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To reiterate: the Grand Cherokee is set to get a makeover for 2011, with multiple changes that will make the vehicle both more competitive and less Jeep. With the changes to the Grand Cherokee, and Chrysler’s management changes, ownership changes, and a basic look at Chrysler’s history, I felt it was needed to give my boss a list of alternatives to the Jeep.

Since the Jeep Grand Cherokee (from now on called GC) is not mainstream, like a Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse (in the past, I would have said Trailblazer…I guess Chevrolet saw the writing on the wall, just like Ford did with their next model of the Explorer) nor as luxurious as a Mercedes or BMW, I felt it was needed to find alternatives that competed with the GC in price and features. I felt a V6 that was fairly powerful (or an optional V6 or V8) was needed, safety and technology features were needed, and it needed to have AWD/4WD as an option (of course). So, what did I suggest? Here goes:

Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia

So, of course, with my love and admiration for all things General Motors, these vehicles would be at the top of my list for an alternative to the GC. I know, I know – they are much larger than the GC. But, if you get a fully loaded (which my boss will) GC, then an Acadia or Enclave doesn’t look too bad. I lean toward the Buick, but then, I am a Buick man. In my opinion, other than the Cadillac Escalade, the Enclave is the most luxurious SUV in GM’s stable. Quiet, smooth ride, nice handling, competent engine, and a very nice interior, it is overlooked for the simple fact it’s not advertised and it’s a Buick. The Acadia is also well-received, and shares its platform and engine, and multiple interior bits with the Enclave. It doesn’t have the polish the Enclave has though.

Lincoln MKT

Being a GM fan doesn’t stop me from complimenting Ford on a job well done. Lincoln’s new lineup is very impressive, and I love the look and design of their new vehicles. The only one that needs something done now? The MKX, which to my eyes is a styling disaster. Back to the MKT: based on the Ford Flex (which itself was based on the Taurus X, which was based on the Volvo S80/XC90) it is a very quiet, luxurious ride just like the Enclave. Long wheelbases help these vehicles ride amazingly smooth, but it also means this vehicle is also longer than the GC. The MKT also has an interesting option that is available on almost all new Fords – an Ecoboost V6 with 355 horsepower. Not only does it offer decent fuel economy, but it has astounding power. With the GC offering a V8 with 360 hp, the MKT is able to compete against it fairly well, while getting significantly better fuel economy. While on that subject, what is up with Chrysler’s fuel economy? Why does every vehicle get worse mileage than comparable other vehicles in the segment?

Cadillac SRX

Based on two different platforms – a car (new Buick Lacrosse), and another crossover (Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain) – the Cadillac SRX is a little heavy for both of its engine options, but is priced similar to the Jeep. About the same size as the GC, with plenty of room and style, the Cadillac seems like a nice fit. Technology and safety features abound, but I still feel like the Enclave is a better vehicle.

Acura MDX

Of course, some will say – how does an Acura compete with a Jeep? Well, it goes back to the image – not mainstream, but now BMW. In my opinion, Acura does not compete with BMWs and Mercedes’. They just aren’t as nice – just as technological, but not as nice. Very nice handling, huge feature set, nice engine. Competes well against the Jeep, just not in the same class as others, even Lexus. Of course, this is my opinion. Also, you don’t really see many Acura’s on the road in Oklahoma. So, this vehicle is included just based on the image it portrays.

Mazda CX-9

Longer than the GC, but with a similar feature set. I know most of you are saying: you are including mostly just crossovers. Fourth (fifth) vehicle on the list, and none of them are serious off-roaders like the Jeep! Settle down – the new Jeep will still be a strong off-roading machine, but not like the current model. Who really goes off-roading that often anyway? Its the image that’s important here, in my opinion – an SUV gives off that aura of “I will go anywhere I want, thank you very much.” Not many people know the difference – a crossover is perfect here. Much better fuel economy, better ride, a lot of creature comforts, just not able to seriously go off-road. AWD/4WD is more for show/snow than for getting dirty. (Also, how many people when pointing out SUV’s have you heard say “It’s a Jeep/Explorer”? Too many don’t know the difference in the vehicle in the first place).

Fun vehicles I listed

These are vehicles I considered “fun” because they are not well known, not advertised, newer, and kind of compete with the GC.

The image on the left is the new Acura ZDX, and the other is the Infiniti FX.

Fallout 3 es un videojuego monojugador que mezcla rol y shooter desarrollado por Bethesda Game Studios. Es la tercera entrega de la saga, completamente diferente y desarrollada por otra compañia. Sus creadores originales fueron Black Isle Studios, creadores de Fallout y Fallout 2. Salió en Octubre de 2008 para PS3, Xbox 360 y PC.

La historia comienza 200 años después de la guerra nuclear que casi destruye el mundo y lo convierte en un desierto radioactivo. Su puesta en escena es excelente, nada más abrir la caja y al ejecutar el juego te das cuenta de que lo que te espera va a ser un reto de supervivencia. Empieza cuando naces en el refugio 101, uno de los refugios que sobrevivieron a la catástrofe, eliges si eres chico o chica y tu apariencia, donde puedes elegir entre una gran variedad de opciones de cara, como raza, peinados, color de piel, forma… Todos estos apartados menos el sexo pueden cambiarse a lo largo del juego dependiendo del establecimiento donde vayas, por ejemplo un peluquero o un cirujano. Al comenzar a moverte en tu habitación con tu padre, vas descubriendo los movimientos y los objetos con los que puedes interactuar. Lees el libro S.P.E.C.I.A.L. donde puedes elegir el nivel de tus habilidades hasta 10 como máximo, repartiendo los puntos en las 7 características (Fuerza, Percepción, Resistencia, Carisma, Inteligencia, Agilidad y Suerte). A lo largo del juego el número puede variar dependiendo del equipamiento que lleves y los extras que desbloquees.

