Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/245494454?client_source=feed&format=rss
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Monday, September 3, 2012
Import tax deadline has Cuba entrepreneurs on edge
A shopper looks at a copy of a FC Barcelona soccer team shirt with the name of player Lionel Messi at an outdoor market where the government allows licensed vendors to sell their goods in downtown Havana, Cuba, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. A jump in import taxes on Monday, Sept. 3 threatens to make life tougher for some of Cuba's new entrepreneurs who the government has been trying to encourage as it cuts a bloated workforce in the socialist economy. In Cuba, the average monthly wage is about $20. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)
A shopper looks at a copy of a FC Barcelona soccer team shirt with the name of player Lionel Messi at an outdoor market where the government allows licensed vendors to sell their goods in downtown Havana, Cuba, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. A jump in import taxes on Monday, Sept. 3 threatens to make life tougher for some of Cuba's new entrepreneurs who the government has been trying to encourage as it cuts a bloated workforce in the socialist economy. In Cuba, the average monthly wage is about $20. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)
Javier E. Matos repairs a a cell phone at The Cell Phone Clinic, a private business in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. A jump in import taxes on Monday, Sept. 3 threatens to make life tougher for some of Cuba's new entrepreneurs who the government has been trying to encourage as it cuts a bloated workforce in the socialist economy. In Cuba, the average monthly wage is about $20. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)
In this Aug 29, 2012 photo, venders Yeisker Castillo and his wife Lisbet Tejeda, right, dress a mannequin at their stall as clients walk through the open-air market where the government allows licensed vendors to sell their goods in downtown Havana, Cuba. A jump in import taxes on Monday, Sept. 3 threatens to make life tougher for some of Cuba's new entrepreneurs who the government has been trying to encourage as it cuts a bloated workforce in the socialist economy. In Cuba, the average monthly wage is about $20. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)
In this Aug 29, 2012 photo, Luis Manuel Dlas works to unload bags of imported clothing and accessories from a storage container, where self-employed vendors store their merchandise within an open market where the government allows licensed vendors to sell their goods in downtown Havana, Cuba. A jump in import taxes on Monday, Sept. 3 threatens to make life tougher for some of Cuba's new entrepreneurs who the government has been trying to encourage as it cuts a bloated workforce in the socialist economy. In Cuba, the average monthly wage is about $20. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)
In this Aug. 30, 2012 photo, Javier E. Matos repairs a cell phone at The Cell Phone Clinic, a private business in Havana, Cuba. A jump in import taxes on Monday, Sept. 3 threatens to make life tougher for some of Cuba's new entrepreneurs who the government has been trying to encourage as it cuts a bloated workforce in the socialist economy. In Cuba, the average monthly wage is about $20. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)
HAVANA (AP) ? A sudden jump in import taxes on Monday threatens to make life tougher for some of Cuba's new entrepreneurs and will mean higher prices for many of their customers by raising the cost of goods ranging from jungle-print blouses to jewelry.
The new measures steeply hike duties on cargo shipments, as well as on many bulk goods brought in by airline passengers, a crucial supply line for many of the small businesses the government has been trying to encourage as it cuts a bloated workforce in the socialist economy.
Officials insist the taxes are similar to those in other countries, but many small-business owners view the change as an ominous sign.
While the published official description seems aimed at items such as clothing, soap, food and other personal-use goods, it is so complex it leaves importers of other products unsure if they will be affected, now or in the future.
Some of the entrepreneurs, such as Javier Ernesto Matos, say they have prepared for the blow by stocking up on parts before the tax takes effect.
He also has prepared for a worst-case scenario if supply dries up entirely: "It's pretty shocking, but the strategy we have in mind is to consolidate in a single shop and leave prices the same to recoup what we can from our investment," said Matos, who together with two business partners operates three mobile phone repair shops called the Cellphone Clinic.
Others say they'll have no choice but to raise prices. That, along with the higher taxes on goods brought in by friends, has worried consumers in a country where the average monthly wage is about $20.
"For our family these are important items, from a little soap to a backpack for school," a woman identified as Loraine wrote on the state-run Cubadebate website. "We all make sacrifices to help them. Nothing falls from the sky. Why are they turning their backs on reality? Knowing how many shortages there are in the country, why be so strict?"
While President Raul Castro has tried to expand the private sector, the government has done little to provide wholesale outlets where businesses can buy parts and materials for the goods they sell, so many supplies are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive due to high government retail markups.
Arturo Lopez-Levy, a Cuban-born economist at the University of Denver, said it's not unusual for countries to levy high customs duties, but Cuba has exceptional circumstances that make it inadvisable right now.
"The right timing was to create the wholesale market first and then try to crack down on this type of activity," Lopez-Levy said. "If you don't have a wholesale market, then you are implementing the measures without the proper sequence, especially if you really want to promote the small- and medium-size nonstate sector."
