Lusitaniae Habilitas

Don't close your eyes to Portugal.

2011-11-28T17:55:00.009Z

First of all, WELCOME to PORTUGAL!

I know, because of the crisis, that probably you'll prefer to search and to put your eyes in other places than Portugal, but I invite you to do not close your eyes to Portugal, we are a tiny country with plenty of room for your ideas, investments and I bet that all your exigent criteria will be met no matter the area you are in.

Just for appetizer, I gathered some, and are really few stories related to Portugal and Portuguese people from the last weeks.

Let's start with textile and footwear area:

- Luis Onofre, a Portuguese stylist recently offered a pair of shoes to Mrs.Michelle Obama, and it seems she really enjoyed, some weeks ago he received a congratulations letter from her. See a video about this story.

- Teresa Martins, the founder of TM Collection is another Portuguese entrepreneur and example for this area, from Biology teaching to Textile world is really a big career change. This brand offers you unique and exclusive textile fabric, with several sales points across the world, your time will not be wasted visiting her website. TM Collection.

- About entrepreneurship, recently Sandra Correia from Pelcor, won the Best European Entrepreneur 2011. Cork it is the raw product that made this company a case study and the award is really deserved. Congratulation to her. Source : GreenSavers.

- Other nice story comes from the very specific area of Footwear for golf players, and Centenario was the Portuguese company preferred by the Italian team. Ironic, isn't it! Italians choosing Portugal to produce their shoes, wow! Source : DN

Just a quick note about a comment I read from a British some weeks ago about Portugal not being a quality country regarding shoes manufacturing, this story is a tiny example for him to read.

- And another quick note is about the Portuguese brand Sacoor Brothers to be once again linked with Barcelona team to dress all players of several sports from that club. Source: MaisFutebol

-Ending this area with some numbers : 12% was the growth for the first 9 months of 2011 regarding Portugal's textile exports and 20,2% for footwear, these two sectors are having a very good performance.

Let's see some technological projects coming from Portugal :

- FireTrack is a real-time fire detection project coming from Mediaprimer. See a video from Exame. Source : Mediaprimer

- Atlascar, is a driverless car navigation and using a xbox gamepad.

- Spreadd is the new interface from Opensoft Company and they are based in Silicon Valley to promote not only this idea but I bet others in near future, why not to try SPREADD.
About Automotive production, AutoEuropa, that produces VW Eos and Scirocco among others are improving the national capacity for producing parts for this particularly unit and incorporates already 60% in their production, meanwhile for the first time China is getting a strong market to them and recently the first cargo ship leave Portugal with hundreds of cars to that country. Producing 134000 cars are their goal for this year.
Talking about cars, and Japan comes to my mind, and what about some stories linked to Japan with Portuguese "actors". September was the month to see Grao Mestre Olive oil being sold in that country. And Do you know that every single week from Algarve goes to Japan by plane tons of tuna fish captured in Portugal? They really know where the good tuna is, read more about this story. And finally comes the interesting story of Miguel Guerreiro, this young singer and winner in Portugal a song perform contest is getting a huge success in Japan, just see the video.

And from the tasty tuna from Algarve to Portuguese chestnut, this strange fruit to foreign tastes is very traditional in Portugal and when potatoes coming from overseas killed the role of chestnut centuries ago from Portuguese cuisine, now it is time to regain its place and spread it around the world. Portugal can well be the biggest producer in Europe in few years to come. Source : JN In New York a Portuguese is promoting this fruit, so why not to try. Source : Boas Noticias And Nutrigreen is another company innovating in this food sector with its fruit bars, with some awards won, they deserve a visit from you, Nutrigreen.
Follow PORTUGAL FRESH
Sines Port, deserves to be present in this post, actually this port does not even is mentioned in the top25 European ports for cargo and containers statistics, but I bet that if Brazil and China that presently are studying this port as possibility to be the European open door for them, that really fast not only they will be in Top 25 but Top 3 is a possibility for next decade. Soon this port will be the biggest European Natural gas main entrance. Source : Sol
And like I have mentioned some months ago and recommended to be aware about investments in Douro region, recently Douro Azul, the cruise operator in Douro river informed that one more ship will be built to join the other already known to see Douro river as soon as 2012. Source : Aicep
And I will end this vast post with Mobi-e, this EV recharging platform case study is really a success and countries such as Norway, Netherlands, Ireland and Malta are interested in this system and Portugal will once again be the pioneer this time not crossing the oceans but they are trying to defeat other "monsters". Oil will end its domain in the next decades. Source : DE And today I am aware that a Portuguese woman will lead the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics based in Philadelphia, USA, her name Irene Fonseca.
What are you waiting for invest and visit my country?

