Wednesday, June 30, 2010

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Gringos! - La Hora del Necio

Esta semana en nuestro programa La Hora del Necio estaremos celebrando el 4 de Julio, gloriosa fecha en que los Norteamericanos se independizaron y empezaron a regar su libertad por todo el mundo, con el consabido método Pecos Bill. Además de nuestras acostumbradas secciones:

  • Oración de la semana: Oración al Tío Sam.

  • Música del Necio: “Pecos Bill” de Luis Aguilé.

  • Un Espacio para la incultura: Tango y Rock,cambio de cancha.

  • Palabras Misteriosas: Anglicismos usados en español.

  • Farándula: Usted quiere adoptar un niño... nosotros sabemos donde!

ALIP

http://www.agenciadeinformacion.info


Mining jobs boom

The Age Business News 1 July 2010

Mining moguls may be upset about the proposed super profits tax, but they are trying to hire workers like never before.

New job vacancy figures released yesterday show the mining industry was trying to hire a record 6200 workers in May - far more than at any time during the Howard government's mining boom.

The Bureau of Statistics survey was conducted in the third week of May, two weeks after Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan unveiled the resources tax and two weeks after Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said it would kill the industry ''stone dead''.

Between February and May the number of mining jobs on offer jumped almost 20 per cent at a time when total vacancies fell 2.5 per cent.

The total of 6200 vacancies is head and shoulders above anything ever reached during the previous mining boom when vacancies only once topped 5000.

It is also way out of proportion to the size of mining as an employer.

Mining employs fewer than 200,000 Australians yet had 6200 jobs vacant. Manufacturing, which employs almost one million Australians, had 11,200 job vacancies.

''The mining skill shortage never went away,'' said David Edwards, strategic manager of labour hire firm Drake Australia.

''Mining workers are very hard to find. You need critical skills - more than in other industries - and you often need them in remote locations.''

more

Low-paid: $26 a week increase

A $26 a week pay rise and income tax cuts that begin today will provide relief for working families faced with rising living costs.

More than 1.4 million workers will receive an extra $26 a week in their pay packets from today, ending a wage freeze of almost two years under the Howard Government’s Fair Pay Commission.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said the pay rise, which will lift the minimum wage to $569.90 a week, or $15 an hour, was a dividend of both the Federal Government’s successful handling of the Global Financial Crisis and its Fair Work laws.

"Today’s pay rise for the low-paid highlights the risk for Australian workers of a return to WorkChoices under Tony Abbott," Mr Lawrence said.

"Under the so-called Fair Pay Commission, real award wages actually fell for more than a million workers. Last year’s wage freeze was the last gasp of WorkChoices. It is an injustice that has been partly corrected by Fair Work Australia’s Minimum Wage Panel."

ACTU President: Ged Kearney

New ACTU President Gerardine (Ged) Kearney takes office today.

Ms Kearney replaces Sharan Burrow, who last week was elected General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation.

Ms Kearney has been a member of the ACTU Executive since April 2008, when she was elected Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said he looked forward to working with Ms Kearney to advance the union movement's agenda in the lead-up to the federal election later this year.

"Everyone at the ACTU welcomes Ged aboard to continue the work that is well underway to prevent a return to WorkChoices under Tony Abbott and to deliver on our agenda to improve the lives of working Australians and their families," Mr Lawrence said.

Ms Kearney said she was honoured to be entrusted with such an important role.

"I am committed to representing the interests of working Australians and to making sure their voices are heard in public debates over our nation's future," she said.

"I intend to work with all unions, big and small, to put our agenda into action, grow the movement and achieve positive change for workers and their families."

June 30: Chet Atkins died on this date in 2001...





... he was 77-years-old when he passed away from cancer.
-----
Chester Burton Atkins was born in Luttrell, Tennessee. In his 1974 autobiography, Country Gentleman, Chet wrote, "We were so poor and everybody around us was so poor that it was the forties before anyone even knew there had been a depression."

Before the guitar, he played a ukulele, later moving on to the fiddle. When he was nine, he traded an old pistol and some chores with his brother Lowell for a guitar. Atkins was a sensitive youth who made music his obsession. Because of his asthma, he was forced to sleep in a straight-back chair in order to breathe comfortably. On those nights, he would play his guitar until he fell asleep holding it, a habit which lasted his whole life.

Atkins became an accomplished guitarist while he was in high school. He used the restroom in the school to practice, because it gave better acoustics. His first guitar had a nail for a nut and was so bowed that only the first few frets could be used. He later purchased a semi-acoustic electric guitar and amp, but he had to travel many miles to find an electrical outlet since his home had no electricity.

(Continued below video and Amazon portals ...)



