azunoman has left 191 comments

azunoman comments on Colombia as "Failed State"

I think it might be very interesting for thread to grade SiV's test results.

azunoman comments on

SiV.,..not to get personal...but really was your comment above directed personally at me?

azunoman comments on

SiV....I struggle but hope that I don't in fact get personal or offensive. I do however reserve the right to poke someones eye out with a sharp stick.

azunoman comments on

tea...I drink Lipton's ice tea..done the southern way....and as for taking things lightly, I think that should only be done for light subjects...to many light subjects could lead to dumbing down...:) I generally avoid the light subjects or take light subjects and weigh them down... I have for sometime felt more comfortable sharing my feelings than anywhere else....:)

azunoman comments on Colombia as "Failed State"

So many examples... - Karl Rove basically invented the phrase 'Failed State' in his original white paper to Bush that defined the Bush administration depart of defense decisions for the last seven years. That should be enough to scare those less familiar with history. - lets just take one that a major motion picture from last year staring Tom Hanks, in Charlie Wilson's War with the Oscar making moment when at the end, once the US goal of defeating Russia in Afghanistan was complete then all money and interest in the region ended. The US not only create the failed state in Afghanistan but eventually used their own definition of a failed state to go back and overthrow those that they had supported against Russia in the first place. I find it too overwhelming to contemplate everywhere our US government has created failed states, starting even so far back as how we broke Panama out of the Republic of Colombia just so the US could own/run the Panama canal. Not to mention how historically shitty our government has been to South America in general. Historically substantiated fact that we purposely provoked a war with Mexico just so we could take 40 percent of country. Holy...I going down the rabbit hole...

azunoman comments on Colombia as "Failed State"

The labeling of "failed state" is done by those most responsible for creating a failed state in the first place. The US and the UN took over the world lead in creating failed states after the colonization/rape pillaging cultures.

azunoman comments on

My PBH experience really changed after my first trip this year. I just get really emotional now in all but the most light hearted threads. (I am married to my beloved Colombian and have a huge family both here in the states and there in Colombia). When I do visit PBH I am very sensitive to posts that degrade Colombia and the people like, some idiots post about how he can't pick up girls AND those that are more than happy to give advice on how he can. So the continued stereotype of Colombian women as easy and who will jump into anyones bed in the hopes of a better life JUST MAKES ME PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ILL. So pasty ass westerners that can't get laid or have a meaningful relationship travel to Colombia and then complain they can't pick up easy women. but these people are NOT FRIENDS OF ANYONE and do nothing more than present a hurtful picture of a beautiful people. Here their posts should not only be deleted but they AND all who try to give advice on these sort of degrading topics should be banned from posting/commenting on PBH until they are truly regretful and can be respectful. I am sure that many people here feel the same as me but as I have stated of late, when it comes to Colombia my emotions run very deep and that is why I visit less than I would like. I feel,that to many posts like how to get laid propagates the myth that Colombian social values are corrupt when in fact they only being corrupted by posters here and by the PBH community for allowing it to continue on.

azunoman comments on Deaths of Union workers

I always get a kick that somehow we in the US have no history of union deaths.....still haven't found Hoffa....countless others were found across the US murdered found stuffed in a trunk, car burned....crap... AFL-CIO are hypocrites for making anyone feel they don't have a sorted history.

azunoman comments on

Good lord...is this a help forum on dating......if you can't meet quality women would this be the place to advertise it?...I don't see how that is our problem...good lord...crap.... learn to be something that another person would want....I think anyone that loves Colombia and those of us that have loved ones there...would like to poke you in the xxxxing eye...really

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SIV...best ethnic food can be found in the UK...flat out....better Vindalo than India probably...jajajajajja.....oh..yea...US colonized by ?...good thing we got ethnic foods here in the US...

azunoman comments on

I have always thought of Colombian food as the English food of S. America. I take hot sauce to both countries. :)

azunoman comments on Ecuador's defense minister resigns amid Colombia crisis

romry...being an english speaker it would be difficult for me on my own to find his initial statements...but as I understood it...Colombian government informed him of their intentions, just not that they would be actually in Ecuador. Actually I like Chavez, always have, they needed someone like him to retake their nations natural resources from 'the man'. While not drawing direct parallels between him and Bolivar...someone with same beliefs is needed in many parts of S. America. When I see stories where a grandmother in a remote pueblo is diagnosed locally, then transported to hospital, to remove cataracts (and the stories are plentiful) so she can see...it's a beautiful thing. Like you, I try to follow current events...well...we can only follow what is reported. I think media there is much like media here...it is about the bad...not the good. Our press is not going to be kind to Chavez because it is easier to mis-translate (on purpose) a leaders remarks in English....given that spanish is for speaking to the gods, english is for talking to the dogs (Sandra Cisneros). Cheers....my mexican law crew is here!

