Swinn88 has left 293 comments

Swinn88 comments on Por Favor Mandan Condolencias

Thanks Everyone. Send them to Swinn88 at hotmail.com and I will make sure that Laura Gets them.

Swinn88 comments on Por Favor Mandan Condolencias

Gracias a todos. Si envien condolencias por favor mandan en espanol porque mi nina todavia no habla ingles. Gracias. LauraSwinn at hotmail.com

Swinn88 comments on Swinn88

Just let me Know GS. My Wife and I will make sure you have a great time in New York.

Swinn88 comments on Swinn88

Trouble today with this thing.

Swinn88 comments on Swinn88

WWw

Swinn88 comments on Swinn88

Hi Mafe i'm sorry I did n ot respond earlier but sometimes a few days pass before i can actually turn this computer on. I found PBH while looking for people to chat with about Colombia. I wish it were more exciting but that's it.

Swinn88 comments on elmo's thread

Did we find out why the thread was deleted?

Swinn88 comments on elmo's thread

well said Rubito.

Swinn88 comments on elmo's thread

I thought the Topic was pretty interesting as well.

Swinn88 comments on

Pathetic by the way is a strong word to use. Their are many latin American families that don't speak spanish and they are many things but not pathetic. That is My opinion.

Swinn88 comments on

Please read my post. don't pick at it. Read it. It's not my opinion, it's history. From Germans to Latinos to Italians to Africans that's what happens. Be proud that your family has managed to keep it's ties to Colombia. But your kids have less of a reason to do so especially if there mom is not colombian. Your kids kids are in more danger of forgetting their Colombian Heritage especially if they don't Marry or have kids from fellow Colombians. That's History. Look I'm not saying it's wrong or futile to hold onto your heritage. I'm just saying that unless you live in a Spanish speaking Country your descendants will forget. As the generations pass you leave that other country behind and you become American with more American Values than Colombian values or any other countries values. You lose it. you lose the connection. and there is only one way to keep that connection.

Swinn88 comments on

Famous Colombian Paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancusos father was an Italian Immigrant. Is he Italian or Colombian or both? Does he speak Italian? If not is that a travesty? Because he has forgotten his Italian heritage? should only colombians or latinos be offended because someone of latin american heritage does not speak spanish? Many people say there is no excuse and I say that is wrong. It is wrong to send your kid to his first day of school and he can't speak english even though he has never left the U.S.. I say be proud to have Colombian Heritage or any other heritage but live in the U.S. long enough and you become American. Your children more so. Eventually you have no contacts in your former country. You only have stories that your grandparents told you. Then you don't have that. You no longer have family to visit because you don't know who they are. You fall in love with someone that has heritage from another country and your children have less of a reason to speak the language. They marry someone that does not have lineage similar to either of your parents and that is less of a reason to speak spanish. the only thing left is your surname. Lopez, Calderon, Uribe, Chavez. They may have the ability to make tortillas, empanadas, Arepas, Sancocho etc. but they will be American. Some on this site like to say Gringo. But they are Americans. they are White, Black, Asian, Etc. Just like everyone else. So...be proud while you can. Be upset when your Grand children don't speak spanish or don't eat Arepas. Remember The only way...I mean they only way that your descendants will continue to speak spanish is if you move to a Spanish speaking Country. Thats the truth.

Swinn88 comments on

Mafe the truth is that as each generation passes, Immigrants mother tongues are lost. Italian Communities Now speak English, Chinese Communities, and More. New Immigrants speak their mother language and try to hold on to it but it is eventually lost. I saw a special about English in the U.S. about a year back and according to that special all immigrant groups eventually lose their language. Of course depending on where you live in the U.S. determines accents and new words are added by Immigrant groups but it ends up being english.

Swinn88 comments on

Sad but True Elmo.

Swinn88 comments on

Hey Elmo Your kids Kids will most likely have even less interest.

