johna has left 180 comments

johna comments on who the heck is deleting the oldgringos' posts???

I think it is a new rule.... ....anyone referring to themselves in the third person gets the boot.

johna comments on Teaching - studying in Cali

M_C "...that is why the US and other countries have Standards, Certificates, and Credentials for teaching..its a very important responsibility, not a means of support....cierto?"

being an officer is a big responsibility too, and it is also a means of support. cierto?
Have you seen the hoops that a teacher must jump through to get and maintain certification here in the states? It is ridiculous espec. considering the respect they are given by administrators and parents, and lets not talk about the pay and the constant layoffs. Even with all this I am still considering beginning a credential program, but guess what? I can't afford it. My Fafsa was denied, I made too much money last year. Where did it all go? Rent
So yes it is best to always follow the law and of course students deserve the best, but lets not pretend a teaching cert. from a state in the US is the holy grail.

johna comments on World Cup comments & predictions

Billyb I had heard about them moving but didn't realize it happened already. That is a stupid name, and by the way didn't the texans get thumped at the Alamo. They should forget the Alamo, not remember it. What is the new name going to be?

johna comments on

Advice GIB I want to thank you. You warned me when I asked about Bancolombia stock. It was at a high of about $34 and you told me it would not last, days later it started its decent. I sold em off and did fine.
So now that I have fluffed you a little please answer Miguel and Rubiazo's question. Where/when is the bottom of the RE market?

johna comments on World Cup comments & predictions

Paz a ti tambien G5. lets hope the US gets one soon.

johna comments on World Cup comments & predictions

West coast. I think soccer is getting bigger here on the west coast of the USA. I grew up in Oregon and my dad was a huge soccer fan so I am a little biased, but I played in HS and our team had a lot of support, ie people were interested. We also have a minor league team the Timberwolves who are very popular. Then I moved down to the California and saw that soccer was popular in this area too.
The San Jose team has a decent fan base, and it is not made up entirely of latinos as some people suggest. So Gozeman we may be in agreement. Miracle of miracles! Soccer is becoming more popular, but still not at the level I wish it were. I love those SMILFs too.
As to the fair and balanced thing, if you are using the fox news definition we are in agreement again.

johna comments on

ridiculous statement. "......they joined because they were radicalized by the war especially at a time when the Americans fill the media with thier ideology of aggressive war."


are you kidding? The FARC have been recruiting child soldiers long before this "war on terror". Yes America does have responsibility for the maj. of the demand for the drugs that fund the FARC, and alot of the polarization of the world after WWII along communist/ anti communist lines, but do Colombians have any reponsibility for the problems in their country? Victim mentalities only lead to dependency on others to solve the problems, which isn't going to happen.

johna comments on Chavez challenges doctrine that wealth creation will help poor

What is important? "What makes Chavez more galling to the notables of globalisation is that his policies seem contagious, as the 2005 election of Evo Morales in Bolivia has demonstrated. In May 2006, Morales sent troops to occupy natural gas installations, including one owned by British Gas. He intends to increase the tax paid by transnational companies, and will nationalise those which refuse to co-operate."

This is where the focus should be. I think both countries could get more international support if their speech was less inflamatory but focused instead on their rights of soviernty. Ven. and Bol. have every right to increase taxes and make demands on multinationals that want the privledge of doing business in either country. More so when the business is in control of nat. resources in that country. Esp. in Bol. where nearly all water supplies were bought up at cut rate prices during an unstable political period by foriegn companies. That is really a nightmare scenario that needs more attention.
Instead of issues the focus seems in nearly every country mentined is on personality and pettiness. Chavez comparing himself to the Bolivar is ridiculous. It isn't about Bush, Blair, Castro, Chavez, or Morales, but about the millions of people they are affecting.

johna comments on World Cup comments & predictions

Gozeman maybe I was a little hard on you but I was truly shocked by Platano's comment. I was simply inquiring whether or not it was sarcasm. And if you will think back you will remember that it was not me who started the insults. So if you dish it out be ready to get it back. Don't be so sensitive.

