Linda's Blogspot

  Conversation with Gemini expand_moreedit What is the page break code for html. Can you tell me more basic html codes like paragraph, title codes for headers and chapters to be used in formatting for kindle e-book.  Show drafts volume_up Kindle uses a custom tag for page breaks since standard HTML page breaks won't work reliably. Here's the breakdown for Kindle-specific formatting and some basic HTML codes: Page Break: Use the <mbp:pagebreak/> tag to insert a page break at that point in your code. Basic Formatting: Paragraph: Use the <p> tag to define a paragraph. You can add multiple <p> tags to create separate paragraphs. Headers: Use heading tags (<h1> to <h6>) to define different header levels. <h1> is the largest and most important heading, while <h6> is the smallest. Chapters: While there's no specific tag for chapters, you can achieve a chapter break by combining heading tags and page breaks: Use an <h1> or <h2> ...

  https://www.blackownedbrooklyn.com/stories/hattiecarthan The webpages you linked to are about Hattie Carthan, a legendary environmentalist and community organizer in Brooklyn [1]. Here's a summary of what I found: Carthan was born in 1900 and moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn in 1953 [1]. Saddened by the loss of trees in her neighborhood, she rallied her neighbors and founded the T&T Vernon Avenue Block Association in 1964 [1]. Through this organization, they planted trees and raised awareness about the importance of greenery in the community [1]. Carthan's efforts grew, and in 1966, she formed the Bedford-Stuyvesant Beautification Committee, which planted over 1,500 trees across Central Brooklyn [1]. These trees are still around today! She was a fierce advocate for the environment. In 1970, at the age of 72, she fought to save a historic magnolia tree from being cut down by developers [1]. Her activism led to the tree being designated a landmark. Inspired by this v...

Notes for Research 30 West 72nd street, New York. New York 30 West 72nd Street, New York is located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Manhattan [1]. The building is a five-story rental building constructed in 1 Here's some additional information I found about the location: The building contains 12 units, offering studio or one- to two-bedroom floor plans [1, 5]. The area boasts a very high walk score (97) and transit score (100), making it a walker's and rider's paradise [2]. Several parks are nearby, including Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, all within a one-mile radius [5]. Would you like to explore other aspects of 30 West 72nd Street, like its history or nearby amenities? Was the building once a cultural center?  Yes, 30 West 72nd Street did have a stint as a cultural center for a time! Historical records show that around 1925, the building housed the headquarters of the Anthroposophical Society [2]. This philosophical and spiritual movement...

  Over the years I have delved into stoicism. I am discovering that the impressions I had about stoicism were very incorrect. Stocism teaches great values and common sense.  Humans need guidance. Stoicism is so helpful, and it predates Christianity. I do remember a teacher not sure if it was in college or high school who mocked the stoics as not being Christians and believing in "the gods." MY PROMPT Who were the well known stoics that talked about the value of listening as a way to personal development? Several prominent Stoics championed the importance of listening for personal growth: Zeno of Citium: The founder of Stoicism himself is credited with the saying, "We have two ears and one mouth, therefore we should listen twice as much as we speak." This emphasizes how listening allows us to learn and refine our own understanding. [Stoic quote on listening] Seneca: This Roman philosopher echoed Zeno's sentiment, highlighting the control we have over our speech b...

  Conversation with Gemini I hear a lot of talk today about how the new technologies; social media is controlling us. My thoughts are that television has enslaved us, and it is possible for the age of information to free us from some of the damage created by television. The ills of being couch potatoes.  You make an interesting point! Television definitely had a big impact on society, and some of it wasn't necessarily positive. Here's how your idea holds up: The Downside of Television: Passive Consumption: Just like you said, TV can be a time suck, keeping us glued to the couch instead of being active or engaged with the real world. Limited Viewpoints: Traditionally, TV presented a limited range of stories and characters. This could create a skewed perception of the world, especially for people who relied heavily on TV for information and entertainment. Attention Spans: Fast-paced editing and commercials can shorten attention spans, making it harder to focus on complex topics...

