Latest news with #Cuban
New York Post
7 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
Mark Cuban reveals Kamala Harris considered him as a potential VP — but turned her down
Mark Cuban revealed that former Vice President Kamala Harris had considered him as a potential running mate in her bid for the White House last year – but he turned her down. The billionaire entrepreneur, who served as a high-profile surrogate for Harris's failed campaign, made the shocking admission in a sneak preview of 'The Bulwark' podcast after host Tim Miller pressed him about 'some green room gossip at MSNBC' related to the request. The former 'Shark Tank' judge said the Democrat's team had reached out to ask him to submit vetting materials – but he felt a review of his extensive background would be a waste of time. 4 Mark Cuban made the shocking admission in a sneak preview of 'The Bulwark' podcast. The Bulwark 'My response was I'm not very good as the number two person,' Cuban told Miller in a clip of Friday's episode. 'And so if the last thing we need is me telling Kamala, you know, the president that, no, that's a dumb idea. And I'm not real good at the shaking hands and kissing babies.' 4 Kamala Harris ultimately chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to join her losing ticket. AFP via Getty Images Miller responded by telling the Dallas Mavericks minority owner that he may have been a bigger – and 'meaningfully different' – asset to Harris's campaign than Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who she ultimately chose to join her losing ticket. 'I mean, obviously it would have been different,' Cuban said, noting that he's not a politician. 'My personality is completely different than Tim's. My experiences, my backgrounds are completely different. I think I've cut through the sh–t more directly. I'm not a politician. And so, it would have been different, but it would have been awful.' 4 Host Tim Miller pressed Cuban about some gossip he had heard at MSNBC related to the request. The Bulwark The businessman joked that Harris probably would have fired him within six days. Miller pushed back, saying that Cuban joining the presidential ticket would have been 'better than the present situation,' referring to President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who overwhelmingly won the election last November. 4 The former 'Shark Tank' judge said the Democrat's team had reached out to ask him to submit vetting materials. Getty Images 'Well, yea, that's true. But, you know, I really thought she was going to win,' Cuban replied. Cuban actively campaigned for Harris on the trail, even facing some backlash after claiming Trump does not surround himself with 'strong, intelligent women' during an appearance on 'The View.' He immediately regretted his careless remarks and tried to clear them up — later congratulating the commander in chief for winning the election 'fair and square.'
Edinburgh Reporter
15 hours ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
From Havana to Edinburgh: The Classic Daiquiri's Journey Through Time
The Daiquiri cocktail is a legendary drink that has come to be a favourite for many. But unlike other famous cocktails, there is less speculation and gossip about the Daiquiri's origins. This is probably because its genesis tale barely had time to slip through the cracks as it moved from a drunken late-night improvisation to a Beltway favourite in what seemed like fifteen minutes (actually closer to a decade, but hey, who's counting). Similar cocktail recipes have popped up in different eras and locations, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly when a drink was first made. In the case of the Daiquiri, however, a very evident sequence of events links its creation to its meteoric rise in popularity. And while its origins may be clear, they remain no less captivating. Photo by Aram Diseño: The Daiquiri's Wartime Origins The Daiquiri can be traced back to April 21, 1898, when the United States blockaded Cuba as part of its intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. Yes, indeed. It all began with a war. Theodore Roosevelt, who was the assistant secretary of the navy at the time, and his Rough Riders touched down on Daiquiri beach in southeast Cuba. After their successful campaign against the Spanish, the U.S. gained significant influence over Cuban affairs through the Platt Amendment, prompting a wave of American businesses to flood the region in pursuit of the economic opportunities left in Spain's wake. The quick influx of American capital into Cuban agricultural and mining projects attracted a large number of professionals, including engineers, farmers, and others. It was during this time that Jennings S. Cox, working as a mining engineer, stumbled into the drink's history by accident. Cox had people over for an excellent party at his house close to Daiquiri, but he ran out of gin. Heading to the nearby market, he sought for more, but unfortunately, he could only find rum. Cox, seemingly worried about his American visitors' sensitive palates, decided to mix the rum with sugar, lemon juice, and other ingredients to produce a punch. As a result, the first Daiquiri was born. Rum, however, has been watered down with sugar and citrus juice ever since its arrival in the Caribbean. This was mostly done to make it more drinkable, since it was essentially the 'bathroom booze' of its day. Not being a native, Cox was likely unaware of this idea; he simply added sugar and ice to a well-known local drink, gave it a new name, and inadvertently secured his place in the cocktail's history. From Cuba to America Rear Admiral Lucius W. Johnson, a medical officer in the United States Navy, met the Daiquiri in Cuba in 1909. He became so smitten with the beverage that upon his return to the US, he served it to his friends