Lula da Silva says Latin America’s left is a model for developed countries — MercoPress

Uruguay's Frente Amplio and other 'Left' governments of South America are a model for the big guys. 

What do you know?

Of course there is little to no hope of dislodging the growing popularity of conservative (read; hateful) political ideologies as they are the product of a completely broken system. A system that not only promotes and rewards selfishness, but makes learning another way treasonous.


Enjoy the article.


Lula da Silva says Latin America’s left is a model for developed countries — MercoPress

No Gas

For nearly two weeks a city that lives by bottled gas has had to do without. 

Here they're called 'garrafas'.

Like most people our stove is connected to a small tank that sits nearby. For us it's under our kitchen counter, behind some doors. For some it's just outside, maybe a patio area and the connection passes through a hole in the wall. Very low-tech and it works quite well. 


There is currently a strike underway by the workers who handle these tanks. As I hear it, they are asking for a shorter day due to the inherent hazards. Of course it comes down to man vs. business (read: humanity vs. profit), as the gas companies have replied that there are other ways to reduce risks, but those would involve.............drum roll please, a increase in price. 

Who saw that coming?


We had a little luck with this. After our kitchen tank ran out, we discovered the tank from the upstairs heater was nearly full. As far as me picking it up can gauge. We have two space heaters on wheels. The tank sits inside these little 'carts' and they work quite well. 
Winter for us has no snow, but it can be plenty cold. I wouldn't mind having yet another of those things, I prefer it to the 'split' in our bedroom. That's the A/C-Heat unit, wall mounted with the compressor part on the outside.


The last news is that all sides are nearing a solution. There's been talk of the pols getting involved. Somebody has mentioned including gas handlers into the realm of essential services, like cops that can not strike. I know it takes power from the union, which is bad, but everything and I mean everything needs checks and balances. 


I suppose if it went on for a very long time we will cook some on the parilla, order out (although it will soon affect most restaurants), eat salads and sandwiches. There will probably be a rush to buy all the  electric appliances out there. You know what worries me the most? No morning coffee!

Chevron Runs from Judgment in Ecuador

Do you ever think about what our oil dependency costs us? Most would agree that the world is being polluted, but do you realize that many global companies operate outside of reason, morality and law. Read this article if you have some time.




Chevron Runs from Judgment in Ecuador

Party Time

The slowness. It's the slowness that takes time to understand. You may miss it entirely; vacationers on their own special schedule, expats who attempt to create a 'life speed' here that matches what their used to.

You may be thinking of the slow pace of a rural and Latin flavored small village. You know, chickens rooting around, someone napping under their hat. It's not slow like that.

Much has been bandied about regarding the cumbersome government bureaucracies or ineffective business practices. Foreigners often 'have' the solution. I've heard it myself as well as from reading other people's reactions: "If only Uruguayan businesses would ..." or "What Uruguay needs is......".
Not only are these views reasoning a way to make what they've found more like what they've left, they are also way off about how simple any adjustments would be.

Ford Club Wagon. Special rides are everywhere.

I feel like business, achievement, cultural sensibilities and governmental intrusions are all linked. You can't change one without effecting the others. People are still polite here. I know, everyone thinks they are too, but polite society means overall and all or nothing. If your society is overall not very polite, that's what will come through. Individual instances are not relevant. 
People appear to value their time over achievement. Not doing anything, within the context of purposeful life, is just as important as doing something. This is no small fact.
Many people, even here feel the gov. could do more, but change is slow and recent history is full of disastrous missteps. The fact is Uruguayans have voted in a left government for a second time since the historic victory of the Frente Amplio (Broad Front) which includes the political faction of the Tupamaros, the revolutionary force who's persistance helped to topple the military dictatorship.
Progress is being made, but slowly and that seems best.

Sure, I'd change some laws to even up the tax and pension situation immediately just to feed the poor and get people indoors, but it's not up to me.

