After Fidel Castro?
February 19, 2008
Fidel Castro resigned as President today, February 19th, after almost 50 years in power. He said he had no desire to continue as President or commander-in-chief. In 2006 he handed over the day-to-day running to his brother Raúl, who is 5 years younger than him.
Raúl is believed to favour a gradual opening of the economy while retaining firm political control. He has raised expectations of economic reforms to improve the daily lot of Cubans, but has yet to deliver.
Cuba-watchers say that younger economic reformers have been gaining in influence at the expense of hardline Fidel loyalists such as Felipe Pérez Roque, the Foreign Minister and Carlos Lage Dávila, Vice-President of the Council of State and Secretary of the Council of Ministers.
The audiobook After Fidel: The Inside Story of Castro’s Regime and Cuba’s Next Leader offers interesting insights.
In this compelling, behind-the-scenes account, former top CIA officer and Cuba expert Brian Latell examines the extraordinary Castro brothers and the impending dynastic succession of Fidel’s younger brother, Raul. Exploring the brothers’ remarkable relationship, he reveals how Fidel and Raul have collaborated, divided responsibilities, and resolved disagreements for more than forty-six years–a challenge to the notion that the little-known Raul has been an insignificant player.
The result is an intimate portrait of two enigmatic men and a new understanding of the psychology and motivation behind their actions. Based on his insider knowledge of Raul, Latell projects what kind of leader he will be and how the shift in power might influence U.S.-Cuban relations.
“Few Americans understand Cuba–past, present, and future–better than Brian Latell. He has combined an old CIA hand’s knowledge and insights with a clear, readable writer’s touch to bring both Castros–Fidel and his enigmatic brother Raul–to life.”–Newsweek
“Latell dispels many of the fallacies, myths, and legends about Fidel….Since existing biographical information on Raul Castro is sparse and scattered, the book takes on added value in bringing such material together….[A] readable narrative and an excellent addition to the growing literature on Cuba. Highly recommended.”–Library Journal
“Those hungry for a greater understanding of Fidel’s character and the complicated relationship between the Castro brothers will find priceless nuggets here.”–Publishers Weekly
Audiobooks, Their Use And Importance In The Real World
February 15, 2008
Did you know that audio books are becoming more and more popular by each day? For example, in 2004, over $124 million worth of audio books were sold in the UK and $120 million in Germany during 2005. Experts say that this year the market is expected to rise by 20% in Europe, and audio books seem to be even more popular in the USA. A survey showed a 6 % increase over 2005 with audio book sales now estimated at $923 million.
You save time, because you can listen to such books anywhere and everywhere just like an mp3 audio, and you can even do other things at the same time. You can listen when driving to and from work, when walking the dog, cycling, working around the house or at the computer, exercising, and so on. The possibilities are endless.
If you love reading but don’t have enough time, these books can give you the opportunity to read many more books that you would otherwise have time for. Such books are a great way to fill the “dead” moments we all have in our lives.
Books are good for older people. Numerous public libraries have in recent years chiefly concentrated on promoting literacy and reading skills, and thus on children and adolescents as their target group. But now another target group is increasingly becoming the focus of their attention: senior citizens.
In order to meet the requirements of the rediscovered target group, many libraries have expanded their stock. The interests of elderly people lie mainly in historical and biographical novels as well as travel books. Senior citizens also visit libraries looking for reference books and guidebooks on subjects such as computers, medicine, psychology, law and society. Libraries have responded to these needs, as well as to the failing eyesight of the elderly, by purchasing a growing number of not only large print but also audio books.
These books can be a blessing for blind people, disabled people or people with impaired vision. There are approximately 10 million blind and visually impaired people in the United States alone. Audio books can enhance their life personally and professionally.
First, audio books can help blind people enjoy the experience of reading books.
Secondly, audio books can take blind people’s education one step forward. Learning foreign languages, poetry, literature, English grammar etc. could be optimized using audio books. Did you know that there are approximately 93,600 visually impaired or blind students in the United States?
Thirdly, blind people can develop habits and hobbies using audio books. Whether you belong to the blind and visually impaired people or not, we strongly advise you to join the audio book experience now.
The most important skill a child can ever acquire is probably the ability to read, and books can be easily used to stimulate literacy in children. Books can be listened to by children while following the story in the paper book. Or they could listen just to gain and improve vocabulary and communication skills. If you want to instill in your child the love of reading, books can be an excellent start.
It’s up to you!
February 11, 2008
Audado.com has special offers negotiated with partner publishers.
These time limited offers are available month-to month (different offers each month) and you can now select up to a maximum of six from the list. The top 6 will then be shown on Audado’s Special Offer page.
Vote for up to six audiobooks. The Top 6 will be offered to the price shown next to the title.
The Vote ends Friday, 15th 06:00 PM EST
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2008 Nominees for Spoken Word Grammy Awards
February 6, 2008
