harvardexec has left 134 comments

harvardexec comments on Short Term Apartment Rental By Owner Needed in Cartagena or Santa Marta Area

OK. I just send you an e-mail. Thanks!

harvardexec comments on Short Term Apartment Rental By Owner Needed in Cartagena or Santa Marta Area

Thanks, BeachBros. I just sent you a PM. Please contact me.

harvardexec comments on Washington post article about Max Mermestein

You think the author could spell Colombia correctly.

harvardexec comments on Real estate in Colombia and the market crash

I think there will be some good buys in Colombia in 2010 and 2011. US and foreign investors are still investing in Colombia. When the residential real estate market bottoms out in a year or two in the US, US and foreign investors are going to be investing heavily in the US. Many of these investors will look to cash in on capital gains made in Colombia, and use these investments dollars in the US where they can realize better returns.

harvardexec comments on Rumors that Videoguard has been cracked

Thanks, Chewy. Keep me in the loop.

harvardexec comments on

You will be fine on Avianca, Continental, American, Virgin, or British Airways for the next year.

harvardexec comments on USA/Colombian Recession Contest.......Part II

"1. Full blown, worldwide depression 20% unemployment in the usa, $150 a barrell oil, euro at $2, credit bubble bursts into some kind of financial crisis. 2. Serious world recession, rebounding in late 2010. 3. Recession in the USA, causing a Colombian recession. 4. Recession in the USA, not affecting Colombia greatly; i.e., not much worse than we are now in Colombia, but maybe a little worse in the usa with a nasty bite of inflation, unemployment, and will work itself out in 2009." The problem with this challenge is that the options are not mutually exclusive. As a result, the correct answer will fall somewhere between 1 and 2. Since both options 1 and 2 are flawed (some of the other options are not feasible), my answer is 1.5. Reasoning: I would like to agree with option 1, but there will not be 20% unemployment in the USA. Many immigrants left the US recently, thus creating more vacant jobs, which in effect, reduces the number of unemployed in America. Yes, there will be $150/barrel oil, yes the euro will be at $2, yes the credit bubble is bursting. Option 2 is humorous. "serious world recession" is that the same as a depression, or is it just a recession? For argument sake, we will assume you mean a recession. Economic indicators such as the price of rice and fuels, would indicate the world is in an economic recession. The United States is the leading financial market in the world and has some time to go before a recovery in attainable. Many countries follow and are dependent on the financial markets in US. As a result, 2010 would be a reasonable expectation for recovery of the US financial markets, but other markets in the world be lag behind slightly. I would look to 2011-2013. Option 3 is not possible, because by sheer definition, Colombia fits the definition of recession, even if you just consider the rate of unemployment alone. Therefore, how could the US cause Colombia to enter a recession when in fact Colombia, by definition, is already is in a recession? Option 4 is valid in that the US economy has an effect on Colombia, but 2009 is premature on the recovery.

harvardexec comments on Help! My inbox is clogged with amateur porn

How do i get on the list?

harvardexec comments on Dollar continues to move up against the Peso and Breaks 2100... And the U.S. economy is reeling....

In difficult economic times, intelligent investors generally invest in risk and inflation averse tangible assets such as Gold. Currencies tend to fluctuate and, in some cases, collapse.

harvardexec comments on Chavez accuses U.S. of restarting plans to kill him

Why is it difficult to understand that the US would overthrow a leader of a nation that produces billions of barrels in oil? This has been documented throughout history.

harvardexec comments on A warning to those who wire money to Colombia

Any MIT grads or software gurus want to give me a hand starting the "Colombiana Gold Digger Database (CGDD)?

harvardexec comments on A warning to those who wire money to Colombia

Good point Morphus.

harvardexec comments on Miami Jewel Theft Industry Link to the Mythical Andean School of the 7 Bells

Mike....Do you remember Illena Ros Lehtinen (R-Miami) called for the assassination of Fidel Castro? This, of course, is in direct violation of International Law. She denied whole thing, even after reporters showed video of her clearly making the statements. Proven liar. Some of my favorites are Johnny Winton, former Commissioner for the City of Miami, and the Mayor of the City of Miami, Manny Diaz. Johnny was fired for being drunk and fighting police offers in MIA "Do you guys know who I am?". Manny Diaz, Johnny, and the City of Miami do Real Estate deals using public dollars and resources for personal benefit, and everyone stands around watching. The City Commissioners in Miami were paid a meager salary, so corruption has become an accepted practice. I believe this may have changed. But, this just addresses some of the problems with the commissioners. Every year one or more high ranking public officials are arrested in Miami. I used to think people from Miami exaggerated these corruption stories until i moved there. Now, I am shocked more people do not know how bad the problem is.

