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USA
The Making of a President
The historic election of Barack Obama brings with it high expectations for the future of America and its neighbors. What’s next?
Philosophical Times
French provocateur Bernard-Henri Levy gives a piece of his mind on democracy, government absentia, and the country’s fascination with Obamania VS. palintology
California’s Rocky Road
A budget mess, a fiscal crisis, and a recall effort have brought California to the point of exhaustion. What’s next?
A Soldier’s Story
The highest ranking hispanic in the U.S. army at the time of his retirement, LT. GEN. Ricardo Sanchez Shares the military perspective on politics and the war in Iraq.
The Silver Tsunami
The new economy must come to grips with an aging population as demographics across the country mimic those in Florida
The Sneeze Felt Around The World
The medicine is likely to be a bitter one as the economy shrinks to a more realistic size
Art And Democracy
The downturn in the economy may bring acquiring art within the reach of those who truly love it instead of only those who want “an investment”
The Real Hemispheric Agenda
Financial recovery, energy and climate change should be top priorities
What Iceland can teach America
How geothermal power can revolutionize the energy landscape.
Anatomy Of An Effective Transition
The new U.S. president faces pressing issues as he prepares to take office.
The Mind of Lexington Avenue
Communications maven Bob Jeffrey has taken the largest advertising agency in the U.S. to new frontiers.
Standing Together
It took compromise and cooperation to end the violence in Northern Ireland.
IN BRIEF Miami
IN BRIEFLatin America
The top 100 latino entrepreneurs
These TOP 100 entrepreneurs represent role models for hispanic business
Executive Gifts
The latest luxury items and gadgets for your favorite high-powered VIP
The New World Economy
The U.S. is not alone on its roller coaster ride. how–and when–it emerges from its economic troubles will affect an increasing number of interdependent countries.
The news welcomed president Obama
Newspapers around the world welcomed the 44th president-elect of the United States who will be sworn into office on January 20th, 2009.
Leadership for a new age
An endorsement of Barack Obama for U.S. President
Insource Vs. Outsource
Keeping jobs in the U.S. is a simple matter of retraining workers for the new millenium
Sir Martin’s Empire
Sir Martin Sorrell, president of WPP, a conglomerate of more than 250 companies, speaks about the internet and the future of media, public relations and advertising.
Latin America Looks Up





As we head into perhaps the most closely followed election the word over, Latin America’s Countries are watching expectantly
John McCain and the Undocumented Express
The republican nominee recovers his pro-immigrant credentials, but is his visa for the latino electorate still valid?
Big Bear Wall Street’s SHAKY Foundations
Plagued with uncertainty, a bear market lies at the heart of the worst financial crisis since the great depression
California’s Vote
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on the presidential campaign. In advertising alone, both parties invested almost $200 million before the June primaries.
Direct Marketing
Record-Breaking auction of Damien Hirst works proves it’s possible to circumvent galleries
The Evaporation Of Small Business Loans and What To Do About iIt
Worried about the economy? there’s never been a more important time for survival strategies
On Immigration, It’s The Economy, Stupid
A new effort to clear this country of illegal immigrants comes courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which recently began asking more than 450,000 people who are in violation of deportation orders to come forward, get their personal affairs in order and volunteer to return to their home countries.
A Widening GAP
As socialism spreads through Latin America, a new policy may be needed to counteract Venezuela’s growing influence.
Brazil Rising
The U.S. underestimates the growing influence and impact of Brazil at its own peril
Opportunities In The Clean Energy Economy
Today’s challenges require a new approach that will benefit business as well as the environment
Kodak Moments
Digital age sharpens focus on the future
Power Surge
One man’s journey from Enron’s Ashes to co-founding Florida’s second-largest energy company.
Post-Apartheid Reality
With sensitivity, openness and ubuntu, south Africa heals the wounds of apartheid.
[ MOVERS & SHAKERS ]
IN BRIEFLatin America
On The Campaign Trail
An inside look at the candidates’ political platform and stances on issues affecting one of the most historic races in U.S. history
Your Home Away From Home
Beyond the convenience and comfort of private Jets, some executives and companies OPT for the ultimate private air travel experience. Now that’s flying high.
Bend it Like BATMAN
The Green Revolution
Does a british company’s go-ahead to develop a golf resort in Cuba signal the sport’s return from exile?
Driving Force
The road to selecting company cars offers various detours
The Road to Ruins
In the yucatan peninsula, less than two hours away by plane from miami, you can enjoy the beaches of some of the best resorts in the region while making day trips to some of the most important mayan ruins in mexico and experiencing as a wide range of exciting eco-tourism escapes.
The Power Of One In The Fight Against Cancer
Taking action is the only acceptable approach, even if you have not been touched by cancer—yet.
A Midwestern Microcosm
The political and social concerns of Missouri residents offer a mirror to the rest of the country—and may very well reflect what is coming in the November election.
