Friday, April 13, 2012

Friday, April 13th, 2012 - Mike Nova's starred items - via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/13/12

Google Reader - Mike Nova's starred items
Mike Nova's starred items

Friday, April 13th, 2012 - Mike Nova's starred items - via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/13/12

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/13/12
Friday, April 13th, 2012

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/12/12

Cancer keeping Chávez off campaign trail, but hasn’t dimmed political hopes

CARACAS, Venezuela — With less than six months left until Election Day, Venezuel ...

Rise in US exports brightens outlook for economy, spurs stocks higher

WASHINGTON — The outlook for U.S. economic growth is looking slightly better.

SEC, parties reach deal on recount

The island island’s two main political parties and the State Elections Commissio ...

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/12/12

PR teams aim to defend titles at NASA’s Great Moonbuggy Race

Students from the University of Puerto Rico Humacao and Teodoro Aguilar Mora Voc ...

Global trade expected to slow in 2012

GENEVA — Europe’s sovereign debt crisis and other economic shocks are expected t ...

Market may be up, but scars of 2008 are fresh

CHICAGO — Cheryl and Jim Friedman, retirees in St. Louis, had two-thirds of thei ...

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/11/12
Thursday, April 12th, 2012

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/11/12
BREAKING NEWS: More info

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/11/12

PR Supreme Court gives parties 48 hours to reach deal in recount case

The Puerto Rico Supreme Court is putting off a decision on the primary recount a ...

PR joins feds, states in antitrust suit against Apple, publishers over ebooks

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department, Puerto Rico and 15 states sued Apple I ...

EIU says PR economy on ‘road to recovery,’ but obstacles are many

Analysts at the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) are voicing cautious optimism t ...

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/11/12

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

via caribbeanbusiness.pr on 4/11/12
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Moody’s: Popular, PR units of BBVA and Santander, on downgrade review

Puerto Rico’s biggest bank, Popular Inc., and the island subsidiaries of two maj ...

GDB: PR economy holding ground

The Government Development Bank Economic Activity Index (GDB-EAI) for January an ...

This post has been generated by Page2RSS

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Puerto Rico News - Puerto Rico Noticias: 04/12/12

Puerto Rico News - Puerto Rico Noticias: 04/12/12

Mike Nova: My Photos - Puerto Rico - January 2012

Mike Nova: My Photos - Puerto Rico - January 2012

Tropical Flowers: Lush, flamboyant, sexy, seductive, lovely.
This generous and artsy nature seems to influence a human spirit too.
San Juan Beach Hotel - early January 2012

 

New Year 2012 under palms:




 




 



 




Mike Nova: The Health Of Nations

The idea of social justice is as old as are the ubiquitous and blatant practices of social injustice, first of all enslavement in its various forms and exploitation, on which "The Wealth Of Nations" was built. The 20th century Marxism seems to have combined both seamlessly.
Today we see more and more that "wealth of nations" depends to a large degree on "health of nations", namely, not only the conditions of their respective health services but their just (and therefore economically efficient) social and political order. The broad and universal concept of health with its notions of normal and abnormal social functioning can and should be applied to large social groups and systems, extending from the traditional notions of individual and small groups (family, industrial groups) to social health or socio-political pathology of countries and cultures (e.g. "failed states").


Social class in the United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

A monument to the working and supporting classes along Market Street in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District
Income in the United States
Affluence in the United States
Household income in the United States
Income inequality in the United States
Personal income in the United States
Social class in the United States
Income by:
State (localities by state)
County (highest | lowest)
Metropolitan statistical area
Place (highest | lowest)
Urban areas
ZIP Code Tabulation Area
Social class in the United States is a controversial issue, having many competing definitions, models, and even disagreements over its very existence.[1] Many Americans believe in a simple three-class model that includes the "rich", the "middle class", and the "poor". More complex models that have been proposed describe as many as a dozen class levels;[2][3] while still others deny the very existence, in the European sense, of "social class" in American society.[4] Most definitions of class structure group people according to wealth, income, education, type of occupation, and membership in a specific subculture or social network.
Sociologists Dennis Gilbert, William Thompson, Joseph Hickey, and James Henslin have proposed class systems with six distinct social classes. These class models feature an upper or capitalist class consisting of the rich and powerful, an upper middle class consisting of highly educated and affluent professionals, a middle class consisting of college-educated individuals employed in white-collar industries, a lower middle class, a working class constituted by clerical and blue collar workers whose work is highly routinized, and a lower class divided between the working poor and the unemployed underclass.[2][5][6]

Language, Imperialism and Culture - Dr. Thorsten Pattberg on GRTV - YouTube

Language, Imperialism and Culture - Dr. Thorsten Pattberg on GRTV - YouTube


Uploaded by on Feb 27, 2012
As China, Russia, and the other so-called BRICS nations rise in economic and geopolitical power, interest in these countries' language and culture is increasing in the West. Dr. Thorsten Pattberg of Peking University examines the ways that translation of certain key concepts misrepresents history and culture.

