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Argentina Accelerates Deregulation Drive, Eliminating 58 Economic Rules in Major Market Reform

2026-06-09T07:08:58.748-07:00

The Latest Step in Javier Milei’s Economic Transformation

Argentina’s government has taken another significant step in its ambitious deregulation agenda, eliminating 58 economic regulations that previously governed consumer programs, price controls, import procedures, and commercial activities.

The move, formalized through Resolution 12/2026 issued by the Ministry of Economy’s Production Coordination Secretariat, reflects President Javier Milei’s broader effort to reduce state intervention in the economy and simplify what officials describe as an excessively complex regulatory framework.

For international observers, the decision may seem technical. However, it represents another chapter in one of the world’s most radical free-market reform experiments currently underway.

Understanding Argentina’s Economic Context

To understand the significance of these changes, it is important to understand Argentina’s economic history.

For decades, Argentina has struggled with recurring economic crises, high inflation, currency instability, and fiscal deficits. Successive governments often responded by increasing regulations, implementing price controls, creating subsidy programs, restricting imports, and expanding bureaucratic oversight of economic activity.

These measures were generally intended to protect consumers, stabilize prices, or support domestic industries. However, critics argued that they frequently created distortions, discouraged investment, reduced competition, and increased administrative burdens for businesses.

When Javier Milei took office in December 2023, he promised a dramatic shift away from what he described as decades of excessive state intervention. His administration has since pursued a strategy centered on deregulation, spending cuts, market liberalization, and reducing the size of government.

The latest package of repealed regulations fits squarely within that broader philosophy.

What Exactly Has Been Eliminated?

According to the government, many of the repealed regulations had already become obsolete because the legal frameworks supporting them had been modified or abolished in recent years.

The reforms include:

22 regulations related to the Argentine Wheat Stabilization Fund (FETA).
30 regulations linked to consumer financing programs such as “Ahora 12” and “Cuota Simple.”
Rules associated with the “Precios Cuidados” price control program.
Regulations requiring private schools to provide advance notice of tuition increases.
Consumer complaint mechanisms considered duplicative by the government.
Import authorization procedures that authorities believe are no longer necessary.
Information requirements imposed on companies marketing consumer goods.

Government officials argue that these measures simplify compliance requirements and reduce legal uncertainty for both citizens and businesses.

The End of Price Intervention Programs

One of the most symbolic aspects of the reform is the dismantling of regulations connected to government price-control initiatives.

Argentina has frequently used price controls to combat inflation. Programs such as “Precios Cuidados” established lists of products whose prices were negotiated or monitored by the government.

Supporters believed these programs helped protect consumers from sudden price increases.

Critics, however, argued that they often created shortages, distorted market signals, and failed to address the underlying causes of inflation, particularly monetary expansion and fiscal imbalances.

The Milei administration has consistently maintained that inflation should be addressed through fiscal discipline and monetary stabilization rather than direct intervention in pricing.

The elimination of these remaining regulations reinforces that position.

Changes to Consumer Financing Programs

The government also repealed numerous regulations associated with “Ahora 12” and later “Cuota Simple.”

These programs allowed consumers to purchase products through installment plans with subsidized financing conditions, helping sustain domestic consumption during periods of economic weakness.

For years, they were widely used by Argentine households purchasing appliances, electronics, furniture, and other durable goods.

The government argues that these programs represented indirect market intervention and that private financial institutions should determine credit conditions without state involvement.

Supporters of deregulation see this as a move toward a more market-driven economy.

Critics worry that access to affordable consumer financing could become more limited, especially during periods of high interest rates.

Removal of Wheat Market Intervention

Another major change involves the Argentine Wheat Stabilization Fund, known as FETA.

The fund was originally designed to stabilize wheat prices and limit the impact of rising global commodity costs on domestic food prices, particularly bread.

The government has now eliminated 22 regulations associated with the mechanism.

Officials argue that direct market intervention created inefficiencies and distorted incentives throughout the wheat supply chain.

Supporters of the fund, however, contend that it provided an important buffer against food inflation and helped protect consumers from sudden increases in staple food prices.

A Broader Push Against Bureaucracy

The latest deregulation package is not an isolated measure.

It forms part of a much larger initiative known as the “Ley Hojarasca” (“Deadwood Law”), promoted by Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzenegger.

The proposal seeks to repeal or modify more than 70 laws that the government considers outdated, redundant, or inconsistent with the current legal framework.

The legislation targets several categories:

Obsolete Laws

Many regulations date back decades and govern activities or technologies that no longer exist or have become irrelevant.

Duplicative Rules

Some laws overlap with newer legislation, creating confusion about which rules remain applicable.

Defunct Organizations

Certain regulations concern agencies, commissions, or programs that have already ceased operating.

Administrative Burdens

The proposal aims to eliminate procedures viewed as unnecessary obstacles for businesses and citizens.

Special Privileges

Some provisions granting unique benefits to specific sectors or organizations would also be removed.

The Philosophy Behind the Reforms

At the heart of the government’s agenda is a principle often described as “maximum freedom.”

Under this approach, economic actors should generally be free to operate unless a specific restriction is explicitly justified and established by law.

The administration argues that excessive regulation generates uncertainty, discourages entrepreneurship, slows investment, and reduces economic dynamism.

According to government statements, the accumulation of thousands of regulations over many years has produced legal complexity that makes compliance difficult and creates confusion about what rules are actually in force.

Officials contend that simplifying the legal framework will make Argentina more attractive to investors and improve long-term economic growth prospects.

Supporters See a More Competitive Economy

Supporters of the reforms argue that Argentina’s regulatory system became excessively interventionist over the past two decades.

From their perspective, reducing bureaucracy and eliminating outdated controls can:

Increase business confidence.
Encourage domestic and foreign investment.
Improve market competition.
Lower compliance costs.
Simplify commercial operations.
Increase economic efficiency.

Many economists aligned with free-market principles view regulatory simplification as a necessary condition for Argentina’s economic recovery.

Critics Warn of Potential Risks

Not everyone agrees with the government’s approach.

Opposition politicians, labor organizations, and some consumer advocacy groups argue that regulations often exist to correct market failures and protect vulnerable populations.

Critics raise concerns that eliminating consumer protection mechanisms, financing programs, and market intervention tools could:

Reduce consumer protections.
Increase price volatility.
Make credit less accessible.
Weaken oversight of business practices.
Leave households more exposed during economic downturns.

The debate ultimately reflects a broader ideological disagreement about the proper role of the state in economic life.

What Happens Next?

The repeal of these 58 regulations is unlikely to be the final step in Argentina’s deregulation campaign.

The government continues to pursue additional reforms through executive measures and legislative initiatives, including the broader “Ley Hojarasca” project currently advancing through Congress.

For international investors, economists, and policymakers, Argentina has become a closely watched case study in large-scale market liberalization.

The ultimate success or failure of these reforms will depend on whether deregulation translates into stronger economic growth, lower inflation, increased investment, and improved living standards over the coming years.

What is already clear is that Argentina is undertaking one of the most far-reaching regulatory transformations seen in a major economy in recent decades, fundamentally reshaping the relationship between the state, businesses, and consumers.

Argentina's Tax Trap: The Poor Pay More Than the Rich

2026-05-18T06:27:11.871-07:00

A landmark study on Latin American taxation finds that Argentina's poorest households surrender 37% of their income to the state — while the wealthiest 10% hand over just 25%. The system is upside down, and fixing it may require taxing fortunes directly.

Argentina is often described as a high-tax country, and in aggregate terms, that is broadly true. Its tax burden sits at 27.8% of GDP — above most of its regional neighbors, though still below the OECD average of 34%. But aggregate figures obscure a more troubling reality: who actually bears that burden is profoundly unequal, and the inequality runs in the wrong direction.

According to research presented at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) by Vicente Silva, a senior advisor at the International Tax Observatory (ITO) — an organization affiliated with the Paris School of Economics — Argentina's tax system is structurally regressive. That is, it extracts a larger share of income from those who earn less.

The numbers are stark. The poorest households pay an effective rate of 37% of their income in taxes. Middle-class families pay around 29–30%. The top 1% of earners also pays roughly 30% — essentially the same as the middle class. And the top 10%, the merely wealthy rather than the ultra-rich, pays just 25%. In a system meant to fund public goods, those who benefit least from those goods contribute the most.

VAT: the invisible burden on the poor

The mechanism driving this inversion is not complicated. Argentina's tax system relies heavily on VAT (the Impuesto al Valor Agregado, or IVA), which accounts for roughly 40% of all tax revenue collected. VAT is a consumption tax: every time someone buys food, medicine, clothing, or pays for transport, a share goes to the state.

The problem is that low-income households spend virtually all of their earnings on basic consumption. As Silva explained at the UBA presentation, when income is almost entirely converted into consumption, a very large proportion of that income is captured by VAT. Wealthier households, by contrast, consume only a fraction of what they earn — the rest is saved or invested — so VAT weighs far less on them relative to their total income.

This is not a design flaw unique to Argentina; it is the structural weakness of any VAT-heavy system. But in Argentina the effect is amplified because the counterweight — income or wealth taxes on the rich — is exceptionally weak. While VAT contributes 40% of tax receipts, Bienes Personales (the personal wealth tax) contributes just 1.3%.

Where the ultra-rich disappear from the tax base

The picture becomes more extreme at the very top. While Argentine-specific data on the 0.01% is not available, comparable research from Brazil and Chile — presented in the same ITO report — shows that the wealthiest hundredth of a percent in those countries pays effective tax rates that are roughly half those of the general population. Silva and his colleagues have no reason to believe Argentina is an exception.

The mechanism here is different from VAT avoidance. At this level of wealth, the primary strategy is to retain profits inside corporations. As long as earnings are not distributed as personal income — as dividends or salaries — they are largely invisible to income tax systems. The ITO study notes that among the ultra-wealthy, income tax is "practically not collected" because taxable personal income is structurally suppressed.

María Julia Eliosoff, director of economic affairs at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Argentina (the policy arm of German social democracy), adds another layer: the documented use of corporate credit cards for personal expenses, and the deployment of financial engineering to shift taxable income to lower-tax jurisdictions. These are global strategies, but they are particularly effective in Latin America, where institutional capacity to track cross-border wealth is limited.

Six people, $20 billion, and a free ride on public infrastructure

The ITO report identifies six individuals in Argentina whose combined fortune exceeds $20 billion and whose wealth grows at roughly 8% per year. They are Marcos Galperin (Mercado Libre, ~$7.2bn), Paolo Rocca (Techint, ~$7.3bn), Alejandro Bulgheroni (Pan American Energy, ~$5.1bn), Eduardo Eurnekian (Corporación América, ~$4.8bn), Eduardo Costantini (Consultatio, ~$1.3bn), and Delfín Carballo (Banco Macro, ~$1bn).

Silva's framing of this is deliberate: those fortunes, he argues, were built on public roads, public ports, and the human capital trained in public schools and universities — all funded by the taxes of everyone else. Yet neither Galperin nor Bulgheroni is subject to Argentine tax jurisdiction: both are residents of Uruguay.

A regressive turn under the current government

The ITO study situates these figures within a recent political shift. Since the Milei administration took office, Argentina has moved to consolidate its fiscal accounts primarily through cuts to public spending — including social programs — while simultaneously expanding exemptions and tax relief for higher-income groups. The report notes this as a significant directional change in tax policy.

