miamimike has left 7792 comments

miamimike comments on For all you Anti-Uribe Farc loving bloggers!! Here is what your farc boys do for fun.

G_S-look real close at my Avatar & let me know how you like it,,,Thx

miamimike comments on For all you Anti-Uribe Farc loving bloggers!! Here is what your farc boys do for fun.

Sure as the rising & setting Sun, this Thread will surely bring out the Spooks,,,lol

miamimike comments on Those F!*%$#ing Motos

We used to have a Helmet Law here in Florida until our last Governor, Jeb Bush, yielded to Political Pressure from the the MC Group ABATE and repealed the Mandatory FL Helmet Law. Dumb Move because since its repealment, Brain Injuries have spiked in our State's Trauma Centers and as soon as the MC Rider has expended his Health Insurance Limits(even if has health insurance at all, more a rarity every passing day) then he goes on Medicaid and the Taxpayers end up footing the Bill for his stupidity. MC Riders wherever should have to sign a hold harmless agreement that if he/she elects to ride without insurance in the event of an accident, he/she will be responsible for paying entirely for their medical care as a result of their riding sans Helmet. In many Florida accident cases, they are left in a Vegetative state requiring very expensive lifelong medical care. Why should the rest of us have to pay for their stupidity? Riding a MC in Colombia with its lax enforcement of Traffic Laws is Death Wish 2 and they (mc riders) will get nailed, its only a matter of when, not if,,,btw, I have ridden a MC off and on since 1965, having owned over 12 Cycles myself from a Harley 74 to a 50cc Yamaha scooter. I post from an Ex-Rider's viewpoint,,,, I hung it up as I want to be around to enjoy my Pension and retirement,,,

miamimike comments on Pumpkin pie / Sweet potato pie / alternate?

Look for Boniato--that's sweet potato in Spanish. In Colombia they are also referred to as Batata and usually aren't hard to find in the market.

miamimike comments on Health insurance.

ST--under our current healthcare setup here in the US(I won't call it a system as unless you refer to Medicare, the US does not have a system) Yes, one insurance can find out if you are less then truthful about pre-existing conditions. You could also be liable, in the event someone pulled one over on them, for any care rendered by the new Insurance company. I believe there is a disclaimer on most insurance forms where when you sign you are saying the info you gave is the truth. Our computerized world has changed the playing field tremendously and not always in our favor. 30 Years ago you probably could have gotten away with being less then forthright with the facts.

miamimike comments on Health insurance.

Lowell--I BROUGHT UP THE SAME COmparison(caps sorry) a few months ago. Colombia has a Public System/option as well as a private system and they co-exist very well. And it works, because as is proof here, you can buy private isurance at a very reasonable price. PBH Posters are always talking how cheap they buy Health Insurance ! The Transmilenio Bus system works well in Bogota, it has been touted here in Miami as an answer to our Public Transportation dilemma. Much cheaper then expanding light rail. Seems like the Good concepts in Colombia that have a proven record aren't copied, so go figure.

miamimike comments on FOX " News "............... caught again.

GS--Yea Sure, millions. Maybe your next retort will morph into trillions of readers,,,much as Palin's book does with actual facts,,,lol,,,but glad you don't disagree with me as far the type of voter Palin attracts. Know "anyone" like the type of Racist Voter I speak of?

miamimike comments on Dar(n) PBH is a Yawn the last few days

No way before that, like I say, at least a year ago. When a thread on how you pronounce the letter v gets 30 or so responses, you know its in trouble. lol

miamimike comments on Dar(n) PBH is a Yawn the last few days

Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 20, 2009, 09:16 (today): flag Really started going downhill when Greg Yawn got deleted... :( ;) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PCL--it started WAY before that happened, well over a year ago the truth be told

miamimike comments on FOX " News "............... caught again.

