Linda's Blogspot

“A man’s true greatness lies in the consciousness of an honest purpose in life, founded on a just estimate of himself and everything else, on frequent self-examinations, and a steady obedience to the rule which he knows to be right, without troubling himself about what others may think or say, or whether they do or do not do that which he thinks and says and does.” —MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, offers a powerful perspective on personal integrity and self-awareness in this quote. He emphasizes that true greatness is rooted in: 1. Having a Clear and Honest Purpose: Knowing why you do what you do, based on a truthful understanding of yourself and the world.  2. Self-Examination: Regularly reflecting on one's actions and thoughts to ensure they align with one's values. 3. Steady Obedience to What is Right: Committing to what is morally and ethically right, consistently acting according to one's principles. 4.  Indifference ...

A monologue inspired by the ideas in Marcus Aurelius' quote. The character speaks to themselves or an unseen audience, contemplating the essence of true greatness and personal integrity. Title: "The Measure of a Man" a  Measure of Being Human. Character: A contemplative individual, reflecting on their life and choices. Monologue: I stand here, not to impress, not to be seen. I stand here to know... to understand. What is the measure of a man? Is it his wealth? His titles? The applause of the crowd that gathers and disperses with the wind? No. Greatness—true greatness—is not found in the eyes of others. It is found here, in the quiet chambers of one's own mind. It is the consciousness of an honest purpose in life. Yes, a purpose, clear and unshaken, like a mountain standing firm against the storms. A purpose that is not borrowed from others, not molded by the opinions of the world, but forged in the fires of my own soul. Do I know myself? Have I dared to look within an...

Embracing Our Heritage Through Healthy Eating African American cuisine is more than just food; it is a celebration of heritage, resilience, and creativity. By choosing traditional foods like buttermilk, watermelon, collard greens, and sweet potatoes, we not only honor our ancestors but also nourish our bodies with foods that are wholesome, natural, and full of flavor. Rediscovering these traditional foods helps us connect with our roots, create healthier lifestyles, and share the richness of African American culture with the world. Traditional African American Foods That Are Healthy and Rich in Culture African American cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, history, and tradition, deeply rooted in the resourcefulness and creativity of our ancestors. Many of these foods, passed down through generations, not only tell a story but also offer substantial health benefits. Here, we celebrate some traditional African American foods like buttermilk and watermelon, exploring their cultural sign...

A Work in Progress.  It’s intriguing that my nephew perceived his grandfather as practicing voodoo. Or is he seeing the devil within which is  complex and culturally loaded.  It is like he’s associating voodoo the devil within. He saw myterious behavior in his grandfather that could be seem as innate.  A deep and pervasive aspect of human nature—negativity often seems to have a magnetic pull. Psychological studies suggest that our brains are wired for a "negativity bias," which means we are more likely to notice, dwell on, and remember negative experiences over positive ones. This bias could have evolved as a survival mechanism, helping early humans to remain vigilant against threats. However, in the modern world, this bias often manifests in unhelpful ways, such as criticism, judgment, and conflict. Negativity can feel easier because it taps into primal emotions like fear, anger, and insecurity, which can be powerful and immediate. Positivity, on the other hand, oft...

  Theatrical Monologue: "The Challenge of Love" [Setting: A dimly lit stage with a single spotlight on a solitary figure, dressed simply, perhaps in a contemporary outfit. The figure paces slowly, reflecting deeply before addressing the audience.] Character: You know, I used to think love was simple. Like the songs, the stories—boy meets girl, happy ending, easy as that. But the older I get, the more I see that love—real love—is anything but simple. [Pauses, looks down, then up at the audience.] Everywhere I turn, the world screams for attention. Sensational headlines, reality shows, social media posts—it’s all noise, isn’t it? And in that noise, love gets lost. Love, the way it was meant to be, the way it was written in the good book, isn’t flashy enough. It’s not loud or bold. It’s patient, kind...quiet. Who has time for quiet these days? [Stops pacing, stands still, and looks into the distance.] Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But whe...

Based on Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Below is a blog and monolog about the personal writings of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 A.D., the Meditations is  a collection of private notes he wrote to himself, written in Koine Greek.  The work is divided into twelve books that chronicle different periods of Aurelius’ life.  A central theme of the Meditations is the importance of analyzing one’s judgment of self and others and developing a cosmic perspective. A Theatrical Monologue Based on Meditations Setting: A quiet, contemplative space. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, sits alone, lost in thought. Setting: A quiet, contemplative space. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, sits alone, lost in thought. Marcus: I have lived a life of power and privilege, a life of war and conquest. But as I age, I find myself drawn to the quiet corners of my mind, to the simple truths that lie beneath the surface of the world. I have stood atop the highest mountain, gazed ...