This is the GRTV Feature Interview for Global Research TV with host James Corbett and guest Dr. Thorsten Pattberg.

Mike Nova: Apparently, if there is such a thing as "English Linguistic Imperialism" then there must be and IS!!! such a thing as "Spanish Linguistic Imperialism". Both are quite regrettable.

Apparently, if there is such a thing as "English Linguistic Imperialism" then there must be and IS!!! such a thing as "Spanish Linguistic Imperialism". Both are quite regrettable. In application to Caribbean this linguistic antagonism phenomenon might also, together with other factors, reflect the objective economic realities combined with subjective emotions and fears of local upper (ruling) and middle classes. In a way, it is a continuation of  wars and resistance movements by means of linguistic domination. I don't think, that this is a "Marxist observation or analysis" and I do not consider myself a "Marxist" at all. But Marxism's general thesis about the role and significance of socio-economic factors in social and political lives of all societies seems to be indisputable. Just as indisputable as marxism's general error in evaluating in quite simplistic and mechanistic terms the complexity of human nature, which (the error) revealed itself in various marxist practices.

Mike Nova: "Gim'mi or else" is just the next and very logical step

"Gim'mi or else" is just the next and very logical step
of "Gim'mi" as a "philosophy" and as the way of life.

Puerto Rico - YouTube

Puerto Rico - YouTube

Puerto Rico's Nature & Wildlife - YouTube

Puerto Rico's Nature & Wildlife - YouTube


Published on Apr 11, 2012 by
I spent this past winter (2012) in Puerto Rico, and its hard to capture all the nature and wildlife, so I made a video of some of the adventures I was able to have through out the Island.

Mike Nova: "GIVE ME EVERYTHING! AND PREFERABLY TONIGHT!" - "DAME TODO! Y ESTA NOCHE PREFERENTEMENTE!"

Give me everything and tonight!
That's very much in vein (pun not intended!) of impatient and passionate Mediterranean character, and not Mediterranean only.
If things were so simple...
Although, sometimes and somewhere they are.
Didn't it become almost an universal slogan for the whole Generation - 2000-s?
"GIVE ME EVERYTHING! AND PREFERABLY TONIGHT!"
Do not delay and postpone anything. Take anything you can, and all sorts of gratifications here and now. And maybe you are entitled to them, too.
Who knows?



angelina-jolie-sarajevo-film-festival-2011-24.jpg



nightcore-give-me-everything-tonight.jpg


Dame todo y esta noche!
Eso es mucho en la vena (juego de palabras no tiene la intención!), de carácter Mediterráneo impaciente y apasionado, y no sólo del Mediterráneo.
Si las cosas fueran tan sencillas ...
Aunque, a veces y en alguna parte que son.
¿No llegó a ser casi un lema universal para toda la generación - 2000-s?
"DAME TODO! Y ESTA NOCHE PREFERENTEMENTE!"
No se demore y posponer cualquier cosa. Tome todo lo que pueda, y todo tipo de satisfacciones, aquí y ahora. Y tal vez usted tiene derecho a ellos, también.
¿Quién sabe?



http://sirenasinvoz.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html



5819857136_09a9398e1e_z.jpg

Omega - Give Me Everything - YouTube

Omega - Give Me Everything - YouTube


Published on Apr 11, 2012 by
Give Me Everything (Versione Merengue)

Salsa de Puertorico alla Clave exlusive latin club discoteca Aureliano e Daniela pasquetta 2012 - MOV02511.MPG - YouTube

MOV02511.MPG - YouTube

Published on Apr 12, 2012 by
salsa de Puertorico alla Clave exlusive latin club discoteca Aureliano e Daniela pasquetta 2012

4/10/12 Puerto Rico's HIV Crisis Worsens - YouTube

4/10/12 Puerto Rico's HIV Crisis Worsens - YouTube


Published on Apr 11, 2012 by
The cruel reality of politics and missmanagement of HIV funds has shown up again in Puerto Rico, with absolutely no results or positive actions from governmental agencies, neither statewide nor in San Juan's municipality..