harvardexec comments on Kidnapping

I was kidnapped this weekend. That pesky little paisa wouldn't let me leave the habitacion. But I guess that doesn't count....because I live in Bucaramanga.

harvardexec comments on Miami Jewel Theft Industry Link to the Mythical Andean School of the 7 Bells

Mike....I think the article, like many of the articles you post, sheds light on the pervasive crime in Miami. I enjoy reading your articles. I think the majority of people in the United States have no idea how bad of a problem the crime is in Miami. Miami is the epicenter for many crimes in the US like fraud (mortgage, medicare...), drug smuggling, illegal immigration, government corruption, etc. Cuban, Jamaican, Haitian, and other criminal organization rob the Federal Gov't everyday, and Americans seem to be content paying for this. I understand that the premise of the article is the organized Colombian Jewel thieves, but the message that I received from the article - Miami is haven for crminals. I am glad, as are most of the readers of the Herald, that this man pulled out a Luger and managed to kill at least one of the robbers. I only wish he would have pulled out an Uzi and killed them all. People if the jewelery business are trying to make a dollar like everyone else. You can't count on the Miami-Dade Police or the City of Miami Police to do provide a safe environment in Miami. If anyone ever wants to get together and do an expose on the corruption on South Florida, I would love to be involved.

harvardexec comments on Watch TV from your home countries

Tried to get NBC and several other channels and they were not available.

harvardexec comments on Miami Jewel Theft Industry Link to the Mythical Andean School of the 7 Bells

After living in Miami, Colombia is like a cake walk.

harvardexec comments on Dominican agents seize 95 kilos of cocaine from Colombia

I still don't understand. There are many inspections of your bags and self. Chemicals make the stuff invisible? Hmmmmmmmm..... Ask you friend where he gets the invisible powder...business class is getting expense these days.

harvardexec comments on Dominican agents seize 95 kilos of cocaine from Colombia

Great question, Panthdave. I have often wondered the same thing myself.

harvardexec comments on Global Marijuana March 2009

Papi...We will be marching together representing the Great White North in the name of liberty for all. My point was further eloborated by dwmte7... "colombians are under a cloud of dillusion" about the quality of smoke here.

harvardexec comments on Global Marijuana March 2009

Cereza...."fresh, cheap and good". That's an interesting perspective. The common complaint I hear from Canadians, Americans, and Europeans is the marijuana in Colombia is "fresh, cheap, and bad."

harvardexec comments on Spirit Airline Check-In Question - FLL/CTG

No, there is no kiosk or web check in for Spirit at FLL, so plan on standing in line. And, as Briarblue said, get there AT LEAST 3 hours in advance.

harvardexec comments on What is city Valledupar like?

gimmedub....you also don't look like a fluorescent white light bulb... But maybe David Barkley is related to Charles Barkley and he will blend in fine. ;-)

harvardexec comments on What is city Valledupar like?

David...I hope your Spanglish is better than your English. "There" refers to a place while "their" refers to people. Two points to Papichulo and the Canadian educational system for getting that one correct. I would strongly advise against Valledupar, unless you are in a business where you make a lot of $$$ and can afford the appropriate security.

harvardexec comments on One Pass airmiles bargain

What's the phone number?

harvardexec comments on ok... I have a slight moral dilemna here...

Papi...Perhaps you should first ask if they have another sister that is even more attractive? Don't want your ladder on the wrong tree again.

harvardexec comments on Where to invest on the Carribbean Coast of Colombia (anywhere between Turbo and Puerto Bolivar)?

Thanks, Sam. I will do some research on Santiago de Tolu. Is there a large supermarket close by? I have almost ruled out Santa Marta. The issue I am having is safety. I read conflicting reports on the security situation in Santa Marta.

harvardexec comments on 48% Increase in Alleged Col Military Killings in 2007, claim Human Right Groups,,,

Quantum...."U want Colombia full of American fast food shit houses?" Don't worry Quantum, McDonald's has a strategic initiative to pull out of Latin America. I live in Bucaramanga and you will not see a McDonald's here today or in the future.

harvardexec comments on Parabolic Dish in Colombia

Can someone delete this duplicate post please?

harvardexec comments on Where to invest on the Carribbean Coast of Colombia (anywhere between Turbo and Puerto Bolivar)?

