Mental strength is essential for a fulfilling life, helping to resist stress and depression. It involves emotional awareness, learning from pain, positive thinking, and managing emotions. Characteristics of mentally strong people include accepting both positive and negative emotions, persistence, self-belief, resilience, experience, and embracing change. Mental strength can be increased by focusing mental energy wisely, being productive, handling discomfort, and reflecting on personal growth.

The article discusses the negative impact of privately owned wind farms in Mexico, primarily owned by European and U.S. companies, on local communities and the environment. It highlights the exploitation of cheap land, often belonging to farmers and Indigenous people, for the benefit of corporations like Coca-Cola, Walmart, and Mitsubishi. The U.S. has pressured Mexico to prioritize U.S. energy companies, leading to a formal treaty dispute. Sempra Energy, with wind and solar farms in Mexico, is cited as an example of a company profiting with little benefit to locals. Indigenous activists, such as a Yaqui individual framed for murder, have faced persecution. The article also touches on the legal issues surrounding wind farms in Oaxaca, where most are run by Spanish and French companies and are accused of being illegally established on common-use land. Indigenous organizers argue for more humane clean energy projects that fairly compensate and consult local communities.

Mexican Tzotzil filmmaker Xun Sero criticizes the universal white male perspective in the arts, arguing it is destructive and silences diverse voices. His documentary 'Mamá' addresses violence within families and the struggles of women, aiming to transcend the narrow focus on Tzotzil communities and speak to broader social issues. Sero challenges the categorization in the arts, which he believes should be created by the communities they represent, not imposed from above. The article also references Angela Davis's views on the 'tyranny of the universal' and Michael Premo's experiences as a person of color in the documentary space. It highlights the underrepresentation of non-white and female perspectives in the film industry and calls for a reevaluation of what is considered 'universal' in art and literature.

Tamara Pearson reflects on her transformative educational experience through a scholarship at a public boarding school, which provided her with extensive musical and academic opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of scholarships and bursaries in independent schools, which can offer prestige and financial assistance, though they are competitive and vary in form and value. Pearson advises families to research thoroughly and consider the full costs and fit of a school when applying for scholarships. She advocates for the nurturing environment and ambitious academic discovery that independent schools like Our Lady of Sion School, where she is Assistant Head, can offer.

Preliminary results from Honduras' National Electoral Commission indicate that Xiomara Castro of the Libre Party has won the presidency with 53.44% of the votes, based on 16% of the votes counted. Her main opponent, Nasry Asfura, received 34% of the vote. The elections, which also included congressional and mayoral races, were marked by high voter turnout despite issues such as long lines and technical problems. The National Party, which has been in power for 12 years since a US-backed coup, faced allegations of corruption and was accused of using tactics that could discourage voting. Castro, married to ousted former president Manual Zelaya, ran on a social program platform and has promised to decriminalize abortion in certain cases and ban corporate economic zones.

The article critiques Ad Fontes Media's approach to rating media bias, arguing that their methodology fails to account for the true purpose of journalism and overlooks important factors such as accuracy, purpose, prejudice, reliability, and complexity. The author asserts that the concept of neutral, unbiased media is flawed and that media should openly acknowledge their agendas. The piece also criticizes mainstream media organizations for their lack of diversity and questions the validity of presenting both sides of a story equally in situations of violence or abuse. The author advocates for journalism that promotes critical thought and deep awareness, rather than supporting an unjust status quo.

US chains such as Walmart, McDonald's, and Starbucks have proliferated in Mexico, particularly after NAFTA, leading to cultural displacement and exploitation of labor. Local markets and traditional Mexican tianguis struggle to compete with these transnationals, which are seen as status symbols by many Mexicans. Experts like Iktiuh Arenas and activists like Bertha Meléndez argue that this shift has led to a loss of identity and a devaluation of indigenous culture. Walmart's aggressive expansion has been particularly impactful, with profits soaring during the pandemic while local artisans suffered. The article suggests that the US's economic and cultural dominance has led to a rejection of Mexican culture.