Pasan 10 años y te encuentras en tu décimo aniversario, donde te regalaran varios objetos. Entre ellos el más importante es el PipBoy 3000, que digamos que es el menú principal de tu aventura, donde se encuentran todos los datos como documentos, objetos, mapas, grabaciones, extras, estadísticas, nivel de radiación… También aprendes a usar el sistema V.A.T.S., que le da un punto de estrategia a los combates. Se basa en que el tiempo se detiene y tienes que apuntar a una zona concreta del enemigo, otorgándole diferentes efectos. Por ejemplo, si disparas a las piernas, el enemigo no podrá correr; si disparas a un brazo, se le caerá el arma; si disparas a la cabeza se desmayará… Pasan seis años y te presentas a la G.O.A.T., un examen donde descubres tu capacidad y tu lugar de trabajo en el refugio. Puedes elegir entre 3 extras de unos 15 que te ponen y aumentarlo 20 puntos aproximadamente. Esos extras los puedes aumentar con puntos individualmente cada vez que subas de nivel. El máximo de puntos de cada extra es 100. Cada vez que subas de nivel también desbloqueas una habilidad especial para elegir, que depende mucho de los apartados S.P.E.C.I.A.L. y de algunas condiciones. Tras el examen, pasan tres años y es ahí cuando empieza de verdad la historia. Tu padre ha escapado del refugio y éste se ha infestado de mutarachas. Debes acabar con estos seres y la seguridad del refugio para escapar. Este videojuego dispone de sistema de karma. Puedes ser bueno, neutral y malo. En esa misión puedes elegir entre salvar a la madre de Butch (el tío que siempre se metía contigo) o dejarla morir, por ejemplo. Para salir del refugio puedes elegir entre o bien adivinar la contraseña del ordenador del supervisor, o robándole la llave de su bolsillo, o simplemente matándole. Si lo haces, Amata, la amiga de tu infancia, te odiará e influirá en el sistema de karma. Una vez fuera ya empieza el verdadero videojuego y las distintas opciones para buscar a tu padre. Ir a Megatón, o a Rivet City, o buscando por todas las localizaciones uno por uno, hablando con la gente o disparando primero y preguntando después. La libertad del videojuego es inmensa, salvo algunas misiones de la historia principal al final del juego. Muchas misiones e historias interesantes esconden el videojuego, como lo son la Hermandad del Acero, que en un momento decides alistarte y luchar a su favor, y montar una guerra contra el Enclave que se quiere hacer con el control de Yermo Capital (Washington D.C. en el videojuego). El videojuego te durará unas 300 horas si quieres completarlo al 100%, y soporta el sistema de trofeos.

El juego dispone de gran variedad de enemigos. Están los bichos como la ya citada Mutaracha, la Tochomosca, la Ratatopo, hombres pinza, perros fieros, centauros, el Yao Guai… También habrá saqueadores, negreros, necrófagos, soldados del Enclave y grupos de personas que te atacarán dependiendo de tu karma, e incluso robots. Por otra parte están los temibles supermutantes, lo que antes eran humanos ahora son monstruos verdes, fuertes y armados que irán a por tí sin dudarlo. Entre ellos está el supermutante normal, bruto supermutante (mejor armado y con más vida), supermutante maestro (todavía más armados y con armadura), y los terribles supermutante Behemoth (monstruosidades de 8 metros con muchísima resistencia). De éstos últimos solo hay cinco en el juego. Por último, cabe nombrar a los Sanguinarios, que son seres muy rápidos y difíciles de matar. La dificultad radica en que siempre van en grupo.

Gráficos

Gráficamente es sublime. La primera vez que sales del refugio es excelente, ver como toda Washington D.C. ha sido complétamente arrasada y totalmente contaminada; carreteras destruidas, civilizaciones arrasadas, mares completamente verdes… Los efectos también son notables. Desde una simple gota de sangre hasta una devastadora explosión nuclear a tiempo real. Todo un lujo.

Sonido

Dentro del apartado sonoro nos encontramos con un gran apartado de sonidos, aunque por donde más radica el juego, es por el gran doblaje, que, aunque muchas voces se repitan (sobretodo con los niños), son muchos los diálogos. Pensad que más de la capacidad del juego las ocupan los diálogos, un tamaño devastador e imposible a simple vista, pero es solo probar el juego y comprender por qué tiene tanta capacidad, y es porque hay un gran número de opciones al hablar, que dependen mucho del karma, la situación, si le caes bien o mal, si sabes tratar a las mujeres o los niños, o los hombres con personajes femeninos, o si le atacaste antes… Y eso con la mayoría de habitantes de Yermo Capital aliados, ya que no puedes hablar con tus enemigos la mayoría de las veces sin que presiones el botón acción, aunque normalmente sueltan comentarios, como es obvio.

Volviendo al tema, la música del juego no destaca ni es tan épica como para recordar, pero sí es muy temática y es fiel a la acción que se está desarrollando en ese momento. Además, tu PipBoy 3000 reproduce emisoras, desde la radio del Enclave, pasando por Radio Galaxia presentado por Three Dog, hasta los deliciosos toques de violín de Agatha. A la versión de PlayStation 3 le falta la opción de poner tu propia música en el PipBoy, algo que habría sido muy de agradecer, pero que lamentablemente no se incluyó. Una lástima.

