Happy May, Communist, Solidarity, and whatever else day.

Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 08:10:

Today you can refer to me as Mikhail instead of Miguel_C in honor of Communist Day..(i even heard that today FARC is having its annual Marxist Day Bake Sale, further proof that they are good for Colombia!)....As for me, i will be spending a little extra on American goods today....A radio station back east is referring to the "A Day Without Immigrants Day" (which is not exactly accurate; should be more appropriately "A Day Without Illegal Immigrants Day..") as the "We Can Only Wish Day"...I think that there will be lots of flashy, party-like parades/fiestas, but negligent impact on the economy. The downside is that it will generate a lot of animosity toward the plight of the illegal immigrants on the part of the voting American public.

I for one would like to see the estimated 11-17 million illegal immigrants replaced by 11-17 million legal immigrants. This would really speed up the legal immigration process for the law-abiding applicants, which would allow alot more Colombians waiting to come here sooner...Oh, to be king for a day! hahahaha....

But, i know the "racist/Nazi/redneck/insensitive/FY/etc" comments will be forthcoming, so "Y que! bring it on, Baby".... =P

Oh, and Johna, MY favorite holiday will be July 1, 2006 when i will be paroled from my government-imposed 27.5 year sentence!

Just my opinion...

Comrade Mikhail ...faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 08:12:

And one last thing, Johna....Get Back To Work! hahahaha Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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MacGringo says on May 1, 2006, 09:11:

60 days Miguel, not long now mate.

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Miguel says on May 1, 2006, 09:45:

Miguel_Clavo Es Miguel_Clavo y yo soy Miguel. Si quiere responder a él, tiene que subrayar "_".

Mil grácias.

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 10:31:

Give them more credit than that..i think they know who they are directing their comments to....and thanks for sharing! =)

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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juanalejo says on May 1, 2006, 10:42:

Labour Day Since this site is about Colombia, it is Labour day, just like in the rest of Latin America, China, Europe, etc.

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 10:50:

Yes Sir, Officer Juanalejo of the PBH Policia!! =) but is it spelled Labor or Labour, since this site about Colombia has global participation?..just curious..hmmm but Europe (Eastern) and China also, Ofc JA?

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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juanalejo says on May 1, 2006, 10:53:

Labor or Labour No it is spelled Labour in English from England, although Labor in English from the USA is also correct.

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johna says on May 1, 2006, 12:30:

Nit Picky Miguel(not MC) yo pienso que tu supiste con quien yo referi, pero te gustaria, yo voy a llamar Miguel_clavo Miguel_Clavo porque no quiero confusarte. Juanalejo it would not be correct to call "May Day" "Labor Day" en the USA. We already have another labor (notice no u) here. I title my post with the words "and whatever else" to satisfy the nit pickers, but it obviously did not work. Most people in the area I am in are calling it immigrants' rights day. So no need to get to hung up on the semantics.

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 13:05:

johna..you noticed that too?...ya know, if there is another john on this site you are in trouble, if they call you john, mister! however, i bet some people really get confused when there is a screen name with the word "gringo" in it...those guys breed like rabbits here!! hahaha...

i agree, johna, i guess May 1 can be called anything anyone wants to call it...even the First of May! =)


Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 13:07:

But one thing i did notice, it was that there was no copyright mark, registered mark, or SM attached to the name Miguel or miguel, so i would imagine that it is still permissible to use the name without fear of a lawsuit. =)

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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johna says on May 1, 2006, 13:09:

thanks for the reassurance Miguel. Oops I did it again. Sorry I meant Miguel_clavo. Me hago bolas.

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daver says on May 1, 2006, 13:14:

Labour is also correct for Canada, Australia, South Africa and all other English speaking countries other than the USA.

It would seem that American Independance needed not only a revolution against the English empire, but against the English language too.

Someone told me the story about how an American changed certain words, probably to help create an American identity. I can't remember the details, but "it ain't so bad" if you ask me.

I still enjoy the funny look I get from my Colombian students when I say "Zed" and not "Zee"

Dave

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johna says on May 1, 2006, 14:14:

Canadians, eh? Notice that all the countries listed are commonwealth (except South Africa) I think the USA dropped the u because it was not needed to form the sound. Daver you wrote
"It would seem that American Independance needed not only a revolution against the English empire, but against the English language too."

Your wording makes me think that you don't think we needed to morph the language. If so, I disagree. They call it the king's english for a reason. The form of English one spoke in the England signified your class and your allegiances. So the fact that we seperated ourselves from that is ,in my mind something to be proud of. I like Canada and don't have anything against Canadians or you in particular. But I often find Canadians take a condescending tone when discussing the USA and Americans. Yes there are some, maybe many, among us who are less than wordly and not very educated, but there are also many great people, just as in any other country in the world.
I hope you don't take offense to my little tirade here. I think that this is a sore spot, in the past I have felt attacked by my nieghbors to the north when my nationality has come up. Now I am not saying that there is not more than enough reasons to be upset with the American government and multinationals run by that upper 1% of Americans, but on a whole we are not as dumb or evil as we are portrayed. Thank you for listening to my opinion.

