Category: News
A Japanese Lesson For Troubled Britain
A Japanese Lesson For Troubled Britain
Authored by Daniel McCarthy via The Epoch Times,
The contrast between America’s great island allies on opposite ends of the world couldn’t be more drastic.
Japan has just given its commonsense conservative prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, a two-thirds supermajority in the national legislature’s Lower House; her Liberal Democratic Party took the highest proportion of seats of any party since World War II.
It’s an enormous vote of confidence not only in Takaichi’s economic agenda but also for her willingness to get tough with China.
Beijing’s mouthpieces have called Takaichi an “evil witch,” with China’s consul general in Osaka threatening, “the dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off” in response to Takaichi’s indication Japan would aid Taiwan against an invasion.
Such incendiary language didn’t intimidate Takaichi—nor, it turns out, Japan’s voters.
Yet even as Japan was rallying to its courageous prime minister, China was inflicting humiliation on America’s closest European ally.
Communist authorities in Hong Kong—which was a British colony until 1999—have just sentenced the businessman and free-speech champion Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison.
The 78-year-old Lai, who holds British citizenship, will die behind bars under that sentence, but China isn’t worried about the UK’s reaction as long as Keir Starmer is prime minister there.
Just last month, the British government approved Beijing’s plans to build a vast new “mega-embassy” in London at the site of the former Royal Mint Court.
CNN notes that Xi Jinping has taken a personal interest in the complex and brought it up in his very first call with the then-newly elected Starmer in 2024.
Not that a larger presence for the People’s Republic of China in the very heart of London is the Labour government’s only recent concession:
Starmer has worked tirelessly to hand over the Chagos Islands, a British territory in the Indian Ocean, to Mauritius, an African island nation with tight connections to China.
This is no act of “decolonization.” The former Chagos natives, who were removed by Britain in the 1960s, don’t support turning the islands over to Mauritius.
The national-security implications of surrendering these small but strategic islets concern not only Britain but the United States as well, which shares a joint military base with the UK on the archipelago’s largest island, Diego Garcia.
While President Donald Trump has made his displeasure with the Mauritius deal known, Starmer has been pressing ahead.
His determination appears to derive from his background as a human-rights lawyer: he takes a nonbinding ruling proffered by the International Court of Justice as holy writ, Britain’s national interest be damned.
Starmer is a globalist at a time when the free world needs leaders who take their nations’ self-responsibilities far more seriously, especially in light of China’s ambitions.
He was swept into office in 2024 on a tide of revulsion against 14 years of leadership by Conservative prime ministers—five in all, most of whom never accepted the spirit of Brexit.
Unlike the overwhelming popular mandate the Japanese have given Takaichi, Starmer won big in Britain with a vote that was more a protest against his opponents than an endorsement of him or his party.
But he got a chance to turn that protest vote into real support—and failed.
At home, Starmer ranks as the least popular leader in the Western world, with disapproval numbers often above 70 percent.
His days are numbered, and his exit is being hastened by revelations in the Epstein files about Peter Mandelson, the man Starmer made ambassador to the United States.
Lord Mandelson stepped down from that post in September, but as further details of his dealings with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein have come to light, the heat on the prime minister who elevated him to Britain’s most sensitive overseas role has become unbearable.
On Monday, the leader of the Labour party in the Scottish parliament, Anas Sarwar, called on Starmer to resign.
He’s not going gracefully, however, and he still has enough backing in the UK parliament to hang on—for the moment.
But no one expects him to last until the next election, which, unfortunately for Britain, doesn’t have to be held before August 2029.
If Labour clings to power for another three years, the country’s woes will only multiply, with or without Starmer at the helm.
In Japan, Takaichi took a risk by calling a snap election just three months after she became prime minister.
Her confidence was justified—and rewarded.
In Britain, Labour knows full well it would get crushed in an early election, with Nigel Farage’s Reform party almost certainly winning power.
But Labour is only delaying the inevitable, and Britain can’t wait.
In a world where nations are aggressively pursuing their interests, the UK suffers under a government the people don’t want but can’t get rid of yet.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 02/13/2026 – 03:30
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/japanese-lesson-troubled-britain
Russian Oil To Slovakia Via Damaged Druzhba Pipeline Still Halted As Accusations Fly
Russian Oil To Slovakia Via Damaged Druzhba Pipeline Still Halted As Accusations Fly
Oil supplies via the vital Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia have reportedly been halted, and it’s flows have been suspended since initially being damaged on January 27.
Ukrainian oil and gas company Naftogaz, as well as Ukraine officials, have alleged that Russia attacked its own facility in eastern Ukraine. But the precise facility was previously undisclosed. The new charges of a Russian attack surfaced again as follows:
However, city officials in Brody, where Druzhba meets the Brody-Odesa oil pipeline, warned the population about pollution from burning oil products and Mr Sybiha posted on X a picture of firefighters against a backdrop of flames.
“This is the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure burning after the latest targeted Russian strike on January 27th, which stopped oil transit.”
We know that the Hungarian side is preparing to complain again about problems with Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
We can only advise them to approach their “friends” in Moscow with these photos. This is the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure burning after the… pic.twitter.com/Xbn3DGCRkl
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) February 12, 2026
In essence, the Zelensky government is angry that Hungary is not vocally protesting the halt. But Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has suggested Kiev was responsible for blocking electricity supplies for the operation of the pipeline. “
“Why don’t you ask your President when he will allow to restore the electricity supply of the pipeline?” Szijjarto retorted on X.