azunoman comments on Ecuador's defense minister resigns amid Colombia crisis

romy...Correa was informed and stated as much right after the bombing. That was how it was translated to me by the waiters at the Sheraton El Poblado. I remember quite clearly because it struck me how quickly he changed his mind once it was known it as two or so miles inside his border. Granted I make the assumption that Uncle Chavez called and beat him around the head and shoulders because Correa the next day looked like he been up being berated by dad all night. I really in any case don't think he cared if all the FARC has been snuffed as its not just a plague for Colombia, which I think is the more important point. But pleas rest assured that Chavez does in fact yield lots of economic power, he is the little Bush of S. America.

azunoman comments on Ecuador's defense minister resigns amid Colombia crisis

poco...right on...at least Colombia would have used a lubricant. I should have claimed to have my x-wifes lap top before the divorce.

azunoman comments on Organizers of the March 6 Protest Killed by Paras

"When did America start colonizing" my original statement was rhetorical...Free Trade is for most undeveloped countries another form of colonization. But as I have stated many times on PBH, I am thankful everyday that the US was originally colonized by the English and not the Spaniards. I was away and missed most of this discussion...cheers

azunoman comments on Sarkozy asks Argentina's Kirchner "to hold back" Chávez (with retraction)

Waiting to see if Kirchner going to have a job when the urban population doesn't get their beef for a couple months. Yea..waterdog...daddy kirchner knew getting out was a good idea...now he just a trophy husband and the wife going to take a beating...

azunoman comments on Ecuador's defense minister resigns amid Colombia crisis

uh...one Ecuadorian killed on Reyes bombing...Missed opportunity to crush the FARC when Valenzuela and Ecuador initially mobilized troops after the Reyes bombing, rather than all three countries putting an end to what affects each others borders...they squandered it. Doh! I am sure Ecuador is more concerned about their northern border than Venezuela is of their west, given the location of Quito. Until the FARC is defeated and completely disbanded any economic development of souther Colombia and norther Ecuador just not going to happen. I was in Medellin the day of the Reyes bombing...Correa initially stated that he approved it. Well Uncle deep pockets (bonds) Chavez really must have reamed Correa. Correa soon after miraculously changed his mind about the entire afffair and pulled the party line. Correa must get bitched at a lot given they use the US dollar and have a US Air Force Base. Wonder if Chavez can really get Correa to kick them out next year. Dobut it...it's the economy stupid...rambled on did I?

azunoman comments on

"Please do your homework" are you referring to all that posted here or someone in particular? If one wanted to do their homework and look at closed markets and how they succeed until free trade makes sense...then I suggest "Bad Samaritans" by Ha-Joon Chang. For me being an American who has had free trade slammed down my throat....this book helped me understand how other nations became 2nd world and it wasn't because of free trade.

azunoman comments on

Socialism in S. America and really about anywhere else that it springs up is almost always driven by the have not's overthrowing the haves. One has to respect that say Chavez and others associated with the existing socialism are taking back their national resources. I think everyone can agree that 'the man' all the way back in S. American history took advantage in almost all aspects. This can happen to any country when the balance shifts to far to the top.....

azunoman comments on Internet Radio

http://delicast.com/radio/Colombia the link above will let you listen to about 24 Colombian radio stations for free...

azunoman comments on T-Mobile in Bogota and Barranquilla

tmobile sucks if you travel to colombia...I even called before our trip and asked if my phone would work, they said yes but it was like 2.99 a minute...fine I thought if I really need it then I will use it....it lost signal out of Miami and never worked until got back to the US. Why they didn't tell me when I called that I needed to subscribe to international plan as tex stated...theyretardardo's

azunoman comments on

free trade with the US comes with many strings that people don't realize. ecological conditions, human rights, disability rights...many things have to be in/put in place...

azunoman comments on Organizers of the March 6 Protest Killed by Paras

Traveler...I would have to agree with you and I would feel threatened there by the power as it stand now. When I visited el Ceja I asked my relative if there were any other Americans there? He said yes, they own the flower plantations. He was very pleased to have a job there and a house that the government subsidized. But what pisses me off is why do the Americans own the bloody plantations. When did America start colonizing Colombia? With FTA? Why did his apparent fondness for the American really bug me. He certainly isn't unionized and I know that the American are there to get the most share holder value. Screw people. Why was my relative so passive? What did my eyes start burning outside el Ceja? How can Uribe be considered conservative when he is a member of the liberal party? Why can't the Liberal party groom a successor rather than keep trying to change the term limits. sorry...just brought back a lot of thoughts about Colombia after my visit. I promised I would stay off pbh a few days...my bad

azunoman comments on NYT: A Paisa taking over the PGA (Golf) - Camilo Villegas

well...my post (previous) as usually sounds like flag waving hyperbole....but if youth gold (except for the rich) will continue to be the norm in Colombia...then I hope all Colombian golfers get hit by a fricking ball and/or miss the cut.

