50 years of U.S. embargo against Cuba

Cuban flag hanging down the balcony of one of Havana’s many houses in urgent need of repair. But where are the funds to come from?

Much has been written about Cuba, even more has been said. Its beaches are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Its capital Havana was once praised as the Paris of the Antilles. No visitor fails to notice this, even though decades of deprivation and neglect have taken their toll.

USA – Payday for Apple’s shareholders

Apple announced the other day that it will pay a dividend to its shareholders. It could have been a company communication like millions of others, but it wasn’t. There is only one Apple, a hugely successful company that hasn’t paid out a single nickel for 16 years. It is understood that the cash pile has risen to about 100 billion dollar (the GDP of Ireland stood at 180 billion in 2011). 45 billion dollar will be made available for payment over 3 years. I have 2 questions regarding this announcement, the first is economical, the second rather ethical.

Ireland – Comment: Enda Kenny in Washington

English: Taoiseach Enda Kenny with US President Barack Obama in the Oval Office, in the White House on St. Patrick’s Day 2011. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Enda Kenny met with Barack Obama at the White House during the St.Patrick‘s Celebrations. After performing friendly exchanges Obama confirmed his intent to visit Ireland in May this year. What an eventful month this is going to be since the English Queen Elizabeth II will also come to town. The former will receive an enthusiastic and warm welcoming from the local crowd, the latter less so. He will be loved, she will be respected.