# Ask the former Cuban Communist! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 27, 2007, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878 "2007-02-27T15:49:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![lalenin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@lalenin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lalenin)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878/121 "2007-03-19T22:14:24Z")
[QUOTE=rowrrbazzle] Thanks for your answers to my previous questions. What is your opinion of Oliver Stone’s statements about Castro as given here [BBC - Films - interview - Oliver Stone](http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/09/30/oliver_stone_comandante_interview.shtml) and here? [http://www.etherzone.com/2004/stra101304.shtml](http://www.etherzone.com/2004/stra101304.shtml) Thanks in advance. [/QUOTE] I know that HBO was set to show Stone’s documentary onn Fidel, but then Black Spring hit and Stone was forced to go back and interview him before HBO would show the documentary. I don’t know if the initial documentary was ever shown, but it was ironic than just when Stone is ready to release a adulatory film on Castro the Cuban government went on a dissident crackdown. ---
**Author:** ![lalenin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@lalenin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lalenin)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2007, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878/122 "2007-03-19T22:20:17Z")
[QUOTE=DocCathode] I’m so glad somebody re-opened this thread. When I casually mentioned to a friend from Panama that in Cuba Chango is a woman, she demanded I re-open the thread and get more information. Is this Chango also in charge of storms, anger and lightning? [/QUOTE] That’s the one. To be clear though, Chango is a male saint, however his catholic visage is the female Santa Barbara. This has to do with some shared traits between the two, such as colors (red and white), a castle, and the sword. ---
**Author:** ![detlep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dbc845/32.png) [@detlep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/detlep)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878/123 "2014-12-22T03:59:37Z")
This thread has always fascinated me. Given the recent announcement regarding the change in US-Cuba relations, a zombie-bump seems pretty meaningful. Lalenin, I would really like to hear your opinion about the announcement and the prospect for substantive reform in Cuba. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878/124 "2014-12-22T04:12:36Z")
> [@detlep](#): > > This thread has always fascinated me. Given the recent announcement regarding the change in US-Cuba relations, a zombie-bump seems pretty meaningful. > > Lalenin, I would really like to hear your opinion about the announcement and the prospect for substantive reform in Cuba. Looks like he may lurk but he hasn’t posted in years. I agree it was a good thread. ---
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878/125 "2014-12-22T18:45:31Z")
Cuba stationed around 1,000 troops in Cabinda Province during my first assignment there in 1986, with a sizable contingent in and around the Malongo camp. They were there to protect us and the facilities. They also were in charge of the camp cafeteria and the food was outstanding. I still remember the tamales, the beans & rice, and some really good stews. I also had my first ever mojito and Cuba Libre. Good times… :)🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878/126 "2014-12-22T23:15:10Z")
> [@Canadiangirl](#): > > What is the best way to tip there? Coins? Bills? Pesos? Canadian dollars? I know this was a zombie thread that was re-opened, but thought I would post on this question. Don’t pass on coinage, except the cuban variety. They can take bills in hard currency and buy stuff, but when I was there, the staff was tipped in toonies and loonies, probably money that people had in their pockets during the flight. As well, comfort items are appreciated, as far as I have been told. Womens make up and toiletries are things that are really expensive for the average person, and leaving them for the maid(s) will be very welcome. Declan [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-former-cuban-communist/393878.md?page=6)