Now back to futbol.

"As to your statement about Mexico. Of course they played well. They got three goals. When you get three goals in Cup competition, you have to give the team credit.May I also add, they got the three goals in the fashion I predicted- a so so first half and then the rose to the occassion with 2 goals in the second half. Three goals is three goals. Enough said."

Mexico only had about 15 min of decent play against a below average team. Though I love Mexico they stunk up the first half. The first goal was probably offsides by the way. The next two were very nice.
But that does not negate the fact that the midfield play was poor. Also to accuse me of being a Mexico hater because of this observation is pretty silly and hypocritical. It does even come close to hoping someone "chokes on a taco".

johna comments on World Cup comments & predictions

Platano please tell me you were joking "G5, when it comes to football, salsa, law, and politics...
You just know more... so it is safe to agree with you."

johna comments on Any colombians in the NW of the US?

Portland info There is a really nice Peruvian rest. in the Pearl district downtown, I think on Johnson St. it is called Luna something a rather. The pearl district isn't very big so just go ask someone. The people there might be able to tell you about where you can find some colombians. Also they are probably showning the World cup there right now so you might even meet someone there. I don't think you will have much luck in Beaverton though. There are Brazilians in Lake Oswego, I think Cafe Brasil is closed now, but that use to be the Brazilian hang out. Sorry you might have already met all the Colombians in Portland already. The big immigrant comm. are mostly Asian and Central American.

johna comments on World Cup comments & predictions

Ok Portugal vs. Angola on next.... ...this should be interesting. The old colony taking on the colonizer, alot of emotion there probably. I know next to nothing about the Angolan team, but it is always fun to watch the newcomers.
About the Mexico game, I did not think Mexico looked to impressive with their passes. Maybe just first game jitters there.

johna comments on World Cup comments & predictions

Congrats to Ecuador! I love an underdog. I went crazy when I saw that Cameroon over ARG victory. The other one that really sticks out for me is s. Korea over Italy last cup. In fact I find ARG and ITL very similar in attitude and approach to them game. Needless to say I think alot of people were more than a little happy. I think an interesting game will be Angola v. Portugal. The old colony v. the old superpower, I think there will be lots of emotion. Well I am off to watch Trin & Tob. take on Sweden.

johna comments on Colombian Malaria Research May Benefit the World

So where are you published? This guy is a classic snipe platano. No need responding to someone who thinks they know everything already. Personally I find him very very far from brillant. But I am sure he begs to differ.

johna comments on What do Colombian broads find charming?

I think he just was... later "conservative bad boy". Just another fine example of a Republican party member, huh MC?

johna comments on

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johna comments on What's going on?!

platano I think that there are several people on here that respond intelligently to your posts. Yes sometimes they do attack you, but I think that jgc for one responds to your ideas (usually).

johna comments on What's going on?!

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johna comments on Question about Medellin girls

OK Colombiche I will trust your judgement, and hold off on making any opinions.

johna comments on Question about Medellin girls

sorry, I meant you as in everyone out there in PBH land. I think that we might be on to something with the European type looks, but like you I do not know for sure.

johna comments on Colombianos en Chicago?

G5 yes it was amazing being there in Korea at the time. I saw a friendly of the US v. S. Korea and a 1st rounder? of Brazil v. China. That was so much fun. Because we were so close to China alot of Chinese were at the game and a few Brazilians. It was a bizzare meeting of cultures. The Chinese were die hard no matter how many goals Brazil scored. Also the pregame parties were pretty cool. Hot Brazilian people shaking there hips to the drums while curious chinese people looked on and snapped pictures. It was one of the highlights of my life I have to say. I camped at a beach near the stadium with alot of Brazilians also on the beach, GREAT TIME! Some of us walked into town and went to a night club. While we were there I saw Ronaldo, and just nodded my head to him and smiled, I didn't want to bother him by saying hello or anything because I don't really go for all that starstruck crap, but he stuck is drink out to give me a cheers. So I thought that was pretty down to earth. It was a great time, and the tickets were cheap and easy to get. These games weren't on mainland Korea, but an island just south called Jeju. Which is where I was working.