No and I will not be reading it . That would be asking if I read GW Bush's Book on restricting Illegal immigration while he was in office. Better things in my day to devote any time to foolishness or a Racist Fool such as Palin.

miamimike comments on Dar(n) PBH is a Yawn the last few days

Not much content lately. I used to check out the board first thing every morning but not much point in it anymore ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can't argue with you there. This place used to be so interesting a lot of fun but its marching to the "Beat"of a new Drummer. Not so interesting for whatever the reason(s) I notice Elmo hasn't been around to liven things up much as well. Sad,,,to see it suffer from posteritis

miamimike comments on FOX " News "............... caught again.

We will never heal from that 8 years, thats the shame. Nobody realizes how far fucked we are because of the Bush/Cheney reign. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Catfish, truer words were never written! Palin appeals to a small group of Small minded Right wing Racist Spooks, certainly not mainstream Americans. And a small group of Southern State racist Hicks. See any mainstream Republicans endoring her as a 2012 Candidate? No and you won't. They Republican Powers to be learned their lesson with Palin and her Wasilla Hillbilly Tribe in 2008 and they don't want any repeat of that next time around. She didn't help the cause for sure,,,Her book has been reduced to a litany of Fibs

miamimike comments on First Lady requires more than twenty attendants

Hmmm--Why no criticism here on PBH when Laura Bush went on an extended visit with the same number of attendents? Who the Hell elected Laura ? Is she appointed to the president's cabinet? How does someone without holding elected office or without holding a cabinet appointment rate such status? Secret Service protection at the taxpayer's expense is entirely legitimate. But this? Why the double standard?

miamimike comments on Organized Crime and the State in Colombia

BB--Oh Oh Your comment is going to bring out the Right Wing Spooks like Bears to a Honeycomb...Preparate

miamimike comments on Dollar still hovering around 2000, consider it a blessing!

PCL--But it was a good deal at that. Exchanges are all reletive,,,And Cokes in COL then were more then 200 pesos, at least in Bogota.

miamimike comments on Dollar still hovering around 2000, consider it a blessing!

On my first trip to Col in the mid 90s the Peso was around 600:1 USD and I thought that was a good deal. lol

miamimike comments on Near Death Experience with Brasilia

Juepaje--It would be interesting to see these Colombian Buses examined for Brakes and just how much material remains on the Shoes or Discs. In my travels on them, many times those drivers were standing on the Brakes as they barreled down down those mountain roads and there was nothing left (stopping wise) but that smell and screeching sound from Hot Metal to Metal contact. They ought to subject these Buses to rigorous safety inspections, I'd be willing to bet 75% of them would be off the road for Brake Replacement. Same for Tires, just as neglected. Run 'em 'til there isn't any tread left is the mentality, the hell with passenger safety. Or anyone else approaching them on the road.

miamimike comments on Near Death Experience with Brasilia

Juepaje--Congrats you handled the Situation Well! I wouldn't have done anything differently. I traveled extensively by Col Flota years ago and survived but will never do it again. Only Intercity Bus Travel for me now in Colombia. My 2 week Coast to Coast Bus Trip in Colombia years ago was enough excitement for Lifetime.

miamimike comments on Cycling in Colombia.

Every Sunday from early in the Morning Bogota closes a large street area for the "Ciclovia" Weekly event. Lots of locals participate. They do the same to a lesser extent in Medellin & Cali on Sundays. Anything that gets cars & Suvs off the streets, even for a day can't be all bad!! http://www.livablestreets.com/streetswiki/ciclovia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELa5CHsUepo

miamimike comments on Don King visits Medellin for WBA Annual Convention

Just what Colombia doesn't need, endorsements from Don King, an Ex Convicted murderer. Yea he's a great spokeman for the country,,,lol

miamimike comments on Bogota vs Buenos Aires

Simon says on Nov 17, 2009, 19:12: flag FOK Buenos Aires! --------------------------------------------------------- Simon, didn't you pay Mexico the same compliment last week? You constantly outdo yourself. lol

miamimike comments on Bogota vs Buenos Aires

Depends overall also what your interests are if you want take week-end trips outside the Capital. If you are oan Outdoorsman and like Skiing, Hunting and World Class Mountain Trout fishing, hard to beat Argentina. BA can be a jumping off point. haven't heard much about Hunting, trout fishing outside of Bogota. No Skiing in Col of course.

miamimike comments on Cucuta and in to Venezeula...

