VIRTUAL UNREALITY

This is the time of year I assess my life. Some call it goal setting or resolutions. In the course of this years life assessment, I realized much of my time has been wasted on Facebook -- untangling the crap that seems to build on my site. I'm tired of getting virtural donkey turds or snowballs hurled at me from people I barely know. Or worse yet, invitations to join some promotion, game or causes that aren't remotely intelligent. So, I QUIT!
E-mail is a real boon to my life because of my location in the world. Instead of the mindless drag and click to send a virtual rose, I intend to actually write to my friends and family. That's right. Writing a missive; staying in touch in a personal manner. Oh, sure, I'll still forward the jokes and such, but you won't see any posts from me on virtual unreality.
Bob 12/31/2009

Writing Inventory

As the year 2009 winds down, I've taken stock of my writing inventory. My goals for 2010 is to market some, if not all of my finished invemtory. Currently I'm editing - changing - and polishing the screenplay, EMPTY KAYAK. This should be complete in another week. That gives me a total of Six (6) screenplays and five (5) full length novels to sell. A sixth novel is almost complete. I could finish the first draft in a couple of weeks but I'll delay that task until after something sells. Being creative is fun but if nothing is generating income, this is just a hobby. I have story boards and outlines for two more screenplays and one more novel. In addition, I have started screenplays on two of my novels. I'm going to set those creative projects aside for three months. Perhaps with a full court press during the first quarter of 2010, I can generate some income.

Racism In Reverse

Seldom do I delve into politics or religion; a sure way to alienate friends and even family. However, I recently forwarded a joke to several of my friends via the Internet. The joke wasn't racist but appeared to be anti-Obama. Immediately, I received several e-mails that castigated me for being racist. What a crock!! No one who really knows me would accuse me of being racist.
Why is it that if one questions the current President they are automatically accused of being racist? Is that the only card the administration is able to play? What happened to justifying a position based on facts? Why can't the citizens of the United States of America poke fun at their elected officials? It appears that if we question their decisions, we're racists.
Well,since I have the name -- I may as well play the game. Here's some WHYS?

WHY #1 --Shortly before Obama and family went off on a ten day vacation to Martha's Vinyard, it was announced that Social Security recepients would not receive a COLA for at least two years? That ten day vacation cost the taxpayers over twenty million dollars. Why freeze the COLA and then spend like a drunken sailor?
WHY #2 -- Camp David is the designated Presidential get-away. Taxpayer dollars support this retreat that is constantly staffed. So, if one factors in the cost of Camp David, that ten day vacation to Martha's Vinyard cost the taxpayes even more. Why not use the existing infrastructure?
WHY # 3 -- A fourth grader can do this math. If the goverment keeps printing money, making it less valuable, and the government freezes the COLA for two years, the Social Security recipients actually have much less buying power. Why chastize the elderly?

Okay,I've asked three questions; none are racist. I'm curious to see the responses.

Baseball All Year

A Panamanian friend of mine asked me the other day why I liked baseball. I tried to explain that it was one of the few sports remaining that average size people played. Basketball has seven foot giants playing point guard. Football is populated by three hundred pound Sumo wrestlers, and even tennis is becoming a tall person sport. Baseball, on the other hand, is still played by average size athletes. Stars like Derek Jeter, in my opinion one of the best in the game, is six foot tall. Carlos Diaz, the Panamanian catcher for the Phillies, is five foot eight. Rodeo stars are for the most part average or smaller. Bronc and bull riders are usually five foot eight and weigh around a hundred and fifty pounds. Boxing leveled the playing field a century ago with their weight classes.
The world series is the end of MLB in the US. However, in Latin America, the season is just beginning. I'm able to view baseball from most latin countries on TV until mid-December. That's when the Panamanian league begins. Most games are broadcast on local TV and of course our local Chiriqui team plays their home games in the stadium not far from my home. I plan on attending most of them this year.

NEWS AND COMMENTS

After suffering from a back out of whack for about ten days, I was finally able to sit long enough to finish my latest screenplay, "Empty Kayak". The first draft is completed. Now the work begins; editing, changing, and polishing. I have four other scripts in different stages of this process. I switch from one to another whenever I get blocked or bored. It certainly keeps me occupied. I expect to have all five scripts completed and registered with SWG by Xmas. Marketing these scripts to the movie industy is my challenge for the year 2010. I expect to have the logline of EMPTY KAYAK posted by next week.

