November is out!

Without a doubt, one of the finest pieces of journalism in this month's magazine is also one of its shortest. Toby Muse had a quick hit on what's next for the Colombian stock market now that beer giant Bavaria has headed for the exits. A forlorn trader wonders aloud, the head of the market makes the case (diplomatically) for Colombian companies to list, and numbers tell the story: There's not much equity trading anyway.

Luisa Aguëro in San Pedro Sula hit the same section with a great cross-border item on Hondurans heading for Iraq. Money, poverty, international contracting, violence, war, even soon-to-be-abandonded kids. That's a lot of story in less than 300 words.

In long form, still a great way to tell stories, Paulo Prada in Rio is back in our pages with a nice, broad -- yet detailed -- sweep on the Brazilian government's heavily critized decision to reroute a river. The key here was talking not just to activists against it and government types for it, but a family affected by water problems, right in the story lead. Muddy drinking water strained through a rag? Ugh. Excellent work.

Chile's Jen Ross headed up the hill to explain why investors are throwing money into the snow. They think international skiers will bring in bigger bucks, and the numbers suggest they are right. Plenty of great sources, and a great example of how to write the "business of travel" story for Latin Trade. Find people spending money and ask why.

Finally, congratulations to Brazil Correspondent Margarida Pfeifer, who pursued and pursued and pursued Blue Tree Hotels CEO Chieko Aoki, a fan of the magazine who nevertheless has a difficult schedule and often travels to visit her far-flung chain. A great interview and well worth the effort.