Maria's Blog

Presidential Elections - I'm speechless

2006-04-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

"Pucha! Nos Cagamos!", those were my aunts words were when I asked her about the elections yesterday.

Basically, Ollanta Humala is in the lead of the race. With 30% of the popular votes, he has secured his place in the second running (this due to the lack of a majority vote). From a democratic perspective, this is not a good sign. He has promised to 'share the wealth' of Peru amongst the excluded population; the non-european descent population. Which ideally, it is a great concept but very unfeasible with a country like mine - Peru. Peru needs foreign investment to boost the economy, provide for more jobs and be able to remain expanding the growth that the country has been going through for the past 52 months. Having a Peru follow the Chavez-Venezulean model just brings more chaos, foreign animosity and he (Ollanta) will most likely overthrow the congress to build a new one to his favor. Thus, installing a dictatorship like Chavez did in Venezuela.

Cuba and Venezuela are not in good shape. If you believe that with an income of $12/mo, one can get by easily, well you are mistaken. I ask, plead and basically beg for all my fellow peruvians to gather people to vote for the opposing party, whoever that may be at this point. If Alan Garcia heads to the second round... (can't belive I am saying this but) please choose him; he is the less of two evils.

At 11pm (Peruvian time), Alan Garcia leads with 24.93 and Lourdes follows with 24.03. That is nine tenths of a difference and with 80% of the ballots counted. Lourdes Flores needs 91,000 votes to level out the playing field. My main questions are 1) Why on earth is Alan Garcia running again? Does he not kow what else to do with his life?) 2) Most importantly, why does he have any votes in this election?
Do people forget that easily? Or are us, Peruvians, that confused?
Do we not remember the rationing of food? Inflation? the devalue of the 'Inti' currency where people lost almost everything? the uprise of the maoist groups MRTA and Sendero Luminoso (shining path) and the beginning of their infiltration in Lima? National curfews? and the 'disappearance' of gold in the Peruvian Bank of Reserve? ... was twenty years ago such a long time ago?

In other news, I also got to cautch a glimpse of the footage of Ollanta's disgraced appearance at the University of Ricardo Palma while he was trying to cast his vote. Masses of peruvians sat outside the locale yelling and yanting, "Asesino!", "Ollanta Maricon" and "Ollanta Y Montesinos.. la misma porqueria!". I was completely distraught by seeing people yelling and literally throwing themselves against Ollanta and his wife in attemps to block their exit. I could imagine being stuck in that crowd and fainting. It was a sight to see - complete and utter chaos.

Also, some peculiar news afloated after the footage of Humala during his Ricardo Palma experience, where he was also filmed shacking hands with some Venezulean electoral officials who traveled to Peru to 'help' in this presidential election. Aside from this, there was also a speech by Chavez in national venezuelan channel where he promotes Humala's candidacy to the Peruvian presidency, and associates it with Bolivar's failed dream of the 'unified' South American States (modeled after the United States unification, but with socialistic credo). And lastly, there was a report that Ollanta Humala gave a special interview to a venezuelan news show on the day after his secured spot in the second running; something he has yet to do in Peru... the country where he is wanting to become President, and is supposedly most concerned to promote social change.

This race is becoming to nerve wrecking for my family, my peruvian friends and myself. We are in the midst of a nervous breakdown. This is either the beginning of the end of Peru, or the begining of a more hopeful future. The only thing left to do is to keep the last morsel of hope and hold on to it. We still have yet to find out the votes in the exterior since only 3% of them have been counted, as well as the 2,000 ballots in Lima that are yet to be determined by the ONPE. All is left is to just sit and wait... and keep the hope.

2006-03-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

Being a Californian, well let me rephrase it... living in the Bay Area, I hold true the stereotype of liberal/anti-war person. It was about three years ago that U.S. Troops headed for Iraq to withdraw Mr. Hussein from his dictatorship, install a democracy ("freedom") in Iraq and disarm them of WMD's. Well... that is what we were told.
Three years later, Iraq is in what I call a state of civil war. Many people (Iraquis and Americans) are dying each day in this sectarian war of Sunni vs. Shiite communities.

Aside from the question: What went wrong?? Which I know most people know the answer to. The Bush Administration still fails to see the reality of things. A whole country cannot be rebuilt in a matter of, let's say, 5 years. Specially when a country has such strong religious ties where people are more than willing to die for their beliefs. I was glad to see this article by Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post who also shares my views in light of these horrific events.

During GW's most recent public appearance (with a speech that lasted about 30 min.), he spoke about the importance of Hussein's removal from power. One of GW's quotes from his speech was:

"most of the country has remained relatively peaceful,"

Yes.. Exactly! Most of the country of Iraq has remained peaceful??!! Since most of the populous and volient areas are located in the center of the nation.

Then when the part of answering questions began, unsurprisingly, these were his retorts:

To a question about false premises for going to war; that Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction, that it was buying materials for nuclear weapons and that it was becoming a haven for terrorists; Bush replied: "I asked the very same question: Where did we go wrong on intelligence?"

A high school student, asserting that the war was costing $19,600 per household, wondered whether that money could be put to better use as college tuition aid. "We can do more than one thing at a time," Bush replied.

"I asked the very same question: Where did we go wrong on intelligence"??
Note: This is being asked by the Head of State of the World's Superpower.. hmmm.