It is worth stating plainly what that means in practice: in a country where teachers, police officers, and hospital workers are being paid late or not at all, and where public universities are fighting for basic operating funds, the effective tax burden on wealth has been reduced.

A proposed solution: a minimum tax on extreme fortunes

The ITO's proposal, designed for the Latin American context, is a minimum wealth tax of 2% on assets exceeding $100 million. It would function as a floor rather than an additional levy: if an ultra-wealthy individual already pays taxes — through income, dividends, or other instruments — that reach or exceed that 2% threshold, nothing additional is owed. The charge only applies where existing tax payments fall short of the minimum.

The design is intended to be robust to the usual avoidance strategies. Because it is calculated on total declared wealth rather than on reported income, retaining profits inside a company does not reduce the liability. The aim is not punitive but corrective: to ensure that those at the very top of the distribution contribute at least a meaningful floor to the public systems their business models depend on.

The ITO report is explicit that the question for Argentina is not whether to reform its tax structure, but how to design a reform capable of reaching where conventional instruments cannot.

Sources: International Tax Observatory (ITO) / Paris School of Economics, report presented at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, 2024; Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Argentina); OECD Revenue Statistics.

قاضية تستقيل بعد تورطها في تصوير سري لوثائقي عن محاكمة مارادونا… نعم، الأمر حقيقي

2025-06-25T03:47:00.000-07:00

قد يبدو هذا كأحداث مسلسل على نتفليكس، لكنه حدث بالفعل: القاضية الأرجنتينية جولييتا ماكينتاش قدمت استقالتها في اليوم نفسه الذي كان من المفترض أن يُحسم فيه قرار عزلها رسميًا من منصبها.

جولييتا كانت قد كُلّفت خصيصًا بمحاكمة الطاقم الطبي المتهم بالإهمال في علاج الأسطورة دييغو مارادونا في الأسابيع الأخيرة من حياته، قبل وفاته في نوفمبر 2020. لكن بدلًا من أن تحرص على العدالة… أدّت تصرفاتها إلى إلغاء المحاكمة بأكملها.

ماذا حدث بالضبط؟

في مارس الماضي، سمحت القاضية – بل ويُقال إنها سهّلت – دخول طاقم تصوير إلى إحدى جلسات المحاكمة. لم يكن الأمر رسميًا أو قانونيًا. والأسوأ؟ أجرت مقابلة شخصية مع فريق الوثائقي داخل مكتبها في محكمة سان إيسيدرو.

الفيلم الوثائقي الذي كانوا يعملون عليه كان بعنوان “العدالة الإلهية”، وكان يُصور خلسةً داخل قاعة المحكمة. وانكشف كل شيء عندما لاحظ أحد المحامين وجود أربعة أشخاص بكاميرات ومعدّات تسجيل صوتي. عندها تفجرت الفضيحة.

ثم جاءت الضربة القاضية…

رغم أن المحاكمة كانت قد شهدت شهادات مؤثرة من بنات مارادونا ومن أطباء شاركوا في علاجه، فإن المحكمة قررت إلغاء كل شيء. أصبحت الإجراءات باطلة، والملف كله عاد إلى نقطة الصفر.

النيابة ومحامو الدفاع طالبوا بإبعاد القاضية فورًا، وبدأت السلطات القضائية في سان إيسيدرو تحقيقًا رسميًا كان من المفترض أن ينتهي اليوم بقرار بعزلها. لكن… استقالت قبل أن يحدث ذلك.

وماذا الآن؟

قضية وفاة دييغو مارادونا التي كانت من المفترض أن تجلب العدالة، أصبحت فوضى قضائية. لا قاضية، لا حكم، ولا نهاية واضحة في الأفق.

مارادونا كان رمزًا، أسطورة، ومصدر إلهام لملايين الناس. لكن، كما يبدو، العدالة في قضيته ما زالت مؤجلة… وربما “إلهية” فعلًا.

Una giudice si è appena dimessa dopo aver aiutato a girare in segreto un documentario sul processo Maradona. Sì, è tutto vero.

2025-06-25T03:46:00.000-07:00

Sembra l’inizio di una serie su Netflix, ma è successo davvero: Julieta Makintach, giudice argentina coinvolta nel processo per la morte di Diego Maradona, si è dimessa proprio nel giorno in cui si sarebbe dovuto decidere il suo impeachment.

Makintach era stata assegnata in modo speciale al processo contro l’equipe medica che aveva in cura Maradona nelle settimane prima della sua morte, nel novembre 2020. Ma invece di garantire giustizia… ha finito per mandare tutto all’aria.

Cosa ha fatto, esattamente?

A marzo di quest’anno, la giudice ha permesso (e forse addirittura facilitato) l’ingresso di una troupe televisiva durante un’udienza del processo. Non solo: ha anche rilasciato un’intervista nel suo ufficio a chi stava realizzando un documentario intitolato “Justicia Divina”. Sì, avete capito bene.

Il tutto è venuto a galla quando uno degli avvocati ha notato quattro persone con telecamere e microfoni nella sala d’udienza. Da lì è esploso lo scandalo.

Il processo? Annullato.

Malgrado le settimane di testimonianze — comprese quelle commoventi delle figlie maggiori di Maradona e dei medici coinvolti — tutto è stato dichiarato nullo. In pratica, si riparte da zero.

Le parti coinvolte hanno chiesto l’immediata rimozione della giudice e la giustizia di San Isidro ha aperto un procedimento per valutarne la condotta. Martedì 24 giugno si sarebbe dovuto decidere se avviare o meno un processo politico nei suoi confronti.

Ma niente di tutto questo accadrà. Makintach si è dimessa prima.

E ora?

Resta un processo annullato, una verità ancora lontana e una giudice che ha lasciato il suo incarico senza affrontare le conseguenze fino in fondo.

Diego è stato un mito, un idolo, un uomo amato e discusso. Ma forse, per lui, la giustizia resta ancora… divina, e lontana.

A Judge Just Resigned After Allegedly Helping Film a Secret Maradona Courtroom Documentary and It’s Wild

2025-06-25T03:44:00.000-07:00

In a plot twist worthy of a Netflix miniseries, Argentine judge Julieta Makintach just resigned — on the very day her impeachment could’ve gone forward.

Makintach, who was presiding over the explosive trial against the medical team accused of negligence in Diego Maradona’s 2020 death, is now at the center of her own legal drama. And yes, it involves secret cameras, a documentary called “Divine Justice,” and a whole lot of judicial chaos.

So what happened?

Earlier this year, Makintach — who had been specially assigned to the Maradona case in San Isidro — reportedly let a documentary crew into a courtroom during a live trial session. Not only that, but insiders say she helped them get in and even gave them a personal interview in her office.

Let that sink in.

The filming was first spotted by one of the defense attorneys, who noticed four people inside the courtroom with cameras and audio equipment. Turns out, they were from a production company working on a docuseries about the trial. The judge’s involvement was quickly exposed.

The fallout was immediate.

Both the defense and the prosecution were like, “This can’t be real,” and demanded the judge be removed from the case. A formal investigation was launched, and things escalated quickly.

The trial — which had already included emotional testimony from Maradona’s daughters and key witnesses — was thrown into complete disarray. All that testimony? Now nullified.

The cherry on top?

Today was supposed to be the day that determined whether Judge Makintach would face a political trial for her actions. Instead, she submitted her resignation just in time, effectively dodging that bullet.

Fans of justice and Maradona alike are now left wondering: will there ever be closure in the case of El Diez’s death?

One thing’s for sure — Argentina’s legal system just got a plot twist no one saw coming.

مش هتصدق ازاي المليارديرة الشابة دي اللي عندها 30 سنة عايشة (الموضوع مختلف تماماً عن اللي في بالك!)

2025-06-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

قابلوا لوسي جو: عبقرية التكنولوجيا اللي شعارها "اتصرف كأنك فقير، تفضل غني!"

استنى كده! لما تسمع "مليارديرة عندها 30 سنة"، إيه بييجي في بالك؟ طيارات خاصة، هدوم ماركات غالية، يمكن يخت (أو تلاتة)؟ طيب، استعد عشان تتفاجئ، لأن لوسي جو – الست القوية دي اللي عملت ثروتها من تأسيس شركة Scale AI العملاقة في مجال الذكاء الاصطناعي – بتعيد تعريف معنى الثراء. مع ثروة خرافية بتوصل لـ 1.3 مليار دولار، هي بتثبت إن العيشة المترفة مش لازم تكون مكلفة.

سرها؟ مصاريفها الذكية جداً (هي حتى بتستخدم كوبونات أوبر إيتس!)

لوسي مش من النوع اللي بيستعرض فلوسه. "أنا مش بحب أضيّع الفلوس،" الشابة الذكية دي قالت لمجلة Fortune، وهي فعلاً بتطبق الكلام ده. انسى المظاهر الباذخة؛ حياة لوسي اليومية عادية جداً، بشكل مفاجئ.

إليك لمحة سريعة عن ازاي عبقرية التكنولوجيا دي عايشة حياة بسيطة:

عربيتها: المساعد بتاعها بيوصلها في "هوندا سيفيك قديمة نوعاً ما." مفيش عربيات رياضية فارهة للمليارديرة دي!
هدومها: "كل اللي بلبسه بيكون مجاناً أو من شي إن،" وهي بتضحك. أيوه، قريت صح – مليارديرة لابسة هدوم شي إن.
عشاها: هي لسه بتصطاد عروض "اشتري واحد وخد التاني مجاناً" على أوبر إيتس. مين يقدر يلومها الصراحة؟

لوسي، اللي حالياً بتقود شركة Passes، وهي منصة مجتمعية للمبدعين، بتلخص فلسفتها ببساطة: "اتصرف كأنك فقير، تفضل غني." وبصراحة؟ الكلام ده منطقي جداً.

ليه المليارديرات مش محتاجين يستعرضوا (بس المليونيرات لسه ممكن يعملوا كده!)

وجهة نظر لوسي عن الثراء منعشة جداً. هي شايفة فرق واضح بين ازاي المليونيرات والمليارديرات بيميلوا لاستعراض فلوسهم.

لما شركة Scale AI وصلت لتقييم مذهل بـ 25 مليار دولار في أبريل اللي فات، حصة لوسي اللي كانت 5% نطت لـ 1.2 مليار دولار تقريباً. ده خلاها ضمن نادي النخبة من النساء المليارديرات تحت سن الأربعين، جنب أسماء زي ريهانا. وبمجرد ما بتوصل للمستوى ده، هي بتوضح، بتبقى الحاجة لإبهار الناس... بتختفي.

"أي حد بتشوفه عادة بيصرف كتير على هدوم مصممين، عربية حلوة، إلخ، هو تقنياً في نطاق المليونيرات،" لوسي بتشرح. هي بتعتقد إن كتير من المليونيرات بيحسوا بالضغط إنهم "يستعرضوا" عشان يثبتوا نجاحهم، خصوصاً لأصحابهم الأغنى.

لكن بالنسبة لها؟ "أنا مش بستعرض قدام حد، صح؟" هي مرت بالمرحلة دي وعديتها، ومش محتاجة ساعة باتيك فيليب أو شنطة هيرميس بيركين عشان تثبت قيمتها.

