Italian tourist killed in Colombian resort city

morphus says on Feb 15, 2007, 23:03:

I'm suprised to hear in the article that Colombia had a million foreign tourists last year.

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miamimike says on Feb 16, 2007, 00:48:

Another Dumb(tough Guy) Decides To resist and Is now on a permenent Vacation. Amazing these guys that think they are faster and can punch harder then a 9mm Slug! Not even Mike Tyson can outpunch Hot Lead from "Rosco" ,,, Another one bites the dust,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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kalder says on Feb 16, 2007, 00:54:

Mike, that's a little harsh. The poor guy probably just didn't think and acted on impulse. A lot of European guys of that generation aren't really aware of the extent of gun culture there or anywhere.
My elderly father fought off muggers in Paris once. To protect a bag that must have been worth all of $40. You're right, it is crazy, but a lot of those old boys were just raised to act like that.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

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ACBlessing says on Feb 16, 2007, 02:42:

When in Rome...
A l e x B When in Rome...

A l e x B l e s s i n g, Florida, USA
alex (at) acblessing (dot) com
http://www.colombia.acblessing.com
Comcel # avail via email

Just plain poor

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JMCana says on Feb 16, 2007, 04:53:

protect tourism - make an example DG is correct, but I hope for the sake of Colombia and continued tourism that the police do not take care of the situation, but let they guy be an example of going through the justice system and being properly incarcerated. For Colombia to take this opportunity to demonstrate they are tough on crime would be of more benefit than just quickly eliminating the perp. Well, that is if the justice system works correctly. Otherwise best to just let the police handle it.

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bhill says on Feb 16, 2007, 06:14:

They already caught him All of 16 years old. It seems his whole family are criminals...
These guys are winners. They stole a digital camera from these people, and sold the camera with the photos still present... The guy they sold it to turned the camera over to the cops.

The story is in todays El Heraldo.

-Brian

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JMCana says on Feb 16, 2007, 06:31:

no Faith What DG - you do not have faith in the Colombian judicial system? :-)

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southern151 says on Feb 16, 2007, 07:15:

What a shame!... An innocent man lost his life to some f'n kid...For what? Not very damn much! Colombia is a great place and has really come a long way in the last decade. Unfortunately, situations like this make it take two steps back when it has only recently taken a step forward. I have to agree with DG on this one. Hang his ass up in the town center. Let everyone see him for what the useless piece of shit is worth. Many "less developed" countries have these policies in place. I think that it would be a great deterant to a life of crime. Let ALL people see that, "If you rob, mame or murder, We will kill you in return." Eye for an eye.

I am unsure of Colombia's judicial system but I know the one in the US is a friggin' joke! Why should someone that admits to killing someone in cold blood be allowed 3 meals and day and HBO while waiting 25 years to be executed. It is 25 years unless you are in Texas...Then, it is 25 days! LOL That is ONE good thing about Texas. I am still trying to come up with others! LOL

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JMCana says on Feb 16, 2007, 08:39:

Not solution I agree with the outcry and demand for justice and for making an example. However isn't letting a group (paramilitary) become sheriff, judge, jury and executioner cause part of the problems today in Colombia? And on the reverse, isn't it a weak law enforcement and judicial system that helps perpetuate the situation? I would like to see Colombia step up to the plate and take an honest swing at the ball.

Yes, that guy is in jail for 25 years in the USA and getting his meals and HBO, but at least he and his buddies are not running around slaughtering people and then getting 8 years in a country club prison. Though I admit I do not like my tax dollars paying for his prison benefits anymore than you like it.

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cali373 says on Feb 16, 2007, 08:48:

I agree with the "eye for an eye" mentality but not when it comes to circumstancial evidence. I have read many true stories about people convicted of rape and murder who were later released when DNA proved they were not the criminals. I beleive their was a state was it that (Ohio or Idiana) that suspended executions because many of the inmates on death row were turning up innocent. If you kill then be prepared to be killed. I guess executions create some kind of deterrence. But obviously not enough to stop the killing as even in Texas people are still murdered.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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cali373 says on Feb 16, 2007, 08:57:

It is my opinion that Captial Punishment is not an option in Colombia because of the Catholic Church. The Church also keeps Colombia behind with other policies like the no condom rule. It has too much power and the abstinence and no abortion preaching has instead caused an overpopulation in Colombia. Colombia has 44 million where Venezuela and Argentina have half that amount. Although I am glad too se more sex education recently in colombia. I beleive in faith but very skeptical about organized religion. It has a gruesome history.
Sorry for going off topic.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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jay1234 says on Feb 16, 2007, 09:59:

Damn shame... There are so many sad parts to this story. The loss of the victim's life being the first. The bad press for Colombia being another. Not advocating censorship, just sad that a tourist is killed and it makes the international press. There was an article about an Italian woman (tourist) getting stoned to death on vacation in Cape Verde last week on cnn.com. These are awful events, but I have a hunch that a thorough examination of deaths in major EEUU/Western European cities would turn up as many stories of tourist deaths. It is just more sensational when someone from "developed" country dies on vacation in an "exotic" place. Damn shame, it will probably scare off some tourists, a move in the exact wrong direction for tourism industry.
Cali, it was Illinois that placed the moratorium on death penalty. New Jersey has one now, as well. I think the Catholocism has a role in there being no death penalty in Colombia, but international law as a reflection of customary norms also has part of the story. Human rights advocates will point out provisions of the UN Charter and customary norms for the proposition that death penalty is inconsistent with norms and human rights.

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Robert Jorge says on Feb 16, 2007, 10:13:

I know nothing about prison conditions in Colombia, but I will hazard a guess that if that punk makes it to prison, he will wish he were dead. I can't imagine a Colombian prison as being a nice place to spend the rest of your life. And however long that piece of crap's life is, may it be filled with pain.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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mvefwd says on Feb 16, 2007, 10:53:

Crime This is a tragedy, but why is this event thread worthy. Unfortunately, thousands of crimes of this nature occur daily in every country. Why would Colombia be any different? Accentuate the positives of our beloved country.


Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

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JMCana says on Feb 16, 2007, 10:59:

killed tourism That little incident in Florida also hurt tourism.

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poco says on Feb 16, 2007, 11:17:

I'm not surprised I'm suprised to hear in the article that Colombia had a million foreign tourists last year.

I'd bet a majority are BACK PACKERS and BIRD WATCHERS with NO THOUGHTS of women ever entering their minds.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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Azul says on Feb 16, 2007, 11:20:

DonGringo - what are "sicarios"?

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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poco says on Feb 16, 2007, 11:30:

Sicarios are negative and we don't acknowledge NEGATIVE You've got to accentuate the positive,
Eliminate the negative,
Latch on to the affirmative,
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
(depending on where Mister In-between is located).


Also:

You gotta go where you wanna go
Do what you wanna do
With whoever you wanna do it with
In whichever position puts less strain on yo back.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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Lostgringo says on Feb 16, 2007, 12:25:

Sad Day for Colombia First, I feel bad for what happened to this woman. A real tragedy. I agree with all of the comments above. Fast justice is a way of life here. Many pueblos like the one I live in have Vigilantes. Just the other day a 47 year old man was caught steeling. Apparently he had been stealing from a number of apartments. He was found with a bag over his head and bullet in his head. No need for jails or police. Yes I know that is has been proven that some innocents get executed but here in Colombia things work just a little different. One of the things I have found (correct me if I am wrong), is that Colombians HATE thieves.

I am not authority on this as I have only lived in Colombia now for over a year. But wouldn't this piece of work bring allot of trouble on the family too? Wouldn't other Colombians autrisize them? I wonder if they would be run out of town because of the cowardly act of their son?

I would also think that the police and vigilantes would have something to do with running them off. No such thing as a HASSLING or STALKING offense here I would venture to guess. I also agree that it would serve as a deterrent and a clear message to tourists and others that this kind of stuff will not be tolerated. If there is no due process and media coverage, I believe it will have a direct effect on tourism. Sad for tourism in Colombia and sad that this kind of stuff still goes here. If it were not for the effect of having a trial for this degenerate I would agree with DG. String him up from the tallest tree in the park. Then I would run the whole damn family out of town

welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security.