(Press album cover for direct link to the entire Amazon Website):
Chet Atkins Certified Guitar Player DVD As seen on PBS

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Atkins did not have a strong style of his own until 1939 when he heard Merle Travis picking over WLW radio. This early influence dramatically shaped his unique playing style. Whereas Travis's right hand used his index finger for the melody and thumb for bass notes, Atkins expanded his right hand style to include picking with his first three fingers, with the thumb on bass.

After dropping out of high school in 1942, Atkins landed a job at WNOX-AM radio in Knoxville. There he played fiddle and guitar with singer Bill Carlisle and comic Archie Campbell as well as becoming a member of the station's Dixieland Swingsters, a small swing instrumental combo. After three years, he moved to WLW-AM in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Merle Travis formerly worked.

After six months he moved to Raleigh and worked with Johnnie and Jack before heading for Richmond, Virginia, where he performed with Sunshine Sue Workman. Atkins's shy personality worked against him, as did his musical style causing many to doubt he was truly "country." He was fired often but was soon able to land another job at another radio station due to his unique playing ability.

Traveling to Chicago, Atkins auditioned for Red Foley, who was leaving WLS-AM's National Barn Dance to join the Grand Ole Opry. Atkins made his first appearance at the Opry in 1946 as a member of Foley's band. He also recorded "Guitar Blues," for Nashville-based Bullet Records that year.

Chet worked up to a solo spot on the Opry. When his spot was cut, Atkins moved on to KWTO-AM in Springfield, Missouri. however, he was fired for not sounding "country enough."

While working with a Western band in Denver, Colorado, Atkins drew the attention of RCA Victor. He made his first RCA recordings in Chicago in 1947.  He also did some studio work for RCA that year but had relocated to Knoxville where he worked with Homer and Jethro on WNOX's new Saturday night radio show The Tennessee Barn Dance and the popular Midday Merry Go Round.

In 1949 he left WNOX to join Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters back on KWTO. This incarnation of the old Carter Family featured Maybelle Carter and daughters June, Helen and Anita. Their work soon attracted attention from the Grand Ole Opry. The group relocated to Nashville in mid-1950. Atkins began working on recording sessions, performing on WSM-AM and the Opry.

While he hadn't yet had a hit record on RCA his reputation grew. Atkins's first hit single was "Mr. Sandman," followed by "Silver Bell," a duet with Hank Snow. His albums also became more popular, and he was featured on ABC-TV's The Eddy Arnold Show during the summer of 1956; as well as on Country Music Jubilee in 1957 and 58.

In addition to recording, Atkins became a design consultant for Gretsch, who manufactured a popular Chet Atkins line of electric guitars from 1955–1980. Atkins also became manager of RCA's Nashville studio, eventually inspiring and seeing the completion of the legendary RCA Studio B, the first studio built specifically for the purpose of recording on the now-famous Music Row.

-----
Chet, along with Owen Bradley, are created the smoother country music style known as the Nashville sound, which expanded country's appeal to adult pop music fans as well.

Atkins's picking style, inspired by Merle Travis, Django Reinhardt, George Barnes and Les Paul, brought him admirers within and outside the country scene, both in the United States and internationally. Atkins produced records for Perry Como, Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, Eddy Arnold, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves, Jerry Reed, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings and others.

Chet was diagnosed with cancer in the 1990s, but he continued to perform. He died on June 30, 2001 at his home in Nashville.

Atkins received numerous awards, including 14 Grammy Awards and in 1993, was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also won nine Country Music Association Instrumentalist of the Year awards. Billboard magazine awarded him their Century Award, their "highest honor for distinguished creative achievement" in December 1997.


He is a Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum inductee. In 2002, Atkins was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The following year, Atkins ranked #28 in CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music.

####

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

June 29: Rosemary Clooney died on this date in 2002…


… she was 74 years-old when she passed away.





… she died on June 29, 2002.

Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky.  She came to prominence in the early 1950s with the novelty hit "Come On-a My House" which was followed by other pop numbers such as "Botch-a-Me" (a cover version of the Italian song Ba-Ba-Baciami Piccina by Alberto Rabagliati), "Mambo Italiano,” "Tenderly,” "Half as Much,” "Hey There" and "This Ole House."She went on to success as a jazz vocalist.

When Clooney was fifteen, her mother and brother, Nick, moved to California. She and her sister, Betty, remained with their father. Rosemary, Betty and Nick all became entertainers In 1945, the Clooney sisters won a spot on Cincinnati, Ohio's radio station WLW as singers. Her sister Betty sang in a duo with Clooney for much of her early career.