Wow, the city must have changed, it was a dirty mess last time I was there. Potholed streets, lots of trash, high crime rates, not much to do. When did the big change come about? I thought it was pretty boring, I still would not return.

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

Thought the President had the final OK with his Signature,,,

miamimike comments on Corruption Perception Index 2009

Billy--I understand perfectly clear but your Viewpoint is the Problem just started with current Left Wing Leaders. In fact this has been going on for decades with these Tin Horns, only difference I see was a lack of Criticism for those who looted in the past and they were in many cases, right wing conservative Presidents. Where was the Outrage? Pinochet was a Good example--did you criticize him? Theyr'e still looking for all the money he stole, he had quite an illegal stash at Espiritu Bank here in Miami. It was uncovered and returned to its rightful owners, the citizens of Chile. Makopp--Everything is reletive. way back when these right wing caudillos were stealing Venezuela blind it is true the Price of Oil was much less. However, the cost of many goods were also much lower so the earnings from the Oil Revenue went much farther. Its a simple term we call INFLATION. And no matter, stealing is stealing, no matter if the price of Oil was $20 or $200. Plenty of Crooks from both sides, I criticize both.

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

Brian858 says on Nov 17, 2009, 10:04 (today): flag History will repeat itself.....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Roman_Empire ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRIAN--Spot on! We are headed down that path!

miamimike comments on Corruption Perception Index 2009

Billy--how do you explain, in the case of Venezuela, what happened to all the Oil money prior to Chavez's Arrival? Not to say Chavez didn't steal & blow his share of the Oil Revenue but so did all the other Presidents in the last 40 years or so. What Party were they? Not All Left Wingers for sure. You need to go back and brush up on Latin American Politics and you will clearly see that Presidents of both the Left and right Wing stole the Loot in these Latin American Countries. Look at Pinochet and the Salinas Brothers--they are still looking for the money they stole and hid. Blame to both sides,,,Left & right both stole plenty

miamimike comments on Corruption Perception Index 2009

Interesting Rating but not too surprising, at least with these countries in the Americas, minus Chile and Uraguay. Lack of Transparency in Government & business will never let these countries truly progress.

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

Juepaje--the Dual Wars of Iraq &Afghanistan are bleeding the US dry to the tune of $3 Billion weekly. We borrow all this $$$ from China. How many Wars do you see China involved in? None. They spend their money domestically(or on foreign endeavors that benefit their people and its economy) Isn't it a wake-up call when China, who is our prime lender, lectures the USA as it did recently "telling the USA to get its financial house in order? " And that if we don't get our debt under control, they may look elsewhere to invest their excess money (earned from a lopsided trade imbalance with the USA) into a currency with a more promising future. Your statement "The easiest place to get drugs in the US is in any federal prison. Prohibition never has and never will work" goes to show the Drug war, at least from the point of stopping the inflow to the USA has not worked. It is not working. More colombian coke is on the street, prices are way down, sure sign of the futility of this policy. Keep the foreign aid $$ here at home. Like China does,,,

miamimike comments on Anyone knows of a good and not too expensive shipping service in DC?

Try Servientrega, ABE Cargo or Avianca air cargo. All are based out of Miami & they have a minimum charge of approx $17 for the 1st pound, then every pound afterwards is around $1.85-$2.25 per pound. Google them for the address & website.

miamimike comments on war within the next two years

RJ--ridiculous as it is, you aware that Chavez's Citgo owns 4-6 Gulf Coast Refineries here with quite a few American Employees. We won't allow anything that puts this business relationship in danger, Big Oil here in the USA will never allow that to happen, no matter who is President. Loss of this Oil and these valuable refineries would boost the Cost of our Gasoline 20-30% overnight at the Pump. The Powers to be, as much as they dislike Chavez, will safeguard this symbiotic relationship. Its all about $$$$$$$$$. Even here in Miami, as much as the Cubans hate Chavez(so theyclaim), guess what Gas Stations they patronize? Good Old Citgo and Chavez laughs all the way to the Bank when they pull in with their Big Hummer SUVs and say "Fill'er up" . Like Comic Book Icon Pogo says "We have met the enemy and they is US"