The Latest from Portugal about its natural resources exploration

2011-10-24T17:45:00.001+01:00

For the last weeks, media are reporting some enthusiastic news regarding mining, oil exploration and the first tests starting soon in Portugal with the deep sea floating wind turbine, one of the first of its kind.

Portugal is one of the few European countries with no oil or natural gas exploration and recently media are reporting about two regions with huge possibility to have oil and natural gas enough for some exploration, Algarve and Peniche area will be the first regions to see offshore oil platforms. Boas Noticias & JN

About mining for Iron, some reports confirms Rio Tinto interest to invest about 1 billion Euros(or 3.5 Billion according some sources) in what is considered one of Europe's largest iron reserves and never explored. Expresso

About Gold, soon we may expect two more mining projects, one in Montemor area and other in Tras-os-Montes, today the official licensing for Montemor exploration was approved and Colt Resources, the Canadian company, will help for sure Portugal to be once again a "golden" Country. Sacbee & Expresso

Currently Portugal has four mines (in depth) in operation: Panasqueira (wolfram), Aljustrel (copper), Neves Corvo (copper) and Loulé (Salgema), in addition to some (open pit mining), including in Guarda (lithium), where Portugal is currently the fifth largest producer of this natural resource.

And Portugal for the first time will start to sell more fuel from its production units to other countries and will need to import less. DE

Now let's see the brand new floating wind turbine, almost ready to test the offshore Atlantic coast of Portugal

IBTimes

Which are Portugal's Top 10 Import Countries?

2011-09-26T02:09:00.001+01:00

I have done a fast chart with the Portugal's Top 10 Import Countries and only because I saw today some great data regarding Portugal's Trade Balance, and according Bank of Portugal, last July the coverage rate set a new record on a Monthly basis data, 97.9% was the number! Source : EconomiaFinancas

The Last trade Balance data from INE for the May-July Period is showing why are Portugal having so strong gains in this area, Exports rose YoY 14.9% and Imports only 0.2%. INE

Chart by Mike

Tourism - Linking Cultures this year at WTD 2011

2011-09-23T18:46:00.004+01:00

This year the World Tourism Day (WTD2011) will be held under the theme Tourism - Linking Cultures and nothing better for Portugal to be highlighted under these theme, and why? Portugal's culture, history and miscegenation are the main words to help this highlight. More than 500 years was the period needed for Portuguese people to spread its sentiments and culture throughout the world. I know millions can avoid all the meritorious behaviors and distinct Portuguese characteristics to only mention the slavery, the wars or employing all negative words you can choose from your vocabulary, but Portugal is more than that and more than the actual bailed country. (Your eyes see what world media wants to give you)

With only 10.5 million people, we can find everywhere from the smallest to the biggest town in the world, some Portuguese traces, a person, a word derived from Portuguese or even a bird in their migration that have passed above our heads.

If you spend sometime reading my blog, you'll find what Portugal was, is and will be capable to be!

Fatima gives peace to the world, Algarve sun almost all year, Lisbon offers you a cosmopolitan city, Douro region the best wines in the world, Alentejo offers you unique experiences only few miles away from Lisbon, this so tiny country offers you a splendid and vibrant variety all year round, so why are you waiting to visit us?

VISIT PORTUGAL

Here is a short song from a Portuguese composer, where you can see how amazing our world is

Linking cultures only turns it more amazing

A gum (Post) for you to chewing it!

2011-09-21T18:10:00.017+01:00

And I hope you will not spit it after read it! Let some time to do that! ;-)

Let's start this post spending our time in two stories coming from Portugal's Research in medical area :
- Childhood leukemia and Hospital infections.

A International research leading by Portuguese mates have done important discoveries about cancer in children, read more info from Publico and Science Daily.
Other recent research comes from London and where Portugal's Paula Salgado investigator is the co-author of a important discover to fight hospital infections. These links will offer you more detailed info. JPN and Science Daily.

Before I start rolling a bunch of nice stories for you coming from Portugal or with Portuguese people as main purpose for your knowledge, I invite you to be aware about these two so distinct companies and sectors, where I see and I even can recommend to be alert in respective sectors in the future (Medium or Long Term)
- SOIMA (Cranes Constructor and Designer)
- ANA SOUSA (Fashion Designer and Brand)

About Soima, no need too much words here about this company, they are good in what they do, better to visit their website.
Regarding Ana Sousa Fashion brand, they have some stores in some key markets such as China, Russia or South Africa and leaving the Traditional ones for a possible presence soon. If you like NCIS-LA, so you must know who's Daniela Ruah, see this video from a 2008 work for this Brand.

