Linda's Blogspot

New York City Named Best City in the World for 2025 May 30, 2025 New York City has once again secured its status as a global powerhouse, earning the title of Best City in the World for 2025, according to Oxford Economics’ prestigious Global Cities Index. This marks the second year in a row that the city has topped the list, a reflection of its resilience, economic strength, and dynamic urban life. The Global Cities Index evaluates 1,000 cities worldwide across five critical categories: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance. New York City scored a perfect 100 overall, excelling particularly in the economic category. Analysts credited the city’s robust GDP, high income per capita, and status as home to numerous global corporate headquarters. Despite its top ranking, the report also pointed out challenges. NYC ranked 168th in governance and 161st in environment, citing issues like economic inequality, low diversity in certain sectors, and the persistent bu...

  AI and the Crisis of Human Thinking: A Mirror to Our Cognitive Decline By Linda Dabo  Artificial intelligence (AI), once the stuff of science fiction, now occupies a powerful role in our daily lives. It performs tasks we once thought only humans could do: learning, reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving. As I read more about what AI is capable of—particularly in the realm of cognition—I can’t help but notice a sobering contrast: the very qualities AI is designed to mimic seem increasingly absent in the behavior of many people, especially in the United States. AI refers to the ability of machines to replicate human cognitive functions using complex algorithms, data analysis, and pattern recognition. It operates without emotional interference, without fatigue, and without the need for approval or belonging. It focuses on logic, consistency, and outcomes. Yet many humans today seem to operate in the opposite direction—driven more by emotional impulse than thoughtful in...

  Healers in War: Honoring the Battlefield Surgeons of Memorial Day By Linda Dabo  Each year on Memorial Day, Americans gather to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. We visit cemeteries, attend parades, and offer tributes to fallen heroes who fought for freedom. But among the uniforms and sacrifice, there is a quieter story—a story of those who did not go to war to take life, but to save it. These are the battlefield surgeons. Often working under fire, in makeshift tents or crowded field hospitals, combat surgeons are the guardians of life in places where death is a constant presence. They operate under immense pressure, limited resources, and in environments far removed from the calm sterility of civilian hospitals. They are witness to the worst of war—and the best of human resilience. One such individual is Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh, a U.S. Navy combat trauma surgeon, heart and lung transplant specialist, and author. His work saving lives in wa...

  Mitochondrial Health  To support mitochondrial health, certain nutrients and supplements can be particularly helpful. Mitochondria are responisible for producing energy (ATP) in your cells, and they require specific cofactors and antioxidants to function optimally and stay protected from oxidative stress. Here are some well-researched supplements that assist mitochondrial health: 1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or Ubiquinol Role: Essential for energy production and antioxidant protection. Form: Ubiquinol is the more bioavailable form, especially beneficial for older adults. 2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) Role: Antioxidant that helps regenerate other antioxidants; supports glucose metabolism and mitochondrial enzymes. 3. L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) Role: Transports fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Note: Acetyl-L-carnitine also supports brain health. 4. Magnesium Role: Required for ATP synthesis; involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those in mitocho...

  Spiritual Movements in Early New York City: A Sanctuary for the Soul In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, New York City stood at the crossroads of industrial expansion and a burgeoning spiritual renaissance. Amid the clang of streetcars and the towering rise of tenements, the city became a vibrant incubator for diverse spiritual philosophies and communities seeking enlightenment beyond the material world. This era witnessed the founding of significant religious and metaphysical movements, many of which left enduring imprints on the city’s cultural and architectural landscape. Theosophical Society: East 53rd Street Founded in 1875 by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge, the Theosophical Society began its journey in New York City. Its current headquarters at 240 E 53rd Street stands as a beacon for those exploring the esoteric and universal truths underlying all religions. The society attracted intellectuals and spiritual seekers, contribu...

New York City to celebrate Africa Day 2025:  🌍 Africa Day Celebration at The Africa Center – Harlem Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: The Africa Center, 1280 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029  The Africa Center is hosting its 3rd annual Africa Day celebration, featuring:  A curated vendor market showcasing artisans and designers from the African diaspora A live recording of the No Wahala podcast in collaboration with AfroFuture and OkayAfrica Live music, food, and cultural performances  This event is free and open to the public.   🏛️ Africa Day Celebration at NYC Council Chambers Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM; Event begins at 6:00 PM Location: New York City Council Chambers  The New York City Council is hosting an Africa Day celebration in the Council Chambers. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP through the NYC Council's official channels.   🎉 AfroFuture x Africa Day Weekend – Various...

