- Saturday, 28 November 2009
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John Leyden at the Register only has to write two stories a day - Paul Hales
Cuba allows sale of computers, DVDs, rice cookers and toasters
IN A POPULAR move by Cuba’s new president, Raul Castro, Cubans will soon be allowed to buy computers and DVD players. If they can afford to, that is.
Reuters reports that it has seen an internal Cuban government memo which reckons that the coveted goods, which in the past were the preserve of foreigners and firms, can start being imported right away.
Though, seeing as Cubans get paid a state stipend of approximately $15 a month, it might take them a while to save up for the new appliances which will only be available in ‘pesos convertibles’ (CUC). CUCs are pegged to the American dollar, rather than the national peso, which is worth 24 times less, and in which workers are paid.
The memo purportedly states that, based on the improved availability of electricity, "the government at the highest level has approved the sale of some equipment which was prohibited". Other sought-after appliances now available and previously only obtainable on the black market, or smuggled in courtesy of relatives in Florida, include electric pressure cookers, rice cookers, electric bicycles, car alarms and microwave ovens. Bring on the TV dinners.
The memo promises that even more appliances will be available in 2009, including air-conditioners, which any Cuban would gladly swap his own mother for. They will also be able to enjoy the subtle crunchiness of toast, with the new availability of toasters in 2010.
Most electrical items were banned due to a lack of electricity rather than to any deep seated ideological reason. But now that Cuba’s friend, Hugo Chavez, has stepped in waving his cheque book, the daily blackouts should soon be a thing of the past. Cuban generators now run smoothly on Venezuelan fuel powered generators.
Despite the fact that Cubans lucky enough to be able to afford a computer can now buy one, they are still not totally free to use it as they please. The Internet in Cuba is still censored and monitored by the government. µ
L'Inq
Reuters
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There is no freedom of the press in Raoul Castro's Cuba. The stogie- oppressed proletariat is deprived adequate food processing. It's estimated that it will be so, at least until 2010, before Cubans can legally purchase snack 'n' toastie makers and electric plancha. ¡Cubano panini is surely the taste of freedom! The democracies of the world should not waffle iron curtains. A sandwich!, a sandwich! my kingdom for a panino! Let them eat toast! indeed! Why do not the Allies airlift jaffles irons to Cuba? It is a cold bread war! It's time to be calling the doctor! Enough with evil communist plots! Doctor Spinola, do-be-do-be-do, where Are you?
"The Internet in Cuba is still censored and monitored by the government. µ"

Oh like it isn't been monitored right now here in the US?
By the CIA , FBA or NSA?
Can you say Patriot Act boys and girls?

Any how... great now my grandma can see such great pieces of cinema like:
Superbad, Dude where's my car?, Meet the Spartans and the like....

Progress ah?

...oh who could that be knocking at my door..... ?

:P



15 dollars might seem crappy, I am in the hole for 55,000 dollars worth of graduate degree money borrowing and a new car to get around. I also have to cough up 1600 dollars a month for rent in this 1 bedroom apartment (manhattan). If i was there, I would have 15 dollars to my name.

Being that I am here, I have -70,000 dollars to my name. The illusion of wealth in the USA is deplorable. They have free school, free living, free food. I would have gotten my ph.d. by now yet im stuck on a crap masters at the moment.

I wonder if they can import any brand they want. 30 dollars can buy a decent dvd player.
I hear Toshiba has some killer deals on video players and slighty used videos can be had for a song on Ebay. Heck even M$ could get in on some x360's