U.S. retail and fast-food chains, led by Walmart, are significantly altering the cultural and economic landscape of Mexico, displacing traditional markets and local businesses. The proliferation of these transnational corporations in Mexico has been facilitated by trade agreements like NAFTA, which allowed for tariff-free import of U.S. products and fostered conditions for labor exploitation. This shift has not only affected local commerce but also influenced consumption habits, lifestyle, and identity among Mexicans, with many perceiving U.S. brands as a symbol of social status. Experts and activists express concerns over the loss of cultural heritage and the impact on indigenous communities, as well as the environmental damage caused by the construction of these stores. Despite the negative effects, these companies have thrived, with Walmart's profits in Mexico and Central America increasing during the pandemic.

Vice President Kamala Harris's statement to refugees, 'Do not come,' during her visits to Guatemala and Mexico, contradicts the Biden administration's previously stated policy of addressing the root causes of migration. The article argues that the US's migration policy lacks empathy and is a tool for economic control over Central America. It criticizes the US for not fulfilling legal obligations to migrants, exploiting labor through US-owned transnationals, and historically supporting repressive regimes in Latin America. The piece suggests that US foreign policy is focused on protecting its business interests rather than human rights, contributing to the conditions that force people to flee their countries.

The article criticizes the media for misreporting COVID-19 death tolls by focusing on total numbers rather than per capita rates and for not contextualizing the unreliability of official figures, particularly in poorer countries. It highlights the inaccessibility of testing in places like Mexico, where many deaths go uncounted. The piece argues that this misrepresentation contributes to a distorted global understanding of the pandemic's impact and supports vaccine hoarding by wealthier nations. It calls for the media to provide context to COVID-19 data, acknowledging the under-reporting and the additional hardships faced by poorer regions.

In Mexico, the scarcity of oxygen tanks and concentrators due to COVID-19 has led to an underground market where individuals and companies exploit the desperate need for these supplies, selling them at exorbitant prices or engaging in fraudulent activities. Hospitals are overwhelmed, forcing many to seek treatment at home, but the high costs and fraudulent schemes compound existing debt, poverty, and inequality. The Office of the Federal Prosecutor for the Consumer (PROFECO) is combating fraudulent sales, while recognized companies like INFRA, Linde, and Air Liquide are advised as legitimate suppliers. The situation reflects broader issues of healthcare inequality and corruption in Mexico, and raises concerns about potential fraud in the global vaccine market.

The Guatemalan and Mexican governments have collaborated to prevent a caravan of thousands of Honduran migrants from reaching the US, using the COVID-19 pandemic as justification. Migrants have faced violence, arrest, and deportation, with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei taking measures to enforce border closures. The US has also used the pandemic to close its land border, violating asylum and due process laws. The situation has highlighted the increased poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in the region, as well as the desperation of migrants seeking safety and a better future.

US companies, including Constellation Brands, are exploiting Mexican workers and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing US consumer demands and military supply chains. Despite local orders to halt non-essential production, these companies continue operations, exacerbating health risks and economic hardships for Mexican workers. Activists and workers report severe mistreatment, inadequate protective measures, and insufficient compensation for those affected by the virus. The Mexican government's decision to classify certain industries as essential, under US pressure, further endangers workers' lives amid rising COVID-19 cases and insufficient healthcare infrastructure.

In Puebla, Mexico, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, allegations of corruption and collusion between state officials and organized crime have surfaced. The state government, led by Governor Luis Barbosa, is accused of attempting to take over city buildings and appoint a narco-friendly security head. Meanwhile, corporations like Bonafont are reportedly engaging in illegal activities such as drilling water wells without permits. Drug cartels are exploiting the pandemic to expand their influence, offering loans to struggling businesses and distributing food to poor communities. Former governor Mario Marín, accused of torture and trafficking, has evaded arrest using the pandemic as a pretext. The national government has awarded a bid for the Maya Train project to billionaire Carlos Slim. Citizens and small businesses are left to fend for themselves, providing support and donations to the vulnerable.

The article lists nine foods and substances that may help increase sex drive, including watermelon, chocolate, honey, asparagus, ginger, magnesium, oysters, maca, and ginseng. While no food directly causes arousal, these items are suggested to promote hormone production, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being, which can contribute to a better sex life. The article also mentions other natural ways to boost libido, such as yoga, meditation, exercise, and emotional connection with a partner.