  Anger and Hate Are Not Our Purpose There’s a heavy cloud that seems to follow many of us these days—a sharpness in words, a quickness to attack, a restlessness in our spirit. People are angry. People are hateful. And we keep asking: why? Some say it’s because people are hurting. And yes, hurt can often show itself as rage or bitterness. But I believe something else is happening too—something deeper and quieter. I believe much of the anger and hate we see in the world today comes from a kind of forgetfulness. A forgetting of who we are. A forgetting of why we’re here.if  Not everyone who is angry is in pain. Some are simply lost in a world of distraction and disconnection. Many people haven’t been taught how to know themselves. They’ve never been given tools to reflect, to feel deeply, to pause before reacting. There’s an ignorance—not of intelligence, but of self. A lack of self-knowledge, of spiritual awareness, of emotional literacy. And in that vacuum, anger becomes the l...

Abdullah the Black Mystic: The Ethiopian Mystic Who Taught Neville Goddard and Joseph Murphy In the early 20th century,  in an apartment at 30 West 72nd Street in New York City, lived a spiritual teacher whose influence shaped generations of metaphysical thinkers. Abdullah the Black Mystic, an Ethiopian-born Kabbalist and mystic of Jewish heritage, never published a book or toured the world giving lectures. Yet his teachings directly influenced Neville Goddard, Joseph Murphy, and the wider New Thought movement. A Spiritual Teacher in New York City  Abdullah’s life remains largely a mystery. We know he lived in New York, spoke Hebrew fluently, and had a deep understanding of Kabbalah, esoteric Christianity, and mystical interpretation of sacred texts. Students who came to him often described him as a force of clarity and conviction—a man who understood the power of imagination and the divine nature within each human being. Mentoring Neville Goddard In 1931, a young Neville Godd...

The Power of Mentorship: Lessons from the Life of Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh In a world that often celebrates individual triumphs, the quieter force of mentorship frequently goes unrecognized. Yet, for those who achieve lasting impact, mentors are often the unseen pillars behind their growth. One such inspiring example is Dr. Hassan A. Tetteh—a distinguished heart and lung transplant surgeon, U.S. Navy captain, and visionary leader in the fields of medicine and national security. His life reveals a profound truth: success is not a solitary journey. As one explores Dr. Tetteh's life, a clear pattern emerges—mentorship was a guiding thread through every chapter. From his early academic pursuits to his rigorous military training, and from his surgical expertise to his leadership in innovation and ethics, he consistently found himself in environments that fostered collaboration, discipline, and learning from others. Dr. Tetteh himself has said, “I am the product of great mentors who saw some...

From Pythagoras to Present Reformers: Illumination, Resistance, and the Peril of Truth The story of Pythagoras is more than a relic of ancient philosophy—it is a parable for any age in which a voice rises to challenge entrenched systems. Pythagoras, the mystic and mathematician, built not only theories but a disciplined community dedicated to harmony, truth, and inner order. Yet for all his wisdom, he could not escape the ire of those threatened by his clarity. One man, rejected from his inner circle, retaliated not with introspection, but destruction. The philosopher’s school was burned. His body was slain. But the idea—the illumination—persisted. Today, we witness echoes of that ancient drama in the modern struggle to reform dysfunctional institutions. The push to establish or empower a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is not merely a bureaucratic proposal; it is an existential challenge to systems that have calcified under decades of inefficiency, waste, and self-prese...

  Why I Want the U.S. to Lead in AI—And What That Means for Africa’s Future As the world watches the U.S. and China battle for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), I find myself rooting for the United States—not out of blind patriotism, but because I believe it makes practical and moral sense. As an African American who sees both the flaws and the promise of this country, I believe the U.S. has the capacity to lead in a way that can benefit not just Americans, but global partners—especially Africa. Let’s be clear: the U.S. has a long and painful history of racial injustice. That’s not up for debate. But it's also a country where people fight back, where progress can be made, and where accountability—while messy—is possible. That’s important. Now, contrast that with China. While often spared the same level of global criticism, China has its own track record of racial and ethnic discrimination—against Africans, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other minority groups. Yet this doesn’t domi...

  "AI, Africa, and the Need for Balanced Global Narratives" As the United States and China compete for dominance in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), the stakes go beyond technology. The outcome of this global rivalry will shape not only the future of innovation but also the direction of global partnerships, economic alliances, and social values. For African Americans, the question of which nation should lead in AI has both personal and practical implications. While America has a complex and often painful history of racial injustice, it is also a nation where civil rights movements have forced institutions to evolve and expand their frameworks of equality. This capacity for self-reflection and reform makes the U.S. a dynamic society—one capable of forming meaningful and fair partnerships with emerging global players, including African nations. Africa is increasingly recognized as the next global economic powerhouse. Its young population, growing middle class, an...

