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Friday, February 26, 2010
TRAVELING VIAJAR ES VIVIR
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
AS SEEN 60 DAYS INTO DE ZELAYA SAGA
THE MEL FACTOR
MAX OPPORTUNITIES
One month after: How soon can we expect to go back to normal?
For the last four weeks ago our goal has been to inform our friends and politicians what had really happened in Honduras and our satisfaction with the measures taken by Honduran Institutions in defense of the Constitution.
During all that time we fought misinformation and propaganda broadcasted by Chavez fueled media and other biased networks playing alongside the ´´O´´ administration.
The results:
- We managed to inform and mobilize conservative (republican) US political forces, but failed to capture the attention or interest of Democrats, Liberals or any color European Leaders.
- We managed to participate in peaceful demonstrations and spread reports and picture galleries of like activities happening all over Honduras but were not able to report directly to major networks.
- We managed to sit and talk to a US Ambassador but were not able to convince
- We were able to lift the curfew restrictions from the Bay Islands …too late.
- We did great but there is more to come.
DAMAGE CONTROL
It is time to assess the damage so far and the expected fallout from a ´´same as now´´ or a ´´rapidly changing chaotic´´ or ´´slowly back to normal´´ scenarios. Right now we assume damage is restricted to losses in reservations. Transportation on, to and from the islands has been normal. Airlines are flying in. There has been no physical damage to buildings or infrastructure. RECO and other sensitive issues: tranquilo. The earthquake in late May caused damages that in most cases do not amount over the insurance deductible limit.
Damage control and opportunities arising from events are to consider under different hypothetical scenarios:
SAME AS NOW
This is Mel´s favorite scenario. It is when a low intensity battle wears out the government and the economy. Additional sanctions are imposed by Europe and the US. Mel Zelaya is given the opportunity to clean up and pack. Estimated duration: four more weeks. This scenario has the possibility in developing into the next.
RAPIDLY CHANGING CHAOTIC
Due to added sanctions by trade partners, additional funding for MEL adept demonstrations, the gross economy of Honduras and majorly around the rest of Central America comes to a halt. With external actors fueling guerilla type operations, cross border crisis and aggravated civil unrest. Crime is rampant and finally Micheletti gives in. The final outcome is not good … for any one.
SLOWLY BACK TO NORMAL
This scenario is probably our best chance to get back to 2007- 2008 conditions. It requires a definite withdrawal of former President Zelaya from the arena. Possibly due to important discoveries and deteriorating perception by international donors, Mega-Media and a few world leaders including more specific condemnation of his actions by the US. A short period of US-Venezuela tensions is expected. The US shall expect a number of foreign government re-establishing diplomatic ties to Honduras before stepping in with a ´´I knew you could make it´´ pat in the back and maybe then, but only then labeling Honduras as a investment destination in supports of its democracy and other nice sounding diplomatic verbiage.
At the same time, using classical business tools, we can visualize challenges and opportunities.
AGENDA FOR THE ISLANDS´ LEADERSHIP
Being a multi cultural diverse community the Bay islands of Honduras has several leadership nodes: religious and political among the locals; business and nationality oriented among the expatriates. On different coordinates but on the same chart, Utila and Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos are also part of the Bay Islands. The common element would be the Governor.
Arlie Thompson is to call us soon. Here is a list of priorities and goals for the Bay islands:
EDUCATION
HEALTH
JOBS
´´THE REEF´´
SECURITY
MARKET AND IMAGE
COST OF DOING BUSINESS
COST FOR VISITORS
INFRAESTRUCTURE
EXTREME EVENTS OF NATURE
We can add, we can sort, we can re-arrange but all are important and we are both few and many and we can start addressing each. ASAP.
I am positive that great opportunities shall emerge from these events. Our duty is to maximize them to create and keep stable jobs, obtain good education standards and be a happy healthy people.
So ……….. How soon can we get back to normal? It is our call.
COMPETITIVENESS
AFTER A MONTH, we will not be able to convince anyone more. and trying to convince Obama or his ´´O ring´´ is a loss of time, and money.
In ROATAN and the Bay islands we need visitors. right now we are in a seasonally low period. On top of that there is an economical crisis or depression. Our middle class to working class visitor is hurting from the crisis.
How do we get part of that deteriorated market?
By slashing our prices and becoming competitive.
here is my proposed plan:
NUMERO UNO:
- Reduce ALL room rates by at least 40% of their better price (not rack)
- Reduce price of beer to $1
- Reduce price of burgers and fries to $5
- Reduce Galaxy fare to $20/25
- Reduce full dinner to no more than $12
- Reduce airport impact rate 30%
- Reduce Cruise ship dock fees and dues 30%
- Reduce MLS commissions to 7%
- Reduce price of dives to $20
NUMERO DOS:
Put together ALL existing budgeted and special PR/PUBLICITY/TRAVEL/CONGRESS/SEMINAR monies into a
ONE SINGLE ONE MONTH ALL OUT CAMPAIGN
in US and Euro mags and other media. and let the WORLD know that
WE HAVE REDUCED OUR PRICES
and this is a fun peaceful ´paradise´´-
INVITE:
TIMES and NYTIMES and similar travel journalists to come, visit, have fun and report.
