elk has left 267 comments

elk comments on Is a WILL written outside of Colombia legal?

I think any foreign will is useless for assets held in Colombia. I suggest reading some of Estebans early posts relating to wills. Only Colombian law applies to assets held in Colombia. That is the reason for the above post. In Colombian you don't have the right to leave your property/assets to anyone you choose.

elk comments on Driver's license

I bought my license from a local doctor for 220,000 COP. No tests. I provided a copy of my cedula and photos. I would be careful about offerings bribes to officials. There was a recent article stating the penalty could be up to a year in the local carcel. Paper work: I purchased my moto last August from Suzuki in El Poblado. They handled all the documents including Soat, and the trip to Transito. I paid for the bike one day and picked it up the following morning.

elk comments on Can I retire at my age with my savings

Hans: Aves Maria or Grupo Monarca. A construction group here in southern Medellin. Envigado also has nice apartments. Southern Medellin doesn't appeal to everyone, but if your looking for safety and less traffic it offers both. http://www.grupo-monarca.com/monarca/

elk comments on Can I retire at my age with my savings

I spend $953.00 USD per month to live in southern Medellin. (1,696,000 COP at the current exchange rate) I have a nice apartment overlooking Medellin including weekly maid service. I could spend more, but why? Learn to shop like the locals is my advice.

elk comments on Can I retire at my age with my savings

4) if you want to get into a good property to rent, the prices are about USD 7K for Sqr mt, then, with the money you have, you could get a 35sq mts apartment in a good area. Jack: You state the cost is $7,000 USD per m2 or 12,390,000 COP per M2. I purchased my apartment for 1,400,000 COP per m2 in October 2006. It now goes for 1,850,000 COP. Take a look at the Aves Maria site and related prices. (Estra. #4) I will be happy to sell my home for 12,000,000 COP M/2

elk comments on GOOD SERVICES

I can also recommend Angel. He has been very helpful! Angel, good luck.

elk comments on FARC to train Venezuela's military

Gen. Carvajal, another Venezuelan general is described as offering the port of Maracaibo to facilitate arms shipments to the guerrillas. The general suggests piggybacking on shipments from Russia -- from which Venezuela itself is buying everything from Kalashnikovs to jet fighters -- to "include some containers destined to the FARC" with various arms for the guerrillas' own use. A spokesman at the Russian embassy in Washington declined to comment.

elk comments on FARC to train Venezuela's military

This will effect the U.S. economy with the loss of Mr. Hugo's oil to the U.S.

elk comments on Colombian Exports soared 48.8%

This even with the strong Peso!

elk comments on is it possible to open a bank account without being a resident?

Robi666 says: Money will be stolen by the bank. I would like to hear more about banks robbing your money. I have two bank accounts in Colombia, Davivienda and Bancolombia and would like to hear of personal experiences regarding the loss of funds. What if any protection do we have with our personal accounts in Colombia. I know Bancolombia is on the New York stock exchange with many foreign share holders and should have better controls and security than others...??? I know our funds are not FDIC insured, but how can a bank simply take your funds.

elk comments on Banks and bank accounts

If you think the Colombian banking systems has problems then try Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Panama. We are not living in the U.S. where banking rules are written and followed. This is also the first time I've paid a bank to hold my money in a savings account. Davivienda is the worst with fees for accessing your account online. They even debit your account if a bank employee accesses your account via the web to address a question for you. I have accounts with both Bancolombia and Davivienda and find Bancolombia to be the best. I opened both with a temporary cedula when I had only two months in country. I also had an account with BBVA, but due to my size was unable to get through the security door without help from management. I finally closed the account! The security door will accept only one person at a time...and I repeatedly heard the automated message and alarm..."Only one person please". All bank customers and employees would turn to look every time I entered the bank. The process was repeated again as I left the bank. I have the same problem using the "Green Metro Buses" I don't have to crawl onto the bus, but it might be easier due to the low ceilings. I still like Colombia and enjoy living here, but one needs to adjust to the culture and the Colombia business style....

elk comments on 1.00 USD = 1,792.11 COP

Your correct Ctg Bound, my internet broadband connection is a deal. I understand they will be selling the same service to others not living in my particular Torre. (At least that is the plan) I agree the exchange rate may never reach the 1,000 COP mark which means I'm not likely to leave Medellin. (sorry)

elk comments on Poll; Majority Of Venezuelans Say Chavez Was Key To Easing Crisis in Colombia

