Cuba is leading the way in cancer diagnosis and prevention thanks to early investment in biotechnology. (World Atlas)
Caribbean 360 is reporting that Cuba is on the cutting edge of cancer treatments because of a major investment made by the country into biotechnology. The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting that Cuba’s cancer research and treatment is the envy of other countries of its size because of the significant progress in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention being made due to the development of technological tools.
Caribbean 360 writes:
“In 2008, the Ministry of Health registered a first vaccine for therapeutic treatment of advanced lung cancer developed by the Havana-based Centre of Molecular Immunology (CIM), one of the biotechnology spearheads in Cuba that is focusing on cancer treatments and vaccines. A second vaccine against the same type of cancer was patented at the beginning of this year.
‘Biotechnology is key to transforming cancer from a deadly disease into a chronic one,’ says Dr. Agustin Lage Davila, the General Director of CIM. ‘Our drugs make chemo and radiation therapies more effective and less toxic. This helps us to achieve our ultimate goal: a longer life and a better quality life for our patients.’”
Paraguayan presidential candidate Lino Cesar Oviedo died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. He was 69. (Google Images)
Pedro Servin of the Associated Press is reporting that Paraguayan presidential candidate Lino Cesar Oviedo has been killed in a helicopter crash, authorities said Sunday. Oviedo was returning from a political rally in Northern Paraguay when the helicopter encountered bad weather. Oviedo, his bodyguard and the helicopter pilot were killed in the crash.
Oviedo had a dramatic political career that included coups and repeated attempts to lead Paraguay – a 6.5 million-person country. Defense Minister Maria Liz Garcia said she traveled to the scene Sunday with Oviedo’s daughter, congresswoman Fabiola Oviedo, and confirmed that the helicopter “disintegrated.”
Lino Oviedo was running in April’s elections as leader of Paraguay’s third-largest opposition party, the National Union of Ethical Citizens. He was 69.
Barbados will hold general elections to replace 30 seats on February 21, 2013. (Google Images)
Caribbean 360 is reporting that the two main political parties here have nominated candidates to contest the 30 seats in the February 21 general elections ahead of the official Nomination day on February 6. The main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) led by former prime minister Owen Arthur marched to the Treasury Building on Thursday to pay the required US$125 per candidate. They will run as a team, a first for the Caribbean. The ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart Friday nominated their candidates for the polls, with DLP spokesman Ronald Jones telling reporters that the party would not “engage in any grand public display.” The general elections will be held on February 21, 2013.
Nigerian police attack two Boko Haram camps in Borno State, killing 17 members of the Islamist rebel group. (Google Images)
BBC Africa is reporting that Nigeria’s military has killed 17 insurgents in an attack on two training camps belonging to the Boko Haram Islamist group.
One soldier was also killed in the firefight that broke out after they moved in on the camps, backed by helicopter gunships, the military said.
Spokesman Lt Col Sagir Musa said the “fortified” camps were in a forest and a game reserve in Borno State.
Boko Haram is seeking to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria.
Arthur Ashe was an athlete, scholar and activist whose public opposition to discrimination helped change society. (Google Images)
by Akosua Lowery
“…historians had underestimated the socio-historical impact of the black athlete in black American life. But the truth is that the psychic value of success in sports was and is higher in the black community than among any other American subculture.” – The New York Times, Arthur R. Ashe, Jr.
Arthur Ashe
On January 28, 1970, Arthur Ashe became the first Black male to win Wimbledon. An activist, athlete and scholar, Arthur Ashe was denied entry to compete on the U.S. tennis team for the South African Open tennis championships because of his outspoken sentiments about South Africa’s racist policies, most notably Apartheid. Ashe was the first black player ever selected for the United States’ Davis Cup team and the only black man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. He retired in 1980. Arthur Ashe died in February 1993 from complications due to AIDS, which he contracted through a blood transfusion. Forced to disclose his illness under duress, Ashe spent the rest of his days campaigning for public awareness, including a speech on the floor of the United Nations on World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. The country’s first black Governor, Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder allowed Ashe’s body to lie in state at the executive mansion in Richmond. On June 20, 1993, Ashe was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. He was married to world-renowned photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe at the time of his passing.