من أحلام الماركات العالمية لهدوم كل يوم: رحلة لوسي في الموضة

لوسي بتعترف بسهولة إنها ممكن تكون صرفت على حاجات ماركات في بداية حياتها المهنية. دي مرحلة عادية جداً، هي بتلاحظ – لما تكون ناجح، بس يمكن مش بالنجاح اللي بتتمناه أوي لسه.

"أعتقد السبب إن معظم المليارديرات بيلبسوا تيشيرت وجينز وسويت شيرت هو إنهم يقدروا،" هي بتوضح. هما خلاص أثبتوا نفسهم في العالم. مفيش داعي يكونوا لابسين بدلة 24 ساعة في اليوم.

"محدش هيبصلي ويشاور عليا ويقول، 'ها ها، دي مفلسة أوي' لما أوصل بعربية هوندا سيفيك، لأن، يا عم، مش فارق،" هي بتقول بثقة لا يمكن يحسها غير ملياردير.

نادي "الملياردير المقتصد": حقيقي ولا مجرد استعراض؟

لوسي مش الشخص الوحيد الغني جداً اللي بيعترف إنه "مقتصد أوي." كتير من أقوى الشخصيات في العالم تبنوا فكرة "الرفاهية الهادية"، واختاروا قطع بسيطة ومفيش عليها لوجوهات واضحة، اللي بس النخبة التانية هي اللي هتعرف إنها غالية جداً. وفي ناس تانية زي وارين بافيت، اللي معروف عنه إنه "بخيل" أوي.

بس لوسي بتعتقد إنها واحدة من القليلين اللي فعلاً "بخيلة" زي ما بيقولوا. هي شايفة إن كتير من الأغنياء بيتبنوا صورة "المقتصد" عشان يبانوا أقرب للناس، خصوصاً في عالم ممكن أحياناً "يكره المليارديرات."

"أنا مش بقول الكلام ده عشان أبقى، 'خليني أوري العالم إني مش زي باقي المليارديرات،'" هي بتوضح. هي صريحة جداً بخصوص عاداتها في الصرف زمان وازاي هي وصلت في النهاية للاستنتاج الحتمي ده: "ليه أضيع فلوسي على حاجة مش مهمة؟"

إيه رأيك بقى في طريقة لوسي جو في التعامل مع الفلوس؟ هل هي عيشة مقتصدة بجد، ولا مستوى جديد خالص من استعراض القوة؟

You Won't BELIEVE How This 30-Year-Old AI Billionaire Lives (It's Not What You Think!)

2025-06-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

Meet Lucy Guo: The Self-Made Tech Mogul Who Says "Act Poor, Stay Rich"

You Won't BELIEVE How This 30-Year-Old AI Billionaire Actually Lives (Seriously, It's Not What You Think!)

Meet Lucy Guo: The Tech Whiz Who Swears By "Act Poor, Stay Rich"

Hold up. When you hear "30-year-old billionaire," what pops into your head? Private jets, designer clothes dripping with logos, maybe a yacht (or three)? Well, prepare to have your mind blown, because Lucy Guo — a total powerhouse who made her fortune co-founding the AI giant Scale AI – is redefining what it means to be rich. With a jaw-dropping $1.3 billion net worth, she's proving that living large doesn't have to mean spending large.

Her Secret? Seriously Savvy Spending (She Even Uses Uber Eats Coupons!)

Lucy isn't about flashing her cash. "I don't like wasting money," this smart cookie told Fortune, and she genuinely lives by it. Forget the lavish displays; Lucy's daily life is surprisingly, well, normal.

Here’s a peek at how this tech mogul keeps it real:

Her Ride: Her assistant drives her around in an "old Honda Civic." No fancy sports cars for this billionaire!
Her Wardrobe: "Everything I wear is free or from Shein," she laughs. Yep, you read that right – a billionaire rocking Shein finds.
Dinner Plans: She's still hunting down those "buy one, get one free" deals on Uber Eats. Who can blame her, honestly?

Lucy, who's now leading the charge at Passes, a community platform for creators, sums up her philosophy perfectly: "Act like you're poor, stay rich." And you know what? It makes a lot of sense.

Why Billionaires Don't Need to Flex (But Millionaires Still Might!)

Lucy’s take on wealth is super refreshing. She sees a clear divide in how millionaires and billionaires tend to show off their money.

When Scale AI hit a dizzying $25 billion valuation back in April, Lucy's 5% stake shot up to an estimated $1.2 billion. That put her in an elite club of under-40 female billionaires, right alongside folks like Rihanna. And once you hit that level, she explains, the need to impress just... evaporates.

"Whoever you see typically splurging money on designer clothes, a nice car, etc., is technically in the millionaire range," Guo explains. She thinks many millionaires feel pressured to "be flashy" to prove their success, especially to their richer friends.

But for her? "I'm not showing off to anyone, right?" She's been there, done that, and moved past needing a Patek Philippe watch or a Hermès Birkin bag to prove her worth.

From Designer Dreams to Daily Jeans: Lucy's Style Journey

Lucy readily admits she might have indulged in designer items earlier in her career. It's a pretty common phase, she notes – when you're successful, but maybe not as successful as you want to be just yet.

"I think the reason why most billionaires wear a T-shirt and jeans and hoodies is because they can," she points out. They've already made their mark on the world. There’s no need to be in a suit 24/7.

"Nobody's going to look at me and point at me like, 'Ha ha, she's so broke' when I pull up in a Honda Civic because, whatever, it doesn't matter," she says with a confidence that only a billionaire could truly embody.

The "Frugal Billionaire" Club: Real or Just for Show?

Lucy isn't the only super-rich person to admit they're "pretty frugal." Many of the world's most powerful figures have embraced a "quiet luxury" vibe, opting for subtle, logo-free pieces that only other elites would recognize as super expensive. And then there are folks like Warren Buffett, who's famously "cheap."

But Lucy believes she's one of the few who are truly as "cheap" as they claim. She sees a lot of wealthy people adopting a "frugal" image to seem more relatable, especially in a world that can sometimes seem to "hate billionaires."

"I'm not saying it to be like, 'Let me show the world that I'm not like other billionaires,'" she clarifies. She's upfront about her past spending sprees and how she eventually came to that inevitable conclusion: "Why am I wasting my money on something that doesn't matter?"

What do you make of Lucy Guo's approach to money? Is it genuinely frugal living, or a whole new level of power play?

Argentine Stocks Surge on US-China Trade Hopes, But Milei’s Policies Worsen Poverty and Repression

2025-05-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

Argentine stocks soared on Wall Street Monday, with ADRs (American Depositary Receipts) climbing as much as 4% following news of a temporary truce in the US-China trade war. Energy giant YPF, along with financial firms Grupo Galicia and Banco Supervielle, led the gains, rising between 2.4% and 3.5%.

The rally came after the US and China agreed to a 90-day suspension of most tariffs, easing tensions that had rattled global markets. While investors cheered the news, Argentina’s domestic economic outlook remains bleak under President Javier Milei, whose austerity measures have deepened unemployment and poverty while his security minister, Patricia Bullrich, faces criticism for violently suppressing pensioner protests.

Market Euphoria vs. Domestic Hardship

Wall Street’s optimism contrasts sharply with Argentina’s grim economic reality. Despite the rally in Argentine assets, Milei’s shock therapy policies—including massive public spending cuts and deregulation—have failed to stabilize the economy for ordinary Argentines.

Unemployment has surged to 12.5%, its highest level in a decade.
Poverty rates now exceed 45%, with inflation still hovering near 180% annually.
Pensioners, among the hardest-hit by austerity, have faced brutal crackdowns by Bullrich’s security forces during protests against benefit cuts.

Economists warn that while financial markets may benefit from short-term speculative inflows, Milei’s policies are exacerbating inequality without delivering sustainable growth.

Bullrich’s Heavy-Handed Repression

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, a key figure in Milei’s government, has drawn international condemnation for her repressive tactics against demonstrators. Recent protests by retirees demanding pension adjustments were met with police batons, tear gas, and mass arrests, sparking outrage among human rights groups.

Critics argue that instead of addressing the root causes of social unrest—shrinking wages, evaporating pensions, and soaring utility prices—the government has chosen repression over dialogue.

Can Milei’s Reforms Work Long-Term?

While Milei insists his reforms will eventually attract investment and curb inflation, the social cost has been staggering. The government’s refusal to raise pensions in line with inflation has left millions of retirees struggling to afford basic necessities.

Meanwhile, the financial elite—including foreign investors and local corporations—continue to profit from speculative gains, highlighting the deep divide between Argentina’s markets and its people.

Conclusion: A Two-Tiered Economy

Unemployment has surged to 12.5%, its highest level in a decade.
Poverty rates now exceed 45%, with inflation still hovering near 180% annually.
Pensioners, among the hardest-hit by austerity, have faced brutal crackdowns by Bullrich’s security forces during protests against benefit cuts.

Economists warn that while financial markets may benefit from short-term speculative inflows, Milei’s policies are exacerbating inequality without delivering sustainable growth.

The surge in Argentine stocks may offer temporary relief for investors, but for most Argentines, Milei’s economic experiment has brought only pain. Without a shift toward policies that protect workers and retirees—rather than just Wall Street portfolios—the country risks deeper social unrest and economic instability.

For now, the government’s alliance with financial markets remains strong, but its legitimacy among voters is crumbling. If poverty and repression continue to rise, even a booming stock market won’t save Milei’s presidency.

Milei's "Miracle" Economy Already Causing Empty Shelves?! 😱 Where's the Freakin' Oil?!

2025-04-24T05:36:00.000-07:00

Supermarkets are sounding the alarm, and it looks like someone forgot to factor in, you know, FOOD

1. Hold UP! No Oil on Supermarket Shelves?! Is This Peak "Freedom"?

* So, Milei's big flex was ditching the "peso prison," right? But guess what? Turns out, "freedom" might mean freedom *from* cooking oil. Supermarkets are warning that shelves could go bare. You trying to tell us we're going back to the Stone Age, but with less flavor? 🪨🍳

2. Greedy Oil Companies Be Like: "Peso Dropped? Nah, Prices Going UP!"

* Apparently, these oil producers live in an alternate reality where the dollar *didn't* take a nosedive. They're still trying to jack up prices by a ridiculous 9%! Seriously? Are they bathing in olive oil or something? 💸🧴

3. Supermarkets Are Actually Fighting Back (For Once)!

* Bless their coupon-clipping hearts! Supermarket bosses are saying HELL NO to these "speculative" price hikes. Finally, someone's got a spine in this economic circus. 🎪👏

4. Milei's Crew Pretends to Be Shocked! (Spoiler: They're Probably Not)

* The government is *tut-tutting* and asking for "caution." Oh, NOW you care about prices? Where was this concern when the peso was doing the tango? 🤔💃

5. Remember the "End of the Cepo = Economic Paradise" Promise? Yeah, About That...

* They told us the dollar would stabilize, rainbows would appear, and unicorns would deliver affordable groceries. Instead, we might be stuck with dry toast because there's no oil to cook with. ✨🍞➡️💀

6. One Company Gets It, The Rest? Not So Much.

* Shoutout to Molinos Río de la Plata for having a brain and rolling back those price hikes. But the other oil giants? Crickets. Guess some folks just want to watch the economy burn (while swimming in extra virgin). 🔥🤷‍♀️

7. Even Wholesalers Are Throwing Shade!

* It's getting serious when even the *bulk buyers* are saying "Nah, fam." They're refusing to accept these inflated prices. Translation: the oil shortage could hit *everyone*. 🛒🚫

8. Stock Levels Are "Not Abundant" - Translation: Panic Buy Your Sunflower Oil NOW.

* Apparently, the good ol' days of overflowing shelves are OVER. If this standoff continues, get ready for some Hunger Games-style battles in the cooking oil aisle. May the fastest shopper win! 🏃‍♀️💨

9. "It's a Matter of Days," They Say. Days Until What? We All Start Deep-Frying Our Shoes?!