Hungary continues to rely heavily on Russian oil, even after most European nations have imposed sanctions and sought alternative sources.
Hungary’s Russian energy supply is primarily delivered through Druzhba, which passes through Belarus and Ukraine before reaching Hungary and Slovakia. This is whey every time something happens several European officials are involved in accusations and angry denunciations.
PM Viktor Orban had in Spring of 2022, near the start of the war, bluntly made clear during an interview with a public national broadcaster that a total Russian oil ban it would be like “dropping a nuclear bomb on the Hungarian economy”.
This isn’t the first time of a forced halt related to airstrikes on the Druzhba pipeline – a similar incident and tit for tat accusations few back in August of last year.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 02/13/2026 – 02:45
How turmeric water fights inflammation
Turmeric water is an anti-inflammatory drink that can relieve pain and swelling
Turmeric is a plant within the ginger family derived from Southeast Asia. It is often used as a cooking spice and in traditional medicine. This orange-colored spice tastes like a mixture of ginger and pepper. Turmeric powder is commonly found in curry and is used as a dietary supplement. One way to use this powder is to mix it with water to relieve inflammation from certain health conditions. We’ll discuss turmeric water benefits in more detail and the best turmeric powder options available.
In this article: Organic Spice Resource Organic Turmeric Root Powder, Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Turmeric Powder and Hqo High-Quality Organics Express Organic Turmeric Ground
Benefits of turmeric water for inflammation
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant by sending out cells to fight bacteria or heal an injury. Consuming turmeric can relieve swollen and painful joints for people with chronic conditions. Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory chemical that may reduce inflammation and swelling. It has been shown to assist with inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndromes and pain.
Other turmeric water benefits
There are other health benefits of turmeric worth noting, including:
Improves memory among older adults with dementia.
Reduces pain for people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions.
Protects the body from free radicals or unstable molecules that increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
Lowers the risk of heart disease.
Helps fight depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. These neurotransmitters are considered “happy hormones” as they help regulate mood.
Helps prevent cancer growth and development.
Turmeric powder can be consumed as supplements, smoothies, golden milk, water or meals.
How to make turmeric water
Use a saucepan to bring water to a boil on a stove.
Turn the heat off and pour the water into a glass or mug.
Add turmeric powder, black pepper and honey and stir well.
You should drink warm water with turmeric in the morning on an empty stomach. A daily dose of turmeric powder should not exceed 8 grams. Be aware that the side effects of turmeric powder misuse can include gastrointestinal or liver problems.
Features to look for when purchasing turmeric powder
Organic. Ensure that the powder is made organically and is labeled non-GMO.
Color. Turmeric powder should have an orange, golden or yellow hue to it.
Smell. This spice has an earthy smell with hints of ginger and orange scents.
No preservatives. Rub some turmeric powder in your hand. Then, turn your hand over. If a lot of powder falls off your hand, it may include ingredients such as chalk.
Curcumin potency. The high potency of curcumin can increase the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric powders.
Best turmeric powder picks
Organic Spice Resource Organic Turmeric Root Powder
This turmeric powder is certified organic by the Department of Agriculture, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. It is lab tested for heavy metals and purity and is grown in India. It comes in a reusable bag to maintain freshness. It has no colors, additives, preservatives or ethylene oxide treatment.
Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Turmeric Powder
This 16-ounce pack of turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic, raw, Kosher-certified, vegan and non-GMO. It contains nutrients such as dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. It comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.
Hqo High-Quality Organics Express Organic Turmeric Ground
This organic turmeric powder is USDA- and Kosher-certified and non-GMO. It is not grown with herbicides or pesticides to ensure quality and safety. It is sustainably farmed across more than 40 countries and is grown in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Dwarka Organic Turmeric Powder
The turmeric powder is organic, USDA-certified, non-GMO and chemical-free. It is derived from crushed, dried and organic turmeric roots. It contains curcumin to aid with inflammation.
Simply Organic Ground Turmeric Root
This powder comes from a turmeric root that contains a minimum of 4% of curcumin. It is non-GMO, certified organic by the Quality Assurance Institute, USDA- and Kosher-certified and does not contain ETOs. It has a golden-yellow hue with a strong, distinctive aroma.
Spice Train Certified-Organic Turmeric Powder
This 14-ounce bag of turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic, vegan and gluten-free. It contains turmeric created naturally and sourced from Indian harvest gardens. It does not have artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It contains 3% curcumin.
McCormick Organic Ground Turmeric
It is a USDA- and Kosher-certified organic and non-GMO Project-verified turmeric powder. It has a yellow, orange color with a subtle, earthy flavor. The powder is vegan -and vegetarian-friendly. It contains the ingredient curcuma. It has an easy-to-handle bottle to refill spice jars.
Jiva Organics Organic Turmeric Powder
The turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic and is 100% imported from India. It is batch-tested and has a 3% curcumin content. The powder comes from pure turmeric rhizomes and contains curcumin. It has no artificial colors, additives, preservatives or ethylene oxide (ETO) treatment. It comes in a resealable bag to maintain freshness.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/13/how-turmeric-water-fights-inflammation/
Best NAC supplement
Which NAC supplements are best?