Stalled but not for long

I made a promise to myself that I would try and post something new on my blog once a week. Sunday morning seems like a good time. I try to take Sunday off from my writing unless I'm really inspired.
Since the MLB season is over, I find myself with more time to write. Unfortunately, the screenplay I'm currently writing is stalled -- not for the lack of creativity, but because I have reached a point where it can be a tragedy or the "life happily ever after". At the most, I have 20 - 25 pages remaining. Perhaps I will write it both ways. I'll decide later. This is a new genre for me -- a love story. Most of my work is action/adventure or romantic comedy. I'm not trying for a "chick flick" but just an honest man/woman story set in an exotic yet dangerous place.
Hopefully, "Empty Kayak", will be completed soon.

Time out for baseball

No matter who wins the MLB World Series, The Yankees or the Phillies, a Panamanian player will receive a WS ring.
Carlos Ruiz, is the mainstay catcher of the Phils. He's from Boqueron, Chiriqui -- A 20 minute drive from where I live. Mariano Rivera, the star closer for the Yanks, is from a suburb of Panama City. Both players have been to the World Series before. WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF THIS HAPPENING? One would think enormous. Actually, it's not. Panama, total population of 3.3 million people, (1/3 the size of Chicago) has sent many players to the Major Leagues.
I learned to play baseball in the Canal Zone. We had a league that covered not only the CZ but also Panamanian cities. Our coaches were players from the Yankee farm system. We learned from professionals. Many of the Panamanian teams were coached by Cuban players (this was before Castro-Cuba). The Fastlich league fostered many players who went on to become Professional.
So, since the early 1950's, Panama has adopted baseball as their number 2 sport. Only soccer (Futbol), is more popular in Panama.
Now, with Ruiz and Mariano opposing one another, it fosters mixed emotions. We want for both of them to do well. In game #2, Mo was pitching to Choocho -- I didn't know what to do.

FUBAR CONTINUES

My last post was on October 9th.  Today is the 13th. The Airbox-Aeropost debacle continues.  At this writing, my package is still in limbo.  Will it ever arrive? I somehow doubt it.
I have researched several alternatives to mail forwarding and have yet to find a suitable replacement.  The companies that provide the retail delivery system here in Panama do not have control over their suppliers -- the ones who actually receive the mail/packages and forward to the central clearing in Panama.  In my humble opinion, this is a sorry business model!  Why would anyone sell services when they can't control the root service?  My opinion aside, this doesn't solve my problem.  It's necessary for most Ex-Patriots to have a permenate mailing address.  I will continue turning over rocks to find THE BEST OF THE WORST. On a lighter note:  I have finished the Curtis/RC movie trilogy.  I'm editing and polishing every day.  They should be available for review in a couple of weeks.  Also, I have begun a new screenplay which is set in Panama.  This is my first attempt at a new genre -- not my usual action/adventure.Another posting, soon.Bob

FUBAR

This post has nothing to do with my writing or writing inventory except that I had to be away from my computer for a day to solve an ongoing problem with my mail. Because of the untrustworthiness of international mail, freight forwarding and mail forwarding companies have sprung up like dandolines in Latin America. I have been using one of these companies and had many issues with them in the past. (see previous posts)Airbox Express just recently severed ties with the warehouse and forwarding company (Aeropost) in Miami. Customers were not notified until after the fact. As a result of this "bad blood" split, one of my packages got caught in the crossfire. At this writing, no one, from either company, has the decency to deliver the package to me. Both companies are finger pointing and positioning themselves for a "day in court".  AirBox, the receiver of my mail, is allied with another forwarding company in the Miami area. They are requesting that we need to change our addresses to receive mail from them. The other company, Aeropost, notified me that I didn't need to change anything and they would have an office in Panama within a week. It appears to me that both companies are run by business rookies. They really didn't think this through. This transition could have been done seamlessly, and the customer base maintained by Airbox as they phased out the background provider.Now, since I have to notify over forty contacts of my new address, why would I continue with a company that demonstrates such a weak business model? On the other hand, I might be able to stay with Aeropost and not have to change anything except the location of my mail pick-up. NEVER! From what they have demonstrated so far, their business ethics are almost nonexistent. Lie to me once, shame on you! Lie to me twice, shame on me! AEROPOST -- I'm Gone!I'm currently researching other companies to see if they are viable. (stability is my main concern -- not price) Within a week, I'm certain that I can locate another mail forwarding company. Then begins the management task of contacting my contacts. Damn, there's something I don't relish. (another day of un-productivity) Meanwhile, I'll watch these other two companies. I predict in time they will fail. Especially if there is a viable option for AirBox customers. As for those folks at Aeropost, they need a crash course in business ethics. Karma in the business world is slow but sure. However in these trying times, sometimes a stupid mistake made by rookie managers will bury a company in a matter of months. Good luck, you sophmoric morons!