When someone outside Portugal makes some references about us, the first names they will shout out are Cristiano Ronaldo and José Mourinho. I confess, Soccer (European Football) does not have too much time in my blog, and yet it's this sport that gives Portugal to be shouting more times elsewhere, so I give today to them some time to say that Portugal are in fifth place according Fifa today's ranking. Here is a nice article about how this raking is being calculated lately. (They have done some changes in the past) Read from STV.
See the actual Ranking from Fifa.

One more time Portugal's shoe sector deserves to be mentioned over and over, and XUZ brand, and my blog already done a reference to this brand last year won in GDS (Dusseldorf) the revelation award. Read more about Clogs from GDS. Source : Sol
Other Portuguese brands awarded were Cohibas, Cubanas, Telyoh, Eugenia Tavares as Young Talent.

Other talent Portugal's designer is Miguel Vieira and recent news gave us to know that Toronto and Luxembourg are the next places where Miguel Vieira brand can be seen. Source RTP

Not leaving this design and shoe sector area, if you are in London so don't miss Portugal Brands in London Fashion Week and you'll have the opportunity to see some of what Portugal are doing in this area with 19 brands. (some of them already referenced here) Source : Marketeer
Other story comes from a great report offered by Portugal's Footwear Association (Unique in the world) with great statistical data and where they are reporting that this sector in Portugal is responsible for 2% of worldwide production, there is a goal to reach 5% in medium term. Source : Negocios
Download the report here.

And this week will take place in Tallinn, Estonia the Design Management Europe award ceremony and Portugal has two nominees, SALVADOR CAETANO and PIODAO. We wish them all luck for the ceremony. See all the nomennes for this award from DME.

See this video with the new Caetano 2500EL (Electric Bus)

Let's see some recent news about what Portugal's are doing in the Technological area, and in the Innovation area a unique and revolutionary platform idealized with the intention to gather all innovation and R&D activities and where the clients registered in this platform can see their projects being accelerated through this unique management tool. Source : Oje and see the platform at InoCrowd

I have a great admiration regarding Brazil and I hope they can increase the links with Portugal in several areas faster enough in years to come, and Portugal's VoiceInteraction Technological company will equip some Brazilian courts with their products of Voice Recognition Software. Here is one more Portuguese company that will help for sure Brazil in this so specific area. Source : Oje Visit VoiceInteraction Website.

In my blog the renewable energy world has been mentioned times enough and only because this sector in Portugal deserves and period. So, you must be aware that one of the big bets Portugal are doing in this area are related with EV's (Electric cars) ant its national grid and mobility(Mobi-E).
Mobicar (Portugal's EV prototype) will soon appear (Let's hope), but today I am posting about this area, because of recent news that are reporting that this week will be presented to the press a revolutionary application designed specially for EV's, named MOBILES "Mobilidade Electrica Sustentada" - sustained electric Mobility, the goal of this tool it is to help EV's in its electric management. NDrive, CEIIA (Designer of Mobicar) and three others entities (Read the article) are behind this application for Android systems. Read more from RTP

Changing the subject now to other areas, and, EDP was elected and maintains its first place since 2010 in the Energy Sustainability Dow Jones Indexes . Source EDP

Portuguese are doing quite well this year regarding exports and Portugal's Trade Balance are winning with that. Probably this year the raise for Portugal's exports YoY will be better than 15%, it's this segment that will help GDP not to be very nasty because of the strong brake we are seeing in-doors (Only companies with strong export portfolio are doing well, others are really bad or are even "some sectors worse than others")

And nothing better to close this post with Portuguese wine and custards. Decanter, the specialized wine magazine has chosen three Portuguese wines to be among the 25 worldwide best wines, are they Bacalhoa Moscatel 2004, Tagus Creek Shiraz and Trincadeira 2010. Read more from Fugas.
To have 3 out of 25 in this so prestigious magazine it's all what Portugal's wine industry needs, congratulations.

And my last story comes from Indonesia, oh yes, Indonesia or better, from the biggest Indonesian food Importer, and according the latest reports they are looking for what Portugal has to offer in this sector, and they have done a visit to several Portugal's food companies and where the famous "Pastel de Nata" Portuguese Custard tart really opened more than the eyes of this importer, we hope soon Indonesian people can have in their mouths this so tasty pastel. Read this story from I Newspaper.

Now, tell me, Have you enjoyed the gum?

Visit Portugal

From Portugal, all I have to offer you is LOVE...

2011-08-24T01:27:00.003+01:00

... and more stories.

First, let me start with the latest and strong data from Portugal's export world, and it is this same world that is helping Portugal not to have so bad GDP data. See the latest data from INE.