PLAYING WITH A CONSTITUTION
PLAYING WITH A CONSTITUTION.
La Solidaridad entre Presidentes.
César A. González R.
Varios errores históricos se están cometiendo sin embargo la voluntad de la mayoría de los hondureños por preservar una Republica Libre Soberana e Independiente nos conducirá a las elecciones de fines de Noviembre y a la instalación de una nueva Administración en conformidad a lo que dice la Constitución de mi país.
A series of historical errors are happening however the strong will of the majority of the people of Honduras to preserve a Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic shall lead us to elections by the end of November and the Inauguration of a new administration under the Constitution of Honduras.
Mi observación cercana de Presidentes y otros actores políticos tanto de Centro América como de otras partes del mundo ha revelado esa mutua simpatía y solidaridad que surge entre los Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno cuando alguno es relevado, ya que consideran que en su propia casa podría suceder igual.
My observation of Presidents and other political actors both from Central American and beyond has revealed that mutual sympathy and solidarity among Heads of State and chief Executives, when one of them is dismissed. They see that happening in their own soil.
Por ejemplo y para no ir muy largo: los Presidentes de Guatemala, Costa Rica y Venezuela, cada uno tiene sus colitas o ´pelitos´: ligeras imperfecciones en el origen del mandato o enormes violaciones a las Leyes y a los Derechos Humanos, o simplemente su cuestionada capacidad de gobernar.
As an example and not too far away: the Presidents of Guatemala, Costa Rica and Venezuela each have his own ´bugs´ little imperfections in the origin of their mandate or gross violations of the rule of Law and Human Rights, or simply a dubious capacity to perform.
El mismo Presidente de los Estados Unidos de América tiene detalles de origen (país de nacimiento, religión) y de gestión y patriotismo (Reforma de Salud, Polonia, Republica Checa, la nueva guerra en Afganistán y su grupo de Zares) que le hacen también candidato a la pijama ( la de las rayas horizontales).
The President of the United States himself has details in his origin (country of birth/religion) and leadership and patriotism (Health Reform, Poland, Check Republic, new war in Afghanistan and a Czarist entourage) that could make him a strong candidate for horizontal stripes pajamas.
LAST WEEK OF OCTOBER 2009 - TO DO
- Zelaya had words with Arias this weekend
- Micheletti sent Hillary to fly a kite also this weekend after she used pms language on him to press a ´Zelaya back in office´ solution.
- Arias and President Martinelli of Panama meet thursday to endorse elections in Honduras
- Thomas Shannon is heading the US mission flying in Thursday
- Shannon has been appointed US Ambassador to Brasil pending Senate clearence.
- De Mint et al are blocking Shannon confirmation. J. Kerry is very upset about that.
- Shannon needs to put a smile in DeMint´s face to pick up ticket and fly to Brasil.
- Honduran elections November 29th, 2009
- Honduras new Presidential Inauguration Jan. 29th 2010
- Rio Carnival Feb.13th 2010
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Happy Rules
Happy rules
Be at the Center of Your Network
In a recently released study of the social networks of more than 4,700 subjects who had been tracked for 20 years, researchers found that happy people tend to be linked to each other through relationships with family, friends and neighbors. Not only were there clusters of happy and unhappy people, those at the center of their networks seemed more likely to be joyful, whereas those on the fringes were more likely to be melancholic.
Obviamente no se refiere a redes sociales como MySpace, HI5 y otros que más bien producen frustración, envidia e ira entre los usuarios.
Se trata de construir redes de amistad, confianza y apoyo entre personas de carne y hueso que se conocen principalmente de la escuela, del barrio o en familia.
Surround Yourself with Happy People
The same study also demonstrated that happiness is contagious--you can even catch it from a friend of a friend. The researchers found that happiness removed by three degrees can make you more content than an extra $5,000. The same domino effect is true for unhappiness, as well, though the researchers believe negative feelings spread more slowly than positive ones.
Quien quiere estar rodeado de gente frustrada, enferma o desanimada? La mayoría de los políticos utilizan este tipo de personas para conformar sus grupos y grupitos.
Lideres de esa categoría son personas infelices y solo traen infelicidad a quienes les rodean.
Si yo emito ‘buena vibra’ todo el tiempo y donde quiera que voy tendré mas posibilidades de recibir de regreso mas y buenas ondas, sonrisas, afecto, admiración y respeto.
Watch Less TV
A recent analysis of time-use data from the General Social Survey showed that while Americans enjoy watching television, doing it too often may lead to unhappiness. Dr. John P. Robinson, a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland who conducted the research, found that unhappy people watch over 30% more TV per day than very happy people. No similar disparity was found in comparing all other activities, including sports, churchgoing and socializing.
