Portena has left 618 comments

Portena comments on Men, who needs them? But what a colourless world it would be

The yin needs the yang and visa versa for a healthy, balanced life.

Portena comments on TRIBUTE TO STAFF SGT. JOHN BEALE.........MAY HE REST IN PEACE

We are so fortunate here in the United States to have such courageous men and women standing ready to defend freedom! I agree with Azunoman that their sacrifices are often taken for granted. When I visited Colombia, a Colombian friend was telling me about the military draft there and was absolutley amazed that military service is all volunteer in the United States. "They volunteered for that?" this friend asked me in an incredulous tone. I was proud to say "Yes, they did."

Portena comments on A hero's salute

Iowa is a blue state where a veteran's service and sacrifice is honored. So, Iowa is an interesting mix of liberalism and a good midwestern heart.

Portena comments on it's a good day to die..............................

Yes - Oglala is a branch of the Lakota. I read that book many moons ago... I also liked a book by Dr. Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa) - Memories of an Indian Boyhood.

Portena comments on it's a good day to die..............................

It's a good day to die.... is from the Sioux (I believe it's a Lakota saying) probably Crazy Horse

Portena comments on Man Tequila

Who is the artist that is profiled in your new avatar, MT?

Portena comments on

True MT, but that is not just women. People in demanding jobs, of both sexes, often seem to be too stressed. The difference PowWow is referring to may just be that women were not so much in those jobs 20-30 years ago... __________________________ A truly compassionate perspective.

Portena comments on Paragliding in Colombia

Reminds me of parasailing over shark infested waters. I had to sign a five page release of liability form. You gotta cross your fingers for luck and try these adrenaline junkie activities out at least once. :)

Portena comments on Zipaquira

You might try the rustic Funzipa restaurant in Zipaquira. It was once an old salt factory.

Portena comments on Subj: Fwd: Fw: English Grammar?

Interesting how mixed UP the English language is! :)

Portena comments on which PBH members will you have for a dinner party ( just for fun)

Thanks, Huskie. It sounds like it would be an interesting party. :) I'll bring some Bison meat for the grill. Just need our wine experts to bring along an exotic bottle of wine or two to go along with that.

Portena comments on torture

Similarly, there is no doubt in my mind that you would be extremely angry if one of our soldiers was waterboarded and that you would seek punishment for the individual that carried out the technique if the opportunity presented itself. _________________________ From Wikipedia: a UPI article in 1976 used the term "'water board' torture" to describe a training technique: "[U.S. Navy trainees] were strapped down and water poured into their mouths and noses until they lost consciousness… A Navy spokesman admitted use of the 'water board' torture… to 'convince each trainee that he won't be able to physically resist what an enemy would do to him'". Used in SERE training for US special forces soldiers.

Portena comments on Wine glorious wine!!

The wine bar sounds like it would be a nice touch...

Portena comments on torture

the standard bearer we are...and will continue to be.........that is not to be confused with not being human. for human we are ____________________ It's a tough, often thankless job to be the standard bearer, and human we are - in a very politically complex world

Portena comments on

Funny!

Portena comments on My trip to Barbosa Antioquia

Nice video. Were you with a tour group or friends?

Portena comments on

I'm not familiar with psycho cybernetics. In sports psychology visualization is used to enhance performance. When practicing with visualization impulses are actually sent to the muscles involved in the movements which can help to improve skills and eliminate timing errors. A neural pattern is a neural pattern to your brain whether it is created by a physical act or a mental act. In the case you offer as an example, it might take more than simple visualization to improve confidence, although visualization might be very helpful. Basically, one could explore the confidence issues with a life coach (do they have those in the UK?) or a therapist, and develop a more comprehensive plan for tackling them. Improving communication skills, assertiveness training, etc.

Portena comments on Safety in Columbia?

They are great riders! The road looks familiar. I took scenic rides all around Bogota, but I don't recall the names of the roads. What road is it?

Portena comments on Do you guys think the US is heading in the wrong track?

An interesting example of psychological warfare. I don't buy it. But, published in the Wall Street Journal, no less, the article is a good first attempt to plant the seeds of mass hysteria.

Portena comments on dwmte7

I hang out here a lot. Just don't post that much. Enjoy reading your stories about your experiences in Colombia. Good luck to your daughter! Did you say she has joined the Air Force?