Category:

Tags:

Calle 13 - Atrevete te te - YouTube

Calle 13 - Atrevete te te - YouTube


Uploaded by on Oct 24, 2009
Music video by Calle 13 performing Atrevete te te. (C) 2006 White Lion Music

Puerto Rican independence movement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Puerto Rican independence movement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Puerto Rican independence movement
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Puerto Rican independence movement
Lares Revolutionary Flag of 1868 (Pale Yellow Star).svg ·Flag of Puerto Rico (Light blue).svg · Flag of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party.svg · Pip Flag.png
Antonio Valero Bernabe.gifRamon Emeterio Betances sitting.jpgBracetti.JPG
Antonio Mattei Lluberas.jpgJose de Diego 2.jpgAlbizu.jpg

First row
Antonio Valero de BernabeRamón Emeterio BetancesMariana Bracetti
Second row
Antonio Mattei LluberasJosé de DiegoPedro Albizu Campos
Third row
Lolita LebrónGilberto Concepción de GraciaFiliberto Ojeda Ríos
The Puerto Rican independence movement (Movimiento de la Independencia Puertorriqueña) refers to initiatives throughout the history of Puerto Rico aimed at obtaining independence for the Island, first from Spain, and then from the United States. The movement is not localized to one group of individuals or even one organization throughout the years, but represents instead the events and activities of dozens of groups and organizations, and thousands of individuals, that share the common goal of advocating, supporting, or seeking political independence for Puerto Rico.
Since the beginning of the 19th century, the independence movement in Puerto Rico has used both peaceful, political means as well as violent, revolutionary approaches in search of its objectives. Organized political movements have existed since the mid-19th century and have advocated independence of the Island, first from Spain (in the 19th century) and then from the United States (from 1898 to the present day). Today, a spectrum of autonomous, nationalist, and independence sentiments and political parties exist in the Island.

Calle 13 (band) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Calle 13 (band) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Calle 13 (band)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Calle 13
Background information
OriginPuerto Rico
GenresAlternative rap, World music, Reggaeton
Years active2003–present
LabelsSony Music
Associated actsOmar Rodriguez-Lopez, Voltio, Tego Calderón, Nelly Furtado, La Mala Rodriguez, Orishas, Café Tacuba, Don Cheto, Shakira, Rubén Blades, Mercedes Sosa, Alejandro Sanz, Dante Spinetta, Juanes, Chancho en Piedra, Totó la Mamposina
Members
René Pérez Joglar (Residente Calle 13)
Eduardo Cabra Martínez (Visitante Calle 13)
Ileana Cabra Joglar (PG-13)
Calle 13 is a Puerto Rican band formed by stepbrothers René Pérez Joglar (born February 23, 1978 in Hato Rey) who calls himself Residente (lead singer, songwriter) and Eduardo José Cabra Martínez (born September 10, 1978 in Santurce, another subsection of San Juan), who calls himself Visitante (multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, beat producer) and their sister Ileana aka PG-13 (choirs, background vocals).
Stepbrothers Pérez and Cabra first got a record deal with White Lion Records after sending the label a demo tape, and after the controversial song "Querido F.B.I." was released, the group gained notoriety in Puerto Rico. In 2005, Calle 13 released its eponymously titled debut album, which became very popular due to the singles "Se Vale Tó-Tó" and "¡Atrévete-te-te!". In 2007, the group released its second album, Residente o Visitante, which was also very successful and experimented with a wide variety of genres. The album helped the group gain success throughout Latin America and win three Latin Grammys. The group released its third album, Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo, in 2008, which won Album of the Year at the 2009 Latin Grammy Awards. Calle 13 released its latest album, Entren Los Que Quieran, on November 22, 2010.
Calle 13 is noted for its eclectic musical style, often using unconventional instrumentation in its music, which distances the group from the reggaeton genre. The band is also known for its satirical lyrics as well as social commentary about Latin American issues and culture. The stepbrothers are strong supporters of the Puerto Rican independence movement, a stance that has generated controversy.[1] For their work, the group has won nineteen Latin Grammy Awards. They hold the record for the most Latin Grammy wins. They have also won two Grammy Awards.

Calle 13 - Latinoamérica - YouTube

Calle 13 - Latinoamérica - YouTube

EIU says PR economy on ‘road to recovery,’ but obstacles are many - caribbeanbusiness.pr

EIU says PR economy on ‘road to recovery,’ but obstacles are many - caribbeanbusiness.pr

EIU says PR economy on ‘road to recovery,’ but obstacles are many
By CB Online Staff


