All about CubaInteresting facts about Cuba

Without giving more credit to director Roland Emmerich, the world has been overtaken with paranoia fearing that the end may be nigh. If recent events are more than just series of freak coincidences, this is no longer crazy talk. A devastating chain of earthquakes combined with the uprisings engulfing the Arab world driving up petrol prices, global politics plus nature’s instability is making people nervous.

The US National Security Staff finished a new study on cataclysmic events, and it recommended that instead of evacuation the best course of action in the face of a serious catastrophe, especially a nuclear-related emergency, is to find shelter in an indoor or underground facility.

CNN reported a skyrocketing boost in businesses from companies that manufacture doomsday bunkers, with growth figures ranging from 20% to 1000% depending on the company. Northwest Shelter Systems, whose high end private bunkers come with a price tag in the millions, usually sell up to four shelters a year. By the third month of 2011, they had collected 12 orders.

Consequently, Green Eye Technology has reported an increase in sale of their line of emergency shelters, which can be designed to shield nuclear families or entire communities numbering in thousands. While fiberglass are used to offer military-grade protection to the sheltered, efforts have also been put into place to turn the subterranean life more homely than the A-bomb bunkers from 60 years ago. A homely surrounding helps when you want to relive the better days and the shelters come with accoutrements from air conditioners, air purifiers and dehumidifiers through to bamboo horizontal blinds!

The selling point for these shelters is still the same however. These bunkers are expected to withstand Mother Nature’s most fearsome assaults, as well as attacks by weapons of mass destruction. Equipped with a sophisticated filtration system and an independent power source, these underground shelters all come with the guarantee to keep its residents alive for periods ranging from days to years.

In the same time, shelter companies like Green Eye are also gaining prospective contracts from governmental entities. In the event that an governmental building is taken out of action by a disaster, an emergency communication bunker will become mandatory. Not to mention they will also be interested in protective vaults for their sensitive papers and database servers.

Business owners like Elan Yadan are now embracing this new line of industry, putting down a $20,000 deposit for a spot reservation, instead of using it as the down payment for a new home like he originally intended. Because according to him, if you are not a psychic or a scientist, it is better to err on the side of caution.

It’s possible not many printers will survive the apocalypse. Now might be a good time to get that magazine subscription and stock up on your underground library. It will be tragic if your only form of subterranean pastime is to remind yourself of the halcyon days by staring at car pictures.

After his official announcement that he would be forming an exploratory committee to run for president in 2012, Herman Cain has faced a lot of questions about his ability to survive a republican primary and not to mention topple Obama in the general election. However, there has been a lot of talk about the other republican hopefuls for president in 2012 and it’s looking pretty bleak for them due to their past policy and personal life issues.

He believes in making it illegal for doctors to kill unborn children, protecting the sanctity of marriage, and has the business background to put our economy back on track. While some naysayers doubt his electability he has a true shot at taking Obama out of office. Just why do I believe this? He has well thought out ideas on fixing the failing economy by eliminating the regulations that are bankrupting our businesses all around the country, cutting taxes, and making government smaller.

Cain’s business experience and ranges from being CEO of the popular pizza chain “God Father’s Pizza” to bank chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. He has also been successful as an executive for Pillsbury and analyst for the Coca Cola company. Cain argues that if only 7% of Obama’s advisers have ever worked in the private sector how can they expect to fix the economic problems facing America today. He believes the only way businesses will open their doors for new employees is to cut taxes, deregulate and throw out the legislation that is putting roadblocks to success. If businesses are allowed to thrive, then they will hire more workers, which gives more money for people to spend in the economy.

Cain stated at the American Conservative Union that he wants to throw out the whole tax code by eliminating the IRS by putting an end to corporate, income, and payroll taxes. Instead he says we should implement a federal retail sales tax where Americans will only have to pay taxes for the services or goods that they buy. When the Bush tax cuts were being debated he argued that we shouldn’t merely extend the top corporate tax cuts, but rather make them permanent. Other expenditures on business also have Cain talking, such as Obamacare which also affect business tax. Cain has been outspoken on government health care since his run-in with Bill Clinton at a town hall meeting in 1994. He asked Clinton what he should tell his employees after the government health care plan is enacted and he has to lay off his workers. Clinton sheepishly responded by saying businesses would only see a one and a half percent increase in their overall cost. Cain told Clinton flatly that his numbers were wrong.