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Boatygringo says on Feb 16, 2007, 12:48:

Cartagena killing The sad part about this incedent is the skum was only aprehended because there was a big reward posted and his friends turned him in, also the moto driver was found hiding out in Barenquilla. Boatygringo

Boatygringo

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 16, 2007, 12:53:

Million tourists I believe that figure is an exageration based on the statistic of a million tourist visas given out every year. However, since a tourist visa is only good for a short period of time, and many people are coming to Colombia multiple times per year and get more than one visa, it's really not fair to say a million tourists per year. Also, many people coming here on business trips come in on a tourist visa.

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michaelz says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:10:

local reaction I am in Cartagena right now, and the locals are really taking this situation hard. They know that it could hurt tourism and they are as anxious as anyone that the justice system burn the perpetrators. Apparently, there were 5 or 6 of more of them, and they are rating each other out. Last night, the local news showed 5 of them in handcuffs, like trophies, surrounded by police.

Of course, the recent corrupt11ion arrests of politicians are getting equal play in the national news. I think that one of the arrestees was the son of Botero, the noted artist.

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juanalejo says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:11:

Foreign Tourits The way the foreign tourists are accounted for is the same way it is accounted in every other country. So regardless of what people came to do, they are still regarded as tourists. Same as in the USA, I always travel on business on my tourist visa and so does everyperson I know. As long as I do not have to sign legal papers I do not need a business visa, same as in Colombia. Any how the million tourists accounted for were only those entering via airports, it does not count day visitors (cruises and border visits).

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jay1234 says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:19:

DG I do remember that case, but that was almost 15 years ago and part of the coverage I think stemmed from the fact that this was part of the first public conciousness of car-jacking. Also, there was an unfortunately high number of murders of Germans in Florida. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE6D71638F932A15755C0A963958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1

Anyway, my point was not that the press only covers bad things outside the US. It was that I believe the coverage does not reflect accurately what the true risk is for travellers. I think there is a tendency to cover the deaths of tourists because it is sensational. And that gives a skewed view of how much risk travellers face. I guess the only way to figure out if my hunch is correct would be to compare mortality rates caused by murder for travellers vs. non-travellers (controlling, of course for socio-economic factors).

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tomtom33 says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:21:

My Cartagena novia knows the kid who did it. He is from her barrio. His parents are both in prison for murders.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:41:

Juanalejo I wasn't casting aspersions, but just wanted to point out that a million entries on tourist visas does NOT = 1 million individual tourists visiting Colombia.

Just as a point of comparison, New York City has something like 40 million tourist visitors per year.

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Man Tequila says on Feb 16, 2007, 21:39:

In Colombia, a tourist might be a surgery patient, a backpacker, someone visiting family, a monger or someone on a cruise... a million tourists a year is 2800 new tourists a day -- not a large number for a fairly big country.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 17, 2007, 07:58:

Tourists have no business visiting Colombia. Punto.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Simon says on Feb 17, 2007, 10:46:

"Tourists have no business visiting Colombia. Punto."

This is coming from the guy who says he "doesn't hate Colombia".

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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vicshere says on Feb 17, 2007, 10:53:

US has no right

to be in Iraq but they are there

then u wonder why fights break out in PBH

usually starts with someone saying something stuipd

listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

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aztec says on Feb 17, 2007, 12:27:

Tourists have no business visiting Colombia. Punto.utopiacowboy Don't y'all know that UT only wants it all for himself!

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oldbongo says on Feb 17, 2007, 12:44:

juanalejo you might be interested to know that any business expense deductions you may attempt to take, while travelling on a tourist visa would be denied on audit. you are expected to travel on a business visa if conducting business.

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Lostgringo says on Feb 17, 2007, 13:01:

Business Visa Oldbongo you may be right but I write it off myself as "Research and Development." For example, if you want to open up a school to teach English you have to do some research first. I think it would be difficult to get a Business Visa for this purpose. So if you could show some business cards where you went for information that should be sufficient. I can only do this for two years (3 max), without showing a profit. After that all the red flags come up. Three years is max for Research and not making a profit in one particular business. In addition, you can apply your loses from the R&R to your regular income. I have been doing this for years and have saved allot of money. Anyway, it works for me and I have not been audited. You just have to use some common sense and not get greedy.

Getting back on topic. Every country in the world has tourists. Some more than others. In my home country we are good to tourists. We try to put our best foot forward..so-to-speak. I have noticed that for the most part Colombians are happy that other people enjoy their country and it's culture, people, music and so on. And they should be because Colombia is a beautiful country despite all the despair and so on. I will say it again, what happened to this woman is tragic. I hope that somehow it does not deter allot of people from visiting this great country.


welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security.