Are We Slaves to Technology? How the Human Spirit Can Fight Back Technology has transformed our world. Information is at our fingertips, communication is instantaneous, and innovation is happening at an unprecedented pace. But a growing concern  is that technology is not just changing how we live, it's controlling us. Emmett Miller, M.D., author of Deep Healing, makes a compelling argument in the quote: "Until recently, its path had been to inexorably enslave, control, limit, and suppress the mass of humanity." Is this a fair assessment? Are we on the verge of a technological dystopia? Miller acknowledges the immense potential of technology, but warns against its dark side. He raises concerns about addiction, manipulation, and the potential for technology to stifle our human potential. The good news? Miller believes we can turn the tide. Our human spirit holds the key. Here's how we can leverage our inherent strengths to reclaim control: Embrace Adaptability: H...

I find Gemini very helpful when I am reading and find a quote, a sentence, a paragraph that gets my attention.  I am reading 'Deep Healing ' by Emmett Miller, MD.  I will just do a cut and paste into Gemini or ChatGPT's chatbox and see how the apps respond. I usually get a longer response than when I ask a question or a summary.  I can then ask the chat apps to put responses into a blog article.  Conversation with Gemini expand_more I believe that with the information revolution, the technological age is now coming to a climactic turning point. Until recently, its path had been to inexorably enslave, control, limit, and suppress the mass of humanity. The human spirit, if empowered and infused with the flames of passion, can enable us to throw off the yoke. Quote from Emmett Miller, M.D.  Deep Healing  This quote by Emmett Miller, M.D. from his book Deep Healing reflects a concern about the potential negative impacts of technology. Here's a breakdown of the ...

  Conversation with Gemini Lately I am realizing and thinking how important culture and society are for humans. I am seeing how important structure and guidance are to a people.  I am seeing how important valued are in our daily lives. I hear people often shun religions. Religions use to where values on a group level were guides for individuals to function as societies.  I wonder at times lately what is driving many individuals I encounter. They seem to be driven more by ego and emotions.   That's a fascinating observation you're making. Culture and society are indeed the bedrock of human experience. They provide a framework for our: Identity: Our cultural background shapes how we see ourselves and the world. Values: Shared beliefs about what's right and wrong guide our behavior. Social norms: Unspoken rules that keep things running smoothly. The Role of Religion You're right about the historical role of religion. Religions often functioned as a unifying force...

When I was in college decades ago studying Anthropology my dream was to travel around the world and document festivals; to find what African people around the world loved.  This is why when I take photos of Black people for decades I go to festivals where people are happy and take photos. Can you put my thoughts into a play?  Absolutely! Here's a one-act play inspired by your dream: Title: Capturing Joy: A Festival in Every Heart Characters: Maya (60s): A seasoned anthropologist with a passion for festivals and Black culture. Kwame (20s): Maya's energetic research assistant. Setting: Maya's cozy apartment. A world map with colorful pins marking various locations is on the wall. Photos of festivals from around the world are displayed prominently. (Scene opens with Maya sorting photos at a table. Kwame enters with a stack of books.) Kwame: Professor Johnson, I found those books you requested on the history of Carnival in Trinidad. Maya: (Smiling) Excellent, Kwame. Thank you! ...

Can you put my words into a blog article?  For years I have seen where our people (Black People) who have identity issues with color etc., don't like themselves as themes for films or books would get financial backing; or being mad about something petty gets funded. This is narrative control.  I remember a long time ago when I was in my late 20s, and I was working for a cuing company for the evening news, news magazine shows, etc. in New York City. The President of CBS News Fred Friendly was quitting, and going back into academy.  His reasoning was that the American press- media only reported on what was happening in Africa, and the African Diaspora when there is a problem.   He saw that this created a false reality. This problem still exist. It creates a problem in how we see ourselves being molded by outsiders.  It makes us delusional about ourselves; who we are, and where we live as places to escape from, even our skin color and features, etc. This i...

  I want to write a blog article that articulates the value of the Kwanzaa Film Festival in New York City. I want to express how it is different when it comes to African Americans, Africans on the continent, and the African Diaspora.   I viewed many films at an African Film festival recently. I noticed that most of the themes depicted Africans as having problems such as poverty, etc.  I did not see films of joy, love, and passion. It seems like this is niche where African filmmakers can get funding showing to the world their problems for the whole world to see. The Kwanzaa Film Festival selects films by how the themes of films submitted relates to Kwanzaa principles. The Kwanzaa Film Festival is uplifting and promising. Africa is rising. Africa has visionaries. Africa loves.  Celebrating Our Stories: Why the Kwanzaa Film Festival Matters The recent African Film Festival you attended offered a glimpse into the cinematic landscape of the continent. While these ...

