Separating North and South America is the country of Panama, a strip of land  bordered by Costa Rica and Columbia, and a canal, bordered by the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.
The country is one of great dichotomy, with most people living in Panama City and Colon (on each side of the canal), and a large portion of the country left uninhabited.   You can get a glimpse of ruins and primitive culture, while still being in a major financial and commercial city.  There are deserted islands and skyscrapers, uninhabited regions and modern amenities.  A visit to Panama is a visit to the …read more

Reader Laney guessed this week’s “What Is It” from yesterday. The mystery dog breed is called Xoloitzcuintle (show-low-eats-quint-lee), also known as a Xolo or Mexican Hairless.
Xolos are native to Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean and evidence shows they’ve been around the area for over 3,500 years! Their likeness has appeared in ancient artifacts produced by the Colima, Aztec and Toltec civilizations in Mexico.
When Columbus arrived in 1492 he made notes in journal entries about the dogs, and subsequently the breed was transported back to Europe.
Xolos are now known for their calm demeanor, but they still …read more