"We can do more than one thing at a time"??
Note: Yes.. very true but nothing of that sort has not been done.. yet!

All I can say is that, whatever we are doing... it's obviously not working. I have no idea what turmoil awaits us in the future, but it is clear that more people are dying everyday and there still has not been 'freedom' installed in Iraq.

Every 3 hours someone dies in Peruvian traffic.

2006-03-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

Peru has the most automobile related accidents in all of South America. Every 3 hours someone dies, and every 18 minutes an accident occurs. The numbers do not only reflect accidents occuring in Lima, but it also incorporates numbers state wide.

I am not surprised by this. Having lived in Peru and frequently going back home, this number is very likely. The traffic is so horrible that I am scared to drive in streets of Lima. I can only go to E. Wong in La Aurora .. and that is asking too much from me. To paint a picture, just imagine driving on a two lane street that is made into a five lane street, with buses cutting you off, pedestrians walking in front of you (as if they were asking to get hit), combis brushing past you in a hurry to get people, small ticos (see picture) crossing at an intersection knowing that you car is about 10 feet away...and with having Taxis all around you in a craze to get customers... This is what I encountered when driving through the ever-so-congested 'Ovalo de Higuereta'.
"Nunca mas!!", I said.

Well that is what traffic in Peru is all about. I think one needs a different sort of license there. Sometimes it is not only the driver's fault, the pedestrian is also to blame. People just cross the street without looking both ways.
Even my grandma seldomly does this during a trip to Plaza Vea.
One time she said:
"They'll stop for me.. they see that I am old lady.. just walk slow and they will see you"
....yeah right!
We are lucky that we live in an suburban area, otherwise I would not let her leave the house.

My grandma is the least of the problems. The biggest problem in pedestrian control is in the Carretera Panamericana Sur/Norte (Panamerican Highway) where people actually cross the highway even though a pedestrian overpass is located 50 feet away from them. Everytime we have gone to the beach, I see people running across a highway. The worst case scenario was when a mother was holding her child's hand while crossing....Well, people do this!

I hope that with the newly elected government such traffic related issues can be addressed. This is not solely a problem that deals with accidents, but also a problem with putting a strict hand in the law, promoting self-awareness and placing more regulation in the transpotation system of Peru. This is a diffuclt feat, but there must be a way to control or at least reduce the number of accidents and casualties occuring in the streets of Lima.
* Article in Spanish located here

Day in Pictures

2006-03-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

SFGate has an arsenal of pictures for public view. 'A Day in Pictures' section has photos from all over the world. They are not only aesthetically interesting, but some shots are dumbfounding, shocking and funny. These are my favorites of today.

This glacier, located in Argentina, is slowly melting. Any small fraction of a glacier that falls brings danger to every coast along it's periphery. The more this glacier melts, both the sea and the river levels rise, thus inundating nearing communities.This pictures captures the exact moment a part of the glacier falls. I wonder what was going on through the spectator's minds while watching this...

*Here is thorough article on the dangers of Glacial Melting that threatens South American countries like Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

This picture has great composition.. to say the least. The Acropolis looks like it is being illuminated by the heavens. It seems like some form of darkness is trying to cover up the sky, but its attempts fail when a downward projected light illuminates this famous pagan monument.
It is such an impressing shot. Timing is everything.

Google Outterspace

2006-03-14T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have always been a fan of Google Earth. My friend Anatoli and I spent an entire night gazing at different cities from all over the world, trust me, it was fun. I was mostly amazed at the clarity of each picture. Well now, the unveiling of Google Mars and Google Moon... well ..'My Unveiling'!

Here is the story.

This is new to the public. Can you imagine what is not available to the public?

New Poll

2006-03-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

¿Si gana Ollanta Humala, Ud. se quedaría o se iría del Perú?

Me quedaría (56 votes) 45.53%
Me iría (67 votes) 54.47%

(Total de Votos: 123 )

I would feel the same way if he is elected.

Chile: Un Roba Culturas?

2006-03-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

This may offend some of you, specially if you are from Chile or have
Chilean descent, but my main question is:
Why does the Chilean goverment or it's people feel the need to 'steal' (call 'theirs') certain objects/things deriving from other cultures and make them theirs??

This was apparent to me sometime ago when I was told that Chile wanted to pattent the liquor called Pisco. Pisco is a national drink of Peru, and it is closely related to the Italian Grappa. Pisco comes from the city Pisco in the province of Ica (see map).

The reason why the Chilean government felt that Pisco was a 'Chilean' product was because Chilean companies sought to make a profit by exporting this peruvian liquor.
The peruvian government saw that Pisco was being
confused as a 'Chilean' and were
quick to take judicial matters into
their own hands. Not only did Peru pattent the product, but in order to clarify any misunderstanding, a National Pisco Day was created.

On February 4th of every year it is Pisco Sour Day in Peru. I had the
fortune of being in Peru during this time, and I got to savor the delicious peruvian drink in most stores. A grocery store by my house, E.Wong, was giving samples of not only Pisco Sour but of other drinks that also contained Pisco for free to the public.