Taking NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine, as a supplement is growing in popularity. The supplement form of the amino acid cysteine, NAC is not found in food and not naturally produced by the body — but it’s still useful. It’s one of the few supplements proven to help mitigate kidney and liver damage. It can also be found in prescription drug format, but its supplement format is popular for home use.
A top NAC supplement is the Thorne NAC Capsules, a super high quality 500 milligram NAC supplement from a trusted brand that’s odorless and doesn’t oxidize quickly.
What to know before you buy NAC supplements
Uses
NAC is a highly potent amino acid with a number of uses. It increases glutathione levels, assisting with liver detoxification; supports respiratory health; and can protect the kidney. It’s often used in conjunction with acetaminophen or other drugs that can damage the liver and is often prescribed by doctors for these uses.
As an amino acid supplement, it also has a large number of uses, from treating serious health conditions and addictions to being a post-workout supplement and general health protectant. As with many similar supplements, not all of its potential benefits are well researched or verified. It’s always best to be skeptical of outlandish health claims. If a supplement sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Brand
Because the regulation of supplements is minimal, the brand you purchase from can mean a great deal more than it does for prescription drugs. Look for a highly reviewed brand with a verifiable history and source. Ingredients should be clearly labeled on the packaging, and it should be easy to verify if the product includes common allergens. NAC is a popular supplement, so many brands have a version. Look for one you know and trust when purchasing.
What to look for in a quality NAC supplement
Form
Capsule: Most NAC supplements come in capsule form. These are cheap to produce and easy to swallow due to their smooth texture. Most capsules are made of gelatin, though vegetable cellulose options are becoming more popular. Capsules often contain a lower supplement dose than tablets.
Tablet: Tablets are pressed into shape, rather than being contained. They’re cheap to produce, too, but they’re less popular as they can be difficult to swallow due to their shape and texture. They also often have a taste, because they’re not encased in a neutral material.
Dosage
Most NAC supplements offer a 500- or 600-milligram concentration. NAC is generally safe for adults to take up to 2,000 milligrams per day, though this is an unusually high dosage. Talk to a medical professional about the correct dosage.
Additives
Most supplements contain some additives for texture and taste, to prevent odor, or as preservatives. Look carefully at the additives used, their source, and how they might affect you, especially if you have health issues that might be exacerbated by unknown ingredients.
How much you can expect to spend on NAC supplements
Most NAC supplements cost between 10-30 cents per pill, depending on concentration, derivation and brand. As supplements go, these are affordable.
NAC supplement FAQ
Do NAC supplements help prevent or treat COVID-19?
A. NAC supplements are occasionally used to help treat lung conditions, and there are some studies backing up NAC’s use to treat COPD and chronic bronchitis. But there is little to no medical evidence as to its efficacy in treating COVID-19. There are no miracle cures for COVID-19, including dietary supplements.
Are NAC supplements safe?
A. Generally speaking, though, as with all medical treatments and dietary supplements, it’s best to check with a medical professional before use. Many recommend that those who use NAC drink extra water while taking it. It can interact with some medications and can cause some mild side effects, such as an upset stomach or fatigue. Stop use of any supplements if serious side effects occur.
What’s the best NAC supplement to buy?
Top NAC supplement
What you need to know: This is a 500-milligram NAC capsule with great reviews from a brand trusted for purity and effectiveness.
What you’ll love: Reviewers loved that it had no smell, as many capsules do. It doesn’t contain common allergens or gelatin, making it vegan-friendly.
What you should consider: It’s on the more expensive end of a generally affordable supplement. Thorne products, in general, are usually very expensive.
Top NAC supplement for the money
Now 600 Milligram NAC Capsules
What you need to know: These 600-milligram capsules come in bottles of either 100 or 250 capsules.
What you’ll love: They’re highly affordable, vegan and free of common allergens. Reviewers raved about the value for the price.
What you should consider: Some found that the capsules oxidized quickly and complained of dark spots in the capsules.
Worth checking out
Life Extension 600 Milligram NAC Capsules
What you need to know: This is a small bottle of high-quality 600-milligram NAC capsules.
What you’ll love: They’re free of many additives and vegan. They’re also relatively affordable.
What you should consider: They only come in bottles of 60 pills, meaning they’re a bit more of a pain to purchase in bulk.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/13/best-nac-supplement/
Tensiones transatlánticas, en el punto de mira al inicio de reunión anual sobre seguridad de Múnich
Associated Press
MÚNICH, Alemania (AP) — La conferencia anual con los principales actores internacionales en materia de seguridad, que el año pasado marcó el tono de una creciente brecha entre Estados Unidos y Europa, arranca el viernes y reunirá a muchos altos funcionarios europeos con el secretario de Estado estadounidense, Marco Rubio, entre otros.
La Conferencia de Seguridad de Múnich comenzará con el discurso del canciller de Alemania, Friedrich Merz, uno de los 15 jefes de Estado o de gobierno de países de la Unión Europea que se espera que asistan a la cumbre.