Analysts at the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) are voicing cautious optimism that Puerto Rico is finally pulling out of its economic doldrums, but warn that big obstacles remain to a substantial rebound.
“After many years of recession, Puerto Rico’s economy appears to have hit bottom and is now on a slow road to recovery,” the EIU reported in its latest island bulletin.
The advisory and analysis firm expects Puerto Rico’s gross national product will grow by 0.5% in fiscal 2012 (which ends June 30), which is short of the island government’s forecast of 0.7% growth.
The EIU expects growth to gain steam to 1.4% in fiscal 2013, as credit conditions improve and trends in several domestic sectors continue in a positive direction. The Fortuño administration’s efforts to support the rebound with a medium-term development strategy, which most recently included the enactment of a law that provides tax incentives to promote Puerto Rico as a hub for export services, could help to lift this to higher rates over the medium term, the report said.
The EIU notes that Puerto Rico has not registered growth since fiscal year 2006, when it expanded by just 0.5%. This was followed by five years of contraction. By comparison, during this stretch of time the mainland U.S. economy shrank in only one year, 2009 (by 3.5%), during the depth of the global financial crisis.
The island’s poor performance is the result of a combination of factors, including eroding competitiveness, structural changes in the manufacturing industry (particularly pharmaceuticals, a major component of Puerto Rico’s manufacturing base), the phasing out of federal tax incentives for producers on the island and the local government’s severe fiscal imbalances, the report said.
“The latter has required a major fiscal retrenchment effort by the administration of Gov. Luis Fortuño in order to keep the government running and maintain Puerto Rico’s credit rating and access to financing. This has had a negative impact not only on public spending but also employment, as the public sector is a major provider of jobs on the island,” the EIU said.
Signs of recovery
“Against a backdrop of fiscal adjustment, the economy has remained weak,” the report said. “However, select indicators have begun to show a clear improvement.”
The Puerto Rico Manufacturing-Purchasing Managers Index has been above a threshold that reflects expansion for 14 of the last 20 months. Exports in fiscal year 2011 totaled $64.9 billion, 5.2% over the prior year. Retail sales grew by 2.8% year on year in 2011, and by 4% in December alone. Auto sales in 2011 also showed modest improvement, with growth of 1.5% year on year. In the important tourism industry, the occupancy rate reached 69.2%, up 1.5 percentage points over 2010.
The report notes the positive impact from more than $7 billion in federal stimulus funding for Puerto Rico through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. Some $5.9 billion (83.5%) has been disbursed, largely for infrastructure projects. The Fortuño administration’s $500 million local stimulus plan has also pumped $365 million into the island economy.
“However, as these funds will soon be depleted, the government’s recovery strategy is based on a medium- and long-term plan to boost Puerto Rico’s competitiveness, attract investment to new or growing sectors, focus more on innovation and research and development, and promote the island as a business hub connecting the North America with the broader Caribbean and Latin American area,” the EIU said.
New tax breaks created
One step in this direction is a new law to aggressively foment growth of the local services industry and the exportation of services, thereby diversifying the drivers of economic growth and attracting new private capital.
The Export Services Act (No 20 of 2012) aims to turn Puerto Rico into an international center for legal, consulting, financial, engineering and other forms of services. The law provides for 20-year decrees, renewable for 10 additional years, which guarantee the tax breaks cannot be subject to subsequent legislative changes.
Under the decree, a new outside business setting up in Puerto Rico to provide services for export (or an existing local service provider that expands into exports) will be subject to a 4% flat corporate income tax rate (compared with the normal local rate of 30%), with a possibility of lowering this to 3% if exports are the main revenue generator of the company. Distributions from earnings and profits from such ventures will be 100% tax exempt in Puerto Rico. The operation will also be exempt from property taxes.
As a complement to this act, lawmakers passed the Individual Investors Act (Act 22 of 2012), designed to attract investors and high net worth individuals to take up residence in Puerto Rico. Benefits include 100% exemption from local taxes on interest and dividends, and on long-term capital gains accrued after the person becomes a legal resident. It is hoped that the act will attract business professionals (or retirees) to relocate to the island and will further encourage foreign or mainland-based services companies to set up shop there.
The EIU is not optimistic on Puerto Rico’s chances of landing a new federal industrial lure in the short term.
Puerto Rico has continued to lobby legislators in Washington to amend Section 933 of the U.S. tax code by adding a clause that would allow U.S. companies in Puerto Rico to benefit from US tax provisions permitting dividends paid to a parent company on the mainland to be tax-deductible. The measure, which has not advanced, would partially replace special benefits provided to Puerto Rico under Section 936 of the tax code, which expired in 2006.
“The issue might not be considered until the US Congress takes up a more comprehensive overhaul of the tax code, which is much discussed in political circles but does not look to be on the horizon,”
Too soon to tell
“It is too soon to determine whether Puerto Rico’s latest efforts to boost economic growth and diversification will bear the desired fruit,” the EIU said.
In the short term at least, the government’s ongoing fiscal squeeze will keep government consumption and investment low, according to the report. The economy also suffers from very high rates of unemployment, and this will continue to dampen private demand. A strong dependence on imports, particularly of fuel, will also hinder growth.
Externally, conditions also remain fragile.
Although the EIU no longer foresees a risk of recession in the U.S., and forecasts U.S. GDP growth of 1.9% in 2012, this is far below the rate of 3% enjoyed in 2010.
“Sluggish U.S. growth will limit expansion of Puerto Rico’s tourism, services and retail sectors,” the EIU said. “Recession in the euro zone, and the risk of an oil price spike, will also dampen Puerto Rico’s growth prospects.”