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jay1234 says on Feb 17, 2007, 19:04:

Rubito I agree with everything you said except for the part about prison conditions in Colombia. (Excerpt from US State Dept, http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61721.htm)

"The National Prison Institute (INPEC) runs the country's 139 national prisons and is responsible for inspecting municipal jails... With the exception of new facilities, prison conditions were poor, particularly for prisoners without significant outside support.

Many of INPEC's 8,757 prison guards and administrative staff were poorly trained or corrupt. Overcrowding, insecurity, corruption, and an insufficient budget continued to be serious problems. As of March there were more than 69 thousand prisoners held in spaces designed to accommodate fewer than 50 thousand, an overcrowding rate of nearly 40 percent. In 13 institutions overcrowding exceeded 100 percent, and in Bucaramanga's penitentiary, where more than 2 thousand prisoners lived in a space designed for 664, the rate surpassed 200 percent. INPEC representatives estimated that nine thousand guards would be needed to provide adequate security. The Committee in Solidarity with Political Prisoners (CSPP) noted a decrease in corruption resulting from improved training, increased supervision, and more accountability for prison guards.

Budget problems affected prisons in many ways. At Combita Prison lack of money to pay sanitation fees led to water rationing. During the year INPEC spent approximately $2 (4,990 pesos) per day on each inmate for food. Private sources continued to supplement many prisoners' food. CSPP reported that the doctor to patient ratio was as low as 1 to 1,200 in some institutions and noted that INPEC failed to negotiate a nationwide healthcare contract for all its facilities.

Authorities sometimes failed to prevent deadly violence among inmates. INPEC reported that from January to June, there were 20 violent deaths among inmates related to fighting and riots. In March a fight between inmates at Villahermosa jail in Cali resulted in two deaths. During this period there were 56 escapes, including 44 because of security failures and 1 with the aid of outside assistance.

Inmates typically rioted to force changes in administrative policies. From January to June there were 28 riots at various institutions motivated principally by inmates' attempts to force changes in administrative policies, including acts of civil disobedience and hunger strikes motivated by poor water quality, mistreatment by guards, and changes in medical assistance. For example in April inmates at Modelo Prison in Barranquilla, Magdalena Department staged a protest that evolved into a riot. Prisoners protested the poor quality of food and overcrowding. The prison was built to hold 493 inmates but held 781. The regional human rights ombudsman met with the inmates to discuss their situation. The prosecutor general's office continued to investigate allegations that some prison guards routinely used excessive force and treated inmates brutally.

INPEC officials and CSPP agreed that prison violence was on the decline. Enforcement of a law prohibiting the circulation of cash within prisons improved security and decreased bribery. As a result extortion, theft of inmate property, and prostitution decreased. INPEC attributed some of the decrease in violence to heightened professionalism among prison guards.

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Lisa Zee says on Feb 17, 2007, 19:24:

Stupid is... "STUPID IS WHAT STUPID DOES.

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goin_south says on Feb 17, 2007, 21:34:

old men and old ladies are open game. Better stick that in your hat for smoking at a later date, DonGringo.

Paz y prosperidad para Colombia.

Colombia es

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goin_south says on Feb 17, 2007, 21:35:

faith in the Colombian judicial system? Do they have one? other than the one to change the terms for being president?

Paz y prosperidad para Colombia.

Colombia es

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jay1234 says on Feb 17, 2007, 22:20:

To each his own... But I'd take indigency in US or Canada over incarceration in Colombia...I saw a news segment a few years back on prisons in Canada, and they seemed to be pretty decent compared to the pretty awful conditions in most prisons around the world. Still, I would rather take my chances on the street rather than losing my freedom, having to battle TB, Hep C, violence, and rape in prison.

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nine inch nails says on Feb 17, 2007, 22:24:

IS TEXAS THAT BAD A PLACE? Hello Southern151,

I'm not knocking your post about Texas (may be true these days) but I grew up there and compared to other coastal areas of the U.S. I find the people much friendlier than say South Florida where I live now. Went home to Houston for Xmas like I normally do and was amazed that nearly everyone on the walk path near my parents home said hello or even asked me what time it was. Never happens in West Palm Beach. Some parts of inland "normal" Miami yes, but WPB not.