azunoman comments on how the country is using books and film to woo tourists

If I was Colombia I might want to log on to most US city libraries and search on Colombia. In Glendale, Arizona I typed in "History Colombia". I got "Kill Pablo". How sad... IS IT ANY WONDER PEOPLE IN THE US THINK I AM CRAZY FOR HAVING VISITED MEDELLIN!!!!!!!!!!! Colombia should be getting out fair information about their history and culture to the western world if they want to change the overwhelming perception of Colombia. Please start with my library.

azunoman comments on Colombia Bound Travelers; Miami Airport Rated Nations Worst,,,

One good tip on Miami Airport besides the great mijtos in terminal D. If you are flying someone through Miami, and they are older or have difficulty walking long distance, arrange to have them taken to the next gate or wherever they need to go. It must be two miles from our landing gate to immigration. We always do this for our mother in law now she doesn't totally hate going through there.

azunoman comments on Costa Ricans claim innocence in FARC case

It would seem that curiosity would be to much to believe his story out of hand. Best to send them to Guantanamo for questioning. Like Mr. Hollywood...if someone gave you a safe to hold for them it might be time to crack it open before the dollar falls any further. A half million doesn't go very far these days.

azunoman comments on My first July 4th away from Home

"I was wondering if there were any other Americans celebrating in either Armenia, Medellin this summer?" Heck..on July 4th, just open the windows put on some good Colombian music and people within earshot will show up...else you could get drawn into a bunch of lonely morose ex pats pinning for home on July 4th. :)))))))))

azunoman comments on Assuming (hoping) Obama becomes the next US president... what will this mean for Colombia?

I wonder if the US will go back to isolationists....the first superpower that never wanted to be one....last two times US turned inward was WWI and WWII... "Pastor Wright is a white hating demagog with socilistic leanings, maybe fund a Plan Venezuela" THAT is hardly unique to present and historical black minsitry in America. And in some areas of the states there is at least one black minister per block. Like Chirs Rocks says, you wouldn't even trade places with him and he is rich. :)

azunoman comments on Some Dangerous Colombians !!!!!!!!!!!!!

those are stupid ass bikes to be racing the first place...more pollution, noise than anything else....take them out on dirt goofs

azunoman comments on what is a good English website for Colombian News?

If you search (with google) for Colombian newspapers you can click the translate link, I read el Colombiano each day in english. There is also an el Colombiano English edition you can click on also. I am sure that other Colomibian papers might have same.

azunoman comments on Organizers of the March 6 Protest Killed by Paras

If the rule of law can not be upheld, Colombia is doomed to the same old same old and that includes anything the government or military does.

azunoman comments on Colombia Bound Travelers; Miami Airport Rated Nations Worst,,,

My first experience there was when I had an interview with Eastern Airlines...inside the terminal I went to a hot dog shop, they had to get someone that spoke English for my hot dog and a coke order...not sure it has changed all that much....

azunoman comments on Colombia Bound Travelers; Miami Airport Rated Nations Worst,,,

but the mijitos in terminal D rock

azunoman comments on NYT: A Paisa taking over the PGA (Golf) - Camilo Villegas

What would be really nice is for there to be a municipal/public course(s) in Medellin. Unless you can get into the private country club you don't even know what golf is. I don't know for sure but it seems the country club's are like walled fortresses still from the bad old days. Hopefully Villegas can get awareness of the game out there for the typical Colombian youth. Was rooting for him last week in the Arnold Palmer Invitational and try to use him on my fantasy golf. The broadcasters and TV networks make sure to get him a little coverage even if he is back where you don't normally get any coverage.

azunoman comments on COLOMBIA: The Food Basket is Running Out

Death of the family farm all over again, kids move away leaving not enough help to farm more than a couple acres. This can all be quickened by government ignoring that area as it concerns schools, taxes transportation etc. Land gets bought up by a large 'concern'. Then transportation improvements will be made allowing 'the man' to farm large area's at a profit. With global warming, Colombia and much of S. America (given it will still rain there) will and are being spied on by 'the man'. :)))))

azunoman comments on another possibility to make a little money in Colombia that people haven´t really touched on