Who was the first to move troops to the border? Uribe ignored him like a parent would do with a screaming child.....Chavez will have a lot of explaining to do in the near future relating to the information extracted from the FARC computers.

elk comments on 1.00 USD = 1,792.11 COP

We may be looking back at the 1,800 COP to the dollar exchange rate as the "good old days". I will start looking for another place to live when and if it reaches 1,000 COP to the dollar. The current exchange rate of 1,800 still provides a better standard of living compared to Costa Rica or Boquete, Panama. Medellin: (at the current exchange rate of 1,800 COP) Nice three bedroom apartment $511 USD Breakfast this morning $2.75 (eggs, beans and rice with arepa..including coffee) Broadband internet $15.00 (with a download speed of 4,500 to 5,500 Kbps with private company) Utilities per month $55.00 USD Telephone and cable television with premium channels $52.00 Administration fee of $65.00 I admit prices were even better at 2,600 COP when I arrived, but Medellin is still a bargain.

elk comments on Medellin Auto Rentals

I paid 150,000 COP per day for taxi and driver here in Medellin.

elk comments on Subject: Real Virus

'POSTCARD' Virus Hoax Netlore Archive: Hoax email alert warns of 'the worst virus ever' circulating in the form of an attachment labeled 'POSTCARD' Description: Email hoax Circulating since: Feb. 2008 (this version) Status: False IMPORTANT NOTE: Some versions of this hoax claim the information was "verified" on Snopes.com. This is NOT true. There is verification on Snopes.com of a different e-card virus threat with a similar name. Email example contributed by Jenifer B., Feb. 9, 2008: PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS! You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled "POSTCARD," regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer. This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. If you receive a mail called" POSTCARD," even though sent to you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately. This is the worst virus announced by CNN. It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Drive. Comments: With so many real viruses afoot these days bearing names almost identical to the nonexistent threats warned of in hoax messages, it is crucial to be able to distinguish between the real threats and the bogus ones. Keep the following points in mind: 1. There are real viruses, trojans, and other forms of malware currently being distributed by means of spoofed (phony) e-card notices. This means all users must be very careful when dealing with e-card notices, no matter what the apparent source. Before clicking on any links or attachments, check to see if you can verify that the notice came from a legitimate source -- it's not always easy. If you can't verify, don't click. DON'T click on links or attachments in e-card notices that arrive anonymously, or from senders whose names you don't recognize. DON'T click on attachments or links that seem suspicious in any other way. 2. In general, forwarded warnings such as the 'POSTCARD' alert above cannot be trusted to provide accurate information. READ CAREFULLY! Don't confuse hoaxes with the real thing. Bogus virus warnings often contain links to websites which, at first glance, may seem to confirm the authenticity of the message, but which in fact discuss a completely different matter. This is a case in point. Despite the fact that there are real e-card viruses, the "POSTCARD" warning above is, in fact, a hoax. It is simply the newest of many variants of a hoax message circulating for the past several years (compare the texts and you'll see what I mean). Don't depend on this type of warning for protection, and avoid forwarding such messages to others unless you can confirm with some certainty that the threat they describe is real. 3. Protecting yourself from real virus and trojan threats entails a few simple but critical measures. Follow them religiously: 1. Always be very careful concerning which attachments you open and which files you download. If you can't be reasonably sure they are safe, don't open or download them. 2. Maintain up-to-date antivirus software on your computer, configure it to detect trojan horses and other malware automatically, and scan for viruses and other threats regularly. 3. Always be careful concerning which links you click on, especially in messages from anonymous or unfamiliar sources. Clicking on these links can instantly download malicious software onto your computer. Again, if you can't be reasonably sure a link is safe, don't click on it. See also: "Olympic Torch" Virus Warning, another version of this hoax.

elk comments on Visa needed to buy property in Colombia?