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juanalejo says on May 1, 2006, 14:22:

Johna This site is about Colombia, and so if refering to today you can refer as Labour Day, as that is what we celebrate today here in Colombia. What ever is happening in your country, that is another story for another site and there you can refer to today however appropiate you think it has to be referred.

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johna says on May 1, 2006, 14:27:

Actually I can refer to it how I want, and BTW I said I didn't care what you called it, you are the one that is trying to be the word police. Last I checked you weren't the monitor. Thanks for your opinion though. have a great May Day.

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daver says on May 1, 2006, 17:53:

Johna, I don't think you are dumb.

I just don't like it when Americans call it the "British" spelling. It is in fact, the American spelling that is often the exception to the rule, and not the other way around.

I got attacked a lot too when I worked in the USA. And would hear things like "Why y'all call it zed up there" and I would have to point out that its actually the way everyone says it but Americans... this along with all the comments about us having dirt roads, black and white TVs, that we worship the queen, we all speak French, that we are "commis" or "pinkos", that we are a "2nd world" country, the "51st State".

Tit for tat I guess. I didn't mean to offend Americans, and it doesn't bother me at all that you changed the language, it just bothers me a bit when Americans refer to "British" English like it were some strange exception to the rule.

Oh yeah... we could be NEIGHBOURS soon here in Medellin... so don't be getting all upset at me! :)

Cheers.

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kernow62 says on May 1, 2006, 18:12:

I blame that damn Webster fellow, he couldn't spell and now an entire nation is saddled with improper spelling. Daft bugger.

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 18:14:

juanalejo...excuse me, but, do you know how ridiculous you sound by writing that this is a site about Colombia, and due to that fact all reference to May 1st on this site is required to comply with the Colombian Labour Day??? i guess i will just have to locate the non-Colomibian version of www.poorbuthappy.com.....Umm, Peter, are you finished with that sister site so us poorbuthappy non-Colombians can use it?? Now, juanalejo, do i have to spell Labour Day the way you do, or are you going to give me an "internet ticket", and if so, can i go to the "virtual first time offenders classes" if i can't pay the fine? I just dont want it to go on my poorbuthappy record, thats all.


Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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kernow62 says on May 1, 2006, 18:23:

Elmo meets out the fines, now be a nice boy and bend over.

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daver says on May 1, 2006, 18:23:

kernow62,

Just so you know, during the American revolution:


"saddled with improper spelling" got changed to "Can't spell worth shit"

and

"Daft bugger" got changed to "Stupid Mother Fucker"

johna,

I forgot to add that I did meet many very cool Americans during my 2 years there, and I try not to judge a book by its cover. I graduated 3rd in my class of 60 (mechanical engineering, U of Ottawa) and, I often come across as quite uneducated when people read my posts because I'm "saddled with improper spelling" (Just kidding, I can't spell worth a shit".

I'm not as up tight as my posts make me out to be either.

Dave

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kernow62 says on May 1, 2006, 18:25:

Cheers Daver mate.

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Monpirri says on May 1, 2006, 19:56:

Happy Labor night...zzzzz Here is my opinion about this bloody mess.

"There are a few differences between English written by Americans and English written by the British. It is largely thanks to this lexicographer that Americans do not spell color or humor with a U.

Who was he?

B. Noah Webster. Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language established set forms of spelling and pronunciation in the United States. He advocated spelling reform and was largely responsible for the differences that exist between American and British spelling today."

Viva Colombia!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on May 1, 2006, 19:58:

English the International language English is a West Germanic language which is the dominant language in the United Kingdom, the United States, many Commonwealth nations including Australia, Canada, Malta, New Zealand, India and other former British colonies. It is also a dominant or official language in many countries formerly under British rule.

English is currently one of the most widely spoken and written languages worldwide, with some 380 million native speakers. Only Chinese and Hindi have more native speakers while Spanish is similar in number. English is also the dominant member of the Germanic languages. It has lingua franca status in many parts of the world, due to the military, economic, scientific, political and cultural influence of the British Empire in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries and that of the United States from the early 20th century to the present.
Through the global influence of native English speakers in cinema, music, broadcasting, science, and the Internet in recent decades, English is now the most widely learned second language in the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 20:58:

Thinking about what Daver wrote, maybe its the same.. with The Big A !!!! So all those people who criticized His mastery or lack thereof should be ashamed of themselves! But then, there is another possible explanation....he could be a graduated student of one of our own PBH resident teachers who teaches english to spanish-speakers, and who can also write in "jive"....... =P


really, i am sorry, but i couldnt resist...shame on me!!! Damn, i hate when i do that!!!

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 1, 2006, 20:59:

Lets compromise: How about "The eve of May 2 Day"?? Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 60 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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juanalejo says on May 1, 2006, 21:07:

Miguel Well I do not really care what you think, but I am just making sure the rules are for everybody, although it seems that is usually not the case.

And for the spelling bit, I can care less how you write your words, but why are you now complaining, it was you the one wrongly "correcting" my spelling.

