20,000 INNOCENT LIVES

Recently, I posted a blog regarding the Sri Lanka warfare, where thousands of innocent people have lost their lives, yet world governments turn their heads.
In a nutshell, The Tamil minority is fighting for a homeland. The group has been fighting for land for more than a quarter century. The government refuses to bestow want the Tamil minority is asking for. Thus, residents lose their lives over a struggle they have nothing to do with.
Well, it turns out that we have a final number on how many people died in the final days of Sri Lanka’s military operation to defeat Tamil Tigers rebels. According to The Times newpaper, more than 20,000 Tamil civilians were killed.
Local authorities say they stopped using heavy artillery late last month in a no-fire zone, where around 1000,000 Tamil civilians were sheltered and blame civilian casualties on rebels hiding among the civilians.
But, this story gets more disturbing: U.N. High Commissioner of Human Rights Navi Pillay said the Tamil force used child soldiers and used civilians as human shields during the conflict. But, the group has denied the allegation.
Where are the world leaders? There is genocide here and no one is paying attention. And, don’t be shocked if there is more conflict in this country. Thus, more innocent lives will be lost. Where is the United Nations? All I hear is "blah blah blah" from U.N. officials, but no action. So, why is it here and why do we invest in this group, if nothing is getting accomplished?

DID MCDONALD’S WORKERS FORGET YOUR CHEESE ON YOUR BIGMAC? DON’T BOTHER CALLING COPS.

Personally, I barely eat at fast food giant McDonalds. But, the few times I have eaten there, I have had some problems; for example, I order a Big Mac with cheese, yet they forget the cheese. Doesn’t that make you mad? That means you need to go back to the register and complain, when you could have been munching on your fat juicy burger. Well, if such an incident happens, don’t bother calling the cops if the McDonald’s worker was acting foolish with you. An Oregon man spent his Memorial Day behind bars after dialing 911 to complain that a McDonald’s worker was rude and didn’t give him an orange juice he ordered. The man, Raibin Osman, was accused of improper use of the emergency telephone number. So, just a reminder, the next time you are at a burger joint and they aren’t customer friendly, hold your horses and have a little bit of patience. Or, end up in jail for not eating your burger the way you ordered it.

Bal Harbour officer accused of molesting child

Posted on Thursday, 05.28.09 Recommend (0)share email print comment
Bal Harbour officer accused of molesting child
BY RODOLFO R. ROMAN AND ROBERT SAMUELS
rsamuels@MiamiHerald.com
A Bal Harbour police officer was arrested Thursday and accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl, police said.

Rene Guillen, a five-year-veteran who works with the city's motorcycle unit and who has a clean police record, was charged with sexual aggravated battery on a minor, according to the police report.

He was taken into custody after being arrested at the village's police department, according to a police report. He confessed to sexually assaulting his young victim when she visited his home.

''He has never been disciplined by the Bal Harbour Police Department,'' Bal Harbour Police Chief Thomas E. Hunker said. ``He's done a great job.''

NBA PLAYOFFS ARE FUN TO WATCH

I have never been too passionate about basketball. I have attended several games in the past and tune towards the end of the season to check out the Miami Heat, which this year lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. So, at this point, I basically turn off the tube and don't bother watching basketball till next April. However, this year the playoffs are exciting. The series between the Cavs and Magic has been a nail bitter from the get go. It's any one's series. The last game was decided in overtime and the rest of the games have come down to the wire. for goodness sake, in the second game a three pointer at the buzzer by James decided the game. The Lakers and Nuggets series isn't far away from the excitement either. I watched the game last night till the end of the third quarter and both teams were fighting hard for a victory. At last, there isn't a dominant team in the league that we can pinpoint and say, "Hey so and so will win it this year". The ball is on the court of these teams and it is up to them to step up to the plate and get the win. Gosh, how I wish the Heat would be participating in the Playoffs. I too want to be part of the excitement. Nevertheless, I'll enjoy both games and root for the nearest team to my city, Orlando.

PET WASTE IN CORAL GABLES IS GETTING TO BE NUISANCE

Here is this month's Coral Gables Now City News.