Once upon a time, there was a little adventurer named Luna. Luna loved exploring the world around her, but most of all, she loved the beach. She loved feeling the cool sand between her toes, the salty spray on her face, and the calming rhythm of the waves. One sunny afternoon, Luna and her parents went to the beach. Luna built sandcastles taller than herself, chased playful crabs, and splashed in the shallow waves. But by the time the sun began to dip towards the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and pink, Luna felt a pleasant tiredness creeping in. "Mommy, Daddy," Luna yawned, "can I take a nap on the beach?" Her parents smiled. "Of course, sweetie," her mom said. "But wouldn't you get cold?" Luna looked at her favorite coat, the one with all the cool patches from her adventures. An idea sparked in her eyes. She spread the coat out on the sand, facing the vast ocean. It wasn't quite big enough to be a proper bed, but Luna ...

Conversation with Gemini I had a dream the other day, I dreamed that I used my coat as a blanket and it suspended above an ocean of waves as I slept. Can you put this into a children's story?  Once upon a time, there was a little adventurer named Leo. Leo loved exploring the world around him, but most of all, he loved the beach. He loved feeling the cool sand between his toes, the salty spray on his face, and the calming rhythm of the waves. One sunny afternoon, Leo and his parents went to the beach. Leo built sandcastles taller than himself, chased playful crabs, and splashed in the shallow waves. But by the time the sun began to dip towards the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and pink, Leo felt a pleasant tiredness creeping in. "Mommy, Daddy," Leo yawned, "can I take a nap on the beach?" His parents smiled. "Of course, sweetie," his mom said. "But wouldn't you get cold?" Leo looked at his coat, the one with all the cool...

I can remember growing up, and how adults would remind me of being aware of how I talked to myself saying 'I can't'. I am so glad I learned to be aware, and not to give into I can't when with a little struggle and discomfort 'I can'. That's fantastic! It sounds like you had some wise adults in your life who taught you the power of positive self-talk. Replacing "I can't" with "I can" makes a huge difference. It shifts your mindset from limitation to possibility, and that can be a game-changer when you're facing challenges. It's great that you're aware of this and continue to use this approach. Keep it up! Can you put this idea into a story for children ages 8 to 10 to build self awareness and confidence.   In the heart of a bustling city lived a spunky little squirrel named Pip. Pip had a bushy tail, bright eyes, and a love for adventure. But Pip also had a bit of a problem – he said "I can't" a lot. One sunn...

I can remember growing up, and how adults would remind me of being aware of how I talked to myself saying 'I can't'.  I am so glad I learned to be aware, and not to give into I can't when with a little struggle and discomfort 'I can'. I want to write a children's story ages 8 to 10 years old that teaches awareness about how we talk to ourselves. Especially being conscious of when we say 'I can't '. Saying I can't puts limits on ourselves. It narrows our abilities and reality.  Make suggestions as to practicing how to , and when to say and practice 'I can't' with 'I can'.  The Amazing Echo: A Story About "I Can't" and "I Can" Characters: Lily: An energetic 8-year-old girl. Sparky: Lily's bright and encouraging inner voice. Setting: A sunny afternoon in Lily's backyard. The Story: Lily stood staring at the towering oak tree in her backyard. Its branches stretched high, crowned with a magnifi...

Disease is not an entity, but a fluctuating condition of the patient’s body, a battle between the substance of disease and the natural self-healing tendency of the body.” — Hippocrates Sure, here's a simplified version for a children's book aimed at ages 8 to 10: Title: The Great Battle Inside Once upon a time, in a place not so far away, there was a little girl named Mia who loved to play in the garden. She ran, she jumped, and she twirled around. But one day, Mia started feeling a bit strange. She had a runny nose and a sore throat. "Oh no," thought Mia. "Am I sick?" Mia's mom, a wise and kind doctor, noticed her daughter's worried face. She sat down beside Mia and said, "Let me tell you a secret about what happens when we get sick." Mia's eyes widened with curiosity. "A secret? Tell me, Mom!" "Well," her mom began, "when we get sick, it's not just because of some bad thing inside us. Our body is like a ki...