Jugabilidad

Mezclando tiros con el sistema V.A.T.S. puede ser bueno para algunos y malo para otros. Para la gente que le guste liarse a tiros sin ayuda pueden dejar el V.A.T.S. de lado, mientras que los que prefieren estrategia pueden ir usándolo sin tocar el boton R1. Aun así es más que recomendable utilizar ambos. En ciertos casos el V.A.T.S. es bueno por ejemplo con los hombres pinza, que tiene armadura por todo el cuerpo menos por la cara. Aunque también conviene usar el tradicional, por ejemplo, cuando luchas contra un Behemoth. Es siempre recomendable usar la cámara en primera persona, puesto que en la tercera tu personaje se mueve de una forma un tanto irreal, y muchas veces puede pasar con otros personajes.

Opinión personal

Pasear por un mundo gigantesco y devastado y sobrevivir ante los peligros de los enemigos y la radioactividad es un desafío, poder personalizar tu personaje a gusto, elegir de qué bando estás, si vas a ser fuerte, rápido, inteligente, sigiloso o disponer de mucha resistencia, tener todas las armas del Yermo y ayudar a todos los habitantes o matar desde el más insignificante vagabundo hasta el propio presidente, buscar a tu padre o pasar de él, alistarte a la Hermandad o saquear todas las zonas… El juego es inmenso, puedes hacer todo lo que te plazca cuando quieras, menos las obvias limitaciones de la historia y de terreno. Tienes un mundo inexplorado ante ti, y siempre elegir lo que desees. Una experiencia que difícilmente encontrarás en otro juego.

Lo Mejor:

• La ambientación.
• La posibilidad de elegir entre todo.
• La historia de Yermo Capital es interesante, y si te gusta leer, tienes miles de terminales con mucha información.
• El modo historia.
• Muchas misiones secundarias.
• Gran variedad de amigos y enemigos.
• Three Dog.
• Posibilidad de llevar seguidores.
• Muchísimas armas.
• Muy buenos gráficos.
• El momento que sales del refugio 101. Inolvidable.

Lo Peor:

• Bugs demasiado estúpidos e incomprensibles aunque no afecten de forma directa a la jugabilidad.
• Misiones principales demasiado lineales por el final del juego.
• Las animaciones.
• A veces caminar por el Yermo aburre si lo que quieres es acción.

Conclusión

Un juego altamente recomendable. Andar por el Yermo y descubrir sus secretos es una gran experiencia, y conocer civilizaciones y sus historias. Es un juego de desarrollo muy lento, pero entretiene bastante, y se disfrutará la máxima experiencia cuando lleguen las expansiones a PlayStation 3.

Nota: 9´3

Saludos

LeviathanDominator

For parties, events, or just the best night on the town you’ll have in years, visit Cuvee Chicago…

Cuvee Chicago, Chicago’s new super hot nightclub!!!

Photographed by EricMagnuson

Over 150 years ago at this reading desk in a quiet corner of Chetham’s Library at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, England, Karl Marx began to form his first theories of cummunism. Although it is unproven, there, he, along with Friedrich Engels, may have even written the Communist Manifesto, a document that changed the course of history for nearly everyone in the world.

162/365

– License

Sergeant Willis wakes up in a daze, his body feels as though he has gone through a very long rest, or the longest he’s ever had since he joined the Enclave’s military. As his vision clears up he sees that he is lying on cot, one very similar to the one’s on The Straggler. He finds that his clothes are different, before he recalls he was wearing the standard issue Enclave Shock Trooper armor that was given to him. Then he notices he is in a white room that seems like it is constructed of bricks with a large window adjacent to his cot.

He sees a Middle Eastern man in a black pinstriped suit approach the huge glass window. Sergeant Willis sits up on his cot and turns his body to look at the man in the pin stripped suit. He takes notice of a cord attached to his right arm. He sees that his right arm has been replace by this cold, black, steel plated arm hooked into a series of chords. Sergeant Willis starts to breathe erratically as he tries to unhook each chord. Screaming and crying, he has a feel of a euphoric tingle spread around his back and reaches across to his entire body and screaming and crying stop. His shock and sadness turns in to anger, he then bangs the huge glass causing it to crack where his right hand has struck it.

“Glad to see you are alive and fully functional; please tell me, yes or no, after I ask each question.” said The Man in the Pinstripe Suit as spoke in to the microphone “Do you understand?”
Willis stares coldly at The Man in the Pinstripe Suit.
“That was a question, my friend.” He replied “If do not agree to comply, you won’t be able to leave and I won’t be able to answer your questions.

Willis stands straight, still looking coldly at The Man in the Pinstriped Suit. Then the man picks up a clipboard and a pencil and starts to speak into the microphone.
“Do you feel any pain coming from your right arm, eye, and/or head?” The Man in the Pinstriped Suit asked.
Willis shakes his head.
“Do you have any difficulty breathing?”
Willis shakes his head.
“Say you name out loud, does your voice sound correct to you?”
Willis nods.
“Good, I will open the doors so you could be released.” said The Man in the Pinstripe Suit.

The Man in the Pinstriped suit leaves the room. Moments later a hole appears in the seemingly solitary room.

“Hello, my name is Khalid Mualim, please we are friend, you may call me Hani.” said The Man in the pinstripe suit.
“Ok, first what the fuck, is this on my arm!” Willis yelled.
“That is your new arm, you see, after your little fire fight in front of the Guggenheim, you were shot by a missile by means of, what you say, friendly fire.” explained Khalid “your, inferior armor is what saved you from the shot, well, most of you.”
“What do you mean most?” Willis asked
“When we took you in, your arms was ripped off, your lungs were badly damaged, and so was you’re head.” Khalid explained “If it makes you feel better you are not the first one, many have gone through this operation, many are usually successful, but that is we are still very far behind from our own ideas. Nonetheless you are the first to ask what happened, instead the time.”

