Expat Files – 12.09.16

#1- Part 3: The Decameron “all inclusive” Latin beach resorts revisited.
One of the least expensive “all inclusive” first-world style resort packages by far- and one place that almost no native born Americans have ever heard of- today we explore their Special Membership Club package in more detail. We find out how much it really costs to retire and live at one or more of these resorts year round including the add on’s and extras you should be aware of before signing on the dotted line.

Expat Files – 12.04.16

#2- The Decameron “all inclusive” Latin beach resorts revisited: Part 2
Considered to be the least expensive “all inclusive” first-world style resort package in the world that most first-world people have ever heard about. Today we’ll explore the how the sales reps sell you the club packages/plans and what to look out for and what will best serve your needs.

Matt Taibbi – Why Is the Obama Administration Trying to Keep 11,000 Documents Sealed?

It’s not quite the Panama papers, but one hell of a big pile of carefully guarded secrets may soon be made public. For years now, the federal government has been quietly fighting to keep a lid on an 11,000-document cache of government communications relating to financial policy. The sheer breadth of the effort to keep this material secret may not …

Norman Pollack – Obama, Interventionist: Study of a War Criminal

War criminals are not born, they are made, or rather make themselves through the experience of having an inner motif of self-promotion directed to cultivating, and thus bringing themselves to the attention of, those possessing wealth and power. No subtlety here, no shame of wanting recognition; instead, merely an active fantasy life of grand leadership as a presumed visionary entitled …

MICHAEL D. SHEAR & DAVID M. HERSZENHORN – Government Set to Default Weeks Earlier Than Forecast

WASHINGTON — As the government nears a potentially devastating default, the White House and congressional leaders have begun bipartisan talks aimed at reaching a two-year budget deal, seizing on what could be their final chance at consensus before Speaker John A. Boehner’s exit ushers in what is expected to be more combative leadership in the House. The opening of negotiations, …

Expat Files – 09.25.15

-Living in the land of ultra-premium coffee can offer many unique opportunities for gringo business ventures. Note there are many gigantic coffee plantations and mega processing plants but the vast majority of Latin coffee farmers are small mom and pop outfits with perhaps only a few acres or more. Since most small outfits sell locally- and the farmers are not internet savvy, or just want to sell the product by the bag or sack- there are many opportunities for gringos to market their very own “boutique” coffee brands. Think Amazon and EBay.

-More advice for gringos on cars and driving in Latin America

-Shopping in the big, chaotic markets: more tips, tales and crazy stories.