johna comments on Question about Medellin girls

Ok that makes sense to me Colombiche. That is interesting. Are there still alot of Jewish people in the area. My girlfriend is Jewish and though she could care less I am sure it would make her mom happy if there were. thanks for the posts. Elmo, i am not sure you could live through that maybe just try bouncing of a bus? Or you could try pulling out your wallet next time you see the NYPD and see if they shoot you! You sound like the perfect victim, an dark skinned arab looking dude. Just remember to put on the bullet proof vest before you leave the house. Just promise me you wouldn't spend any of the money on those designer clothes.

johna comments on Question about Medellin girls

regional stereotypes I want to ask your opinions about this. Ever since I found out I was going to Medellin, I have heard the same thing over and over again. The antiquenos are the most "industrious, hard working, and smart people in Colombia with the most beautiful women" hands down, then they go on to give me impressions of every other region. Then I met a very nice colombiana who kind of broke it down for me. She said that to her all this regionalism was really racism in disguise, and that people have this thing going for the Antiquenos because of alot of them are of European dissent. What are your thoughts on this? and before you attack me, please remember this is not my opinion, I have yet to form one.

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

yo ..... tambien!

johna comments on Colombianos en Chicago?

I thnk that Germany definitely has an advantage with hosting. I lived in S. Korea while the world cup was happening and the mood was incredible, the energy and momentum seemed unstoppable. So the atmosphere is a big contributer, but in my opinion Brazil is the better team. I love Brazil, they truely do make it "the beautiful game". They usually have great ball control and incredible strikers. To me the German game is more muscle and less finess, but they are also great.

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

so then are you a patriot? ?

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

Where did you go Jaramillo? You misquote and misrepresent my statements and then have nothing to say when you are called on it, pretty low.

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

I agree that nationalism has been used to justify violence and is being used as I write, but do you think that that means one should not love the land they were born in. we humans need a sense of home, it may be base, but it is universal. We need to feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves. So I don't necessarily think that patriotism/nationalism is only for idoits and morons. But when that pat/nat. makes someone think that they are superior to anyone else that is when it becomes moronic. Like everything else there needs to be balance and understanding that absolutes are not good. so I stand by what I wrote before:

"Personally I think it is fine to love your country, better to question what your country does, and best of all think of your country as just a little area in a big world and not the end all be all of existence."

I really don't think we are very far off from each other though.

johna comments on job needed

good luck Rick Seriously! Don't let the negativity on this site get you down. One thing I think I have learned is that if you want to work teaching english legally you need a teaching credential, not just a TEFL or CELTA. I think theree is probably some wiggle room if you can get a school to sponsor your work visa, but I am not sure. At least a degree in somethng. Also read the Visa FAQ. You can only stay 180 days a year on a tourist visa, and will most likely have to get it renewed every 30days if you stay longer than about a month. You may want to read tequendama's posts before you agree to anything. If you are an American he has some choice thoughts on how he feels about us on another post. use the google bar and type in his user name to search

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

yep that was my point. It is nothing more than a gimmick to sell booze in the US. So what can you expect from a day like that?

johna comments on Colombianos en Chicago?

South Korea and Tunisia I think you are right on that these are some underdogs to watch. How amazing was South Korea's run last cup? Tunisia is a fast team with a good midfield. I can't wait.

johna comments on Colombianos en Chicago?

nobody has ever looked at you in awe, G5, you once again are plagued by delusions.