“So was day is it?” said Willis with an uncaring tone.
“Before answer I must let you know that the look everyone shows on their face gives me some amusement” Khalid explained “You may call me a sadist of some sort, but their maybe a different word for it, but I think sadist will suffice. But before I go on about myself, the day is May 23rd, 2427.
Willis’ face froze in shock and he collapses on the bed with and grows a bittersweet look on his face. Khalid studies his facial expression and he is confused.
“You’re look is intriguing” Khalid Commented.
“I guess this is not the expression you’re used to.” Willis said “Can I ever go back?”
“To what, to the Enclave, what do you mean?” Khalid questioned “If you ask for the Enclave, maybe. I predict that they’re actions will not be so welcoming. But if you want to go back to that life is entirely up to you.”

“Why is that?” Willis asked “I’m an Enclave sergeant, I’m a damn Shock Trooper, give me good reason why?”
“Have you looked in to a mirror, Mr. Willis?” Khalid asked “Your face would be unrecognizable, to them; your last known location was the Guggenheim, and not to mention your eyes no longer resemble those of a human being, they’ll be more happy to dissect you than put you into the front lines.”

“Glad to be informed” Willis said with a smile “If you think I’m sad, you are most certainly wrong, I have been stuck with those guys since the cradle feeding us nothing but nonsense about restoring what once was ‘The United States of America’.
“I’m glad to see that you are not just another drone” Khalid said with smile “They work very hard towards a goal, yet all they do destroy lives and useful towns.

“Exactly” Willis said “and I also have a request”
“And what might that be?” Khalid asks with a questioning look on his face.
“I want a new life” Willis said as if all hope has been returned him “You said no one will recognize, no one knows me, I just don’t want to be reminded of who I was, I thought the Enclave was it for me. But you, you gave me a window of opportunity. I remember before this is why people came to this land, and now have you given me that.

“That was a compelling speech, my friend.” Khalid commented “You’re lucky that we have established a sense of law and order, you will get your papers and documents, and do you have an idea for a name?”
“William Fawkes” Willis replied “Like the writer.”
“Ah, yes good choice, the writer of 2045.” Said Khalid “come, we will go to Ellis Island for registration. But before we go, as much as I consider you as friend I will not give you any special treatment, everyone is treated equal here so you will start off with nothing, but you will make something.”

Willis gets up and follows Khalid out of the room and into a maze of hallways and corridors until they have finally exited the building. Willis looks back and to see the building, a giant sign that reads “The Institute” is placed above the doors. Willis follows Khalid to a Commonwealth Apache and they fly off to Ellis Island.

Originally uploaded by EarlWeikel.com

The newest section of luxury homes in Lake Forest is the Enclave at Lake Forest. Surrounded by mature trees and fresh air, the Enclave still has many new lots available for your custom built dream home. To see available homes for sale in the Enclave section and the rest of Lake Forest, please visit www.louisvilleschoiceforhomes.com/mls.asp?searchid=6367 or www.LouisvillesChoiceRealty.com

That’s the word of the day, folks: Enclave.

It’s a distinct territory or social unit within the boundaries of another territory.

Besides the fact that it’s an awesome sounding word, and should really be reintroduced into daily conversation, this word makes me think of home. It’s that place that only belongs to you and a select few others; hopefully a place where you feel safe, happy, loved, and challenged. One of the awesome things about being a wife and a mother, is that I am the one who gets to set the mood and direction for my household. My actions directly affect whether or not home is going to be a peaceful space that my husband and children want to come back to at the end of the day. Not that they wouldn’t want to come back with the way I can cook, but I can’t imagine how rough it would be to get off work or school and not want to come home to a stressful situation. I’m reminded of this responsibility as I spend more time fitting into my new roles, and I know that even if the laundry doesn’t get done, I want my house to be a peaceful place. FYI: this blog was more for me than you. Selfish of me, I know.

From Canadian Driver
New for 2010
- Available 20-inch chrome-clad wheels
- Premium radio includes USB in centre console
- Standard OnStar includes enhanced emergency, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and navigation capabilities
For 2010, the Buick Enclave receives minor changes, including available 20-inch chrome wheels, a USB port that enables playing audio devices through the stereo and also charging some hand-held devices, and enhanced OnStar, including the vehicle’s StabiliTrak now monitored by the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics system.
A sister vehicle to the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, the Enclave uses a 3.6-litre V6 with six-speed automatic transmission. Both the CX and CXL are available in front- or all-wheel drive. Seating is for seven, with available eight-passenger configuration.
Features on the CX include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic tri-zone climate control with second- and third-row controls, fog lamps, privacy glass, power liftgate, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, roof rails, rear spoiler, variable intermittent wipers, variable delay rear washer/wiper, cruise control, floor mats, driver information centre, exterior temperature display, tire pressure monitoring system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped and wood wheel with audio controls, illuminated vanity mirrors, garage door opener, power windows with front express up/down, six-way driver and two-way passenger power cloth seats, second-row Smart Slide captain’s chairs, 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat, CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, XM satellite radio, power locks with keyless entry, automatic xenon headlamps, theft deterrent system, and OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation.
The CXL adds 19-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals and driver’s side auto-dimming, rearview camera and rear parking assist, heated washer fluid system, remote starter, 110-volt power outlet, power tilt and telescopic wheel, perforated leather heated seats with eight-way driver and four-way passenger power adjustment, and Bose premium audio system.
Depending on the model, available options include a two-panel sunroof, second-row console, heated and cooled seats, DVD entertainment system, navigation system, adaptive headlamps, and trailer towing package.
For more information on the 2010 Buick Enclave in Miami contact Brickell Motors at 786-245-4889 or visit them online at http://www.brickellgmc.com.

found a very easy and cost effective way to manage conference calls and recording http://ping.fm/1gzcV

This is a great way to facilitate a mastermind group…

Let me preface this post by saying that my clubbing experiences in Chicago have mostly been limited to cheaper, more student-friendly bars and clubs. Now that I’m in Toronto for the summer (yes, you can expect many more TO posts!), I’m excited to explore a more upscale clubbing scene since I’ll be living with my party animal/working brother.

