At this year's end, it is time to take stock of all our actions during 2008. All our actions have consequences, some major and some minor, just as when a rock hits a puddle causing a ripple effect. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own actions and decisions and always to make improvements in our lives. I wish you all a happy and successful 2009!
Since I launched this blog Soajo: A Nossa Terra in April 2008, 3,866 people have visited spending some time here reading articles, opinion, and viewing beautiful pictures of our lovely Soajo and surrounding region. In 2009, I seek to double the number of visitors, so tell all your friends and family. (There were 6,318 visitors this year to www.soajo.net)
Recently, I added a Chatroom feature that is now growing in popularity. I hope you all find it useful. I also hope it serves to bring friends and families closer.
This year, I wrote several Blog posts that were harshly critical of the way the PNPG is managed. This criticism will continue in 2009 until the PNPG makes significant improvements in the park's management. I will also continue to write in support of reintroduction of wolves into our mountains (as long as our people are compensated by the PNPG for animals killed by them), and I will continue to oppose the stupid windmills that scar our region's natural landscape.
This year, I added a Photo Gallery featuring photos by Joaquim Neto. He has taken some fantastic photos these past few months. In 2009, I am hopeful he will continue to shoot many more beautiful pictures of our village. In 2009, anyone else wishing to feature their pictures need only to contact me.
In 2008, I added several features to this Blog, such as a Currency Converter, World Clocks, Weather in Soajo, Language Translation button, Noticias de Portugal, and the daily Price of Gas in Portugal. I'm interested in suggestions for which of these to keep in 2009, which to eliminate, and any suggestions for other features to add.
Finally, this year I posted a survey asking whether Soajo "should break away from PNPG" control. The survey expires today, and with only several hours remaining to vote, 202 people have cast votes. 78% (159 voters) voted Yes, that Soajo should break away, 16% (34) voted No and 4% (9) Not Sure. In 2009, other surveys may be added. I'm interested in your suggestions.
Well my friends, I wish you all a happy, successful and safe New Year. Let's aspire to be better friends, spouses, parents, family members and citizens of our communities. And let's all pray for a New Year of peace and economic prosperity in this troubled world.
Regards to all,
Jose Afonso
1 Comments:
Hello Jose Afonso: Great article. I like the Blog. Keep up the great work. I like the way you criticize the National Park management. You asked for suggestions to improve the Blog. I think you should remove the price of gas in Portugal. Most of us live in foreign countries so we don't care. Besides teh people in Soajo go to Galicia Spain to fill up because it's at least 20 cents cheaper per liter there. Happy New Year to you and your Families. Viva Soajo!
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