FORMER BASEBALL SLUGGER DESPERATE TO MAKE A BUCK

Former Oakland A’s baseball player/whiner, got his face nailed by several punches in his debut in mixed martial arts in Japan.
The former reality star/steroid user was knocked out by South Korean super heavyweight Hong Man Choi in 1 minute, 17 seconds in the first round at Yokohama Arena.
The 7-foot-2, 330-pound South Korean beast, who has a 2-2 MMA record, pounded Canseco’s head, until the referee stopped the fight.
Canseco, who injured his knee in the fight, only got to land one blow with a right to the upper body of Choi, but that surely wasn’t enough to damage this South Korean animal.
Canseco has tried to make it into the fighting word as he boxed a former child star, Danny Bonaduce and Philadelphia Eagle Vai Sikahema. He lost to Vai Sikahema.
It’s obvious this man is a wash out and has lost all of cash, after spending it on God knows what. He tried getting cash by whistle blowing former teammates on steroid abuse; he tried to make it in the celebrity reality shows, and now he wants to be a fighter. Surely enough, he is entertaining, but it sad to say that this man at one point went to my alma mater, Coral Park Senior High School, and was a highlight of this school. In fact, county officials named a street after him near the school, but finally came to their senses and dropped the name.
What’s next for Canseco? Well, more than likely some more ass kicking. Trust me, I don’t think the UFC would like to ruin their reputation by adding a has been into their roster not even if it means ratings for one pay-per-view.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA NAMES FIRST HISPANIC SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

Photo provided by AP.

Just a few moments ago, President Barack Obama made the announcement that federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor will succeed retiring Justice David Souter making her the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice.
In my opinion, this is a great selection considering that Mrs. Sotomayor will bring a fresh new mind to the table and the fact that she is Hispanic is an accomplishment for the millions of Hispanic-Americans in this country.
Sotomayor has a love for the Constitution and has an inspiring life story. Her mother, who emigrated from Puerto Rico, raised her after Sotomayor’s father died. Sotomayor battled with a health issue at an early age: Sotomayor suffered juvenile diabetes that forced her to start insulin injections at age 8.
She is a graduate from Princeton University and Yale Law School, which are two honorable schools in this country. She is passionate about baseball having been growing up near the old Yankee stadium.
Nominating a Hispanic-American brings a new light to the Supreme Court and will be inspiring to our youth. This comes to show you that reaching your goals and dreams are still plausible here in this country. It just takes time and hard work.

EMINEM’S ALBUM IS RESPECTABLE

Despite critic’s negative reviews on Eminem’s newest album, Relapse, I must admit that the rapper showcases his talent and makes a triumphant comeback after his last album, Encore, which in my opinion bombed.
In Relapse, his lyrical talent is evident. He tells a story in each song the way he used to in his past albums. His writing is comical and inspirational. He dedicates a song, Bagpipes from Baghdad, to his relationship with Mariah Carey and wishes Nick Canon good luck with his marriage to the R&B singer, at the same time; he asks Mariah to take him back and highlights her disastrous relationship with Latin heart throb singer, Luis Miguel.
In the song, Beautiful, there is a touch of his 2002 song, sing for the moment, which has the Aerosmith beat. Eminem takes us back into his days, when he was an drug addict and motivates listeners to stay away from drugs.
The rapper also has some cameo appearances, 50 cent and Dr. Dre both appear in the album, which is phenomenal considering now a days rappers have 500 appearances in an album.
I can write on and on about this album, but the bottom line is that Eminem is one of those artist that keep me tuned in to rap because, honestly, rap is no longer artistic and entertaining anymore. Lil Wayne and Soulja boy are not rap artist to me. What they really are are grown men rapping uneducated nursery rhymes. So, kudos goes out to Eminem and his new album.

THE BAD GUYS ARE STILL OUT THERE

In New York, police arrested four men with plans of planting explosives near a synagogue and community center and plotting to shoot down a military plane. According to authorities, they wanted to carry out a holy war against America.


The suspects were arrested Wednesday night, shortly after planting a 37-pound mock explosive device in the trunk of a car outside the Riverdale Temple and two mock bombs in the backseat of a car outside the Jewish Center, a few blocks away, authorities said.

Police blocked their escape with an 18-wheel truck, smashing their tinted SUV windows and apprehending the unarmed suspects.

Sure the economy is very significant, but we can't get soft when it comes to terrorism because these people are still out there. We must continue to defend our truff and values whether it be home or outside the United State's walls. These individulas have cells around the world and they have one mission: Destroy America. Sadly, these men are roaming our streets and getting away with these plans that could kill thousands of innocent people. President Obama must keep a very close eye on these incidents.

El Portal residents take a stroll in honor of Armed Forces Day

EL PORTAL


Special to The Miami Herald
El Portal neighbors celebrated Armed Forces Day by lacing up their walking shoes and taking a jaunt around the village.