The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter @AkosuaLowery.
Immigration reform is one of the key issues that will force the GOP to work with Democrats in Congress. (Google Images)
by Devona Walker
Congress is a mess. Due to the elimination of moderates and the ultra conservative hijacking of the Republican party, Congress continues to be a certified mess.
But here’s the good thing. Tea Partiers have so alienated establishment Republicans that they may be forced to work with Democrats to survive. Immigration reform is the perfect issue to test this premise.
On Tuesday morning, Sens. Charles Schumer of New York, Marco Rubio of Florida and John McCain of Arizona announced a bipartisan framework for comprehensive immigration reform. CNN quickly pointed out that immigration reform may be more political necessity than actual bipartisanship. But this is American politics not Match.com; there’s no need for romance — political necessity is good enough.
There are 435 members of the House of Representatives. Of that, 233 are Republicans. Democrats have a 17 seat deficit. There are 51 Republican members in the Tea Party caucus (not all Tea Party-backed Republicans have joined the caucus). In the Senate, there are 53 Democrats, two Independents and 45 Republicans. In that governing body, Republicans have routinely used the filibuster to thwart Democratic legislation.
Until now, moderate Republicans have been consistently bullied by the right wing with the threat of a primary challenge. The list of moderate Republican casualties is extensive: Indiana’s Richard Lugar, Rhode Island’s Lincoln Chafee, Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter (who changed parties but was still defeated. Specter died last year), Maine’s Olympia Snowe (who retired), Minnesota’s Norm Coleman, Oregon’s Gordon Smith and Arkansas’ Ted Stevens just to name a few. For a full list, check out this 538 blog.
During the last political cycle, the right-wing took a beating. Tea Party spokeswoman Michelle Bachmann barely survived her election while Missouri’s Todd Akin, Indiana’s Richard Mourdock, Florida’s Allen West and Illinois’ Joe Walsh did not. During the fiscal cliff negotiations, the Tea Party successfully won the debate, embarrassing House Speaker John Boehner in the process. In the end, Boehner was forced to work with Democrats to avert the fiscal cliff. It wasn’t pretty. Boehner even told Sen. Harry Reid to go F%^# himself on his way out of the door. But the Democrats got most of what they wanted in terms of tax hikes for the rich and tax breaks for the middle-class.
Immigration reform is uniquely positioned as the ultimate test of this “pseudo” bipartisanship. The sane Republicans left in the party understand demographics and realize they need Latino votes in order to survive. The same thought process holds true for other issues.
Gun control, sans the assault rifle ban, will pass. Along with President Obama’s 23 executive orders — the most relevant being that he appointed an ATF Director — Congress will pass universal background checks. Background checks will effectively close the gun show loophole and drastically reduce straw purchases and the most common circumvention of state to state gun control effort, interstate gun trafficking. However, many people are against the idea of having a background check done against them – and perhaps rightfully so? Responsible gun owners who are purchasing and using their firearms legally may have an interest in some additional products that they could buy to accessorize their current gear like some of the best gun belts so that they can concealed carry their gun effectively and comfortably. Background checks are sometimes necessary, but for those with a criminal record due to a silly mistake, this can be frustrating. Some people seek out pardons Canada, or wherever they’re located, to be rid of their criminal record, which will make background checks and finding employment much easier.
About 40 percent of gun purchasers do not currently undergo background checks due to the gun show loophole. Why? Political necessity. On one side of the equation you have 20 dead six- year-olds and on the other is Wayne LaPierre. Roughly 90 percent of Americans support universal background checks, and more than 80 percent of NRA members support background checks. Subsequent to the Newtown school shooting, we are seeing “bipartisan” support and action on this issue.