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Miguel_Clavo says on May 2, 2006, 07:33:

Rest assured, juanalejo, the feeling is mutual.....but... according to you, it seems, the Rules For PBH are determined according to your interpretation, as spun by the Colombian connection? i could give a rats ass how you or anyone spells anything....thats not the issue i had with your post....the point was that you are so arrogant to think that this site is exclusively for the use of Colombian people with internet access, and by virtue of that "fact" alone all non-Colombians are required to follow their holidays, customs, laws, etc....which is total internet excrement....read my post, ja, my question regarding your spelling was inquisitive only, not critical of your spelling....i will leave the Mr Spellchecker title with the current owner....=P....but as your command of the
English language improves, you will be more adept as to the intended meaning of sentences. And that was not meant in any critical way...it just comes with proficiency......

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo..."NOT the wannabe one..=P"....faltan 59 días.....

"Ignorance is a Weapon of Mass Destruction..."

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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johna says on May 2, 2006, 07:34:

Hi Daver, Thanks for the reply. I ain't mad atch ya. I was just getting into the little tit for tat thing that we (Canadians and Americans), like you pointed out, fall into alot. I hope you didn't take it that I was angry, especially at you. I really appreciate the advice you gave me earlier, and I defenitely (see I can't spell worth a shit, no how) owe you a couple beers when I get there. I just hope you don't want to give me a colombian necktie;) peace

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daver says on May 2, 2006, 08:34:

johna,

You know us Canadians too well... One beer would just be an insult, but two, thats cool.

I'm still working on "The Mother of All Safety Posts" and its not easy. Be sure to read it though. The trick is to take in as much input as you can about Medellin, and then so your best to seperate the wheat from the chaff. You won't be a stop and go tourist, so its more important you know some of the ins and outs so that you can enjoy yourself a lot more here.

Oh, I don't mind the Colombian necktie joke, but you may want to keep that to a minimum down here. In Medellin, if you say anything at all, it better be nice. Very proud people here.

I have seen some tourist who come down here and want to talk about Pablo Escobar with every Paisa they meet. I guess they don't see the rolling eyes and the "I don't want to talk about this, with you" look that everyone gives them. Then, they go to his grave site with sandles, shorts, and Hawiian shirts and take pictures of his grave. I don't suspect that you are this person, but the necktie joke wouldn't get too many laughs down here. No biggy...just a friendly FYI.

I imagine your girlfriend is coming at the start of the semester? And you are coming shortly after? Let me know when you will be here.

Later,

Dave

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johna says on May 2, 2006, 10:14:

Hi Dave I will be sure to read your post. Thank you for the info on the joke. I understand, and without stereotyping too much, I find this is very much true throughout Latin America. Latinos are very proud of their countries, which is great most of the time. Enough said. But who am I to talk you read my post about Americans.

I will be arriving in Mid September.

Have a good one

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michaelz says on May 2, 2006, 10:35:

Daver - Ottawa Are you an Ottawa native? That's one of my favorite cities in Canada - the Byward Market, the clubs, the museams, Hull etc. But I don't get up their so often now that my fishing buddies are old and married.

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daver says on May 2, 2006, 11:06:

I am not an Ottawa native. I was born in St.Catharines Ontario, and grew up in various places in the Niagara and Wentworth Regions.

I moved to Ottawa when I was 18 to attend University (The greatest single day of my life!!!!!!!)

Ottawa is a beautiful, amazing city, labled by most tourist as being insanely borring. I lived there for 7 years, and although I loved it, I doubt I'll go back (to live that is).

University of Ottawa (U of zero) is located right next to the Byward Market, and I lived mostly in the student Ghettos in Sandy Hill, so I spent many a night, intoxicated by one substance or another, hanging around the clubs in the market. Lots of fun.

As I got older I started to appreciate the finer points of the city, namely the bike paths, parks, and the great outdoors which is only an hour away in any direction.

I could care less for Hull (we simply called it "Hell") but I did love to go to Quebec for the canoeing.... I only fished on the Ontario side, as I couldn't be bothered getting the Quebec fishing license.

Anyway, I would recommend Ottawa to anyone who wishes to see a great Canadian city, so long as you don't call it borring.

Dave

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johna says on May 2, 2006, 14:47:

what is the hull (or hell)?

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daver says on May 2, 2006, 17:52:

Hull is (or used to be...) is a city directly beside Ottawa, but on the Quebec side of the border (Ottawa is entirely within Ontario). It became a rather large city, as it got many Federal offices put there (need to keep a percent of the Government jobs in French Canada to keep everyone happy).

Anyway, to me it was a big shit hole and nothing more, but that is only my opinion. Montreal and Quebec City are two shinning examples of amazing French cities in "La Belle Province" aka Quebec, Hull is a shinning example of a big shit hole.

It has now amalgamated into the City of Gatineau... Hull was much bigger than Gatineau, but I believe they prefer the French name... Hence they went with Gatineau.

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kernow62 says on May 2, 2006, 18:31:

Sounds just like Hull in England.

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