Summary
The Flash Estimate of the Portuguese Gross Domestic Product (GDP) points to a year on year change rate of -0.9% in volume in the 2nd quarter 2011 (change rate of -0.6% in the 1st quarter 2011). Comparing with the previous quarter, the Portuguese GDP remained unchanged.
The year on year GDP reduction in the 2nd quarter 2011 was driven by the strong decrease in Investment and Final Consumption Expenditures of Households, mainly the durable goods component. Imports of Goods and Services also diminished, whilst Exports of Goods and Services maintained a strong year on year growth rate.

The automotive sector had a incredible 40% increase in July. Negocios. The second quarter saw a increase of 14% for Total exports. Imports are seeing a strong brake this year. All info from Ine.

Just for curiosity, only Portucel/Soporcel group represents around 3% of all exports from Portugal. Negocios

Other curiosity comes from Portugal's Neoasfalto company that wants to lead the world's asphalt industry.
Export-Hub.

Leaving the export world, now let's see other good news coming from Portugal in other areas, first we have a revolutionary packing system for food industry, and Minho University seems to be the first to implement in the ground a invisible packing for several food articles, you can't smell it and see it but you can eat it.
Read more about this revolutionary packing system that soon will be implemented in Portugal.
Publico.

Other very interesting article comes from Portugal's Glaciar Water. This company that in 2007 was almost in bankruptcy is now recognized as one of best world's water and received this year already four prestigious awards. IOL

From Sol newspaper I have two stories for you, first a Portugal's Textile company that produces repelling clothing and other that are one of the few in the world that produces thermal insulation for everything that flies in space.
Read them : Repelling Clothing and Space Thermal Insulation.

And last but not least comes some data from Internet usage in Portugal, and 99.6% is the number regarding students using Internet and puts Portugal among the best countries in the world. Boas Noticias

Portuguese footwear reaches 70% of the world's countries

2011-08-03T19:58:00.003+01:00

South Sudan. This is the name of the new country that has officially existed since the last 9th of July. This is also one of the few world-wide countries that has not yet known Portuguese footwear.

In effect, the Portuguese industry exports footwear to 132 countries, to all five continents, this is, 68% of all countries recognized by the UN (United Nations). It has become, in fact, the most internationalized sector of the Portuguese economy.

The Portuguese footwear industry is increasingly extrovert, it continues to grow and exports, roughly, 95% of its production. In the first five months of the year, Portuguese footwear exports have grown by 19.8%, over twice as much as it imports. Thus in 2011 footwear reinforces its status as the product that most positively contributes to the Portuguese trade balance, with a positive budget that is superior to 850 million Euros at the end of the year.

From January to May, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), Portugal exported 697 million Euros worth of footwear, a figure above average in the Portuguese economy. Imports have risen by 8.6% to 233 million Euros. In the first five months of the year, alone, the contribution of footwear to the trade balance has been superior to 374 million Euros.

Portuguese footwear exports are virtually increasing in all markets, especially within the European Union, namely in France (growth by 10.8% to 162 million Euros), Germany (21.4% more, to 113 million Euros) and in Holland (22% more, to 80 million Euros). On the other hand, the fall of sales by 3.2% in the United Kingdom (to 46 million Euros) stands out. Still in the EU, the good performance in Italy is to be mentioned (77% more, to 19 million Euros).

Outside European ground, a special mention should be made to the good results in Russia (72.7% more, to 5.2 million Euros), the USA (21.8% more, to 4.8 million Euros), to Japan (28.6% more, to 4.2 million Euros) and in Canada (87.6% more, to 3.6 million Euros).

Still within foreign commerce domain, imports have risen by 8.6%, especially in Spain (5.9% more, to 85 million Euros), China (47.6% more, to 24.7 million Euros) and in Italy (22.4% more, to 22.6 million Euros).

It is also important to note the mean price of imported footwear, that has situated itself at 5.89€, roughly 1/4 of the value of exported footwear (superior to 19 €).

Source : Aicep

This was my first copy/Paste post. I have dedicated too much time to this blog with several posts per week, sometimes more than 15, and sadly from now on I will do a average of only 3 per week, but larger posts and with a bunch of info, this one it is dedicated once again to the amazing shoe sector in Portugal.

See the last Magazine released from the official Portugal's shoe sector "In Portuguese" Magazine.
The exports continue to rise in Portugal in almost all sectors, but this one are having a particularly success.
See the last data from Export Hub.

Yesterday, Portugal's economy Minister said that Portugal must export 50% of GDP as soon as the next 5 years, currently the value must be around 31%, so they have a promising target for Portugal economy.

Keep an eye for some brands such as Wock for Professional use or Vudu, Fly London, Y.E.S and Helsar.
These are only few examples of the new dynamic that this sector has to offer. Italy must be prepared to see their first place regarding best ratio/price/production to be in danger. ;-)

Another great video from Portugal, this time dedicated to Moody's

2011-07-26T00:30:00.001+01:00

We are NOT in the Moody`s

Great Portugal's companies from several sectors.

