January 28, 2009 A quote from Ernest

- begin quote -

I spoke at UT before the black faculty and staff for MLK birthday celebration, 1/15. The hardest task for me was to try and salute, honor and uplift the role of the individual while trying to downplay the Obama factor. The biggest danger I see is for people to fall asleep at the wheel, to give him the Moses/Messiah role…I’m not worried about the “dream factor” on our youth, as for inspiring their own self confidences more than ever. Barak is the chief executive of an empire, one with over 700 military bases world wide, spending over a trillion dollars a year on weaponry (more than all the other nations of the world combined!), handing out 1 billion dollars a day to Israel alone, and engaged in two wars at once. We need a people’s movement here more now than ever, but I’m afraid we’ll be watching it on our tv’s rather than out in the streets making it happen. Someone said that for LBJ (in 1964) had his MLK and the people’s movement to pressure him and force him to do the right things; now (post election) it’s just Barak and an audience. In Ghana (1966?) the cia paid a few generals a few million dollars to overthrow the democratically elected Nkrumah (the first independent sub Saharan Black republic in modern history!) The people boarded their homes, hid under their beds while only the 300 palace guards resisted. WE do need all hands on deck.
I’m turning in for now….

- end quote -

January 20, 2009: Houston Marathon

Picture and text from the Houston Chronicle.

Johnny Hanson: Chronicle

Gonzalo Camacho (lower left) and Kathy Hardy (lower right) watch as runners make their way down White Oak.

January 20, 2009 USA/World: The New America - Obama's Inauguration

A historic day in the history of this great nation and the world. Lets hope the hurdles that the nation has overcome as attested by today to be an example to follow and not an exception to remember. Lets hope Obama and his administration are blessed and given the courage to stop the building of the American empire and stop our foreign wars. Lets build an American country for the future focused in peace and brotherly love.

Pictures and text from BBC.

Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America, at a historic ceremony in Washington DC.

Mr Obama swore his oath of allegiance on the same bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861, held by the new First Lady Michelle Obama.

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

Serious challenges

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

Nation of 'risk-takers'

We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

'Remaking America'

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Restoring trust

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

'Ready to lead'

As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

'Era of peace'

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

'Duties'

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

'Gift of freedom'

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

January 19, 2009 Around the world: Slovakian horses

A winter activity in the country of Slovakia. First, second and third champions.

January 13, 2009 Afghanistan: Snow falls in Kabul

The wonderful happy and not so happy moments that people experience in the world. Following pictures and text are from China View news.

A burqa-clad woman walks on a road as snow falls in Kabul Jan. 13, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A girl smiles as she walks on a road as snow falls in Kabul Jan. 13, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Women beg on a road as snow falls in Kabul Jan. 13, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A man selling coal warms himself as snow falls in Kabul Jan. 13, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

La Guerra del Pacífico 1879 (Perú, Bolivia y Chile)

La Guerra del Pacífico 1879 (Perú, Bolivia y Chile)

Blog dedicado al tema de la Guerra del Pacifico 1879, que enfrentó a tres países sudamericanos (Chile, Perú y Bolivia) Donde se pretende dar a conocer algunos hechos, presentar documentos, biografías, articulos relacionados sobre este tema. Cualquier aporte al email: JOENSARE@HOTMAIL.COM


Eliodoro Camacho
Militar y político nacido en Inquisivi, en 1831.

Combatió en el Alto de la Alianza, última batalla donde fue herido y llevado prisionero a Chile por dos años

