New Breakthrough In Brain Control

A few years ago, scientists did an experiment with monkeys involving brain control. The experiment was to see if a monkey could play a video game controlled by brain waves. The study was successful and moved on to where we are today.

I have some links connecting to articles explaining the breakthrough experiments done with individuals who are paralyzed.

Unfortunately, breakthroughs in science and astronomy receive little notice, since most of us don't understand the significance. I'm also going to link a few article of things you might have missed.


Monkey and Video Game
Monkey and Robotic Arm
Paralyzed Man Masters Thought Control

What you might have missed:
Breakthrough in Antimatter. What is it for?
10th Planet
Human Evolution

Science Friday: The Best Science Radio Show in the U.S.

The New Feminist: Ho or Strong Woman?

Yes, you know what I’m talking about.
You've seen that young woman walking down the street with a tight low cut shirt, tight pants and sexy heels. In the 1960s and 70s this was the image of a submissive woman who’s life revolved around men or trying to get one rather than building her own career. But now, that sexy blond with big breast who is dancing in the club with no bra and little shirt is a PR Rep. So, what is she? It all depends on how she carries herself and knows her self worth. Many older feminist don't understand that what defines a woman today is not how she dresses. But the double standard of a woman versus a man who is permiscious is still very much part of society's moral code.

Pictures above: Left, Cuban doctor international volunteer in Bolivia; Right, Cover of a porn movie.

Having been a socialist political activist for many years, one topic that brought tension between the older women and younger was the way we dressed. Anything showing cleavage, too much legs, or tight pants always raised eyebrows. When I started out, men that hit on me while I was trying to talk politics with them would annoy me. After a while, I learned to ignore it and move on.

Sexuality: Weakness or Strength?
Let’s take a test. If you are wearing a low cut shirt and man stares at your cleavage. Do you:
a) Feel bad
b) Like it
c) Say to yourself: Look but you can’t touch, but I can touch you if I want

If you answered “a” you are being plain ridiculous. It is your body, feel good about it. We women have been blessed with beautiful bodies, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. If you answered “b” than your just a flat out ho. You can like it, but at the end of the night if you are depressed because not enough men said to you piropos, then you need a life. If you answered “c” then you are a certified New Feminist. You wear what you like without shame, but you have your own accomplishments in life to worry about. You are also not afraid of your sexuality and you use your stuff for your own pleasure. You can like it, but your world is bigger than attention your breast or behind receives.

For centuries, women have been molded to believe that their sexuality is their weakness. We are wives, whores, mothers and for centuries didn’t have the right to vote, own property or share the many professions men labored. But that has changed, and very quickly over the last 100 years.

But in recent years, what has also changed is how you interpret a strong woman. The main dilema individuals face is the double standard question with women: a man is player while a woman is a slut. What many of the older feminist don’t understand that it has nothing to do with the way you dress but how you carry yourself. In the 1960s, during the women's movement, the rebellion was to look and dress as men do. Many women cut their hair short, dressed in slacks or jeans, and acted tough. But now confident and working women are not trying to look like their male counterparts. I think many women in the 1960s felt that dressing manly would hide their female body that bings about sexual attraction.

Women, just be yourself and dress however you like. Maybe to work you wear pants but at the club you were a huchie skirt. It is alright as long as you never sell yourself short.

Take Quiz

Read this and this.

XXI Women's Conference in Argentina Begins Preperation

From the 14-16 of October 2006, thousands of women across Argentina will unite in the northern city San Salvador in Jujuy for the XXI Women's Conference to discuss the fight for women's rights in that nation. They will discuss the legalization of abortion to the rights of battered women and the struggles of working class women.

Controversy is always present, since conservative Catholics and individuals seeing such discussion as a threat to the family structure have caused disruption in the past.

Since the 2001 economic crisis in Argentina plundered, women were the hardest hit and pushed them to radicalize further than other women across the Americas. Women were the first to be laid-off but continue to be primary caretaker of children. Women in Argentina have a higher education level, and thus more independent.

The first women's conference took place in 1980 with 1,000 women present.

In last year's conference in 2005 in the city of Mar de Plata, some 30,000 women participated.