Clooney's first recordings, in May 1946, were for Columbia Records. She sang with Tony Pastor's big band. Clooney continued working with the Pastor band until 1949, making her last recording with the band in May of that year and her first as a solo artist a month later, still for Columbia.

In 1951, her record of "Come On-a My House,” produced by Mitch Miller, became a hit. It was her first of many singles to hit the charts—despite the fact that Clooney hated the song passionately. She had been told by Columbia Records to record the song, and that she would be in violation of her contract if she did not do so. Around 1952, Rosemary recorded several duets with Marlene Dietrich.

(Continued below video and Amazon portals ...)



(Press album or book cover for direct link to the entire Amazon Website):





16 Biggest HitsGirl Singer: An Autobiography

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In 1954, she starred, along with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen, in the movie White Christmas. In later years, Clooney would often appear with Crosby on television, such as in the 1957 special The Edsel Show, and the two friends made a concert tour of Ireland together.

On November 21, 1957, she appeared on NBC's The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford, a frequent entry in the "Top 20" and featuring a musical group called "The Top Twenty." In 1960, Clooney and Crosby co-starred in a 20-minute CBS radio program aired before the midday news each weekday.

She starred, in 1956, in a half-hour syndicated television musical-variety show The Rosemary Clooney Show. The show featured The Hi-Lo's singing group and Nelson Riddle's orchestra. The following year, the show moved to NBC prime time as The Lux Show Starring Rosemary Clooney but only lasted one season. The new show featured the singing group The Modernaires and Frank DeVol's orchestra.

Clooney left Columbia Records in 1958, doing a number of recordings for MGM Records and then some for Coral Records. Finally, toward the end of 1958, she signed with RCA Victor Records.

Clooney's career languished in the 1960s, partly due to problems related to depression and drug addiction. (Clooney suffered for much of her life from bipolar disorder. She revealed this and other details of her life in her two autobiographies; This for Remembrance: the Autobiography of Rosemary Clooney, an Irish-American Singer, and Girl Singer: An Autobiography.

In 1964, she went to Reprise Records, and in 1965 to Dot Records. She moved to United Artists Records in 1966. Beginning in 1977, she recorded an album a year for the Concord Jazz record label, which continued until her death in 2002 from lung cancer.


In 1999, Clooney founded the Rosemary Clooney Music Festival, held annually in Maysville, her hometown. She performed at the festival every year until her death. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Russell Theater in Maysville, where Clooney's first film, The Stars are Singing, premiered in 1953.


She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

She is also the aunt of Academy Award winning actor George Clooney.










####


SUMMER MADNESS - The Best Summer Songs (part V)

SUMMER MADNESS

The ultimate summer playlist continues...

(click title to watch video)
An upbeat and infectious tune.

(click title to watch video)
The anthem for a new generation.

(click title to watch video)
Instantly takes you back to a simpler time and place. 

(click title to watch video)
Feel good summer rock song.

(click title to watch video)
An addictive funky tune that evokes a little bit of the '80's.

All songs are available for download @ iTunes.

You can find previous SUMMER MADNESS posts as you scroll down. Come back next week for 5 more songs that you can add to your Ultimate Summer Playlist.

Monday, June 28, 2010

REFLEXIONES - ¿POR QUE?