So Enclave is definitely the nicest club I’ve checked out in Chicago, along with Republic – a sweet spot I snuck into my freshman year. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Enclave on countless birthdays and occasions in the past, but I’ve always avoided it because of the expensive covers and difficulty getting in. But when my friend decided to splurge on a party bus and bottle service at Enclave for her 21st, there was no saying no.

Enclave is a pretty intense clubbing experience, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But I’m one of those girls who loves the energy of dance nightclubs. I love walking into a club and feeling the beats of the deafening music pulsating inside my body, I love the rush of fast-paced house and hip-hop remixes, and I love feeling intoxicated even before heading to the bar.

The decor’s pretty average, but Enclave still has the look and feel of an upscale nightclub. My only complaint was the crowd – might have been because we were there on a Thursday, but it sucked to be the only group of girls in a crowd of much older men. Bouncers were all over the place, so safety wasn’t an issue, but it’s no fun partying when sleazy men are trying to crash your table.

Otherwise, Enclave’s a fun place. The music’s fun and recognizable, the go-go dancers are HOT HOT HOT (three stationed right at the center of the dance floor and I couldn’t keep my eyes away from them), and the drinks are strong.

And most important note – if you RSVP online before 8 pm on your night out, you get free cover. Kind of annoying if you’re trying to get a big group together for a birthday, but convenient if it’s just a few of you out.

DEETS: 220 W. Chicago Ave, www.enclavechicago.com

Scene 13

Hank and Shelly Sinclair sat in the back seat of the limo.  Their two children, Kipper and Andrea sat facing them.  Their dog, Mugsy, a pug with a double twist in its tail sat on Andrea’s lap.  Mugsy was panting and his drool slid down onto Andrea’s dress.

“Driver,” Shelly called out from the back seat.  “Driver, do you have a towel or Kleenex or something up there?”

The man in slacks and a Tommy Bahama shirt handed a couple of paper towels through the Plexiglas transom.

“Honey, take it and wipe Mugsy’s slobber up.  That’s a new outfit and it’s ruined already.”

Hank turned a knob on the console.  “There.  Maybe if we get this cooled down enough he won’t keep panting.”

The car turned down the road to The Enclave and just as the AC kicked in the driver stopped at the entrance gate house and lowered the windows.   “I have the Sinclairs.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair and Kipper and Andrea, welcome home.”

“We’re happy to be here Sammy,” Hank said for his family.

“Oh, and Mugsy, too.  Here I have something for the dog,” Sammy handed Andrea a dog biscuit.

“Thanks Sammy,” Andrea piped in just as the pug snapped and gobbled up his treat.  Another glob of saliva fell onto Andrea’s dress and Shelly blanched.  “Well, I’ll just consider it a buying opportunity for you,” Shelly said to her daughter.  Andrea tried to wipe it up again.

The gate opened and the limo maneuvered down the palm lined road and turned into their driveway.

The Sinclairs got out of the car and rushed to the house, Mugsy running after them.  Waiting for them was Mark Kilani, their house manager.

“Aloha and welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, and you guys too, Miss and Master Sinclair.”

Hank was the first to hug Mark.  “Remember, Mark, none of that Mister and Misses shit.  It’s Hank and Shelly.”  Mark hugged back and then it was Shelly’s turn for a hug and then Andrea and Kipper, but Kipper avoided the embrace.  Just then the dog took a crap by the Monstera plants.

Mark was quick.  He had a plastic bag in his pocket.  He always had one when he dealt with clients who had pets.  “I’ll take of this,” he said picking up the poo.  “Everything is set.  The spa is at the right temperature.  There’s plenty of cold beer and sodas in the refrigerator.  The house is fully open.”  Mark followed the family inside holding the bag behind him.

Mark watched as the kids ran off to their rooms to change into their bathing suit.  He watched as Shelly headed for the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of Perrier.  He watched as the dog followed Shelly to get a good slurp of the bottled water that had filled his doggy bowl.  And he watched as Hank headed out to the pool, kicking off his loafers, stripping off his shirt, then his pants, revealing an incredibly athletic body.  His tight, black bikini underwear remained on, but the view was still excellent.  This was the best part of the day for Mark.  It always happened this way.  The family all went in different directions and he was always left watching Hank Sinclair, star quarterback and Heisman winner, strip.  Hank dove into the crystal clear, salt water pool.  For Mark, his dive stretched all the muscles the right way.  Mark swallowed and knew it was time to head out.  He had another family coming in soon.

If only he could stay a little longer…

Menor bienestar social con mayor crecimiento económico

Durante los años 2001-2006, el PBI per cápita creció en promedio 4% al año, y durante los años 2006-2008 creció al doble, 8%. Mientras el crecimiento moderado de 4% implicó una reducción de tres puntos en la tasa de indigencia de 33% en 2001 a 30% en 2006, el crecimiento acelerado de 8% ha implicado un incremento de la tasa de indigencia de dos puntos para llegar al 32% en 2008. Ver aquí un análisis mas detallado.