* The clock is ticking. And what's the government doing? Probably tweeting about how this is all the fault of the previous administration. 🙄🕰️

10. So, the "Liberalization" Looks a Lot Like "Where Did My Groceries Go?"

* This whole situation is a delicious (pun intended) example of how economic theories don't always translate to reality, especially when basic necessities are on the line. Maybe focus less on Twitter and more on, you know, making sure people can cook their dinner? 🤦‍♂️🍳

Are your supermarket shelves looking bare? Got any creative oil substitutes? Let us know in the comments! 👇

OMG! Nearly 50,000 People Have Said Their Final Goodbye to Pope Francis! 😭🙏

2025-04-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

The Vatican is extending viewing hours because the love is REAL

1. The Vatican has officially extended viewing hours!

* Because the love for Pope Francis is just TOO MUCH, the Vatican has decided to keep the Basilica open longer. Like, WAY longer. They even stayed open until 5:30 AM! 🤯

2. Almost 50,000 people have already paid their respects!

* Yes, you read that right. Nearly 50,000 devoted followers have filed past Pope Francis's coffin at St. Peter's Basilica. The lines are LONG, and the emotions are HIGH. 🥺

3. The scene at St. Peter's is incredibly moving.

* Tears, prayers, and endless lines. People are coming from all over to say a final goodbye. The atmosphere is described as deeply emotional.

4. Pope Francis's final resting place is simple and touching.

* He's lying in a plain wooden coffin, not on a fancy platform, just as he wanted. It's right there at the Altar of the Confession, near St. Peter's tomb. 🕊️

5. His last act of kindness? A HUGE donation to a youth prison!

* Talk about a heart of gold! Pope Francis donated 200,000 euros to a pasta factory in a juvenile detention center. Bishop Benoni Ambarus revealed it was basically "his last possessions." 💖

6. He wanted to help them lower pasta prices and hire more kids!

* “He me responded: ’Casi me quedo sin dinero, pero aún tengo algo en mi cuenta‘. Y me dio 200.000 euros” Pope francis said to the Bishop. This action shows the humbleness of the Pope.

7. This isn't out of character for him.

* He's always been about serving others and keeping it real. His visits to prisons and his focus on the dignity of prisoners? That's just Pope Francis being Pope Francis. 🙌

8. Mark your calendars: The funeral is this Saturday!

* Friday evening the coffin will be closed. Then on Saturday, the world will say its final farewell. Set your alarms! ⏰

9. The Senate also paid tribute!

* The world is mourning. The senate also made a tribute to the Pope.

10. The world is saying goodbye to a truly remarkable person.

* Pope Francis's legacy of kindness, humility, and service will live on. ❤️

What are your thoughts on Pope Francis's impact? Share in the comments!

好的，这是这段文字的中文翻译：

2025-04-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

教宗方济各的葬礼：你需要知道的一切 (包括他令人惊讶的遗愿！)

从他葬礼的日期和地点，到他独特的安葬请求以及即将到来的大规模枢机主教选举会议，这里有关于世界将如何告别教宗方济各的所有信息。

教宗方济各的葬礼：你需要知道的一切 世界哀悼教宗方济各的逝世，关于他的葬礼和继任者的细节正在浮出水面。以下是我们所知的信息汇总：

在圣彼得大教堂的公众瞻仰：

从周三开始，虔诚的信徒可以在圣彼得大教堂瞻仰教宗方济各的遗容。
葬礼细节：

葬礼将于4月26日星期六上午10:00（罗马时间）在梵蒂冈圣彼得广场举行。仪式将遵循教宗方济各亲自修改的《罗马教宗葬礼仪规》（"Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis"）。最后的推荐礼和告别礼（"Ultima commendatio" 和 "Valedictio"）将结束仪式。许多世界领导人将出席。
令人惊讶的安葬请求：

打破传统，教宗方济各要求使用一个简单的棺材。他还要求安葬在圣母大殿，而不是梵蒂冈的地下墓穴。这与以往的教宗的请求截然不同。
九日敬礼（"Novendiales"）：

葬礼结束后，将举行连续九天的追悼弥撒（"Novendiales"）以纪念他。
死因：

梵蒂冈医生已经确认，教宗方济各因脑中风去世，导致昏迷和不可逆的心血管衰竭。
大规模的枢机主教选举会议：

历史上规模最大的枢机主教选举会议之一的筹备工作正在进行中。来自71个国家的创纪录的135位枢机主教将参加选举下一任教宗。 80%的枢机主教由教宗方济各任命。这使得这次选举会议的组成非常多元化。
他的遗产和遗愿：

教宗方济各的遗嘱明确了他希望安葬在圣母大殿内一个小教堂的简单墓穴中。莱昂纳多·迪卡普里奥就教宗的逝世及其对世界的影响发表了非常感人的声明。

接下来会发生什么？

全世界都在关注天主教会准备向教宗方济各作最后的告别，并开始遴选其继任者的过程。即将到来的枢机主教选举会议有望成为一个具有重大意义的事件，它将塑造教会的未来。

بالتأكيد، إليك ترجمة النص إلى اللغة العربية:

2025-04-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

العالم ينعى رحيل البابا فرنسيس، وتتفصح تفاصيل حول جنازته وخلافته. إليك ملخص لما نعرفه:

العرض العام في كاتدرائية القديس بطرس:
- ابتداءً من الأربعاء، يمكن للمؤمنين الأوفياء تقديم احترامهم في كاتدرائية القديس بطرس، حيث سيسجى جثمان البابا فرنسيس.
تفاصيل الجنازة:
- ستقام الجنازة يوم السبت، 26 أبريل، الساعة 10:00 صباحًا (بتوقيت روما) في ساحة القديس بطرس.
- سيتبع الاحتفال "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis"، الذي عدله البابا فرنسيس بنفسه.
- الاختتام النهائي والوداع ("Ultima commendatio" و "Valedictio") سيختتمان الخدمة.
- سيحضر العديد من قادة العالم.
طلب الدفن المفاجئ:
- كسرًا للتقاليد، طلب البابا فرنسيس نعشًا بسيطًا.
- طلب أيضًا أن يدفن في بازيليكا سانتا ماريا ماجوري، وليس في سراديب الفاتيكان. هذا طلب مختلف جدًا عن الباباوات السابقين.
"نوفندياليس":
- بعد الدفن، ستقام تسعة أيام متتالية من قداديس الحداد ("نوفندياليس") تكريمًا له.
سبب الوفاة:
- أكد أطباء الفاتيكان أن البابا فرنسيس توفي بسبب سكتة دماغية، مما أدى إلى غيبوبة وفشل دوراني قلبي لا رجعة فيه.
المجمع الانتخابي الضخم:
- تجري الاستعدادات لأحد أكبر المجامع الانتخابية في التاريخ الحديث.
- سيشارك رقم قياسي يبلغ 135 كاردينالًا من 71 دولة في انتخاب البابا التالي.
- تم تعيين 80% من الكرادلة من قبل البابا فرنسيس. وهذا يجعل هذا المجمع الانتخابي مجموعة متنوعة للغاية.
إرثه ورغباته:
- حددت وصية البابا فرنسيس رغبته في قبر بسيط داخل مصلى في بازيليكا سانتا ماريا ماجوري.
- ليوناردو دي كابريو أصدر بيانًا عاطفيًا جدًا حول وفاة البابا، وتأثيره على العالم.

ماذا سيحدث بعد ذلك؟

العالم يشاهد بينما يستعد الكنيسة الكاثوليكية لتقديم وداعها الأخير للبابا فرنسيس والشروع في عملية اختيار خلفه. يعد المجمع الانتخابي القادم حدثًا مهمًا، سيشكل مستقبل الكنيسة.

Pope Francis' Funeral: Everything You Need to Know (Including His Surprising Final Wishes!)

2025-04-22T05:50:00.000-07:00

From the date and location of his funeral to his unique burial request and the massive upcoming conclave, here's all the info on how the world will say goodbye to Pope Francis.

Pope Francis' Funeral: What You Need to Know

The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, and details surrounding his funeral and succession are emerging. Here's a breakdown of what we know:

1. Public Viewing at St. Peter's Basilica:

Starting Wednesday, faithful followers can pay their respects at St. Peter's Basilica, where Pope Francis will lie in state.

2. Funeral Details:

The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 10:00 AM (Rome time) in St. Peter's Square.
The ceremony will follow the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis," which Pope Francis himself modified.
The final commendation and farewell ("Ultima commendatio" and "Valedictio") will conclude the service.
Many world leaders will be in attendance.

3. Surprising Burial Request:

Breaking with tradition, Pope Francis requested a simple coffin.
He also asked to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, not the Vatican grottoes. This is a very different request from previous Popes.

4. The "Novendiales":

Following the burial, nine consecutive days of mourning masses ("Novendiales") will be held in his honor.

5. Cause of Death:

Vatican doctors have confirmed that Pope Francis passed away due to a cerebral stroke, leading to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory failure.

6. The Massive Conclave:

Preparations are underway for one of the largest conclaves in recent history.
A record 135 cardinals from 71 countries will participate in electing the next Pope.
80% of the Cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis. This makes this conclave a very diverse group.

7. His Legacy and Wishes:

Pope Francis's will specified his wish for a simple tomb within a chapel in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Leonardo Dicaprio has released a very emotional statment about the passing of the pope, and his impact on the world.

What Happens Next?

The world watches as the Catholic Church prepares to say its final farewell to Pope Francis and embark on the process of selecting his successor. The upcoming conclave promises to be a significant event, shaping the future of the Church.

بالتأكيد، إليك ترجمة للمقال إلى اللغة العربية، مع الحفاظ على أسلوب إدغار آلان بو:

2025-04-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

"أجراس فلوريس تدق: وداع كئيب لراعي النفوس"

في قلب بوينس آيرس المظلل، حيث تهمس الشوارع المتاهية بحكايات من زمن مضى، تكشف مشهد كئيب داخل جدران كنيسة سان خوسيه دي فلوريس المقدسة. لفّت غمامة من الحزن، كثيفة وخانقة، المؤمنين، وهم يجتمعون لتوديع راعيهم الراحل، البابا فرانسيس، بدموع حارة.

وقف خورخي غارسيا كويفا المبجل، رئيس أساقفة بوينس آيرس، كشبح وسط ضوء الشموع الخافت، وصوته صدى حزين في الصحن الواسع المتردد. هذا القداس الجنائزي الثاني، مجرد صدى لمرثية الصباح في الكاتدرائية المتروبوليتانية، كان بمثابة تذكير مؤلم بالفراغ الذي خلفه رحيل البابا.