2011-07-17T16:19:00.002+01:00

Let's see today 5 great examples from several sectors from Portugal industrial world.
From Shoe Sector we have Helsar, food sector Casa da Prisca, from engineering Iberomoldes, from furniture Levira and from tools Palbit. These are great companies with high quality products and services.

Helsar is a shoe company producing shoes only for women and with a great variety in Dancer shoes, created in 1979 they have their presence in several worldwide markets, they produce shoes by request and you can find them for example in UK in Emmy Shoes designed by Emmy Scaterfield, just for curiosity in the last royal wedding several personalities wore shoes by Helsar including Kate's sister and mother, they have produced also the purse used by Kate's Mother, see some photos.

From Food sector Casa da Prisca is the major example you can find for quality and innovative products in Portugal, from charcuterie to cheeses or pates, you will find a strong variety of high quality products, not forgetting the gourmet section. With their high and extra quality products they only need to start marketing in some key markets and we will see a fast success.
This a company will almost 100 years and running in the same family hands for 4 generations.

Casa da Prisca in a Madrid food fair

Iberomoldes, this is a Portugal's group with units in several countries and has in engineering, prototyping and mouldmaking its main services. I have post about Safe Luggage project, and this is one of the projects this group are engaging in. Founded in 1975, from their units leave every year thousands of parts for several automotive factories and others.
Levira it's a reference for the Furniture Office sector, take a look to their portfolio and you will have a better idea about their products. Founded in 1971, has been integrated in Prebuild group this year, with factories in Portugal, it is easy to find them in Spain and France where they have Commercial units, but it's possible to acquire their products in several others countries, Cuba or Russia are some of them.

Palbit, it's a hardmetal tools solutions company for Industrial, Cutting and Rock areas. In USA and Canada it is possible to find them from Toolmex Corporation. This is other company with almost 100 years and with clients worldwide.

We can see here a Palbit tool in action

Americans can help Portugal.

2011-07-13T16:30:00.009+01:00

My post title are the words coming from the American Ambassador in Portugal. Allan Katz said today in Porto city, "Portugal has what Americans are looking when visiting Europe, Old stuff to visit, good food and wines and security", so why are Portugal not a preferential destination for Americans?
For me the main reason is because Portugal is peripheral, so what Portugal must do is a strong campaign in USA to show that in Portugal, they have all they can find in the rest of Europe and a lot to discover. Algarve is not a market for Americans, but they have all Douro valley and its boat trips and all north to visit, not forgetting the religious tours and Lisbon several near places.

Mr. Allan Katz said in this conference "Let us help you, we know how to promote good destinations"
Source : RTP

Only around 1/4 Million Americans visits Portugal per year.
Here is the last data from Tourism in Portugal, INE.

Here is other place to visit, MADEIRA

One more video from Portugal to Moody's

2011-07-12T03:25:00.000+01:00

What Moody's trashes, We treasure

From Portugal comes the new generation wear

2011-07-12T02:57:00.006+01:00

Finally, all people that have some disease related to skin problems can already buy some products manufactured with extreme care and new textiles solutions that will give to your skin the rest you deserve.
The Portugal's company behind this story is New Textiles and the brand they have is Skintoskin.
This company are engaged in several projects for therapeutic purposes and soon they intend to release fresh new products, created in 2008 they are already present in several countries and if you have some skin problem like candidiasis or eczema why not to try their products.

And more good news for this sector in Portugal, the big brands that some years ago left Portugal as a producer and after bad experiences in others countries are returning to Portugal and there are already data saying some companies are having more than 20% sales increase for 2010 and 2011.
According Expresso Newspaper, brands such as Judith Lacroix, Linvosges and Benetton are being produced already by Raith. It seems new times for this sector is arrived, where private labels and efficient and new solutions for every client and fast production are bringing new clients to Portugal.

Portugal is now a Junk Country, Thanks Moody's!!

2011-07-10T16:42:00.002+01:00

It is surprise only for those who are not aware about the invisible war in this Financial Junk times we are living, and Moody's decided to relegate Portugal to the highly exclusive group of Junk countries, really a honer coming from those guys. I hope Europe will decide to send Moody's to Junk rating agency.

Which browsers are Portuguese using?

2011-07-10T16:06:00.006+01:00

Let's see the Top 5 Browsers by usage in Portugal.
My preference goes to Google Chrome, if you never tried it, so I advice you to do it!

Source: StatCounter Global Stats - Browser Market Share

Portugal's gastronomy.

2011-07-01T12:59:00.001+01:00

If you want to participate and vote for the 7 Portugal's gastronomy wonders, go to this website "Translated by Google" and you can make your choice from 21 delicious and traditional recipes from Portuguese gastronomy.
In September is when the official results will be known.
From the typical Sardines and Caldo Verde "Green Broth" to Leitão à Bairrada "Piglet Bairrada Stylish" you have 21 traditional recipes from several categories to choose from.