Entre los muchos otros invitados a la reunión, que terminará el domingo, figuran el presidente de Ucrania, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, y el ministro de Exteriores de China, Wang Yi. Siguiendo la tradición, también habrá una numerosa delegación de miembros del Congreso de Estados Unidos.
“Las relaciones transatlánticas han sido la columna vertebral de esta conferencia desde que se fundó en 1963… y las relaciones transatlánticas atraviesan actualmente una importante crisis de confianza y credibilidad”, afirmó el presidente de la Conferencia, Wolfgang Ischinger, ante reporteros a principios de semana. “Por eso es particularmente bienvenido que la parte estadounidense muestre tanto interés en Múnich”.
En la cumbre del año pasado, que se celebró pocas semanas después del inicio del segundo mandato de Donald Trump como presidente de Estados Unidos, su vicepresidente, JD Vance, dejó atónitos a los líderes europeos con su lección sobre el estado de la democracia en el continente.
En los meses posteriores ha habido una serie de declaraciones y medidas de Trump hacia sus aliados, incluida su amenaza del mes pasado, que más tarde retiró, de imponer nuevos aranceles a varias naciones europeas en un intento de asegurar el control estadounidense de Groenlandia, un territorio semiautónomo perteneciente a Dinamarca, aliado en la OTAN.
Con Rubio al frente de la delegación estadounidense este año, los líderes europeos pueden esperar un enfoque menos conflictivo y más centrado en las preocupaciones tradicionales de la seguridad global, aunque filosóficamente similar. Sin embargo, Rubio tendrá una tarea difícil por delante si quiere calmar las aguas.
“Al final se trata de confianza: ¿confiamos el uno en el otro como socios y puede repararse esta falta de confianza?”, dijo Claudia Major, vicepresidenta sénior del German Marshall Fund en Berlín. “Groenlandia, en concreto, ha supuesto un cambio fundamental para los europeos. Que un aliado de la OTAN amenace a otro aliado de la OTAN ha afectado profundamente a la confianza europea en la relación transatlántica”.
___
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
“Bye-Bye Data Center”: German Town Rejects Multi-Billion Euro Construction Project
“Bye-Bye Data Center”: German Town Rejects Multi-Billion Euro Construction Project
Germany is increasingly rebelling against multi-billion-euro data centers, reflecting a trend seen in other Western countries. This time, Groß-Gerau, a town outside of the mega internet hub of Frankfurt, is the latest to reject the construction of a major data center over fears of rising power costs, diminished water and environmental resources, ugly aesthetics, and skepticism over job creation.
Major U.S. investors were behind the push to build the 174-megawatt data center, but local residents and politicians have successfully stopped construction of the five-building complex, which represented €2.5 billion in investment.
The city parliament of the southern Hessian district town officially stopped the construction of the project by Vantage Data Centers. According to German media reports, the assembly rejected the proposal in an 18 to 14 vote, according to Welt newspaper.
The opposition was led by a coalition of mostly left-wing and libertarian parties — the SPD, Greens, FDP, Free Voters, and the Left Party. Meanwhile, the business-friendly CDU and the Free Voters’ Association backed the project.
Although the investors had already purchased the 14-hectare site on the outskirts of the city, residents were not convinced they wanted a data center in their own backyard.
Frankfurt already saturated
Frankfurt, also a major financial hub, has already seen some of the densest clusters of data centers in Europe.
In early 2026, NVIDIA and Deutsche Telekom launched a major industrial AI cloud in the region featuring over 10,000 GPUs, specifically designed for high-performance AI training and inference.
The market in Frankfurt has surpassed 1.3 GW (Gigawatts) of live capacity, with projections to reach 2.5 GW by 2031. Frankfurt is currently on track to overtake London as Europe’s largest data center market within the next five years.
Now, residents are revolting against these trends, with concerns over rising power costs, diminished water and environmental resources, and a lack of jobs generated by the centers.
Skepticism and fear
The town resisted for a variety of reasons, including aesthetics, a lack of jobs, and the sheer scale of the project.
Residents also feared the five massive buildings would tower over and damage the cityscape of the town, which has just over 20,000 inhabitants.
Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau (SPD) also did not believe the promised benefits would materialize, doubting the facility would generate significant new jobs or trade tax revenue.
The same resistance has been seen elsewhere in Germany, and in fact, on a global scale. In Bavaria, local groups have successfully argued that these “server barns” provide almost no local jobs — often fewer than 50 for a multi-billion euro site — while occupying vast amounts of valuable industrial land that could be used for manufacturing and other purposes.
In response to these growing concerns, the German government has introduced some of the world’s strictest regulations to appease locals.
By 2028, new data centers must reuse at least 20 percent of their waste heat, and projects that cannot prove this are being rejected. Starting in 2027, all German data centers must also cover their consumption entirely with renewable energy. This is making it harder for investors to find viable sites, as they now need to be located near major wind or solar sites.
Politicians celebrate
Following the vote in Groß-Gerau, Mayor Rüddenklau emphasized that he refused to be pressured, describing the rejection as a vital course of action. His party’s parliamentary group was even more direct, stating that the “city would not be sold to a major investor.”
The local Green Party also wrote on its website: “Bye-bye data center – billion-dollar ‘deal’ happily falls through.”
The Green Party characterized the decision as a victory for the community, noting that “with the rejection of the project, an oversized, highly problematic urban planning and ecological project is off the table.”