If you would like to compare notes on Texas I would like to know what is like these days? I've had negative experiences there also but not as much South Florida. Great benefit to Texas, or least use to be before drug skirmishes along border, was proximity to Mexico.

I'm in Nicaragua now (great not so beaten tourism with overall very friendly nice helpful people like Colombia) but some danger from what I saw tonight in the "nice" area. Not a lot of police down here, unlike Colombia.

Cheers!

XTC fan Dave






Dear God, hope you got the letter, and...
I pray you can make it better down here.
I don't mean a big reduction in the price of beer
but all the people that you made in your image,
see them starving on their feet
'cause they don't get enough to eat from God

get down, get down. are you afraid of the boogie monster?

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 17, 2007, 23:02:

Cuidado, Senor. No dice buenas cosas sobre Texas. Hay suficiente gente aqui por ahora. No quiero mas.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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poco says on Feb 17, 2007, 23:53:

I wondered why the U.S. has the No. 1 economy. MOST nations on Earth do not have the death penalty.

Is this why the rest of the world is so screwed up. Really, California has the 5th largest economy in the world.

Do you think the fact that The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world has something to do with having a death penalty ? or is it all those church going folks ?



Maybe Colombia will follow suit ?

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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miamimike says on Feb 18, 2007, 00:02:

US has the NO 1 economy but,,,, Finland is the most productive country on earth,,,

Poco, on Competitiveness, Switzerland is No 1 while Finland is No2 followed by Sweden No3. Finland is also the least corrupt country. When these study groups make these studies, they don't differentiate between a country with 1 million or 100 million,,,


http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/gcp/Global%20Competitiveness%20Report/index.htm

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

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poco says on Feb 18, 2007, 00:35:

Really ? Finland is the most productive ? Lets see, Finland has a population of 5 Million and the U.S. 300 Million. I guess it's possible,, after all they need something to occupy their time during the winter months.

I guess the high productivity rate has translated into higher unemployment ? See what happens when people crank more cell phones than there are people in the world. Finland has tried, there is one cell phone for each man, woman and child in Finland and still a work problem.

Wait,, maybe you mean reproductive ?

PS: I've heard the productivity estimates indicate the U.S. is on track to be TWICE as productive as Europe in 2010. That should make those guys in FRANCE think twice. Air Bus couldn't deliver on the A-380 and that left Boeing as the primary vendor to the Airlines and helped the stock price move 20 points up. See what happens when the plebs spend their nights burning cars. Too tired the next morning to work.

I think Air Bus is proposing an assembly plant in China. Someone needs to work and the Chinese have mastered painting the eyes on dolls destined for Walmart.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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southern151 says on Feb 18, 2007, 05:57:

Amtico... That was more or less a joke about Texas. That's what the "LOL" at the end of the sentence was all about. The traffic sux on the southeast side of Houston(where I'm at) but past that, the REAL Mexican food is hard to beat! I live in Louisiana around Baton Rouge but think that I should have bought my house here since I have spent most of my time here since October of '06.

As for WPB, I tried living in Delray Beach(just south of you) and made it a whole 9 months there. The people are arseholes!!! I would wave at my neighbors and most of them looked at me like I was on drugs or something! That was in 98 or 99 and I have never been back to S. Fl except for the Miami Airport. However, I did really like the beaches there. I am a sucker for the "ocean life." Now, I live near the nasty-ass gulf waters. :(

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jay1234 says on Feb 18, 2007, 09:57:

I probably am missing the sarcasm... Apologize if I am missing the point. But is someone on here suggesting a causal relationship between death penalty and economic vitality? Thank God the people of Malawi, Rawanda, Sudan, and Chad have figured out how to turn around their economies by having the death penalty.

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Man Tequila says on Feb 18, 2007, 11:25:

Sign seen inside a washroom stall:

"Here I am, buns a flexin'
Just gave birth to another Texan"

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 18, 2007, 15:07:

That's hilarious. I've given birth to some damm big Texans.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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poco says on Feb 18, 2007, 16:58:

That explains another Colombian Mystery That's hilarious. I've given birth to some damm big Texans.