Del libro de Francisco Machuca, tomo II
“Apenas el coronel Camacho recibe el nombramiento de comandante en jefe discernido por las tropas acantonadas en Tacna, a raíz de la deposición del general Daza, comunica la nueva situación al almirante Montero, que esperaba ansioso el resultado del movimiento, del cual tenía conocimiento anticipado, prestándole su apoyo moral. Camacho, se pone a sus órdenes para cumplir su deber en defensa de la Alianza.
Igual comunicación hace a S. E. el Dictador del Perú, afirmando su adhesión y la del ejército boliviano a la Alianza, y su firme propósito de continuar la lucha hasta vencer al enemigo.
El pronunciamiento no acarreó cambio alguno en la constitución interna del ejército, que continuó normalmente sus ejercicios y distribuciones diarias de campaña.
Los tres generales que se encontraban en las filas, señores Casto Arquedas, Luciano Alcoreza y Pedro Villamil, firman un manifiesto que fue leído a las tropas, en EL CUAL RECONOCEN AL CORONEL CAMACHO COMO GENERAL EN JEFE. Este les confía respectivamente honrosas comisiones en su patria, que se apresuran a desempeñar.
A las 8 P. M. del día 27 11 80, se reúnen en consejo, el coronel don Julián López, los jefes de la Guardia Nacional, y de las fuerzas de línea de guarnición en la plaza, para acordar la manera más expedita de destituir al general Daza, y nombrar un gobierno que diera garantías al país. Acuerdan convocar a un comicio popular, para el día siguiente 28.
Esta asamblea destituye a don Hilarión Daza del puesto de Presidente de la República y del comando en jefe del ejército.
Se procede a designarle sucesor, y recae el nombramiento en el jefe de la 5ª División, general don Narciso Campero. La Asamblea ratifica y sostiene la Alianza perú boliviana, para continuar la campaña contra Chile.
Los jefes del movimiento, en Tacna y la Paz, obraron separadamente.
EL CORONEL CAMACHO y su secretario don Belisario Salinas, dan cuenta a la Junta de los acontecimientos de Tacna, y solicitan el pronto reemplazo por funcionarios de su elección.
La junta confirma en su puesto al coronel Camacho, hasta que el general Campero, ingrese al ejército de Tacna, como jefe del ejército boliviano en campaña”
**********************
Foto del archivo Courret, Camacho (sentado) junto al sr Fernando Guachalla e hijo 1884
Saludos,
Jonatan Saona

Biography of General Eliodoro Camacho

Biografía del General Eliodoro Camacho By Joaquín de Lemoine

67 Aceptación del mando en Gefe del Ejercito Bolivano por el Coronel Eliodoro Camacho
Estado Mayor General del Ejercito de Bolivia Cuartel General en Tacna a 27 de Diciembre de 1879

El Coronel Eliodoro Camacho nombrado en esta ciudad Comandante en Gefe del Ejército por el voto espontáneo y unánime de todos los señores Generales, Gefes Oficiales y tropa de los cuerpos bolivianos tiene el honor de aceptar esta delicada comisión y de manifestar su reconocimiento por distinción tan inmerida saludando y felicitando á sus compañeros de armas por el patriotismo y circunspección con que han operado en este dia un cambio en la dirección del Ejército de acuerdo con el pronunciado sentimiento nacional y en armonía con las exigencias de la Santa Alianza Perú Boliviana. Art 1 Todos los señores Generales Gefes y Oficíales del Ejercito continuarán en el ejercicio de sus funciones como hasta el dia de hoy. Art 2 El distinguido General don Casto Arguedas que ha sido llamado á nombre de la Patria á desempeñar el cargo de Gefe del Estado Mayor del Ejército seguirá prestando sus importantes servicios en dicho puesto. Comuníquese en la Orden General del Dia para conocimiento del Ejercito El Coronel Gefe de Estado Mayor General Miguel Aguirre.

December 8, 2009 Sallani, Bolivia

As shown the location above, among the Andes mountains in Bolivia, in a valley dominated by a temperamental river is located the old family hacienda Sallani. Following are few recent pictures of what is there.
Uncle Lolo, his family and friends standing by his summer house.

Lolo and Alfonso

Enjoying the day in the shade.

At the base of the mountains

Rainy season brings lots of melted water to the river bed

View of the old a portion of the old house on the right which was built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Newer structure is Uncle Reno's summer place

Typical views of the mountain area in the old Sallani


A couple interesting pages found on Bolivian wine, Eliodoro Camacho, and Caracato.

Nick Vujicic: No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!

Part 1


Part2


Part 3

December 19, 2009 Japanese Christmas Da Pump - Christmas Night

Not sure if it is Mexican but sounds Japanese (smile)...


or something a little more traditional like Bing Crosby singing White Christmas...


or something more contemporary like Trans Siberian Orchestra playing Christmas Canon Rock...

2009 Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad

As a child growing up in Bolivia we celebrated Christmas with the Nativity. We may have not had a Christmas tree but we had to have the Nativity because in Christmas day we would place baby Jesus in the manger.
Below are some scriptures to reminds us why we celebrate this most wonderful holiday...


Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."


Luke 1:39-45

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"


Luke 2:1-14

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."


Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.


1 Timothy 1:15-17

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Laura Pausini - Inolvidable & Quiero Decirte Que Te Amo

Un par de canciones que requieren ser dedicadas a una persona inolvidable.

Part I

Inolvidable

A veces me pregunto si
yo viviria igual sin ti
no se si yo sabria olvidarte.
Y en un instante puedo ver
que tu eres cuanto yo sone,
inolvidable para mi.

Me parecio otra historia que
el tiempo se lleva con el,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.
Y mientras mas te anoro, mas
profundo dentro de mi estas,
tu no me dejes mas,
entrate que ya
jamas te olvidar.