Another story of this sort came to my attention via Danica (my bolivian friend) that is similiar to the 'Pisco - Chile' fiasco. This deals with an instrument called, charango, used in Andean Music deriving from Bolivia. The charango is closely associated with a guitar but has smaller proportions and a distinct sound. It seems that Chile has confused this instrument to be theirs. Not only is this confusion prevalent in the Chilean nation, but it was also passed on to international figures, like U2's Bono. Here is the story. (Gracias Dani)

Gobierno explicará a Bono que el charango es boliviano

(Bolivia.com)

El gobierno boliviano enviará una carta al cantante del grupo U2, Bono
para explicarle que el charango que le regaló recientemente el
presidente de Chile, Ricardo Lagos, es un instrumento musical de
origen boliviano y no chileno.

Así lo hizo saber a Efe el viceministro de Cultura, Edgar Arandia,
quien sostuvo que la misiva presentará argumentos de la Sociedad del
Charango Boliviano para justificar esa afirmación.

El funcionario anunció además que propondrá al presidente de su país,
Evo Morales, que en la próxima transmisión de mando en Chile, el 11 de
marzo, le regale una réplica de este instrumento de cuerda andino a la
futura gobernante, Michelle Bachelet, como forma de reivindicación.

Dijo que se ha puesto en contacto con uno de los fabricantes de
objetos musicales más reconocidos de Bolivia, Adrián Villanueva, para
obtener una pieza que esté a la altura de un regalo presidencial.

"Creemos que esta es una oportunidad especial por ser un acto
internacional que va a tener mayor trascendencia que cualquier carta
de queja", opinó.

El pasado domingo, Lagos regaló un charango al cantante de U2, al
recibirlo en el Palacio de La Moneda, lo que causó controversia en
Bolivia y llevó al viceministro de Cultura a manifestar que las
autoridades de La Paz no se atreverían "a enviar un moai de la Isla de
Pascua como patrimonio boliviano".

According to this article from Bolivia.com, the Chilean President had given the lead singer of the internationally famous rock band, U2, a 'Chilean present' as a token of appreciation for visiting their country. The charango was presented to Bono as a typical instrument from the Chilean culture.
This upset not only the Bolivian population, but also Bolivian officials. After this incident, the goverment of Bolivia quickly sent a letter to the lead singer to clarify the descent of the charango
as a Bolivian instrument; not Chilean.

But it is not only Pisco and the Charango that have been thought of as 'Chilean'. It is also 'El Caballo de Paso' and the dessert 'Suspiro Limeno' are thought to be Chilean as well.
First of all, El Caballo de Paso, is a type of horse from the peruvian viceroyalty legacy. Secondly, 'Suspiro Limeno' derives from Lima, hence the name of the dessert. Here are other views on this fallacy.

Come on!!! What happened to your originality Chile???

But if you ask, 'What's the big deal?'
Well the big deal is as such. Every Latino country has their own culture, own history, own traditions, etc. We pride on our culture because that is what separates is from the rest; it is what makes each nation unique. Our cultures are what identifies us, and if you take any part away from a culture, you take some of the identity away.

Could the SD Abortion Law challenge Roe v. Wade??

2006-03-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

The 1973 the landmark case, Roe v. Wade, made it illegal to ban abortions in all states. This ruling caused such upheaval, that a series of grassroots movements were created to either contest or uphold this law. Ever since the 1970's there have been many cases that fought Roe v. Wade.. but none turned out successful.

In light on today's changes, (i.e. the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and the appointment of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito, both conservatives), the pro-life movement and/or conservative parties feel this law can be overruled if taken to the Supreme Court. This is something of huge interest because it affects (directly and indirectly) the life of every American.

I refuse to state my opinion in this matter, and those know me well, know my thoughts on this issue.

But the true matter at hand is the newly instated law signed by the Governor Rounds that bans almost all abortions in the state of South Dakota. With this law, all doctors who are found guilty of practicing abortions will face up to 5 years of encarceration. This could be another start of pro-life cases that will challenge and may even overrule Roe. v. Wade.

(Gov. Rounds signing abortion ban, photo courtesy of CNN.com)

The valid points on both sides are as followed.
The pro-life movement believe in the rights of the unborn child as stated in the Fourteenth Amendment. They believe that the Constitution should be interpreted on a literal basis, in by which abortions would have been banned and deemed unethical during the time this amendment was created (1868). This literal understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment is an intrical part to the understanding of what constitutes a 'person'. In their view, a fetus is a person, a unborn human being who derserves a voice and the right to a life. Furthermore, they are afraid that allowing women to abort may lead to using this procedure as a method of contraception.

The opposing view, pro-choice, believe that the right of an abortion is a right of women's privacy. They believe that banning abortion is not a strong state interest, and to outlaw a 'woman's right to choose' would be unconstitutional. Another little fact is that before this case, women in the higher economic tiers had an advantage in getting abortions (having the ability to travel either out-of-state or abroad for these procedures), thus leaving the women facing economic strife with no other choice than receiving abortions from incompetent doctors, or doing this procedure themselves. This posed a great threat to the health of these women, and as a way of leveling the field, lobbyists/supporters believed that legalizing abortions would serve as a benefit for minorities.

As known, the Supreme Court ruled (with a 7-2 vote) that the privacy issue emcompasses the right of a woman's choice in receiving an abortion. In addition, the justices found no general concensus regarding the constitutional intrepretation on the definition of a 'person' having the same meaning as a 'fetus'. Hence, Roe v. Wade was enacted into law....