Manuscripts Available

I just posted the list of my writing inventory. Most of it is available in PDF format. Of course, there is some "work in process" on that list. They need to be finished before I make them available. Contact me for more details. bobhatting@gmail.com.

What happened?

For some unknown reason, Google decided my blog was SPAM. Consequently, I have been unable to post. This is a test to see if this works. if so, i will be posting on a more regular basis.

Update

It's been some time since I posted on this site. I apologize but it's really my brother's fault. He sent me a laptop computer with all the bells and whistles. I've been spending my time learning the new computer and operating system. So, now that I have shifted the blame to Bill for bringing me into the 21st century, I have no excuse but to keep this blog updated.

Seriously, I really appreciate the new computer. Bill loaded it with a great deal of software before he sent it to me, so now I have some tools I didn't know existed.

Cambio vs Change

Cambio is the spanish word for CHANGE. Obama's campaign was based on change. Panama's new President, Ricardo Martinelli, also ran under the mantra of Cambio. It's interesting to note that Obama is scheduling a vacation that will cost the US taxpayers around Twenty Million dollars. Martinelli, on the other hand just pledged to donate his entire Presidential salary to charity. He also uses his own plane at his own cost to travel. He doesn't live in the Presidential Palace, preferring to pay his own way.
As an ex-patriot, living in Panama, I believe Panama got the better deal. The changes I see in Panama are good. The changes in the USA make me sad.

Screenplay of "Partners"

Most of my script work has been created in SCREENWITER by Movie Magic. This is not a common software for the masses -- dedicated mostly to the movie industry. I was able to convert "Partners," a screenplay adapted from my novel of the same name, into HTML and PDF formats. In the conversion process, the spacing, font and some of the symbols got scrambled. It puffs the script from 110 pages to 140. I tried posing the script on this site but it looked like scrambled eggs. Soooo, if you want to read it, just drop me an e-mail. bobhatting@gmail.com.

Change is coming!

This blog is not working like I'd planned. Most of the fault is mine as I haven't been out promoting it to the masses. One thing I have learned, however, is that to create an interaction, the reader has to have a Gmail account in order to leave a comment. That's a restriction that limits off-hand remarks. I'll take time this week-end to rework this blog.

BACK TO BASICS-- FREE E-BOOK

I'm afraid I'm guilty of wandering off track to inform you of Politics in Panama and my battle with the freight forwarding company. Today we get back to basics. Electronic publication of novels and short stories. The contemporary western, "Partners" is available --FREE. It's a manuscript in PDF format. Also a short story entitled, HUNTING BEAVER. It is also FREE for the asking. If you desire either of these works, just send an e-mail to bobhatting@gmail.com. I'll send either or both out as an attachment.
Regards,
Bob hatting

Transition of Power in Panama

Today, May 10th, seven days after winning the election, Panama's President Elect Ricardo Martinelli, formally presented his choices for cabinet posts. The short announcement was made with Martinelli front and center, surrounded by his ministers of choice. Frankly, I am impressed. His new administration has to hit the ground running on July 1st. He is not wasting time with posturing and pandering. His laid back and informal attire (open collar shirt with slacks) contradicts his presence. His choices have to perform to meet his campaign promises. I suspect he will not accept excuses or delays. He only has five years in office to accomplish his agenda. Since he can't run again, I expect him to devote the entire time governing and not campaigning. Those cabinet members that were fomally presented this morning were a mix of men and women with varying ages. I have not seen their resume's but one has to assume they were chosen and veted long before the election was final. I wish them well.