I've wondered why Colombians don't flush toilet paper and seem to prefer disposal in a trash container.

It wasn't the paper, it was the turds !!!


Not just turds but turds deposited by foreigners. That explains why Home Center Stores in Pereira started displaying this sign in the stalls !!! I guess they experienced a huge increase of foreign visitors.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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podborski says on Feb 18, 2007, 17:26:

that's so gross, not to mention unhygenic what is behind this fear of clogging drains with tp? I mean the drains are the same size as in NA, and the paper is about 1 tenth as heavy...

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Man Tequila says on Feb 18, 2007, 19:05:

If your toilet drain IS clogged after misuse of tp, then I guess you have every reason to fear it. Maybe it's a question of water pressure. Maybe it's just unethical to flush all them Texans ;)

Anyway, Colombia is the same as most other latin/sudamericano countries, which also do not favour flushing.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 18, 2007, 22:09:

I had one, it was like the creation of a new island in the Pacific with the top sticking out above the water. I called that one Houston.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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poco says on Feb 19, 2007, 02:05:

I've noticed a similar problem I had one, it was like the creation of a new island in the Pacific with the top sticking out above the water. I called that one Houston.

It seems exceptionally wide and large turds don't want to "disappear" when the toilet is flushed. Sometimes the long narrow turds "double up" (thus simulating a wide turd) and they do the same thing.

This problem NEVER happens in the U.S.

Are Colombian toilet bowl entries narrower in Colombia. Are the toilets smaller ? I believe they are smaller but forgot to measure. I don't think water pressure is the problem.

PS: Tampons (otherwise know as sewer rats) aren't a problem because women don't use them. I guess it doesn't make any difference because they wouldn't flush them anyway. This makes me wonder if tampons are popular in the U.S. BECAUSE you can flush them ?

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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vicshere says on Feb 19, 2007, 04:53:

actually
the reason toilets have so many problem with back ups here is the condition of the sewer pipes....when I did the work on my house I replaced the old 4" concrete pipe right to the box in the sidewalk.....the old pipe had a good slope and at the front end (or farthest away from the street) the pipes were all plaqued up in other words they had a build up of a calcium type material that restricted the flow to about 1" or so...further down the line the concrete pipe was actually worn out at the joints and the sewage was escaping into the ground....and I believe that many homes would have the similar problems....but newer homes and condos shouldn't suffer from this problem

listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

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JMCana says on Feb 19, 2007, 05:39:

2 inch My house in Colombia was completely refurbished before I bought it. I have had to re-do almost every single thing the contractor did. The previous contractor made things look one way, but they were really terrible quality. For instance, the floor drains were 3 inches. However the drain to the sewer servicing the whole house is 2 inches. To replace it requires removing all the tile from 5 rooms and knocking through the cement as well as taking out the pipe and replacing it in two walls.

And Oh, there is no clean-out point that I can find.

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southern151 says on Feb 19, 2007, 07:58:

This brings the next question... How far off course can a topic get?! LOL This shit is hilarious! No pun intended...Of course.

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Man Tequila says on Feb 19, 2007, 08:07:

It is off topic. Which is disturbing, but far less so than the fact that UC names his stools. I remember having one about a foot long, which I called "Alamo".

Lots of washrooms in the US have tampon boxes -- I don't think you're supposed to flush those either. Who calls 'em sewer rats? Cleaning out dirty tp must qualify as one of the worst jobs that... my apologies, Mr. Modefoque.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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goin_south says on Feb 19, 2007, 13:10:

Sounds like a whole new other dreaded thread: Tampons (otherwise know as sewer rats) aren't a problem because women don't use them.
Thanks for the GOOD NEWS, RUBITO! I was getting, well....curious.

Paz y prosperidad para Colombia.

Colombia es

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goin_south says on Feb 19, 2007, 13:11:

Sounds like a whole new other dreaded thread: (((Tampons (otherwise know as sewer rats) aren't a problem because women don't use them.)))
Thanks for the GOOD NEWS, RUBITO! I was getting, well....curious.

Paz y prosperidad para Colombia.

Colombia es

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morphus says on Feb 19, 2007, 13:15:

Good girls wear maxi pads and bad girls use tampons. Thats what I was told :)

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poco says on Feb 19, 2007, 13:19:

Memory assist UC names his stools. I remember having one about a foot long, which I called "Alamo".

