Andy-NY has left 48 comments

Andy-NY comments on In response to the "ass groping thread"

Emperor,

Why don't you read the thread before making stupid comments. Here, I'll make it easy for you. This is what I wrote:

"drunk driver who 'KILLS' someone in a DWI car accident? In the U.S. the person driving drunk who 'kILLS' someone would likely get less than 4 years in jail if the charge is Manslaughter and not murder. In most cases the charge would be 'Manslaughter'.

But you are right; nobody should get 4 years for a regular DWI or ass-groping. I think 4 years is not harsh enough if the person driving drunk kills someone. It should be at least 10 years.

Andy-NY comments on In response to the "ass groping thread"

Well this does change things quite a bit. I just responded based on what I read in the initial "ass groping" thread. I still think 4 years of house arrest is too much.

Ideal punishment:
1. 200 hours community service
2. pay the equivalent of 1 month's salary
3. 2 years probation

Andy-NY comments on ¿Estoy tarde al partido?

Kat,

I'm trying to learn, so please be understanding.

Andy-NY comments on In response to the "ass groping thread"

mzzmerized,

I agree that the guy should be punished, but I think 4 years in jail is absurd. I'm not saying that the guy should walk away without being punished. I think an example should be made here, but sentencing him to jail is not the answer. Jail is for criminals, not for some stupid guy who grabed a girl's butt.

My recommendation: He should do 200 hours of community service, pay the girl 1 months pay, and he should get 2 years probation.

Andy-NY comments on ass groping

Give me a fuc**ng break!! I think the guy is wrong and deserves to be punished for grabing her butt. But 4 years in jail?? People get less time in jail for many drug offenses, serious assaults, etc....

Who should get more time in jail: the guy who grabed the girls ass or some loser who seriously injures or kills someone in a DWI car accident? In the U.S. the person driving drunk who kills someone would likely get less than 4 years if the charge is Manslaughter and not murder. I rest my case!!!!!

Andy-NY comments on ¿Estoy tarde al partido?

Por supuesto usted es invitado.

Andy-NY comments on Drug use in Colombia

I grew up in a very good part of NY and at least 30% of my high school was smoking pot. That number probably leaps to 40% in college. You will find similiar statistics in most parts of the USA in both poor and wealthy areas.

Ecstasy exploded in the U.S about 12 years ago. Many of the people who were and still are using it would surprise most of you: bankers, wall street brokers and traders, actors, professional athletes, lawyers, doctors, and 16 year old kids whose parents are CEOs/directors of fortune 500 companies. Many wouldn't fit the profile of the "club-kids" or "ravers" that you're thinking.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Map of Cartagena high rises (large image)

They should put "LDV" on that map as a point of reference.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Single ppl on poorbuthappy.com

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Single ppl on poorbuthappy.com

No girls in Brazil???? I've never heard this before. Maybe your friends were walking around with their eyes shut.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on new yorker in cartagena

I'm also a New Yorker and I just returned from Cartagena a few days ago. I had a nice time, but the weather was a little too humid for me. I stayed in Laguito in one of the nice apartments on the water.

Morphus is 100% right about La Dulce Vida (LDV). I went in there to see what was going on and I saw many Italians, and Americans. It seemed that most of the girls in there were working. If this is your thing, then LDV is probably the best place to go.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Going to Cartagena in the next 2 weeks

I'm probably only staying for about 4 days. It's enough time for me to have fun. If I'm there before you then I'll definitely keep you posted.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Going to Cartagena in the next 2 weeks

CrazyGirl, Tomorrow I'll probably book in one of the nicer apartments, maybe Juan Venturas. I'm only going to be there for about 4 days, but we can meet up for some drinks. You can invite your husband too otherwise he might get mad at me.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Going to Cartagena in the next 2 weeks

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help, but Will anyone be around during this time?

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on "La Sierra" the movie

I tried to get it too, but did not succeed.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Stratas??? Can someone please explain...

A

Andy-NY comments on Stratas??? Can someone please explain...

Wealth is all relative. The top 1% of earners in Colombia would be considered rich there. Those same people might be middle class in Europe or U.S.

The top 1% in any country is considered truely wealthy in that country. The top 1% of USA has a annual income of $300,000 and a net worth of $3.75 million. I guess we can use these numbers as a barometer in the U.S, but I'm not sure about Colombian statistics.

Andy-NY comments on Proof that Colombia is changing for the better..................

fair enough. I did meet him and he was very nice. I didn't remember his handle on here, but I remember him very well.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Proof that Colombia is changing for the better..................

Viewpoint,

You seem to be very intelligent. I think we met at Piasa29's gathering in Medellin on August 4th. I'm trying to remember who you are, but I'm 99% sure we met.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Proof that Colombia is changing for the better..................

