David in Idaho has left 272 comments

David in Idaho comments on Beating the Odds

Brilliant elreydelostontos Very helpful advice. Now, if only we could apply it to you.

David in Idaho comments on Beauty and the Buffoons

I don't get it either. Maybe it wasn't supposed to be funny?

David in Idaho comments on

Wank Mai Dong is one of the more popular arts among PBHers, along with the Wild Bull style of Wei Dum Chit. But I agree, probably a combination of styles is the most effective approach.

David in Idaho comments on Beating the Odds

SA is very safe but I haven't been to Cali or Buga - however, I'm sure you'll soon be bombarded by posters who will scoff at you for even questioning the security levels these days. I can tell you, as far as the parts of Colombia I know (Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bogotá, San Andrés and Providencia), they were all much safer than the average gringo assumes beforehand. Our press and our government give us a negative image of a spactacular place. Congrats on taking the plunge; I'm sure it'll be worthwhile, regardless of the outcome. ¡Buena Suerte con la chica!

David in Idaho comments on Dollar Takes a Beating Today....

What effect, if any, do you think this will have on airfares to Colombia? It's time to start shopping for my next ticket.

David in Idaho comments on

I think Deadwood ran for three seasons I guess you don't have Netflix in Argentina. Bummer.

David in Idaho comments on

Miguel, I've seen that before and it is truly amazing. So then, spelling is not what makes PW's posts hard to understand. That means it must be the unexpected shifts in direction, the bulky sentences, and the obscure references to nontopical subjects. I'm betting oldbongo has no problem following him, if he is paying attention AND reading this thread in an "enhanced state."

As for TV shows - you guys need to watch less TV and get out more! But yeah, Deadwood was awesome. I especially like the part when Wild Bill told his future assassin that his droopy eye looked like the hood of a C---. Hilarious. Bummer they stopped the series.

David in Idaho comments on

I just hate it when like this morning for example when I was geting reddy for work and when I wallked out front I stepped right in a fresh turd ... I think the neihbers or some stray dog left that in my yard anyway it wasn't there last night bc I didn't see it then but I would have. Anyway it really pissed me off and ruined my whole day. My wife freaked out when she found out I drove are car and got dogshit alover the gas peddle adn stuff. Anyway, I'm wondering if this is tipicly an American problem or maybe some of you guys who live in Colombia could tell me if Dogs doo this in Colombia too? Sometday I'm going to go there I want to know if I need to bring spare shoes or watch where I step. Please, if you don't have a serius reply or just want to say somehting stupid just don't, real replies only.

BTW now my wife won't have sex with me on account of shes really mad and allso because she says I don't smell very sexy.

David in Idaho comments on Yesterday on NPR: visa prices going to triple!

Thanks lpdiver There it is, effective July 30th. Anyone preparing to file should hurry up and mail 'em in!

David in Idaho comments on

Good imitations Kalder and MT and now I'd like to try my hand making sure to include some run-ons and curious deviations from normul grammer also I'll be sure to confuse words like you're posts show me your not paying attention to the real issue which is does colombia sssuffr from antisocial behavior. By this I mean is colombia like PBH where people I mean like people from wherever totally dis on people which is a slang term that means to treat people with no respect jst becaues for no reason. But of course in this case it isn't without reason because we're all friends here and teazinng each other is all in the name ov good fun right?

David in Idaho comments on Questions about gettng married in San Andres

¡Gemelitos! Wow - I can't wait to tell Ruby. That is awesome news. Congratulations to you both as well. Are these your first kids? Do you know the gender?

David in Idaho comments on North Curramba

My wife lives in Soledad near Avenida de los Torres. I'll be spending five weeks there this summer, welcoming our new Curramberita into the world.

Any chance for a hook-up in August or September? Tour your stabbin cabin? Take a ride in your new taxi?

David in Idaho comments on Questions about gettng married in San Andres

Hola Jannethe ... te tengo noticias Guess what Jannethe ... Do you remember me? We met here on PBH, and then my wife Ruby and I honeymooned in your hotel for 10 days in December. Well, I thought you might like to know that in three months we are having a baby girl! She was conceived in your hotel! It is all your fault - I blame it on the champagne, flowers, and excellent service. Anyway, thanks for everything!