Al conducir por la ciudad empecé a observar todo lo que me rodeaba y me asaltaron muchas preguntas....
Por qué somos tan agresivos manejando?
Por qué estamos acostumbrados a no respetar a nadie y a nada en nuestras calles?
por qué tomamos una bus o taxi donde nos dá la gana?
por qué no usamos los puentes peatonales?
por qué no creemos en las señales de transito?.
Por qué siempre queremos ganarle al otro y pasar primero?
Por qué criticamos al otro si todos somos iguales al volante?
Por qué si ni siquiera eso hemos empezado a cambiar, por qué esperas que el otro cambie?
Por qué cuando llegas a otro país respetas las leyes de transito o cualquier indicación, y cuando llegas al Ecuador simplemente no las respetas?
Por qué cuando estamos fuera no se nos ocurre tirar del auto un papel a la calle y cuando estamos en el Ecuador si lo hacemos?
Por qué cuando vivimos fuera del Ecuador trabajamos hasta que nos vence el cansancio y hasta ni siquiera almorzamos para poder llevar a la casa un poco mas, y cuando vivimos aquí estamos esperando la hora de almuerzo para tomarnos un buen rato.
Por qué cuando llegamos a USA o Europa, podemos esperar horas en una linea de migraciones sin decir ni una sola palabra, poniendo cara simpática queriendo caerle bien al oficial, respondiendo todas y cada una de sus preguntas,..y cuando llegas al Ecuador, no puedes esperar mas de 10 minutos en la linea sin quejarte de tu país, pidiendo de mala manera que se apuren?
Se han dado cuenta de algo? el argentino, así se mude a otro país, siempre hablará como argentino, el venezolano igual, el colombiano igual, y así sucesivamente, pero nosotros, apenas nos vamos del Ecuador nos cambia el acento al mes!!!....nos encanta hablar como españoles, o como argentinos o lo que sea...
Por qué nos matamos diciendo que estamos orgullosos de ser Ecuatorianos cuando muchos lo único que queremos es irnos y dejar que otros solucionen las cosas?
Por qué tenemos siempre el mismo discurso?
Por qué decimos que nada va a cambiar y que todos los gobiernos son iguales cuando somos nosotros mismos los que los elegimos?
Por qué tanto resentimiento entre nosotros,...que si eres cholo, que si eres negro, que si eres serrano, que si eres chino, que si vives en los guasmos, que si eres pelucon, que si vives en un callejon, que si vives en asentamiento humano, que si estudias en tal colegio, que si vas a tal o cual playa,...que si eres wacharnaco?
Por qué nos idealizamos tanto?
Por qué seguimos orinando en la calle a vista y paciencia de los demás?
Por qué seguimos siendo tan informales en tantas cosas?
Por qué pensamos que si el otro tiene mas o le va mejor, no se lo merece?
Por qué nos molesta, sin darnos cuenta, el éxito del otro?
Por qué siempre miramos la paja en el ojo ajeno?
Por qué nos pasamos reclamando un país y una ciudad mejor, cuando ni siquiera hemos empezado por mejorar nosotros mismos?
Estoy seguro que muchas veces nos hemos hecho estas y mas preguntas,...pero,....hacemos algo para cambiarlo? o simplemente se lo dejamos a las nuevas generaciones?
Algunos lo intentamos, a otros les da los mismo. Algunos lo dejamos para mañana, otros queremos empezar hoy.
Lo que si sé, es que mientras más nos preguntamos, menos hacemos, y al final el tiempo sigue pasando....Cuando quieras encontrar la respuesta a qué esta pasando con el Ecuador....tomate un rato y sal a la calle con tu auto, o en un taxi, o caminando, y cuando veas cómo manejamos y como nos comportamos allá afuera, podrás sacar tus propias respuestas.
Te sorprenderás de lo que somos simplemente viendo el tráfico y ahí podremos entender, porque hasta ahora no cambiamos.

SONG OF THE WEEK - "Revolution" by John Butler Trio

 "Revolution" by John Butler Trio

"Watch how the scum rises to the top
 Don't you wonder when it's all gonna stop?
 Sometimes I wonder how we do sleep,
 serving the dodgy companies we keep
 All kicking and scrounging for the very first place
 - dictionary definition of a rat race..."

Formed in 1995, The John Butler Trio hails out of Fremantle, Australia. "Revolution" is the third single from the trio's 5th studio album, "April Uprising" (2010). An excellent mid-tempo rock song with a social conscience. The song builds with passion to an anthemic feel without ever becoming over the top. A song for our generation.


You can find "Revolution" on the album, "April Rising" (2010) 
or you can download it @ iTunes.

(click title to watch a live performance)

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Y AHORA QUE TE DIGO SAMPAOLI

Hasta hace algunas semanas cuando Emelec jugaba contra el Cuenca el tecnico Argentino Jorge Sampaoli fue expulsado por el arbitro. El público asistente alzo su voz de rechazo, pero no a la desición arbitral, si no a el tecnico Sampaoli, las voces de fuera, fuera se escuchaban desde los cuatro sectores de la cancha. El arbitro fue aplaudido por esta desición.

Muchos emelecistas, entre ellos yo, estabamos bastante disconformes con la presencia de Sampaoli en el banco de Emelec ya que en la campaña habia dejado muchos puntos como local, empatabamos con equipos al que en los papeles parecia facil de ganarles. Pero su estrategia defensiva nos estaba dando puntos de visita y eso nadie lo notaba. No repetia una alineación y jugadores que ceriamos vitales para el equipo eran remplazados por jugadores poco mas que desconocidos como es el caso de Mina que era remplazado por Morante.
Pero los resultados se estaban dando, ganamos los dos clasicos, ganamos en Riobamba que habia sido duro hacerlo antes y así llegamos a las ultimas fechas y tomamos la punta y ganamos lo que debiamos ganar, el profe habia encontrado el equipo.
Hoy ganamos la primera etapa del campeonato, ya tenemos pasaje a la final del torneo, jugaremos la sudamericana este año y tenemos cupo para la Libertadores del proximo año. Y ahora que te digo Sampaoli, como te sigo diciendo que te largues, no lo puedo hacer, gracias a Díos me tapaste la boca así como se la tapaste a muchos emelecistas, no puedo decirte mas que Gracias Sampaoli.