at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., where it became a hit. The Daiquiri didn't make its literary debut in America until 1920, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise, a delay largely due to the slower spread of word-of-mouth at the time. During his time in Havana, Ernest Hemingway became a fan of the drink, eventually inspiring his own version: the Hemingway Daiquiri, made with grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur, and no sugar, since he suffered from diabetes. When the Kennedys started sailing about half a century later, it became their favourite beverage. The Daiquiri in Modern Times The Daiquiri's adaptability and refreshing flavour have kept it popular throughout the years. It can be found on cocktail lists all throughout the world, from exclusive nightclubs to laid-back beach bars. Many contemporary bartenders are reworking the traditional Daiquiri recipe, adding their own spin while paying honour to its roots. With artisanal rums and freshly squeezed juices, they are taking the cocktail to the next level, making it a beloved among cocktail enthusiasts. The Original Daiquiri Evolves There have been several versions of the Daiquiri, as is the case with most cocktails. A bartender at El Floridita in Old Havana, Constantino Ribailagua, came up with three variants of the recipe after it made its way from Daiquiri to Havana. To keep things organised, he numbered them, reserving #1 for the classic original. Daiquiri #2 The #2, which Constantino created in 1915 at El Floridita, consists of Bacardi Carta Blanca, Triple Sec Liqueur, lime juice, orange juice, syrup, and lime juice. The mild orange flavour adds a touch of summer and gives it a new twist. Daiquiri #3 With a little less sourness and alcohol intensity, Daiquiri #3 evokes thoughts of The Hemingway Daiquiri, also known as Papa Doble. It contains Bacardi Gold, lime juice, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur in moderate amounts. Since this cocktail was probably around when Hemingway came to Cuba, Constantino most likely found it a good starting point when creating a version tailored to the writer's tastes. Daiquiri #4 This version is comparable to #3 but without the grapefruit's sourness. For those who like a milder combination of sweet and sour tastes, this straightforward recipe is ideal. It combines Bacardi Gold, maraschino liqueur, lime juice, chilled water, and simple syrup. Traditional Daiquiri Recipe Ingredients 2 oz (60ml) White Rum 3/4 oz (20ml) simple syrup 1 oz (30ml) freshly squeezed lime juice Lime wheel Preparation and Serving Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add all the ingredients. Give it a quick shake for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour the concoction into a cocktail glass after straining. Toss in a lime wheel or twist for garnish, if you want. Why Shake? The recipe calls for the drink to be shaken, and for good reason. Shaking chills the cocktail while allowing the ice to slightly dilute it, adding volume and enhancing the overall flavour. More importantly, citrus juices like lime don't easily blend when simply stirred, so shaking ensures a smoother, well-integrated drink. Conclusion The Daiquiri's meteoric rise to fame from its humble beginnings in a Cuban village is proof of its timeless allure. Whether you like it straight up or with a contemporary touch, this drink has an air of understated elegance. Therefore, when drinking a Daiquiri, pause and think about the many cultures that go into making it. Like this: Like Related
The Hill
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Hill
Vance briefly booted from Bluesky after joining platform
Vice President Vance was briefly suspended from the social media network Bluesky shortly after joining the platform on Wednesday, but was quickly reinstated online. Publishing his first post on Bluesky Wednesday evening, Vance wrote, 'Hello Bluesky, I've been told this app has become the place to go for common sense political discussion and analysis. So I'm thrilled to be here to engage with all of you.' Vance attached a screenshot of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' concurring opinion published early in the day in United States v. Skrmetti, which upheld Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors. He followed up with two more posts encouraging conversation on Thomas' opinion. Shortly later, users on X posted screenshots of Vance's account apparently suspended. The account was back online by Thursday morning. The Hill reached out to Bluesky for comment. The social media company told multiple news outlets Vance's account was briefly flagged by its automated systems that look for impersonation attempts, including those of public figures. The spokesperson said the account was 'quickly restored and verified so people can easily confirm its authenticity,' TechCrunch reported. Bluesky surged in popularity last fall as Democrats publicly announced their departure from X, the social media network owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, in the wake of the presidential election. Many users who quit X cited a 'toxic' or 'disturbing' environment, in part blaming Musk's leadership and promotion of certain political stances as he grew closer to President Trump. Some users have noted Bluesky is a hub for liberal individuals, but concerns have been raised in recent months that it has become an echo chamber. Tech entrepreneur Mark Cuban, who regularly posted on Bluesky starting last fall, said earlier this month he believes more users are going back to X amid the lack of diverse conversations. 'The lack of diversity of thought here is really hurting usage,' Cuban wrote in one post earlier this month. 'Engagement went from great convos on many topics, to agree with me or you are a nazi fascist,' Cuban added. 'We are forcing posts to X.'