Bob vs Airbox -- round 2

This letter was sent to Airbox Express this morning. If I receive an indication of resolution, all is well. If, however, I'm ignored, I will go public again. The clock is ticking...

May, 08, 2009
To: Jorge Zelaya, GM Airbox Express
From Bob Hatting PTY#5950
This is the second time that I'm aware of that your company has received a package from another carrier and even though the weight is marked on the package, your people over-weigh the parcel.
On January 29 of this year I paid for a package that you people said weighed 16 pounds. UPS had recorded the weight on the outside of the package as 12 pounds. I checked with the carrier in the US and confirmed that the package weighed 12 pounds. I asked your agent to weigh the package...it was 12 1/2 pounds. (obviously your scale weighs heavy) I complained to your agent in David, Natalia. It was a week or so later I received a credit of only $3.37. Using your posted rate charts the credit should have been $11.77 for the four pound over-weigh.
Yesterday, I picked up a small package and paid $12.88 for 1 1/2 pounds. FedEx had the weight listed as 1 pound. So, again I paid for $4.06 too much. 50% was added to the bill. In the January scenario it was 33%. This is a very transparent shake-down.
We gringos are accustomed to what we refer to as a "skin tax". That is: Charged more than a Panamanian for the same goods and services. We understand the thinking. When we go to a store or even a street vendor and ask the price we have the option of walking out, laughing, or just shaking our head to acknowledge -- nice try! However you people have a lock on us. We pay to join your service, we notify or banks, Social Security office and our lawyers of the mail forwarding address. When we receive a letter or package, it has the declared value and the description of the contents. Usually it’s important and you people know this…that’s why you overcharge. A simple shakedown that works because we customers want our items. This is not a coincidence. It is obviously part of your business plan.
Using your advertised rates --According to my math, (allowing for that piddly 3.37 credit) you owe me $25.77. I want that as a refund...not credit. I paid cash, I want cash back.
Another matter...what happened to a package sent to me many weeks ago. Another one pound package tracking number 0625007036732.??? Have you lost it?
I expect some resolve to these matters and a cash refund. A timely resolve!
Bob Hatting, David
6-809-4510

Here's twenty bucks, now shut the hell up!!

This morning, I received three e-mails. One from the General Manager of Airbox Express and two from the David agent, Natalia. I also received a phone call from Natalia. They are giving me a $20 credit. Why? Oh, yeah, the GM read the post on "Gringos in David" that mentioned the $26. overcharge on my one pound package and of course the directions to read the details on this blog.
As much as I appreciate the credit and will use it up ASAP, it is too bad that one has to threaten and coerce to get fair service for ones money. Resorting to bad press to obtain justice is usually the last resort. I didn't relish doing it. In fact I wrote Don Winner and forewarned him that I was going to "go ballistic" with his customer unless I was contacted by the jefe, "the guy that signs the checks". Some people thrive on adversity...not me. I live a very simple life and desire things to smooth out as I get older and wiser. But, like most people, I refuse to be cheated or mistreated.

Will I continue to use Airbox express? I don't know at this writing. I WILL say they would have been better served to offer me a refund instead of credit.

Cardboard Election

The election of yesterday (May 2, 2009) was impressive. Unlike times past, there were no major disturbances to mar the overall outcome. A few minor scuffles but overall it was a well organized and somber event. The polls, (mostly schools) opened at seven in the morning and closed at four in the afternoon. Although they used paper ballots, the Electoral Tribune announced that Ricardo Martinelli was the new president elect at six thirty in the evening with a bit over forty percent of the ballots counted. That is impressive! Of course it was not a tight race. Balbina Herrerra only garnered thirty six percent of the vote as opposed to Martinelli's sixty one percent. Still, to have over forty percent of the votes tallied in two and a half hours speaks very highly of the Electoral Tribune.

I headlined this as "the cardboard election" because the entire voting set-up was made of cardboard. The signs outside, directing the voters, were mostly cardboard with a few written on butcher paper. Same with the signs inside the voting room. The voting booths were three sided cardboard boxes and the three ballot boxes were cardboard boxes put together with masking tape. One of the major tasks of the election officials was to burn the excess ballots to avoid any chicanery. This was done as the personnel who ran the voting rooms cast their ballots. The voting process I witnessed, a few blocks from my home, was very orderly. Old people and the handicapped were helped by the election staff and anyone else nearby. Patients in hospitals were helped to vote, inmates in prison were allowed to vote and of course, even the police and sitting authorities exercised their rights.