Thanks for the great comments. Let me open the definition of International airport to include any airport that has access to international flights. This would include flights to Panama, Venezuela, etc. Also, does anyone have any experience building in these regions? Has any had any luck with remate?

harvardexec comments on Where to invest on the Carribbean Coast of Colombia (anywhere between Turbo and Puerto Bolivar)?

Thanks for the the great information, quantum.

harvardexec comments on Contact information for parabolic dish provider's in Colombia?

Jajajajaja....I have been associated with both "Big Biz" and "Govt" and I can assure you I can't stand either of them.

harvardexec comments on U.S. Relies More on Contractors To Fight Drug Trade - WSJ

Aztec...I found the transcript of your conversation with the Harvard grad: AZTEC: Northrop Grumman sure is doing a lot in this world to save lives. And, did you buy your gold this year (2007)? Gold is going to reach $4,000 an ounce in 2007! HARVARD GRAD: Really? I did not know Northrop was in the business of saving lives. And, $4,000 an ounce for Gold? Where do you hear this? AZTEC: I have a GED from one of the best schools in North Dakota. I also took a psychology class at Murray State. I know my stuff. When I was at a gas station last week, I ran into a friend of my Uncle's. He used to work close to the airport where there was a guy from Northrop Grumman. The guy from Northrop told my Uncle's friend that they are in Colombia right now, spraying crops, so they can save those poor Colombian's. Then I heard on CNN there is a sub prime mortgage crisis, and they are going to stop producing the dollar. If you don't have gold by the end of 2007, you will need to use your dollars for kindling for a fire. HARVARD GRAD. This is news to me. You know I attended Harvard with the CEO of Northrop, but their mission is in tactical munitions, not in saving lives. And, the sub prime mortgage melt down is not going to render the dollar worthless. AZTEC: Well I know things from the ground up. You wait and see what happens with the price of Gold in 2007!

harvardexec comments on U.S. Relies More on Contractors To Fight Drug Trade - WSJ

Aztec...."Never met a Harvard graduate who did not let you know within two paragraphs he was a graduate of Harvard." What paragraphs are you referring to? Aztec and Poopskipper...So which companies are you affiliated with - Northrop or DynCorp. Are you two of those government contractors that go around "just making a living" spraying and killing innocent people?

harvardexec comments on Latin American Currencies: Colombia Peso Leads Region-Wide Drop

Pod....What's the short term outlook for the Canadian dollar 30-60 days? Steve Podborski was my favorite skier of all time.

harvardexec comments on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu comes to Medellin...

No more fighting in Medellin. ;-)

harvardexec comments on Latin American Currencies: Colombia Peso Leads Region-Wide Drop

Podborski....What's up with the CDN dollar? 6 cent drop in two weeks?

harvardexec comments on Latin American Currencies: Colombia Peso Leads Region-Wide Drop

Podborski...."Pure contrarianism"....."people never learn..." Very true....economies are cyclical and many people never seem to learn.

harvardexec comments on Anybody heard of this film? what are your thoughts?

The general world population is completely unaware of the Bilderberg Group.

harvardexec comments on How to solve the coke problem

Jonas....Would I say George Bush is a Patriot and his politics Patriotic? I think your asking the wrong person this question. Hmmm...In terms of military service, it has been documented "W" sometimes was a no show for his Reserve duties. "W" also had a habit of partaking in nose candy sessions and getting stopped by the cops for DUI. While other soldiers were serving there country, "W" was serving shots. Patriotic politics? The US is a War Machine. Think tanks develop policy (with no regard to public opinion) and the White House enacts the Policy. Defense contractors influence the policy makers. "W" found a way for the US to go to war. So I would say the "yes", George Bush practices patriotic politics.

harvardexec comments on Colombia says May trade surplus $223.1 mln

I agree with you Tasco, stop bailing out Wall Street (opps, did I just say that). Anyways, the reason why the US goes to war is to make money....I mean Freedom: http://www.videosift.com/video/Why-We-Fight-BBC-Storyville-US-war-machine-documentary

harvardexec comments on Notre Dame Football in Colombia

Hahahahaa....Your sarcasm was understood. I apologize if I offended you. I was merely trying to exchange some "witty" banter. Etiquette seems to go out the door with college football. I will try to conform to your communication standards. ;-) I attended Harvard, but not ND. Harvard has a slightly better business program. My family are ND supporters I like the football program and what the academic institutions represents, although I am not religious. Last time I saw ND play Michigan play live was in 2005. ND won 17-10. I remember people singing this song: "Hail to the fornicators, Hail to the masterbators, Hail, Hail, Michigan.... the azzholes of the world" Great fight song. ;-) So are you one of those "band wagon" Michigan fans? Do you cheer for Bama, but go to the Michigan games at ND?

