Linda's Blogspot

Auditing War Spending: A Progressive Milestone in Government Transparency For decades, American taxpayers have funded wars and foreign interventions without full transparency on where their money goes. However, a growing push for auditing government war spending—particularly USAID and military expenditures—marks a historic and monumental shift in accountability. The American people are now seeing the receipts of war, a progressive development that could reshape both domestic and international politics. The Power of War Receipts: Where Does the Money Go? The U.S. government has spent trillions on military interventions, foreign aid, and defense contracts, often with minimal oversight. For years, critics have demanded transparency, asking: How much of our tax money goes to private military contractors? Who benefits financially from prolonged conflicts? How does USAID (the U.S. Agency for International Development) influence foreign politics using taxpayer funds? Now, for the first time, ...

The Decline of Critical Thinking in an Age of Instant Gratification In an era of limitless information, one might assume that people are more informed, thoughtful, and engaged than ever before. Yet, a growing body of evidence suggests that critical thinking skills are in decline, attention spans are shrinking, and intellectual rigor is being replaced by a culture of instant gratification. Many factors contribute to this shift, including education trends, mass media consumption, and changing social values. While platforms like YouTube offer vast opportunities for learning, many people engage with content passively, expecting knowledge to be handed to them without effort. This has profound consequences, not only for education but for society as a whole. The Impact of Media on Critical Thinking Mass media has long shaped public discourse, but the way we consume information has changed dramatically. Instead of actively engaging with complex ideas, many people today passively consume conten...

  Alternative Education Models: Restoring Rigor and Morality in Learning As concerns over public education grow, many parents and educators are turning to alternative education models to provide children with rigorous academics and moral grounding. Alex Newman, in his book Indoctrinating Our Children to Death , highlights classical education, religious schooling, and independent learning approaches as viable alternatives to mainstream public schooling. These models prioritize intellectual depth, personal responsibility, and ethical development—elements that critics argue are lacking in today's government-run schools. 1. Classical Education: A Time-Tested Approach What It Is: Classical education is rooted in the trivium —a three-stage model of learning: Grammar Stage (Elementary Years): Focuses on memorization, foundational knowledge, and language mastery. Logic Stage (Middle School Years): Emphasizes reasoning, critical thinking, and structured debate. Rhetoric Stage (H...

  Is Public Education Failing Our Children? A Look at Alex Newman’s Indoctrinating Our Children to Death Education has always been a battleground for ideas, shaping not just young minds but the future of society. In recent years, debates over school curricula, parental rights, and ideological influences have intensified. Alex Newman’s book, Indoctrinating Our Children to Death: Government Schools’ War on Faith, Family, & Freedom – And How to Stop It, adds to this debate by arguing that public schools are no longer institutions of learning but centers of ideological indoctrination. The Core Argument of the Book Newman, an investigative journalist and education reform advocate, presents a compelling case that the U.S. education system has shifted away from its original mission of academic excellence and intellectual development. Instead, he contends that it has been repurposed to shape children’s worldviews in ways that undermine faith, family, and personal freedoms. 1. A System ...

The Force Within: Understanding Ourselves for a Healthier Future In our modern world, chronic illness and aging are often seen as inevitable burdens—problems to be solved with medicine, technology, and external interventions. But what if the key to better health and a longer, more vibrant life isn’t just in external solutions but in understanding the force within? Science is beginning to confirm what ancient wisdom traditions have long taught: our inner world—our thoughts, emotions, and even cellular energy—plays a vital role in our overall well-being. If we were taught from a young age how to align with the life force within us, could we create a healthier, more harmonious world? The World Within: Mitochondria, Energy, and the Force of Life At the foundation of our physical existence are mitochondria—tiny organelles within our cells that produce energy. Without them, life as we know it wouldn’t exist. They determine how much energy we have, how we age, and how resistant we are to chro...

  When DEI Works: A Wikipedia Editor’s Perspective For the past ten years, I have been a volunteer Wikipedia editor, contributing to an ever-growing body of knowledge that millions of people access daily. My work focuses on creating and improving articles about African Americans, Africans, and the African diaspora—topics that are often underrepresented in mainstream historical narratives. As an African American editor, I have witnessed firsthand how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives can succeed when individuals actively participate in shaping knowledge. Why I Write: The Power of Representation I began editing Wikipedia because I saw gaps in representation. Too often, the histories, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities were either missing or incomplete. I knew that if I wanted to see change, I had to be part of it. Wikipedia’s mission is to provide free knowledge to everyone, but knowledge is only as inclusive as the people who co...

