http://vincentdifondi.gather.com Recent Articles on Gather by Vincent di Fondi en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2009 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:08:47 GMT 2010-01-04T07:08:47Z en-us Copyright Gather Inc 2009 http://www.gather.com/images/header/logo_gather.gif http://www.gather.com/ http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977920624 Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Costa Rica, but some hotels and restaurants offer a special Thanksgiving meal for us gringos who don't want to cook. The only turkeys that are available are imported from . . . Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:42:58 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977920624 Vincent di Fondi 2009-11-27T21:42:58Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977918225 I love these words from Amma, saint and humanitarian from India: Someone asked Amma, "Why should one follow the spiritual path?" Amma replied, "This is like the seed asking, "Why should . . . Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:09:34 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977918225 Vincent di Fondi 2009-11-26T01:09:34Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977896772 Today, I decided to take a short trip to Puriscal. It is only about an hour away from San Jose and I wanted a diversion for the day. The scenery was absolutely lush and the nice breezes from the mountains . . . Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:58:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977896772 Vincent di Fondi 2009-11-12T00:58:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977884635 Not an easy, simplistic answer to this question, but I know we have a lot of enlightened souls on Gather and I think we will come up with a lot of solutions. The problems are many. On a grand . . . Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:38 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977884635 Vincent di Fondi 2009-11-04T13:20:38Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977882779 Good morning, Gather, I recently did a little outing on a Sunday to Alajuela. It is Costa Rica's second largest city and is only about 45 minutes from San Jose. The central park there is quite lovely . . . Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:29:56 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977882779 Vincent di Fondi 2009-11-03T13:29:56Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977881336 Don't get alarmed about this title, I'm safe and sound in Costa Rica. I recently finished this story about a true experience of mine in the 1970's. Hope you enjoy the story. By the way I've been scarce . . . Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:46:25 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977881336 Vincent di Fondi 2009-11-02T13:46:25Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977804214 I love an inspirational story and Hounded, Truman's Story shines as how the planting of the mustard seed can grow in someone's soul. This biography of Truman Mahoney and his brother Harry recounts their . . . Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:18:17 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977804214 Vincent di Fondi 2009-09-08T14:18:17Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977803096 Just click on the this video of a 1970's Joni Mitchell concert and know THOSE WERE THE DAYS! http://new.music.yahoo.com/joni-mitchell/videos/view/edith-and-the-king-pin--157434282 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:28:44 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977803096 Vincent di Fondi 2009-09-07T16:28:44Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977801022 Working Joe’s Dream Comes True: Retires in Costa Rica and Becomes a Published Author   By Vincent di Fondi   Is this ever going to end? I thought to myself . . . Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:45:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977801022 Vincent di Fondi 2009-09-05T12:45:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977792382 As a new author, I can learn a lot from Marie Pinschmidt. Her novel, Man on the Balcony, helps me to appreciate the romance genre. Marie's touching, comforting writing style made me feel that the main . . . Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:36:26 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977792382 Vincent di Fondi 2009-08-29T13:36:26Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977784006 Hello Gather Friends, The past month has been quite full as I started the initial marketing plan for my book BLESSED ABDUCTION. I deleted my most recent post after my book became available on the major . . . Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:32:41 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977784006 Vincent di Fondi 2009-08-22T17:32:41Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977742322 Hello Gather, Last week was an exciting week for me because my novel, BLESSED ABDUCTION, was published. I started it in November of 2007 and finished it in October of 2008. I probably would not have . . . Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:32:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977742322 Vincent di Fondi 2009-07-19T12:32:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977736935 Good morning Gather, I'm working on a chapter in my new novel which takes place in Brazil. Brazil is quite a remarkable place. I spent a month there over thirty years ago and plan to visit it one more . . . Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:08:09 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977736935 Vincent di Fondi 2009-07-14T14:08:09Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977732880 A friend and I were talking recently about how some people seem to just complain and whine all the time about their miserable lot in life. Do you know or have known in the past someone who does . . . Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:06:50 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977732880 Vincent di Fondi 2009-07-09T12:06:50Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977728275 If the Senate health care plan becomes law, everyone will be required to have health insurance just as in the state of Massachusettes. A $1000/year fine would be imposed for those who refuse to purchase . . . Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:14:12 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977728275 Vincent di Fondi 2009-07-03T14:14:12Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977727274 A few days ago I was talking with a couple of Christian friends and the topic of Jesus' Virgin Birth came up. I was quite surprised that the two friends said that they do not believe that a virgin birth . . . Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:51:15 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977727274 Vincent di Fondi 2009-07-02T13:51:15Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977721090 Good morning Gather, I may not be on Gather too much in the next 2 or 3 weeks because I am doing proofing for my book, BLESSED ABDUCTION. Maybe all of you experienced writers and book buyers can help . . . Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:01:30 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977721090 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-25T12:01:30Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977717369 Me? Moi? You mean I can help do this? Yes, you can. The world starts in our own neighborhoods. But there's not a lot I can do, there's wars, famine, hatred, environmental disasters, unjust exploitation . . . Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:10:43 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977717369 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-21T14:10:43Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977716560 Good morning, Gather, In the course of my daily life here in San Jose, Costa Rica I talk with a lot of people - on the bus, restaurants, stores, and on the street. I love to practice my Spanish. I get . . . Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:32:33 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977716560 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-20T13:32:33Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977715622 Good morning Gather, I noticed in the news that the President is expected to sign into law a bill called "cash for clunkers." If consumers buy a new fuel efficient car that improves the fuel efficiency . . . Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:20:31 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977715622 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-19T13:20:31Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977711690 I've been reading alot of comments from Buzz Up on Yahoo News about people thinking that the United States is on the road to socialism. So which of the following programs is your favorite and would you . . . Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:05:27 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977711690 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-15T13:05:27Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977710120 I'm hearing a lot of talk about the federal government taking over the health care and providing universal coverage to everyone. I don't think this is a good solution. There a many in upper income brackets . . . Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:33:47 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977710120 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-13T15:33:47Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977709044 I thought this was a cute picture of my dog Rita that I adopted over two months ago. She is what is known as a Rat-cha, a rat terrier/chihuahua mix. She has turned out to be a wonderful addition to my . . . Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:38:53 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977709044 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-12T12:38:53Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977708247 Hello Gather, I thought this was interesting that the following 20 cities in the world for expatriate executives to live are all socialist countries. Apparently when the rich executives have plundered . . . Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:52:06 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977708247 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-11T16:52:06Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977706981 The Wall Street traders and OPEC are up to the same old tricks they have been using for years to milk the American public for as long and as much as they can. Isn't everyone tired of this? What . . . Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:36:00 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977706981 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-10T12:36:00Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977705891 Many of you who read my posts already know that I live in San Jose, Costa Rica. I am very enchanted by the beauty and the people here. Many may ask how can you feel that way in a socialist country? . . . Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:34:20 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977705891 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-09T12:34:20Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977704861 Hello Gather friends, I haven't been doing too many posts in recent weeks and know that I need to get back on track. I have just been enjoying my life here in Costa Rica and also been working on submitting . . . Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:38:45 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977704861 Vincent di Fondi 2009-06-08T13:38:45Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977689869 Your post this morning was truly worthy of a 10, but I just want to share this picture of with you about what really significant crap looks like. This is not belittle your posting but a picture is worth . . . Sat, 23 May 2009 14:07:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977689869 Vincent di Fondi 2009-05-23T14:07:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977677358 Good morning Gather, I saw on Yahoo news that President Obama wants for someone on unemployment to actively attend college or a trade school without losing their unemployment benefits. This makes sense . . . Fri, 08 May 2009 15:52:46 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977677358 Vincent di Fondi 2009-05-08T15:52:46Z http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977676294 I was very hearted recently when I heard about one of my street dog buddies. This poor dog was so skinny and I knew he must have been sick and had every worm capable of invading his body. I called him . . . Thu, 07 May 2009 15:35:35 GMT http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977676294 Vincent di Fondi 2009-05-07T15:35:35Z