On his radio show Cain has discussed many of his beliefs and opinions about the state of the American economy, he said this is what drove him to run for the presidency. Rather than talking about his ideas, he wants to implement them to make America a better country. Moreover, he believes he has the true conservative values necessary to win the election in 2012. Back in 2008 Cain support Mitt Romney for president, but after some careful thought he can no longer support someone who created a government run health care program like Romney did in Massachusetts.

Join republican 2012 and starting posting your campaign jobs, read the latest on the candidates, or express your opinions by becoming an author. For more information on Herman Cain and the 2012 republican candidates register now!

The Forex trading market is the largest market in the world by far. In fact it is bigger than all the stock exchanges in the world combined. Trading goes on day and night seven days a week and there are millions of individuals, companies and even governments using the Forex to make money every minute. However, do not let this trick you into believing that trading Forex is easy money, because it is not.

Most Forex traders trade on a long term basis, but others trade much more frequently, buying and selling the same position within 24-72 hours. These traders are called ‘day traders’. In order to buy and sell Forex successfully you will need to learn the ropes.

One of the best ways of doing this is to open a practice Forex trading account. Most of the online Forex trading companies offer a practice account and the best ones offer free accounts and free practice accounts too. Once more, the best Forex trading companies offer free technical and fundamental analysis along with access to all historical financial data and current financial reports.

If you have never traded Forex before, you will almost certainly lose money, unless you are lucky, but you do not want to be relying on luck when you use your own, real money. You will want to be relying on ability and knowledge, although hoping for a bit of good luck too is not unusual.

While you are learning to use all the financial and analytical tools at your disposal, you should endeavor to develop a sense of disconnection from your trades. Never become emotionally involved with one of your trades. It sounds daft, but people do become attached to a trade and lose touch with reality. This is a big error and one that professionals do not make.

So, when the statistics tells you to sell, just sell, do not attempt to fool yourself into thinking that everything will be all right next week. This may work for long term trading, but it does not work for day trading, it ties up too much of your capital. When you have developed a system that you think you can trust, say, one that uses the results from a combination of charts, you should stick to it unerringly. This is the only way that you can tell if your scheme works. This is why you need detachment from your trades.

Fear and greed are treacherous emotions, but they play a big part in the strategies, or lack of them, of many day traders. People are frightened of losing money, so if their choice goes down, they hang on praying that it will rise again. This is a dangerous game. You could lose a lot more than if you had got out in the first place.

Likewise, if your judgment was correct and the currency rises as you forecasted, get out when it reaches your goal, do not hang on in there hoping to make more. Greed will get the better of you in the end, if you do. Following a rapid rise, there is often a correction in the price. ‘Correction’ is a euphemism for ‘fall’ and you will be kicking yourself for not selling when you knew you should have.

So beware greed and fear, do not become emotional and stick to your system. However, if your system does not work, even when you follow it to the letter, then change it and test it again. This is the only way that you will be able to progress and make some decent money at Forex trading.

If you are interested in this article on online stock trades, visit our web site at Online Stock Trading

Studying Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro is a method to experience Brazil on a much deeper level. Though a time consuming process, it is certainly a step beyond what a ordinary visitor would possibly take if they are basically on holiday to observe the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Naturally, it is a signal that this means something to you far more than merely a vacation. This is a long term commitment.

So once you travel to Rio de Janeiro, so how does one set about learning Portuguese? Certainly, you need to settle your living arrangements. It could get quite pricey staying in hotels for the length of stay that it will require to learn the local language, so you might take into consideration rentals such as apartments or flats. These will in all probability present some more affordable accommodations. Also, if price is key, you might think about looking for rentals outside of Copacabana and Ipanema, since these pieces of real estate tend to be more high priced.