"In the long term, this resolution was necessary," he said. "Right now, it's a mistake."
The new duties seem primarily targeted at so-called "mules," who make frequent shopping trips to places such as Ecuador, Panama and Miami and bring back duffel bags bulging with food, underwear, shoes and electronics.
Starting Monday, Cubans who travel abroad more than once a year not only will pay higher tariffs, they'll pay in hard currency rather than the more-easily obtainable national peso, which trades at 24 to the U.S. dollar and is used for most salaries.
Cubans will also begin paying dollar-based sums of $4.55 a pound ($10 per kilogram) above a certain weight to receive packages shipped by air and sea. That rate doubles if they bring in large shipments.
The impact is already being felt by people like Rafael, a 50-something who imports clothes to Havana. Before, he paid the equivalent of $65 in the local currency to import 550 pounds (120 kilograms) of clothing. Under the new, progressive duty schedule, that would apparently cost between $1,300 and $1,800.
"This idea of raising taxes is crazy. ... I don't know where this decision came from, because it hurts everyone," Rafael said. "But it hurts the people the most, because we have to raise our prices."
Already costly for Cubans ? a pair of jeans costs an average month's wage ? Rafael's prices stand to rise an initial $2-3 per garment and could go up even more, he said.
He declined to be identified by his full name because his business license only authorizes him to make clothing, but he essentially resells imported garments.
The new rules will mostly affect clothing stands and boutiques, but could also hurt the supply of things such as artificial nails to beauty salons, or fabric, buttons and zippers to dressmakers.
It could also make it harder for some Cubans to visit family abroad. Trips are often funded by agreeing to bring back large bags on behalf of someone who pays the airfare.
The Cellphone Clinic's Matos said he began doubling his normal purchases this summer and has stockpiled enough parts like fragile electronic ribbons to stay in business for two more years, no matter what.
"If buying pieces becomes more expensive, if people are bringing in less, you have to reevaluate and prices will have to rise," he said. "It's a bad thing, because if you raise the price not everyone will come like before. It's not worth it, you know?"
It's not clear that any state-run operation would offer some of the Clinic's services, such as unblocking an iPhone 4.
Separate tax rates cover food and electronics, including 400 pesos (or $17) for a Cuban to import a 32-inch or larger flat-screen TV on a first trip, and $400 on subsequent travels.
Authorities insist they're just trying to improve service at Cuban airports, where excess baggage clogs conveyor belts in passenger terminals. In mid-August, state-run website Cubadebate published Customs officials' explanation of the tariffs along with several examples.
But it did little to ease concerns, judging by the dozens of exasperated reader complaints posted in the comments section.
"Why should a Cuban citizen have to pay the taxes in a currency in which they themselves are not paid?" said a poster identified as Roberto Suarez. "That's not fair. I don't travel, but I don't see the logic in that."
Some said the regulations could force entrepreneurs to turn to black-market goods pilfered from state-run concerns.
Others, however, predicted that Cubans, famous for their knack for finding a make-do solution to any problem, will figure a way to sidestep the duties.
"Something will be found to get around this," said Maria, another clothing vendor who also would not give her last name because her business activities exceed the scope of her license. "It always happens in this country. It's like they say: 'He who creates the law, also creates the cheat.'"
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Associated Press writer Anne-Marie Garcia in Havana contributed to this report.
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Follow Peter Orsi on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Peter_Orsi
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Sunday, September 2, 2012
Teerapong Laundry Storage Cabinet Secret Revealed! Laundry ...
When a laundry room lacks space, it is time to get the advantage of a laundry storage cabinet. These cabinets help to optimize available room space. Furthermore, it is great for making your laundry work much easier and faster, especially if the storage cabinet is placed near the washing machine and dryer. Whether it is for laundry organization or storage space maximization, the laundry cabinet meets your expectation and your secret to home improvement.Ameriwood Industries System Build Collection Laundry Storage CabinetThe Ameriwood Furniture is known for producing and manufacturing innovative and high quality furniture both for office and home use. It delivers best value furniture with finest styles and qualities, pricing at around $99.00. The laundry cabinet by Ameriwood Furniture has three adjustable shelves and three doors. It is constructed with fibreboard and white finish. The furniture can be placed perfectly inside your kitchen or garage space.Stacks and Stacks Three Cubby Home CabinetThis cabinet is ideal for any laundry room, kitchen room or garage space. The storage cabinet provides ample space for you to organize your laundry and garments. The cabinet has separate cubbies and comes with one adjustable shelf. This wall mounted laundry cabinet is perfect for storing extra toilet paper rolls, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, soaps, tools, towels and other home necessities. The cabinet is constructed with particleboard and crisp white finish to keep your home look organized and cleaned.Prepac WEB-3236 Elite Storage 32 Inches Base CabinetFor your laundry convenience, this elite storage cabinet offers ample storage space for your laundry equipments or products. The laundry cabinet is made with quality melamine surface construction for durability. It is also easy to clean and it looks perfect in any room space. The cabinet is ideal for use as laundry room organization, storage and utility room. This product also comes with adjustable shelf, which is removable.
