This news from Cuba — the first photographs of Fidel Castro taken after his stomach surgery have appeared in the Cuban press. The photographs were published on Sunday, Castro’s 80th birthday. They showed him wearing a sweatshirt talking on the phone and reading the newspaper. The photographs mark the first hard evidence that Castro survived his recent surgery. In a statement that appeared in the Cuban press, Castro said “I ask you all to be optimistic, and at the same time to be ready to face any adverse news.” Meanwhile Castro’s brother, Raul, has made his first public appearance since he became the acting head of state. On Sunday, he met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Havana.