Meanwhile I suggest also that you take a look to these sources with more about Portugal's gastronomy.

EVORA - Portugal's gourmet Paradise "Google Translation"

Fresh Seafood, perfect Potatoes

Portuguese Chicken with piri-piri

Here is one of the 21 recipes you can choose from - CHANFANA

Traditional Portuguese Filigree

2011-06-25T01:26:00.009+01:00

This ancient art of the filigree (Filigrana in Portuguese) with its origin not very well determined (China and India may be the ones) has in two accurate Portugal's regions its bases where in small workshops they do some beautiful pieces. (Gondomar and Povoa do Lanhoso).
Some artifacts found from a Pre-Roman period in actual Portuguese territory, tells us that in that time this art was already known here, but this art gets its strong improvement in Medieval Europe and it could be found in several regions, Genoa was the most important center in Europe at the time of Portugal foundation. Some important pieces from Portugal XII century Jewellery (Chalice of D.Guedes Mendes) is showing to us the beauty of this Romanesque period.
It was around in the XVII century that the actual Traditional Portuguese Filigree gets its "origin", the gold is the most used material, but silver is also found (You will get 19.25 Karat gold in Portuguese Jewellery) and for example today you can see in the traditional Minho region folklore, women using several pieces from this art.

Google can show to you more examples of what you can get from Portugal (Portuguese Filigree)

In Oficina do Ouro you can buy brooches, earrings, pendants, gold cords and much more.

This work is done in small workshops

Columbus - The spy and the hidden identity.

2011-06-22T23:04:00.012+01:00

I decided to do this post after seeing today in Portugal's History Channel a documentary about Columbus, and according this new "theory" and I am sorry but I didn't saw who done this documentary, Columbus didn't born in Genoa but Sardinia.
I just want to leave here some fast interrogations about the mysterious Columbus, but in my humble opinion and reading from several sources, for me Columbus was a spy working for Kingdom of Portugal and with the main role to send Spanish to the lands that Portugal wasn't interested in. (Americas). And Columbus was PORTUGUESE!

I confess that the lack of interest from USA about Manuel da Silva Rosa books about this issue is baffling. Even in Spain, their books are getting some attention and the detailed research done by him is superb.

This documentary ended with a silly argument that "Columbus was the man that united the west and the East...." - I just said, what the .....! These guys are crazy! How can in a documentary to be said this so silly sentence and now I am here posting because of this sentence.

Portugal was the first European country to start to explore the Atlantic earlier in the xv century, others have done that before (occasionally). The primary goal for Portugal was to find a way to reach Asia (India) by sea, now I leave here some fast questions.

- Why is so difficult to have 100% sure about Columbus identity? (In that time and subsequent years not only Portugal but others countries had dozens of navigators and explorers, so why only Columbus is so mysterious? - Fast reply = Because he was a spy, and kept its identity hidden until the end. (Nice job Salvador)

- In that time the primary goal was to reach Asia (Americas was secondary), Tordesilhas treaty can give us some clues (Portugal knew already how the world was at the time "At least a tenuous idea", and the treaty was done to kept Asia under Portugal control and the first lands of America (Brazil).

If you have a taste for history, so I invite you to read what the Portuguese historian Manuel da Silva Rosa has to told us about this question, in his last book "Columbus, the untold Story" he is saying that Columbus father was a Polish and that was enough for the magazine Newsweek (Polish Version) to highlight his theory. I can't find a English version of his book :(
This theory about Vladislav III to be Columbus father is not convincing me. (I go instead for Columbus to descend from Zarco family).
There is a legend about Vladislav III to be in Madeira around 1457 and he is contemporaneous of Zarco (Madeira Island discover) and according this legend Vladislav was treated as a King by Zarco and Portuguese nobles.
But this book is very interesting. The Portuguese Version is sold out (second Edition) (Let's see if the English Version will be released soon) READ IT!!
You can buy the Spanish version of his first book from Amazon.

Read some more about this theory here.

Read from wikipedia about Portuguese Discoveries.

Portuguese! Hum! Can we trust them?

