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3 | § ¶Just say you like it!
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Today, the Brazilian government started a campaign to convince all of us that coffee drinking is good for our health: reduced chances of heart disease, increased alertness, and happiness. It defies conventional wisdom and traditional studies that state that it causes hypertension, sleep disorders, and anxiety, plus it leaves some nasty stains on your teeth.
All of this reminds me of the French Paradox idea published during the 1990's that suggested that moderate consumptions of alcohol reduces the chance of death because of cardiovascular coronaries.
Don't take me wrong...
Read More 4 5 | § ¶Who said Puerto Rico taxes where easy?
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There is an urban legend that suggests that since Puerto Ricans residing on Puerto Rico are not subject to Federal State Taxes there are huge tax savings when you move back to the island. In reality, there isn’t such a big difference. Take a look at the following tables, and thank God there is only “state” tax in Puerto Rico:
Read More 6 3 | § ¶Massachusetts Supreme Court Allows Gays to Marry
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I am happy! Extremely happy! Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Massachusetts decided that prohibiting gays to marry in Massachusetts is UnConstitutional. Although I am straight, and I intend to marry my girlfriend on Febrary next year, I still believe that we can't discriminate people because of sex, race, political orientation, or ethnic origin. Women and men should be considered equal on all aspects. Such said, then any person (regardless of sex) should be allowed to marry any other person (regardless of sex).
This is a step in the right direction. More work needed.
Read More 6 2 | § ¶Wines from Yesterday's Paella Gathering
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Yesterday we met at Lastra's home to practice our paella making skills. And I must say, it tasted great!
Then again, every time a we meet for some culinary experience, we get to taste a few good wines and this time wasn't the exception. I will make an effort to keep note of those I liked most.
Read More 3 4 | § ¶Regional Jets
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Regional Jets, I love them: small, ultra-efficient, spartanly built jets that move you from your city to the other one in about an hour. They go faster than the turbopropeller planes that they are replacing, and they allow more frequent schedules to the cities that where too far to be serviced by a turbopropeller plane, but had less demand than the one required to send a regular commercial jet made by the big two: Boeing and Airbus. If those wheren't enough good reasons, you feel good by fliying them when you remind yourself that they are built by two companies that add healthy competition to the commercial aircraft market: the Canadian Bombardier, and the Brazilian Embraer (I personally favor Embraer, a faster growing company that offers less frills and a more reasonably priced aircraft).
The only issue with regional jets is that our national and international airports aren't well prepared to service them.
Read More 12 4 | § ¶Vietnam Again? - I don't think so...
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The news media has recently compared the Iraq situation with the Vietnam War. My opinion on that matter is that news reporters hasn't been studying in their history classes.
Read More 2 8 | § ¶World's End Hike
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Living in Massachusetts, my premiere hiking choices are New Hampshire White Mountains, and Vermont Green Mountains. Ussually I snub at the 4 mile, local flat terrain hikes of eastern Massachuseets. What a mistake that could be! By doing that you loose the opportunity to relax, and take some time to enjoy the sea breeze.
Last Saturday October 25, 2003 we went to the only land connected island from the Boston Harbor National Park and enjoyed a nice stroll around World's End, and grea views of the big city (Boston) from the south.
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