The party stated that the site would now be developed in a “socially acceptable and future-proof” manner.
More resistance on the horizon
Meanwhile, massive data center projects are advancing in other areas of Germany. A massive 300 MW “Mega Campus” is moving forward to serve the Brandenburg Wustermark region outside Berlin, but it has faced intense scrutiny over its impact on the local water table.
Beyond Groß-Gerau, towns like Hanau are seeing organized “neighbor resistance.” Residents are citing a 2025 study showing that some data centers consume as much water as small cities during summer heatwaves to keep servers cool.
Germany’s Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), which became strictly binding for many operators in 2025, has only exacerbated the problem. Grid connection requests have skyrocketed near many major cities. In Berlin alone, data center requests have reached nearly 3 GW, far exceeding what the city’s current infrastructure can handle.
Data centers are driving up the price of electricity for households and starving other sectors of power.
A similar conflict is also running in the German town of Maintal, where the U.S. firm “Edgeconnex” is pursuing a 170-megawatt data center.
Critics say these projects are necessary for Germany’s “digital future,” but with AI data centers not only generating very few jobs, but also threatening to wipe out jobs for millions in the future, some local residents are having trouble understanding what they are getting out of these deals besides high energy prices, diminished water supplies, and ugly eyesores on the landscape.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 02/13/2026 – 02:00
Victor Wembanyama de los Spurs, siempre quiere ganar, también en el Juego de Estrellas
Por TIM REYNOLDS
En el fin de semana del pasado Juego de Estrellas, Victor Wembanyama se tomó tan en serio la misión de ganar que decidió buscar lagunas en el reglamento. El astro francés y su entonces compañero de San Antonio, Chris Paul, formaron pareja para la competencia de habilidades, creyeron haberla superado con astucia y terminaron descalificados.
No fue un gran momento. Pero fue otro ejemplo de cómo, para Wembanyama, ganar lo es todo.
Ya es una de las caras de la NBA y del basquetbol en el escenario global, y este fin de semana del Juego de Estrellas en California podría elevar aún más su cotización —si es que eso es posible a estas alturas. El pívot de 7 pies y 4 pulgadas (2,23 metros) será una de las estrellas del equipo internacional en este nuevo formato de Estados Unidos contra el Resto del Mundo.
Y Wembanyama deja claro que juega para ganar.
Si se considera cómo han transcurrido la mayoría de los fines de semana del Juego de Estrellas en los últimos años, la liga podría encontrar que eso es un cambio refrescante.
“He visto el Juego de Estrellas y, obviamente, no ha sido competitivo”, comentó Wembanyama. “Y siempre he pensado, para mí, que si yo estuviera ahí, nunca piso la cancha para perder o para que no me importe. Igual que en casa, nunca me siento a disputar un juego de mesa sin que me importe, pensando que voy a perder o que está bien perder”.
Esto es lo que podría diferenciar su actitud de las de otros participantes en el Juego de Estrellas. Se toma en serio los juegos de mesa.
En los últimos años, el Juego de Estrellas bien podría haber sido un duelo aburrido. Todo clavadas y triples, algo que la liga llegó a detestar. Nadie espera que los jugadores afronten el Juego de Estrellas como un séptimo partido de las Finales de la NBA, pero el comisionado Adam Silver desde hace tiempo ha querido que los jugadores, simplemente, se lo tomen un poco en serio.
El entrenador de los Spurs, Mitch Johnson, dirigirá a uno de los dos equipos de Estados Unidos en el minitorneo de estrellas, lo que significa que dirigirá contra Wembanyama al menos en un partido —posiblemente dos si sus respectivos equipos llegan al encuentro por el título. Sabe que Wembanyama jugará con intensidad; eso se da por hecho.
Pero el domingo se descubrirá qué significa eso exactamente.
“Creo que puede haber un nivel de competitividad y de jugar fuerte que logre un equilibrio en un partido así, donde no se sienta quizá como algo demasiado serio, supongo”, señaló Johnson. “Y no sé cuál es ese equilibrio, y creo que los jugadores tienen que ser quienes marquen la pauta en una situación así, y creo que también merecen el derecho —se han ganado el derecho— de marcar esa pauta, sea cual sea.
“Esos muchachos están ahí durante un descanso para todos los demás, y dedican mucho tiempo y hacen mucho sacrificio para estar ahí. Y creo que todos, todos, son muy merecedores de poder expresar cómo creen que debería ser esa experiencia o ese fin de semana”.
Los Spurs llegan al receso en gran forma, con seis victorias consecutivas y ubicados en el segundo sitio de la Conferencia Oeste. Los playoffs deberían estar en la agenda de Wembanyama por primera vez, aunque él no actúa como si los Spurs ya tuvieran algo asegurado.
“He visto a todos trabajar. He visto a todos sacrificar cosas, todo tipo de cosas diferentes”, manifestó Wembanyama. “Así que es muy creíble, pero no significa que haya sido fácil de ninguna manera”.
El Juego de Estrellas ya se ha quedado ya sin parte de su atractivo estelar. Stephen Curry, de Golden State, y Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, de Oklahoma City, están descartados por lesiones, y Cooper Flagg, de Dallas, se perdería también el duelo de Estrellas en Ascenso.