So now that’s resolved, whether you’ve chosen to stay in apartments, flats, hotels or someone’s couch, the question still remains. How should you go about learning Portuguese? Well, to start, you are very likely going to need some books. Also, television can actually be a valuable tool. Beyond this, you’re in luck, because every Brazilian is an amateur Portuguese instructor. Though, this is said as kind of a joke, it really isn’t. The culture in Rio de Janeiro is welcoming and outgoing. People will be more than happy to teach you phrases in Portuguese and actually will enjoy the efforts that you make.

Another option that a serious pupil should consider is actually entering a formal schooling on the subject matter. Again, options exist for this. It is possible to find group lessons as well as private teachers who can make accommodations for you. Language schools are thriving businesses in Rio, so you shouldn’t have to look very far. Also, it is possible for private instructors to come to your home whether you’re staying in hotels or apartments. This is a common practice in Rio.

Naturally with anything, what you’ll get out will be equal to what you invest. A self-disciplined student is obviously going to learn at a much faster speed than those who are not. But the tools are there if you are seriously looking to experience Brazil on a much deeper level and be able to speak the language of the country.

Rio Exclusive is an apartment rentals and sales agency with real eatate offers such as a penthouse for sale in copacabana. For those that prefer hotels, they also have available a rio aparthotel in which you can rent in a hotel style building.

When discussing Rio de Janeiro, people generally think about it as a destination to travel. Going on that spectacular vacation, perhaps hoping to never come home again to their unexciting flats and apartments. But what about that person who in reality does decide to never come home? How do the locals get by here? Beach front real estate apartment penthouses in Ipanema and Copacabana aren’t necessarily going to be inexpensive for everyone and certainly not hotels. So while we’re on the subject of cost, perhaps you should think of accommodations for sale in a place like Niteroi.

Niteroi is a city just outside of Rio, but actually is quite readily available. While still being a nice place, with some beaches of its own, the big benefit to living in Niteroi is the fact that the expense of living is much lower than identical places in Rio de Janeiro. So it is definitely an option worth thinking about if you are intending a long term move to Brazil. Though, while it isn’t a tourist location that is sprawling with hotels fit for people who want to take a holiday, it does offer a extensive selection of cheap apartments, flats and other rentals. Making Niteroi a viable option for a long term stay or real estate for sale.

While cost is surely an advantage, there is definitely a drawback, that being convenience. People who have rentals in Niteroi have a commute to struggle with, since the city is situated across the bay from Rio de Janeiro. During rush hour, the bridge can be a nightmare. The good news is, there is another choice. There is a ferryboat that goes between the cities making for a far shorter trip. In 15 minutes you can be in downtown Rio. This makes penthouse accommodations in Niteroi a far more viable alternative.

Real estate options are also a consideration, though there are possibly better areas in Rio to invest your money than Niteroi. While it is located in a very good, livable place, Niteroi just isn’t experiencing the economic explosion of hotels and shopping malls that can be found in other locations such as Barra da Tijuca. Though it can be reiterated that it is still a nice low-cost place to live. It won’t automatically be the life that you’d experience in Copacabana and Ipanema, but you could certainly visit those sites on the weekend.

So that’s it. It’s a place to live that people in all probability don’t give much thought about, but possibly they should. Anyone that is looking to move to Brazil and has to work within a spending plan should absolutely give some thought to what Niteroi real estate can give.

Rio Exclusive is a Rio de Janeiro realtor listing apartments for sale in ipanema. Buy an apartment in rio de janeiro knowing that you will have a reputable company helping you.

[youtube:yHQOApixOOU;[link:Unconventional Gas];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHQOApixOOU&feature=related]In our world today we are becoming more dependant on unconventional gas. Over the years we have always depended on conventional natural gas, this is because it is less expensive and easier to harvest from.

Unconventional gas is much more expensive to mine and takes a lot more time and effort. As the world of technology moves forward and this becomes an easier process, this will become normal. There will be another product that will be considered unconventional and will take the place of unconventional gas in that sector.

For example, some previously regulated areas, such as the Anadarko basin in Western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, held what was considered unconventional gas deposits up until the past few decades. Once deregulation occurred, along with the passing of certain laws and policies like the Natural Gas Policy Act, the once unconventional gas of the area quickly became conventional.