The Sweet Truth: Chocolate, Health, and Its Roots in African Cacao Farms Chocolate has long been considered a beloved treat across cultures, often associated with indulgence, romance, and comfort. Yet in recent years, research has shed light on the health benefits of chocolate—particularly dark chocolate—and its potential role in supporting well-being. At the same time, it’s important to recognize the deep-rooted origins of cacao farming, especially in Africa, where much of the world’s chocolate journey begins. Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate While not all chocolate is created equal, dark chocolate—with a cocoa content of 70% or higher—has gained attention for its nutritional value and health-promoting compounds. Here are some of the most recognized benefits: 1. Antioxidant Powerhouse Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, natural compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help the body neutralize harmful free radicals, which contribute to agi...

Bringing the World to Rural Libraries with Kiwix: A Game-Changer for Offline Access to Knowledge In rural communities around the world, internet access can be scarce or non-existent, leaving many people without the tools they need to access vital information, expand their knowledge, or keep up with the latest developments. For libraries in these areas, the challenge is clear: how do you provide information and educational resources to those who need them most, without the internet? Kiwix Kiwix is a free, open-source software that offers offline access to Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, like Wiktionary, Wikivoyage, and Wikibooks. With Kiwix, rural libraries can provide patrons with the world’s knowledge at their fingertips—without requiring an internet connection. Here’s how Kiwix can revolutionize rural libraries: 1. Access to a World of Knowledge—Offline One of the most significant barriers to learning in rural areas is a lack of internet access. With Kiwix, libraries can offe...

Donating Kiwix flash drives to the Redes rural communities in the Sahel areas of Senegal and Mauritania: Proposal for Donating Kiwix Flash Drives to Rural Libraries in the Sahel Areas of Senegal and Mauritania Introduction During my visit to the Sahel regions of Senegal and Mauritania for the Ecofest, I witnessed the immense challenges faced by rural communities in accessing information and educational resources. One of the most significant barriers is the limited availability of reliable internet, which hinders the learning and development opportunities for many individuals, especially students and community members eager to expand their knowledge. As part of my commitment to supporting these communities, I propose donating Kiwix flash drives to Redes Rural Libraries and several other Ecofest partner groups. These flash drives, loaded with offline Wikipedia content and other educational resources, will provide invaluable access to knowledge in areas where internet access is either una...

  Bringing the World to Rural Libraries with Kiwix: A Game-Changer for Offline Access to Knowledge In rural communities around the world, internet access can be scarce or non-existent, leaving many people without the tools they need to access vital information, expand their knowledge, or keep up with the latest developments. For libraries in these areas, the challenge is clear: how do you provide information and educational resources to those who need them most, without the internet? Kiwix Kiwix is a free, open-source software that offers offline access to Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, like Wiktionary, Wikivoyage, and Wikibooks. With Kiwix, rural libraries can provide patrons with the world’s knowledge at their fingertips—without requiring an internet connection. Here’s how Kiwix can revolutionize rural libraries: 1. Access to a World of Knowledge—Offline One of the most significant barriers to learning in rural areas is a lack of internet access. With Kiwix, libraries ca...

  Bringing the World to Rural Libraries with Kiwix: A Game-Changer for Offline Access to Knowledge In rural communities around the world, internet access can be scarce or non-existent, leaving many people without the tools they need to access vital information, expand their knowledge, or keep up with the latest developments. For libraries in these areas, the challenge is clear: how do you provide information and educational resources to those who need them most, without the internet? Kiwix. Kiwix is a free, open-source software that offers offline access to Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, like Wiktionary, Wikivoyage, and Wikibooks. With Kiwix, rural libraries can provide patrons with the world’s knowledge at their fingertips—without requiring an internet connection. Here’s how Kiwix can revolutionize rural libraries: 1. Access to a World of Knowledge—Offline One of the most significant barriers to learning in rural areas is a lack of internet access. With Kiwix, libr...

Mitochondria and the Future of Medicine: Healing Begins at the Cellular Core In the ever-evolving field of medicine, scientists are turning their focus to the very core of our cells—the mitochondria. Often described as the "powerhouses" of the cell, these tiny organelles are revealing themselves to be central players not only in energy production but in the prevention and treatment of some of the most complex human diseases. As our understanding deepens, mitochondria are emerging as key to unlocking the next frontier in personalized and regenerative medicine. The Mitochondria’s Expanding Role Traditionally, mitochondria have been known for one thing: producing ATP, the energy that powers nearly every function of our body. But current research reveals a far richer story. Mitochondria are essential to numerous cellular processes—regulating metabolism, controlling immune responses, dictating cell survival and death, and even influencing genetic expression. They are also hig...