"داخل هذه الجدران بالذات"، قال غارسيا كويفا، كلماته ثقيلة بالحزن، "وجد خورخي ماريو بيرغوليو، فرانسيس محبوبنا، دعوته الإلهية. هنا، وسط رائحة البخور القديم وهمسات صلوات المؤمنين، لمسته النعمة، وتغير طريقه إلى الأبد".

كان الهواء مشبعًا بإحساس ملموس بالخسارة، تنهيدة جماعية بدت وكأنها تنبعث من حجارة الكنيسة نفسها. بين الحاضرين، تحركت شخصيات بارزة كالأشباح، وجوههم محفورة بالحزن. وصلت فيكتوريا فيلارويل، نائبة الرئيس، محاطة بحضور صارم من حرسها العسكري، كلماتها مجرد همسة في الصمت الشاسع. لكن رحيلها قوبل بجوقة من المعارضة، تذكير مؤرق بالظلال التي تلوح في ماضي الأمة.

لياندرو سانتورو، وأدولفو بيريز إسكيفيل، وماريا أوجينيا فيدال، كل منهم شخصية منعزلة في الحشد، شهدوا على وقار المناسبة. ومع ذلك، كانت كلمات غارسيا كويفا هي التي اخترقت حجاب الحداد، عظته منارة في الظلام الزاحف.

"القلب مغلف بالليل"، أعلن، "ومع ذلك، يظل وميض خافت للفجر. نتشبث بأمل اللقاء، فحياته، نور مشع وسط الظلال، تؤكد لنا أن كل شيء لم يضع".

تحدث عن تصميم البابا الراحل الثابت على مواجهة محن العالم، وكشف الجروح المتقيحة للبشرية، وإشعال نيران الخطاب. "الإغراء العظيم"، حذر، "هو إخفاء الظلام، لكن فرانسيس، راعينا، تجرأ على إضاءته".

مع تلاشي النغمات الأخيرة من القداس الجنائزي في الصمت، خرج المؤمنون من الكنيسة، قلوبهم ثقيلة، خطواتهم موزونة. دقت أجراس فلوريس، وصدى قرعها الحزين عبر شوارع الشفق، مرثية مؤرقة للراعي الذي عاد إلى أحضان الأبدية.

The Bells of Flores Toll: A Somber Adieu to the Shepherd of Souls

2025-04-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

In the shadowed heart of Buenos Aires, where the labyrinthine streets whisper tales of a bygone era, a somber scene unfolded within the hallowed walls of the Basilica of San José de Flores. A pall of grief, thick and suffocating, descended upon the faithful, as they gathered to bid a final, tear-stained farewell to their departed shepherd, Pope Francis.

The venerable Jorge García Cuerva, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, stood as a spectral figure amidst the flickering candlelight, his voice a mournful echo in the vast, echoing nave. This second solemn mass, a mere echo of the morning's lament at the Metropolitan Cathedral, served as a poignant reminder of the void left by the pontiff's passing.

"Within these very walls," intoned García Cuerva, his words heavy with sorrow, "Jorge Mario Bergoglio, our beloved Francis, found his divine calling. Here, amidst the scent of aged incense and the hushed prayers of the devout, he was touched by grace, and his path was forever altered."

The air was thick with a palpable sense of loss, a collective sigh that seemed to emanate from the very stones of the basilica. Among the mourners, figures of prominence moved like phantoms, their faces etched with grief. Victoria Villarruel, the vice president, arrived shrouded in the austere presence of her military guard, her words a mere whisper in the vast silence. Her departure, however, was met with a chorus of dissent, a haunting reminder of the shadows that linger in the nation's past.

Leandro Santoro, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, and María Eugenia Vidal, each a solitary figure in the throng, bore witness to the solemnity of the occasion. Yet, it was García Cuerva's words that pierced the veil of mourning, his homily a beacon in the encroaching darkness.

"The heart is enveloped in night," he proclaimed, "yet, a faint glimmer of dawn persists. We cling to the hope of reunion, for his life, a radiant light amidst the shadows, assures us that all is not lost."

He spoke of the late pope's unwavering resolve to confront the world's afflictions, to lay bare the festering wounds of humanity, and to ignite the flames of discourse. "The great temptation," he warned, "is to conceal the darkness, but Francis, our shepherd, dared to illuminate it."

As the final notes of the requiem faded into the stillness, the faithful emerged from the basilica, their hearts heavy, their steps measured. The bells of Flores tolled, their mournful peals echoing through the twilight streets, a haunting lament for the shepherd who had returned to the embrace of eternity.

A Shepherd of Creation: Remembering Pope Francis's Environmental Legacy

2025-04-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Laudato Si' Movement, along with the entire global community, mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a leader whose vision redefined our understanding of our interconnectedness with God, humanity, and all of creation. His passing leaves a void, but his enduring legacy, particularly in the realm of environmental stewardship, will continue to inspire generations.

Pope Francis's groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, was more than just a document; it was a call to action. It resonated deeply with millions, transcending religious boundaries and galvanizing a global movement focused on ecological justice. His words have shaped policies, inspired countless individuals, and fundamentally strengthened our mission at the Laudato Si' Movement.

Lorna Gold, the former Executive Director of the Laudato Si' Movement, shared her personal reflections, offering a poignant insight into the man behind the message:

"For twelve years, Pope Francis served as a spiritual beacon, breathing new life into ancient teachings. His warmth, humility, and unwavering commitment to the common good charted a new course for us all. He ignited a sense of hope and renewal, making his passing during Easter, a time of rebirth, particularly significant. We are profoundly grateful for the gift of his presence and the time he shared with us."

His influence was transformative. He connected the dots between environmental degradation and social injustice, emphasizing the urgent need for a holistic approach to address the climate crisis. He challenged us to move beyond mere awareness and to embrace concrete actions, fostering a culture of care for our planet.

Pope Francis's impact extended beyond words. He lived his message, advocating for the marginalized and urging global leaders to prioritize environmental sustainability. He consistently pushed for systemic changes, emphasizing the moral imperative to protect our common home.

The Laudato Si' Movement itself stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. Rooted in his teachings, we strive to empower individuals and communities to take action, fostering a global movement for ecological conversion. His vision has inspired countless initiatives, from grassroots projects to international advocacy efforts.

In the coming days, we will share personal stories and reflections, celebrating his extraordinary life and legacy. We invite you to join us in honoring his memory and continuing his vital work.

Today, we offer this prayer: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace."

Pope Francis's legacy is a call to action. His words continue to echo: we must care for our common home, protect the vulnerable, and build a more just and sustainable world. His vision remains a powerful guiding light for the environmental movement, reminding us that we are all stewards of creation, called to act with urgency and compassion.

Paul Milgrom: "Technology in the last decade has contributed to polarization"

2025-04-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

How technology must serve to correct the problems it created is part of the reflections of this Stanford University professor, an expert in complex mathematics and algorithms, awarded the Nobel Prize "for improvements in auction theories and inventions of new auction formats."

He helped shape the online advertising industry, collaborating with dot-com companies to build markets, which eventually became the flourishing ad tech industry. He designed the auction protocol used by the US Federal Communications Commission to determine which telephone company gets which cellular frequencies. And he led the team that designed the incentive auction to reallocate radio frequencies from TV broadcasting to wireless broadband uses, what we now know as "streaming." He is the author of several books and has held editorial positions at the "American Economic Review" and the "Journal of Economic Theory and Econometrics." He is a member of the Econometric Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also a member of the US National Academy of Sciences and vice president of the American Economic Association.

In the interview, he reflects on the role of economists in designing emerging markets for their proper functioning, the use of technology, and the development of artificial intelligence to solve the most urgent problems that threaten humanity.

Jorge Fontevecchia Co-founder of Editorial Perfil - CEO of Perfil Network.

@fontevecchia

@Fontevecchia 05-04-2025 23:55 —To introduce the audience to the subject of your specialty, what are auctions, what are they for, and what types of auctions are the most common?

—I use auctions to describe any resource allocation process that involves prices. Auctions are used in multiple areas, such as in the purchase and sale of consumer goods on sites like eBay. There are auctions that companies use to acquire goods and services in which they try to negotiate quality and price, and these auctions are more complicated because it is not just about price, but can also involve quality or other attributes. There are auctions that involve the allocation of groups of goods, so that, for example, in radio spectrum auctions in the United States, a company might or would want to acquire licenses that cover several different geographical areas that allow it to develop a business plan. That is a different kind of auction where combinations of things matter. There are really two ways to classify them. One is to distinguish between sealed-bid auctions, where you make an offer or a list of offers only once and the result is calculated from that, and dynamic auctions that take place in a series of stages. Dynamic auctions can involve prices going up, as in ordinary consumer auctions, or going down over time, as in Dutch flower auctions. There is really a wide variety of these methods that are in use.

"Currently, the first version of technology has led us astray."

This is not to the liking of authoritarians The exercise of professional and critical journalism is a fundamental pillar of democracy. That is why it bothers those who believe they are the owners of the truth.

—One of the most significant works for which you and Professor Wilson were awarded the Nobel Prize was the one you did for the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), when this agency decided to explore the use of auctions to allocate spectrum for personal communications. I ask you to share with the audience how it was allocated before the simultaneous multi-round auction model, which you and Professor Wilson proposed to the FCC, was put into practice, and how these auctions work.

—There was a kind of two phases. From the founding of the Federal Communications Commission, sometime in the late 1920s to 1993, there were no auctions. And at the beginning, most of that period of time, there were comparative hearings, which meant that if you had a use you proposed for the spectrum, and I had a use I proposed for the spectrum, there would be a hearing in which the Commission would weigh which application best served the public interest. For example, they would say, "You know, you can start a TV channel in Buenos Aires, and I can't." I do not think that was the decision that was made. But what happened was that in the 80s, we had the introduction of mobile phones and we had small telephone companies throughout the country that wanted to start providing mobile phone services. And over time there were thousands of applications that far exceeded the capacity of the Federal Communications Commission to use comparative hearings. They wanted to use auctions at that time, but there was a political struggle about it. And as a result, they ended up using a lottery for a few years, where if you applied for a license, they would simply draw a name out of a hat and decide, "Well, we are going to accept your application and not Joe's." It was something random and not very efficient, which led some people to make a lot of money in a lottery run, essentially, by the government. So, in 1993, Congress authorized the Federal Communications Commission to use auctions to sell spectrum rights to the bidder who was willing to offer the highest value for the spectrum. And it also raised money for the government. But when they decided to do that, there were some complications that led to my original auction design. There were large companies that wanted to create national networks. There were a lot of existing small companies that only wanted to provide local service in their areas. And we did not yet know that mobile phones would work globally, that they could be taken everywhere. At first, it was thought that it would be something local. And it was very difficult to decide what to sell. Should a license be sold for the whole country, for half of the country, for the states, or for the cities? So the government decided to sell everything together so that bidders could bid for whatever they wanted. And they were not sure how to do it. That is where the simultaneous multi-round auction came into play. People could bid for everything simultaneously, but then they could know what was expensive and what was cheap, and they could continue bidding to acquire the packages of licenses that were most valuable to them.

CONCERNED ABOUT TRUMP. "I am very concerned about how climate change can worsen problems for everyone. We will need to rely on science to find solutions to big problems."