Oigo tu voz y tu alegria,
siguen en mi, son todavia
como un tatuaje de mi piel.

Te veo y se que tu no estas,
te busco y se que no vendras,
sobre mis labios siento
tu forma de besar.

Eres intensamente mio,
lo mas que tengo y que he tenido,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.
Y mientras mas te miro, mas
de ti me puedo enamorar,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes,
no lo hagas mas porque...

Si miro al cielo
yo siento que seras
inolvidable para mi,
oh no, no, no,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.

Inolvidable nada mas
ni nada menos tu seras,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.
No,...
Nunca me dejes,
nunca me dejes.
No, no.....

Tu no me dejes mas
Que sola ya sin ti,
ahora y siempre te ver
en mi mirada,
inolvidable.

Part II

Quiero Decirte Que Te Amo

Desde el ruido del mundo
Desde el giro de un carrusel
De la piel a lo mas ondo, desde el fondo de mi ser
De este inutil orgullo, y del silencio que hay en mi
Desde estas ganas mias de vivir

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte que eres mio
Que no te cambio por ninguno
Que por tenerte desvario
Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Porque eres tan igual a mi
Cuando por nada discutimos
Y luego te cierras en ti
De el peor de mis fallos
De un error por el que page
De un telefono del centro
De mis ganas de vencer
De la dicha que siento
Y de esta fiebre mia por ti
Desde que me enseaste a sonreir

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte que estoy aqui
Aunque me aleje de tu lado
Tras la ventana de un taxi
Debo decirte que Te Amo
Porque es mi unica verdad
Tu no me sueltes de la mano
Aunque podamos terminar

Desde el blanco de la pagina
Desde mi fragilidad
Desde mi carta te cuento de mi sinceridad

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte que eres mio
Que no te cambio por ninguno
Que por tenerte desvario

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte estoy aqui
Aunque me aleje de tu lado
Tras la ventana de un taxi
...y quiero decirte que ..que no te cambio por ninguno
porque eres TODO, yo porque....

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
TE AMO.........

July 2, 2008 Military Death Toll Rises in Afghanistan

Below, photo and text from a New York Times article. At first I thought the photo was of a mountain range among clouds, where the soldier is a rock/mountain formation. But no, it is a photo of America's military power.

David Guttenfelder/Associated Press: American marines fired at insurgents near Garmser in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan in May. About 32,000 American troops are in Afghanistan.

May 15, 2008 Ordination To The Diaconate

Ministry is standing with (the church)

Believe what you read
Teach what you believe
Practice what you teach

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran on Pain

AND a woman spoke, saying, Tell us of Pain.

And he said:

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.

Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.

And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain
would not seem less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted
the seasons that pass over your fields.

And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.

Much of your pain is self-chosen.

It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility:

For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen,
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay
which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.

- excerpt from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran

Fito Paez & Mercedes Sosa - Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón

YO VENGO A OFRECER MI CORAZÓN
Fito Paez (Argentina)

Quien dijo que todo esta perdido
Who said all is lost

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

tanta sangre que se llevo el río
so much blood was taken by the river

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

no será tan fácil, ya se que pasa
it will not be so easy, because it happens

no será tan simple como pensaba
it will not be as simple as I thought

como abrir el pecho y sacar el alma
like opening our chest and taking out our soul

una cuchillada del amor
a stabbing of love

luna de los pobres siempre abierta
moon of the poor always open

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

como un documento inalterable
like an unchangable document

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

y uniré las puntas de un mismo lazo
and will join the end of the same lasso

y me iré tranquilo, me iré despacio
and I will leave tranquile, I will leave slow

y te daré todo, y me darás algo
and I will give you everything, and you will give me something

algo que me alivie un poco mas
something that will aliviate my pain

cuando no haya nadie, cerca o lejos
when there isn't anybody, near or afar

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

cuando los satélites no alcancen
when the satelites don't reach

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

y hablo de países y de esperanza
and I speak of countries and of hopes

hablo por la vida, hablo por la nada
I speak of life, and of nothing

hablo de cambiar esta nuestra casa
I speak of changing this our home

de cambiarla por cambiar nomás
of changing just for changing

quien dijo que todo esta perdido
who said all is lost

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

May 26, 2008 Jimmy Carter - Israel 'has 150 nuclear weapons'

Photo and excerpt below from a BBC article. Considering today's technologies and number of resources available to the world I can only rationalize that there is no will to solve the ills of people so let children in places like Lebanon and others die of hunger.

During the press briefing, Mr Carter expressed his support for Israel as a country, but criticised its domestic and foreign policy.
"One of the greatest human rights crimes on earth is the starvation and imprisonment of 1.6m Palestinians," he said.
The former US president cited statistics which he said showed the nutritional intake of some Palestinian children to be below that of children in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as describing the European position on Israel could be best described as "supine", festival organisers said.