David in Idaho comments on Visiting Americans; Usually Leave Too Much Of a Tip So Stop It!

And yet you wonder why I said you were like a snake!

Cayita, you lash out at people, unprovoked, and when they reply in kind, you freak out like people are being mean and unfair. If indeed you are not retarded (jury still out on that one) then you should be able to grasp the basic human truth that you get what you give. It works with respect, but it also works with antagonism. You choose what you'd like to receive, and then try giving it first.

This has been an unpaid announcement by PBHers for a so-called "Friendly Talkzone."

David in Idaho comments on North Curramba

It is nice to have you back Elmo ... My white ass will be in Curramba later this summer, but I'll be laying low in my wife's estrata two neighborhood, trying hard and failing miserably to fit in. I doubt I'll mingle uptown - sounds too much like the US!

David in Idaho comments on did i miss something?

strange OK I admit, my curiosity got the better of me and I checked it out too. The site is FULL of crazy crap, and a tiny bit of actual content. All the porn links, etc, are 404 errors (yes, I tried!) so it looks like Peter's site was taken over by Indian porn mongers. Thank God the Colombia site is still safe for children. Well, at least since Elmo stopped posting!

David in Idaho comments on Gringo Iva...you like?

It's true ... Tits only grow on wild sows.

David in Idaho comments on Yesterday on NPR: visa prices going to triple!

Robert Jorge, you talk like it has already happened but according to the USCIS website and VisaJourney, the price for a visa hasn't changed. For example, to file an I-130 it still costs $190. All I heard on the radio was that the prices were going to triple, but the brief news report didn't say when the change would occur.

As for the AOS, I'd like to clear up a confusion of mine. I see the Affidavit of Support (AOS) which is free to file, and the Adjustment of Status (AOS) which costs $140. How could they charge you so much when their website states otherwise? Which AOS were you referring to? I guess you mean the latter, but it's kind of confusing.

Beaurocracy sucks.

David in Idaho comments on Gringo Iva...you like?

Actually livefree, I've learned a lot on this site from some helpful, experienced gringos and the few gracious posters like Cayita who share authentic Colombian perspectives.

David in Idaho comments on Gringo Iva...you like?

I also agree with Cayita about the tipping. 100% Desi, did you ever see a post of mine where I said her post about tipping was wrong? Actually, I haven't yet expressed an opinion on that, so here it is: I agree totally.

What I disagree with is her defensiveness and self-proclaimed innocense in regards to the escalation of insulting posts. She is like a snake that strikes and then pretends to be a mouse after the fact.

David in Idaho comments on Gringo Iva...you like?

My nationality is US and I must point out, respectfully, that in my humble opinion, you are the one who usually escalates a civil disagreement into a battle of insults, which takes all the fun out of any discussion. It is ironic that you find this behavior annoying in other posters.

David in Idaho comments on Yesterday on NPR: visa prices going to triple!

Sorry for the ambiguity ... This refers to visas for entering the USA from any country, and US citizenship.

David in Idaho comments on Visiting Americans; Usually Leave Too Much Of a Tip So Stop It!

Reminds me of a tasteless joke: Q: What did the leper say to the hooker?

A: Keep the tip!

David in Idaho comments on Beauty and the Buffoons

History lesson Morphus For what it's worth, Mexico had been an independent country for 35 years in 1845. Which history book were you reading?

David in Idaho comments on Visiting Americans; Usually Leave Too Much Of a Tip So Stop It!

Get used to it Waterdawg The particular poster in question would prefer a site where everyone agrees with her. It doesn't sound very interesting to me, but speaking from experience, she will resort to personal attacks (like the above) as soon as she perceives that someone might feel differently about the world we live in. She'll also bombard you with crazy assumptions about who she thinks you are. But you've been here long enough to know that you have to blow off such childishness. To participate on this site a thick skin is essential, at least until Peter intalls an "ignore" button.

David in Idaho comments on Beauty and the Buffoons

I can't believe that part about chanting "Osama" and throwing bags of urine on our soccer players. Can't the Mexicans separate between the US people, like Miss USA (Smith) and our soccer team, and the government responsable for their actual complaints? Disgusting narrow mindedness! I've only seen such cultural blindness here in the US.

But what does this have to do with Colombia?

David in Idaho comments on The Colombian Coat of Arms

It worked for me And I also agree: the Panama part might need to be changed!

