Boston mayor sends holiday party invite meant only for 'electeds of color,' dividing city councilors

 

Boston's holiday season got a little less jolly this week, as Mayor Michelle Wu drew criticism for a seemingly exclusionary party invitation. The email, sent by an aide, invited "Electeds of Color" to a festive gathering, leaving some councilors feeling less than warmly included.

Wu, the city's first Asian American mayor, has long championed inclusivity and diversity. This misstep, however, raised eyebrows and ignited a debate about the delicate balance between celebrating shared experiences and building bridges across communities.

The email, sent to all city councilors, initially welcomed them to the "Electeds of Color Holiday Party," before a follow-up clarified the event was meant for council members of color specifically. While the error was acknowledged and apologized for, the incident left some wondering about the party's intended purpose and the message it sent.

Supporters of the party argue it's a space for marginalized voices to connect and celebrate their shared experiences within a predominantly white political landscape. Others criticize it as divisive, suggesting it reinforces racial divides and undermines the goal of a unified council representing all Bostonians.

The debate highlights the complexities of navigating identity politics and fostering a truly inclusive environment. While acknowledging and celebrating the unique experiences of different communities is important, striking the right balance to ensure everyone feels valued and part of a larger whole remains a challenge.

As the holiday season continues, Bostoners hope to move beyond this incident and focus on the spirit of unity that this time of year is meant to represent. Whether through a broader, more inclusive holiday celebration or a deeper conversation about representation and inclusion within the city council, the hope is that this misstep can be a catalyst for positive change and a reminder that true inclusivity requires more than just invitations.

Boston's holiday season got a little less jolly this week, as Mayor Michelle Wu drew criticism for a seemingly exclusionary party invitation. The email, sent by an aide, invited "Electeds of Color" to a festive gathering, leaving some councilors feeling less than warmly included.

Wu, the city's first Asian American mayor, has long championed inclusivity and diversity. This misstep, however, raised eyebrows and ignited a debate about the delicate balance between celebrating shared experiences and building bridges across communities.

The email, sent to all city councilors, initially welcomed them to the "Electeds of Color Holiday Party," before a follow-up clarified the event was meant for council members of color specifically. While the error was acknowledged and apologized for, the incident left some wondering about the party's intended purpose and the message it sent.

Supporters of the party argue it's a space for marginalized voices to connect and celebrate their shared experiences within a predominantly white political landscape. Others criticize it as divisive, suggesting it reinforces racial divides and undermines the goal of a unified council representing all Bostonians.

The debate highlights the complexities of navigating identity politics and fostering a truly inclusive environment. While acknowledging and celebrating the unique experiences of different communities is important, striking the right balance to ensure everyone feels valued and part of a larger whole remains a challenge.

As the holiday season continues, Bostoners hope to move beyond this incident and focus on the spirit of unity that this time of year is meant to represent. Whether through a broader, more inclusive holiday celebration or a deeper conversation about representation and inclusion within the city council, the hope is that this misstep can be a catalyst for positive change and a reminder that true inclusivity requires more than just invitations.

Fifteen minutes after the email was sent out, DosSantos apologized and clarified that the invitation was only meant for minority city councilors. However, she did not apologize for planning a party that excluded White city leaders.

"I wanted to apologize for my previous email regarding a Holiday Party for tomorrow," DosSantos wrote. "I did send that to everyone by accident and I apologize if my email may have offended or came across as so. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused."

The revelation about the holiday party quickly received responses from Boston's city council.

Outgoing City Councilor Frank Baker, a White man, called the mayor's exclusion of certain members "unfortunate and divisive," according to the Boston Herald. 

Citing recent tensions on the City Council, Baker did not speculate about the reasoning behind the mayor's decision to host the party but said he did not think it was a "good move."

Baker said he was not personally insulted by the decision.

"I don't really get offended too easily," he said. "To offend me, you're going to have to do much more than not invite me to a party."

Black City Councilor Brian Worrell held a different opinion and defended the invitation, suggesting the holiday party was merely a way to represent "all kinds of special groups" in the Boston government.

"We make space and spaces for all kinds of specific groups in the city and city government. This is no different, and the Elected Officials of Color has been around for more than a decade," Worrell said in a statement.

He also stressed that DosSantos had "no ill will" when sending the email.