2011-06-22T17:08:00.005+01:00

Oops! The title can trick you, but with all these crisis and finance turmoil, the comparisons that outside almost all do for example with Greece and Greek people are for most a certainty that only shows the lack of knowledge demonstrated by those people.
I am Portuguese and now, even I can't understand how Greece entered in Euro zone, if Portugal was and is in the boundary of that region, all the tricks that Greeks have done in the last years are something quite strange to understand. How can Greece have a better way of life than Portugal, Greece has more half million people than Portugal and exports less around half than Portugal, has the Internal Greek Market the capacity to give more money to Greeks than Portugal? I believe that several Greek indicators in the EU comparing with Portugal are not reasonable, and the debt they have is confirming that, and I hope that the actual data are now in a trust mode.
Portugal has several negative guidelines in so many areas, but this very young cabinet are showing that something is about to change, yesterday was chosen for the first time in history, a woman to be Portugal's Parliament president (Assunçao Esteves) , she is now the second most important figure after the President, and the opposition party, the Socialists, have also chosen a woman (Maria de Belem) to be the president of all Socialists in the Parliament, this is new also.

Time to run away from politic issues and let's see Portuguese in others areas. Joao Rodrigues just put their name in Guinness book after windsurfing more than 300 Km without any stop. Source : I

And CNID (Sports Journalists Association) have already chose the persons to be awarded in so may sport areas. Cristiano Ronaldo (Best Athlete outside Portugal), and the athlete of year this time was shared by 5 persons, Telma Monteiro (Judo), Joao Pina (Judo), Armindo Araujo (Rally Driver), Francis Obykwelu (Athletics) and Helder Araujo (Motorcycling "Dakar presence"). The revelation awards was for the canoeing and Volleyball teams and for the young swimmer Angelica Andre (With only 16 years old she have beaten two National records this year). Source RTP

A brief note about Tim Pawlenty and his "insensitive" speech about Portugal, NOPA (National Organization of Portuguese Americans) has already defended the "bride".
Source : Portuguese American Journal

And a recommendation in case you are a art gallery usual visitor and if you are a investor in this area to take a look at a online gallery that the Portugal's entrepreneurship Goncalo Saudade e Silva created and he have the ambition to turn this project a International reference. Artchezmoi is the name of the project and you'll find dozens of artists and works from 250 to 500.000 Euros. (For all pockets)
The man behind this project has been very successful with others projects such as Club Fashion (Only in Portuguese) with more than 1 million subscribers.

In a country with dozens of beaches, a artificial one was inaugurated last week in Mangualde.

Portuguese! Hum! Can we trust them?

Some of the latest contributes from Portugal's medicine research

2011-06-22T03:18:00.002+01:00

I have some recent stories to share about some medical researches and medical equipment coming from Portugal, and I start with a story not from Portugal but from a Portuguese researcher actually working in USA (California University), Andre Raposo and his team are doing some important discoveries to fight AIDS.
Source : I

From Portugal's Hovione comes a new powder inhaler patent and this highly experienced company is once again leading in R&D in this type of products.
Source : PR Newswire

"Role For Cell Scaffold In Tumor Formation Revealed" - This is the article title for a new Tumor Research from Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia. For more info follow the story from Medical News Today.

Now time to see the other side from Medicine and the hardware or software are everyday more important, and from Porto and already being used in other countries comes a very useful software that helps to warn about low fetus oxygenation, they have already more than two years in the market. "OmniView-Sis Porto" is the name for this fetal monitoring central system. See this video from TVI.

DigiScope – Digitally Enhanced Stethoscope for Clinical Usage is another innovation coming from a Porto University Team research, others teams from London, Guimaraes (Portugal) and Recife (Brazil) are engaged in this project. Read more from Angina blog.
Source : IT

You have in ALERT for example a strong reference from Portugal about Healthcare solutions, they are expanding very fast their products in several countries.

Let's see if the new Portugal's ministers will not need to use any of these products soon, the huge task they have to send the crisis to another place will not be easy, a video from Ibtimes with yesterday event when the new cabinet took office. GOOD LUCK!

6 Medals won this weekend from Portugal

2011-06-21T15:33:00.001+01:00

This weekend Portugal won 6 medals in three different sports, rowing, canoeing and Judo.
In Belgrade in the European canoe sprint Championship, Portugal won 1 Gold and 3 Bronze medals, in Hamburg in the the second rowing world cup, Portugal won 1 Bronze medal and this one was the first time in history for Portugal and in Rio de Janeiro from another Judo world cup event Joao Pina won the Silver medal.
In Rugby Portugal lost to South Africa in Romania and in Sweden for the Athletic European Team Championship Portugal was 11th and next year will not be among the best European countries. :-(

And in Soccer, another Portuguese trainer will follow Mourinho steps and Chelsea will be the next club to follow in his career. Mourinho just gave to soccer (European Football) a new way to command a team and others Portuguese fellows are following his steps, and the new Porto team trainer will be for sure another young person and coming from this "school"

Let's see some videos about these events.

The Paris air show and first Portugal's presence.