The Defense of Marriage Act will also likely be nullified. This will require a different sort of bipartisanship. The repeal of DOMA will be greatly aided by another Republican-led body, the Supreme Court. In March, the Supreme Court will hear the Prop 8 case. A ruling is expected by June. Thirty-one states have amended their constitutions to prohibit same-sex marriage. I’m betting the Supreme Court will view it as a civil rights issue, in a 5-4 decision, and the ban will be ruled unconstitutional. This overrides all statewide bans and effectively nullifies DOMA.
The real horse trading will occur over a jobs bill and deficit reduction negotiations — which will undoubtedly put various “entitlements” and social safety net programs in play. Whatever happens, do know that immigration reform is the core issue that will make Congress work together i.e. Republicans actually do their job — and that’s ultimately a good thing.
Immigration is a growing issue in society, if you need some help and support, contact a reputable solicitors. Devona Walker is the politics editor for The Burton Wire.
The Rio Times is reporting that 245 people were killed in KISS nightclub in Rio Grande do Sul. Forty-eight others were injured. (Google Maps)
Lucy Jordan of The Rio Times is reporting that 245 people were killed at Kiss nightclub in central Rio Grande do Sul. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is on site comforting relatives of victims. In addition to the 245 people killed, 48 others were injured and are receiving medical treatment. The blaze is being blamed on a band’s pyrotechnics, which reportedly started the blaze at the nightclub in Santa Maria at 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
Jordan writes:
Police finished removing bodies from the scene late Sunday morning, Folha de São Paulo reported. In addition to the 245 confirmed dead by military police, 48 people are injured and receiving treatment.
Many people died after inhaling toxic fumes; and scores of people suffocated or were trampled as they fled the scene. Local media have reported that the club had only a single exit and panic spread as people tried to get out.
Firefighters had to cut a hole in the wall of the nightclub to access victims and extinguish the fire. Footage on Globo TV showed people crying outside, while firefighters knocked down walls to gain access using sledgehammers.
In 1961, 503 people died in a fire at the Brazilian Grand Circus in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro state.
Mali and French troops have joined forces to take back Hombori from the Islamist rebels. (Google Images)
BBC Africais reporting that Malian and French troops have retaken the town of Hombori, officials say, as they continue their campaign to regain control of northern Mali from rebels. The article states:
Hombori lies about 160km (100 miles) from the Islamist stronghold of Gao. Earlier, French warplanes reportedly bombed rebel positions, fuel stores and ammunition dumps near Gao.
But there were also reports that rebels had blown up a bridge linking the east of the country with Niger, from where African troops plan to open a front.
The bridge is situated in the town of Tassiga, which lies on the quickest route from Niger to Gao, and spans a canyon. However, Ibrahim Ag Idbaltanate, a former deputy in Mali’s parliament, said the bridge was not the only way to cross the canyon.
“You can make a detour of three to six miles (5-10km) and find another way to continue on the Niger-Gao road,” he said, quoted by AP news agency.
Forces from Niger and Chad had been expected to use the road to join the advance against the rebels.
Several African countries have pledged military aid to help the Malian government win back control of the north.
The U.K.’s defense minister has announced that it was deploying its Sentinel R1 spy plane to support French troops in Mali.
Then, there is Gee Smalls, a biracial Atlanta-based entrepreneur, who along with his husband of three years, Juan Session, owns and operates an event production agency, G.SPOT Productions. The freckle-faced, 35-year-old event planner with a precocious smile quickly addresses that marriage was fate. “Marriage chose us. We never put a whole lot of thought into it,” Smalls says.
The child of a white mother and black father in Charleston, SC, Smalls says he never really fit into society. At 22, he married his high school sweetheart. The two share an 11-year-old son. After six years, the marriage dissolved, but Smalls and his ex-wife remain great friends. Smalls came out to his son when he was six and remains very close to him. “I have a very good relationship with my son and his mother,” Smalls says. “I never considered it, but my ethnic struggles made it easier to come out.”