Pero por más grandes que sean esos tres nombres —Steph es Steph, SGA fue el Jugador Más Valioso de la campaña anterior y Flagg ya es imperdible en la TV—, es fácil imaginar que sus ausencias solo significarán más miradas sobre Wembanyama este fin de semana.
Tan sólo hay que ver lo que hizo a principios de esta semana contra unos Lakers de Los Ángeles que no contaron con Luka Doncic, LeBron James ni Austin Reaves, entre otros. Consiguió 25 puntos en el primer cuarto, 37 en la primera mitad, y terminó con 40 sólo porque apenas jugó en el segundo medio, en una paliza de San Antonio.
Fue el Wemby clásico, en cierto modo. No le importó que los mejores jugadores de los Lakers no estuvieran en la cancha. Era un partido y, en su mente, los partidos siempre se juegan para ganar. El domingo por la noche será el mismo enfoque.
“Estaré ahí”, dijo Wembanyama. “Más vale ganar”.
_____
Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
La bandera de Puerto Rico ondea alto esta semana pero la reacción depende de quién la enarbola
Por FERNANDA FIGUEROA
MILÁN (AP) — Puerto Rico está dejando su huella durante la última semana en dos escenarios monumentales: el espectáculo del medio tiempo del Super Bowl y — con una sola atleta — los Juegos Olímpicos de Invierno.
La música y el deporte están entre las pocas oportunidades de la isla para agitar su bandera y hacer que el mundo la vea. Pero la cuestión de qué personas pueden representar a Puerto Rico sigue siendo complicada, ligada a su historia, identidad y condición de estado libre asociado de Estados Unidos, en lugar de un estado en toda regla.
Las reacciones a las actuaciones de esta semana muestran la evolución de quién es bienvenido para enarbolar esta bandera.
Bad Bunny, ganador de seis premios Grammy, mantiene la cultura puertorriqueña en primer plano en su música; canta y rapea en español, usa jerga puertorriqueña y con frecuencia hace referencia a la política y a la vida cotidiana de la isla. Sin embargo, él y su música han irrumpido en la corriente principal de Estados Unidos.
En contraste, Kellie Delka es una texana de nacimiento que no tenía vínculos previos con la isla hace ocho años, cuando se mudó allí. Portó la enorme bandera de Puerto Rico en la ceremonia inaugural de los Juegos Olímpicos.
Aunque las personas nacidas en Puerto Rico son ciudadanas de Estados Unidos, la isla presenta su propio equipo olímpico. Y este año, ese equipo completo es Delka, quien competirá en skeleton este viernes y el sábado.
Tras los entrenamientos en Cortina d’Ampezzo, Delka le comentó a The Associated Press que su necesidad de concentrarse para el día de la carrera le impidió sintonizar el espectáculo del medio tiempo.
Pero “con suerte, Bad Bunny me está viendo en los Juegos”, añadió. “Espero que toda la isla esté mirando”
¿Quién puede representar a Puerto Rico, antes y ahora?
Décadas antes de Delka, estuvo Michael “Mike” González. También estadounidense, fue integrante del equipo de bobsleigh de 2002, pero salió a la luz justo antes de los Juegos en Salt Lake City que no podía demostrar que cumplía el requisito de residencia de Puerto Rico.
El Comité Olímpico de Puerto Rico no solo retiró a su equipo de dos hombres; el escándalo posterior lo llevó a anular el reconocimiento de toda la federación de deportes de invierno de la isla. Ningún deportista representó al territorio en los Juegos de Invierno durante otros 16 años.
Siempre ha existido un debate sobre quién cuenta como puertorriqueño, especialmente a medida que más generaciones crecen fuera de la isla y nunca aprenden español, según Antonio Sotomayor, profesor asociado de Estudios Latinoamericanos y del Caribe en la Universidad de Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“Cuando tienes atletas que no hablan el elemento que más nos diferencia de Estados Unidos, a mucha gente le cae mal”, afirmó Sotomayor, quien es puertorriqueño y autor del libro “La colonia soberana; deportes olímpicos, identidad nacional y política internacional en Puerto Rico”.
Hay 6 millones de personas en Estados Unidos que se identifican como puertorriqueñas, solo por detrás de las de origen mexicano entre lugares específicos de procedencia latinoamericana, según los datos más recientes del censo de Estados Unidos, de 2024. Eso duplica la cifra de cubanos, salvadoreños o dominicanos. A pesar de ser ciudadanos de Estados Unidos, los puertorriqueños no pueden votar en las elecciones presidenciales y tienen una representación de voto limitada en el Congreso.
El Comité Olímpico de la isla exige que sus deportistas o bien hayan nacido en Puerto Rico, tengan un padre o abuelo nacido allí, o vivan allí al menos dos años consecutivos. Sus representantes olímpicos suelen venir de Puerto Rico, pero no siempre.
La vallista Jasmine Camacho-Quinn compitió por Puerto Rico en los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio en 2021 como un homenaje a la herencia de su madre. Dijo entonces que siempre tuvo influencias puertorriqueñas en casa en Carolina del Sur — música, comida, celebraciones. Y ganó el oro, pero algunos puertorriqueños no se mostraron tan contentos.