CURIOSIDADES DEL MUNDIAL - LOS HERMANOS BOATENG

Esta es la Historia de los hermanos Boateng, Kevin-Price y Jerõme. Ambos nacieron en Alemania cuando todavía formaba parte de la antigua RDA, uno en 1987 y el otro un año despues. Hijos de padre Ghanes y madre Alemana, así que en sus pasaportes llevan la doble nacionalidad.


Kevin-Price comenzo en las inferiores del Hertha de Berlin y rapidamente fue ascendido al primer equipo, luego transferido al Tottenham Hotsper en el 2007 y despues recae en el Postmouth donde juega actualmente.

Jerõme tambien comenzo en el Hertha de Berlin, tras ser ascendido fue llevado al Hamburgo y es ahora una de las figuras del futbol Aleman.

Lo curioso de esta historia es que hace dos años Kevin-Price fue tentado a jugar por la selección del pais del que es originario su padre, Ghana, mientras su hermano decidio jugar por la selección de su Nacionalidad, Alemania. El destino picaro y jugueton llevo a que en el sorteo del mundial ubicara en el mismo grupo a Ghana y a Alemania y el Martes 23 de Junio los dos se enfrentaron en el cesped de Sudafrica con victoria Alemana 1 a 0.

Como dato adicional a la figura maxima de Alemania, Michael Ballack, fue lesionado y dejado fuera del mundial en una jugada de falta por parte de Kevin Boateng lo que llevo a los Alemanes a su mas airado reclamo a su ex compatriota. Cosas que se dan en este mundial.

Blue Mountains Hospitality Workers

complete online > Hospitality Employees Survey <

Amid concerns that hundreds of young hospitality workers in the Blue Mountains are unaware of their basic rights at work a campaign is being launched to gauge the depth of the problem, raise awareness and improve conditions.

The joint initiative of the Liquor and Hospitality Division of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and Blue Mountains Union Council will start by surveying workers in the industry throughout the mountains – from Lapstone to Mount Victoria.

"Whether they’re serving in the pubs, clubs, hotels, restaurants or cafes of the Blue Mountains they’re the front line of the biggest industries in the area. They deserve a fair go," said LHD Secretary Tara Moriarty.

"Hospitality employees are among the most exploited in the region. Some turn up to work to find their shift cancelled and if they make a complaint they are seen as trouble makers. Bosses sometimes deal with such employees by reducing their shifts."

"What is particularly alarming is that many young people don’t know their rights," said Ms Moriarty.

"They know that Workchoices is supposed to have gone, but they’re confused about what’s replaced it – whether it’s an award, a collective agreement or something else. They know there’s been changes to the unfair dismissal laws, but unsure about exactly what’s happened," said BMUC President Kerry Cooke.

"This means that they’re open to exploitation. While there are many decent employers in the Blue Mountains prepared to give young workers a fair go, we’re also getting reports of rogue bosses taking advantage of the situation.

"In the worst instances - there are cases of young workers being taken ‘on trial’ – working for a week - and not then not receiving any pay.

After the survey, the union will offer free workshops where hospitality workers can learn more about the current industrial laws and seek advice about individual problems at work.

Copies of the survey can be obtained at the Liquor and Hospitality Division of the LHMU by ringing 1800 801 594 or emailing LHMU or downloadable at the Blue Mountains Unions Council website.

email BMUC

Abbott's self-deception

Opposition leader Tony Abbott boasted to yesterday's Liberal federal convention in Canberra he had received a call from former Liberal prime minister John Howard on Wednesday night as the leadership coup played out congratulating him for the demise of Kevin Rudd.

''He said: 'You have achieved the greatest prize that any opposition leader can, you have secured the scalp of a prime minister.' '' Mr Abbott said.

Talking to others last week he was claiming that "the unions got rid of Rudd" or he was recycling Bob Menzies' old catch cry claiming that "the faceless men of the Labor Party" were the ones.

With Abbott what he says depends on who he thinks he's talking to! Then again he's warned us that he doesn't necessarily always tell the truth. Here he is eye-to-eye with his best mate, the former opposition leader he shafted just a little while back, Malcolm Turnbull:


Saturday, June 26, 2010

history of Argentina

Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham, born in London, 1852, began traveling to the Americas in 1870. In Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Texas, & Mexico he ranched cattle, drove & schooled horses, hunted, grew maté tea, sold cotton, participated in a revolution, & wrote. He died in Buenos Aires in 1936.