I have a Panama Pensionado Visa...good for life. It cost me $640.00 USD for the attorney and all fees. Yes, some attorneys in Panama will charge more if your not informed. It's best to educate yourself on current laws and fees before agreeing to a price.

elk comments on When and why fill form 11

If you filed form 4 and failed to file form 11 within 90 days then a penalty of 200% of the property value is due. Viewpoint wrote a long and informative article on this subject. When purchasing property in Colombia form 5 is normally used by Colombians and many foreigners. True, you must pay a very high tax if you later sell the property and return the proceeds to your home country. You have two options: 1) Purchase using form #5. 2) Purchase using form #4 followed by form #11 within 90 days.

elk comments on Latest Colombian crisis news

Chriscan: I agree with you 100% when you say....************* my words often come from my ass

elk comments on More property questions

This was written by Esteban, Lawyer Co, and relates to the Colombian will process. Buggy: Shop around for a good price, it's something like purchasing a car in the U.S. You can pay the retail price or go for the discount etc. http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/if-i-am-foreign-person-with-three-children-but-one-of-them-is-my-favorite-can-i-leave-him-all-my-colombian-assets/

elk comments on More property questions

Colombialawyer who posts here on PBH has written several articles on the subject of family rights and his specialty is family law. Gator is correct, consult a good attorney and a Contador Público. Wills and family rights here in Colombia are different than in the U.S. or Panama. It can get very complicated. The attorney will draft the legal documents, but the notary, also an attorney will make the final decision as to the legality of the documents. I've been doing a lot of research on drafting a will as a single person. When children and a wife are involved the process gets very complicated. Shop around for a good attorney and price. According to the local notary, the standard rate for the attorney service is 10 to 15% of your total assets. They will however negotiate the price.

elk comments on cheaper by the dozen?

I found in Colombia most people think 2 pounds equals one Kilo. (not 2.2 pounds to the kilo) In Exito 500 grams is one pound. I spoke to several Colombian professionals including a school teacher. They all stated that 2 pounds is one kilo...period. Perhaps I'm missing something?

elk comments on quick question on importing used cars....

Douglas: I don't think you can import a used vehicle into Colombia unless the law has changed. It would make for a very profitable business ...if true.

elk comments on DAS email?

Gator: Things do change. In Medellin on the second application for cedula they would not accept photos with a white background. They required a blue background. Step #1: Go to DAS and pickup the list you need. Step #2: They will give you an appointment. (this is a recent change) Step #3: Return with the above items on the date of your appointment. You will receive your temporary cedula. Step #4: Return in about one month for your second cedula which will be embossed in plastic. It's still only good for one year. They now have an English speaking employee who was very helpful during my last visit. She seems to have some authority over the office. FAT fanny was no longer working in the office.

elk comments on Medellin: The Next Panama?

Compare the price of a home in Boquete, Panama vs Medellin..and Medellin will win hands down! I can't speak for Panama City, but I do know the Boquete prices of homes, apartments etc.

elk comments on

Mike19: I live in Medellin and agree with Raay concerning the safety issue. I feel very safe here in Colombia, but as Raay stated, the drivers will be your primary concern. I worry more about crossing the street rather than being kidnapped by the FARC. I like the Colombians, but place them in control of a moto or car and things change very quickly.....

elk comments on

Strobers: Good post. I personally find Colombians welcome most Gringo's...but there are a few exceptions and this depends mostly on your attitude towards the Colombian people and their culture. I live in Colombia and almost all my friends are Colombian and they treat me with respect. Like most places Colombia isn't perfect, but for the most part I have met few Colombians I didn't like. The bottom line: Treat people the way you want to be treated. Give respect and you will receive respect.

elk comments on Chávez calls Uribe "coward" and "pawn of the empire"

His eating coca paste every morning is nothing! Take a look at his mouth wash! http://www.biertijd.com/mediaplayer/fullscreen.html

elk comments on What are doing moderators ?

Cass states: "Now you know why journalists cannot operate freely when the US army is involved." Cass: Are you attacking the U.S. Military...which saved your A?? during WWll?

elk comments on Chavez says U.S., Colombia plotting to kill him

This article appeared today in the El Colombiano here in Medellin. A March has been planned here in Medellin and all over Colombia to protest the actions of the FARC. NO MAS FARC! http://colombiasoyyo.org/english.html

elk comments on Hostages' proofs of life shock Colombians

Why did the FARC allow Consuelo and Clara Rojas to deliver such messages to the public? How does the FARC benefit?

elk comments on What is it about this place?