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

I knew there was a know it all out there So you don't consider that event somewhat obscure huh? See how many people outside of Mexico know about the battle of Puebla. And honestly you are picking on the wrong American, It is not "somewhat obscure" (you notice you misqouted me) because it happened outside of the states, it is "somewhat obscure" because it is not widely known. Keeping you straight.:) also I have never used the term injun so why put it in quotes? And yes the Hapsburg were "the house of Austria" but of course you should know that they weren't confinded to what we call modern day Austria. But don't worry I am not that nit picky, like some other people. If I didn't know better, I would think you were being rude just because I am an American. You wouldn't do that would you?

johna comments on From Miguel_Clavo

Yes very professional isn't it? And this guy talks about what other people are made of? he is hilarous. By the way I question that it is a laywer posting. First he is admitting on a public forum something that could get him sued up the yin yang, second the "laywer's" debating skills are questionable.
As far as a patronizing paternal tone I like this quote.
"They are my blood and my people. And damn it, if I and people like me don't look after my people, then who will?"
The jokes keep coming. I am sure the Colombian people are thrilled. Why no run for president?

Hey Miguel C. sorry I haven't sent that CD yet. I will stick it in the mail today.

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

MC have you heard about the history of cinco de mayo in the US? it is pretty funny. It was marketed in the US, by the big breweries as a "holiday" to sell beer and wear somberos without celebrating the Mexican Revolution. so they picked this somewhat obscure battle against the french who were trying to unseat the king of (spain Maximilian I?) from Mexico. So what are you suppose to do on a day like that other than get drunk and show of your prison tats (joke). I am sure you have probably heard that before about the origin, but I think it is pretty fitting when you see what it has become.

This is all from memory, I am sure if any of it is incorrect I will be
told of it very soon.

johna comments on This has been covered but................

Thanks for the advice My girlfriend has been talking to the HR person at the school, and I think you are right that they will be able to help me. The connnections are already showing themselves. I live in the Bay and when I called the consulate here to explain my situation and discuss getting some type of visa, the guy at the consulate told me his niece is going to be in my girlfriends class. He knew her name, it kind of wierded me out actually. Later

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

one day I am an ignorant slob and the next you agree with me on issues of nationalism. I must have done a lot of reading last night.

johna comments on From my more "Sensitive" Side

I am proud of our history.......... ...but not in the state of the nation today. Does that mean that I am unamerican? In my opinion a patriot points out problems doesn't just become a cheerleader for all things American. That is the great thing about the home of the free. I know that my comments on the previous thread ruffled some feathers, and I regret some of what I wrote. I do think that there are alot of positives in our culture, such as the charitable spirit. But there is also alot of ugliness, and I was more reacting to the idea that the reason we are discussing immigration now is because immigrants don't assimilate into our culture. Personally I think it is fine to love your country, better to question what your country does, and best of all think of your country as just a little area in a big world and not the end all be all of existence.

johna comments on From Miguel_Clavo

thanks for the update G5 "I should update things though. My Mexican hiree has been warming up to me a bit. Emails, and a requests to talk to me about things. She woke up. I taught her a very good lesson. I avoided her completely. And after three days, it drove her nuts. She came around."

And you call me comical. That is the most hilarous thing I have ever read. You are one funny dude. I can just picture this poor lady so upset that she is being ignored by such a charmer. Keep teaching us all those very good lessons, it gives me a chuckle. Much love.

Mr. Comical

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

last word bye.

johna comments on This has been covered but................

thanks caslug I do have a four year degree (BA) but no teaching cred. I will look into it. I think that I made a typo and wrote Colombianas (fruedian slip) accidently. I am coming with my novia. I know, I know what am I thinking....? But I must be in love. I have yet to be spayed though, so hotties are a plus. I can look but no touch. So I guess if there are "normal" students at national then they are "abnormal" at EAFIT. That is kind of what I thought.