The South American Sketches of R. B. Cunninghame-Graham edited by John Walker, University of Oklahoma Press, 1978, turns out to be a fine introduction to 19th century gauchos, indians, horses, landscape, wildlife, raids, warfare. I found the book at my public library. It's also available used at Amazon.

Argentina-built cars

When you move to Argentina, why not buy a locally-built car?

A Honda, perhaps.

Wikipedia lists all cars manufactured in Argentina.

We are looking at the Renault Kangoo. Renault is developing an electric Kangoo for the New Zealand market.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Paul Watson: Interpol blue notice


Interpol has placed the head of anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, Paul Watson, on its international wanted list.

The request to place him on the list was issued by Japan.

Interpol has issued a so-called blue notice, asking national police forces to pass on information about Mr Watson's whereabouts and activities.

But it has not issued a notice requesting his arrest.

Mr Watson says the notice does not make any sense.

"It's a blue notice which means it's not an arrest warrant, it's just so they can keep tabs on me. But they needn't have wasted their time, they could have just followed our website," he said.

"One thing that it does mean to me is that we're certainly getting to them. We cut their kill quotas in half and they're really desperate that we not go back down there this year.

"But I can tell them we'll certainly be back down in the Southern Ocean harassing them again in December."

Fewer than 5 per cent of Japanese admit to even eating whale meat.

Sharan Burrow: ITUC President


Sharan Burrow: Opening speech to ITUC 2nd World Congress

Union Power - Global Justice

Four years ago we met and took an historic decision to build a new international organisation a new internationalism. Delegates came to Vienna give birth to the ITUC; to strengthened global unionism.

Our commitment was to a new internationalism to tackle poverty, unemployment, violations of human and trade union rights and the power of corporate globalisation; an exploitative globalisation that was driving a crisis in food security, precarious employment, and the increase in the informal economy.

We also recognised the need for union influence in other areas such as action on climate change – in short we committed to the ITUC with renewed determination to deal with all areas of growing inequity and insecurity.

We warned then of the challenges of creating employment, of economic migration, of the declining wage share relative to corporate profits, of social exclusion, and of an unfair trading system.

Sadly we were right and the global imbalances evident then were only set to deepen as the world was plunged into the Global Financial Crisis, a crisis created by extreme corporate greed and weak regulation on behalf of governments, too often captured by the power of the boardrooms.

From crisis to global justice: this journey we are committed to requires an economic and social transformation that means putting people first. Hence our theme: “Now the people”.

LA CAIDA DE LOS EUROPEOS

Terminada la primera fase del Mundial de Futbol de Sudafrica y esto nos trae la caida de los que todos pensaban eran candidatos al titulo en este mundial. Los equipos Europeos que en cantidad de 13 son el 40% de los que participan en el torneo solo han logrado clasificar a seis de ellos con un porcentaje de menos del 46%.

El fracaso mas relevantes de los Europeos ha sido la eliminación de Italia, hasta ahora el campeón mundial, un completo fiasco sin delantera y con una defensa tan deficiente. Llegarón a este mundial pensando que con el nombre podrian ganarlo y no fueron capaces de ganarle ni a Nueva Zelanda, es mas terminaron de ultimo en su grupo.
El otro fracaso fue el de la selección Francesa, vice campeona mundial, no gano ningún partido, apenas un empate en su encuentro inicial y derrotas ante Mexico y Sudafrica. Una selección que llego con trampa al mundial no causo ninguna pena su eliminación.


Tras un comienzo bastante emocionante que llego a ponerlos definitivamente como candidatos, Alemania defecciono a todos en sus otros partidos. Pierde con una selección de Serbia bastante regular, nada del otro mundo, y llega a ganar a Gahna pero realmente jugando bastante mal.



Creo que todos y me incluyo, nos pegamos una decepción al ver a Inglaterra jugar este mundial. Muchos creiamos que la selección de Capelo demostraria una gran categoria y buen juego y lo unico que hemos visto es un plantel sin delantera y con mucha suerte ya que teniendo un arquero como el que tiene aun no cometa los errores a los que los tiene acostumbrados, estamos hablando del que llaman "Calamity" James.


Que decir de España, asusto en su primera jornada pero luego agarro el ritmo y con dos triunfos alcanzo la siguiente fase aunque todavia muestra falencias y a algunos no logra convencer de que es un autentico opcionado. En ese mismo grupo estaba Suiza que no mostro nada mas que deseos de defenderse y asi lograr increpar a su rival, se quedo en el camino por ese antifutbol.

