Amid speculation on the state of Fidel Castro’s health, and whether or not he will be able to remain in control of Cuba’s government, come reports that the new Democratic majority in Congress may push for a “new direction in Cuba.”

There was a bumper crop of worthwhile features this weekend – including a special on Africa from the LA Times, and coverage of who’d-a-thunk-it destinations like Johannesburg and LA’s Valley – so I’ll cut the preamble and get down to business.