  Children’s Story: Lila and the Healing Nap Lila was a bright girl with a curious heart. She loved puzzles, stories, and solving problems—big ones and small ones. But one cloudy afternoon, her day felt upside down. She had forgotten her lines in a school play, her best friend was grumpy, and even her shoelaces didn’t want to stay tied. When she came home, she threw herself on the couch and sighed. “Nothing is working today!” she mumbled. Her grandmother, Nana Rose, peeked from the kitchen and smiled gently. “Come here, Lila,” she said. “Let me tell you a secret the world often forgets.” Lila sat beside her, curious. “There is a magic place inside every person,” Nana whispered. “It’s called quietude. It’s where your heart can rest, and your mind can take a break.” “Like when I go to sleep?” Lila asked. “Yes,” Nana nodded. “But even before sleep, if you sit quietly and breathe gently, that magic can begin. And when you sleep with calm thoughts, your spirit does a special kind of cle...

  The Healing Power of Quietude and Sleep — Inspired by Manly P. Hall In the wisdom teachings of Manly P. Hall, quietude and sleep are not mere states of inactivity—they are sacred tools for renewal. Hall, a mystic and philosopher, often reminded his listeners and readers that healing does not always come from effort or intellect, but from the deeper rhythms of the soul. When we face stress or confusion, the mind tends to race, seeking solutions. But the more we grasp, the more tangled our thoughts can become. Hall emphasized that in such times, we must enter the “inner sanctuary of silence.” Quietude is not escape—it is alignment. It is the calm surface of the pond where wisdom is reflected. In stillness, we allow higher understanding to rise naturally, without force. Sleep, too, holds a mysterious power. To Hall, sleep is a temple of healing where the conscious mind rests and the subconscious—connected to the deeper soul—can go about its quiet work. When we sleep with peace in ou...

Gut Health and the Future of a Healthier America In recent years, health experts and scientists alike have pointed to an often-overlooked aspect of human wellness: the gut microbiome. Home to trillions of microorganisms, our gut is not just a digestive organ—it’s a powerhouse that affects immunity, brain function, mood, and chronic disease risk. As the United States continues to face high rates of obesity, diabetes, and preventable illnesses, a shift toward holistic and preventive health strategies is urgently needed. Among these strategies, improving gut health through dietary choices stands out as both impactful and accessible. The Role of Prebiotics in Gut Health Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria. When consumed regularly, they promote a healthy microbiome, supporting better digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immune function. Unlike probiotics, which introduce live bacteria into the gut, prebiotics enhance the existing mic...

Get Healthy Starting with Our Guts Our gut health is foundational to how we feel, think, and live every day. Bloating, fatigue, skin issues, mood swings—these may all trace back to an imbalanced gut. As America faces a health crisis driven by poor diets, stress, and sedentary lifestyles, it’s more urgent than ever to make simple, healthy choices that truly nourish us from the inside out. One powerful (and surprisingly easy) way to improve gut health? Prebiotic beverages. Unlike probiotics (the live bacteria found in yogurt or fermented foods), prebiotics are fibers that feed the good bacteria already living in our digestive system. Think of them as fuel for your inner garden. When we nurture those beneficial microbes, the whole body benefits—better digestion, stronger immunity, improved mood, and even reduced inflammation. Prebiotic drinks are functional beverages  popping up in grocery stores, offering an alternative to sugary sodas and artificial juices. Many contain ingredients ...

  Overcoming Negativity as a New Wikipedian When I was first introduced to Wikipedia ten years ago, I encountered a wave of negativity from people unfamiliar with the Wikipedia environment. Many of them were not contributors and had never attended a Wikipedia event or presentation. Yet, they often shared harsh criticisms with surprising intensity whenever I mentioned my involvement. The most common remark I heard was, “Wikipedia isn't accurate because anyone can edit it.” These comments came from individuals who had no direct experience with Wikipedia’s editing process or the wider Wikimedia projects. Their opinions were based on misconceptions rather than informed understanding. At times, this negativity made me question my enthusiasm for contributing. Fortunately, a conversation with a fellow New York City Wikipedian helped shift my perspective. I shared with him the barrage of dismissive and insulting comments I was receiving. He responded with simple but powerful advice: “Just ...

The '''Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference''' (BUGs) is an annual event focused on food justice, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment in Black communities across the United States.  Founded in 2010 by Karen Washington,   [[Regina Ginyard]], the conference provides a platform for Black farmers, urban gardeners, activists, educators, and policymakers to collaborate on agricultural sustainability and equity. == History == The conference was established as a response to systemic challenges faced by Black farmers and urban growers, including [[land loss]], [[food insecurity]], and limited access to agricultural resources. [[Karen Washington]], a food justice advocate, and [[Regina Ginyard]], a community organizer, co-founded the event to create a space for networking, education, and advocacy. The inaugural 2010 conference in Brooklyn, New York, featured [[Will Allen]] as the **first keynote speaker**. Allen, a MacArthur "Genius Grant...