Five-term Boston city councilor Michael McCormack said the party was not typical of the mayor's office and said former city leaders would have invited the entire chamber.

"The problem is that Boston and race, unfortunately, are synonymous," McCormack said. "I'm just hoping it was a mistake. It's not something that anyone in the mayor's office should be proud of."

On Wednesday, Wu spokesperson Ricardo Patron said that the Electeds of Color group had asked the mayor to host the annual party. He stressed the event was just one of several happening throughout the season.

Wu is planning a holiday party for all cabinet members, city councilors and the legislature next week.

The Geminid meteor shower peaks tonight. Here's when and where to watch it

 Get ready for a celestial fireworks show, because the Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak activity tonight, December 14th! This annual event is widely considered the king of meteor showers, offering dazzling displays of streaking lights across the night sky.

When and where to catch the show:

• Peak viewing: The Geminids will be most active from midnight to dawn on both December 14th and 15th. However, you can start looking for them as early as 9 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
• Optimal time: For the best chance of catching meteors, aim for the wee hours around 2 a.m. on Thursday morning.
• Location: Escape light pollution! Head to a dark area with a wide-open view of the sky. National parks and rural areas are ideal spots.

What to expect:

• Rates: During peak activity, you can expect to see up to 150 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, even in a good location, you might see closer to 50-70 per hour.
• Speed and brightness: Geminid meteors are known for their fast speeds, often reaching up to 78,000 mph! This can create bright streaks of light, sometimes leaving glowing trails for a few seconds.
• Direction: The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, which will be high in the eastern sky after midnight. However, you can see them streaking across any part of the sky.

Tips for enhancing your viewing experience:

• Dress warmly: It can get chilly at night, so bundle up in layers.
• Bring a blanket or chair: Lying down or reclining comfortably will make watching for meteors more enjoyable.
• Adjust your eyes: Avoid looking at bright lights for a few minutes before you start observing. This will help your eyes adjust to the darkness and make it easier to see the meteors.
• Be patient: Meteor showers are a natural phenomenon, and sometimes you have to wait a bit between sightings. Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Bonus: If you can't make it outside tonight, don't despair! Several organizations are hosting live streams of the Geminid meteor shower. Check out the Slooh robotic telescope network or Virtual Telescope Project for a front-row seat to the celestial spectacle from the comfort of your home.

So, grab your sense of wonder and head outside tonight! The Geminid meteor shower promises a breathtaking display of shooting stars, reminding us of the vastness and beauty of the universe. Clear skies and happy meteor hunting!

Additional resources:

• NASA: https://twitter.com/NASA/status/941182467448426496
• American Meteor Society: https://www.facebook.com/amsmeteor/
• Slooh robotic telescope network: https://www.slooh.com/
• Virtual Telescope Project: https://www.virtualtelescope.eu/

David and Goliath Clash in Antwerp: Can Royal Antwerp Upset Barcelona

The Champions League match between Royal Antwerp and Barcelona is planned to start on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 23:00.

 The Bosuilstadion in Antwerp, Belgium, is set for a David-and-Goliath encounter tonight as Royal Antwerp take on the might of FC Barcelona in their final UEFA Champions League Group H clash. While Barcelona, comfortably atop the group, aim to maintain their winning momentum, Antwerp, sitting at the bottom, are desperate for a historic upset.

Barcelona, under the astute guidance of Xavi Hernández, have rediscovered their swagger. Led by the mercurial talents of Pedri and the resurgent Lewandowski, they've dismantled opponents with their trademark tiki-taka and clinical finishing. Tonight, they approach the game with the luxury of already securing qualification for the knockout stages. However, their recent stumble against La Liga leaders Girona has raised questions about their defensive stability.

Antwerp, on the other hand, have endured a grueling campaign. Despite showcasing moments of attacking brilliance, their leaky defense and lack of experience in Europe's top tier have proven costly. Yet, fueled by the passionate home crowd and the prospect of a fairytale victory, expect them to come out fighting. The likes of young winger Arthur Vermeeren and veteran striker Vincent Janssen will be eager to etch their names in Antwerp folklore.

The battle lines are drawn. Barcelona, with their superior quality and experience, are the firm favorites. However, Antwerp, playing for their pride and a place in Europa League contention, will be no pushovers. The stage is set for a captivating clash, where footballing artistry could be met with underdog grit. Can Antwerp defy the odds and send shockwaves through Europe? Tune in tonight to find out!