Arrested Development
In Ecuador as in the rest of Latin America, the endless process of re-writing constitutions perpetuates a state of flux
Is Hope Enough in the Battle Against Hate?
In light of a rising wave of hate crimes against latinos, the national council of LA RAZA has launched the wave of hope campaign to set the record straight about hispanics and immigration in this country.
A Coalition Against Cancer
A new effort hopes to help the battle against cancer transcend national borders in an effort to save lives.
The Price of a Better Life
Wealth managers have been around for a while, but genspring CEO Maria Elena Lagomasino is taking the practice to the next level by creating an integrated plan that ultimately seeks to improve the quality of life for her clients.
Let’s Get Physical
Today’s premium care is thoroughly transforming the quality of the patient’s experience.
Global Warming And The Price At The Pump
Forget “catch phrase” politics. The road to energy independence and a cleaner planet lies not with more drilling
The Mestizo Tongue
It’s a misconception pensar que there existe an homogenized Spanglish.
Don’t Call Them Illegals
Changing the words we use can change our perception of undocumented residents
Winner Takes All
The seductive psychology of auctions can make them a dangerous place to buy art
Back to Smart Diplomacy
With deteriorating relations in the hemisphere, a high priority for the next president should be restoring the special envoy for the americas, a key part of U.S. foreign diplomacy.
The Triple Bottom Line
A new approach to corporate social responsibility.
Relief Forces
Are private contractors with logistic and military know-how the answer to help governments prepare and respond quickly to challenges?
Orange is the New Green
One of the first corporations to become carbon neutral, ING is concerned about the future of its cutomers—and the earth.
Market Analysis
An early pioneer of hispanic marketing, Isabel Valdes dissects the latino segment in her book hispanic customers for life: a fresh look at acculturation
Special Delivery
Three young entrepreneurs take aim in the fight against cancer
In the Eye of the Storm
Exclusionary practices taint disaster relief efforts
[ MOVERS & SHAKERS ]
Another strategy Against Drugs: Legalization
The decades-long war against drugs has done little to reduce production, consumption and trafficking. If anything, it has made things worse. Is it time to reevaluate our strategy?
The Up Side Of a Down Economy
Two Of The Brightest minds in the financial services industry share their perpectives on the current economy and whether there truly is a silver lining behind the dark clouds.
In Brief Latin America
Footnotes to a Pulitzer prize
In the margins of author Junot Diaz’s award-winning and bestselling novel lies an abstract lesson in power.
Friends And Foes
Once one of Chavez’ closest allies, former defense minister Gen. Raul Baduel has been a crucial part of venezuela’s strengthening opposition, even as his political future remains uncertain.
MexicoTurns On The Lights In The Courtroom
Aspirations to have an American-type justice system is unheard of in most of Latin America. Yet it is the rule of law and integrity of the judicial system that studies have shown leads to greater economic development.
Short And Naked In Wall Street
House Artist
While works of art and collectibles sell at auction, the market for architectural gems cannot seem to find a footing.
Can Democracies Change the World?
With both U.S. presidential candidates pushing a new grouping of democratic nations, the new organization must learn from where its predecesors have failed.
The New Economy
Preparing your business for a carbon-constrained world is key to developing a competitive advantage.
Raul Alarcon, Visionary, Bon Vivant
The radio pioneer overcame adversity and never lost his belief in the future as he established the Spanish Broadcasting System.
[ MOVERS & SHAKERS ]
To The Right
For Carly Fiorina, chair of the Republican National Committee’s Victory 2008, Sen. John McCain is our only hope at saving the economy.
To The Left
For veteran diplomat Anthony Lake, foreign policy advisor to Barack Obama, the young Senator represents not only America’s greatest hope, but also the world’s.
The Price Of Safety
The newly instated “hands-free” law in California represents big bucks for technology companies, and so far, in traffic citations too.
When It Rains, It Pours
U.S. strength and vitality —now and in the future— are being heralded as a function of the country’s metropolitan areas. But are we forgetting half of it?
Plan B For Deepening Economic Ties In The Americas
An entirely new approach to improving the investment climate may be needed.
A Second Chance
Success Relies on Adequate Funding
Lou Doubts
As the self-described savior of America’s middle-class, CNN anchor Lou Dobbs has been using the immigration debate to raise his own stock. But at what point did ratings become more important than the quality of reporting for “the most trusted name in news”?
20 Under 40
Our first annual list of Hispanic entrepreneurs, executives, leaders and artists under 40 who are shaping the future of the U.S. and the world.
From Washington
Markets: No reaction to Colombian rescue operation
Comentary from Felix Salmon on Wall Street's reaction to news about the rescue of 5 year political prisioner Ingrid Betancourt by the Colombian armed forces.
