News from interns

We're now into year four or so of what started as an experiment. As a small company, offering internships -- even an unpaid one -- is a risk. The talent coming out of j-schools is a mixed bag and, well, we've got enough to do just keeping up with our own work.

Every once in a while, though, it's well worth the effort. A recent intern, Alex Ragir, writes:

Hello Latin Traders,

I have some great news and my internship at Latin Trade certainly helped pave the way. I am a General Assignment Latin America reporter for Bloomberg. Ill be based in NYC but will travel to Brazil and Mexico quite often. It's more than I could have imagined.

In a coupla days check out my new short documentary and greenlight it so it goes on air. I just uploaded it so it may take a day or to for you guys to be able to see it. Just click on the video called "Returning Home." It was funded by my graduate school, which I finished by the way. The written story and photo slide show can be seen here.

I saw you can't read LT online now. Im going to have to dig in my pocket and get a subscription. It's essential right.

Hope all is well,
Alex

Good going Alex, we wish you well.

Gassin'

Bloomberg today...

By Jeb Blount

Sept. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Brazilian ethanol exports may grow "exponentially'' on demand from Japan should the country implement plans to promote blended fuel, said Paulo Roberto Costa, refining chief at Petroleo Brasileiro SA.

Latin Trade Europe Correspondent Meghan Sapp, May 2006...

Sweet Deal

Brazilian companies send ethanol technology abroad to make money, and to improve life in poorer countries.

Brazilian sugar companies are spreading the gospel of ethanol—fuel made from sugar or corn—across the developing world, from the Caribbean to sub-Saharan Africa. Though ethanol has been used as a fuel in Brazil for more than three decades, demand for it only began to pick up after oil skyrocketed on the sudden awakening of the Chinese economy.

...

Jeb is an old friend of Latin Trade, so no slam on him, but it just goes to show ya, magazines can make news.

Congratulations Meghan!

If it weren't already clear

Here's why you can't work for Latin Trade and *any* corporate or government agency. It's all about credibility...

From The Miami Herald
At least 10 South Florida journalists, including three from El Nuevo Herald, received regular payments from the U.S. government for programs on Radio Martí and TV Martí, two broadcasters aimed at undermining the communist government of Fidel Castro. The payments totaled thousands of dollars over several years.

Slaaaaam dunk!

National Public Radio this morning...

Insulin that's inhaled through the mouth. A drug derived from lizard saliva that could promote weight loss. These are among the treatment advances that hold great promise for the 21 million Americans with diabetes. Coupled with a more familiar doctor's order -- exercise! -- the treatments could help more people avoid the disease's disabling and life-shortening complications.
Continue story...

Latin Trade, September 2006...excellent work by Maria Elena Verdezoto in Quito!

Sweet Relief
Ecuadoran drug company thinks big.

Six percent of the people in the world are diabetics and need insulin, which for 80 years has meant frequent injections using an old-fashioned syringe. Now a strategic alliance between Generex Biotechnology, a Canadian company, and Ecuador’s Pharmabrand is making the process less painful. They created Oral Lyn, a device for the mouth made in the Andean country.

Oral Lyn enters the body as an aerosol under the tongue, sending the medicine to the blood by way of mucous in the mouth. It can be carried in your pocket and does not need refrigeration. It is being sold in Ecuador for US$32 a box, each of which holds two of the aerosol devices and lasts on average 15 days for patients who need two to three doses a day.
Continue story...