La verdad es que el continente que se ha destacado en este mundial ha sido sudamerica ya que de sus 5 (14% del total de participantes) representantes ha logrado colar el 100% de ellos ya que Argentina, uruguay, Brasil, Paraguay y Chile clasificaron a la siguiente ronda. Y pensar que para el mundial de Brasil 2014 nos quieren rebajar un cupo. Hay mas talento en el futbol sudamericano que algunas selecciones que participan en este mundial.

Yo ratifico mi instinto, Argentina Campeón mundial 2010

Un partido de tres dias

Con toda esta fiebre de mundial de Futbol nos hemos centrado tanto en el Futbol que nadie se acordo que ya había comenzado el torneo de Wimblendon, estaba pasando desapercibido. y es que para el común de los mortales el futbol es el espectaculo numero uno por excelencia.
El miercoles estaba cambiando los canales y me topo con que ESPN ya estaba transmitiendo Wimblendon y estaban pasando el partido entre el Norteamericano Isner sembrado 23 y el frances Mahut que venia de la Quality.
Que iba a ser mas entretenido ese partido comparado con el mundial me dije pero me enganche a ver el partido y termine viendo una batalla epica de tenis que se ha convertido en el partido mas largo de la historia del tenis. Solo ese miercoles terminaron jugando 10 horas, habian comenzado a jugar el martes pero el partido se suspendio por falta de luz, el miercoles la misma historia se suspende el partido cuando en el quinto set terminaban 59 a 59.
Bien es sabido que en Wimblendon en el Quinto set no hay Tie Break osea que hay que terminar con dos game de diferencia sobre tu rival, pasado los seis puntos, para ganar el partido.
Ayer todas las miradas estaban centradas en ese partido bien llamado la marathon del tenis. Era chistoso ver como los narradores de ESPN apostaban a que superaban los 40, 50, 60 puntos. Al final la victoria le sonrie al norteamericano Isner por 70 a 68, un abrazo fuerte con su rival y el Old English Club, donde se desarrolla el torneo, los premio.
Ejemplo de cuando se quiere ganar, asi las fuerzas te abandonen nunca se debe dar por vencido. Al final 12 h0ras 10 minutos de tenis. El partido mas largo de la historia.

THE TOP 50 MICHAEL JACKSON SONGS


Whatever your thoughts on pop music icon Michael Jackson, he did contribute a wealth of amazing songs in his nearly life-long career. On the anniversary of his death, Billboard magazine has released their ranking of Jackson's Top 50 Songs.  

#10. The Girl Is Mine (1982) - Michael Jackson
& Paul McCartney
#9. ABC (1970) - The Jackson 5
#8. I Want You Back (1969) - The Jackson 5
#7. Man In The Mirror (1988) - Michael Jackson
#6. Dancing Machine (1974) - The Jackson 5
#5. Rock With You (1979) - Michael Jackson
#4. Beat It (1983) - Michael Jackson
#3. I'll Be There (1970) - The Jackson 5
#2. Billie Jean (1983) - Michael Jackson

***NO.#1***
 (click above to watch video)

***NO.#16***
(click above to watch video)

***NO.#40***
(click above to watch video)

All songs are available for download @ iTunes.

Argentina taxes on property sales

A reminder that the tax situation differs in Argentina for property sales based on how you hold title. This is from the March 2010 Harvest Celebration bulletin.
Are there any Argentine transfer taxes if I decide to sell?

As an individual a one time 1.5% tax is payable on the sales price. If you own your property through a foreign corporation, you will pay a tax equivalent to ordinary income tax, of 35% for the fiscal results of the corporation, on any appreciation earned. Relief is available for one calendar year when purchasing another property.

There are no Argentine capital gains taxes payable by an individual, on a sale.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

annual homicides

[from Wikipedia, intentional homicide rates, 2004, darker colors represent more homicides]



[from the Latin American Herald Tribune, 06/24/10]

MEXICO CITY – Nearly 19,000 homicides of all types occurred in Mexico in 2009, making the country No. 6 in the world in terms of homicides, consulting firm Grupo Multisistemas de Seguridad Industrial said in a new study.

South Africa has the highest homicide rate in the world, with 126 per 100,000 people, followed by Colombia, with 114.5, Guatemala, with 44, Thailand, with 41.5, Paraguay, with 19.4, and Mexico, with 12 per 100,000 people, the study said.

Apr-Jun 2010 daily weather

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Julia Gillard: Prime Minister

Julia Gillard has been elected unopposed to the Labor leadership after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd decided not to contest the leadership ballot.

Gillard made history today as she became Australia's first female Prime Minister, joining a roll call of female world leaders that stretches back 50 years.