There were many international observers in Panama to monitor this election. In addition there was internal monitoring force (I believe it is part of the Electoral Tribune). There may be a few cries of "Foul" but so far, none have surfaced.

Panama, so far, has escaped the swine flu epidemic. Since there are no reported cases in the country, there was no restriction on public gatherings. This helped immensely. Panama experienced a large voter turn out; almost twice the percentage of a US national election.

Congratulations to all...it was a great to observe democracy at work.

As a footnote, I applaud TVN-2. Their coverage was supurb!

They did this with a straight face!!

Below is the invoice data for a small package that weighs only a pound. If you want to skip all the itemized charges, the bottom line is $26.61. The price of the item from eBay was $42.98. So customs charged $4.47.
Airbox Express is the culprit. They are charging over $15.00. for a one pound item no larger than a mans fist.
These people -- this company have successfully screwed me since signed up for their service almost a year ago. The most blatant (next to this) was in Feb. of this year. I had an old laptop shipped from Tucson. It arrived at Airbox Express on December 24, 2008. It finally arrived in David in Feb, 2009. The original shipper used UPS. The weight was recorded on the box -- 12 pounds. When Airbox got their hands on it ---MAGIC! It weighs 16 pounds! When I went to pick it up, I noticed the weight difference. I asked the attendant to weigh the package. She did -- on a bathroom scale! It weighed 12 1/2 pounds. I paid the entire amount because I needed the laptop. A promise was made for a credit to my account or refund. Two weeks later after reminding her, she issued a credit for less than four dollars. So I can do math...four pounds is four dollars, yet one pound is fifteen?
Folks this is the true story of Airbox Express and Bob Hatting.

Tracking Information for: PTY - 5950
Main Info

Aerotracking 00000054795
Creation Date (dd/mm/yyyy) 30-04-2009 11:53 AM

Courier Name Interworld Freig
AWB 07172008

Courier Tracking Sn
Declared value (US$) 42.98

Description Video Camara
Insured No

Sender Ehong Hongbo
Weight 0.454 kg / 0.999 lbs

Gateway PTY
Bag Number

Account 005950
Master Tracking 00000054795

Consignee Hatting Robert Wayme
Number of Pieces 1

Service Type Air
Inspected By

Location
Custom Ticket 00000054795

P.O. #
Invoice #

Status (dd/mm/yyyy) Ready at Counter

02-05-2009 12:33 PM



Total related charges (USD):26.61 Total related charges (Local Currency):26.61


Charges BreakdownDescription Charge Type Amount(USD) Amount(Local) Invoice Num Date(dd/mm/yyyy)
Custom's Duties Debit $ 4.47 B 4.47 043539 30-04-2009 04:38 PM
Consolidation Charge Debit $ 1.00 B 1.00 043539 30-04-2009 04:38 PM
Sales Tax-Customs Serv. Debit $ 0.25 B 0.25 043539 30-04-2009 04:38 PM
Customs Broker Debit $ 5.00 B 5.00 043539 30-04-2009 04:38 PM
Freight Debit $ 15.13 B 15.13 043539 30-04-2009 04:39 PM
Sales Tax-Transport Debit $ 0.76 B 0.76 043539 30-04-2009 04:39 PM

POLITICS IN PANAMA

On the last post I promised to get this blog fixed. I'm still promising but have to wait until the election is over here in Panama. My "Computer Guy" is taking this upcoming election serious...as he should. He's either out campaigning or running some regional election staff. My Spanish is not good enough to understand his position.

Panama has always had elections but they were never very democratic. Usually there was a "mild revolution" to shuffle the deck and put whomever into power. Since the war with the US and the ousting of Noriega, the citizens of Panama have come to appreciate their democratic rights. Not until 1990 did they have a true Republic. After having many quasi dictators, citizens are enthusiastic about their politics and their right to vote. Their rallies, caravans and other special events are part of this colorful culture. As a foreign resident, it is illegal for me to contribute or participate in the election process. However, it's interesting to observe.
I'll post the results after the election on May 3rd.

