Spring has sprung! Here are 25 ways to celebrateThough the official start of the season is still some days away, there's no denying that spring has come early to Western Washington. Don't forget to celebrate with these favorite rites of spring.Ever-Macho Cuba Now Paying for Sex ChangesCuba Once Persecuted Homosexuals and Transsexuals But Now Funds Sex Changes under Universal Health Care SystemBrazilian president assailed for kowtowing to CubaBrazil's president came under withering criticism Wednesday at home and in Cuba for his deference to the island's communist government over political prisoners and hunger strikes for human rights.Cuba slams EU parliament condemnation as \"cynicism\"HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba accused the European Parliament of \"great cynicism\" on Thursday for condemning the communist island for the death of an imprisoned hunger striker, and it vowed not to bow to international pressure over human rights.EU condemns Cuba for rights violationsThe European Parliament voted Thursday to condemn Cuba for the \"avoidable and cruel\" death of a dissident hunger striker, earning a stinging response from Havana, which said it did not appreciate the lecture and would not respond to international pressure.... Cuba - Havana - European Parliament - Hunger strike - European UnionCuba's sugar harvest threatened by rain, organizational problemsOrganizational problems and rain could jeopardize Cuba's sugar harvest this year, the official daily Granma said on Wednesday. Operational breakdowns of sugar mills and a lack of sugarcane due to the heavy rainfall have become \"powerful enemies\" of Cuba's sugar harvest, Granma said, citing an article written by agricultural expert Juan Varela. By the end of February, the sugar mills across Cuba ...EU condemns Cuba for rights violationsThe European Parliament voted Thursday to condemn Cuba for the \"avoidable and cruel\" death of a dissident hunger striker, earning a stinging response from Havana, which said it did not appreciate the lecture and would not respond to international pressure.Cuba slams EU parliament condemnation as \"cynicism\"Source: Reuters * Havana says will not bow to foreign pressure on rights * Argues it not to blame for death of hunger striker By Jeff Franks HAVANA, March 11 (Reuters) - Cuba accused the European Parliament of ...Cuba’s free sex changes mark break from pastA small but remarkable transformation is happening in Cuba, a nation known for the rugged revolution of Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and a band of ever-macho, bearded rebels, who long punished gays and transsexuals, but is now paying for sex changes.Brazil Leader Rapped for Stance on Cuba DissidentsBrazil's president blasted for comments on Cuba's dissidents and their hunger strikes Cuba - Hunger strike - Caribbean - Nation & World - United StatesSex-change operations performed again in CubaLooking in the mirror used to make Yiliam Gonzalez sick to her stomach. \"I would see myself, and my body didn't match who I was,\" said the 28-year-old wedding pianist, who went by William before receiving a sex change under Cuba's universal health care...