  Review and summary of the book: The Master Algorithm: How the Quest for the Ultimates Learning Machine Will Remake Our World By Pedro Domingos Introduction Machine learning is at the heart of modern artificial intelligence (AI), transforming industries from healthcare to finance. In The Master Algorithm , Pedro Domingos explores the idea that a single, all-encompassing algorithm—what he calls the "Master Algorithm"—could potentially learn anything given enough data. The book serves as both an introduction to machine learning for general readers and a deep dive into the competing paradigms within AI research. Chapter Overview and Summary The Machine-Learning Revolution Domingos begins by explaining how machine learning has already changed our world. From recommendation systems to self-driving cars, algorithms are quietly reshaping industries and everyday life. He sets the stage for his central question: Can a single algorithm learn everything? The Pieces of the Pu...

Library 2.0: A Resource for Librarians and Information Professionals When learning how to navigate Wikipedia and other online knowledge platforms, it’s essential to understand the broader landscape of digital libraries and professional networks that support information sharing. One such platform is Library 2.0, a global online community dedicated to librarians and information professionals. What is Library 2.0? Library 2.0 was founded in 2007 and has since grown into a network of over 51,000 members. The platform serves as a hub for discussions on the evolving role of libraries in the digital age, particularly in the integration of Web 2.0 technologies into library services. It offers resources such as webinars, mini-conferences, and discussion forums that explore contemporary library issues. How Does Library 2.0 Support Information Professionals? The platform hosts regular online events, including keynote panels and crowd-sourced presentations, fostering collaboration among librarians...

The wealthiest New Yorkers were often seen as benefactors, people who contributed to the common good, and their wealth was generally viewed with a sense of admiration for what they built. Unlike some perspectives today, the wealthier citizens of the early 20th century were often seen as leaders who provided opportunities for others to flourish, whether through their support of the arts, public spaces, or institutions that served the broader community. The Rockefeller family’s contributions to public spaces, like the creation of public parks, or Carnegie’s support for libraries, are prime examples of how the wealthy were often viewed as integral to the well-being of all citizens. The Spirit of Giving: A Different View of Wealth In contrast to some of the wealth-focused rhetoric we hear today, the wealthiest New Yorkers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were often viewed in a much more favorable light. Many of them were seen not as detached elites, but as civic-minded individuals...

  The Spiritual and Cultural Forces that Shaped New York City’s Golden Age New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, owes much of its transformative growth and artistic richness to movements that blossomed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among these movements, the New Thought movement stands out for its profound influence on the city's growth, prosperity, and cultural wealth. Centered on the belief in the power of positive thinking, spiritual empowerment, and the law of attraction, New Thought provided the philosophical and spiritual framework that fueled much of New York’s creative renaissance. At its core, New Thought encouraged individuals to believe in their inherent power to shape their lives through thoughts and intentions. This mindset of optimism, possibility, and abundance found a fertile ground in New York City, where individuals from all walks of life were eager to create something new and transformative. It was in this environ...

Abdullah: The Black Mystic of 30 West 72nd Street Abdullah, often referred to as the Ethiopian mystic, remains an enigmatic yet influential figure in the world of metaphysical thought. Primarily known through the teachings of Neville Goddard, Abdullah played a crucial role in introducing the concept that "imagination creates reality." His teachings shaped Goddard’s philosophy and continue to inspire spiritual seekers today. However, little is documented about Abdullah outside of Goddard’s accounts, adding to the mystery surrounding his life and identity. Residence at 30 West 72nd Street During the early 1930s, Abdullah lived at 30 West 72nd Street in New York City, an address that became a center for spiritual discussion and esoteric teachings. This building was owned by Henry Morgenthau Sr., a prominent financier and diplomat. His son, Henry Morgenthau Jr., later served as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Goddard recalled that Abdulla...

  Unlocking the Future of Healthcare: How AI and Genomic Data Are Revolutionizing Precision Medicine In today’s rapidly evolving medical landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into genomic analysis is transforming the way we understand, diagnose, and treat disease. As highlighted in Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh’s compelling book Smarter Healthcare with AI, AI's ability to analyze complex genomic data is unlocking groundbreaking insights into the underlying mechanisms of disease—ushering in a new era of precision medicine and personalized therapies. For decades, healthcare has largely relied on a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatments and interventions were designed based on population-level data, with limited consideration of the genetic diversity that makes each individual unique. However, as genomic sequencing technologies have become faster and more affordable, an enormous wealth of biological data has become available. Yet, the sheer volume and complexity of this da...