Key Points to Watch:

• Barcelona's defensive resilience: Can they plug the gaps exposed against Girona and keep a clean sheet?
• Antwerp's attacking intent: Will they press high and exploit Barcelona's defensive weaknesses?
• The battle of the midfield: Can Antwerp's midfield disrupt Barcelona's passing rhythm and create turnovers?
• The atmosphere: Will the passionate Antwerp fans inspire their team to a heroic performance?

This is a match not to be missed! So grab your popcorn, settle in, and witness the drama unfold as Royal Antwerp and Barcelona lock horns in the Bosuilstadion.

Liposarcoma

Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the fat cells. It most often begins as a growth of cells in the belly or in the arm and leg muscles. But liposarcoma can begin in the fat cells anywhere in the body.

Liposarcoma happens most often in older adults, but it can happen at any age.

Liposarcoma treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments, such as radiation therapy, also may be used.

Liposarcoma is a type of cancer called a soft tissue sarcoma. These cancers happen in the body's connective tissues. There are many types of soft tissue sarcoma.
Symptoms

Liposarcoma symptoms depend on the part of the body where the cancer forms.

Liposarcoma in the arms and legs can cause:
A growing lump of tissue under the skin.
Pain.
Swelling.
Weakness of the affected limb.

Liposarcoma in the belly, also called the abdomen, can cause:
Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling.
Feeling full sooner when eating.
Constipation.
Blood in stool.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if you have any symptoms that don't go away and that worry you

Causes

It's not clear what causes liposarcoma.

Liposarcoma starts when fat cells get changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. The changes turn the fat cells into cancer cells. The changes tell the cancer cells to grow quickly and make a lot of extra cells. The cancer cells keep living when healthy cells would die as part of their natural life cycle.

The cancer cells form a growth, called a tumor. In some types of liposarcoma, the cancer cells stay put. They continue making more cells, causing the tumor to get bigger. In other types of liposarcoma, the cancer cells might break away and spread to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it's called metastatic cancer.
Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose liposarcoma include:
Imaging tests. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body. They might help show the size of the liposarcoma. Tests may include X-ray, CT scan and MRI. Sometimes a positron emission tomography scan, also called a PET scan, is needed.
Removing a sample of tissue for testing. A procedure to remove some cells for testing is called a biopsy. The sample might be removed with a needle put through the skin. Or the sample might be taken during surgery to remove the cancer. The type of biopsy depends on the cancer's location.
Testing the cancers cells in a lab. The biopsy sample goes to a lab for testing. Doctors who specialize in analyzing blood and body tissue, called pathologists, test the cells to see if they're cancerous. Other special tests give more details. Your health care team uses the results to understand your prognosis and create a treatment plan.

Treatment

Treatments for liposarcoma include:

Surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer cells. Whenever possible, surgeons work to remove the entire liposarcoma without damaging any surrounding organs.

If a liposarcoma grows to involve nearby organs, removal of the entire liposarcoma may not be possible. In those situations, your health care team may recommend other treatments to shrink the liposarcoma. That will make it easier to remove during an operation.

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to kill cancer cells. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. Radiation may be used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain. Radiation also may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor to make it more likely that surgeons can remove the entire tumor.


Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. Some chemotherapy medicines are given through a vein and some are taken in pill form. Not all types of liposarcoma are sensitive to chemotherapy. Careful testing of your cancer cells can show whether chemotherapy is likely to help you.

Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain. It also may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor. Chemotherapy is sometimes combined with radiation therapy.
Clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies of new treatments. These studies give you a chance to try the latest treatment options. The risk of side effects may not be known. Ask a member of your health care team whether you can participate in a clinical trial.

Preparing for an appointment

Start by first seeing your usual doctor or other health care professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. If you're diagnosed with liposarcoma, you'll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating cancer, called an oncologist.

Because appointments can be short, and because there's a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
Write down any symptoms you have, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medicines, vitamins or supplements that you're taking. Know how much you take and when you take it. Also tell your doctor why you are taking each medicine.
Consider taking a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
Write down questions to ask.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so having a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. In general, focus on your top three questions. For liposarcoma, some basic questions to ask include:
Do I have cancer?
Do I need more tests?
Can I have a copy of my pathology report?
What are my treatment options?
What are the potential risks of each treatment option?
Can any treatments cure my cancer?
Is there one treatment you think is best for me?
If you had a friend or family member in my situation, what would you recommend?
How much time can I take to choose a treatment?
How will cancer treatment affect my daily life?
Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
What would happen if I choose not to have treatment?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.