I can see why you remember the Alamo.

Those little Memory Joggers are helpful.

Sewer rats is the name given tampax sewer clogs by Plumbers who specialize in removing clogs. ie: The roto-rooter guys.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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poco says on Feb 19, 2007, 13:52:

There should be a "talking shit" thread the pipes were all plaqued up in other words they had a build up of a calcium type material that restricted the flow to about 1" or so

A few weeks ago Vicshere identified and elaborated on a photo of Colombian workmen installing standard “cement plaster�. He included a reference to the old style plaster and lathe construction in the U.S. Vicshere sure knows his shit.

The plaque is a symptom but not necessarily the primary cause. This is my neighbors 2� sink drain. He had routed on my property, with permission, about 6 years ago.



The owner mentioned the line was getting “slow�. Most Colombians don’t use more water then necessary to reduce their water bill. Lack of water promotes small particles of food “sticking� in the pipe and starting a buildup.

However, the main problem is the installation. Amazing but this incorrect installation practice is a Colombian standard.

PS: Sewer rats is the name used by plumbers specializing in removing sewer clogs. Ie: Roto-Rooter guys. Ask what’s wrong and they are likely to say “Sewer Rats�. I’m sure this has become politically incorrect terminology and is no longer in common usage.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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vicshere says on Feb 19, 2007, 14:09:

poco yes I do know my construction shit after 40 years...coming from the ranks of a carpenter to a construction manager I better know my shit...... if anyone has any construction questions I would be happy to help

listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

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aztec says on Feb 19, 2007, 14:14:

February 19 of 2007 February 19 of 2007
Puerto Rican tourist found dead in his hotel room in Cartagena

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poco says on Feb 19, 2007, 15:38:

If you know your shit then what is you opinion of this yes I do know my construction shit after 40 years

I noticed JMCANA had a problem with contractors. My experience was working for major industrial contractors. Before I decided to “chuck it� I worked in Trinidad where even the simplest installations could become a big problem if the documents lacked DETAILED, step by step instructions. Gezzz, I think this is what made me want to quit.

I’ve come to the conclusion that YOU need to be the GENERAL. YOU buy ALL the material. YOU do the design, YOU supervise the construction (every minute of every day) and most importantly watch your material. If you don’t then it is guaranteed a lot of items will “disappear� or NOT be used for YOUR project.

Most are employed doing another business and don’t have the knowledge to be a contractor. I’d suggest those people hire an architect to develop the plans and specifications and WATCH the work to see if it conforms. Architects are inexpensive and lately I’m seen CAD (computer generated) drawings for small residential construction.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

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goin_south says on Feb 19, 2007, 16:42:

poco U R full of it.
& U keep us guessing what the hell it is.

Paz y prosperidad para Colombia.

Colombia es

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goin_south says on Feb 19, 2007, 16:43:

I would guess the sewer cleaning business is alive and 'well'? in Colombia.

Paz y prosperidad para Colombia.

Colombia es

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utopiacowboy says on Feb 19, 2007, 19:41:

I not only named it, I wanted to raise it to be a big shit and then send it to school so that all the other students would know shit.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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goin_south says on Feb 19, 2007, 21:20:

southeast side of Houston??? Southern151 pretty close to Cuba, isn't it?
You need to take a walk on the SouthWest Side.
Ask Mario, where to go.
There's one or two places, I think, where you might even find a colombiana or 3, or....MAS!

Paz y prosperidad para Colombia.

Colombia es

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southern151 says on Feb 20, 2007, 05:47:

... I would love to get out in other parts of the Houston area but, unfortunately, I am stuck on a night shift working 7pm to 7am, 7 days a week. It friggin sucks! I was actually supposed to go home yesterday. Damn, I can imagine being passed out in my bed now, waiting to wake up with my first horrible hangover in God knows when! Back to my reality, I got sent to a different damn plant(refinery). Is only supposed to be a week but I've heard that shit before! Rest assured, as much as I am sure that SW Houston is a fine place to see, when I am released from this job, I am haulin ass to my bed(and staying there for at least 2 days[after a good drunk, of course]!)
Before I went to Colombia last month, it was chaos! Since the day that I returned, even more chaos! Ready to take a break.

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