May 14, 2008 In pictures: On the Amazon frontier

Photos and text below were published by the BBC. I am often amazed how quickly the world judges on those who do deforestation like they do not have the right to work and survive. On the other hand we have countries like the US, China and Russia who pollute the planet as they wish. Not only that, if we compare how much per capita consumption of resources and energy between people living in the US and Brazil we could understand the idiotic argument we have in trying to control the actions of people living in the jungles of Brazil. The fun part of the photos and description is the comment from the native American chief. Perhaps prove that we don't need a PhD to understand nature.
A patch of freshly opened forest. It could have been the work of a farmer, a rancher, a settler or a land invader. Whoever was responsible, it is yet more forest gone. Photos: Fernando Cavalcanti.
For local Indian chief Sipasse the dams equal disaster. "You mess with the rivers, you mess with the forest, so you mess with the rain. If you have no rain, you will have no hydro-electric power."

Pilar Ovalle

A morning distraction with Pilar Ovalle, a Chilean sculpture. Have posted related info here. She has a page on facebook.
Have seen her work in Chile and found it to be fab. Following are a couple photos and descriptions of her work found at SculptureSite Gallery.
Barca
Arbol Magico

Fatima Bhutto, Whispers of The Desert

Following poems were written by Fatima Bhutto and published in her book titled Whispers of The Desert (Oxford University Press, 1998). Should be noted that she was born in 1982 so most of these poems were written when she was 14 or 15 years of age.

“To my darling Papa,
with all the love in
the world…
this is our story.”

You are, page 3

You are
a solitary
star
in a dark,
empty sky.
You
light up the evening
and never
do you
die.
You are a dazzling
sapphire
that shines
only
in my eyes.
For you are
my star
and I
am but your sky.
(end 1995)

I feel your tender lips, page 12

I feel your tender lips
against mine. Could this
be magic?
Could this be true?

How many nights
have I dreamt of this?
Come
into my arms once more.
Let me feel you are here.

So much time
has passed since
I last held you this close.

Tell me you love me.
Let me hear those sweet words
whispered in my ears.

I cannot believe
you’re here with me.
I’ve counted the seconds
for this moment to come.

But now
that you’re finally here,
tell me
when will
you disappear?
(mid 1996)

I have lost the love, page 27

I have lost the love of my life
but she is not gone
she is still with me.
I have seen her
smile in my sleep. I have felt
her breath on my shoulder as I lie
resting.

I have heard her laughter floating
in the air
and I can still feel her heart beating
next to mine.
(mid 1996)

I lie in the darkness, page 31

I lie in the darkness
unaware of where I stand.
I cannot see you
but feel you standing by me.
I know I am alone
yet I sense your presence.
I feel protected
by your shield,
your armour of love.
The day that armour
breaks
is the day
I shall be truly alone
without you.
(mid 1995)

Will you be near me, page 33

Will you be near me when evening falls?
Protect me from the cold wind,
hold me in your arms?
When the moon lights up the land,
will I have you with me?
When the stars
glitter in the darkness, will you kiss me?
Keep me until the night lifts and daylight gleams
upon us?
Or will the clouds descend on you and sweep you
far away?
(late 1995)

He walks away, page 36

He walks away
with promises of return.
I fear that won’t happen.
But what do I know?
I am but a woman.

He comes back wounded.
He will never heal.
What do I know?
I am but a woman.

He falls,
will not rise.
What do I know?
I am but a woman.
(early 1995)

She sits, page 38

She sits on a throne,
surrounded by others
who grovel at her feet.
She seats them next to her
and dismisses the ones who stand.
She co-operates with those sitting next to her and
forgets the ones who stood
She searches for those who know nothing better
than to worship her every more.
But during all this,
she neglects those who stood there waiting,
waiting for less than power,
waiting for basic needs to be met.
Yet she does nothing but smile at them
and make promises she knows she cannot keep.
Not because of hate.
Not because of greed.
Because power blinds those who are
ignorant.
(early 1995)

He looks on, page 39

He looks on
with caring eyes
sees people from within
ignores exteriors
welcomes them in shares their pain
listens
understands
not like others he feels
not judges
could one this strong
you wonder
have feelings this deep?
Yes yes indeed for compassion
is born only
by those strong within
(early 1995)

Up in the mountains, page 45

Up in the mountains,
I am free, calm,
High, near the heavens,
where the air is clearer,
I am myself at last.
I cry without an audience. I smile
without guilt.
I change for no one.
I am loved
as I am.
(end 1994)