This is of great interest to me, not only because I studied this case thoroughly in college, but because it is such a delicate subject and every opinion is valid and justifiable.

Peruvian chess player to world competition in Russia

2006-03-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Ms. Karen Zapata Campos is set to travel to Ekaterinburg, Russia to compete in the Female Chess World Championships during this month. She is ranked among the top 64 female chess players of the world. We wish her luck!

Hispanics at bottom of 'Education Totem Pole'

2006-03-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

Very interesting article and definetly something to be concerned about.
The most important quote in the article:

Stopping immigration won't reduce the number of Hispanics

already here, says Roberto Suro, director of the Pew Hispanic Center.
"Regardless of what happens to immigration flows, there
is a huge second generation of Latinos," Suro says.

In my opinion, there are more than just language barriers impeeding the Hispanic community from getting a good education. One example can be the socio-economic troubles that the U.S faces. This definetly contributes to such lagging in education among Hispanics. Hispanics are a minority, and yes, there has been in icrease in a Hispanic middle-class but regardless, there is still a low percentage of Hipanics in white collar U.S. I see this on a daily basis when I go to work or walk around San Francisco.
"Good education" = money... and attending a university is very costly.
Instead of being concerned with international affairs, the U.S needs to take care of the problems at home. These kids are the future of the U.S, and we must take more notice and do something about it. What do you think in response to this?

Peru's 6.7% economic increase

2006-03-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

This was in last month's newspapers, and sets good economic prospect for the year 2006.
According to Farid Mattuk, head of the INEI (National Institute of Statistics and Information), there has been an increase on the PBI (GNP) during the year 2005. He stated that the private sector increased more than the population.. this is attributed to an increase in consumer behavior this past year.
This consumer increase (70% of 6.7% PBI) in the private sector, demostrates that there is more production in both agricultural and manufactured products in Peru. Along with the production increase, there have been more autos sold, more credits approved/issued and more sales in both department stores and shops. This is a step closer in achieving economic stability and more foreign investing in Peru.
For the articles in Spanish, click here and here.

Never trust the media.. anywhere!

2006-03-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

This article shocked my family, and then we proceeded to laugh about it. This an international paradigm, but I never thought it would hit so close to home.

The front page article basically states that if Ollanta comes into power, his former colleages from the Peruvian Military School will start to 'take' some high ranked positions in the goverment solely based on the relationship they have with Ollanta Humala.
My uncle Cesar (named above) knew Humala. They were both part of the same graduating class of 1984. He mentioned that at one point they were friends, both were struggling to make it through military school and they shared the goal of graduating. He remembers him clearly, and admitts to their friendship through the early 80's, but he does not believe that socialism (Humala's credo) is the key for a better Peru. He has not contacted or been in contact with Ollanta Humala since graduating. The article is in spanish, and it is available here.

Back home..

2006-02-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

I have been in Lima for almost a week now, and even though I have been gone for more than 5 years, It feels as though I have never left.

Lima has indeed changed, there are more american companies than I remember. We have the first Starbucks in South America and there is a Gold´s Gym (to name a few) around the corner from my house.
Miraflores looks amazing. The parks next to my house are clean and fulfilled of flowers. The only thing that is missing is a trip to the center of Lima and the beach, of course. I have been so busy spending time with my family that I haven´t even gone out. Being with my family is better at this point.

Last Saturday was Pisco Sour Day, where all the shopping centers were making these drinks are giving them to the public, it was great. I will be bringing a few bottles of Pisco back :)

Politics are the main topic in Peru. Ollanta is being acused of torture during a time when he commanded a military group in the peruvian jungle. Lourdes Flores is in the lead of the game with 30% of the votes, but there is also another female candidate whose popularity is rising. She is Martha Chavez and a great candidate for the presidency. There is still time and more people wanting to run. I also learned that the only pre-requisites to run for congress in Peru are to be peruvian and be over 34 years of age. No wonder there is so much corruption! This means that I can even run for congress... with absolutely no experience.

So, in all, I have found to Peru in good condition. There is always room for improvement, but at least there is some form of growth.

Google - Noticias Peru

2006-02-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

I was very excited to see this new feature in Google. No more news from Argentina or Chile. Thanx Google!!

Viva el Peru.. Carajo!

2006-02-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

Currently I am in the midst of chaos. My plane leaves tomorrow morning from SFO and all passengers must be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. I have not done packing, lack in sleep and have no clue where my passport is.. great eh?
It has been a little more than 5 years since I last visited my home country and I feel very anxious. I will see a very changed Lima, and I have promised myself to chronicle every place that I have set foot with pictures. Whether it may be the street market a modern shopping center to poverty and wealth. It is very important that I represent my country in it's realest form.
My friend Angelo just got back from Lima last night. He said the most important thing occuring amongst peruvians are the elections coming up in April. In an earlier post, I wrote about a possible 'Humalan Government', but according to recent polls, Lourdes Flores is the lead with 30% of the vote. If elected, she will be the first female peruvian president in history. To be honest, I would have thought that the US would have a female elect president before Peru. I guess peruvian society is evolving before my eyes.