Lots of dancing and flags at 'La Llamadas'

La Llamadas (la  ja-ma-das) means something like the calling. It's named for the drumming which is the main activity of these events. One neighborhood would call to another and the former slave population, who's primarily responsible for this culture, would gather.

Friends dragged me off to this street party (I tried to beg off, after all it was something like 10:00 pm!) and we walked some 15 blocks to get a view. People rent balconies, similar to Carnaval or Mardi Gras for a better view, but we pushed ahead at one crossing.

posing for pictures was the best part

 We missed a lot of the parade, but it was a lot of fun. The actors were all great about posing with us for a photo. After hours of walking and dancing, they were all in excellent spirits. I couldn't help thinking they'd be annoyed. I still have so much adjusting to do.

Even the cops were cool.

Next time: Relaxed Marijuana Laws in Uruguay

A Little Bit

I took on a long overdue (and dreaded) task today. Our kitchen will be replaced one day. Until then I am trying to spruce it up some.

A bunch of tile were so loose I just plucked them off.  Putting them back is not as easy. They need to be scraped fairly clean. I broke a few in the process.

The cement behind was mostly sand. I had removed what was loose and filled and flattened to add some strength.

Since I don't have enough of this old tile, I concentrated on big areas like this one. The rest I decided to just smooth over with a finish coat ('revoke' as it known here) any areas that needed cut pieces.


This area by the patio door is a prime example. It looks pretty shabby like this.

There are still some cracks to fill, but painting is not far off.  

The cabinets are a disaster. I will probably just do something about the fronts to hold us over for a while. They will be history one day. 

Vacation: Part One

Janine and the boys headed out to La Paloma for two weeks of surf, sun and sand. I will join them next week. We'd reasoned that as the house was the fullest with the friends we've shared this rental with (and the kids), I would be more comfortable staying just the second week. I'm not sure if I'd have rather gone or not, but it didn't seem up for discussion. I'm settling in for a quiet week.

Since seeing everybody off, I've been puttering around here; cleaning up WMP and my music files, watched Zeitgeist again, straightening out the shop, dishes, etc.

I took a 'quick' trip to the mall. I knew an art supply there would be open. I have been trying to illustrate some design ideas I have for the Coffee Shop.  I have this vague notion of theme; sort of French bistro/patisserie/small European town bar with added bolder details a bit like some downtown Manhattan or trendy Brooklyn haunts. I am thinking of a specific color group to start. I have even found colors similar on an old staples box and the old font used might fit right in.

I'm not handy enough with computer graphics to put something together. That may change. I've downloaded some programs and will continue with the tutorials. Maybe I can produce something there.

For now, I know I can draw a bit and have been wanting to paint for some time. I'm starting slowly, but I feel like something enjoyable is beginning. I started with some acrylics and the brushes I had. The result was pretty, well it looks like my first try.

Today, I have bulked up a bit, spending $400 pesos on more paint, illustration board, tape and a few teeny, tiny brushes. I'm gonna paint some more.

One way or another I will put some of my ideas about the look of our coffee shop on paper so we can discuss it. And by discuss it I mean congratulate me on the beauty and genius of it and wholeheartedly signing off on our new look.

OK, maybe not every day

Well, you all knew it (both of you). 
So without further ado, here's a rundown of some happenings of the week.


I went with Vincent and friend (Bruno Origgioni, Italian enough for ya?) to a concert of one of our favorite bands. Cuarteto de Nos are from right here in Montevideo. The drummer must live near us as we see him on the street quite often. The show was awesome even though their longtime leader has just left the band. His brother stepped in as front man and with the addition of a new guitar and a new keyboard player they sounded great as ever. Vincent and the group of friends he met up with and I were the rowdiest in our area. It was loads of fun and we walked there and back. A great open air venue , Teatro de Verano, right on the Rambla.

We also had an asado at a friends. Nice and easy, great food and company, a typical Uruguayan afternoon. The kids are a little shy and didn't interact much.

 



Today it's returning to rain again and there's a chill in the air. Ugh.