I have lived in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and now Medellin, Colombia. I have driven seven times through Central America during the past 35 years. My first drive was to San Jose in 1973. Like you I was young and looking for the "greener pasture". I may have finally found it here in Medellin. I don't personally find Medellin to be as dangerous as San Jose, Costa Rica or certain parts of Nicaragua or Honduras for that matter. That being said, I make an effort to avoid dangerous situations as I would in any large U.S. city. I have lived in Medellin for 18 months and I walk at any hour day or night without fear, but I avoid Central Medellin after dark. It all depends on the area of Medellin. I find the people of Medellin friendly, warm and understanding of my culture. I think we need to remember that most Colombians have family or friends living in the U.S. and know more about the Gringo than you might think. I especially enjoy the Christmas season here in southern Medellin. Your never alone or lonely unless that happens to be your choice. I'm able to take a walk in the morning and have coffee with Colombian friends or share a drink and conversation in the evening .......and just people watch. For some Colombia might not meet their expectations or desires, but for me Colombia is a great place to retire and I have done a lot of shopping. It's not perfect, but what place is? Everyone needs to make their own personal decision after living a while in Colombia. Happy hunting!

elk comments on Cedula Extranjeria and Visa renew

I have a friend moving to Medellin next month using the Pensionado visa which was issued in Miami. (this will be his second) The Pensionado visa can be issued in Bogota at MRE or out of country. His cedula was issued by DAS here in Medellin last year. I helped him open a bank account which took less than 30 minutes, but a cedula was required. He has spent less than two months in Colombia during the past year. He simply applies for a new Pensionado visa each year in Miami. He is required to apply for a new cedula when 15 days of his arrival in Colombia. All Pensionado visa's and cedula's expire every 12 months. (both are temporary) Obtaining the Pensionado visa is very easy and I have always found the people at MRE in Bogota to be very helpful and I have similar stories from others here on PBH. They seem to be very flexible.

elk comments on Cedula Extranjeria and Visa renew

My current visa is stamped/states: invalid "superor a 180 dias continuas"

elk comments on Cedula Extranjeria and Visa renew

You don't have to be outside of Colombia to apply for the Pensionado visa. It's a simple process and done in Bogota at MRE..... I'm on my second Pensionado visa.

elk comments on I suppose some of you will say that Consuela Gonzalez is a traitor

Ctg Bound: For once I agree with you! Open season on the FARC and good hunting.... Perhaps someone can catch Sr. Chavez in the cross fire as he visits his FARC friends.

elk comments on Inquiry about meeting my gf

All she needs is a valid U.S. Visa to enter the U.S.

elk comments on I suppose some of you will say that Consuela Gonzalez is a traitor

The FARC and Chavez are one and the same. They have the same goals..."control by force". Chavez would love one day to have the FARC in control of Colombia. Chevez is a spreading "cancer" that needs to be removed along with the FARC! Uribe is correct. Release all the hostages and then we can talk. The FARC is nothing more than an organization for drug dealing, kidnapping and murder. If Uribe gives in the problems will only continue with increased kidnappings and violence. Uribe is applying the pressure and keeping the bastards contained...what other choice does he have? Just my two cents...... "The FARC did this as a political gift to Chavez, not because they have come to any agreement with the Colombian government," said a Bogota-based diplomat who asked not to be named. "What's new is that Chavez has a direct and very public line of communication with the FARC. Meanwhile he and Uribe are not even talking," the diplomat said. "Chavez now has better relations with the Colombian insurgency than with the Colombian government. That's an ugly situation, diplomatically." Uribe, whose father was killed in a botched FARC kidnapping in the 1980s, was reelected in 2006 after cutting crime and bolstering the economy with his U.S.-backed security push.

elk comments on Motorcylce Dealership/Importer

I agree with Raay! Colombia is a great place for touring via moto. I have a Suzuki V-Strom 650 and ride mostly outside of Medellin. It gives you the opportunity to see a lot of country outside the city. I'm currently recovering from medical condition, but plan to be back on my bike in the next few weeks. Raay I've been meaning to call you about a ride.... I have received several emails from individuals riding from the U.S. to Panama and then shipping their moto to Colombia with plans to tour all of south america. I would recommend visiting Venecia and Jerico which are just south of Medellin. Not much traffic once you get out of Medellin.

elk comments on Thanks Chavez!