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

Life, like anything else has exactly as much value as we assign it. I was merely interested in your opinions on this philosophical issue. Don't refer me to some essay I'll never read. Don't tell me you "don't have time" when the volume of your posting clearly shows that you do. Can you say in a concise manner why you find human life so worthless? I happen to find human life to be extremely valuable. In fact, all the things I hold most valuable (love, family, ...) would not be possible without it. That is simple. Futhermore, we are all hardwired with serious survival instincts to make sure we protect our lives, in case we become misguided and start believing that indeed, it is worthless. Tell your stomach that after fasting for a couple weeks. Tell your lungs once you've been underwater for a couple minutes. Rubito, life is the most precious thing you'll ever have.

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

OK Rubito and Livefree, You've stated your position, now defend it: Why is a dead hero better than a live coward? Why, exactly?

Can cowards still live a satisfying life, one with love, happiness, success, etc? If the life of a coward, for some reason, is so terrible that it is better to not live at all, please tell me what that reason is.

Mind you, this is purely academic. On one hand, I totally agree with you that action should be taken if and when it is possible, and my sense of justice gets very aroused at the thought of some dickhead criminal getting bested by his would-be victim. Yet at the same time, the "life for a cellphone" trade still seems like an unnecessary waste of life.

In any case, if I'm ever getting mugged, I hope Rubito and Livefree happen to be bystanders!

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

Differences in values This makes me think of the debates I had in high school. The specific event I competed in is called Lincoln-Douglas Debate, (modeled after the famous debates between Abe Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858) whereby opposing teams defend their position based on their chosen hierarchy of values. In other words, a debater like Rubito would claim that Honor is more important than Life, taken as abstract values. Someone like Cayita would counter that Life is more important than Honor, and each team would give their reasons and rebuttals. Of course, as a competition event, everyone maintained a courteous tone and personal attacks just never occurred. (You would be considered very immature and uncouth, and henceforth lose all respect, if only from the nerds on the speech team.)

The Honor is more important than Life position makes me think of Samurais. Rubito, promise me you won't commit hare kare (sp?) with a kitchen knife if for any reason you ever lose your honor. And by the way, even if you don't think it is admirable to stand up to thieves, I still think you're cool, even if possibly foolhardy sometimes.

What about some other values that are more important than life? Was it Patrick Henry that said "Give me liberty or give me death?" How many Americans share that view now? For that matter, if Pat had been captured, enslaved, and in all other ways deprived of his liberty, do you think he would've taken his own life? Or maybe, just maybe, he was pontificating like a PBHer!

David in Idaho comments on How do you feel about her age

CA, though I may not always agree with everything you say, I really do enjoy your writing style. Of course it would be boring and pointless if everyone always agreed on everything. So for what it's worth, I'm glad you're here.

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

or a gender issue Since it isn't. I think Cayita's frequent attempts to make this a gender issue tells us something about her.

En fin, I've had more productive discussions with my dog. On one hand we have people like Rubito and Podborski, with interesting viewpoints and experiences, and on the other, Cayita, who sees every post as an opportunity to fight. The irony here is that her supposed viewpoint is that people shouldn't fight. Am I the only one who sees this as hilarious?

Cayita, I cannot discuss this with you if you won't stick to the topic. It is a shame, because for a while there I actually thought you were going to provide some authentic insight into the workings of the Colombian mind. But no. Mere rantings and name-calling and general BS. That is NOT what this site is for, although many have tried to make it so. Join the club!

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

Putting words in your mouth? "We don't support the criminal and I never even hinted at that."

Sorry if I misunderstood you, but I thought you said several times that the bystanders would be against the "rich" gringo and in favor of the "poor" Colombian criminal. Did I misunderstand, or isn't this what you keep claiming? And if so, isn't this "supporting" the criminal?

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

Keep the false assumptions coming my dear Actually I speak fluent Spanish and teach it for a living. This is a good thing, since my Colombian wife doesn't (yet) speak English. Why do you consistently weaken your argument by resorting to false assumptions? Remember, as I said earlier, I agree with you! But I'm curious about your attitudes concerning this issue of bystanders.