2011-06-20T17:30:00.003+01:00

If you saw my last post about this subject some posts below, Portugal is trying to enter in this very exclusive world with a tenacious approach and its first presence with 36 companies and entities are a strong sign about the bet from Portugal in this cluster economic area.
Embraer will be the strongest allied for Portugal and in Evora is where the new Embraer production unit currently under development will be located. Source : Embraer
Before Embraer, Portugal had in airplanes maintenance its strong presence in this area and the Portuguese reputation with its qualified technicians has its worldwide recognition.

In this video we can see all names from this industry in Portugal

This is one of the presences in Paris, the new L.I.F.E project with Embraer and several Portuguese companies, such as Amorim Cork and Iberomoldes behind it

Chocolate, water, canoes and fitness - Do you want to taste it?

2011-06-17T15:55:00.004+01:00

Let's see what I have to offer you in this post, but first I want to thanks all that usually do a visit to my blog, my statistics are saying that USA, Portugal, Canada, UK, Thailand, Germany, France, Spain, Australia and South Africa are my Top Ten Countries Audience, I really appreciate your visit, Thanks!

Let's start with chocolate, and a Portuguese Beer Brand have done a very tasty website, see the video and visit the website, pure chocolate and a splendid work, well done guys. SAGRES

After the chocolate it's time for some fitness, and Vivafit, the Portuguese Gyms company and with more than 100 only in Portugal are going to enter in a new market, and this time Uruguay will be the bet and with Argentina, Brazil and Chile near to be the next ones to follow.
They are in others markets such as India, Singapore and Spain and they were the first with the concept for gyms only for women.
Source : Oje

And it's time to drink some water, and a group of Portuguese students just invented the "TAP" bottle. They've their own small company, the Gold Water and the concept of this "TAP" is quite simple, to have a bottle in your pocket and ready to be used when needed.

But if you want to continue your training section, so why not to do canoeing. I have already posted about NELO canoes brand, and recent news are telling us that they want to win more than 50% of Olympic medals with their Kayaks.
Source : Jogo

About canoes, there is another Portuguese brand with excellent reputation and with clients worldwide.
ELIO and NELO are doing a nice cluster of these type of products. If you are looking for a nice competition Kayak or canoe try to see their products.

BMW 6 series convertible and Portugal for a photo presentation

2011-06-15T02:47:00.001+01:00

Once again Portugal was the country chosen for a photo presentation and this time from BMW and 6 Series Convertible.

With several tips for your Lisbon trip, I invite you to see this presentation from BMW.

And talking about a German car, I have a nice story about how a Portugal's Smart Grid just won to a German project to be the "Case Study" chosen by European Commission and Eurelectric Industrial Association.
From 260 projects, INOVGRID from EDP won this prestigious announcement.
EDP with this project is actually the world leader in this type of Smart Grids.
Source : Portugal Global

You have more info about this project here and visit the official website INOVCITY.

Renewable energies in Portugal

Strong boost sales from Volkswagen unit in Portugal

2011-06-14T17:11:00.008+01:00

VW unit in Palmela in Portugal are having more than 50% monthly YoY cars production and will boost this sector this year in Portugal. I have already post somewhere about a target of 200.000 cars and trucks to be produced this year in Portugal. China will definitely help to achieve these numbers with Scirocco and Eos sales in that market.

Just for curiosity in cars production per capita Portugal was in 2002 in 14th position. USA was in 15th. The top 3 was Belgium, Japan and Slovenia.

Here is the beauty that Portugal is producing.

It's time to start searching the gold again and more economic indicators.

2011-06-14T16:03:00.001+01:00

Today I read that with almost 100% sure, not yet confirmed, but the Canadian mining company Colt Resources will be authorized and will win a license to explore a Portugal's region (Alentejo) in gold extraction.
Several others companies tried to win this license and everyone failed, this one got the "gold".
Source : Negocios

Time to post about some more Economic Indicators and firstly just to mention the rubbish that I found in some tweets about Portugal to default tomorrow, I know there are a lot of people waiting to see that, but others will default first, that's a guarantee I can give you.
Today we notice that for first time in history the trade balance between Portugal and France turned positive to Portugal, this is quite strange because France is a power in Europe and we must see the numbers from several angles. In 2010 Portugal exported 4.20 Billions and France exported to Portugal 4.10 Billion.
Source : Sol

The GDP dropped 0.6% in the first quarter and the consumption from Portuguese families are seeing a strong pause, some are forecasting 2011 GDP to be -2.2%, but I continue to see even with all this crisis that Portugal will make it to do not drop more than 1.2%.

Tourism are seeing a strong increase and this last data with April numbers are confirming that, INE REPORT.
Almost +20% in April YoY.

The last official data for Exports are seeing a strong increase of 16.2% in the quarter February/April, read more from INE.

And I leave you with a amazing video from Porto City to relax from all these numbers.