Portena comments on for you out there, dan, be safe, come home soon..........from all of us at pbh

Congratulations!

Portena comments on Lioness - Movie About Women Who Served in Battle

I love to read, but when it comes to history I'm more into the history channel. I like the interviews with the individuals who shaped history, and I also like the old news films.

Portena comments on Lioness - Movie About Women Who Served in Battle

That's an interesting bit of information, Kalder. Are you a history buff? "When it fell to the Red Army, the women were summarily gang-raped". Of course, soldiers of both genders can meet that fate once taken captive.

Portena comments on

Good one!

Portena comments on Jungle View of the Falls

I like birdwatching! :) Anyway, my point is this - don't wait until you're 90 to go! Unless you're one of those rare 90 years old with the energy, balance, and stamina of a much younger person.

Portena comments on

Heartwarming message with beautiful photos!

Portena comments on Jungle View of the Falls

The cement walkways and stairs along the edges of the river and near the falls were sometimes slippery and uneven. The walkway was cracked and broken in a few areas. It's such a beautiful park hopefully more money will be invested in maintenance - anyway you need to be a bit sure footed for that trek. If you take the speedboat to the falls, you should have a good sense of balance and not get easily seasick because it can be a wild, bumpy ride with sharp turns. I rapelled down the side of a small waterfall and that was a lot of fun. You could simply take it easy too and go bird watching!

Portena comments on Jungle View of the Falls

Hi Desi, You definitely have to visit, and don't wait too long! You need mobility and energy to enjoy some of the activities at the falls. The flight might be expensive, but you could probably find some very reasonably priced hotels and restaurants! So, where in Florida did you live?

Portena comments on

Hi Huskie, Funny doggie picture! I've been reading posts almost daily. PBH is always interesting with its diverse cast of characters! Estoy bien. Y usted?

Portena comments on

Thanks for the links, huskie!

Portena comments on

Good they cancelled the buses if they don't have road crews equipped to properly salt and plow the streets!

Portena comments on The Modern Catholic Church

Glad it brightened your day, Plato! dwmte7 - No, not 11! UNA! UNA! Cancela! Cancela!

Portena comments on Colombia Army Rescues 10 FARC Rebel Captives

The story of Eric Leupin kidnapped by the Farc in mid-seventies is quite different from the story of Luis Eladio Perez, held hostage 20 years later. Desi, what would you say was different?

Portena comments on Gotan Project - Triptico Live

I like his songs too. Can't always tell what the lyrics are/translate though. I'll have to see if there are videos for some of the other songs from the album, GranHotelBuenosAires. I also like Raul Paz and his song, Mulata. The music is a fun way to improve my spanish.

Portena comments on Gotan Project - Triptico Live

Bajofondo Tango Club

Portena comments on Gotan Project - Triptico Live

Great video!

Portena comments on Construction workers uncover ancient Spanish ship in Buenos Aires

Interesting.

Portena comments on Monpirri

Great video! Thanks, Monpirri! I hope you have a Merry Christmas too!

Portena comments on ABC Nightline Special--Dance with Devil Train in the Ecuadorian Andes@ 11;30pm

Yikes, Desi! The scenery in that video is beautiful, but those train tracks need some work!

Portena comments on Some Hummingbirds From My Deck

Great photos!

Portena comments on White water rafting

Great links, webmanco and jonas!

Portena comments on White water rafting

Thanks for all the info!

Portena comments on White water rafting

Definitely some good leads - but is the water cold mountain water? And, I was a bit more interested in fun than danger! Also, I'm more familiar with the areas between Bogota and Bucaramanga - haven't been to Medellin or San Gill.

Portena comments on Dan

Glad to know from the new photo that you're ok. Hang in there!

Portena comments on The 10 most inspiring travel quotes all time

Great quotes!

Portena comments on

Iguazu Falls! Wine! Mendoza! Bariloche! Patagonia! And lots more...

Portena comments on Funny-- Helpful--??? What is the purpose of this?

Sounds miserable. I hope you're far enough from the fires to be out of danger!

Portena comments on Getting spam mail from PBH members

Does this require an online degree of some sort?

Portena comments on Getting spam mail from PBH members

BECOME the llama. How, MT???? Do you wish to share your wisdom? And what exactly are the benefits of BECOMING the llama?

Portena comments on Getting spam mail from PBH members

Oh, the drama! Sometimes I think this site could be the launching point for a good reality show.