—In the case of this incentive auction that the FCC applied in 2017, it transformed the media by transferring the ownership of waves from television stations to data providers, paving the way for the streaming industry. Did you imagine at that time the impact it would have on how the media changed and how we get informed today?

—I mentioned a lot of that. I was not the only one who imagined it. The reason for the incentive auction, when Barack Obama was elected president of the United States, was that one of the two main technical priorities was to increase the availability of radio spectrum for these emerging new services. There was already enormous growth in wireless and data communications when Obama was elected. Everyone predicted the development of technology and believed that there would be much more data communications. There is no spectrum available for it. We needed to free up part of the television spectrum, and the television spectrum is because what had been happening before the incentive auction was that more people were using cable or satellites instead of local over-the-air broadcasts, and it was felt that the value of the spectrum and over-the-air television broadcasts was falling. The value of data was increasing. And if we wanted to facilitate this type of transition, we needed a process. And the problem was: what should the process be? It was incredibly complicated.

"I hope the left improves, because I think the far right is very dangerous."

—Is it common for new problems to arise and that requires adjustments between theory and practice to generate new auction formats?

—What happens in economic theory, and I think in the theory of many fields, is that it is abstract. It is supposed to be general, that it offers a broad view of what is happening. But when you are solving a specific problem, you have to pay attention to the details. In the case of the Federal Communications Commission, radio spectrum interference, no one had taken that into account in auction theory. I cannot connect your station and a neighboring station to the same channel without generating interference. We had to consider the interference that could be generated when moving. We had to take the free spectrum. We had to move some people who were broadcasting on certain channels to others. We had to do it without generating interference or buying space at the same time. It was a very complex problem, and no one had analyzed restrictions of such complexity before.

—Given that technology has exacerbated political polarization through social networks and the trends towards ideological extremes on the part of the population who largely receive news that comforts them and pronounces their confirmation bias, can technology with new tools solve the problems it creates in this area that weaken democracy and peaceful coexistence among citizens? Do you think technology can solve the problem of technology?

—I am waiting for ideas to do it. That is, I think many of us understand exactly what you say. People live in what we call echo chambers. They only listen to reinforcements for the opinions they already have. I know that, for my part, I make a great effort to subscribe to both left-wing and right-wing newspapers to try, at least, to be aware of the most intelligent opinions on both sides. There are intelligent people on both sides, but we need to find a way to encourage more communication of that type. I think that, currently, the first version of technology has led us astray, but changes are taking place. That is, we know that AI is changing the way people get information. And I hope that some of my colleagues and some of my brilliant Stanford students have ideas to promote a more comprehensive vision that weakens the resonance chamber, or even eliminates it.

UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD OF AUCTIONS. "The reason for the incentive auction was that one of the two main technical priorities was to increase the availability of radio spectrum for emerging new services."

—I ask you to explain to our audience why the role of auctions is important in the management of public resources.

—From the point of view of public resources, there are generally two main objectives. If it is sold, one of the objectives is to generate income. I remember that when I was working at the FCC, the Republicans, in particular, were very interested in how much money would be generated. And the other objective is to promote a better allocation of resources, and again, that specific case related to clearing television broadcasts. But if you are acquiring covid-19 vaccines, and you want to do it at the lowest possible cost and have them distributed correctly to the right groups of people, you design your resource allocation process to achieve the objectives you set for yourself. So, as an advisor, I first talk to people about what they are trying to achieve and then I try to design the process that promotes that objective, that reduces the costs of what they buy, increases the income of what they sell, or improves the allocation to benefit people, or favored groups. I could tell you more about this, but I will stop here.

"People live in echo chambers, they only listen to reinforcements for the opinions they already have."

—The market is a communication system. In the time of the former Soviet Union, without computers, the Ministry of Planning, Gozplan in Russian, manually calculated the preferences of the population simulating a market combined with the supply capacity of its production system, but they could never be as perfect as the real market, they were always late and ended up allocating more resources and being inefficient. With current computer and computational resources, could incentives be correctly allocated to simulate a virtual communication tool between supply and demand as effective as the market? Or will this be possible in the near future?

—I do not think so. All this is speculative. But there are two important things that are happening technologically. One is computing power, as you mentioned, and the other is communication, which is going in exactly the opposite direction. And I think that is the most powerful force. The truth is that a huge amount of information is needed for everything to work well. That is, in your own business, if someone is sick and you need to replace them, the central planner does not know who is able to take one position or another. If a machine breaks down, the central planner does not know who can fix it or what can be done in the meantime. All that information is local. And what is really needed is to allow local people to make decisions effectively so that they fit into the plan as a whole. Communication is improving, which makes it easier and easier to effectively manage a system by providing the necessary information. In fact, I can sit here if I need to know something, write a question, and get the information I think I need to answer my questions. I think technology is moving in the opposite direction to the one you mention.

—Could it be said that bank runs are a form of auction, I do not know if illegal but that end up generating crises? Could your theory help solve the problem of bank runs?

—That is a different problem. In fact, recently Phil Dibbig and Doug Diamond won the Nobel Prize for their work on banks, and with Ben Bernanke and bank regulation. And I think we have a different understanding, quite different, that bank runs are a coordination problem. Once a run starts, you have an incentive to participate because you do not want to be the last to try to withdraw your money, that is what happens in bank runs. And the government helps to prevent them by insuring deposits and giving confidence to depositors that they do not need to participate in the run. That seems to be the most sensible way to try to prevent them.

"It is necessary for companies to succeed and grow, even if they approach monopolies."

—One of your specialties is the financial market. What is your vision of the world of cryptocurrencies within the financial market?

—I must say that cryptocurrencies ended up surprising me. At first, the demand for cryptocurrencies came from the criminal sector, from people who wanted to keep their financial transactions private. And later, it turned out that distrust of the government, the desire for privacy to have transactions that could not be monitored, the desire to have money in a form that was not subject to the government printing money and inflating its value. Those were the things that promoted the development of cryptocurrency. But it is very expensive. We know the energy consumption that Bitcoin demands, it uses an extremely large amount of electricity. Just like in big cities, the amount of electricity that is consumed does not generate similar value. In addition, they are vulnerable to attacks. If they become very valuable, they can become more vulnerable to attacks. And it is really not yet clear what the limits are. Cryptocurrencies will have to be better protected and governments could decide that they need to be regulated because of the criminal part of it. I am not sure how the balance is found in cryptocurrencies. I am a bit skeptical. I myself have a very small investment in cryptocurrencies.

—Tell us about the field of market design, which encompasses this vision of allowing economists to work as "engineers" when design can improve the functioning of new or existing markets that do not function properly with their current operating rules.

—It is not just about them not working properly, by the way, but about new markets for things that have never been traded before. In market design, we interpret the market as something more than what your readers will probably anticipate, by allocating organs, children to classrooms, or students to residences. Those are also resource allocation problems. We do not use money for those problems, but that is largely part of market design. We try to figure out how to do a good job allocating those resources as well. You may know, for example, that when you browse the web, every time you see an ad on a website, an auction has taken place in a matter of milliseconds that places the most valuable ad on that site, the advertiser who was willing to pay more for that impression. We have new markets that are proposed for 'cap and trade' to limit environmental damage and allocate it. We have new markets for labor allocation where skilled people can advertise their skills. If you need someone to do repairs at home, you can find someone online. We have dating platforms that also seek to connect people properly. They are all new markets, it is not about deficient markets that need to be improved. Some of these markets did not even exist before. There were no centralized or organized methods to allocate these resources. And it works much better when we can organize them.

EDUCATION IN CRISIS. "If Trump damages universities, and I think it is not yet clear how much damage he will cause, but he is certainly a threat, that worries me."

—What do you think about regulations in the markets? Do they work, or are they useful in some markets, and not in others?

—The types of regulation that are useful definitely vary from market to market. And they are regulations that are not only imposed by the government. I can give an example in internet advertising. Publishers like people to bid to display ads. That is how they raise money. But they do not like to see spam, malware, or fraudulent ads on their websites. That hurts them. That is why they create regulations, create filters, and create rules to try to block them. So, we see extensive regulation even in private markets. We try to eliminate fraud in financial markets. The vulnerability of markets to these problems varies. Some require more regulation, others less. I guess the main question is not whether markets require regulation, but whether governments should do it, or is it better to have private markets that respond to the specific problems and challenges that those individual markets face.

—There is a conflict between two economic theories. Libertarians and neoliberals. Libertarians, at least in Argentina, President Javier Milei, says that there are no market failures. Is that a mistaken view of neoliberals, that the market is always perfect? Do you think the market has failures, or not?

—We certainly have examples of markets that failed. You mentioned the previous example of bank runs. That is a problem. In those markets, transactions were carried out freely without government guarantees. We used to have problems with bank runs. And, in general, those problems were solved with the Silicon Valley banking crisis here in the United States a couple of years ago. It did not spread. No other bank was harmed because the government intervened, and even increased the guarantees beyond what was promised, to say: we want people in the United States to consider banks safe. There are different types of failures in different markets. Some markets work quite well without regulation. I think the problem that worries or should worry libertarians is real. Excessive regulation can be harmful, it can prevent innovation or people from participating in really beneficial transactions through bureaucrats who have no idea what is happening between the people involved. Therefore, we need a flexible policy, but we need regulation. Even when the government does not intervene, we have private regulation, as I have already described, in relation to internet advertising.

—And another question related to this is whether monopolies are always bad, and whether they have a solution over time, or is regulation necessary when there are monopolies in a situation of abuse and market control?

—Monopolies are more complicated than you just described. Sometimes what we do not want is to prevent competition from companies that want to grow. Right now, for example, in the United States, we have antitrust actions against Google, because it has had a dominant position in search. It got a dominant position in search, when it started as one of the small search companies. It had a much better search technology and grew. And if there were a law that prevented it from growing, it would have no incentive to innovate. It is necessary for companies to succeed and grow, even if they approach monopolies. And it must be taken into account that what breaks those monopolies is innovation. For example, today, with the emergence of AI, many people are starting to use Anthropic, the chat GPT, or other sites to search, because they believe that new technologies are better. What keeps these companies, what keeps monopolists alert, is the possibility of competition. What must be ruled out, what must be regulated is what is called monopolization. And I understand that the language can confuse people, because it seems that it only means creating a monopoly. But what it really means legally, at least here in the United States, are the actions that are taken to gain control of the market, which do not refer to setting lower prices or better quality, but to blocking or creating barriers, actions that harm competition. So, we have to make sure that competition is fair, that competition is not harmed. And then we have to allow people to compete, even if their companies grow as a result of it.

"What must be ruled out, what must be regulated, is what is called monopolization."

—You are one of the founders of the company Auctionomics and chairman of the Board of Directors, you invented the "Milgrom allocation auction," the patented design that makes Auctionomics unique, could you give us an example of a practical application of this type of auction?

—Yes, in fact, the Milgrom allocation auction, to which you refer, is very similar to Paul Klemperer's product mix auction. Paul is an economist at Oxford, and in the United Kingdom, his auction was used for Treasury bonds, just when I was trying to get mine used for US Treasury bonds during the financial crisis. He got the Bank of England to use his auction design for it. And I have also advocated the use of my auction for certain agricultural commodities. For the most part, they have resisted. I have not had much success in adopting that design.