Money woes and changing laws
As gay marriage gains public support in California, could it help the state with its mounting budget deficit?
Safe to Eat
With rising food prices and widespread shortages around the world, experts agree on the importance of securing food sources
How we move
When it comes to urban transportation, ingenuity is the key to cleaner, greener, and smarter cities.
President of mayors
Mayor Manny Diaz sets in motion an ambitious agenda as the new head of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The best and worst urban initiatives
A PODER round up some of the most and least ingenious projects undertaken by city mayors across the world.
The new balance
Latin America is charting a new course in a ‘Post-American’ world
You’ve got to be tough to be short
In his new book Fooling Some of the People All of the Time, fund manager David Einhorn dispels some unwarranted myths about short sellers.
America’s future
Forty years after its foundation, the National Council of La Raza continues to push for the advancement of the Latino community.
¿Olvidaste tu password?
Despite the stigma associated with it, Spanglish is an important aspect of Latino culture.
When a balloon looks like a bubble
A former Wall Street commodity trader, Jeff Koons has astutely navigated the contemporary art market to become one of the most sought after artists in the world.
Guatemala on the Brink
For Guatemala’s recently inaugurated President Álvaro Colom, providing a safe environment for economic growth in the gang-riddled Central American country poses a serious challenge.
The way things work (or don’t) in Washington
Will politicians listen to the latest analysis of climate protection laws, or allow themselves to be distracted by the lobbyists of industries that have profited from our addiction to fossil fuels?
The smart planner
The design of public spaces can have tremendous economic impact on a city while improving the quality of life
The Urbanist Party
With 80 percent of Americans living in suburban areas, could they organize into a new political party?
Executive Inspiration
Ann M. Veneman, executive director for UNICEF, holds the reins to the world’s most important children’s welfare organization.
Sky’s The Limit
PODER previews the highly anticipated Gulfstream G650, expected to hit the market in 2012.
Can you see what he said?
When it comes to contemporary art, hype is priceless.
Serving the World
From its headquarters in Miami, Terremark stakes its claim to a connected future.
The Price of Fun
Hispanics place a high priority on entertainment and spend a great deal on it.
The Era of Uncertainty
The Bear Stearns transaction was a casualty of hard times, but the government’s meddling may be causing more damage to investor confidence.
An Unmistakable Truth
Innovation is a powerful catalyst for change—but it needs a push from Congress.
Fixing the Vote
Caucuses make for an archaic political system that threatens our democracy and weakens Latino voting power.
On the Fence, To Protect vs. To Preserve
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff decided last month to waive environmental laws in order to build a border fence, a decision that has sparked controversy about the effects of such a move.
On trade and other campaign lies
NAFTA-bashing has become a popular political device on the campaign trail, but in practice, revisiting the agreement may have dire consequences.
The Battle for Latin America’s Soul
Twenty-five years reporting on Latin America have made Michael Reid one of the outmost experts on the region. PODER caught up with Reid to discuss his latest book, Forgotten Continent, The Battle for Latin America’s Soul.
Cinque Terre
The TV Wars
The continuing drama between Spanish TV titans Univision, Televisa and Telemundo will unravel this summer with a suspense-riddled finale worthy of the best soap opera.
Abuelita could not have fathomed this
In March, Latin America’s largest meat producer laid the groundwork to become the largest beef processor in the U.S., virtually cornering a mainstay of Midwestern life since the early pioneer days.
The Cali Chronicles
There’s much to talk about this month in California.
Trouble in Paradise
Recent scandals involving its governor have placed Puerto Rico in the national spotlight, but no one is mentioning the elephant in the room.
Shifting the Spotlight
Celebrities have been using their profile to raise awareness about social issues for more than half a century, but never before have fame and philanthropy been as intertwined as they are today.
The Powerful Ranger
Univison Chairman Haim Saban is known as a master dealmaker, but there’s more to this cheerful billionaire than meets the eye.
Top Seller
These are tough times for many boat builders, but high-end designs are finding a ripe market.
Super Yacht, Super Mania
The yacht market has never been hotter, according to longtime observers. And beyond building more superyachts, the new builds keep getting bigger and more extravagant.
Redistributing The Wealth
Following the success of his poverty-eradicating program in his native Bangladesh, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus talked to PODER about the expansion of the Grameen Bank into Latin America.
Man On a Mission
Following the 80th anniversary of the Marriott brand, Chairman and CEO Bill Marriott talked to Poder about the secret of the company’s continued success, the future of America and how to pick the right Italian sports car.
A Man With a Plan
Through his foundation, art collector Eli Broad may just change the way we view art.
Self Help
While trade agreements spark debate on the campaign trail in the U.S., Latin America’s leaders should be doing more to promote better labor and environmental practices.
How to Mess Up The Perfect Business
When it comes to Wall Street theatrics, no bet is completely safe.