No es una coincidencia que desde diciembre 2008 no tengo televisión y que justamente desde entonces deje de fumar.
El exceso de TV especialmente noticias, series de crímenes y telenovelas producen ansiedad y depresión.
El exceso de navegación en la red produce los mismos efectos.
Cada hora frente a la televisión constituye la perdida de oportunidad de conocer o comunicarse con otro ser humano.
Lead an Active Life
Not only do happy people watch less TV, according to a recent study, they also spend more time socializing with relatives and friends, attending church, reading the newspaper, working and even having sex. It's difficult to tell whether or not these activities are a function of happiness or if the activities lead to happiness, but the study's author, Dr. Robinson, says contentment is definitely linked to an active lifestyle.
Me levanto muy temprano, digo mis oraciones, hago los ejercicios, me meto al mar, luego al trabajo, y de regreso al agua y a comer bien. Luego lectura, sexo y a dormir bien.
Manage Your Time Wisely
Surprisingly, research shows that Americans don't feel any more stressed or rushed than they did in the 1980s, according to Dr. Robinson. But using time unwisely--having too much of it or not enough--was recently correlated with increased levels of unhappiness. Robinson, who conducted the study, found that 51% of unhappy respondents felt they had too much time, compared with 19% of those who felt very happy.
La duración de la comunicación telefónica al mínimo, ver o conversar con personas desagradables, enfermas, frustradas o desanimadas debe evitarse o restringir al menor tiempo posible y en todo caso transmitir alegría y optimismo. Voltaire decía que la mejor forma de tratar a nuestro enemigo es que el sepa que somos felices.
El tiempo más sabiamente invertido es el que pasamos con nuestros hijos y padres.
Find Ways to Cope
Unfortunate things happen in life, but that doesn't mean they have to permanently diminish your mood. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, has studied happiness extensively and has found that developing an effective coping strategy is key to overcoming most troubles. There's also no single way to cope, though she recommends trying to develop strengths you didn't know you had--like the ability to manage a household budget in the midst of a financial crisis.
Enfrentar el éxito como el fracaso y tener presente que el uno puede llevar al o ser consecuencia del otro. La sonrisa y la cordialidad hacen un buen chaleco para mantenerse a flote en aguas turbulentas.
‘A mal tiempo buena cara.’
Set and Pursue Goals
Goal-setting has many benefits, says Dr. Lyubomirsky, also the author of The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want. First, goals give us a sense of purpose. Second, they tend to cultivate self-esteem, since the sense of accomplishment can segue to feelings of confidence. Finally, they add structure to the daily routine of life, which Dr. Robinson's findings on time-use revealed can be an important component of long-term happiness.
Las metas y los sueños ambiciosos pero alcanzables. Que te haría más feliz? Regar una planta todos los días para que se convierta en un hermoso árbol que fructifique o, hacer abrir un agujero en la tierra y mandar a plantar un árbol maduro que otros sembraron e hicieron crecer?
Don't Think Too Much
In her research on happiness, Dr. Lyubomirsky often encounters a behavior known as self-focused rumination (in other words, obsessing over the unknown), which many people believe might lead them to clarity or resolution. But according to studies conducted in the past 20 years, such behavior actually fosters biased thinking, impedes concentration and diminishes a person's ability to solve problems. Breaking this habit can be tough, but Lyubomirsky recommends distracting yourself with engrossing activities.
Mi amigo Danilo siempre decía que lo perfecto era enemigo de lo posible. Don Miguel Ruiz dice: “Haz siempre lo máximo que puedas” y yo diría: deja de pensarlo y hazlo de una vez por todas. Algunas personas esconden su inseguridad (que produce lógicamente ansiedad y sufrimiento) con la cobija de ser pensadores analíticos.
Practice Gratitude
It sounds like a New Age mantra that has little grounding in science, but being grateful can change one's mood, habits and health. A study conducted by Dr. Lyubomirsky required a group of 57 participants to write down five things for which they were grateful once a week. A second group of the same size did so three times a week. A third control group of 32 did nothing. Six weeks later, participants in the first group were happier, healthier and exercising more.
En primer lugar hay que dar ‘gracias a Dios’ todo el tiempo. En segundo lugar es importante agradecer y manifestar el agradecimiento hasta por las cosas mas insignificantes. Ayudar, apoyar, compartir, dar son fuentes de alegría y felicidad. Esperar las ‘gracias!’ por lo que hacemos o la reciprocidad por lo que damos es minar nuestra felicidad.
Experiment With Happiness
If the so-called secrets to contentment don't exactly work for you, try another version or interpretation of the guidelines. You may not have the same success with a particular strategy as others do, says Dr. Lyubomirsky, because achieving happiness doesn't happen in a uniform way. Instead, think of it as a sliding scale on which some methods work better, while others make little or no difference.
La búsqueda de la felicidad no cuesta un solo centavo. Muchos no buscan la felicidad porque creen que van a gastar mucha plata, confundiendo felicidad con el placer.
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