The Giggles' Curse Once upon a time, in the heart of the African savanna, there lived a mischievous hyena named Giggles. Giggles was unlike any other hyena. While her fellow hyenas were known for their fierce hunting and their fearsome howls, Giggles was more interested in laughter. She loved to laugh, even when there was nothing funny to laugh about. One day, Giggles decided to play a trick on the world. She climbed to the top of a tall baobab tree and began to laugh, louder and louder. The animals in the savanna were startled. They looked up at Giggles, wondering what was so funny. "Nothing," Giggles replied, between laughs. "I'm just laughing because I can." The animals were confused. They had never heard a hyena laugh before. Some of them thought Giggles was crazy, while others were simply amused. Giggles continued to laugh for days on end. Her laughter echoed through the savanna, filling the air with a strange, joyful sound. Soon, the animals began to i...

The Laughing Hyena Once upon a time, in the heart of the African savanna, there lived a mischievous hyena named Giggles. Giggles was unlike any other hyena. While her fellow hyenas were known for their fierce hunting and their fearsome howls, Giggles was more interested in laughter. She loved to laugh, even when there was nothing funny to laugh about. One day, Giggles decided to play a trick on the world. She climbed to the top of a tall baobab tree and began to laugh, louder and louder. The animals in the savanna were startled. They looked up at Giggles, wondering what was so funny. "Nothing," Giggles replied, between laughs. "I'm just laughing because I can. The animals were confused. They had never heard a hyena laugh before. Some of them thought Giggles was crazy, while others were simply amused. Giggles continued to laugh for days on end. Her laughter echoed through the savanna, filling the air with a strange sound. Soon, the animals began to imitate her. They s...

Mila's Journey in Learning about Coal Miners!  Mila was a curious 8-year-old girl who loved to hear stories, especially those from faraway places. She lived in a cozy apartment in a bustling city with her mother, Nana Rose, who always had fascinating tales to share. This year, Nana Rose had gone on a big adventure to a place called Katowice in Poland, to attend a Wikimania conference. Mila was eager to hear all about it. One evening, after dinner, Mila snuggled up next to Nana Rose on their big, comfy couch. “Tell me everything, Nana! What did you see in Katowice? What did you learn?” Mila asked, her eyes wide with excitement. Nana Rose smiled and began her story. “Ah, Mila, Katowice is a city filled with stories of strength and hard work. When I was there, I saw something very special—a band made up of coal miners. They wore dark uniforms with shiny brass buttons, and they played trumpets, tubas, and drums. Their music was powerful, like the rumble of a train.” “Coal miners?” Mila...

Lena and the Magic of the Miners Summary: Lena, a curious 8-year-old girl from Brooklyn, accompanies her mother, Mae, to a Wikimania conference in Katowice, Poland. There, she discovers the rich history of the Polish coal miners and learns about the importance of honoring one’s heritage and the power of hard work, courage, and community.  Through her adventures, Lena learns that different places have unique stories that can teach us valuable lessons about life. Lena and the Magic of the Miners Lena loved stories—especially the ones her mother  told her. Mae had a way of making history come alive, painting vivid pictures with her words. So when  her mother invited Lena to join her on a trip to Poland for a  Wikimania conference, Lena jumped at the chance. "You’ll love it, Lena,"  Mae said with a twinkle in her eye. "Katowice and Krakow are cities with stories carved into their cobblestones." After a long flight, they arrived in Katowice, a city bustling with peop...

  Reflections from Wikimania: A Journey Through Poland and Beyond *By Linda Dabo Travel has always been a powerful way to open the mind and awaken the senses. This year, I had the privilege of attending the Wikimania 2024 conference in Katowice, Poland, thanks to the support of the Wikimedia Foundation.  The experience was not just about attending sessions and discussions; it was a journey through history, culture, and the stories of people who have shaped their world in ways both big and small. As I continue to reflect on my time in Poland, I am struck by how much travel and conferences like these can teach us—about the places we visit and, more importantly, about ourselves. The Power of Conferences and Travel There’s something about being in a new place that makes you more observant. The sights, sounds, and even the way the air feels all seem heightened when you are somewhere unfamiliar. This was the case for me in Poland, just as it had been during my trip to Singapore for ...