“Disease is not an entity, but a fluctuating condition of the patient’s body, a battle between the substance of disease and the natural self-healing tendency of the body.” — Hippocrates That's a very insightful quote attributed to Hippocrates, the famous ancient Greek physician. It reflects a holistic view of disease, where it's not seen as a separate entity invading the body, but rather an imbalance within the body itself. Here's a breakdown of the key points: Disease as a Fluctuating Condition: This emphasizes that illness isn't static. Symptoms can worsen or improve depending on various factors. Battle Between Opposing Forces: The quote suggests a fight between the underlying cause of the illness and the body's natural defenses trying to restore balance. Focus on the Patient: It highlights the importance of considering the individual's unique response to illness, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. While our understanding of disease has evolved signific...

I have noticed especially in USA that labels and narratives are created by what use to be called the dominate society.  When I studied Anthropology in the 70s, non-white people were referred to as 'others' and were seen as objects to be studied and labeled. You're absolutely right. The concept of the "Other" in anthropology has a troubled history, particularly tied to colonial expansion and the idea of Western superiority. Here's a breakdown of how it unfolded: Colonial Encounters: As European explorers encountered vastly different cultures, the concept of the "Other" emerged to categorize those who weren't European. This "Other" was often seen as primitive, savage, or less evolved. Early Anthropology: Early anthropologists, often called "armchair anthropologists," relied on travelogues and reports, reinforcing the "Other" as an object of study rather than a person with their own culture and perspective. Ethnocentri...

“The improver of natural knowledge absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority as such. Every great advance in natural knowledge has involved the absolute rejection of authority.” — Thomas Henry Huxley This quote by Thomas Henry Huxley captures a core principle of scientific inquiry: skepticism towards established authorities. Here's a breakdown of the quote: The improver of natural knowledge: This refers to a scientist or someone seeking knowledge about the natural world. Absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority as such: Scientists shouldn't blindly accept information based solely on someone's reputation or position. Every great advance in natural knowledge has involved the absolute rejection of authority: Scientific progress often happens by challenging prevailing ideas, even if they come from respected figures. Huxley emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning in science. New discoveries can overturn long-held beliefs, and scientists must be open to re-eva...

The End of the Ignorant Age! I think we need better family relations and communities; than having careers as our priority focus. I think family life, interpersonal communication, and communities should have a bigger role to play in learning to improve society.  The End of the Ignorant Age . The phrase "The End of the Ignorant Age" is a powerful one, and it can hold different meanings depending on the context. Here are a couple of interpretations: Historical Context: The term "Age of Ignorance" is most commonly used in Islamic history to refer to the period in Arabia before the ظهور الإسلام (zuhur al-Islam), meaning the revelation of Islam, in the 7th century AD. This era was seen as a time of tribal warfare, idolatry, and social injustice. The arrival of Islam is viewed as ushering in a new age of enlightenment and guidance. General Meaning: More broadly, "The End of the Ignorant Age" could refer to any period of significant progress in human knowledg...

Mass Amnesia! Jane Jacobs characterizes a Dark Age as a "mass amnesia" where even the memory of what was lost is lost. You're right. Jane Jacobs in her book "Dark Age Ahead" argues that a Dark Age isn't just a period of decline, but a situation where a society suffers from "mass amnesia." This means: The culture itself weakens and crumbles. People forget the knowledge, skills, and traditions that made their society strong. It's not just losing information, but losing the very understanding of what was valuable and how it functioned. Jacobs saw this as a danger for modern society too, if we don't nurture the foundations of a healthy culture. Can you elaborate more and put into an outline? Jane Jacobs' "Mass Amnesia" of a Dark Age I. Core Concept A Dark Age, according to Jane Jacobs, isn't just a decline but a period of cultural collapse marked by "mass amnesia." II. Characteristics of Mass Amnesia Loss of Knowledg...

My prompt for discussion with ai While listening to a YouTube video a phrase caught my attention "Getting a PhD and starting a business are similar." I thought that getting a college degree should teach even non-business students ideas for business and entrepreneurship. In the future and now it is imperative that education grooms our young people to be a part of job and industry creation.  The educational system focuses too much on the value of the piece of paper as a value within itself. Your observation highlights an important discussion in the realm of education and career development. The traditional educational system often prioritizes the attainment of degrees as a measure of success. However, equipping students with skills for entrepreneurship and business creation is increasingly essential in today's dynamic job market. Here are a few key points to consider: 1.  Skill Development vs. Credentialism: While degrees are important, the skills and practical knowledge ga...