Category Archives: ESL Links

SEATTLE – Contrary to previous research findings that have suggested a link, marijuana use does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing oral cancer, according to a large, population-based study led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson … Continue reading →

Like a shiny jewel in a crap-encrusted crown, the city of Manta stands out as one of the few spots in a country mired in underdevelopment which is showing multiple and obvious signs of growth, development and progress.  While Ecuador … Continue reading →

Once again disproving the old addage that there is no such thing as bad publicity…. Halle Berry has confessed she can’t stop breaking wind. According to Teenhollywood the actress has been on an intense exercise regime to shape up for … Continue reading →

As one may expect, tonight’s Miss Universe pageant is a big deal down here. It is quite an honor, not to mention a sterling business opportunity, for a two-bit, third=world country (and we say that with all due respect) to … Continue reading →

The tenuous truce between political and social sectors here in Ecuador, for the purpose of presenting a civilized facade for the duration of the Miss Universe pageant (next Tuesday, June 1) is in danger of collapse as rumors swirl of … Continue reading →

The volcano was angry last night. On our last night in Banos, through a light but persistent drizzle, the loud booming blasts echoed up and down the valley as Mount Tungurahua, still in activity although not immediately dangerous, let off … Continue reading →

Today’s Boston Globe has an interesting piece on how Catholic politicians (mainly the Kennedys) have handled thorny issues (mostly abortion) and how that might apply to the Kerry candidacy. The Dowbrigade takes an anthropological point of view on this one. … Continue reading →

LIMA, Peru (Reuters) – A fortuneteller told Peru’s disgraced ex-President Alberto Fujimori (news – web sites) to flee in 2000 and warned him of the huge corruption scandal that caused his government to collapse, a videotape showed on Wednesday.   … Continue reading →

The scandal of the day (all week, actually) here in Ecuador concerns the Ecuadorian Minister of Social Welfare, Patricio Acosta, whose wife, despite carrying a diplomatic passport, was denied entry to the United States over the weekend at the Miami airport … Continue reading →

Our escape from Quito and bus trip to Banos was as exciting and as exactly choreographed as a chase scene in a blockbuster action flick, except, of course, no one was chasing us and we never broke 50 miles an … Continue reading →

Our escape from Quito and bus trip to Banos was as exciting and as exactly choreographed as a chase scene in a blockbuster action flick, except, of course, no one was chasing us and we never broke 50 miles an … Continue reading →

In 1972 a decidedly hippyish and dangerously adventure-addicted Dowbrigade arrived at the mystical and legendary town of Ba