About

OK, Liz, you are always asking about my about page, and I remember also Bea explaining how the About page defines the context in which the blogger presents themselves. So here goes my context.

First and foremost, I am an alien. Bred and born in Colombia, land of coffee and lush places, from tropical forests to deserts to páramos to wetlands. I have a love-hate relationship with my country, best exemplified in the fact that I am not living there.
But I insist, it is the most beautiful country in the world.

Now, as we humans tend to define ourselves by what we do, and what pays for our meals, I would have to think about all the things I have done in my life, the ones I remember at least: consultant, newspaper editor, freelancer, database admin, director, sales rep, market researcher, ecotourism guide, nonprofit fundraiser, project manager, events director, advisor, distributor, shipbroker, financial analyst, translator, advertising executive, musician representative, event organizer, and who knows what else.

I am curious, and a dabbler in untold things. When in Colombia, in 1993, I was trying to get companies there to sponsor a Internet Service for people outside academia: I wanted to be an ISP. Of course, couldn’t, and missed the bubble here in the USA. Damn! Too early, I suppose.
Other idea that drives me and about which I am very passionate is environmental conservation and appreciation. Simply makes economic and social sense, you know? Lately, I have turned very practical about the whole thing, coming from a very idealistic approach that completely lacked in perspective. Now, I am sure, technology and environmentalism actually serve each other – and that way you can see nuclear plants. But I digress. Actual culprits are our consumer economy and international institutions focused on defining development and progress as miles of roads paved and hydroelectric or coal power generation. They confuse the consequences with the effects.
OK, ranting instead of describing: that could be me. I actually have gotten in trouble because my proclivity to be very vocal about denouncing inequality, abuse, stupidity and injustice. Not that I am a champion, but that I have a big mouth and little self-control. Not a good thing to do when around people that have heavy things that actually cause harm, or small ones that travel very fast.

You like bullet lists, so you can identify me in the street? OK:
1) I am not arguing – but I have all the data to back my points of view.
2) I don’t believe what you are telling me!
3) Sports: never good at organized sports, never good at team sports, and definitely hated PE in school. Oddly, the activities that have ever called my attention are aikido, skydiving, hiking. Very individualistic, yes.
4) Pets: herbivores are food, carnivores that live in the house are pets as long as we have a common goal, or the pet brings me my (half-chewed) paper. So, dogs and cats are pets. Rabbits, guinea pigs and deer are food. Fish are a nuisance. Snakes taste like chicken. Birds are happier when free.
5) Contrary to what the puppy industry lobby has told you, not spaying and neutering my animals actually makes me a better, responsible person. I am completely responsible for them, and I do take care of them without castrating or mutilating them.
6) The USA is one of the most unequal countries of the world, without respect for its citizens nor their rights. The fact that it has raised to such prominence actually says a lot, and positive at that, about its ideals and the value of its people. That is why I like it.
7) Among my best friends I count Republicans, atheists, sex perverts, virgins, Democrats, old school Communists, singers, urbanite party girls, philosophers and illiterates. I love diversity. I learn and enjoy the most when surrounded by people that are different than me, that teach me and challenge me.
8) I consider a 60 hour week as mild. I am happy when working in projects, with ideas and people, and making things happen. Carrying a concept to concretion.
9) I was born and raised in Bogotá, a gorgeous, chaotic, insane but lovely city located at 9000 feet high. My red blood cell count was very high when living there. Very.
10) I love the ocean, but not for stupid walks on the beach, but because it puts a lot of human thoughts in perspective, its music lulling overworked analytical senses, its power and might gently lapping at my feet, reminding me that no matter what, there is always an enormous force that manifests itself with incredible subtlety.
11) I am not religious.
12) I dislike fanatics of all kinds.
13) My name comes from Camilo Torres, google it. First instance is Kadmilos, and then from that Camillus, and then Camilo. Male name, just in case you were so influenced by Rodin’s lover’s name that you are going to send me email.
14) I value diversity, equality, fairness, justice. We do have an obligation regarding out environment, and the people that are going to succeed us here are going to hold us accountable for the harm that our lifestyles are causing.
15) I am convinced that we could live in a significantly better society. This one is completely infected with racism, injustice, exploitation, and oppression. Don’t you just love my structural discourse?
16) Oh I miss Colombia! But at the same time I am happy here, to the extent that I can say what I want and work on all the ideas that I have. I can develop anything here, bring it to life, made it tangible. So, two items, really, but in essence one.
17) I like dogs, I said. I like work dogs, such as the Siberian Husky. If you want to give me one for Christmas, I can give it a home and its three mile daily walk (or two by 1.5). But it has to be a puppy from a good breeder.

Friends of mine have described me as a person that acquires knowledge easily: <i>Se te pega un plancha de acero aceitada</i> is one expression describing me. Other group of friends think me peculiar because I maintain a blog; others just know too damn much about me: A blog signals the end of privacy. I do like to know things, explore concepts, and toy with ideas. Too much stuff, probably, to be of any use.

OK, that is all for now. This is a long post, but if you want to know more about me, call me, or send me an email.

Kisses.