ruins with his dog, Chorno, and has accepted the town's fate.