What to expect from your doctor

Be prepared to answer some basic questions about your symptoms. Questions might include:
When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
How severe are your symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

10 Best Foods to Control Body Fat: Pros and Cons

Introduction:

Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial for overall well-being, and the food we consume plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. While exercise is important, the saying "abs are made in the kitchen" holds true when it comes to controlling body fat. In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 foods that can help you manage body fat effectively, along with their pros and cons.

Avocado: Pros: Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that can help reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels. They also contain fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.
Cons: While nutritious, avocados are calorie-dense. Portion control is crucial to avoid excess calorie intake.


Salmon: Pros: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support fat loss by reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.
Cons: High-quality salmon can be expensive. Additionally, overcooking may deplete some of its nutritional value.


Broccoli: Pros: Low in calories and high in fiber, broccoli provides essential nutrients and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Cons: Some individuals may find broccoli hard to digest, leading to bloating or gas.


Quinoa: Pros: Quinoa is a complete protein and contains fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious alternative to refined grains.
Cons: It's calorie-dense, so portion control is important. Some people may be allergic to quinoa.


Greek Yogurt:Pros: High in protein, Greek yogurt supports muscle growth and helps control appetite. Probiotics promote a healthy gut.
Cons: Flavored varieties often contain added sugars. Opt for plain Greek yogurt to avoid unnecessary calories.


Berries: Pros: Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They provide a sweet fix without the excess calories.
Cons: Berries can be expensive, and their shelf life is relatively short.


Oats: Pros: Oats are a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy. They're high in fiber and can help control blood sugar levels.
Cons: Flavored instant oats may contain added sugars. Choose plain oats and add your own healthy toppings.


Chicken Breast: Pros: Lean protein in chicken breast aids in muscle maintenance and growth, contributing to fat loss.
Cons: Overcooking can result in dry chicken. Vary protein sources to avoid potential health risks associated with excessive poultry consumption.


Spinach: Pros: Low in calories and high in nutrients, spinach is an excellent choice for promoting satiety and overall health.
Cons: Some individuals may be prone to kidney stones due to the oxalates in spinach.


Nuts and Seeds: Pros: Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They can help curb cravings and provide a nutrient-dense snack.
Cons: They are calorie-dense, so moderation is key. Some people may be allergic to certain nuts.

Conclusion:

Incorporating these foods into your diet can be a powerful strategy for controlling body fat. However, it's essential to maintain a balanced and varied diet while being mindful of portion sizes. Additionally, individual responses to certain foods may vary, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to create a personalized plan that suits your specific needs and goals. Remember, the key to effective fat management is a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and sustainable lifestyle habits

Male hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty (testosterone) or enough sperm or both.

You can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or infection. The effects -- and what you can do about them -- depend on the cause and at what point in your life male hypogonadism occurs. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy.

Symptoms

Hypogonadism can begin during fetal development, before puberty or during adulthood. Signs and symptoms depend on when the condition develops.
Fetal development

If the body doesn't produce enough testosterone during fetal development, the result may be impaired growth of the external sex organs. Depending on when hypogonadism develops and how much testosterone is present, a child who is genetically male may be born with:
Female genitals
Genitals that are neither clearly male nor clearly female (ambiguous genitals)
Underdeveloped male genitals.

Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility

 People planning a pregnancy might wonder about the health of their sperm. Know what can affect male fertility -- then consider steps to help the sperm achieve the goal.

What determines sperm health?

Sperm health depends on various factors, including quantity, movement and structure:

• Quantity. Fertility is most likely if the semen discharged in a single ejaculation (ejaculate) contains at least 15 million sperm per milliliter. Too little sperm in an ejaculation might make it more difficult to get pregnant because there are fewer candidates available to fertilize the egg. Movement. To reach and fertilize an egg, sperm must move -- wriggling and swimming through a female cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. This is known as motility. Pregnancy is possible with less than 40% of the sperm in ejaculate moving, but 40% is considered the threshold. The more the better.

• Structure (morphology). Typical sperm have oval heads and long tails, which work together to propel them. This is not as important a factor as sperm quantity or movement.