Another great thing I found out today is that my best friend from Peru, Pamela, is also going back to Peru a week after my arrival. Her and I attended elementary school together, and she is a dear old friend of mine. Luckily, she will be going back sans 'hubby' so this will be a great time for her and I to have fun like the old days.
I will try to post during my stay, but I am not sure if nternet will be readily available.
Wish me luck.

Malecon de Miraflores, my hometown.

Peruvian beach in outskirts of Lima.

Come to the US!

2006-01-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

My morning routine consists of reading news, and as I was snooping through online news from Spain, I was very surprised to see this ad on the home page.

It says, "Become part of the American labor force, and come live in the United States". It is my belief that this ad is completely directed to another audience. I have yet to see an ad of this sort in a Latino (i.e. Colombian, Venezulean, Peruvian, Ecuadorian, etc.) news site.
Isn't the U.S. always trying to control/tighten immigration policies??

Mi Poeta Perucho - Mi Peruvian Poet

2006-01-19T23:28:00.000-08:00

Lizardo Ruiz is an 88 year old man who has led a magnificent life. A native from Trujillo, a city in the northern coast of Peru, Lizardo has lived a life worth living. Now, at the late age of 88, he resides in San Francisco along with his family, but don't let his appearance fool you, he is a well versed and traveled man.
During the day, one can encounter Mr. Ruiz sitting on Mission Street (between 23rd and 24th) selling the healing herbs like 'Una de Gato' or Cat's Claw. His humble demeanor creates a welcoming environment to all who stop and say 'Hello', which is quite the opposite from the other fellow older men that usually frequent such corner of 24th and Mission Streets. I came to find that my fellow 'perucho' is a poet who has published a book of his work.
To my surprise and honor, I read his poems and they are not only sweet, pure and honest but they also make me more proud to be peruvian. Lizardo is a true testament to the saying, "It's all about the journey".

Gitana

Yo quisiera este dia darte un ramo de flores
Pero tu ya lo tienes y te lo voy a probar
Un surtido completo de armoniosos colores.
Que Dios en tu cuerpo, que bien supo adornar.

Las doradas Orchideas las fundio en tu pelo
Dos preciosas Violetas en los ojos te dio
Y quiza para darle al jardin un gran celo
Tus preciosas mejillas, con las Rosas fundio.

De azucenas muy blancas fue tu cuerpo formado
Y en tu boca pequena, puso un rojo Clavel
Y para que no faltara el ultimo acabado
La expresion de tu rostro, le dio sabor de Miel.

Estas Armada Gitana para ser cazadora
Podras dar mucha dicha como tambien dolor
Ojala que tu vida, Gitana encantadora
Siempre tengas, Felicidad, Dicha y Amor

~

Falso Querer

De ti un falso querer
por tu nefasto proceder
que no tuviste sosiego
ocultas la verdad con furor ciego.

Porque nunca quisistes volver
la verdad preferistes romper
impulsada por el furor de la madrugada
y falsa sonrisa alborada.

El ambiente perdio tu razon
como quedarias de corazon
que daria a tu existencia
que daria por tu prudencia

Veo que no es la verdad
y me apena mucho la realidad
sufro y padesco por tu belleza
que se marchitan con tu impureza.

~

Timido

El timido silencio de a nada
suspira exhausto de amor
anorando la alborada
tu presencia tu candor.

El delicado perfume
de suave escencia y calor
o el beso que se consume
y aprisonan mi amor.

Son cosas que me dan valor
angel del amor y candor
lucida idea en el procreador
ternura insospecha del creador.

Tus mil echizos bebi
en tus garras de todo recibi
mis animos se han paralizado
junto a un corazon congelado.

~

Intenso Amor

Como fue? No lo supe, ni jamas lo he sabido
Solo se que te quiero como nunca he querido
Con la inmensa locura del que sabe querer
Es por eso que tuve un dia miedo a tus ojos
Al temblor palpitante de tus labios rojos
Y al hechizo infinito que encerraba tu ser.

Y tu vida y la mia se fundieron en una
Como rayos temblantes que entrelaza la Luna
Al bordar de misterios una noche ideal
Tomando tus manos, en las mias ardientes
Contemple muchas veces, el candor de tu frnte
Con que un dia sonara y que Dios hizo real.

Hoy que a mi alma tu has llegado tan hondo
Al mirar el misterio de t us ojos al fondo
Se reflejan los mios, que tambien tuyos son
Tengo miedo de nuevo, pero miedo al olvido
La vision inquietante, da carinos que han sido
Y seguiran al correr de los anos como un solo corazon.

(Spanish spelling corrections will be applied asap.)

Mi vida.

2006-01-19T23:23:00.000-08:00

Porque ahogarse en un vaso de agua, cuando tienes
el mundo en tus manos............

..... creo que solo el tiempo lo dira.

South American Socialist Phenomenon

2006-01-16T19:54:00.000-08:00

Bolivia, Chile and Peru have held or are holding presidential elections this year. Bolivia was the first country to hold them on Dec 4th, 2005. In this election, Evo Morales won the vote, and is the first indigenous president to hold office in Bolivian history. He is a socialist president who has publicly voiced his disdain and hatred for the 'Imperialistic' US. He also believes in the preservation of coca leaf plantations, the nationalization of gas and oil industries in Bolivia and promised to only take half of this salary during his presidential term.
Hugo Chavez, the infamous socialist dictator of Venezuela, and Fidel Castro have complete support of Evo Morales. They believe that the only way to Latin American progress is in socialism and a unification of South American states against the imperialistic power of the United States and the capitalistic government model.