I saw one day on the news that Tokyo had flavored oxygen. If you could get some caffeine in the oxygen it would probably be a big hit there.

azunoman comments on You know your in Colombia when..................

kat1 says "You are medium in the USA?!!!!! GEZZZ would like a picture of the large :)))"

azunoman comments on Give Us Time to Assess Colombia Free Trade Pact / WSJ, March 18, 2008

If it wasn't for American Unions 'the man' wouldn't be able to now strip Americans of what used to be world class benefits.

azunoman comments on You know your in Colombia when..................

ok...I got a big head but only a medium in the US. My wife says I am not a cry baby or make fun of someone crying (depends on which xlation she gave me).. but she says that I am her big baby....so all is right with the world...

azunoman comments on Paddy´s Day In Cali

Your holiday calendar would appear to have a lot of scribblings on it, sounds like a blast. As soon as I have the energy to fly to Miami (six hours from Phoenix) I will be coming to Cali for that beer you offered up. :)

azunoman comments on

american...I went through all this in my previous marraige but it was to late. Oh well now got my very own Colombiano. I found "Fighting For Your Marriage", which is a book that gives people tools they can use for the same old fricking problems, yea they pretty much all be identified, scrutinized and written about. The counselors I found all wanted to use their own made up methodology as opposed to one that was widely accepted. I found a counselor that would at least entertain using that guide to help my marriage. But at 80 bucks an hour and only one hour a week, well lets just say we just finished eating each others liver. The book is/was geared towards people before they get married, and was adopted by the US Armed Forces to try and help their young married couples, stay married. You can buy it any book store in the US. Even if you just read it for yourself I think you will get some good positive ideas. One thing I got out of the book, is you can't make someone change, you can make a change in yourself that affects that person only. Hell...I found that just by doing housework,cooking a good meal and red wine works wonders for a relationship. Get the book

azunoman comments on You know your in Colombia when..................

kat1 said "entoces eres cabezon... azunoman :)))" IM'ed my wife to find out what it meant...:)))) Si, I can barely get my head through a Colombian made t-shirt :))))))))

azunoman comments on You know your in Colombia when..................

when the largest Sombrero at the souvenir shop at el Penol is to small for my western head

azunoman comments on You know you are NOT in Colombia when ........

you have your home up for sale priced to sell in this shxtty market just so you can call Colombia home you know how much it is to to move all your worldly possessions to Colombia you are the one responsible for making dinner every freaking day your handy man finishes in fifteen minutes but it's only half done you do not ask your taxi driver if he would like to share a meal\ you see people using a law mower and not a weed eater to mow the grass you feel like you are just like everybody else you read PBH food posts to find out what you 'might' not be able to find you have to try and dis spell erroneous impressions garnered from movies and TV shows about Colombia to all your friends and family you go to the public library and the only 'Colombian History' to be found is titled "Kill Pablo"

azunoman comments on

In Manitoba they take it all off but not for say a table dance. Which doesn't make sense since most of my seven years working in Winnipeg I wore gloves. No topic so this is where one goes for chatting up anything? :) if medical care was topic, my brother in law went back to Colombia recently to get his prostrate operation done because it was just easier and cheaper. We visited together during our recent trip there whilst he convalesced. All good now and he is back welding job in Tampa!....so for this gringo I have no fear moving to Colombia based on medical. I had Canadian health care while working on FTA, (first person to cross fiver year work visa :)).

azunoman comments on Happy birthday to me

"A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age." - Robert Frost - Happy Birthday

azunoman comments on another possibility to make a little money in Colombia that people haven´t really touched on

it's the 18th and I still haven't received the rent...what a mess it is in the US right now how about opening an oxygen/coffee bar in Medellin

azunoman comments on Peanut butter

This stuff rocks, only one knife and jar. Robitcally injected peanut butter AND jelly!....I always take a jar when I go to Colombia. Anyone seen it there?    

azunoman comments on

I live in Maricopa County Arizona and our country sheriff Joseph M. (Joe) Arpaio has been labeled as "America's Toughest Sheriff". Think NY crime rate went down with Gulianni it would be a wonder at what Joe could have done. Well...there is nothing like the RULE OF FRICKING LAW. If people are breaking the law and the jails a little cramp, then put up some tents, weather is perfect at least in Medellin for it...but those that abide by the law really don't care where you put it We have a 'real' posse, chain gangs (men and women), and you serve 100% of your bloody time, no porn magazines and no TV. Puts a stop to that right quick :) Sheriff Joe and the Rock