Design Thinking in Everyday Life: Two Gentle Stories That Teach Children Empathy and Creative Problem-Solving By Linda Dabo Intro: What if we could teach children that solving problems starts not with tools or technology—but with listening, caring, and imagining better ways to help others? Design thinking is often seen as a method for inventors, doctors, and engineers. But at its heart, it’s a way of being that children can begin to understand early in life. Through simple stories, we can nurture young minds to observe thoughtfully, respond creatively, and build with empathy. Here are two children’s stories that gently illustrate design thinking in action—right at home and in the neighborhood. Story 1: Grandma Lila’s Special Cup Every morning, Grandma Lila sipped her tea from a rosy-colored ceramic cup. But her fingers were getting stiff, and the cup was getting harder to hold. Her granddaughter, Maya, noticed—but instead of offering a quick fix, she asked questions. “What do you love ...

Monologue: An Elderly African American Priestess on Her Porch (The scene: A small porch, framed by a garden of vibrant flowers and winding ivy. The sun begins to dip, casting a golden light across the neighborhood. An elderly African American priestess, with silver hair and a wise, calm demeanor, sits in a rocking chair. She slowly rocks back and forth as she gazes out at the horizon. Her voice is slow, deep, and filled with reverence as she speaks.) Priestess: Ah, blue... the color of the heavens, the color of my soul’s song. We’ve always been drawn to it, haven’t we? From the time we first looked up at the sky, we’ve known it in our bones. The Earth gave us this gift, a quiet, powerful gift, to remind us of the depth of who we are. You see, child, blue is not just a color. It’s a sacred vibration that runs through us like a river. It’s the color of the ocean’s mysteries, of the vastness above, and the depth within. When I was a young girl, my grandmother would tell me stories about i...

  The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of the Color Blue in African and African American Traditions The color blue, particularly the deep and rich hues of indigo, has held significant spiritual and cultural importance in African traditions for centuries. From its connection to the divine and the earth to its role in cultural identity and survival, blue—especially indigo—has transcended time and geography, continuing to shape not only African cultures but also the African American experience. This article explores the profound symbolism of blue and indigo in African spirituality and culture and traces its impact on the African American community. Indigo and the Divine: The Role of Blue in African Spirituality 1. Yemaya and the Spirituality of Blue In many African traditions, blue is more than just a color; it holds a sacred connection to spiritual realms and is deeply intertwined with religious practices. One of the most prominent deities associated with the color blue in African...

  The Color Blue: A Bridge Between Ancient Egypt and Modern Biology The color blue, often associated with the vastness of the sky and the depths of the oceans, has held deep significance in cultures throughout history. In ancient Egypt, blue was not just a pigment but a symbol—one that conveyed divine power, regeneration, and the very essence of life itself. While the ancient Egyptians had no knowledge of mitochondria, the modern biological powerhouse of the cell, there is an intriguing philosophical parallel between the blue that adorned their gods and the blue that often represents energy and vitality in the world of modern science. Blue in Ancient Egyptian Culture: The Color of Life and Divinity In ancient Egypt, blue was a color imbued with divine meaning. It was not simply a visual choice in art; it was a powerful symbol of life, regeneration, and connection to the divine. Gods were often depicted with blue skin to signify their celestial nature. Amun , the creator god, w...

  African Sacred Science: The Spiritual Roots of Knowledge in the Work of Dr. Charles S. Finch By Linda Dabo Introduction: Science and Spirit as One In ancient African civilizations, the study of nature was never separate from the realm of the sacred. In the works of Dr. Charles S. Finch—physician, historian, and scholar—we discover a powerful truth: African science was sacred science , and African medicine was the healing art of spiritual alignment . Drawing from his seminal books— The Star of Deep Beginnings , Echoes of the Old Dark Land , and The African Background to Medical Science —this article offers a synthesized view of Finch’s contributions to understanding Africa’s profound scientific and spiritual heritage. The Universe as a Living Intelligence “The African priest-scientist was never simply an observer of nature but a participant in its mysteries, perceiving divine intelligence in every force and form.” — The Star of Deep Beginnings Dr. Finch emphasizes th...

Life Lessons from the book Gifts of the Heart (Gifts of the Heart) written by Hassan A Tetteh  Lessons from the Frontlines: What War Taught Him About Life, Courage, and Kindness The work of Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh is profound, insightful, and encouraging  A  heart surgeon who has experienced  war zones can  teach us about living a meaningful life? Lessons from Dr Hassan A Tetteh  During his time as a military physician, he witnessed not only the extremes of human suffering but also the remarkable power of resilience, teamwork, and compassion. These experiences, lived on the frontlines of combat medicine, taught him life lessons that continued to guide him well beyond the operating room or battlefield. He turned those lessons into a book Gifts of the Heart.   Lessons from the Frontlines: What War Taught Him About Life, Courage, and Kindness. The book is for anyone who’s ever struggled to find courage in the face of fear, or purpose in the midst of cha...