In Peru, the presidential elections will be held in April. There are about 25 people running .. yes, 25 people. There are old presidents who have set the country in bankruptcy, stole, fled the country and now are coming back for another round. There are candidates who have experience as government officials, vedettes (stripper-like public figures.. I wont even try to go there) and there is Ollanta Humala. Humala belongs to the Movimiento Nacionalista (Nationalist Movement) and his growing popularity has been considered a phenomenon. He literally came out of nowhere and is neck and neck with a female candidate, Lourdes Flores, as favorite in the running. He , like Morales, is also a socialist and has made very close connections with Chavez and Fidel. It is also rumored that he is being helped financially by Chavez in the elections. Ollanta is thought to be the savior of the indigenous peruvian people. He was a high ranked military official and led a coup to overthrow former president Alberto Fujimori in 2000. I should mention that Fujimori fled to Japan, and was caught in Chile on his way back to Peru to also be part of the 2006 election. He is being held captive in Santiago and is awaiting extradition on 12 torture charges.
So.. today was the Chilean presidential election, where Michelle Bachelet has won the vote. Aside from being the first female chilean president, she also is a socialist. Her background is quite interesting in that her father was an official during the Allende presidency (Allende is thought to be killed by the CIA), and she along with her mother were almost tortured during the Pinochet Era.

With all this being said, my main concern is obviously Peru. Chile is doing well, and they are the most economically stable country in South America. Their economical state is growing at this moment, and are about 20 years ahead of Peru.

Bolivia is a different country than Peru. Yes, they are sister andean countries that share many similarities in culture, but geographically they are completely different. This plays a major role in the agriculture and production of each country since Peru has the leading sardine production in the world, and unfortunately Bolivia is land locked.
With the new elections nearing, I am afraid that my native country will become another Venezuela. Ideally the concept of socialism and communism is great, but it will further demote Peru's struggle to advance. This greatly affects me because it will affect my family and their well being. I have been engaging in many conversations in this topic with my uncles who are involved in Peruvian politics, and they too are also in fear of a socialist Peru.
My main question in the beginning was.... What does the US think of all of this?
I know that Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela do not pose any threat to the US, but I came across an article that noted the American presence amidst all this in Uruguay. The US and Uruguay are about to sign a a Treaty of Free Commerce. This treaty is greatly being opposed by countries like Bolivia and Venezuela, since it is thought to be a ploy by the US to continue it's influence in South American economic progress.
How all of this will play it out... I guess only time will tell. I will be visiting Peru after 5 years next month. I am excited to see what condition my country is in, and how the election will come along.
My only hope is that the next president, who ever that may be, is an honest president who is not suaded by corruption and will end up stealing/fleeing from Peru after the 5 year term. Peru has yet to see an honest person take charge, and my only hope is to see this during my lifetime.

A Million Little Lies?

2006-01-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

In a previous post, I recommended the book/'autobiography' by James Frey, "A Million Little Pieces". There has been much controvesy on the veracity of the novel, and when I received an article from James a couple of days ago by The Smoking Gun, I was disappointed to read that most of the story was completely fabricated.

Some parts of the article, as stated:

Police reports, court records, interviews with law enforcement personnel, and other sources have put the lie to many key sections of Frey's book. The 36-year-old author, these documents and interviews show, wholly fabricated or wildly embellished details of his purported criminal career, jail terms, and status as an outlaw "wanted in three states."

We discovered the answer to that question in the basement of an Ohio police headquarters, where Frey & Co. failed to expunge the single remaining document that provides a contemporaneous account of his watershed felonious spree.

When recalling criminal activities, looming prison sentences, and jailhouse rituals, Frey writes with a swaggering machismo and bravado that absolutely crackles. Which is truly impressive considering that, as TSG discovered, he made much of it up. The closest Frey has ever come to a jail cell was the few unshackled hours he once spent in a small Ohio police headquarters waiting for a buddy to post $733 cash bond.

Another criminal act proven false was the death of two young girls, when the families of the alleged victims were interviewed, they denied it ever happened. You can read the whole story at:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/jamesfrey/0104061jamesfrey1.html

I would be lying in saying that I was not disappointed, I was. But Mr. Frey (in his CNN interview) claims that this book is based on the recollections he had throught this tumoultous time in his life. He would also like the public to consider that during this time (20-30 years ago), he was completely under the influence of narcotics, and this story is 'his' account. Also, Oprah was there to back Frey's side of the story.
She stated:
" The underlying message is of redemption still resonates with me and with it's readers."
The American public will always question everything that is put in the public eye. True or untrue, it all comes to the fact that it was a great book and I couldn't put it down. So maybe James Frey was completely embellishing, but regardless, it was a heart felt story that will probably be adapted to the big screen and be a good movie out of it.
BUT... if you still feel jipped out of your money, the publishing company (for the first time ever) is offering refunds for those who really feel betrayed.