Putting words in your mouth? Sorry if you got that impression. What I'm really trying to do is better understand the words that are coming out of your keyboard. It does seem that you condone the fact that Colombian bystanders will defend Colombian crooks. But if you read my post, you'll see that I'm really just asking you for clarification. A simple yes or no would suffice. But ranting and insulting are just getting us farther off track.

And what's up with all the personal attack BS? Are you really that unable to have a discussion about an issue without getting personal? Jeez! Enough already. And if you're going to attack my ability to read, maybe you should work on your spelling. It is rather "rediculous," but not bad for a non-native speaker.

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

Good one Cayita You've been with, how did you put it? Ah yes, "men far better" than us. But since you don't know us and never will, this statement only highlights the ridiculousness of your point of view.

Of course, as my own post above indicates, I totally agree with you that more often than not, it does make sense to let the crook have his way. A cell phone for a life is a terrible trade and one I'd never make. What bothers me, however, is your assertion that Colombians will stick up for Colombians, regardless of the issue. In other words, you claim that bystanders will support the criminal and comdemn the victim, if they happen to be Colombian and Foreign, respectively. If this is truly how you picture your own society, my question is this: Do you think that is right? Are you defending this attitude, as your post implies? Or just explaining how it is, so we will act accordingly while in Colombia? Please clarify.

Contrary to your claims, most of us (including myself) have been to Colombia many times, as well as other Latin American countries. You might try treating us like the experienced and worldly travelers we are, and not some clueless idiots in need of your gracious condescension. Again, let's address the issue and not each other, if you're able. If not, try logging off and doing something else.

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

I appreciate your concern Cayita Even though it does not sound at all genuine. And for the record, you have no idea what kind of man I am. Yes, Idaho is an extremely safe place. I've also lived in Philadelphia, which makes Colombia feel like Disneyland by comparison, as far as safety goes. And yes, I have followed your so-called advice and given in to crooks when I knew they had me out-numbered and out-gunned. My sense of self-preservation is stronger than my sense of justice. I'm not a bad ass and in fact, have no experience at all in physical combat. Nonetheless, I take off my hat in full respect for the people who can and do stand up to such criminals. As other posters have pointed out, this is honorable and courageous and worthy of our praise. If, as you claim, the average Colombian bystander would actually side with the criminal, I'd like to know more about why you have this opinion. It goes against all common sense. Why would Colombians feel this way? Rather than attack me personally, let's keep this thread on track and actually answer the questions honestly and respectfully. I know you must be capable of honor and respect, so now is your chance to prove it.

David in Idaho comments on thief picks wrong victim

I hope you're right Cayita and you deserve to be his next target.

Rubito, you summed it up perfectly. I hope that agreeing with you does't make me a macho tough guy asshole. I just like to see justice be done. What Cayita describes as the normal situation sounds like a gross perversion of justice that actually favors the criminal. What BS. And even if it were true, and this were the case, that doesn't mean it should be. Cayita, are you saying this is how it ought to be? Defending the status quo? Trying to show off that you are more street savvy than the rest of us? Or what?

David in Idaho comments on I have a question for forign men who visit this site

podborski, you summed it up That is exactly the way I see it too. Thanks for taking the bait and spelling it out so well. If anyone wants to attack you, I'll back you up!

David in Idaho comments on I have a question for forign men who visit this site

I sat here trying to formulate a good reply and then flatworld's appeared, and I realized it was no longer necesary. Well put Flatworld!

I'm one of the lucky ones that went looking for love and actually found it. Yes, she is slightly younger than I am but this difference doesn't seem to be much of an issue. I'm 36 and she is 28. The "same look factor?" That's a good one Susy. Like any man who is in love, I honestly believe that my wife is the most beautiful woman in the world. Why she settled for a balding guy with a (little) beer gut is one of life's greatest mysteries. Yet, she thinks I'm very handsome, as do all of her sisters and girlfriends. Go figure.

David in Idaho comments on Let's have a PBH beauty contest!!

Thanks Lochdhu ... I'll give it a try In the meantime, I suppose I could give you permission to scandalize my wedding pictures, since you're my friend and all. But let's leave Ruby out of it, if you don't mind.

David in Idaho comments on Let's have a PBH beauty contest!!

I guess I'm technologically challenged. I copied a picture, the the paste option isn't working. Any sophisticated people have a tip?