I noticed the hostages were very friendly with their FARC captors with a lot of warm hugs and smiles as they were being released. I even noticed the FARC waving a friendly adios as they entered the jungle following the release. It's probably a normal reaction however.

elk comments on leaving Colombia

If your a resident in Colombia, and hold a pensionado visa/cedula etc, then they ask for it at the airport upon your departure. I had a problem last year trying to leave Medellin with only a copy of my cedula. They wanted to see the original, but gave me a break and warning. (my fault) I never carry my cedula while in Medellin, but rather a copy and have never had a problem. I carry the original only when going outside of Medellin. My credit cards also stay at home unless I'm going to the ATM for cash which is once or twice a month. I carry enough cash to make most muggers happy.

elk comments on Just on CNN

Two Hostages have been freed! an. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Two hostages held by Colombia's biggest guerrilla group have been freed after as long as six years in jungle camps in a deal brokered by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Two Venezuelan helicopters bearing Red Cross emblems picked up hostages Clara Rojas, a former vice-presidential candidate, and ex-congresswoman Consuelo Gonzales de Perdomo, from members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. They are expected to land in Venezuela by 2 p.m. New York time, Chavez said. ``Minutes ago I spoke directly on the telephone with Clara and Consuelo,'' Chavez said today in comments broadcast by Venezuelan state television. ``I want to thank the Colombian government for its cooperation.'' The successful release may help Chavez save face after a previous mission unraveled last month before television cameras from around the world. Chavez said the two women are in ``good condition'' and that he will maintain contact with the rebels in a bid to free more hostages. Chavez's first attempt to rescue the hostages fizzled after Colombian President Alvaro Uribe revealed the guerrillas didn't hold a child they'd promised to free in deal he'd worked out. Uribe said Emmanuel, a boy born in captivity to Rojas about three years ago, had been let go in 2005 and is living in Bogota with foster parents. Military Operations The group of international observers today is much smaller. Last time, Chavez invited delegates from a half dozen countries and journalists who spent days holed up at a Colombian airport waiting for the mission to set off. Among them were Argentine President Nestor Kirchner and U.S. film maker Oliver Stone. Colombia's Foreign Minister Fernando Araujo said Jan. 7 the government wouldn't tolerate the presence of international humanitarian commissions that enhance the credibility of the guerrillas while casting Uribe in an unfavorable light. Colombia ceased military operations and attacks on guerrillas in the area where the two women were released, Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said in a statement released last night. ``Hopefully now that they are free the focus can turn to less famous captives,'' said Rupert Stebbings, head of international sales at Interbolsa SA, Colombia's biggest brokerage. More Captives The two hostages released were part of a group of 45 people, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. contractors, being held by the guerrillas. There are an estimated 700 other hostages that the FARC has kidnapped for ransom to raise money for its more than four-decade fight against the government. Rojas, 44, was kidnapped in 2002 along with French- Colombian candidate Betancourt while campaigning against Uribe. Gonzales, 57, has been a hostage since 2001. Relations between Venezuela and Colombia have soured since Chavez began negotiations with the FARC, as they are known, to swap a group of 45 hostages for 500 jailed rebels. Uribe withdrew his support in November when the Venezuelan leader made a phone call to Colombia's army commander in violation of their agreement. Chavez then said relations with Colombia were ``in the freezer.'' although the next round of negotiations culminating in the collapse on Dec. 31 went ahead. To contact the reporter on this story: Matthew Walter in Caracas at mwalter4 at bloomberg.net ; Helen Murphy in Bogota at hmurphy1 at bloomberg.net . Last Updated: January 10, 2008 11:55 ES

elk comments on Coordinates revealed to Chavez

Two Venezuelan helicopters landed in southern Colombia on Thursday to pick up two women who have been held more than six years by Colombia's largest rebel group. The sensitive operation organized by President Hugo Chavez began after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, sent him the coordinates to pick up Clara Rojas - an aide to former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt - and former congresswoman Consuelo Gonzalez. Journalists saw the helicopters painted with International Red Cross markings touch down at a local airport.

elk comments on Canciller de Venezuela afirma que el gobierno de Colombia no le permitió hacer pruebas de ADN

I would suspect "confirmation on the DNA match" will be a priority item for Colombia and Sr. Hugo will be eating his words...or probably not. I imagine Hugo is currently "pissed" at the boys discovery. DNA tests results show "a high probability" that Uribe was correct, the source in the attorney general's office said. "The scientific proof indicates that the child in the care of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute is Clara Rojas's child. There is a small margin or error but a second test will be performed in Spain to provide confirmation," the source said. Emmanuel's name and other details of his life in guerrilla custody were revealed last year by a police officer who escaped the rebels after eight years in captivity, sometimes in the same camps as Rojas and her son. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Hugh Bronstein)

elk comments on Canciller de Venezuela afirma que el gobierno de Colombia no le permitió hacer pruebas de ADN