Saul Williams

2006-01-11T20:57:00.001-08:00

His work speaks on its own.

yes, the moon is full
on every night
and every night
is every day

it matters not
which part of you
is lit by the sun
i have adjusted my eyes
to the darkness
and black
has never been more luminous

i am witness
to your circumference
i no longer need the sun
to see you

even time is phosphorescent
and your crescent shape
is only an illusion
~
it is we that are emaciated
our bodies subject
to our minds propaganda
forgive the distinction
but intellect fares
moment's genocide
and we should have kissed
hours ago

you hold your breath
when you should hold your tongue
and hold your tongue
when you should hold my hand
and i should delegate
more authority to myself
but i can't help thinking
that you are thinking
thinking
what is she thinking?
~
i don't trust the man
that i am becoming
he seems to much
and seldom is
~
and the thing is
the only reason
why i have difficulty
trusting you
is because i know
how easy it has become
for me to lie
~
to aim
is to take oneself too seriously
by focusing without instead of within

re arrange and re member

aim ... i am

the right letters are there
it's the wrong composition

Wikipedia's Mistake

2006-01-08T22:50:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia is the amazing online enclyclopedia containing arsenals of information to the public all over the world. They have information on important historical facts, dates, figures and everything else that one would want to know. I was extremely surprised to find out information on peruvian actor, Christian Meier.... it was pretty baffleling.
Nonetheless, who ever translates for the site is completely wrong.
If one goes to the page, there are many language selections that one can choose from. Under the English option it states: The Free Enclycopedia
But under the Spanish option it states: La Enclicopedia Libre.

Libre - means FREEDOM in that context. La Enciclopedia GRATIS or GRATUITA would have been more appropriate. I would love to get a hold of their publisher and aware them of this mistake. Also aside from Spanish, other languages deriving from Latin like Italian, French or Portuguese carry the same mistake. If anyone knows how to contact them, please do so. It is just bad to see this coming from an enclycopedia.

Book Reviews

2006-01-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to do some sort of book review for awhile now, and since this blog needs more 'content' .. I feel that I should share my top favorite books that I have read during the past six months. These novels are in no particular order, but they carry one important similarity; they make the reader shed some sort of emotion.

"Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown

This is an enthralling story about Harvard professor (Robert Langdon) who is invited to France, in order to uncover a life-alterating secret and becomes a prime suspect in a murder. We follow this character throughout France in search for a truth that should never be discovered. I think what I liked the most about the book (aside from the suspense), was all the art-history involved. I, as a devout lover of art, was so hooked when many of my favorite pieces, monuments and places were discussed throughout the novel. A very controversial piece, with valid points, but in no way have I become a true believer of the Da Vinci Code. Nonetheless, it is good to have such points of views.. one must always question everything, specially questioning the motives of the Catholic Church (this coming from a baptized Roman Catholic :) ). Tatiana told me she approves of the movie trailer. I have no expectations and I am sure that some parts of the book will be cut, but I am very excited to see Tom Hanks and my favorite french actress, Audrey Tautou. Since Ron Howard is directing the film, I am sure to see greatness.

"A Million Little Pieces" & "My Friend Leonard" by James Frey

"A Million Little Pieces" is the first one of Frey's novels. This the true story of James Frey and his battle with drug addiction. The first paragraph begins with Frey waking up in an airplane. He is half conscious, with broken ribs, no front teeth, bleeding and smelling like bile. He has no recollection of how he got the plane and has no idea where he is going. The beginning is not the most pleasant thing to read, but this is life, life is not always pretty. We soon find that Frey is headed to rehab, and with every chapter, we feel most of the emotions that a person who is an avid drug addict/alcoholic must go through when detoxing. The greatest aspect of this book, is that it has a lot of dialogue. While some people do not like this, I find it incredibly interesting and real.
The second book, "My Friend Leonard" is the sequel to "A Million Little Pieces".. and it still holds it's own against the first novel. This book is mainly about the type of friendship that Frey has with, Leonard, his bestfriend who he meets in rehab and soon becomes a father-like figure to Frey. Leonard helps James piece his life back together through offering his guidance, and 'employment' in doing some highly undercover/unlawful work for him. Further on in the book, we uncover a secret that Leonard has been keeping throughout his life, this secret was completely shocking as well as clears any sort of questioning in the story. Both these books make the reader cry, laugh and see the hardships of drug abuse in both pre and post stages of rehabilitation. Highly recomend these books, it really makes one appreciate life a little more.

"Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

Where to begin with this book???? Wow.. this book is more than incredible to me. This book is set in old day Afghanistan, pre-Russian invasion and Taliban. It chronicles the life of Amir, a son of a well known and highly respected and rich Afghan man. It also presents a clear picture of a society based on classes. Amir grows-up with Hassan, the son of the supposed servant of his household. Amir also battles with Hassan for his father's love, and in little time, his pride becomes his downfall. When he sees a horrific act to Hassan taking place, he becomes haunted for life. He then flees to America (Bay Area) with his father, but is constantly haunted by his cowardness. Only when he travels back to Afghanistan for a completely unexpected and much needed rendez-vous, is when he finally redeems himself of this pain and remorse and has the chance to make things better. We also see the a great deterioration of Kabul and it's society's morale after the Russian Invasion, and how the Taliban imposed a corrupted government when coming into power.
I cried so much throughout this book. I was still thinking about the book weeks after I had finished it, and I think that I still think about it now. There are no other ways to decribe this book, but just simply over-exceedingly marvelous. While talking to my good friend David, he told me that some characters in the book really did exist. His mother had met some of them when she lived in Kabul... just amazing.