Esta paradoja de mayor crecimiento y mayor indigencia esta explicado por la naturaleza del crecimiento económico entre 2006 y 2008 que se conoce como “economía de enclave”. En este modelo de crecimiento, se hace énfasis en los sectores económicos de mayor productividad en función al capital invertido y no en función al empleo generado. Por ello la producción del país se incrementa, y la indigencia también.

Se puede simplificar la economía peruana con dos sectores, uno de enclave intensivo en capital (agro-exportación, minería, manufactura para exportación, hotelería cinco-estrellas, centros comerciales, telecomunicaciones, servicios financieros) con inversiones por trabajador que oscilan entre US$750,000 (gran minería) y US$30,000 (supermercados) en función de la naturaleza de la actividad económica.

El otro sector se puede observar como uno de subsistencia (producción campesina, micro minería, pequeña manufactura, transporte urbano, campos feriales, comercio ambulatorio) donde la inversión oscila entre US$10,000 (servicios de taxi) y US$100 (comercio de CD pirata), que produce menor valor agregado por unidad de capital invertido.

Un estado moderno, a través de impuestos, compensa este desbalance natural en una economía como la peruana, proveyendo servicios sociales de largo plazo como la reducción del analfabetismo o expansión del acceso a agua potable que son un subsidio neto a la población que trabaja en una economía de subsistencia, que no tiene un excedente para invertir en educación o servicios básicos. El fracaso de la actual gestión en estas materias ya ha sido analizado en los siguientes enlaces: Analfabetismo – Agua Potable.

Pero la obsesión presidencial de máximo crecimiento, implicó una reducción de la presión tributaria a los sectores asociados a la economía de enclave, y con ello menores recursos financieros para las imprescindibles metas de “Analfabetismo Cero” y “Agua para Todos”. Porque reducir el analfabetismo o incrementar el acceso a agua potable, no se requiere el esfuerzo científico de enviar una nave a la Luna, sino tan sólo de cuadros técnicos capaces de liderar una tarea sencilla de gran escala.

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Blogenclave.com almost ready

So Enclave is the it club in Chicago, apparently because all the Z list celebrities we strive to get away from in LA love to go to this place.

Holy Madison, Brody Jenner and Paris Hilton are some patrons to name a few.

Guest list doesn’t sound so impressive but all in all it is worthy of a visit.

The entrance of the club is on the street and you kind of enter a gated red carpet lined parking lot (no kidding they went crazy with the red carpet). Pass the faux hawk rocking door man and enter what seems to be a happening LA club about a year after they peak. There are 2 bars in the establishment and one dance floor that kind of meddles in between tables and what not. There are podiums where which some trashy chics gogo dance in horrific outfits. Gogo dancing should stay in Vegas. The DJ of the night was quite swell but the drinks at the bar were weak. The only decent drink in the club is one you would pour yourself at a table. I was expecting a lot more. The establishment looked massive from the outside and it was praised as being the best club in Chicago. We were on a guest list but I don’t think it matters if you get there at 10-11 pm because it is dead before 12 a.m. Overall cool club, crowd was relatively diverse but of course the Affliction wearing beefcakes come out to play in every city apparently. I would recommend it but wouldn’t expect anything special as far as lay out, decor (cooler in photos) and service is concerned. If you are looking to dance the night away go for it, as far as going all out and getting a table, I would say look elsewhere. Definitely fun, but not a main attraction. Pay Enclave a visit.

Beograd, venerdì 24 luglio

Purtroppo alcuni miei amici che abitano nelle enclaves serbe in Kosovo e Metohija non sono a casa in questo momento. Speravo di riuscire a ritagliarmi qualche giorno per andare a trovarli. Dal 1999 sono andato giù almeno una volta all’anno, spero di rifarmi in autunno.

Quest’anno ricorrono i dieci anni dei bombardamenti NATO sulla Serbia e ancora oggi la situazione giù è una vergogna.

Questo un mio articolo apparso qualche mese fa sulla rivista in linea Socialnews:

Ogni giorno vari minibus partono da Belgrado verso Gračanica, la più importante delle enclaves serbe in Kosovo e Metohija.

Il viaggio è lungo, oltre sei ore, e le storie delle persone si mescolano con la situazione politica del momento. La maggior parte sono giovani, recatisi nella capitale per commissioni o per delle visite. Fino a poco tempo fa non mancavano anche gitani o addirittura albanesi che viaggiavano a Belgrado per ottenere documenti.

All’arrivo alla “frontiera”, che i serbi considerano un «limite amministrativo», i poliziotti albanesi-kosovari sfoggiano le nuove uniformi con il nuovo simbolo del loro “stato”, con la supervisione dei membri della UNMIK, la Missione Internazionale delle Nazioni Unite in Kosovo. Tutti passano senza problemi. Chi ha un passaporto straniero ottiene un “visto”, ovvero un foglietto con timbro UNMIK che autorizza l’entrata in Kosovo, come accadeva anche prima della dichiarazione di indipendenza, il 17 febbraio del 2008.

Un anno dopo quell’evento il Kosovo ha ricevuto il riconoscimento ufficiale di una cinquantina di paesi, tra cui spiccano sicuramente i più potenti del pianeta, quali Stati Uniti e Regno Unito. Ma non è stato riconosciuto dall’ONU (Russia e Cina non sono d’accordo) e neanche l’Unione Europea (UE) si è trovata compatta nella decisione, con cinque dei 27 paesi membri in disaccordo, casualmente quelli che hanno problemi di minoranze al proprio interno (Spagna, Slovacchia, Romania, Grecia e Cipro).