Consarnit! !@#$%^&*()))(*&^%$#@

There has to be a secret that I don't know about to making a comment or following this blog. I've queried all my friends and just had one comment come through. No one has been able to follow the blog...it's still shows virgin territory. I suspect it is something I am not doing that has caused the problem. I'll have my computer expert take a look over the week-end.

Reasons I live in Panama

David to Puerto Armuelles

Last week I took a bus from my home in David, Panama to another town right on the Panama/Costa Rica border. The trip normally is an hour and a half on these Panamanian collective buses. The first leg, west on the Panamerican hiway was typical. The second leg, from Paso Canoes to Puerto Armuelles was very slow. A political rally, a bike race and what seemed like a hundred stops to let people off and pick up people. At one point, the bus stopped for what seemed no apparent reason. Then I saw this old man, very crippled, across the hiway. A young man (the attendent for the bus) walked across the hiway, held up on coming traffic and along with a youth of about 12, assisted the old man (who was using two broomstick handles for canes), across the hiway and into the bus. The person closesest to the door vacated her seat so the old man could sit close to the door. The driver drove toward our destination for about four miles, dropping off and picking up. He pulled into a Tienda (local grocery store) and stopped the bus. The driver, the attendant, the old man and the youth disembarked and went shopping for the old man's groceries. They were inside the store for perhaps 10 minutes. The grocery cashier made everyone wait while the old man fumbled with his money to pay for his purchases. Back in the bus, no one seemed upset or anxious. Nor did they think it was extraordinary. However, I was really surprised when the driver retraced his route and took the old man back to his house. The driver and attendant, along with the youth, carried the purchases right up to the door of the old man's house. The bus turned around and headed to Puerto Armulles, again. I asked the attendant if the old man was a relative of the driver. The answer was no. It's just how they treat the elderly here in Panama. Kiddingly I asked if they would do that for me, a gringo, when I got that old. The attendant nodded yes. The driver overheard my question and shouted it out to the rest of the 30 some passengers. It was reassuring to hear twenty some voices shout in unison, "Si, gringo." Es verdad! (Yes! That's the truth!).
This is just one of the thousands of reasons I love my adopted country. By the way, the elapsed time was 3 hours...double the norm. My return ride later in the day was a shade under one and a half hours. The price for my round trip? $4.10. The old man paid the minimum for a Jubilado, 30 cents.

eBay is unhappy with me. (like I care?)

I received a swell piece of news yesterday. Ebay will not let me list anything that can be downloaded. Soooo, Partners is not available on their site.

If you would like to read "Partners", just add your name and e-mail to the follower section of this blog and I'll send off as an attachment. FREE!

Coming soon

Recently, I read a rough draft of a book written by an Ex-Pat friend of mine. It is a non-fiction book that delves into the cultures of Latin America. Not a guide book, but a comprehensive primer. The manuscript is going through the editing-structural cycle at this writing. I'm anxious for it to be available; hopefully on this site.

Synopsis for "Partners" by Robert Wayne

PARTNERS
a contemporary western novel
by
Robert Wayne

Riding partners, Curtis Dawson and RC Bellars, suddenly cast into the realities of modern life, strive to maintain their independent lifestyle. Unsuited for work other than livestock management, the out of work cowboys turn to prospecting for gold on the Mexican Border. Their new endeavor fails when the pair is ambushed by the infamous bandit, Malvado Rojo. Curtis and RC stumble and fumble through all manners of peril. They’re robbed, shot, beaten, kidnapped, and betrayed. Somehow they maintain their humor, and surprisingly find true love with women who were once considered forbidden fruit.
This fast paced action romance, laced with western mores, cowboy lingo, and bawdy humor, tests the infinite trust developed between two partners as they battle a crafty bandit and his gang, an incompetent and unscrupulous lawman, and their inner needs for independence.
Tag along as Curtis and RC morph from out of work cowhands into desperate and inept bounty hunters.

Robert Wayne writes from personal experience. As an ‘Army Brat,’ and adult vagabond, Mr. Wayne has lived an eclectic and adventurous life in many parts of the world. His maternal roots, a ranch in Eastern Oregon, contrasted and complimented his worldly upbringing. Journalist, Robert Wayne chronicles portions of his life experiences in a fictional format.

You may purchase an e-book version for $4.00 by contacting me by e-mail. bobhatting@gmail.com.