También ha ocurrido lo contrario. La estrella del tenis Gigi Fernández, nacida en Puerto Rico, optó por no representar a su isla, sino a Estados Unidos en ambos Juegos Olímpicos, en 1992 y 1996. En ese momento, dijo que la decisión no fue fácil, pero que no estaba segura de que Puerto Rico pudiera clasificarse en dobles — su especialidad.
Ganó y, de inmediato, recibió críticas de aficionados en la isla por privar a Puerto Rico de lo que podría haber sido su primer oro olímpico en cualquier deporte. Las críticas a Fernández se reavivaron en 2016, cuando la tenista puertorriqueña Mónica Puig finalmente logró esa hazaña.
Fiel en la música
La misma dinámica puede encontrarse en la música puertorriqueña. Ricky Martin — cuyo nombre de nacimiento es Enrique Martín Morales — cantó en inglés para abrirse paso en el mercado de Estados Unidos. El intérprete de “Livin’ la Vida Loca” escribió una carta en el periódico puertorriqueño El Nuevo Día el 3 de febrero, en la que elogió a Bad Bunny por mantenerse fiel a sí mismo.
“Ganaste sin cambiar el color de tu voz. Ganaste sin borrar tus raíces. Ganaste siendo fiel a Puerto Rico”, escribió Martin.
Durante su espectáculo del medio tiempo, Bad Bunny invitó a Martin a interpretar “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii”. Se trata de un grito de movilización que presenta a Hawái como un ejemplo aleccionador de colonización cultural estadounidense y gentrificación generalizada.
Las naciones tropicales buscan lejos a sus deportistas invernales
Delka, exatleta de pista y campo en Denton, Texas, se mudó a Puerto Rico después de ser reclutada por líderes de la Federación Puertorriqueña de Atletas Invernales.
Esto no es exclusivo de Puerto Rico; los países tropicales suelen tender una red amplia para presentar competidores en los Juegos de Invierno. Nicolás Claveau-Laviolette nació en Venezuela y es el único representante del país, pese a haber vivido en Canadá la mayor parte de su vida. Richardson Viana, en el equipo de Haití este año, fue adoptado y criado por una familia italiana en Francia a los 3 años. Compitió por Francia antes de que la federación haitiana de esquí se acercara a él.
Delka no afirma ser puertorriqueña, pero ha hecho de la isla su hogar y está “esforzándose muchísimo por aprender español”.
“Creo que simplemente me da mucho pánico escénico y cuando alguien empieza a hablar olvido todo lo que aprendí”, manifestó Delka.
¿Qué no la asusta? Lanzarse de cabeza por la pista de skeleton a (129 kilómetros por hora, con la barbilla a apenas unos centímetros del hielo. La mayor parte del año, está a varios miles de kilómetros de cualquier terreno congelado de ese tipo: levantando pesas y corriendo bajo el sol tropical, a menudo sólo en bikini.
“Para la temporada baja, realmente no importa dónde vivas porque solo estás trabajando en volverte más fuerte”, explicó.
El ojo en la parte superior de su casco está pensado para vigilar a Puerto Rico desde el espacio el día de la carrera. Su objetivo es meterse entre las 15 primeras.
Delka sostiene que puede dar la sorpresa en un deporte en el que ganadores y perdedores se separan por meros segundos.
“Creo en mí más de lo que debería creer cualquiera”, dijo.
Pero, ¿los puertorriqueños la animarán?
La aceptación en Puerto Rico por los deportistas nacidos en el extranjero ha ido creciendo lentamente — al menos para los boricuas de la diáspora como Camacho-Quinn—, señaló Sotomayor.
“Aunque no conozcan el idioma español, aun así sostienen, protegen, defienden, celebran muchos otros marcadores culturales de Puerto Rico”, expresó. “Eso es lo que más importa en este momento”.
Por su parte, Delka dice que los vecinos — una vez que se enteran de cuánto tiempo ha vivido en la isla — la acogen como a una de los suyos.
Eso se vio en redes sociales después de la ceremonia inaugural, en la que Delka ondeó la bandera y vistió una falda inspirada en la ropa usada durante bailes tradicionales.
En una reunión para ver el espectáculo del medio tiempo de Bad Bunny en San Juan dos días después, Alexandra Núñez le dijo a la AP que sabía que había una deportista olímpica representando a Puerto Rico, pero no quién era ni en qué deporte.
Juan Carlos Lugo, residente de Guaynabo, sabía que Delka se deslizaría para representar a Puerto Rico y afirmó que su origen étnico no importa.
“Mientras lleve la bandera de Puerto Rico en el pecho y represente, me siento orgulloso”.
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La reportera de AP Jennifer McDermott contribuyó desde Cortina y el videoperiodista Alejandro Granadillo desde San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
LeBron James, el jugador de más edad con un triple-doble, en triunfo de Lakers sobre Mavs
LOS ÁNGELES (AP) — LeBron James se convirtió el jueves en el jugador de mayor edad en la historia de la NBA en lograr un triple-doble, al aportar 28 puntos, 12 asistencias y 10 rebotes en la victoria de los Lakers de Los Ángeles por 124-104 sobre los Mavericks de Dallas.
Con 41 años y 44 días, James rompió el récord que ostentaba Karl Malone, quien registró un triple-doble con los Lakers cuando tenía 40 años y 127 días.