Swinn88 comments on

jajaja you all know I won't back off from a topic I believe in.

Swinn88 comments on

Simon, Monoke Mafe, Im Agreeing with you all.

Swinn88 comments on

Sounds like we agree on many points Mafe

Swinn88 comments on

Kind of like being offended by the Guy whose grandparents on both sides are from sicily and he does not speak Sicilian(Did I spell that Right?). Or a kid whose parents were born and raised in Colombia while he was born and raised in the U.S. and prefers to speak english. If the Kid was in Colombia and prefered to speak English that is reason to be offended. But in the U.S. you can't blame the kid. That's his culture like it or not.

Swinn88 comments on

Imagine this...all those Italian Americans that are so proud of being Italian. Or Irish Americans or Swedish Americans Norwegian Americans, Welsh Americans, Russian American, Albanian Americans, Some of whom speak their parents tongue most of whom don't. All that I know proud of their heritage, Eat foods considered native to their parents home country and recipes handed down from generation to generation. Most of them although proud of their heritage call themselves American. Why? Because they are American. Their culture is a mix of all the countries named above and more. That is American. I sincerely believe and have no problem with a colombian that although has parents that are colombian. Call themselves American just like everyone else that has grown up in the American Culture that is very different from the culture in Colombia and from the above countries and more.

Swinn88 comments on

I Understand what Mafe is saying however they should be able to say they are american also, no?

Swinn88 comments on

So...Are children of Colombians that are born in the U.S. and have never been to Colombia...Not American? or USA's?

Swinn88 comments on

I understand Mafe. I see that the number of long Islanders on PBH is...not so Small.

Swinn88 comments on

where in Long Island Mafe?

Swinn88 comments on best restaurant in medellin

La Doctora is a great Restaurant. there is 1 in sabaneta and the food is fantastic. The one in Poblado is also good but not as good. If you go...ENJOY!!! # 301 10-26 & Cra.43 75 Sur 65 Tel. 288 12 54

Swinn88 comments on

Depends on your point of View American. I have had the pleasure of meeting many Spiritual people from many countries including the U.S. and some European Countries. There are some slobs but generally I find most people are not. So...I cannot agree with you. As far as the U.S. is concerned...I like it. I like the diversity. I like the Landscape. I like NYC. MIAMI, LA, Etc. Vegas should be on my list of places to go I heard everyone should go there at least once. I like the beaches, I like The Africans, Irish, Italians, Colombians, Mexicans, Albanians, Iranians, Americans, Etc that make the U.S. what it is. I like other countries also but this is home and it doesn't get much better. I'm gonna add Vegas to my places I want to travel to.

Swinn88 comments on

I Live in the U.S. and it is special. and yup it lacks many things but it also gives so much. Not taking away from any other countries but there are not many other places I would rather be.

Swinn88 comments on Drinks

Rhyde don't let the Distance discourage you. If need be Ill snatch you up in the city and drive you out to Brentwood. Same offer for you Aaron, and of course goin south.

Swinn88 comments on goin_south

Mi Tierrita in Brentwood is actually about 40 miles from Yankee stadium and a bit less depending on where in the Bronx you want to go. a good portion of the mileage is getting to the stadium driving like crazy in the bronx. If you are driving and there is no traffic then you can bank on getting their in about 45 minutes. If your heavy on the peddle then 35 minutes without traffic. I live in Central Islip and I drive to the Bronx about 3 days a week so I can Assure you that it's not 75 Miles and it wont take 3.5 hours even on a busy traffic day. The best bet for people that will be comming from NYC is to Hop on the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) at Penn station and catch an express on the Ronkonkoma Line. it's about an hour ride. If you catch a local then it's about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It's roughly half the mileage that Aaron says and alot less time to get there. If you can make it to to New York I will personally pick you up and bring you to the restaurant.