David in Idaho comments on Let's have a PBH beauty contest!!

OK Lochdhu, I understand ... work before play. That's my tune these days too. Lately I've been a passive reader of PBH, since most of the content lately has been whining of one sort or another.

I look forward to seeing what you do to MT. Meanwhile, I'm searching for a good picture of me you can mangle.

David in Idaho comments on Let's have a PBH beauty contest!!

Hey Lochdhu, speaking of photos ... I just checked your site. When will you be telling all the PBHers that your fine looking models are available for public enjoyment? Don't be greedy and keep all ten thousand pictures to yourself!

David in Idaho comments on

Right On! Great post MT. I agree strongly with every word.

Sir T, I'd like to know how "to entitle" is an adjective. Maybe you're looking for "entitled," since the participle of this verb could be used as an adjective. Sorry, I guess I'm anal about grammar. But I'd hate for the non-native English speaking members to get confused. Just so you know, anything that you can put a "to" in front of is a verb.

David in Idaho comments on Difference between Trigueña and Morena

medefockinllín ... I was just saving the best for last.

David in Idaho comments on Difference between Trigueña and Morena

El arcoiris de tez After all the above posts, I think the following list from white to black is pretty accurate:

Blanco (güero)
Trigueño
Moreno
Mulato
Negro

The middle three are forms of mestizo (mixed). Desi points out that in Colombia "moreno" may be the same as negro, but in most of the Spanish speaking world, this is not the case. Canela (cinnamon) is not really a label per se, but is a poetically descriptive term applied to trigueñas and possibly morenas. Rubio (blonde) is also used for blancos, although it literally refers to just the hair color.

David in Idaho comments on Difference between Trigueña and Morena

Sad but true I have noticed that most of the places I have traveled in still suffer from the stigma that darkness and poverty have some correlation. It is interesting that here in the States, being too white is such a problem that we actually have fake-n-bake salons where people can artificially darken their skin. Most people in the world never pay money to get darker, but might pay (a la Michael Jackson) to somehow get lighter. ¡Tonterías! This would also cause people to label themselves as one shade lighter than others might perceive: morenas calling themselves trigueñas, trigueñas calling themselves blancas. I guess güero is a Mexican slang term, but my Colombian wife (a beautiful morena) does know the term. Interesting that mono/mona means whitey in Colombia. I didn't know that; In Ecuador the term mono/a means costeño/a, as opposed to the serranos (from the mountains), but neither term relates to complexion.

David in Idaho comments on Difference between Trigueña and Morena

Salma would be trigueña in my opinion. And yes, trigueña is lighter than morena, although the difference is subjective and open to personal interpretation. A lot of people do consider trigueñas to be blanca, and they do have a point, since the skin tone is basically white. But for a truly light complexioned person, possibly with light colored hair, we have the word güera.

David in Idaho comments on Difference between Trigueña and Morena

Trigueña comes from the word "trigo" which means wheat. In other words, wheat-colored, a very light tan. Most people I see who are described as trigueña have basically white skin but dark hair (like Penelope Cruz?) while morena is the classic mestiza look, with truly tan skin and dark features. Trigueñas show more European roots while morenas show more indigenous roots, but both are clearly a mix of the two bloodlines. An even darker complexion would be called mulata, showing some African roots. But your post says you're asking for a Colombian's take on this, so you can just disregard my post; I'm merely a gringo who loves words and latinas.

David in Idaho comments on Colombianas I need your Help

Why don't you answer the questions? Consortech99 - various posters are giving you great advice (others not so great) and I think you should respectfully answer the questions they put to you. For instance, you've been asked a couple of times whether you've met in person. I'm assuming the answer is no. But your situation would be simplified greatly by a trip to Colombia.

I too met a woman online. We corresponded for six months. By then I was sure I'd found someone special, but could NEVER be sure without actually meeting. So I went to Colombia to see if she was the person I was hoping and almost believing she was. And to my eternal wonderment and gratitude, she turned out to be even more amazing, and 100% real. Now we're married and expecting a baby in three months! (Yes, be careful!)

The internet is a great way to make contact with people, but sooner or later, to be a real relationship, you do have to actually meet each other. For real. Good luck and have fun. Dating is supposed to be fun, not stressful.

PS, I'm asking you again: What is your first language, since it clearly isn't English.