Currently, I am reading the "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. It is supposed to be the prequel to "Da Vinci Code". I have just begun the novel, but I cannot wait to read more of it. A review of this will come shortly.

The second worst place in California after Bakersfield, is Rodeo... Hands Down!!

2005-12-21T19:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry if this may offend some of you, specially if you live in Bakersfield, but you should be satisfied with the fact that the town where my parents live in, Rodeo, holds high rank in inhabitable cities to live in the Bay Area. I live here....

My parents bought this house exactly a year ago, in order to 'invest' money in real estate instead of renting. Another great factor in acquiring this piece of property is it's symbolic meaning to an immigrant. Owning a home = success in the US.

I should congratulate my mother in the house itself. In addition to being a new home, my mother's great sense in color coordination accompanied with her modern interior decoration of the house.. it looks amazing inside and out.

BUT.. this town has left a bitter taste in my mouth. To start off with, the town is extremely worn down. It used to be a stop for ships, and now it has train tracks, a Safeway that lacks in good groceries and customer service and a Salvation Army...

That doesn't bother me, what pisses me off was the call that I got from my mother last Friday telling me that we have been robbed. They left a complete mess; They flipped our mattresses, went though our personal stuff (looked through my undergarments)... just a complete mess. I hope that these people are satisfied with the person they see when they wake up in the morning. I wouldn't be able to look at myself in the eye.

They left with some cash, some accessories and the most tackiest shoes that I have ever bought... that should tell give an inclination to the type of people that did this.

So, that is not the whole reason why I am livid. Aside form having a perfectly horrible day, I come home to find that the sewer had exploded and inundated our downstairs bathroom with bathroom garbage (to put it lightly). Yes, to top of this 'magnificent' day, I had to smell human secretion in my house.

I don't know what else to expect this year, thank god it's almost over and I don't even want to imagine what could possibly happen to us in the coming year living here.
(On the positive note, I got my first DVD's from Netflix today, so at least I can calm down before going to sleep :) )

Making FUN times in LA...

2005-12-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

I recently came back from a weekend trip to good old LA. My company was offering to pay for all employees plus a guest for our annual holiday party. The hotel and flights were taken care of, so what do I do with this offer??? Invite more people, of course!

Dana and Ale drove down on Friday and I met up with Tati at Oakland Airport. Flight was good, and Dana with Ale were waiting for us at LAX. That same night was the night of the party. Since I could only take one guest, Tati and I got ready and headed for a open bar night.. I have no idea how much alcohol I consumed that night, and If I never thought that I could possibly be an alcoholic, well after this weekend, I became one (this worries me).

Tid bits about the party was the good food, everyone looking their best, free bar, picture key chains..(one which Ale decided to steal when trying to crash), drunken co-workers, very drunken co-workers, lady falling on her ass on the dance floor and people taking pictures of her, free bar, sneaking Adam in, free bar and convincing male co-workers to come to West Hollywood (The Abbey = gay bar).

So.. after that everything was pretty blurry, and the following day I had the worst hang over of my life. The next day consisted of walking around 3rd St., napping, sushi dinner with free shots, the Abbey, Mickey's, iCandy and back to The Abbey again...

With that being said... I have decided one thing. LA in the winter is the best, just for a weekend.
Being a San Francisco girl, a truly devoted person to loving every aspect of this great city, for some reason I had the best time in LA.. making me think twice about the lifestyle there.

These are some 'survival tips' for all the people that decide to make a weekend trip.

You are going to LA.. so expect drinks to be expensive.
Be nice to people. I think that people in LA frequently encounter assholes, so when a nice person comes around, you will benefit from it. In this trip we got free shots, discount on drinks, free water and a most unexpected peep show/'I can pick up $5 bill with my butt-cheeks' act from a go-go boy. Not my cup of tea, BUT some really enjoy this.
Going to gay bars or gay districts is for both the straight and gay. Point in case, there is someone for everyone. When going to these gay bars as frequently as I do... having great gay friends, I have seen that there are many attractive males and females. For women, I believe that it is a sort of a relief to visit these places. No one gets hit-on/or rubbed on by nasty men trying to get their 'mack on'... if you will. The beautiful men are usually gay, which serves as eye-candy, but there is also a unknown occurrence (This occurring in both LA and San Francisco).. there is at least one beautiful straight bar tender. In LA there was Marcus (Abbey), and in San Francisco there is Andrew (BOC)
Do not rely in the cab system down there. Most people have cars,and unfortunately, cabs with their lights turned on don't stop for you unless you throw your body on the road to make yourself clearly visible. Save yourself the trouble and either call a cab company, or have reliable car there.. it saves you the trouble on trying to have a great night.
Last but not least, weather is better there. Not saying that San Francisco has the worst weather.... it tops Chicago & Seattle .. to name some based on my preference. This weekend I hear it was rainy there, we all encountered the sun hitting our faces while watching the sunset in Santa Monica. :)

When coming back, I had to deal with the news that my house got broken into. Nothing major stolen but some money my mom saved up, her purse (birthday present from me), some jewelry and the ugliest/tackiest shoes I had... makes me think about the person who stole it.. good riddance!

Pictures will be posted soon.. my camera is being fixed. I guess the burglars picked the worst day to steal...HA!!