Companies were given incentives to explore and come up with new technology to harvest unconventional gas in these areas. As this technology was developed the prices were driven down. So that today it is much easier to harvest in these areas.

Here Are The Forms On Unconventional Gas

1 – Coalbed Methane is coal that is deep underground and runs in seams; this is where methane gas builds up. It still is dangerous for miners but it is a great form of unconventional gas.

2 – Deep Natural Gas: Natural gas that is found far beneath the surface of the earth is known as deep natural gas. Typically deeper than 15,000 feet underground, it is much harder to get to than other, higher gases; recent technologies have made it more possible to extract – although conventional drilling is still more prominent and economical.

3 – When clay is compressed very quickly a natural gas is formed, and deposited into porous materials like salt and sand. This is called geopressurized zones. The zones can be located anywhere for 10,000 ft 25,000 ft down deep under the earth’s surface.

4 – Shale Gas is formed from shallow seas years before. This soft rock will not disintegrate over time when it gets wet. A gas is formed when a small piece of this rock is trapped between two bigger pieces. This is still an unconventional gas and it difficult and more expensive to extract.

5 – Methane Hydrates: This type of unconventional gas is still in its infancy, as it is the most recent to have been discovered. In simplest terms, methane molecules are caged within frozen water. It is thought that this gas may contain more organic carbon than unconventional gas, coal, and oil combined.

Reference: “Unconventional Natural Gas Resources”. NaturalGas.org. June 9, 2010

Strike Energy is a leader in the exploration oil industry. To find out more go to StrikeEnergy.com.

As we move into 2011, Republicans have promised to contest the wasteful spending practices of Democrats by greatly cutting spending. Many of the financial cuts proposed will come from crucial programs that were designed to help the jobless and senior citizens. Despite the fact that most will agree that reducing spending is essential, other challenges are much more important to address in an effort to stabilize the USA economic system.

What quite a few individuals do not realize is that budget cuts are needed not just as a result of short term economic stimulus spending measures, but for the reason that tax receipts are down for all levels of government. Tax receipts have been greatly reduced because individuals are buying much less not because of personal choice but out of necessity.

What we are watching the greatest overseas shift of prosperity ever seen. This exchange of economic prosperity is related to job losses in many countries that are too politically polarized to address the more flexible dynamic leaders in countries like China. While leaders in numerous Democracies worldwide argue about solutions to their fiscal problems, communist nations like China are able to easily conform and position themselves for additional growth.

As seen towards the end of 2010, politicians can work alongside one another to do the work of the people. But such legislation is minor compared to the real solutions they have to tackle in order to get Americans back on the job. No longer can these politicians disregard the advantages of gainful employment, the employer financed medical insurance coverage which many employers provide and the means for adults to take care of their children.

Many have challenged the wisdom of providing MFN trade status to countries like China. After all, China is a communist nation, has a lousy human rights record and consistently exports goods that contain dangerous amounts of poisons. Apart from dangerous merchandise, China is also the recipient of much of the job losses in Democracies around the globe. Many individuals think, and with good reason, China’s Most Favored Nation trade status should have been terminated long ago.

Complex remedies for dealing with decreasing tax receipts, and excessive government budgets, will require a lot more then spending cuts to fix. Politicians around the world must confront reality with the fact that domestic businesses are not able to compete against workers which get paid seventy cents and hour or less in countries like China. To grow in a global marketplace, political figures must recognize that all countries must have a manufacturing base so that their citizens produce something which can be sold abroad.

This writer is an unemployed worker that had to handle the medical needs of her family using a temporary health insurance policy. She appreciates the need for employer financed medical insurance and its impact on the health of our economic system.

Private Placement Memorandums and Direct Public Offerings, the most common mistakes made. When gearing up to raise capital it is typically a business owners first instinct to simply throw together a business plan and find the cheapest company to put together the private placement memorandum and then seek funding. What these professionals don’t realize is that they are doing things in reverse and often times a PPM is not a standalone solution to financial needs.

