The high-tech industries of Costa Rica, the tigerish dynamism of Panama and the social democracy of Brazil all offer things that Cuba could emulate.

ECONOMIST: Who and what will follow Ra��l?

With her skin pallor verging on translucence, and a long, tigerish mane, she could be a Victorian dream of the untouchable, and you can picture Millais and Rossetti dropping their brushes at the sight of her.

NEWYORKER: Hot and Bothered