In Argentina, abortion is illegal and punishable by time in prison. A court may allow abortion only in the case of rape or if a woman’s life is in danger.

Nonetheless, it is estimated that in Argentina about 4 out of 10 pregnancies are terminated by abortion. According to the country’s health ministry, as many as 500,000 Argentine women have abortions every year. The top cause of maternal death in the country—about 80 percent of such deaths—is complications from abortion. In the last half-decade, hospital admissions from botched abortions have risen substantially in a number of provinces. About 500 women die from such abortions every year, and 16,000 women suffer serious permanent physical damage, according to Gines González García, Argentina’s health minister.

For these women, the main question is not promoting abortion, but a woman has the right to make that personal choice without facing death, bodily harm or persecussion.

A delegation of women from the U.S. or any other country would have an impact. We also can learn a lot from these women!!!

Further reading:
XX Women's Conference
IXX Women's Conference
Uruguay Senate Rejects Bill; Chile Legalizes Divorce
March 8: International Women's Day
Feminist Books (English)
Libros Femenistas (Español)

Italy Wins, But There Is More Politics In Soccer Than You Think

Italy wins cup but both teams have a record of some drama on their way to the final. The Italians had the talent to the win the cup, but they didn't play beautifully until the semifinal. During that game the referee made just calls and didn't blow his wistle evertime a player threw himself. The Italian team scored two goal in the last minute of the extratime and won the key to the final.

Italy has its dirty record in their game against the U.S. with a nasty elbow against McBride. In their game against Australia, a little drama from GROSSO helped them in getting a penalty, while the underdog Aussie's made history by playing very well.

When the Italians go back they have a major corruption scandal to face, including the demoting of some their major teams to the lower divisions.

Zidane, Zidane?
In my previous article (scroll down), my opinion about HENRY (Fra.) and his tactics were spelled out and evens out pretty well. In the final, the Italians held the honor of a GOL while France with the dishonor of a disputed penalty and of course Zidane's actions. No matter what the Italian player might of said to him, ZIDANE held the responsibility as captain and a close game that had 10 minutes to go (see video). With Ribery and Henry already substituted out, Zidane was an important key missing. Zidane also won the award as Best Player of the tournament. After his action in the final, this award should of been taken away.

Best Young Player? Who?
Lukas PODOLSKI was awarded Best Young Player of the Tournament. FIFA had placed a poll on their website of which individuals could vote. FIFA's technical team decided that Germany's 21 year-old striker, while internet voters who casted close to a million votes, chose 20 year-old Ecuadorian midfielder Luis VALENCIA (video).

Why Podolski? Amounts of goal scored are not a reason since it depends on their position in the field. MESSI (1, 2, 3)and ROONEY, unfortunately did not receive enough playtime to argue in favor of this trophy.

C. RONALDO did an excellent job and proved able to face up to the pressure in scoring the winning penalty against England. A very nasty play by England's Rooney booked him a well deserved red card. But who got the heat: C. Ronaldo for his wink. Ronaldo and Rooney are teammates in Manchester United, but this will soon come to an end. Rooney stepped on a players balls, but Ronaldo got the heat and due to this action wouldn't have been considered for the award (see video). In the end, if it hadn't taken place, I don't believe it would of changed the decision by FIFA.

But what makes Valencia stand out above them all was his ability to hold, lead and direct his national team. He played a central role, along with Tenorio, which is usually expected of an experienced player like Riquelme (Arg) or Deco (Por).

So, why Podolski? Purely political, to make sure the home country walked off with something. When it comes to FIFA politics, the underdog has to prove themselves 10 times more.

Luis VALENCIA (ECU) 34% 331,243
Cristiano RONALDO (POR) 25% 242,198
Lionel MESSI (ARG) 12% 118,837
Lukas PODOLSKI (GER) 6% 60,800
Wayne ROONEY (ENG) 4% 46,087


Refs Can Cost the Game









German high kicks never called.

Refs can cost a teams opportunity, but at the end of the game, little can be done. Germany was one of the teams that got away with a number of fouls, especially high kicks. The most notable was the jump by Klose that injured Argentina's goalie so severely that he had to be removed.