Swinn88 comments on Drinks

Brentwood is actually about 40 miles from Yankee stadium and a bit less depending on where in the Bronx you want to go. a good portion of the mileage is getting to the stadium driving like crazy in the bronx. If you are driving and there is no traffic then you can bank on getting their in about 45 minutes. If your heavy on the peddle then 35 minutes without traffic. I live in Central Islip and I drive to the Bronx about 3 days a week so I can Assure you that it's not 75 Miles and it wont take 3.5 hours even on a busy traffic day. The best bet for people that will be comming from NYC is to Hop on the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) at Penn station and catch an express on the Ronkonkoma Line. it's about an hour ride. If you catch a local then it's about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It's roughly half the mileage that Aaron says and alot less time to get there

Swinn88 comments on What Do Americans Think of Colombians?

The Post has changed dramatically. But It was great discussion. Thanks.

Swinn88 comments on What Do Americans Think of Colombians?

I know nobody will believe this but when I talk about Colombia I find most people IInterested in the topic intoxicated with the stories I have told and most want to know more. The truth is most people associate colombia with drugs. Sad but true. What I never expected was the number of Colombians that bad mouth Colombia. Even worse is other hispanoparlantes that are not from Colombia speak horribly of Colombia and wonder why I would visit or live in such a place. My wifes Dr. is Colombian. She was born in Colombia but raised in the U.S. She is what you would call an American. She says she loves to visit and see family but thats it. She would never live there. the crime is horrible the drug crime is ridiculous. My Wife of course hates to hear it but understands why she thinks that way. There is a Colombian Bakery down the street from me called la espiguita. The owner is from Bogota and told me he would never return to colombia after being in the u.s because life is so much harder in Colombia after living in the U.S. He also talks about crime and drugs and war in Colombia. Are they Correct or is what they say influenced by the media.

Swinn88 comments on What Do Americans Think of Colombians?

I know this is off topic but when I was in High school our shop teacher showed us how to make an outdoor shower. Using one white painted drum or barrel and one painted black. The black painted barrel held hot water and the white reflected the light and stayed cool. I have made this system several times since then and thus will never go without hot water again. Sorry about going off topic.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

Dodger I hope your not a Dodger fan (Brooklyn Dodger Fan is Ok). In the U.S. you have Bet that caters to blacks because there was no real representation of blacks on U.S. T.V. Yes there were shows but somone decided they wanted to Do something for the black Community in The U.S. You also have telemundo, Univision and other Spanish Language T.V. Stations that Cater to Hispanoparlantes. There is also Polish T.V. Italian T.V. BBC T.V, Indian TV, Chinese TV, and More. Everyday TV generally caters to White audiences so there is really no need for WET. However I Agree that BET is a horrible name for a network. Add the Other language networks and it's difficult to call BET Racist when so many other channels do the same. There is also the womens network(Whats it called? I don't watch it Much) and you have Spike TV that Caters to Men.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

Remember. in the years past when blacks were really treated horribly and hung from trees for whatever reason they felt one needed to be hanged. Whites dressed in Blackface all the time.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

Whites do it every year at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Specifically during the ZULU parade on Fat Tuesday.

Swinn88 comments on What Do Americans Think of Colombians?

I'm not sure I know. but I certainly don't know what the rest of you think. so. Lets discuss it. whats correct whats not correct. Worth a go, no?

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

Race is an issue in the U.S for a very good reason. When it is not an issue Racism is allowed to fester and grow unchecked. the people of the U.S today think very differently than the People of the U.S. in 1950. It has gotten better and will continue to get better. It's a hard road to travel but it is an issue and that is the first step. There is no pretending that it does not exist in the U.S. . We all know it and we all deal with it. Countries like Colombia that don't deal with it are far behind the U.S. with regard to racism issues. They still try to say it does not exist just like they did in the U.S. in the 1800's. What you see in the U.S. with regard to racism is called Progress.