Timely Management
The venerable Swiss brand prides itself on its timeless timepieces, but the key to its success may be its Cuban American management.
The Little Town That Could
While it is imperative for government to regulate hiring practices across the country, not every approach makes sense.
Prosperity and the Green Economy
Concern over the environment is translating into technological innovation, bringing with it the benefits of an entrepreneurial new industry.
Loyalty and Distrust
Marketers believe that once Hispanics buy their products, they are hooked for life. Increasingly, they are wrong.
Branding a Nation
This year Peru will enjoy a rare opportunity to redefine its image abroad.
Checking In with the mayor
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke with PODER about the balance sheet of his tenure two years after taking offi ce.
The Economic Power Of The Arts
When it comes reviving urban areas, increasing tourism and generating jobs, there are few motors as powerful as art institutions.
An Agent of Change
In her latest book, The University and Urban Revival: Out of the Ivory Tower and Into the Streets, Dr. Judith Rodin chronicles how fixing social problems requires an understanding of their roots.
Sooner Rather Than later
Businesses see the urgency of addressing climate change today, even if the federal government doesn’t.
In The Business of Changing The World
Combining business principles with a genuine desire to help, a new generation of Social Entrepreneurs is developing large-scale initiatives that are improving education, healthcare, and access to capital throughout the world.
The Future According to Bill
PODER sat down with Bill Gates to find out what the future holds, and what he holds for the future.
A Hundred Years Mark The Beginning
Last year proved a tough one for automakers, particularly for the industry’ leading company. General Motors Corp continued to lose ground at home to Toyota.
Traders Power Up with Tradestation
TradeStation isn’t for the weak or meek trader. The product is the darling of institutional investors and the power tool of active traders who top 500 trades a year.
Entravision targets the Fringes
Central Florida, South Texas, Colorado—markets not high on the Hispanic media radar garner Entravision attention as fast-emerging targets for growth.
The Shrining Latino Middle Class
A shrinking Latino middle-class may be symptomatic of a sluggish economy, but without targeted economic policies we face dire consequences for the U.S. economy.
The Lion’s Share
Never in the history of art has the art market—the business of buying and selling art works—been the center of as much attention as it receives today.
Restoring Trust, Delivering Results
Rebuilding our relationships in Latin America requires a comprehensive agenda that promotes democratic ideals, economic fairness, energy security and immigration reform
A New trade Policy for the Americas
It may soon be time to pronounce last rites on the current path of U.S. trade policy in the Americas. With the presidential election season well underway, it is a good time to step back and consider where to go from here.
Latin America Business Briefs
Asymmetries and the Sub Prime Crisis
When it comes to business ventures, an even distribution of risk
California Watch
The February primaries turned out to be decisive for California politics, as a proposition on the ballot set out, and failed, to redefine the future of its legislature, and of the highest-ranking politician in the Assembly.
A New Context
Realizing the potential of the immigrant community may prove pivotal to America’s future
All’s quiet on the conspiracy theory Trail this Campaign Season
Tough talk on immigration may be a sound strategy for some, but when all is said and done, trade trumps all.
A Blast Of Fresh Air
Luis Ubiñas, the Ford Foundation’s incoming president, brings a new perspective to the field of philanthropy.
Manuel Sanchez
The Power of Threes
Enrique Senior
THE ARCHITECT OF THE DEAL
One Nation Indivisible?
Legislators are still contemplating the best path to legalization, and maybe even citizenship, for millions already in this country.
At Your Service
Emilio T. Gonzalez defines his job as helping as many people as he can.
Fences Make Good Neighbors
Chief David Aguilar is tasked with protecting the borders of the United States.
Forest Rangers
Mexican rock group Maná have made more than beautiful music together. The four have also fought to save the planet.
Missing Pieces
Corporate America understands that board diversity is in its own best interest. So why is America’s fastest-growing minority group still lagging behind in directorships? And who makes the next move?
Follow The Lideres
Realizing that they have power at the polls, Hispanics are already lining up behind potential presidential candidates to lend support, raise funds and get out the vote. A look at who is supporting who, why and who will have the most staying power with Hispanics.
Back to the Future
AT&T’s Ralph de la Vega is betting on the future of wired communications. What does Ralph know that we don’t?
Ralph Alvarez
SUPERSIZED With Ralph Alvarez’ recent appointment as president and COO of McDonald’s, speculation is rife about whether he’ll eventually get the top job.
Haim Saban
THE MIGHTY MORPHIN MEDIA MOGUL
Building Trust
U.S. banks prove eager learners in attracting Hispanic business.
A Welcoming Place
Maria Contreras-Sweet, CEO of Promerica, says opening a Latino bank in California is an idea whose time has come.
A Powerful Voice
With his charisma and messages tailored to Latinos, Lakewood Church's Marcos Witt is winning the hearts, minds and souls of Hispanics in Houston and beyond.