Argentina

Ralph Velasco of Newport Beach returned last month from an 11-day trip through South America that took in a lot of territory: Uruguay, Argentina and Chile. One of the highlights of the drive from Chile to Argentina was this slithering crossing of the Andes on Ruta 60. "There are 28 curves on this road," Velasco said in an e-mail, "and it's amazing to see 18-wheelers try to pass each other going up the hill. " His camera? A Nikon D70.

Every 52 years or so, Argentina turns the Olympics on its ear, as was the case when its men's basketball team completed a huge day for the country with an 84-69 victory over Italy in the gold-medal game here Saturday night. Argentina completed its dazzling march to the gold that picked up steam with a victory over the United States in the semifinals Friday night.

Below are five things to watch when Team USA plays Argentina in the London Olympics semifinals Friday at 1 p.m. 1. Expect a chippy affair. To get ready for this one, Team USA forward Carmelo Anthony might want to wear a cup after Argentina guard Facundo Campazzo punched him in the groin on a three-point attempt when the two teams met in preliminary round play earlier this week. Campazzo might want his own protection, too. He contended Team USA guard Chris Paul was too physical with him. Kobe Bryant scolded Campazzo for the dirty play afterward.

Travelers who buy a ticket to Argentina , Chile or Colombia on Chilean carrier LAN Airlines have an opportunity to add on a domestic flight for $27 or less, but only until Monday. It's a cheap way to get to Patagonia's glaciers or the incomparable Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border. The deal: The offer is part of a wider airfare sale by LAN and affiliate TAM Airlines. It's good for round-trip flights starting at $1,049 per person between Los Angeles and Santiago, Chile, (add a domestic flight for $27)

Re "His Love of Nazism Lives On," March 17: I strongly object to featuring an avowed and unrepentant Nazi on the front page, as if he were a role model for good. He is a role model, but for the continuing hatred of Jews and other non-Aryan people. Little in this entire article presents the horrifying events this man's hero engineered. Instead, we are treated to the following quote: "Today they say so many bad things about [Hitler]; I never experienced anything like that . . . I admire him. That's the position I take, and I will take it until the day I die."

BUENOS AIRES -- President Eduardo Duhalde on Tuesday moved up presidential elections by six months to March, saying he wanted to boost international confidence in efforts to resolve Argentina's economic crisis. Duhalde said that fast-forwarding the vote, originally set for September 2003, would help restore order to Argentina, whose economy has been in recession for four years. "We will reinsert ourselves into the international community.

Carlos Fuentes' prayer for Argentina (Opinion, May 31), "A Prayer for Democracy," is a prayer that stands a slim chance of being answered. The events that took place in April show us that the military in Argentina did not take over the government because they momentarily did not need it, as long as substantial concessions were granted. They were not looking to regain the government, just to "get away with murder." They will, as per the law submitted by President Raul Alfonsin for approval by the Congress.

Religious sect leader Paul Schaefer, who has been convicted of sexually abusing 26 children and is one of Chile's most wanted fugitives, was arrested Thursday in Argentina. Schaefer, 84, who moved to Chile with a group of German families and established the Colonia Dignidad religious cult and farming commune in 1961, is also wanted in Germany on abuse charges.

Federal police Monday uncovered 4 tons of ephedrine in oil drums and boxes to be sent to Mexico and the United States. The lead investigator called it the largest illegal shipment of the methamphetamine ingredient seized in Argentina and said it was worth millions of dollars. The ephedrine, imported from India and China, was discovered with the help of U.S. and Interpol agents who have advised police investigating a group of Argentines and Mexican traffickers, Commissioner Miguel Castro said.

Juan Espil scored 25 points, including four free throws in the final 12 seconds, leading Argentina to a 65-61 victory over Lithuania. Argentina (1-1), using the same slowdown strategy it did Saturday night in keeping up with the Dream Team for a half before losing, led, 48-39, with 11:31 to play. It seemed to be in good shape despite losing starting power forward Marcelo Nicola to a knee injury with four minutes left in the first half.