Swinn88 comments on A los gringos les parece terrible

from my point of view The U.S. is the country most accepting of different cultures. People in the U.S. Generally don't look down on other cultures and realistically want to learn more. The Real Problem is the percepcion that different cultures have about the way Americans view them. Americans think this. Americans think that. The truth is it what you think. not what they think.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

Simon you must be joking. Please don't think for one moment that race is not an issue in colombia. Colombia is also multiethnic although many refuse to acknowledge it. Talk to Blacks and Indians in Colombia as I have and then lets talk. Most Colombians take offense to the term Indio, no? Why? Indians in the U.S. that I Know are proud to be indians but call a colombian an Indio and you have a fight. Am I correct? or how about Indio pa ti rajao? You can liken the words and they are Offensive.

Swinn88 comments on Drinks

Papi April 19 is good for me. I will contact the restaurant tomorrow to find out about large groups, however I need to be sure of how many of us will show. for those that don't know of this place, if you join us you will continue to return.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

I approach the term the way I see it. It is not wrong. There are no American sentiments and even if there were so what. The term is offensive to me. Would you you take being called a spic lightly? a wetback? Sudaca? Indio? I don't think so. how about if I called all colombians Mules. Is it Offensive or just Colombian sensabilities. I can joke about it, I can say it in a friendly way but if I say it you will be offended, No? I live in the U.S. yes. However No one on PBH should challange my knowledge of the way of life in or about Colombia. I have lived it. I have talked about it here on PBH. I have heard the term used jokingly in Colombia. I have learned that the Joke is on those that put up with being called that term. My wife admittedly has never used the word with carino. Simon if you use the term in a friendly way cool. But I take offense. Just like my friends that say yo Nigga whats up. I take offense. Naturally spending a vast amount of time in Colombia, I know how to gage how the term is being used in Colombia. With and without American sensabilities.

Swinn88 comments on A los gringos les parece terrible

Lisa This is not a new phenominon. American History is full of stories of family ramaining in the home even after marriage. You would not send you child away from home and neither would I. However it happens in the U.S. and in Colombia and in many other countries. It's not new. it has allways been this way and it will continue. You childs friends that cannot live with his/her family is not from my experience normal. however, i'm not surprised.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

I'm A denver Fan Tejas. However I am a huge Lyn Swann Fan and that is why as a defensive lineman and Tight End in High School and at Syracuse University I wore the Number 88. (Im a Denver Fan After getting to know former Syracuse player and Bronco great Floydd Little).

Swinn88 comments on Drinks

Hey Papi Mi tierrita Is from my opinion the best colombian restaurant on Long Island. The food is absolutely amazing and we should without a doubt hook up for some fine dining and drinks. I currently live in C.I. and am ready anytime. My wife and kids would enjoy it also. Lets make it happen.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

I try very hard not to use the word gringo. I understand that many people here on PBH view the word with feelings Cariñoso but I just don't see it that way. I have not and will not refer to anyone on this site as a Gringo. I personally have rarley heard the word used lovingly. However I have read past posts and I see that many members of PBH use it frequently and many people refer to themselves as Gringo. I have seen people that are not offended by the term wet back and many people refer to themselves as wetbacks but to me it is Offensive. The term sudaca is also offensive and Meant to be offensive. I have little doubt that Colombians on PBH would not put up with being called anything but Colombian or whatever term Colombians are comfortable with calling themselves. So when I speak to people and they say "Your a Gringo" I feel a need to put them in their place. Gringo to me is Like Nigger, Cracker, Wetback, Sudaca, Wap, Guini, or any other offensive term that a person feels a need to call someone that is different from them. Regardless of how many people accept being called that term. You are all entitled to have your own opinions on the topic. What I have stated is my opinion. no more, no less.

Swinn88 comments on Drinks

I will be there ryde. I just need to get out for awhile. Happy Birthday.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

That's the best definition of the word that I have ever heard.

Swinn88 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

wow!

Swinn88 comments on Drinks

who on PBH lives in the Metro New York Area?