The first problem is the most companies will first write a business plan and cheap PPM and look for a capital solutions last, when strategically speaking, one should first find a full service solution who has a database of investors ready to fund properly structured corporations with well authored business plans and private placement memos. After you find a company that has a ready network of seasoned investors you will often find that this firm will also structure your business and documents so that you are able to attract the attention of these investors. Next, don’t make the mistake of hiring just anybody to write your biz plan. You need to find a professional author who is well rooted in the art of technical writing and has a solid comprehension of your industry.

Now it’s time to write the PPM. Here is a warning that will most likely go in one ear and out the other but you must never choose the cheapest service for your PPM you will regret it and this is a guarantee. Investors see these documents all day everyday and they know a template when they see it. Don’t believe for a second that you will get a viable private placement memo that will actually achieve funding for anything less than $3,000; it’s just not going to happen. There is too much work involved in putting a fund-able strategy together and you’ll never find an experienced firm to do it for cheap.

The moral of the story is to first find an investor finder solution with a solid network of investors, second have this company write your business plan and private placement memorandum to fit the needs of their investor base and lastly, talk to this consultant about helping you perform a DPO (Direct Public Offering) to their group. This is what separates the men from the boys in the venture capital consulting industry.

Legitimate consultants who stand behind their work will take your PPM directly to their investor base and help you raise capital quickly. In return for this service the company may want a modest equity position in addition to their fee but it is always worth it and typically they will take the final step and have their investors pay to take your company public. This is the ultimate for any company that is seeking a long term funding solution.

Remember the order: 1. Find an investor finder 2. Have that company write your biz plan and PPM 3. Convince the firm to perform a DPO for fast funding 4. Offer some equity to sweeten the pot so that they take you public!

FREE Download of the Ground Breaking eBook Taking A Company Public, to find out how to take our company public, structure a company, globalize your concept and much more. Click here to get Free Pre IPO Investor Alerts

La posibilidad de que Barack Obama pueda convertirse en el próximo presidente de los Estados Unidos, ha aumentado la curiosidad sobre su origen y su familia, pues ahora se ha sabido que Ann Durham, la madre de Obama, desde muy joven tuvo ideas socialistas, como la mayoría de los ‘hippies’ de la época.

Cuando ella cumplió los 18 años, viajó a Cuba, con un grupo de apoyo a la revolución. Ella por aquellos días pertenecía a un grupo radical que dirigía un afroamericano bien conocido en la Cuba de los 60, que se llamaba Stokely Carmichael y que todos ellos después se unieron al partido Comunista junto con Angela Davis, quien también visito Cuba muchas veces.

Durante su estancia en Cuba en 1960, Ann Durham estuvo involucrada en trabajos voluntarios viviendo en una comuna en la zona central de la isla, donde conoció a un joven cubano, Francisco Cundo, alto y moreno, oriundo del pueblo de Sagua la Grande.

Ann como sus compañeros y compañeras de la comuna, tenía ideas sexuales promiscuas, y alguna de ellas habría contado que todas ellas habían disfrutado mucho sus estancias en la Isla y que nunca podrían olvidar la fogosidad de los muchachos cubanos que ponían a trabajar como guías en aquellos grupos ‘progresistas’ de aquellos años, pero Francisco siempre fue el favorito de Ann.

Cuando Ann salió de Cuba, en Diciembre de 1960, tenía dos meses de embarazo. A su llegada a Hawái, donde vivían sus padres, reanudó sus estudios en la Universidad de Hawái en Manoa, donde conoció a Barack Obama-padre, con el cual se casó en Febrero de 1961.

En su libro ‘The audacity of Hope’ Obama dice que su madre tenía cuatro meses de embarazo cuando se casó con su padre. Si seguimos la cronología de los hechos, se puede comprobar que el padre del hijo de Ann es Francisco Cundo, no Barack Obama Sr.

Esto crea una nueva situación, de ser elegido presidente, Barack, se convertiría en un oficial federal electo de origen cubano con raíces en el pueblo de Sagua la Grande.