James anotó 14 puntos en un dominante primer cuarto, y llegó al último periodo con 22 unidades y 12 asistencias. Capturó su décimo rebote con 2:06 minutos por jugar y abandonó la cancha instantes después, cerrando otro partido sensacional en su inédita 23.ª temporada en la NBA.
Este fin de semana, se dirige al Juego de Estrellas tras ser seleccionado por 22.ª vez. Consiguió su triple-doble más reciente el 1 de febrero de 2025.
Naji Marshall y Max Christie anotaron 19 puntos cada uno por los Mavericks, que sufrieron su novena derrota consecutiva para caer en su peor racha en 28 temporadas.
Luka Doncic, el líder anotador de la NBA en la campaña, no se vistió para enfrentar a su equipo anterior, al perderse su cuarto partido consecutivo con los Lakers por un leve tirón de isquiotibiales. El novato estrella Cooper Flagg no jugó por Dallas debido a un esguince en el pie que le impedirá participar en el fin de semana del Juego de Estrellas en el cercano Intuit Dome.
James y Austin Reaves se perdieron la derrota de los Lakers ante San Antonio el martes para cuidar su salud, pero ambos regresaron para ayudar en una victoria cómoda. Reaves terminó con 18 puntos y seis asistencias.
Rui Hachimura anotó 21 puntos por los Lakers, que han ganado siete de 11.
El entrenador de los Lakers, JJ Redick, confió en que Doncic regrese después de la pausa del Juego de Estrellas. Redick no sabía si la superestrella eslovena jugará el Juego de Estrellas tras liderar la NBA en votos. _____
Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Asking Eric: Counseling is an option
Dear Eric: My significant other and I have been together 10 years now. Lately, since he reconnected with childhood friends, we stopped doing things together. We stopped doing things as a family (we have children). He is with them all of the time. I expressed how I felt and gave suggestions on how we can balance and improve, but he only gets defensive. I feel like I should walk away at this point. He is 48, I’m 37. How should I deal with this?
– No Family Time
Dear Time: Short of walking away, counseling is an option. It sounds like you’ve tried proactive solutions like trying to calendar together. The way we spend our time is a reflection of what we value. If he’s getting defensive when you point out how his values are coming across to you, a counselor may be able to break through and clear the air. You shouldn’t have to beg for his attention, though. He has responsibilities to the family, and your marriage won’t flourish without quality time. He needs to rethink his choices.
Dear Eric: My mother is 88 and recently entered a nursing home. She has not been diagnosed with any specific mental deterioration, but she has become very forgetful. The problem is that she is a voracious gossip. She has always had a proclivity toward spreading gossip, but she seems to be getting worse, and I am finding it almost impossible to listen to her.
I try to steer our conversations toward positive things, but she seems to have about a two-sentence tolerance before she launches into something scathing. It doesn’t seem to matter who the person is – my brothers, sisters-in-law, her grandchildren, my aunts and uncles, friends, neighbors. Everyone is fair game for her vicious tongue.
More and more frequently I do not take her incoming calls, and when I do, I end the call when I can no longer bear her negativity about our family. She is driving wedges between all of us and destroying the family.
She is not open to even mild criticism and has no ability to self-evaluate. One of her granddaughters confronted her and that granddaughter is now persona non grata, never to be forgiven. What can I do, short of blocking her phone number and waiting for the funeral?
– Gossip Gets My Goat
Dear Gossip: If you have her consent to talk to her doctors or care team, you might ask if the worsening gossip could be attributed to her memory issues and if there are ways to address it. But, even if there are ways of staunching the tide of negativity, it seems this proclivity is a core part of who she is. When a loved one’s habits or personality quirks bump up against our values, we have to set internal boundaries to preserve the relationship. It sounds like you’re doing that already by getting off the phone when you can’t take it anymore. But the next step might be saying something directly, even at the risk of inciting her anger.
“Mom, I don’t like hearing this kind of negative talk and it makes me uncomfortable. I want to listen to you, but I can’t do that if we can’t find something else to talk about.” A statement like that is fair and clear and, importantly, resets the bounds of the relationship on your side. It’s up to her whether she’s going to honor those bounds or not. Judging from her response to her granddaughter, she may not. But if that’s a consequence she chooses, she brings on herself. If you aren’t upfront about what you need, her behavior is going to cause deep resentment. I know you’re trying to avoid conflict but think of it this way: you’re already in conflict. By speaking your mind, you take a step on a path to resolving said conflict. It’s up to her to join you.
Dear Eric: I have a friend/neighbor who moved in across the street in January 2014. We see each other often, at my house or hers, and go out to dinner about once a month. She has never acknowledged my birthday. I don’t expect a gift, dinner or even a card. Just say “Happy Birthday!”
This past July marks the 12th one with no greetings. Do you find this odd? By the way, I always remember her birthday.
– Unhappy Birthday
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Dear Birthday: I can’t help but wonder if she has your birthday written down. It’s been going on so long, maybe she doesn’t know when your birthday is. Or maybe she’s not thoughtful in the way that you’re thoughtful. Maybe she’s thoughtful in other ways. There’s no reason to stew over this for 12 years. If it’s important to you, it’s fine to say, “today’s my birthday. Would you wish me happy birthday?”
(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/13/asking-eric-counseling-is-an-option/
