he following lists about Karaoke in Ecuador are basely entirely on the author's observations and conversations with people who know a little better than she but still are no "experts." But the author has, it should be pointed out, gone to karaoke bars a whole hell of a lot in Quito -- like three times last week alone -- so she's not just making this stuff up.

Most Popular English-Language Songs in Ecuadorian Karaoke Bars
1. "Hotel California"
2. "Tears in Heaven"
3. "Yesterday"
4. "Endless Love"
5. "Strangers in the Night"

Most Popular Spanish-Language Songs in Ecuadorian Karaoke Bars
1. "Sin El"
2. "Sin Ella"
3. "Sin Ti"
4. "Sin Mi Madre"
5. "Sin Mi Almohada"

Songs the Author Has Sung in Ecuadorian Karaoke Bars, Accompanied by Brief Reports on Their Reception
1. "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"
This song kills every time. The author´s last performance garnered her the title "La Maestra." Although afterward, a guy said, "We love it. But we have NO IDEA what you're singing."
2. "Copacabana"
Despite its Latin stylings and familiar appeal (having the same name as a Bolivian city), this ditty was a bust. Also, it's way low.
3. "Hey Jude"
The Beatles always go over well. The whole bar sang along to the "Nah, nah, nah, nah-nuh-nah-naah" part. Someone even contributed a shriekish "Jud-ay, Jud-ay, Jud-aaaay!"
4. "Faith"
Rocked the joint.
5. "Careless Whisper"
Tanked.

A Few Things That Might Make Ecuadorian Karaoke Bars, Well, ROCK a Bit More:
1. Less sad songs about not being able to live without people
2. More happy songs about "Gettin' it Awn!"
3. Switch from free popcorn to free laughing gas.
4. Replace monitor's static pictures of Asians with latest episode of "Friends"
5. Make them stand up when they sing, dammit! You're a singer, not a sitter!

Those are, of course, mere suggestions.