One of the dirties moves was Holland violating Fair-Play regulation in the game against Portugal. Deco was so outraged that he slide tackled the player from behind and got a yellow card. Later in the game he would receive another yellow, removing him from the game. Holland was not fined or criticized for their actions. FIFA began every World Cup game with children hold a sign in the middle that said "My Game Is Fair-Play". If so, why doesn't FIFA make a stand and fine teams that violate that basic sense of sportsmanship .

Brazil and Spain were awarded the Fair-Play award.

These are some of referees who were considered the worst due to their unbalanced amount of fouls called and bad calls.

Valentin Ivanov (Rus):
Portugal vs Holland [15 yellow cards, 4 reds]
(see video, video2)

Frank De Bleeckere (Belg):
Eng vs Ecuador [Fouls 13 vs 24]

Jorge Larrionda (Uru):
USA vs Italy [Fouls 24 vs 13]
(see video)

Videos:
This is fairplay (see), this is not (see).
Messi, Tevez vs Maradonna, Francescoli (video)

Thierry Henry is "The Drama Queen", While Samuel Eto'o is to be Admired and Respected

France's No. 12 star, Thierry HENRY, has credited in his name faking two throws that gave France 2 goals this World Cup tournament. The first was while playing against Spain and the game was 1-1. Spanish defender PUYOL took the ball from Henry, who then grabbed his face and threw himself on the ground that gave France a free kick that produced a goal (see video). The second was during the game against Portugal of which he threw himself and giving France a penalty kick and the only goal in the game. As you see in this picture the Portuguese defender never touched Henry. Is that the performance of a world-class player?

Unfortunately, soccer is filled with drama and exaggerations which the Italians are the most infamous. But when I think of world class players like Beckham, Riquelme, Ibrahimović, Pelé, Nedvěd, "Bam Bam" Zamorano, "El Matador" Salas or Maradonna--I've never seen something like this. Of course there is the "hand of god" incident with Maradonna, which is still disputed today. I have seen those players hit and tripped out of desperation by the other team. The argument is then usually how severely where they hit or tackled which is almost impossible to calculate. But to fake being hit in the face and slide tackled--I have to then give the award as World Class Soccer Player Drama Queen to Henry Thierry.

What was obvious was the foul committed against Christian Ronaldo of Portugal in the penalty box. He went up for a header but a French defender pulled his shirt and threw his down. Nothing was called, the game was bought.

Eto'o and African Soccer
One last comment about the French National Team. I know many of players nationalize in another country because they feel or they know they have a better chance in playing for a foreign nation then their own national soccer team. For example there is a Brazilian playing for Japan, a Brazilian and Argentine playing for Mexico, the player DECO who plays for Portugal is actually Brazilian, and the Italian player CAMORANESI was born in Argentina. But in Brazil and Argentina there is a lot of competition.

But in Africa, where skilled players are needed two of France's National Team soccer players are from Africa: Patrick Vieira no.4 born in Dakar, Senegal and Claude Makélélé born in Kinshasa, Zaire (his father played for the Congo DR National Soccer Team).

Three of their players were born in French colonies of French Guiana and Guadeloupe which have no national teams of their own: Florent Malouda born in French Guiana and Lilian Thuram and Pascal Chimbonda born in Guadeloupe.

I am glad to see Eto'o [if you press on Eto'o's name, please go down and read Anecdote and Racism], who is a star in his club FC Barcelona, and plays on the National Team for his Cameroon. He made a point during the 2006 World Cup to be present at all the games of the African teams. The week before the Cup began he also was part of organizing fundraising and awarness about poverty and AIDS in Africa. Eto'o and Marc Zoro, from the Ivory Coast, have both been outspoken against racist offenses by fans of oppossing teams during soccer matches. Eto'o almost walked off a game against Zaragoza when fans began making monkey-noises every time he had the ball. His outspokenness has forced the Spanish Soccer Federation and FIFA to fine opposing teams when their fans react this way. FC Zaragoza was fined 9,000 Euros. Eto'o is a great player to be admired for his ability, his pride to be African and for taking a stand against racism.

P.S. Did anyone else see the "Hail Hitler" arm motion by German striker PODOLSKI?