I'm not pushing stocks here............ I'm not recommending the stock. I'm just showing people that a Colombian company's stock was added to my newsletter.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Baby names: What is a popular name for a baby girl or boy

How about........ Andres or Andrea'

Andy-NY comments on what to do on a 8-hr layover in el dorado airport, bogota, colombia

Read a book.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Would like to visit Venezuela after Colombia. Any advice?

I'm sure.......................... Poco,

There were probably thousands of American men (young and old) that went to Venezuela after establishing relationships with women over the internet. If only 3 out of "thousands" ended up in jail, then those percentages are pretty good. The ones that ended up in jail probably deserve to be there.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on More Scientific Proof: Colombia is Happiest Country

From a recent article............ The latest buzz in the field of economics points to a myriad of studies examining the link between happiness and wealth. These studies all seek to answer the question: Are richer people happier? Prevailing research suggests no. Obviously if you’re living in poverty, more money probably will increase your level of happiness.

People with money have lots of problems: With added wealth often comes added stress and increased responsibility. There’s a reason surgeons and stockbrokers make a lot of money, because there is a lot riding on their performance and decisions. And usually the higher your rung on the corporate ladder, the longer your workday and the more stressful your position. So although we have become wealthier as a country, we have not necessarily become happier.

Andy-NY comments on Spanish -- Third Most Studied Language in the World

I think that Spanish is a much easier language to learn. I tried learning French and then changed my mind and strictly focused on Spanish.

Colombiche,
If those figures are from 1995, then you can probably add another 100 million or more to the current stats. Maybe as many as 500 million today.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Spanish -- Third Most Studied Language in the World

I'm surprised.. I'm surprised that right now French is second and not Spanish.

Andy-NY comments on Learn to speak Spanish

I just returned home and........ I started a new thread with this info because I think it's very important.............

I just returned home from Medellin (my first time). If you're planning to visit Colombia, then you're going to be very frustrated if you do not speak at least basic beginner Spanish. I was able to get by (barely) and I consider myself between a beginner and intermediate. Most people I came accross spoke ZERO English including most taxi drivers, store vendors, cashiers, people selling drinks on the street, and even many Police officers.

I personally feel you might get away with not speaking Spanish in certain Spanish speaking countries that are more traveled by non-Spanish speakers. But Colombia is not one of those countries yet. You could get yourself into some real shit not being able to communicate with Police or people in a hospital if you're sick. Not knowing how to ask for directions or communicating with taxi drivers could be another problem you'll face.


Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on the cheapest and safe way to travel from Columbia to Panama

I think you............... I think you have to fly. It's only 45 minutes and it's relatively inexpensive. There might be other ways, but people recommended flying. I asked the same question to a few people when I was there.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on i´m in pereria NOW, what´s there to do??

Caslug, Please take some nice pics there and fill us in on the Chica situation.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on i am here in medellin and..

Hey Rob, I live in NY too (obviously). I think the legal age here is 18, not 17. I had a similiar debate with a friend a few years ago and we found out that the legal age was 18. Unless the law has changed since then, I think 18 is the magic number.


Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on My opinion of Colombia. I just returned home from my first trip.

Hotel I ended up staying at Dann Carlton hotel, which was very nice. Next time, I'll stay in a different part of town.

Yes, I did go to Parque Llera and it was very nice there.


Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on My opinion of Colombia. I just returned home from my first trip.

Clarifying the cab drivers................ I meant to say that the cab drivers made me nervous because they drove too fast. Not nervous in a threatening way. Just want to make this point clear.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Colombia pushes international tourism

Thanks SoCalDude........................... I couldn't have said it better myself. I have noticed a lot of Gringo/American bashing and it's a little annoying. I agree that there are many American Idiots like the ones decribed above, but overall I think most Americans are pretty decent people and respected travelers. I'm not talking about a couple of big mouths thinking they're hot-shit-gringos.

At least when foreigners/travelers come to the U.S, they don't have to leave their expensive watches and/or Jewelry home because they may get muged. Come on, give us a break. We are not trouble makers and we don't cause real problems when we travel. It's freakin SAD that I can't even walk around at night or wear my expensive watch in every country that I've been to lately in Central and South America. Think about it from our point when we travel to your continent.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Colombia pushes international tourism

My point is......... Utopia,

My point is exactly what you say; the baby boomers don't have enough money to afford homes in many parts of the U.S. The real estate market in most of the U.S. is up 100% or more in the past 5 years. The people that own homes can use the additional equity to purchase an investment propery in Colombia or other parts of Central or South America.

Crazy4cali,

I think it's smarter to invest now while it's still a little speculative. This is the reason why it's still relatively inexpensive and still a good investment. If we wait until things completely stabilize, then we missed the opportunity. I do agree with you about Nicaragua being a good place to invest, but they don't have Piasas there.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Buying property in Colombia

Interesting, but........ Expatriate,
If a house in Arlington goes for $100k, then I'm unaware of the real estate market in TX or other parts of the U.S. I didn't know that $100k homes still exist in the U.S., besides trailor parks.