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

ST--Colombia is doing much better financially since 1999, why can't they(goverment of Col) pay for their own Plan Colombia Now? Americans for one thing are no more going to stop using Cocaine/Heroin/Crack/ Weed then they are going to stop driving SUVs. Ain't gonna happen anytime soon. Does this mean we have to continue sending them Billions when we have programs here in the USA that are lacking? And where we have to borrow from the Chinese to fund these foreign programs? Keep those same funds here in the US and fully fund our VA Medical System that cares for our Wounded Vets for starters,,,

miamimike comments on Finding Peace in Colombia

BG--why don't you answer my Question?

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

Makopp--I never said PC wasn't a good idea ! I supported it in '99 when then Prez Clinton signed it into law, like a temporaryhelping hand-up. What I am saying is it was not intended to last into perpetuity. Besides, the US Taxpayers can only afford so may of these foreign Excursions and already we are blowing 3 Billion USD $$ weekly on Iraq and Afghanistan. And at the height of our worst economic recession since the great depression, where do suppose these Billions for PC come from? Everyday on the news its about the Deficit & Debt and the Billions we borrow from China to finance our Debt--some of which we are turning right around and giving out in Foreign aid to countries like Colombia where it seems like today Colombia could well afford to pay for their own Plan Colombia should they feel the need for it to continue. I would cut it(PC) tomorrow if it was up to me, a concerned US Taxpayer. We have done our Good Deed in Colombia, time to pack it up and go home on PC.

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

I know that but you didn't answer a few of the Questions I asked concerning how long PC should continue, what milemarker constitutes success where the plan can be dis-continued?

miamimike comments on Finding Peace in Colombia

BG--do you live in Newfoundland? A Buddy gave me some Moosemeat from a big Newfy Moose he shot while hunting there, it made the best Mooseburger ever. Do you eat Moosemeat?

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

Makeopp--you making the above statement is like saying if a country in europe in WW2 refused to admit Jews looking for Safe Haven they were off the Hook and free from Hitler's Wrath. Send the damned elsewhere to meet their eventual fate. That's what you are saying in your post, better to move the problem into someone's else's backyard. Same could be said of Nuclear, Waste, ship it off to someone else's country but don't bury it where I live. Is this the best Solution in this Day & Age of Civilized Society?

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

Makeopp--you need to carefully re-read what I wrote,,And answer a few of the questions I posted & not create your own ?

miamimike comments on Why Plan Colombia has to go on

Why Plan Colombia has to go on The war on drugs is successful and Colombia has to go on with it, the country's vice-president Francisco Santos told Colombia Reports ----------------------------------------------- Plan Colombia funded by the US taxpayer was not intended to continue into perpetuity. They should have had a Sunset type (expiratiopn) clause in the langauge but probably doesn't since it was created by Politicians. It was signed into Law in 1999, seems like 10 years is sufficient considering the State of Colombia today, much improved. Just how long is the US supposed to fund Plan Colombia? 10 years? 20 years? 30 Years? As far as the VP saying it was so successful on eliminating drugs, why then is Product/supply(from colombia) UP on US Streets and retail drug prices DOWN, indicating increased supply? Massive supplies of Col Cocaine are being moved through Mexico causing mayhem in the streets of their Border towns. Success?

miamimike comments on Finding Peace in Colombia

Simon says on Nov 16, 2009, 12:56 (today): flag It was a book fair, not a travel expo. ========================================= Simon , that we are aware of but what I stated was that at Events such as these Bookfairs, large Mainstream Groups are to found. Many in these groups travel and like the Isreali booth I mentioned, they browse around the offerings and pick up free Brochures if offered. Seems like a fertile tourist-rich area considering the local miami Huge Latin Population as well as other mainstreamers attending from Broward and West Palm beach. Like many Industries that are down, a country at times must Market themselves and I believe Colombia presently is in that predicament. Even Haiti is Marketing themselves as an up and coming Place to invest and travel to so if Haiti can get on the Travel/Invest Bandwagon with all their poverty and problems, certainly the Government of Colombia can. Not to forget, Col is in much better condition financially to fund Tourism Promotion.

miamimike comments on Finding Peace in Colombia

Darloup--Still stand by what I wrote, nice(objective type) brochures at mainstream places like this Miami Bookfair I went to over the weekend. I should have stated in my OP , Print Type Brochures.

miamimike comments on Cucuta and in to Venezeula...