In the Federal seat of Macquarie, which includes much of the Blue Mountains, the 3 main candidates are all women:

Greens: Carmel McCallum
Labor: Susan Templeman
Liberal: Louise Markus

see

Ark Tribe case



The case has now been adjourned and will reconvene July 20-22 for further hearing

keep up to date with Rights On Site

Mining Tax: the facts

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence says mining companies and the Coalition have been misleading about the industry’s wealth and should withdraw their relentlessly negative advertising campaign against the Resource Super Profits Tax.

“Once the facts are examined objectively, it becomes indisputable that mining companies can afford to put more back into the Australian community,” Mr Lawrence said.

“The mining sector has been incredibly profitable over the past decade because of soaring commodity prices. Official ABS data shows pre-tax profits for the mining industry have increased by 530% - more than eight times the rate of wages growth for mining workers.

“It’s time the mining companies put more back into the Australian community and stopped gilding the lily about the truth of their profits.

“These natural resources belong to all of us, and everyone should get a fair share from selling them. The workers who dug them out of the ground haven’t, and neither have the rest of us.

“All working Australians will benefit from the mining tax through increased superannuation, more infrastructure and tax cuts.”

The Australian mining sector has been Australia’s most profitable industry over the past five years, earning a total of $204 billion in pre-tax profits since 2004-5 (ABS catalogue 8155.0). Yet less than 10% of the total income earned from mining has been paid in wages and salaries to its workforce.

A national poll of 1066 Australians conducted for the ACTU by Essential Research finds:

53% of people, once told that mining is the most profitable industry, agree that mining companies should pay a higher rate of tax than other industries.
Only 13% felt that average Australians benefited from mining and 23% that mining workers benefited, while 70% believed that mining owners and management benefited.
93% agree that mining companies should put something back into the local community.
61% agree that the wealth generated by selling Australia’s natural resources should go towards better superannuation for working Australians.

Ernesto Sabato cumple 99 años

Dicen el almanaque y las efemérides que el 24 de junio de 1911 en Rojas, Provincia de Buenos Aires, República Argentina, nació:


Ernesto Sabato
Si eso es verdad el Maestro Sabato está a punto de cumplir 99 años por estas horas...
Vaya nuestro respetuoso homenaje de enorme gratitud escuchando sus propias palabras:





PROHIBIENDO LA BIELA

Este fin de semana que paso se detubieron a cerca de 200 personas que incumplieron la disposicion de ingerir alcohol despues de la 02H00 ya sea en bares, discotecas o via publica.
Las imagenes presentadas por la television Ecuatoriana que reportaban los operativos de control, demostraban lo peor de la conducta humana cuando son victimas de este terrible vicio, jovenes menores de edad ingeriendo licor hasta altas horas de la noche, se vio hasta una chica de 15 anios de edad ebria y en estado de gestacion, en Guayaquil jovenes que agredian a los reporteros cuando los enfocaban bebiendo pasada la hora en la via publica.
La medida tiene por objeto aplacar la escalada delictiva que vive nuestra ciudad y que tiene en el consumo de alcohol su principal fuente de origen.
Cuantas veces no habre visto en la television que mataron a un cristiano y el que lo mato fue uno de sus companeros de juerga que bebia con el o de accidentes de transito que son provocados por personas que se atreven a manejar en estado etilico. Personalmente yo he manejado en estado etilico y gracias a Dios no he tenido ningun problema pero si me da arrepentimiento al dia siguiente por lo hecho y veo la suerte por no haberme accidentado.
La medida, a fuerza de ser justos, es bastante antipopular debido a la costumbre de beber una cerveza o licor por cualquier cosa, que cangrejos con cerveza, que carne con vino, que para el chuchaqui una biela y asi seguimos y no salimos de este circulo.
Amigos mios han llegado a decir que se esta cortando la libertad de beber los domingos, cosa que me parece lo mas ridiculo, pero si uno quiere mantenerse en ese vicio puede tomar en su casa.
El hombre es un animal de costumbre y se acostumbrara a dejar de beber los domingos y tomar menos o se acostumbrara a beber en sus hogares o comenzara a tomar mas temprano, no lo se talvez el vicio del alcohol no los dejara nunca. Vamos a ver como se dan las cosas con esta medida, ojala las cosas cambien para bien.

COVER ME - The Best Cover Songs You Don't Know (Part V)

What I like best about a cover song, is when I don't know it's a cover song. When the covering artist takes the song in a new direction and places their own creative stamp on it. Here are 4 more great cover songs you may not know.



by Leo Sayer
by Keith Urban

by Modest Mouse
 
by Sun Kil Moon

by Justin Timberlake
by Bell X1

"The Scientist" (2002)
by Coldplay
"The Scientist" (2003)
By Aimee Mann

Clicking any song title will pop up it's video.

All songs are available for download @ iTunes.