En estos momentos hay otro oficial electo de origen cubano con raíces en Sagua la Grande, hijo del veterinario Melquiades Martínez, el Senador de la Florida Mel Martínez, ahora, de ser Obama elegido, tendríamos otro oficial electo de origen cubano, con raíces en Sagua la Grande, el hijo de Ann: Barack (Cundo) Obama. (La Ann era buena caliente!!!)

Vaya!!! verdad que lo de los cubanos es mucho!!!!

FELICIDADES SAGUA LA GRANDE!!!

BY FRANCES ROBLES
frobles@MiamiHerald.com

NEW YORK — The Cuban government has not responded to Washington’s lastest no-strings offer to provide $6.3 million in light construction materials to benefit hurricane victims. Havana has shunned all the previous offers.

The U.S. State Department told Cuban diplomats in Washington on Friday that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was ready to send $6.3 million in corrugated zinc roofing, nails, tools, lumber and light shelter kits by ship to benefit some 48,000 people hit by back-to-back devastating hurricanes.

Havana has already turned down flights full of disaster relief supplies and — as of Monday night — has not responded to the latest offer from Washington.

”It’s hard to understand — hard — how they put politics ahead of suffering,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said in a phone interview with The Miami Herald on Monday. “They said last time that they needed building materials, so we added building materials. It’s frankly very surprising that the leadership — whoever is making the decisions — is putting pride, power and their own ego ahead of the suffering of the Cuban people.”

Gutierrez’ comments came amid several reports that Cubans receiving cash storm aid from an exile group in Miami were being threatened by authorities.

Melba Santana, the wife of a political prisoner in Las Tunas, said that when she attempted to distribute some money to neighbors from $300 in aid sent by the Cuban American National Foundation, state security agents threatened to charge her with a crime.

”Let’s see how far they are willing to take this, how far they are willing to sacrifice people’s suffering,” Santana said in a telephone interview. “It was a miserable little $10 I was giving out and people are in need.”

The latest U.S. offer comes on the heels of a diplomatic clash between Havana and Washington over the two powerful storms that hit the island in as many weeks. When Hurricane Gustav slammed into western Cuba on Aug. 30, the U.S. government offered $100,000 in aid and a disaster assessment team, a standard initial response to natural disasters that was widely criticized as too small and tied to conditions.

Cuba turned it down, saying an assessment team was unnecessary. When Ike hit eastern and western Cuba, destroying thousands of buildings in its path, Washington came back with the identical aid package. Cuba blasted it and asked for a temporary reprieve from the U.S. embargo instead.

Washington came under heavy criticism again for insisting on the assessment team and making such a paltry initial offer. USAID then made a third offer, lifting the conditions and increasing the aid to $5 million in goods and cash.

”It’s obvious that such a powerful government cannot comprehend that a nation’s dignity has no price,” Fidel Castro wrote in a column published last week. “If instead of $5 million it were billions, they would find the same response.”

The Cuban government’s official response was that what the nation really needed was credits to purchase construction materials. The U.S. embargo prohibits American companies from selling such materials to Cuba on credit. Current law allows food and lumber sales paid upfront in cash.

Gutierrez said lifting the embargo even temporarily would require congressional approval.

”Lifting the embargo has to do with things like releasing political prisoners. If we give that up, then we have nothing with which to fight for the Cuban people,” Gutierrez said. “That’s not what this is about. This is about free aid. They need help now, today, tomorrow, right now, and what they are asking for is a delayed process.

“They know that.”

USAID said $1.7 million of Washington’s aid is already making its way to Cuba through nongovernmental organizations. Should Cuba reject this latest offer, some of the materials could be donated to aid groups as well, said Jose Cardenas, the agency’s acting assistant administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean.

”What we tried to do was base our next offer on what they said they needed: construction materials,” Cardenas said. “We did not want to be in a position like we were standing idle while seeing these destruction reports from the island. We are still trying to proceed as a disaster relief agency, as if this were the Dominican Republic or Jamaica.”

But the offer, he said, will probably be the last.

”I don’t suspect this will go on much longer,” Cardenas said. “We’ll have to donate cash and commodities to different organizations. I don’t think we will go back to the well if they reject this offer.”