Most people have heard of Fidel Castro, but what was Cuba like before Castro? Who was Fulgencio Batista? How did he gain control of the country and why did he need to be replaced? What created the conditions under which someone like Castro was able to gain - and maintain the support of the people? This book offers a surprising answer: The mob. Inside this book, you will discover how Batista's friendship with Meyer Lansky allowed the Mafia to become dollar for dollar partners with the Cuban government in the casino hotel industry. This industry came to dominate the Cuban economy in the 1950's, and sowed the seeds of revolution. Finally, you will learn what life was like for Cubans who lived through these times as they explain in their own words how events caused them to either flee - or join the revolution.

In the small California town of Santa Marta, oil and water become an explosive mixture when the human elements of lust and greed are thrown into the crucible. When news of a major oil well discovery in its channel leaks out, the quiet town is rocked by murder and terrorism...and naked desires are unleashed on every level. A giant oil company wants to control the town and its resources... The townspeople want to be left alone...except for a handful of citizens who see this as their golden opportunity for wealth, position, and power. In the face of all this violence a few dedicated people—people with ideals, people who dare to fall in love—find a way to avoid disaster. But no one in Santa Marta will ever be the same once this story reaches its shattering climax. You may well see some startling similarities here in your very own town, among people you know...