''No matter how we feel about the war, we should honor our soldiers,'' said Councilwoman Claudia V. Cubillos, who chairs the public affairs committee.

The one-mile walk, which took place Saturday, was the first for El Portal.

Village police and staff escorted more than 20 walkers who enjoyed food and beverages at Village Hall after the walk.

Cubillos said aside from honoring the men and women who serve their country, the walk helped bring together the community.

''The residents love the camaraderie,'' she said. ``It doesn't cost anything to bring people together.''

Shaye Frazo, who lives in neighboring Miami Shores, said that's important.

''We are here to support our community,'' she said. ``We all support one another.''

El Portal resident Mary Newbold said the walk was the perfect opportunity to meet neighbors.

''I believe this event will help us get to know one another more than we used to,'' said Newbold, a retired police officer.

Cubillos, who wore a military cap and shirt, said she is looking forward to next year's mile walk.

In Bal Harbour, beach renourishment on horizon

BAL HARBOUR

The village shoreline will get a much-needed boost of sand as part of a beach renourishment project that starts next week.

BY RODOLFO R. ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Bal Harbour's beach renourishment project is about to get under way.

The project, which could last about three months, will start after Memorial Day.

Approximately 30,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed at the northern end of Bal Harbour, according to Brian Flynn, a representative for the county's Department of Environmental Resource Management.

Buffering the beach is essential because natural erosion, along with several active hurricane seasons, has shrunk Bal Harbour's beach to small dunes, leaving residents and tourists with little space to enjoy the ocean.

Mayor Jean Rosenfield said she is glad the project is moving forward.

''The council is excited we were able to able to help the residents at the north end of Bal Harbor beach who desperately need their beach,'' Rosenfield said in a phone interview.

The sand will be trucked in from Orlando to add height and width to beaches in Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach and Miami Beach. State and county funds will be used for the truck-haul renourishment project, which could cost about $10 million. Marina Blanco-Pape, DERM's chief of Water Management Division, says trucks will be driving through Bal Harbour, but streets will not be closed.

''Two articulated trucks are planned for the beach,'' Blanco-Pape wrote in an e-mail. ``Approximately 10 trucks are anticipated to be needed to bring the sand in through the access area in 96th Street.''

Workers with flags will be directing the trucks and maintaining clear areas around the work place. Bal Harbour police will also be helping out to ensure safety.

Two contractors hired by the county will be working on the project Mondays through Thursdays during daylight hours.

Despite the project, beachgoers should still be able to enjoy the beach.

''The beach will remain open during the project, except for the actual area where the machines are working each day, which will be roped off,'' said Alfred Treppeda, village manager.

Treppeda also said building managers near the beach have been asked to move their beach chairs off the sand during the project, so the path is clear.

The issue has also caught the eye of Congress: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen recently took a tour of the beach, meeting with residents and pledging to fight for funds allocated to the Army Corps of Engineers for beach renourishment, which could be used for future projects.

This project will ''serve as a Band-Aid'' until a more aggressive beach renourishment project scheduled to begin in 2011, Flynn said.

INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE DYING AND NO ONE IS PAYING ATTENTION

While the nation worries about the swine flu pandemic and sticking their nose into a Catholic priest personal life after he had an affair with a woman, there are hundreds of innocent people being killed for political reasons. Sure, these people have lived in fear for something now because their government has a strong say and control of their country, but the world must take notice of these genocidal acts.
Let’s travel to Africa where thousands of residents of Somalia’s capital are escaping after fighting is increasing the death toll. More than 120 people were killed in recent days, according to health officials. The president of that country, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is blaming radical Islamists for renewed warfare and he says his government has no interest in putting a stop to the violence. The fighting has been going on since 2006. Since the downfall of the country’s central government in January 1991, Somalia has experienced almost non-stop conflict.
The United Nations has taken notice of the incident and has called for a seize fire, but nothing has happened.
If you are planning to visit top tourist destination Sri Lanka anytime soon, you might want to return that plane ticket. This isn’t a story about ruining your vacation, but it’s really about saving your butt. This country, which is known for its beautiful beaches and rain forest, is under attack. Just today it was reported that a mortar shell struck the only functioning medical facility in the country’s northern war zone. At least 49 people died and more than 50 were injured. This weekend, hundreds were killed in the war zone. Residents are fleeing in all directions; they want to feel safe and be able to protect their family. Now here is the story why this country is in the midst of warfare: The Tamil minority is fighting for a homeland. The group has been fighting for land for more than a quarter century. The government refuses to bestow want the Tamil minority is asking for. Thus, residents lose their lives over a struggle they have nothing to do with.
Journalist and aid workers are banned in this area nor is the government accepting any help. Rebel leaders are asking international governments to ask the Sri Lanka government to stop the attacks. The U.S. government has the rebels listed as a terror group. The E.U. blames the artillery assaults on the government. The United Nations just like other international organizations is failing to take notice or action against this other attack. Thus, these areas are overlooked and sadly innocent people are losing their lives in a matter of seconds. Countries must step up to the plate and enforce some sort of action to help these people who can’t defend themselves. In conclusion, the governments should stop worrying about invading other countries to gain something out of it like, ah hem, oil. What they should be worried about is saving lives. After all, major countries like the United States is supposed to be a leader and role model of the free world. Right?

