If only I was a Japanese rasta
New Department of Eagles video “No one does it like you” directed by Patrick Daughters and Marcel Dzama
Re blogged from Freewilliamsburg
El Pasajero, un cortometraje fabuloso dirigido por Matias Meyer, con Jean Meyer y Fabio Palacios. Part 1 of 2
Esta es la segunda parte de “El Pasajero” Part 2 of 2
Credits to sarah for the link, damn these kids have talent!
Prof. Victor Valle, Dean of the Latin America and the Caribbean Programme at the University for Peace (Costa Rica) provides a bit of analysis on Mauricio Funes and the resurgence of the FMLN.
Prof. Pastor (American University) gave an interesting talk last Friday at the Bildner Center for Western Hemisphere studies on opportunities and caveats towards improving US-Cuba relations in the age of Obama. While the new president has generated a lot of excitement and optimism among those that follow Cuba, there remains a lack of consensus on the need to redirect current US policy towards the island. For example, some democratic lawmakers ‘Nelson (FL), Menendez (NJ)’ voiced their resistance to the recent Omnibus bill, because it included provisions to ease travel restrictions towards the island. Pastor was quick to emphasize that given the vast domestic and foreign policy challenges facing the current administration, Cuba is at best a marginal issue. In the midst of a financial crisis, two wars and other diplomatic challenges, it is not clear that Obama will spend the necessary political capital to push through a fundamental change in Cuba policy. In Pastor’s view, the embargo has failed in it stated goals of regime change and bringing democracy to Cuba, while earning the US much international condemnation. According to Pastor, “The embargo serves as a buttress for the authoritarian communist regime in Cuba, allowing it to fend off domestic pressures to liberalize politically and economically.” Pastor appealed to the audience to taper their high expectations, since lifting the embargo requires congressional approval.
In any case, a departure from current Cuba policy will generate much international good will. The OAS summit in April is the perfect platform to unveil a less antagonistic stance towards the island. Pastor voiced his hope that the Obama administration will move towards unrestricted travel and remittances. He also advocated for a commission similar to the one Kerry and McCain led towards Vietnam, which resulted in the normalization of relations. The Cuban Government can also do its part to improve bilateral relations, by releasing the remaining “Varela project” political prisoners. There is a Cuba policy review underway in Washington, whether the Obama administration takes a bold or a timid approach to revising the status quo remains to be seen.
Ok, Kevin Bacon, ex-wall street trader, loses everything, becomes bicycle messenger, boy meets girl, lawrence fishburne, sweet bike stunts… pretty sweet eighties movie!
Cubicle life: You too would frown if your immediate coworkers engaged in a daily discussion on calorie counting, pilates instructors, juice fasts, and the multiple brands of protein shakes!
Fancy meeting you here, Haha, yes you… don’t look at me like that, of course I’ve missed you!