Miami Herald
21 hours ago
- General
- Miami Herald
Roaches coming out of the walls helped get a Coral Gables restaurant closed
The number of live roaches at a longtime Coral Gables restaurant this week exceeded the establishment's 30 years of existence as well as the limits of the state inspector. Havana Harry's says it serves 'Cuban American fusion' fare and boasts that the 2024 Michelin guide included it among the Best Cuban Restaurants in Miami. There will be no boasting, however, about Monday's inspection fail that closed the restaurant at the corner of LeJeune Road and Vilabella Avenue. A customer complaint brought an inspector to 4612 LeJeune Rd., where 13 total violations, two of which were High Priority, were found. (The inspection, like those of any restaurant, can be found on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website, but under 'Havanna Harry S.') READ MORE: Walmart and Kroger chicken meals recalled after listeria outbreak deaths As for the aforementioned live roach count, it was at least 38. The two largest roach counts on the inspection weren't exact: over 15 roaches coming from inside a broken wall post in the middle of the kitchen, next to a breakfast/sandwich making area; and over 10 live roaches on a wall and electrical area behind reach-in cooler and freezers. Elsewhere, seven roaches were seen 'coming from behind a metal wall at the cookline next to the gas stove.' Another three roaches were 'coming from the wall where the electric box outlet is connect at the to-go order prep area.' As for dead roaches, there were three, one on an electric line behind the ice machine, where a live roach also strolled. The cookline exit door to the outside had a gap, perhaps hindering Havana Harry's ability to keep out vermin. At the sandwich prep area, 'a box of uncut lettuce was stored on the shelf' without being covered. So, open to any kind of contamination. The cookline floors were 'soiled with an accumulation of debris.' The cookline hood filters were described as 'soiled with grease buildup.' The storage shelf at a prep cooler across from the cookline was 'soiled with old grease and food residue.' 'Clean drinking glasses were stored next to the handwash sink' meaning they were clean dishes 'exposed to splash' contamination.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The risks for Trump of 'regime change' in Iran: Just ask George W. Bush
Regime change is harder than it looks. Just ask George W. Bush. The decision now facing President Donald Trump on Iran over whether to try to overthrow an unfriendly government is one that previous commanders-in-chief have wrestled with in countries from Iraq to Cuba − often with catastrophic consequences. "I may do it," Trump told reporters on the White House lawn on Wednesday, on June 18. "I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do." For John F. Kennedy, the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 was a Cold War disaster that left Fidel Castro in power. Emboldening the Soviet Union, it contributed to the Cuban missile crisis a year later, bringing the world to the brink of a nuclear war. And for the younger President Bush, the Iraq War, launched in 2003, succeeded in overturning Saddam Hussein's rule, but enmeshed the United States in a war that lasted more than eight years and had repercussions that continue to ripple through the region. The toll of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq included at least 4,480 Americans killed and 32,000 wounded. More than 100,000 Iraqi civilians died. The financial cost was at least $806 billion. Now Trump is making some of the same calculations that Bush did: Allegations of a nuclear threat. The urging of allies, in this case Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the regime is weak and ripe to be toppled. And the appeal of making a bold stroke that solves a problem, once and for all, that has frustrated previous presidents. No one may know what Trump will do, but what he wants to have happen is clear: "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER" was his demand in a post on Truth Social, using all capital letters to underscore his determination to end the Iranian nuclear threat that Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden struggled to contain. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameinei, rejected that prospect out of hand. "The Iranian nation cannot be surrendered," said the supreme leader, who has been in power since the elder Bush, President George H.W. Bush, was in the White House more than 30 years ago. "The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage." The question is whether Trump will deploy America's huge bunker-busting bombs against some of Iran's nuclear facilities, which are buried deep underground and are believed to have survived Israel's bombing campaign, at least so far. But that move would draw the United States directly into the war between Iran and Israel. It could escalate the conflict and further destabilize the volatile region. Trump has renewed his call for Iran to negotiate − or else. "Why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction?" he demanded in comments that interrupted the raising of two new flagpoles on the north and south lawns of the White House. "Why didn't you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country." Negotiating sessions between the United States and Iran were stopped when the Israel bombardment began a week earlier. Was it too late? "Nothing's too late," Trump replied. But he warned, "There's a big difference between now and a week ago." Trump has another parallel with George W. Bush. Bush came into office promising a "humble" foreign policy and a focus on "compassionate conservatism" at home. But his agenda was rewritten with the 9/11 terror attacks on New York and Washington just eight months into his tenure. Trump came into office promising an "America First" foreign policy and an aversion to "stupid endless wars" in the Middle East. Now aides have said he is "warming" to the idea of ordering U.S. forces into action, a possibility that has alarmed some of his most avid supporters. Conservative provocateur Tucker Carlson has blasted Republican "warmongers" and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon has declared that a drive to war by the "deep state" would "blow up" the Trump coalition. Even Tulsi Gabbard, a member of Trump's Cabinet as director of National Intelligence, last week warned that "political elite and warmongers" were "carelessly fomenting fear and tensions." "I don't care what she said," Trump told reporters when asked about her comments. "I think they were very close to having a weapon." For Bush, the allegations of Iraq's nuclear program proved to be overblown, undercutting the main stated reason for invading. Instead of being "greeted as liberators," as then-Vice President Dick Cheney predicted, U.S. troops faced an insurgency. And while Saddam's regime was quickly beheaded, the region has had two decades of chaos and conflict since then. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The risks for Trump of 'regime change' in Iran: Just ask Bush