Smalls acknowledges that successful relationships are based on vulnerability and being open. The couple’s joint venture came as a result of Session, a former program producer, being laid off. Smalls, then a project manager for Philips, kept his corporate gig as his husband laid the foundation for their business. The couple also hosts an advice column, Love Works with Juan & Gee. “I’ve always been fascinated with event production,” Smalls says. “In school, I was always the life of the party. With us, we just realize that each of us are human. We don’t try to take anything personal.”
Gentleman’s Ball — the byproduct of Smalls’ and Session’s union — is a lavish production that affords Atlanta’s African American LGBTQ community the opportunity to attend a full service black tie affair. The prom-styled event breaks the monotony of campy nightclubs, PRIDE-centric events and awards ceremonies catering to the gay community. Gentleman’s Ball also raises funds and awareness for AID Atlanta’s Evolution Project, a community and fellowship safe haven for black gay and bisexual males ages 18 to 28. The space provides counseling, therapy, medical screenings and fun activities.
“I’m a philanthropist by nature,” Smalls says. “I want to help change the face of the black gay community. It’s all about having a passion for community service and uplifting people.”
Hosting its second annual event on January 26, Smalls says Gentleman’s Ball – entirely self-funded the first year — was successful in part to word of mouth. Elaborating on how expensive and time consuming an event of its caliber can be, he goes on to say the goals were to break even and to create a buzz for recurring years. “[Gentleman’s Ball] gives us the chance to get dressed, seated and celebrated with full service,” Smalls says. “Black gay men wear such shame. We are proud of who we are. When you walk away, I want you to be wowed, take away a sense of pride and feel a sense of energy in the room. Just be proud.”
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Then, there is Gee Smalls, a biracial Atlanta-based entrepreneur, who along with his husband of three years, Juan Session, owns and operates an event production agency, G.SPOT Productions. The freckle-faced, 35-year-old event planner with a precocious smile quickly addresses that marriage was fate. “Marriage chose us. We never put a whole lot of thought into it,” Smalls says.
The child of a white mother and black father in Charleston, SC, Smalls says he never really fit into society. At 22, he married his high school sweetheart. The two share an 11-year-old son. After six years, the marriage dissolved, but Smalls and his ex-wife remain great friends. Smalls came out to his son when he was six and remains very close to him. “I have a very good relationship with my son and his mother,” Smalls says. “I never considered it, but my ethnic struggles made it easier to come out.”
Smalls acknowledges that successful relationships are based on vulnerability and being open. The couple’s joint venture came as a result of Session, a former program producer, being laid off. Smalls, then a project manager for Philips, kept his corporate gig as his husband laid the foundation for their business. The couple also hosts an advice column, Love Works with Juan & Gee. “I’ve always been fascinated with event production,” Smalls says. “In school, I was always the life of the party. With us, we just realize that each of us are human. We don’t try to take anything personal.”
Gentleman’s Ball — the byproduct of Smalls’ and Session’s union — is a lavish production that affords Atlanta’s African American LGBTQ community the opportunity to attend a full service black tie affair. The prom-styled event breaks the monotony of campy nightclubs, PRIDE-centric events and awards ceremonies catering to the gay community. Gentleman’s Ball also raises funds and awareness for AID Atlanta’s Evolution Project, a community and fellowship safe haven for black gay and bisexual males ages 18 to 28. The space provides counseling, therapy, medical screenings and fun activities.
“I’m a philanthropist by nature,” Smalls says. “I want to help change the face of the black gay community. It’s all about having a passion for community service and uplifting people.”
Hosting its second annual event on January 26, Smalls says Gentleman’s Ball – entirely self-funded the first year — was successful in part to word of mouth. Elaborating on how expensive and time consuming an event of its caliber can be, he goes on to say the goals were to break even and to create a buzz for recurring years. “[Gentleman’s Ball] gives us the chance to get dressed, seated and celebrated with full service,” Smalls says. “Black gay men wear such shame. We are proud of who we are. When you walk away, I want you to be wowed, take away a sense of pride and feel a sense of energy in the room. Just be proud.”
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