—Is it true that the idea for Auctionomics arose as a result of the 2008 financial crisis, when you spoke with the US Treasury Department about designing an auction to sell distressed assets?

—Yes, that is where the assignment auction came from; it was my design, which is basically the same as had been proposed in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom adopted it, the United States did not. But it was to sell distressed assets. And yes, that was the first commercial auction design we had. We have worked on many other commercial designs subsequently, although it is largely confidential and I will not be able to tell you much more about it.

—Did winning the Nobel Prize change your life?

—You know, I did not think it would change my life at all. I did not plan to win a prize, just to continue doing the same work. But it had a much greater impact than I thought. It is a very famous prize. And it changes the way people receive my ideas. In my professional life, people are more willing to listen. Especially outside the Academy, people think, he won a Nobel Prize, maybe we should listen to what he has to say. And when I want to do something new, different from what people believed, they are much more likely to listen and adopt my ideas. So, I found that, professionally, this has a great impact on how I am perceived, especially outside of academia.

—You mentioned in another interview that having a daughter helped you realize the gender discrimination that can exist, even in the academic world, and that this served as a basis for you to start dedicating yourself to training more women economists. Do you think there is a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion policies?

—Well, that is two parts. Let me answer them separately. The first part is not so much that I became more aware of discrimination, but that I realized that teaching had to be different. That the kind of things that would encourage the participation of my male and female students were different. I want to quickly move on to the second part of your question, but I started to change the way I taught to make it more effective for both women and men. And that was important. You asked about diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we know, and I am sure many of your readers know, in the United States, Donald Trump has been very hard on that. That is not what I saw myself doing. What I do is try to create teaching methods that work for everyone. I want a diverse group of people to succeed, but I do not want to do it by discriminating, making others perform worse. I want to do it by improving everyone. And for me, what I learned from teaching my daughter is that the things that worked for her and that worked for my son were different things. And I needed to have a wider set of tools to help everyone achieve what they were capable of achieving. I had a very different goal from the DEI goals.

"I use auctions to describe any resource allocation process that involves prices."

—You work with artificial intelligence, use machine learning algorithms to run auction simulations and determine the best strategy. What is your vision on the power of artificial intelligence? What do you think of the use of artificial intelligence as a tool for the efficiency of public administration?

—Artificial intelligence, as we have it today, is quite new. It is only a few years since we have had these very powerful AI algorithms. And I have found effective ways to use it in my work, both to research, find information, and summarize it, when there are millions of pages of evidence or information available. To get summaries and find out what is happening, artificial intelligence can do it in ways that were not possible before. As for its other uses, it depends on how it continues to develop. Right now, I think it is a valuable tool for some people. It helps to automate some activities that we all do. It does not replace me. I do not think it will replace you, but it could help both of us to collect and refine information. And we will see what capabilities it brings in the future. I do not think it is yet; well, there are some jobs that will certainly be threatened in the very near future. There are many other jobs that I consider to be well protected.

—Do you think artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to achieve greater social equity?

—That is an interesting question that invites reflection. I think it will first create more inequality. That is, those who benefit from its use and those who do not, will probably be different groups, and they could be even more distant. In the long term, it will provide a valuable tool for everyone. It will benefit a wide range of people, but it could benefit some more than others. I would be surprised if it did not benefit some more than others. So, it can have the effect of improving the well-being of some and, at the same time, increasing inequality. I think both things are possible.

"The types of regulation that are useful definitely vary from market to market."

—Are you concerned about climate change and the climatic catastrophes that seem to be accelerating more and more, as a consequence of climate change?

—Absolutely. I am very concerned. About the loss of species, the loss of habitats. Right now, we already have tremendous tensions in the world derived from the migrations of people, due to wars, etc. But when we have droughts or changes in the climate and areas that become less productive and people want to move, that is only going to get worse. I am very concerned about how climate change can worsen the problems for all kinds of people, both for the people directly affected, and for the migrants who arrive in places where there is resistance to migration.

—Is it true what I heard about you organizing academic barbecues in the garden of your own house, together with your university students and colleagues?

—Yes, it is absolutely true. And it is one of my secrets, when we were talking about my daughter, I think it is one of the secrets of my success as a student advisor. I have tried to create a community. The reason I do it is that I want students to interact more with each other academically. And I want them to see me as someone who encourages them. One of the things that happens during research is that there are periods of failure, when the research does not go well, and there is a risk of depression. This is well known among graduate students, the risk of students becoming depressed. When we have a community, there are other people to talk to, other ideas, support. And there is also competition where people set standards and no one wants to be the worst in the group. All my students at Stanford aspire to be excellent and see what others do, which inspires them to do more. I have had great success with students who come and there are both things, there are barbecues, it is true, but there are also

The Benefits of Being a Francophone in Latin America

2025-04-07T04:01:00.000-07:00

How French Can Help You Stay Connected to Your Community and Culture In the past, the Francophone world was largely separate from the Anglophone world. This separation has led to the development of different online cultures. While this can be a barrier to accessing information available in English, it can also be a benefit.

In Latin America, there is a strong culture of social organizing and solidarity movements. This culture is partly due to the fact that many Latin American countries were once colonies of Spain and Portugal. These countries have a long history of fighting for independence and social justice.

The separation of the Francophone and Anglophone worlds can help Latin America to isolate itself from the influence of North America. This can be a positive thing, as it allows Latin Americans to maintain their own unique culture and identity.

If you are a Francophone living in Latin America, you can benefit from the following:

You will be able to connect with a large community of people who share your language and culture.
You will have access to a wealth of information and resources that are not available in English.
You will be able to participate in social movements and organizations that are working to make a difference in the world.

If you are not a Francophone, but you are interested in learning French, there are many resources available to you. You can take classes, listen to podcasts, and watch movies and TV shows in French.

Learning French can be a rewarding experience. It can help you to connect with people from all over the world, and it can also help you to learn more about yourself and your culture.

Here are some additional benefits of being a Francophone in Latin America:

You will be able to travel to many different countries where French is spoken.
You will be able to find jobs in many different industries.
You will be able to make friends from all over the world.

If you are looking for a way to connect with your community and culture, learning French is a great option.

Treachery and the Stage: Malvinas Echoes at Quilmes Rock

2025-04-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

On a night thick with the echoes of drums and distorted guitars, Quilmes Rock became the stage for a raw and direct denunciation. Malvinas veterans, those ghosts of a war that still bleeds in the collective memory, raised their voices against President Javier Milei.

The National Confederation of Malvinas Combatants, led by Ramón Robles, has filed a criminal complaint that resonates like a war cry: "violation of the duties of a public official, abuse of authority, and treason against the Homeland." Milei's words, spoken at the cenotaph in Plaza de San Martín, where the names of the fallen are etched in stone, are the trigger for this accusation.

"We long for the Malvinas Islanders to one day choose to vote for us with their feet," the president said, a phrase that veterans interpret as an affront to Argentine sovereignty.

On Saturday night, after Dillom's show, the veterans took the stage at Quilmes Rock. Before a crowd of young people, they chanted "and you can see it, and you can see it, whoever doesn't jump is an Englishman," a reminder that the war is not over, that the struggle for the Malvinas remains alive in people's hearts.

"It's a pleasure and a pride to be here," said one of the veterans, his voice resonating in the night air. "We ask you all to remember those who gave their most precious possession, their lives, to defend our Homeland."

In a country where memory is a battleground, the Malvinas veterans have drawn a line in the sand. The complaint against Milei is a reminder that the fight for Argentine sovereignty is not a matter of rhetoric, but of blood and soil. And on the stage of Quilmes Rock, where music and memory intertwine, the message is clear: the Malvinas are not negotiable.

Clássico Sul-Americano: Preços exorbitantes para Argentina x Brasil e a revolta dos torcedores

2025-03-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

O tão esperado confronto entre Argentina e Brasil, válido pelas Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas rumo à Copa do Mundo de 2026, promete ser um espetáculo à altura da rivalidade histórica entre as duas seleções. No entanto, a notícia que está dando o que falar não é apenas o duelo em campo, mas sim os preços estratosféricos dos ingressos para assistir ao jogo no estádio Monumental, em Buenos Aires.

Com valores que variam de 110.000 a510.000 pesos argentinos, muitos torcedores denunciam que ver a Seleção Argentina em casa se tornou um privilégio para poucos. As críticas nas redes sociais não tardaram a aparecer, com fãs indignados afirmando que a Associação do Futebol Argentino (AFA), liderada por Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, está transformando o futebol em um negócio cada vez mais elitista.

A revolta dos torcedores

"É um roubo, querem que só os ricos vão ao estádio", escreveu um usuário no X (antigo Twitter). Outros questionaram a política da AFA e da plataforma AFA ID, que prometeu benefícios para os assinantes, mas que, na prática, não ofereceu descontos significativos nem preços acessíveis.

"Nos pediram para nos registrar e pagar pelo AFA ID, mas os ingressos continuam custando uma fortuna. É uma fraude", desabafou um torcedor.

Um negócio cada vez mais exclusivo

Desde a conquista da Copa do Mundo no Catar, a demanda para ver a "Scaloneta" ao vivo disparou, e com ela, a comercialização do futebol tomou um rumo mais elitista. A revenda de ingressos também desempenha um papel crucial no aumento dos preços: em plataformas não oficiais, os ingressos mais cobiçados podem custar o dobro ou o triplo do valor original.

Em contraste, outros países da América do Sul mantêm preços mais acessíveis. Por exemplo, no recente Chile x Argentina, em Santiago, os ingressos populares custavam cerca de $35.000 pesos argentinos, muito abaixo do que é cobrado no Monumental.

O futebol ainda é para todos?

Apesar da polêmica, espera-se que o estádio esteja lotado no dia 25 de março, impulsionado pela chance de ver estrelas como Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez e "Dibu" Martínez em um clássico de alto nível. No entanto, a pergunta que fica no ar é: o futebol ainda é para todos ou apenas para quem pode pagar?

Enquanto os torcedores lamentam a elitização do esporte, a AFA parece seguir um caminho que prioriza o lucro sobre a paixão. E, nesse jogo, os maiores perdedores são aqueles que sempre estiveram nas arquibancadas, torcendo com o coração, mas que agora se veem excluídos pelo preço dos ingressos.

Será que o futebol, conhecido como o esporte das multidões, está se tornando um espetáculo apenas para uma elite? A resposta, infelizmente, parece estar cada vez mais clara.