Vaginal steaming, an ancient practice from parts of Africa, Asia, and Central America, has gained attention in recent years, partly due to celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow. Proponents like gynecologist Lissa Rankin suggest it can help with conditions like HPV and provide a relaxing way to take herbal medicine. However, critics like gynecologist Jennifer Gunter argue that the practice is biologically implausible and potentially harmful, as the vagina is self-cleaning and extra moisture can lead to infections. The article presents a balanced view, highlighting both potential benefits and risks.

The Trump administration advised the CDC and other divisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to avoid using seven specific words in official documents starting next year. These words—diversity, vulnerable, entitlement, transgender, fetus, evidence-based, and science-based—are seen as topics Trump disfavors. The move has been criticized on social media and by professionals like Dr. Sandro Galea, while a spokesperson for the Health Department labeled the report as a mischaracterization, suggesting the language guidance was more of a budgetary strategy than a ban.

In response to hurricanes in the Atlantic, various organizations and companies are aiding in preparation and relief efforts. The Atlanta Speedway is providing evacuation parking, while JetBlue and Delta are offering affordable flights out of affected areas. Walmart is distributing bottled water in Florida, and the Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers for emergency shelters and mental health counseling. The Salvation Army is delivering food trucks to Texas and collecting donations. In Cuba, the government and the World Food Programme are ensuring food supplies, and in Haiti, emergency shelters are being prepared. Volunteers are also assisting in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Microdosing cannabis, which involves consuming low levels of THC, is gaining popularity as a means to enjoy the benefits of marijuana without a strong psychoactive effect. Companies like Kiva Confections are producing products such as cannabis mints for this purpose. Experts like Christie Strong believe microdosing will become a mainstream method of cannabis consumption. The practice is said to offer productivity and health benefits, such as stress and anxiety management, without impairing performance. While some may question if it's just a marketing gimmick, professionals like Dr. Allen Frankel of Green Bridge Medical endorse the effectiveness of microdosing for conditions like chronic pain and anxiety.

Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have created a human-pig hybrid, a chimera, by injecting human stem cells into pig embryos. The experiment, which took four years to develop, aimed to understand how human and pig cells mix in the early stages without raising ethical concerns. Ethical issues have been raised about the potential for hybrids to develop human thought or for human cells to dominate pig cells. The research, published in Cell journal, could lead to insights into human development, disease, and regenerative medicine. The team successfully developed 186 chimera embryos, but the ultimate goal of growing functional human organs in pigs remains a distant prospect.

Cannabis is being considered as a potential superfood due to its health benefits and nutritional value. Despite the controversy surrounding the term 'superfood', organizations like the American Heart Association suggest that foods contributing positively to a balanced diet can be classified as such. Cannabis has been recognized for treating mental health issues, glaucoma, and various other health conditions. It is also a source of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. Cannabis seeds and hemp oil can be integrated into healthy diets, and cookbooks like 'The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook' offer recipes that utilize cannabis's nutritional benefits. Health food companies are also marketing cannabis snacks as part of a healthy diet.

France is culling 800,000 birds to prevent the spread of the H5N8 bird flu, with workers using protective gear to euthanize ducks with carbon dioxide. The H5N8 strain, not harmful to humans, has been spreading among farm and wild birds. Other strains in Asia have infected humans. The culling is part of broader efforts to manage bird flu, which also includes potential vaccinations. Industrial farming methods are implicated in facilitating the spread of the virus. The ethical implications of culling are discussed, noting that the ducks were being raised for foie gras production.

To have the best year possible, focus on letting go of things beyond control and maintaining a positive attitude. The article suggests 17 actions, including reflecting, setting and tracking goals, trying new things, reading, walking, playing, resting, finding beauty, getting organized, sleeping well, staying healthy, supporting others, maintaining integrity, staying informed, and taking action against social injustices.

The articles cover a wide range of topics related to Latin America, with a particular focus on Mexico and Venezuela. They discuss issues such as migration, climate change, environmental degradation, water scarcity, indigenous rights, corporate exploitation, informal economies, US border policy, journalist safety, political shifts, cultural displacement, healthcare, abortion rights, and media representation. The articles also delve into the political landscape of Venezuela, examining grassroots movements, elections, education, healthcare, media, economy, human rights, social programs, foreign policy, culture, women's rights, communal councils, tourism, youth, drug policy, technology, and the Bolivarian Revolution. Additionally, there are articles on Spanish language learning, animal welfare, mental health, and other social issues.