Here are links to  Part 1
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99010638
and Part 2
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99047804
of a 3 part series Scott Carrier prepared for National Public Radio, concerning ongoing violence in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Part 3 will air tomorrow on the Day to Day program.
Part 3:

Exodus/Éxodo by Charles Bowden and Julian Cardona.

Few subjects stir passions and fears more than illegal immigration along the border between the United States and Mexico. Yet most on either side of the issue are uninformed or worse yet, misinformed.

Over the years I have learned to hear things not said when someone speaks or prays.

Having been fucked over a time or ten thousand I also notice facial expressions and posture that lead to that fucking. The arrogant wink. Speaking with the hands, pursing of the lips, the arched eye-brow. I see wheels turning behind the mask.

That is one of many reasons I know we just got fucked (George Carlin once stated; don’t trust anyone that won’t say fuck).

I learned that the government of Ecuador and City Oriente have come to terms, cancelling City's oil contract.

Background on the topic is here.

The price is fair to both parties--probably about a quarter of the value of proven reserves which is good for Ecuador but enough to pay for time, expense and investment with a reasonable profit for City Oriente.

While $4/gallon gas and resulting higher food costs present inconveniences for North Americans, in non-oil producing nations of Central America, these higher prices mean real hardship.

An article from the LA Times on the subject:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-poverty18-2008jul18,0,3356414,full.story

Negotiations between Ecuador and City Oriente, a small company in which members of my family have an interest continue.

Here's an ariticle I wrote last year. Not much to add at this point--just waiting to hear the outcome of ongoing talks.

http://agonist.org/don/20071105/city_oriente_ecuador_and_oil