Cucata is dangerous & dirty, avoid it if possible, not much to see either,,,Careful around that main bus terminal. I visited Cucata once and would not go back or recommend it either.

miamimike comments on Fellow PBHers

Platinum_space says on Nov 15, 2009, 18:36: flag Miami Mike, your a weird one, you sure your allowed to travel outside the country --------------------------------------------- Like I say, Good luck with your Dog, I am sure he will do just fine,,,

miamimike comments on Finding Peace in Colombia

Many times this lack of a Positive image can be traced right back to the Colombian Government (Dept of Tourism if there is such an entity). Rarely do I see any nice(objective) Brochures depicting Colombia in a postive manner published by the Colombian govt to counter the Negative articles. Now before someone else says it, yes they(brochures) may be out there but where? Example : I was at our Large Miami Annual Bookfair over this past weekend and stopped at an Isreali Booth and picked up a couple very large Brochures on Vacations in their country. Throughout the whole area, I failed to see a Booth selling Colombian Authored Books. Plenty of Booths selling Spanish publications, no lack of Books on Cuba. lol Kind of surprised me with all the Colombian/Latins residing here, not to forget all our International visitors that were at the Bookfair. This Bookfair is an attraction where Mainstream Visitors come in droves, the kind Colombia would like to attract. The Colombian Government must do more to promote their own country as other countries do. This Isreali Brochure was but one example. I notice also on TV Isreal spends some big bucks on Tourism Ads promoting their country's attractions.

miamimike comments on Chinese product sources?

St--its the same Mentality is the point I'm trying to make. Just as you probably wouldn't extend credit to someone you haven't fully vetted in China if you were buying or selling a Product, neither would you do the same with a like situation with someone from Colombia you don't know. Case in point, a few years ago I received a phone call from a person in Colombia asking me if I could source a few commercial used sewing machines for him. No problem I responded, how do you want to pay me(in advance) for the product as I extend no line of credit? The line went dead as he hung up. Never heard from him again. Colombian friends of mine tell me they would do the same, no product shipped before its payed for,,,You ship something before you receive payment from someone you have not performed your due diligence on, good chances you simply won't receive payment, no matter if they are from Colombia or China. A friend's nephew lost $10,000 a few years ago when he shipped a load of computers before payment,,Caveat Emptor

miamimike comments on Chinese product sources?

Timba--I don't see any difference between doing Export business in China or Colombia. IMO, its a Wash.

miamimike comments on Fellow PBHers

Hire a Dog Sitter (cheap) for a few weeks to keep him company, he'll do just fine. Just don't let your Pooch Crap in the Taxicab, next to slamming the hack's door, letting your Dog drop a load on the Taxi Floor or Barfing on it is the next worst thing to slamming the Cab door. Esp if the Dog owner is a Gringo,,,Ask me how I know how unhappy Taxi Drivers in Bogota get when you barf inside their Taxi. LOL

miamimike comments on Juan Pablo Montoya fueling Hispanic attraction to NASCAR

Nascar has the Golf Game beat out for action but not by much. Both are about as exciting as watching paint dry,,,lol Give me a Good Game of Women's Beach Volleyball game anytime,,,Not that's some action,,,and a much better uniform to look at,,,lol

miamimike comments on Fellow PBHers

Billy No, no menage a trois in the future with those you mention, my Avatar Georgie boy is busy with his Sheiki, Sarah's busy with her book so that has to be left for another day. Peace Out, السلام عليكم

miamimike comments on Fellow PBHers

PS--Good Luck with your Dog's Operation. I'm sure he/she will do just fine in Colombia. We have a certain group of Grim Reapers here on PBH and your critic happens to be one of them, always raining on someone's parade.