Miami House Fire

Fire broke out early Saturday morning on 1910 S.W. 17 street in the City of Miami. City of Miami fire were welcomed by Flames, which shot through the roof. No one was injured. City of Miami fire Captain William Hernandez says the blaze apparently started in the front bedroom and the house is heavily damaged. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

El Portal gets Traffic Circle upgrade

EL PORTAL

El Portal traffic circle will be upgraded

BY RODOLFO R. ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald

El Portal's traffic circle near city hall soon will get an upgrade.

The Federal Department of Transportation will make improvements to the traffic circle at Northeast 87th Street and Fourth Avenue Road in an effort to slow vehicles.

Village Manager Jason Walker said the enhancement will help reduce speeding.

''It will help drivers navigate the circle better,'' he said.

The project includes adding new signs, an irrigation system, recessed lightning and rumble strips.

Landscaping also will be added to the central island.

El Portal and FDOT will split the $125,000 cost. FDOT will spend $56,641, the village $68,359. The village's portion will come from Citizens Independent Transportation Trust funds, while FDOT's money will come from federal stimulus funds alloted for the village.

The project has been in the works since February.

''We are doing this because the money can only be used on federally aided highways,'' Walker said. ``This is the only federally aided highway we have in the village.''

FDOT project manager Hong Benitez said construction is expected to start in October.

SWINE FLU IS SIMPLY OUTRAGOUS…

As the Swine flu news begins to die down and the media turns its attention to on another issue, it shocks me how the story has been blown out of proportion. Unfortunately, people have taken the media’s word and hysteria has grown in the country over something than in a matter of days will be old news. Next year, we’ll look back and laugh at the fact that a virus from a pig was considered “deadly”. We will laugh at people walking in downtowns wearing masks. Halloween is monthsa away. Before I get in to some details, let’s take a look at the latest figures as of May 5, 2009, which mind you, today, is supposed to be a day of celebration in Mexico, but because of the swine flu the Mexican government canceled the biggest events.

So far, the World Health Organization has confirmed 1,490 swine flu worldwide and 30 deaths. Here in the United States, 403 people got the flu, while there are only two deaths from the H1N1 virus.

Now, let’s take a look at how the economy has been affected by this thing, Mexico ’s finance secretary says the flu outbreak has cost Mexico at $2.2 billion. Airline companies are complaining as well because they have had to cancel flights to the country. Tourism is Mexico’s third largest source of foreign income.

How about you take this into consideration: CNN reported that in the flu season 2007-08 around 36,000 people died. More than 200,000 people were affected by the flu. Why didn’t the media create hysteria over this?

This craziness has caused a lot of problems including the death of several innocent pigs. Egyptian leaders called for the killings of the animal in light of the swine flu scare. Remember, Muslims don’t eat pork, but Christians who live there do. So, the killings might be religious driven. Nonetheless, the pigs were killed due to this scare.

In conclusion, the media overhyped this H1N1 virus. It’s evident that there was nothing else to report other than the miserable economy, but then again who wants to hear more depressing news. Thus, you scare the public and give them something to talk about. The winners in this fable are the hand sanitizer and soap companies, and anything that deals with hygiene. All the procedures the media is addressing such as wash your hands and avoid being close to people who sneeze should have been practiced already in the first place. These are measures that should be followed by people. It's nothing new. The latest news is that the virus might come back next winter and with vengeance. They could hype this story all they want, but folks, it is not the end of the world and we shouldn’t make this the big deal we are making it out to be.

Mexican Artist visits Coral Gables

The story is in Spanish.

Maria Celeste visits Coral Gables

The story is in Spanish.