Il pullmino attraversa un’infinità di villaggi in territorio albanese-kosovaro fino ad arrivare, dopo circa un’ora e mezza, alla periferia della “capitale” Priština. Sulla circonvallazione si vede l’hotel “Victory”, con sul tetto una replica della Statua della Libertà di New York. Da queste parti non si contano gli omaggi agli Stati Uniti, che hanno permesso agli albanesi del Kosovo di arrivare a questo punto.

L’esempio più pacchiano è un hotel-ristorante chiamato “Aviano” in onore alla base NATO in provincia di Pordenone da dove nel 1999 partivano gli aerei che andavano a bombardare la Serbia.

Sulla facciata di un palazzo del centro di Priština, poi, spicca un immenso poster di un sorridente Bill Clinton che con una scritta bilingue (albanese ed inglese) dà il benvenuto nell’omonimo boulevard.

Il Kosovo in questi anni è stato uno dei pochi posti al mondo in cui la popolarità degli Stati Uniti si sia mantenuta ai livelli più alti. Dappertutto ondeggiano al vento le bandiere albanesi, ovviamente insieme a quelle di Stati Uniti e NATO, ed anche alla nuova bandiera inventata per il Kosovo “indipendente”.

Un passo indietro

Come si ricorderà, nel 1999 la chiamata “Comunità Internazionale” organizzò un massiccio intervento armato contro la Serbia per prevenire il “genocidio” che, si spiegava, in quel momento la polizia di Milošević stava perpetrando contro gli albanesi, che rappresentavano la maggioranza in Kosovo. Le immagini dei profughi albanesi-kosovari apparivano ogni giorno sulla CNN e sulle televisioni del mondo intero. La NATO, comandata dagli Stati Uniti, stava facendo le prove generali per i successivi interventi in Afghanistan ed Irak, anche se in condizioni completamente diverse.

Furono 78 i giorni di bombardamento “umanitario” contro la Serbia, che terminarono l’8 giugno dello stesso anno. Il 10 giugno l’ONU votava la risoluzione 1244 che istituiva «un’amministrazione ad interim del Kosovo attraverso cui il suo popolo possa ottenere un’autonomia sostanziale nell’ambito della Repubblica Federale di Yugoslavia [costituita da Serbia, con il Kosovo, ed il Montenegro, ndr]», di cui riaffermava chiaramente «l’integrità territoriale, così come degli altri stati della regione».

Da allora la regione del Kosovo è amministrata insieme da una missione delle Nazioni Unite con la protezione militare della NATO, chiamata KFOR, attualmente composta da circa 15mila soldati. Ma dall’entrata delle truppe internazionali oltre 200mila serbi (oltre a gitani ed altre minoranze) sono stati costretti a scappare verso la Serbia propriamente detta o sono andati a vivere nei villaggi serbi per sfuggire agli attacchi impuniti degli albanesi kosovari.

Circa una sessantina di serbi sono rimasti oggi a Priština, anche se non esistono dati ufficiali. Erano il doppio prima del pogrom del marzo 2004, quando gli albanesi attaccarono simultaneamente molte enclaves, con i militari della NATO che rimasero a guardare mentre i villaggi serbi venivano incendiati.

In Kosovo ci sarebbero attualmente circa 115mila serbi, dei quali la metà nella zona nord, territorio contiguo al resto della Serbia, che arriva fino alla città di Mitrovica, divisa dagli territori albanesi dal fiume Ibar. Circa 18mila vivrebbero nell’enclave più importante, quella di Gračanica e Lipljan, organizzata in diversi villaggi, mentre 14mila starebbero a Štrpce, nel sud. Il resto vive in una costellazione di villaggi più piccoli, in cui i serbi sono rinchiusi in piccoli territori circondati dal filo spinato.

Per uscire, devono contare sull’aiuto dei blindati internazionali che, in teoria, li “proteggono”. Non fu così appunto nel 2004.

La cosiddetta “Comunità Internazionale” che nel 1999 era ufficialmente intervenuta per fermare la pulizia etnica, in questi quasi nove anni di amministrazione ha permesso che gli albanesi ripulissero la provincia di tutte le altre etnie, né si è opposta alla creazione di veri e propri ghetti in cui vive rinchiusa la popolazione serba. Non è un segreto che il Kosovo sia diventato in questi anni il crocevia dell’eroina afgana e di altri traffici illeciti, in cui sono coinvolti i più importanti personaggi politici della regione. E, fatto ancor più preoccupante, quasi nessuno denuncia questa situazione assurda, con i mezzi di comunicazione internazionali che brillano per la loro assenza. Anzi, come premio, per i “progressi” fatti, gli Stati Uniti (seguiti pedissequamente dalla maggior parte dei paesi dell’UE) hanno riconosciuto l’indipendenza del Kosovo in barba alle leggi internazionali.

Verso Gračanica

Dopo una fermata nei sobborghi di Priština, il pullmino continua il proprio viaggio verso Gračanica, appunto l’enclave serba più importante, che essendo attraversata da una strada provinciale non è chiusa dal filo spinato.

Il villaggio è immerso nell’oscurità. L’elettricità manca spesso, e le conseguenze in inverno sono specialmente dure. È impressionante pensare che in nove anni di missione internazionale in tutto il Kosovo non ci sia ancora una fornitura elettrica decente, né una struttura produttiva, per non parlare delle strade che, salvo poche eccezioni, sono ancora piene di buche. Soprattutto sapendo che in questi anni la “Comunità Internazionale” ha “investito” almeno quattro miliardi di euro in questo territorio grande come l’Abruzzo. Ma la gran parte di questo denaro è stata utilizzata per pagare i salatissimi salari degli internazionali, civili e soldati, che qui lavorano.