For Laundry Room Storage Reviews and other useful Laundry Room Organization info, please visit laundryroomstoragecabinets.net.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Javier_Clark
Source: http://teerapong.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-684.html
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Drug rehab centers Jupiter Fl can help you get your life back on track
Health and Fitness | Addiction | * Written by Allen Randall | Friday, 31 August 2012 14:48 | Word Count: 530
Getting professional help is not a sign of surrender or weakness; it is an act of strength. There are points in life in which ignoring the problem or isolating yourself only makes things worse. You don't have to shoulder the great burdens of life without help and support. Indeed, seeking help, advice, and treatment is a sign that you recognize the possibility of living a better life and are determined to do so. This is especially the case when it comes to drug abuse. Medical professionals have classified drug abuse as a disease, which means it can be treated and cured. Drug rehab centers Jupiter FL can help individuals struggling to overcome their addiction to drugs.
If you want to live free from drugs or other substances but you don't know how to make it happen, treatment may just be the thing for you. There are many kinds of courses and programs that can be tailored to your particular needs and problems. Many drug rehab centers Jupiter FL offer tailored programs that are responsive to your needs and as flexible as you need them to be. The counselors in these centers seek to understand clients as real people rather than just problems to be dealt with.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, mood disorder, or drug addiction, you need professionals who are committed to treating you as a whole person rather than just an illness. Those suffering from dependency issues get professional support in a comfortable, safe, and confidential environment in order to begin the healing process and empower themselves to forge a positive, long-lasting change in their life. Centers for drug rehab Jupiter Florida deliver a range of treatment options that will put you on the path to feeling better and doing better.
Outpatient programs such as the one offered by Jupiter counseling are extraordinarily advantageous for busy persons who don't have the luxury or financial resources to put their life on hold in order to get the treatment they need. Such outpatient treatment programs can provide the needed care with little down time. This is important because many people associate intensive drug treatment with impatient treatment; when in fact, outpatient treatment programs are just as effective, which is why they've become increasingly popular over the years.
Fortunately, it is not that difficult to find drug rehab centers Jupiter FL. The place to begin your search is on the worldwide web. The web allows you to bring various counseling centers to your computer screen. It allows you to review and compare the services that each one has to offer. This is the information you need before making a decision about who to turn to.
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The Drug Rehab Centers Jupiter FL such as Jupiter Counseling can provide you the kind of treatment you need to get your life back on track.
Article Source: Article Directory - http://www.freearticleforyou.com
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Obama Honors US Troops on Iraq Anniversary
U.S. President Barack Obama has marked the second anniversary of the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq by thanking soldiers and their families for their sacrifices.
During his weekly address Saturday, Obama spoke of his visit to Fort Bliss, Texas Friday, where he congratulated the soldiers on their accomplishments.
The president also said progress has been made against the Taliban in Afghanistan, but more difficult work lies ahead.? He said the U.S. is on track to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in 2014.
President Obama said as troops return home they should not have to fight for a job.? Obama says helping troops realize their dreams is the way to show them honor.
Watch President Obama's weekly speech:
In the Republican address, Congressman Steve Scalise urged Democrats to help stop a tax hike on small businesses set to take effect in January 1st.
He said the tax will make it more difficult for small business owners to hire new workers.? Scalise says keeping the "American Dream"? alive means supporting an economy that promotes freedom and private sector job opportunities."
Source: http://www.voanews.com/content/obama_honors_us_troops_on_iraq_anniversary/1499793.html
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Saturday, September 1, 2012
Airbus Military delivers C212 to Vietnam Marine Police
Digital Battlespace
Airbus Military has announced that it has delivered the first of three C212-400 maritime patrol aircraft to the Vietnam Marine Police, following the completion of the mission system installation in Sweden. The company made the announcement 30 August 2012.
The aircraft, originally manufactured in Seville, made the 10 day ferry flight from Sweden, where the conversion work was carried out, to Vietnam. It was handed over at Gia Lam (Hanoi). The flight, commanded by ferry pilot Capt Alejandro Grande supported by two co-pilots, two flight engineers and a technical representative, staged through: Kosice, Slovakia; Sitia, Greece; Luxor, Egypt; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Muscat, Oman; Ahmedabad and Kolkata, India; and Chiang Mai, Thailand; en route to Hanoi.
Airbus Military said the three aircraft will be used for a range of missions including coastal patrol, search and rescue, anti-pollution operations, and law enforcement against smuggling of goods or people.
A second aircraft is under conversion in Sweden and the third will be transferred from Seville by the end of 2012.
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