What is the school year like in Colombia? Summer break, school year begins in August/sept. then 1st semester in Dec. and 2nd starts after the new year? Thanks again.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

I am over it. Whatever G5 does is up to him. Personally I think that I did very little personal attacking, I did not question anyones character, or "what they are made of". I didn't refer to anyone as an ignorant slob. I did not call anyone "comical to say the least". I mainly stuck to the issues and stated my opinion, the punk thing is pretty minor in the scope of things. There are a lot worse words out there. I did not call anyone a whiner, I accused them of avoiding debate and whining (not being a whiner). You are a whiner is different then you are whining. So email away if that is what you want, I think it would be pretty petty though, and it may backfire. :)

johna comments on

Tinto I think that this comment: "You are truly among the clueless, Blanco Mark. Maybe we should have one of DB's people take care of you while you are in Santo Domingo."
falls outside of the rules.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

I wasn't apologizing to you G5 and what I said does not constitute a personal attack. So I did stick to my word. I will take out the panty bit if it makes you feel better, I would hate to upset you. Go ahead and send an email to whoever you want, if that is how you want to spend your time.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

G5 And johna....you might disagree with UC, but calling him a "Punk", surely gives everyone a good idea about what you are made of.

"Hey UC At least I had something to say, instead of just sniping at others. punk." (Johna)

Tinto: a little sanctioning for Mr. Johna might be in order. I know you can't catch all of them, but this violation was a flagrant one. I don't think Johna's calling UC a punk would even passi Kernow's rather liberal standard."

Yes I do disagree that I am like an ignorant slob. so I called him a punk. What does it have to do with you. I notice that you didn't respond to my comment about your post you instead just whined to Tinto that I was attacking people personally, even though it wasn't you. Oh and don't talk about what I am made of, that could be considered a personal attack.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

Thank you Tinto I will follow the rules. but what I was responding too was this:
"I guess that says more about you than anything else. Pretty much like some ignorant slob saying that all there is to Colombia is cocaine, drug dealers, guerillas, hookers, poverty, beauty contests, corruption and coffee."

I consider that a personal attack, and responded. Anyway I got your message and will refrain in the future.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

Hey UC At least I had something to say, instead of just sniping at others. punk. G5; you think that the response to what I wrote was any different then when you bash Colombia. What hypocrisy? get your head out of the clouds.
"While I recognize that there a lot of illegal Colombians here, %99 of them came here in a lawfull manner in the first place and they simply over stayed. OK, that was wrong too. But at least, they entered the country in a proper manner...while going through the requisite procedures that the law sets forth"
like I said head in the clouds. Yeah I was following the law this morning when I put my seat belt on, so it doesn't matter that I broke every traffic law on the way to work.

You know that right after I wrote that earlier comment on American culture. I read about Bush's idea to bring forth a constitutional ammendment banning gay marriage. He is really concerned with maintaining our culutre too. So whatever all of you say is meaningless, my comments were totally validated! ;) thanks for the input though.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

Guess what? I was working when I wrote that. I agree with you there is opportunity. what I was responding to was the idea that troops have been sent to the US border to keep Mexicans out, because Mexicans can't adopt to our "culture". I was just describing the culture I see daily.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

Monpirri and G5 I disagree with your analysis that this is basically about legality/illegality. Colombiche and Kat1 are great but Migue_Clavo should point out what he considers a bigoted comment (not that it was KAt1) whether it is made by a guy or girl. And G5 :
""Immigrant rights"
"human rights"
"undocumented imigrants"

They are IN FACT: "ILLEGAL ALIENS" nothing more, nothing less."
WRONG! they are people. A person is not illegal, they commited an illegal act or do not have legal status. So they are more than "illegal aliens". That is just Orwellian gibberish.

johna comments on To Miguel Clavo

So to answer your last question.... ...yes I question the point. In the US 10% pay little proportional tax and have money that one can only dream of. This is the superrich or as Bush calls them "his base". You have the same thing going on in Mexico but with a smaller economy. So no I don't think they are that much worse. Yes we have a better standard of living in the US due to historical forces, not better leadership in the present.