Italian American Identity: To Be or Not To Be
In the 1950s and early 1960s, it was the accepted view among many social scientists that, as ethnic assimilation advanced, ethnic group identities would fade away. But in fact, ethnicity continued to impact significantly upon political life. Why was that?
Caster Semenya Ain't 8 Feet Tall
If you aspire to be a star woman athlete but have no aspirations to appear in Playboy's Women of the Olympics issue, you are far better off being from South Africa than the United States. The Western media's handling of the story of Caster Semenya, the gold-medal-winning 18-year-old South African runner, has been at best simplistic and at worst repellent.
Cuban Sports a Regular Target of Talent Theft
Much as the international practice of buying and selling sports talent hurts the feelings of people who live in poor countries – euphemistically referred to as 'developing countries' – is actually part of a much more serious and deep-seated crime that also includes brain drain, the theft of a nation’s artistic and cultural patrimony, unequal exchange, asymmetric integration, migration for economic reasons and many other forms of imperial plundering.
Fighting for the Right to Walk
Gaza’s troubles have somehow been relegated, if not completely dropped from the mainstream media’s radar, and subsequently the world’s conscience and consciousness. Weaning the public from the sadness there conveys the false impression that things are improving and that people are starting to move on and rebuild their lives.
Lonesome Hobo Economics: The Bar Tab Will Have To Be Paid
The Congressional Budget Office announcement of a nearly $10 Trillion price tag on government borrowing for the next decade has sent a shiver up the spine of the most committed liberals. Some time ago economist pundits were debating the 'multiplier' effect of the stimulus.
The Hush-Hush Story: Why They Tortured
It's like a can of worms from which a few are slithering out. Most of the major media have avoided even approaching it. But if it is as is being suggested the implications are enormous, touching not only on the real reason prisoners were tortured but, as well, into the real origin of the war in Iraq.
How the IAAF Got Confused About Gender
A small army of specialists have been ordered to determine if South Africa's international champion in the women's 800 meter race, Caster Semenya, is really a woman. After her blazing victory and complaints from her international opponents, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ordered a 'gender test.'
Killer Whales Need Some Help to Survive
The largest member of the dolphin family and a major draw at marine parks, orcas (also known as “killer whales”) are highly intelligent and social marine mammals that, because of these traits, have come to be known as ambassadors for nature and marine ecosystems around the world.
Venezuela Responds to Washington Post Allegations
The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Washington, DC categorically rejects the editorial 'The Advantages of Chavez,' published by the Washington Post today. Once again, this newspaper irresponsibly lashes against the government of President Hugo Chávez Frías and the glorious Venezuelan people.
Tax Benefits for Energy Efficiency
Homeowners can get up to $1,500 back from the federal government for any number of energy efficiency upgrades at home. If you upgrade to energy efficient insulation, windows, doors, heating, air conditioning or water heaters between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, you are eligible for a tax credits of up to 30 percent of product costs.