I live in NY and you can't buy anything here for under $250k and that will likely be in a bad area. A nice house in a good area is $600k-$800k+. A 2 bedroom apartment in Manhattan goes for $1 million+. My sister recently purchased a house in South Florida for $575k and the prior owner purchased it for $195k in 1998. My whole point is that most of the U.S. is becoming unaffordable for many people that want to buy homes. Many people will start looking into Central and South America for affordable homes in a warmer climate.


Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Buying property in Colombia

Thanks Lucia, I'll keep you posted............. Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Please help me regain my faith on Colombian men...

You go girl.............. Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Colombia pushes international tourism

I think right now is the best time to............. I posted a new category with the same info, but I think it fits here:

I think right now is the best time to invest in property in Colombia. Look at what happened to Costa Rica in the past five years. The same thing is happening now in Panama City. Prices are absurd in most of the U.S. including most of Florida (which only 5 years ago was still relatively cheap) and people are looking to buy property in Central and South America where it's still affordable.

A major event in world population demographics will take place over the next 15 years; "The Retirement Wave" or "Boomer Wave." This market is comprised of the growing number of baby boomers reaching retirement age around the world. It mostly includes people born between 1946 and 1964 and represents 77 million people in the U.S. alone. Many of these people will seek out a comfortable retirement lifestyle in a warmer climate.

It's obvious to me that those who invest now at this early stage will likely make huge percentages on their money similiar to those that purchased in Costa Rica 10 years ago. I'm visiting Medellin on Wednesday and I'll be sure to keep my eye open for good deals.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on

video I'm a white-gringo and I get very upset when I watch racist videos like that one. That idiot doesn't represent white people; I would kick his ass myself. Most white people are very friendly and look to help those in need. I love all people, especially Colombianas, Piasas, and all beautiful women of all races.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Latin America has the world's widest rich-poor gap

Elmodefoque.......................... At least you're happy, which is most important. I know some very wealthy people (U.S. wealthy) that are very unhaapy with their lives. I used to be one of them; overworked and overstressed. Now I earn less money than I did before, but I'm much happier in life. The latter is most important. I was the happiest when I was in college with no money and I was most miserable when I had lots of it.

Studies have proven that the happiest people come from third world countries.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Falling DOLLAR, Strong PESO

The dollar will strengthen further...... But more against the Euro and Pound Sterling rather than the COP. Inflation fears are overdone and this is one of the reasons for the recent strength. The consensus is that the Fed will continue rasing interest rates, probably to Fed Funds 4 1/2%. Europe growth forecast are .5%-1.5% growth and the U.S. forecasts 3%+.

The only thing in my opinion that can hurt the dollar is the huge deficit. I guess the U.S. can run a higher deficit without hurting the economy, considering that the current deficit is less than 5% of GDP.


Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on An open letter to the Gringo haters on this forum

"don't hate me because I'm beautiful?" Everything you mention is fine, but statements such as "don't hate me because I'm beautiful" is the major reason why there's so many Gringo haters. I'm also a white 'gringo' and I notice in my traveling that many (not all) Americans walk around with a certain cockiness that is very obvious. It's usually among those between 20-40 years old. If you disagree with me, then you need to travel to more places like Cancun or Costa Rica.

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experiences. It's good to see that you still travel to Colombia.

Why can't we all just get along :) ???

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on

I do agree. By the way,
Workers in the U.S who make little or average money pay very little in taxes. It actually might be similiar to the 16% that you indicated.
If you live in NY or CA for example, then you pay an additional 8-10% in state tax as well. If you live in FL or another state with no state tax, then an average $30,000 earner will not pay much more than 16% after write-offs, etc... There's many loopholes in the U.S. tax laws that can benefit most taxpayers.

I do agree with you in one regard. Those in the U.S that earn 6-figs or more end up paying significantly more, maybe 25%. But since they earn more, they usually set up corporations and pay good accountants to reduce their exposure. In the end, they probably end up with a similiar tax burden (% wise) than the lower earners.

Maybe you should write a letter or forward your thoughts on here to the appropriate people there in Bogota. I'm sure they'll do something about it.

Andy-NY comments on Pereira Colombia

I want to go there too. I heard it's beautiful.

Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Question about Sierra, Medellin

Okay, Thank you Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Gringo going to Medellin for 1st time

Both, very funny! Andrew-NY

Andy-NY comments on Would like to visit Venezuela after Colombia. Any advice?

advice My advice is not to go right now. Very unstable at the moment. A business associate was there recently and said it was too dangerous right now. He witnessed a shooting and heard a lot more.
Not worth it at the moment!!