Sr. Hugo is screwed on this issue regardless of his opinion. Maternal Lineage Mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA, is inherited only from our mothers. Mitochondria are found in all of our cells and serve our bodies by generating ATP which is used by our bodies as a primary source of energy. During fertilization only eggs have mitochondria; sperm have mitochondria in their tails, but this portion of the sperm comes off prior to fertilization. Tests looking at mtDNA in both men and women give information on maternal lineage only. If your mtDNA profile matches another person's, it is very likely that you share a common female ancestor. You can also take a mtDNA test to learn more about your ethnic ancestry or to trace your maternal lineage to one of the Seven Daughters of Eve1, prehistoric women who shared a common maternal ancestor named Mitochondrial Eve.

elk comments on Canciller de Venezuela afirma que el gobierno de Colombia no le permitió hacer pruebas de ADN

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — DNA analysis indicates a 3-year-old boy living in a Bogota foster home is the child of a woman held captive by leftist rebels for nearly six years, Colombia's top prosecutor said Friday. The results suggest President Alvaro Uribe was right — and that the leftist rebels misled Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and the world when they promised to release the boy along with his mother Clara Rojas and another hostage from their jungle camps. The DNA analysis shows a complete match between the mitochondria in the blood of Rojas' mother and the boy, chief federal prosecutor Mario Iguaran announced, meaning that there is a "very high probability" that "this boy belongs to the Rojas family." The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, promised two weeks ago to release the boy fathered by a leftist rebel, along with Rojas and former congresswoman Consuelo Gonzalez. Chavez assembled a team of international observers and invited filmmaker Oliver Stone to participate, along with a media horde. But the rebels never told Chavez where to pick them up, and blamed operations by Colombia's U.S.-backed military when it called off the liberation of the three hostages on New Year's Eve. Uribe then announced that the rebels could not keep their promises because they did not have the boy, who had been living in foster care under a different name, Juan David Gomez, for more than two years. Venezuela complained that Colombia had not permitted its own team of specialists to take blood samples from the boy to make its own confirmation of the DNA results. "I told the Colombian foreign minister that that attitude casts a cloak of doubt on the investigation," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro told state television Friday.

elk comments on "A" number

Dan: Sorry to hear of your problems, but this is very common. I've been in your shoes myself and know the feeling. As stated above you signed form I-864, an obligation of support. Like myself you are on the hook for 10 years depending on certain conditions as mentioned below regardless of divorce. Some will tell you not to be concerned about the legal obligation, but I can speak from experience and tell you to be careful. It's important that your wife and child continue to have medical coverage over the next ten years. (10 years from your signing the I-864) Your retirement benefit can be attached by a government agency. In my case it's only 50% of my retirement benefit from the State of California retirement system. I have no idea if a military or social security benefit can be attached. As mentioned above, most of attorneys were useless since your dealing with a U.S government agency, aka: GOD. The law - I-864: Your obligation to support the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring in this affidavit of support will continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States. Although 40 qualifying quarters of work (credits) generally equate to ten years of work, in certain cases the work of a spouse or parent adds qualifying quarters. The Social Security Administration can provide information on how to count qualifying quarters (credits) of work. The obligation also ends if you or the sponsored immigrant dies or if the sponsored immigrant ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and departs the United States. Divorce does not end the sponsorship obligation.

elk comments on Update - Farc didn't have the boy

Geneticists arrived in Caracas yesterday to take DNA from the Rojas family, La Nacion said, citing an interview with Emmanuel's uncle, Ivan Rojas. Rojas said the test results would be available in ``two or three days,'' La Nacion reported. Clara and Emmanuel Rojas were among a group of three hostages that the rebel group, known as the FARC, said they would release last month in a mission backed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The mission failed.

elk comments on Update - Farc didn't have the boy

I wonder what our friend "Hugo" will have to say if the above is true?

elk comments on Colombian Guitar - Giuseppe Gallo de Medellin

Here's his concert schedule if is interested. He will be playing 22 December at the terminal sur and later at Los Molino's Mall. http://www.giuseppe.cc/