  I recently visited Katowice and Krakow, Poland for a Wikimania 2024,conference. I am still relishing and learning from the experience of just being elsewhere. I become more observant when I travel. I am grateful for the opportunity that I got from the Wikimedia Foundation.  It is like all my senses open up from travel and a conference. I spend months after attending a conference learning about what I experienced. I did the same thing last year after visiting Singapore. I was intrigued, and was in pursuit to learn more about a Singapore and doing the same with Poland.  Singapore captured my imagination. I loved seeing the solidarity of a nation, and how Singapore developed into a prosperous City State under the leadership of Kuan Lee Yeh. I was int by in just a matter of 25 years a country and its people developed. The experience made me look around at my country, my city when I returned to the United States.  It made me think how in the US we can spend decades in d...

  I wonder as I wander Langston Hughes.   A Journey Through Langston Hughes' "I Wonder as I Wander" "I Wonder as I Wander" is a captivating memoir by Langston Hughes, offering a vivid account of his travels and experiences during the turbulent 1930s. Through his vivid storytelling, Hughes invites readers to accompany him on his global adventures, from the vibrant streets of Harlem to the exotic landscapes of Cuba, Russia, and beyond. Key Themes and Insights: Personal and Political Reflections: Hughes' memoir intertwines personal anecdotes with broader social and political commentary, providing a unique perspective on the era. He explores themes of race, class, and identity, offering insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The Power of Travel: Hughes' wanderlust takes him to diverse countries and cultures, allowing him to broaden his horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world. His experiences highlight the transformative...

I wonder as I wander Langston Hughes.   A Journey Through Langston Hughes' "I Wonder as I Wander" "I Wonder as I Wander" is a captivating memoir by Langston Hughes, offering a vivid account of his travels and experiences during the turbulent 1930s. Through his vivid storytelling, Hughes invites readers to accompany him on his global adventures, from the vibrant streets of Harlem to the exotic landscapes of Cuba, Russia, and beyond. Key Themes and Insights: Personal and Political Reflections: Hughes' memoir intertwines personal anecdotes with broader social and political commentary, providing a unique perspective on the era. He explores themes of race, class, and identity, offering insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The Power of Travel: Hughes' wanderlust takes him to diverse countries and cultures, allowing him to broaden his horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world. His experiences highlight the transformative p...

What is GLAM and how does it relate to Wikipedia as a project?  GLAM and Wikipedia: A Partnership for Knowledge GLAM is an acronym that stands for Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums. These institutions are the custodians of vast amounts of cultural heritage, including historical documents, artwork, and scientific data.    Wikipedia is a free, online encyclopedia that's collaboratively edited by volunteers worldwide. It's a platform for sharing knowledge and information.    The GLAM-Wiki Initiative is a collaboration between these two worlds. It aims to:    Share cultural heritage: GLAM institutions can provide high-quality content like images, documents, and expert knowledge to enrich Wikipedia articles.    Increase accessibility: By making this content available on Wikipedia, it becomes more accessible to a wider audience.    Promote open knowledge: The initiative aligns with Wikipedia's core principle of free and open acc...

The Clever Crow and the Greedy Fox: A Tale of Wits Once upon a time, high up in a towering oak tree, lived a wise and cautious crow named Edgar. Edgar was known throughout the forest for his intelligence and his love of cheese. One sunny afternoon, Edgar discovered a particularly delicious piece of cheese, a prize he had been searching for for weeks. As Edgar sat perched on a branch, savoring the moment, a cunning fox named Rupert appeared below. Rupert was infamous for his trickery and his insatiable appetite. He immediately spotted the cheese and devised a plan to steal it.the  With a sly grin, Rupert began to approach the tree. "Good day, noble bird," he called up. "Your feathers are a sight to behold." Edgar, though wary, was flattered. "Thank you," he replied. "And yours, too, are quite impressive for a fox." "I hear that you are the wisest bird in the forest," Rupert continued. "They say you can solve any riddle and answer an...

  Sent by Copilot: Certainly! Here’s the revised version of our story: Title: “The Lantern of the Deep” Once upon a time, in the heart of the Silesian Mountains, there existed a tight-knit community of Polish coal miners. Their days were filled with backbreaking work, as they descended deep into the earth to extract the precious black gold that fueled their homes and cities above. Among these miners was a young boy named Jarek. His father, Grzegorz, had been a miner for decades, and he taught Jarek the ways of the tunnels—the winding paths, the creaking wooden supports, and the ever-present darkness. But there was one thing that set Jarek apart: his fascination with the magical lantern. The lantern was no ordinary light source. It glowed with an otherworldly radiance, casting a warm, golden hue that banished the shadows. Jarek’s grandfather had discovered it deep within the mine, tucked away in a forgotten chamber. Legend had it that the lantern was a gift from the spirits of the e...