Viktor Popović, 30 anni, mi aspetta nella sua casa illuminata dalla fioca luce di una candela. «Così è più romantico», scherza. Ha da poco avuto una bambina, Sofija, nata a luglio proprio nel piccolo ospedale qui a Gračanica. Viktor è un serbo di Priština che come molti nel 1999 ha dovuto abbandonare la sua casa e rifugiarsi a Gračanica. Siccome parla inglese in questi anni ha lavorato per organizzazioni internazionali e varie ONG. Molti serbi lavorano a Priština dove si recano al mattino con un bus della UNMIK, senza identificazioni per evitare attacchi. Per andare al lavoro Viktor ha da poco comprato una macchina, con targa Novi Pazar, la città serba in cui vive una consistente minoranza slavo-musulmana, «così gli albanesi non la toccano», spiega sorridendo.

La vita a Gračanica si sviluppa intorno al monastero serbo-ortodosso che sorge al centro del villaggio sulla strada principale, la cui chiesa con i suoi meravigliosi affreschi fu terminata nel 1321. Come si sa i serbi considerano la regione di Kosovo e Metohija come la culla spirituale e politica della loro nazione.

Secondo Viktor l’attidutine della Comunità Internazionale e dell’UE in particolare è ipocrita. Anche prima delle scorse elezioni serbe di maggio l’Unione ha offerto alla Serbia un “Accordo di Associazione e Stabilizzazione”. Viktor spiega che «si è trattato solo di un tentativo di Bruxelles per aiutare il partito del Presidente Boris Tadić in modo che non vincessero altri partiti più nazionalisti», fatto che in effetti non si è verificato. «In quel documento si menziona la famosa Risoluzione dell’ONU numero 1244 che nel 1999 determinò l’amministrazione internazionale del Kosovo, ma che riconosceva anche il diritto di sovranità della Serbia sulla regione. L’accordo in questione sarebbe dovuto poi essere approvato dai parlamenti di tutti i 27 paesi dell’UE, anche da quelli che hanno riconosciuto l’indipendenza del Kosovo: una contraddizione».

Dopo la dichiarazione di indipendenza di un anno fa altri serbi se ne sono andati, come dopo il pogrom del 2004. Viktor è l’unico del suo gruppo di amici che sia rimasto a vivere in Kosovo: tutti gli altri sono partiti, o verso Belgrado, o sono emigrati in Europa occidentale. Non è facile. Ancor meno con una figlia piccola. «Finché potrò esporre la bandiera serba fuori dalla mia casa rimarrò qui. Se arriveranno gli albanesi anche qui e non sarà più possibile farlo dovrò andarmene anch’io».

—

Qui un altro mio articolo apparso su un sito francese sulle conseguenze del pogrom albanese del 2004.

First off, you’ve got to figure that a woman who can get a dog sniffing all the way to another continent five times just for a little wumpa wumpa has got to be gooood.  You make the call:

She knows how to hold a microphone.

And here’s shocking revelation number two: Mark Sanford was a holier than thou Jesus freak, living in a little Republican monastery in Georgetown with fellow worshipper John Ensign.  I guess he wholeheartedly subscribes to that bumper sticker I see all the time: Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.  Well, Mark, maybe by your personal savior and possibly even by your clueless spouse, but probably not by the voters of South Carolina, and quite possibly not by the IRS.  Sanford has agreed to reimburse the state for his first round of sexual tourism to Argentina.  What about the other four?

BW

Pincha sobre la portada para acceder al contenido del último número del boletín digital EnClave Socialista, el 170, elaborado por la Oficina de Prensa Federal del PSOE, que recoge la unánime respuesta de las fuerzas democráticas a la barbarie terrorista, así como otros temas de actualidad.

Enclave 170

The Government has released its scaled-down idea of what it wants the Perth waterfront to look like – but it’s after the same effect as at some of Australia’s best-known sites.

Premier Colin Barnett yesterday unveiled proposals radically different from those suggested by his Labor predecessor Alan Carpenter.

 The plans include a mix of civic, commercial, residential, retail, education and cultural areas.                 

Premier Colin Barnett yesterday unveiled proposals radically different from those suggested by his Labor predecessor Alan Carpenter.the foreshore, similar to those in Sydney’s Darling Harbour and Circular Quay and Melbourne’s Southbank,” Mr Barnett said.

Unlike Mr Carpenter, who committed the Government to fully-funding his vision, Mr Barnett wants a mixture of public and private capital.

Mr Barnett said the new plans aimed to feature world-class architecture “without being over the top”.

“Western Australians have been shown many plans for the foreshore over many years and nothing has actually happened,” he said.

“The Government does not want to impose yet another grand vision on the WA community. This is a more modest concept that shows a ground-scale depiction of what could be developed.”

Mr Barnett said his plans provided for greater public access, while the previous government wanted to develop “monuments” that blocked off the river from the public.

“It would have been an enclave for the wealthy and businesses.”

Work on the project was expected to start within 18 months.

Source  :  www.watoday.com.au

Here he is – President Obama hawking the new Buick Enclave. 

Who said the federal government isn’t in the car business!

Pincha sobre la portada de este boletín, el 169, de la serie EnClave Socialista, elaborado por la Oficina de Prensa Federal, para conseguir información sobre el plan de acción que lanzará el PSOE para impulsar la economía sostenible y la cohesión social, así como para acceder a otras informaciones de actualidad política.

Enclave 169