harvardexec comments on The Great Colombia Investment Contest

Deleted Post and user on the way??????

harvardexec comments on The Great Colombia Investment Contest

Tinto....and what a surprise you show up today....how ironic? Must be another random event? Yes, the contest is strange. Unfortunately, those were the parameters I was given. Fishing for business ideas? Sorry, but that is not the type of funding I work with in investments. I, too, would much prefer to work with sizable investment portfolio. The $100 was something I wanted to donate out of my own pocket (recycled gift) to help spice the contest up. To quote Gringoloid: "...i created a couple of contests sometime ago for the purpose of getting some pbher's to to commit to their statements rather than being on both sides and then claiming victory....but this caused a lot of bad blood here as far as contests go so i don't think you'll have many entrants." I agree with Gringoloid. This contest was a mistake from the beginning. Besides Lookatmepee's answer, there was not even a single educated response. In the future, I will no longer host a contest and I will limit my posts on PBH. I tried to make the contest a more interesting by offering a small prize. Instead, I receive criticism about the contest and the prize itself. Rather that everyone experience a "win-win" we'll settle for the "lose-lose".

harvardexec comments on Americans with a business in Colombia

I doubt you will be kidnapped. I can almost assure you that if you have employees, they will steal from you. Thanks for the comment Arnold Kate. That is interesting to know how a gringa business owner is doing in Cartagena. Why Cartagena and are you meeting your revenue goals?

harvardexec comments on How to solve the coke problem

I stand corrected on the statement about addicts. When drugs are legalized, I feel addicts will feel less shame asking for help, as their habit is no longer illegal and they will not fear jail time. I don't feel like ALL, or even the majority, will want help. True this is "fantasy" talk. The results of legalization are not truly predictable. But, is supporting the same failed Drug Policy the answer? I'm not inferring that you are. Yes, Marijuana is being grown in Holland. I am not a scientist, but from what I have read, Coca cultivation is not feasible on a large scale everywhere. What financial incentive is there to produce drugs? Are you serious? Yes, mom and pop farmers in Colombia do grow cocaine! They usually don't manufacture the end product, but they most certainly do grow coca. People grow Marijuana in their houses in Holland for personal use. The marijuana sold in stores in Holland is commercially produced in Holland. "Incidental Mess" was insignificant when Holland adopted their new Drug Policy. Prostitution is another area Holland has made some inroads as well.

harvardexec comments on How to solve the coke problem

True, some people don't want to lose power. However, these people also have a "First In" advantage in the market place (they know how to produce and distribute the drugs). Like in any business, some will survive and some will not. Will these people turn to kidnapping? Generally speaking, no. The farmers will still be producing the drugs. The best dealers will have legitimized themselves. The dealers that can't adapt will get involved in some other criminal activity, usually from an existing network.

harvardexec comments on The Great Colombia Investment Contest

Actually, I don't know. I believe you are moderator or you are friends with a moderator. Please help me understand. 1. How can you say "you knew much more about lookatmepee than most posters know about each other"? What supporting documentation to you have that pee and I know each other (other than I told you he works in my office)? I can understand we share the same biases with regards to our ethnocentrisms, investment strategies, and lifestyles, but I share these biases with a small number of people on PBH. 2. You and pee had a disagreement. Pee is now banned from the site for talking about peeing, even though he has had the name Lookatmepee for some time. I find this ironic. Other people have similar names (i.e. fartman), but they are not being banned. Maybe because they didn't get into an altercation with you? 3. This post has not been visited by anyone in a month. The day pee is banned from the site, you show up (1st time comment) on the post. Sorry, but I just don't understand.

harvardexec comments on Indigenous Children Starve To Death Due to Fumigations

Lc...."I doubt very seriously that the Colombian government would allow such a project." I agree. Unfortunately, the politicians in the Colombian government are a different story. Money talks. I'm sure when a US Fumigation Contractor offers Colombian politicians a cut of a multi-million dollar contract, their vote will change quickly. I can hear the Colombian congressmen talking to their kids: "Who cares about those damn Indians in the hills, we're going to Disney Land!"

harvardexec comments on How to solve the coke problem

Bickerss...Some of them will find legal jobs in the trade. Some criminals will not longer be happy with the profit margins and will choose to go into other criminal activities. But why incarcerate hard working people who choose to use drugs responsibly?