人类的进化：从灵长类到智人及达尔文理论对科学的影响

2024-10-24T16:32:00.003-07:00

查尔斯·达尔文的进化论彻底改变了我们理解包括人类在内的生物起源和发展的方式。在达尔文之前，大多数人都相信创世论，这种理论认为所有事物都是由上帝按照今天的样子创造的，并且不会发生变化。根据这种观点，人类、动物和植物都以现有的形式被创造出来，没有进化的过程。

然而，达尔文提出了一个不同的观点。他认为生物是通过一种叫做“自然选择”的过程随着时间的推移而改变的。这意味着那些更能适应环境的个体能够生存并繁殖，将这些特征传给后代。而那些不能适应的个体则会逐渐消失。在数百万年的时间里，这些微小的变化最终导致了巨大的转变，从而解释了地球上生命的多样性。达尔文还提出，人类并不是一直像今天这样，而是从灵长类祖先通过漫长而复杂的过程演变而来的。

人类的进化始于大约400万年前的南方古猿。他们已经能够直立行走，但大脑仍然很小，也不会使用工具。接着，约250万年前，能人出现了，他们已经学会了使用基本的工具。之后，直立人的出现是一个重大进步，因为他们掌握了火的使用，并开始向非洲以外的地区迁徙。随后，尼安德特人出现在欧洲和亚洲，他们强壮而聪明，但最终灭绝了。最后，约20万年前，智人，也就是我们这一物种，出现了。我们与其他物种的不同之处在于我们拥有更复杂的思维能力，使用更先进的工具，最重要的是能够进行交流和合作。

达尔文的理论对科学的影响是巨大的。他打破了“万物静止不变”的创世论，表明生命是在不断变化和进化的。他的理论不仅解释了不同物种是如何出现的，也揭示了人类是如何从灵长类动物进化而来的。这为遗传学和古生物学等新领域打开了大门，这些学科进一步证实了进化的真实性，并且仍在持续进行。

今天，达尔文的进化论已成为许多科学学科的基础，如生物学和医学。它帮助我们理解各种现象，比如新物种的起源，疾病的演化，以及生物如何适应环境的变化。静态创造的观念已被取代，取而代之的是这种科学观点，它将所有生物联系在一个漫长而迷人且不断发展的过程中。

تطور الإنسان: من الرئيسيات إلى الإنسان العاقل وتأثير نظرية داروين على العلم

2024-10-24T16:31:00.006-07:00

غيرت نظرية التطور لشارلز داروين بشكل جذري الطريقة التي نفهم بها كيف نشأت الكائنات الحية، بما في ذلك البشر. قبل داروين، كان معظم الناس يؤمنون بالنظرية الخلقية، التي تقول إن كل شيء خلقه الله تماماً كما نعرفه اليوم، دون أي تغييرات. ووفقًا لهذه الفكرة، خُلق البشر والحيوانات والنباتات في صورتهم الحالية دون تطور.

لكن داروين قدم فكرة مختلفة. اقترح أن الكائنات الحية تتغير بمرور الوقت من خلال عملية تسمى "الانتقاء الطبيعي". هذا يعني أن الأفراد الذين يتكيفون بشكل أفضل مع بيئتهم يبقون على قيد الحياة ويتكاثرون، مما ينقل تلك الصفات إلى الأجيال المستقبلية. أما الذين لا يتكيفون، فإنهم يختفون في النهاية. على مدى ملايين السنين، أدت هذه التغييرات الصغيرة إلى تحولات كبيرة، موضحة التنوع الهائل للحياة على الأرض. كما اقترح داروين أن البشر لم يكونوا دائمًا كما نحن الآن، بل تطوروا من أسلاف الرئيسيات عبر عملية طويلة ومعقدة.

بدأ تطور الإنسان مع الأسترالوبيثكس، الذين عاشوا قبل حوالي 4 ملايين سنة. كانوا يمشون على قدمين بالفعل، لكن كانت لديهم أدمغة صغيرة ولم يستخدموا الأدوات. ثم جاء الإنسان الماهر، قبل حوالي 2.5 مليون سنة، الذي تعلم استخدام الأدوات الأساسية. بعد ذلك، ظهر الإنسان المنتصب، وكان تقدمًا كبيرًا لأنه سيطر على النار وبدأ في الهجرة خارج إفريقيا. لاحقًا، ظهرت إنسان نياندرتال، الذين عاشوا في أوروبا وآسيا. كانوا أقوياء وأذكياء، لكنهم انقرضوا في النهاية. أخيرًا، قبل حوالي 200,000 سنة، ظهرت فصيلتنا: الإنسان العاقل. ما جعلنا مختلفين هو قدرتنا على التفكير بشكل أكثر تعقيدًا، واستخدام أدوات متقدمة، والأهم من ذلك، التواصل والتعاون مع بعضنا البعض.

كان تأثير نظرية داروين على العلم هائلاً. فقد دمرت الفكرة الخلقية التي تقول إن كل شيء خُلق في حالة ثابتة وغير قابلة للتغيير، وأظهرت أن الحياة تتطور باستمرار. لم تشرح نظريته كيف نشأت الأنواع المختلفة فحسب، بل أيضًا كيف تطورنا نحن البشر من الرئيسيات. وقد فتح هذا الباب أمام مجالات دراسية جديدة، مثل علم الوراثة وعلم الحفريات، التي أكدت أن التطور حقيقي ولا يزال يحدث.

اليوم، تعتبر نظرية داروين للتطور الأساس للعديد من التخصصات العلمية، مثل علم الأحياء والطب. إنها تساعدنا على فهم ظواهر متنوعة، مثل أصل الأنواع الجديدة، وكيفية تطور الأمراض، وكيف تتكيف الكائنات الحية مع بيئاتها. لقد تم استبدال فكرة الخلق الثابت بهذه الرؤية العلمية التي تربط بين جميع الكائنات الحية في عملية طويلة ومثيرة مستمرة من التطور.

The Evolution of Humans: From Primates to Homo Sapiens and the Impact of Darwin's Theory on Science

2024-10-24T16:31:00.001-07:00

Charles Darwin's theory of evolution radically changed the way we understand how living beings, including humans, came to be. Before Darwin, most people believed in the creationist theory, which said that everything was created by God exactly as we know it today, with no changes. According to that idea, humans, animals, and plants were made in their current form, without evolving.

But Darwin came up with a different idea. He proposed that living beings change over time through a process called "natural selection." This means that individuals best suited to their environment survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to future generations. Those that don't adapt eventually disappear. Over millions of years, these small changes led to big transformations, explaining the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Darwin also suggested that humans were not always the way we are now, but instead evolved from primate ancestors through a long, complex process.

Human evolution started with Australopithecus, who lived about 4 million years ago. They already walked on two legs but still had small brains and didn't use tools. Then came Homo habilis, around 2.5 million years ago, who had learned to use basic tools. Next, Homo erectus appeared, a major leap because these humans controlled fire and began migrating out of Africa. Later, the Neanderthals emerged, living in Europe and Asia. They were strong and intelligent but eventually became extinct. Finally, around 200,000 years ago, our species appeared: Homo sapiens. What made us different was our ability to think more complexly, use advanced tools, and, most importantly, communicate and collaborate with each other.

The impact of Darwin’s theory on science was huge. It shattered the creationist idea that everything was created in a fixed and unchanging way, and showed that life is constantly evolving. His theory explained not only how different species came into existence, but also how we humans evolved from primates. This opened the door to new areas of study, like genetics and paleontology, which confirmed that evolution is real and still happening.

Today, Darwin's theory of evolution is the foundation of many scientific disciplines, such as biology and medicine. It helps us understand diverse phenomena, like the origin of new species, how diseases evolve, and how living organisms adapt to their environment. The idea of a static creation has been replaced by this scientific view that connects all living beings in a long, fascinating, and ongoing process of evolution.

La Evolución del Hombre: De los Primates al Homo Sapiens y el Impacto de la Teoría de Darwin en la Ciencia

2024-10-24T16:29:00.003-07:00

La teoría de la evolución de Charles Darwin cambió por completo la forma en que entendemos el origen y desarrollo de los seres vivos, incluyendo a los humanos. Antes, la mayoría de la gente creía en la teoría creacionista, que decía que todo había sido creado por Dios tal como lo conocemos hoy y que no cambiaba. Según esta idea, los humanos, los animales y las plantas habían sido creados en su forma actual, sin evolución.

Darwin, sin embargo, planteó que los seres vivos cambian a lo largo del tiempo mediante un proceso llamado "selección natural". Según él, los individuos que mejor se adaptan a su entorno son los que sobreviven y se reproducen, pasando sus características a las generaciones futuras. Los que no se adaptan, desaparecen. Así, a lo largo de millones de años, estas pequeñas variaciones llevan a grandes cambios, y de esta forma se explica la diversidad de la vida en la Tierra. Darwin también sugirió que los humanos no fuimos siempre como somos hoy, sino que descendemos de ancestros primates y que evolucionamos en un proceso largo y complejo.

La evolución del ser humano comenzó con los Australopithecus, que vivieron hace unos 4 millones de años y ya caminaban en dos patas. Luego, apareció el Homo habilis, hace 2,5 millones de años, que ya usaba herramientas simples. Después, el Homo erectus aprendió a usar el fuego y comenzó a migrar a otros continentes. Los neandertales, que vivieron en Europa y Asia, fueron otra especie humana inteligente y fuerte, pero se extinguieron. Finalmente, hace unos 200.000 años surgió el Homo sapiens, nuestra especie, que sobrevivió gracias a su cerebro más desarrollado, herramientas avanzadas y su capacidad de comunicarse y colaborar.

El impacto de esta teoría en la ciencia fue enorme. Darwin destruyó la idea creacionista de que todo fue creado de manera fija e inmutable, y mostró que la vida es un proceso en constante cambio. Su teoría explicó no solo cómo surgieron las diferentes especies, sino también cómo los humanos evolucionaron desde los primates. Esto abrió la puerta a nuevos campos como la genética y la paleontología, que confirmaron que la evolución es real y sigue ocurriendo.

Hoy en día, la teoría de la evolución de Darwin es la base de muchas ciencias, como la biología y la medicina, y nos ayuda a entender fenómenos tan diversos como la aparición de nuevas especies, el desarrollo de enfermedades y cómo los organismos se adaptan a cambios en su entorno. La creencia en una creación estática fue reemplazada por esta visión científica que nos conecta a todos los seres vivos en un largo y fascinante proceso de evolución.

The Relationship Between Young Miko and Tini Stoessel Started Long Ago: All the Details

2024-10-21T14:39:00.003-07:00

Amidst rumors of a possible romance, intimate details about the relationship between the two singers have surfaced, surprising fans.

After much speculation and various theories, the truth about the relationship between Tini Stoessel and Young Miko has finally been revealed. It was journalist Juan Etchegoyen who, during his show, shared step-by-step concrete details about their bond. His revelations left fans of both artists in shock, as they couldn’t believe the truth behind their love story.

"You know, there has been a lot of talk about the romance between Tini Stoessel and Young Miko, and today we dedicated the show to this topic to tell you everything," Etchegoyen began.

He then added: "Many say it’s just a friendship, but I can tell you today that the romance is real, it’s been going on for several months, and they’ve been dating for quite some time. In fact, after Tini's relationship with Rodrigo ended, she entered a formal relationship with her colleague."

Etchegoyen further elaborated, stating: "I’ve even been given concrete details from Tini’s birthday in March, where she was seen kissing and hugging Young. From that moment, I’ve had precise information, but I chose to keep it private because at that time, Tini had publicly shared her delicate mental health situation."

He added: "Another day, I’ll tell you about the impact this relationship has had on Tini. From what I hear, she is deeply in love with Young, and they have many projects planned together."

Someone close to her revealed: "She has never loved like she loves now," and if that’s true, I’m really happy for her. I celebrate that Tini is living her life and not paying attention to what others around her might think," Etchegoyen concluded.

It’s worth noting that rumors about their romance have been circulating for months, but there has never been an official confirmation. Both singers continue to stay silent about their relationship.