Friday, September 22, 2023
Afcon 2023: Schedule, dates & draw for stars including Mohamed Salah & Andre Onana
from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/kySZP5F
via Gabe's Musing's
MohBad mourners teargassed at Nigeria's Lekki toll gate after Lagos concert
The Struggles and Triumphs of LGBTQ+ Communities in Africa
When you think about Africa, a monolithic view might dance before your eyes, camouflaged in the garb of what you think you know. But dig deeper and you'll find a subterranean level of experiences that defy a single narrative. Here we are, diving into the rollercoaster ride of struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ communities in Africa.
Let's face it, discussing LGBTQ+ communities in Africa is often like navigating a labyrinth while blindfolded. Except, in this labyrinth, some walls are made of legal statutes and others, of deeply entrenched cultural beliefs. You might think you've got the lay of the land, but the walls keep shifting—sometimes dramatically. But here's the kicker: the maze isn't devoid of color. Splashes of courage, art, and activism streak across the walls, signs of victories won and progress made.
Here’s a daily habit to lock this reality in your mental canvas—each morning as you sip your latte, or whatever gives your morning its zing, take two minutes to read an article or watch a clip that’s not from your comfort-zone media. If you're American, steer away from CNN or Fox News. Dive into sources like Mail & Guardian from South Africa or Nairobi News from Kenya. Trust me, two minutes of your day invested in this will not only inform you but provoke you into crucial conversations, and, let's not forget, make you the snazziest talker at your Zoom cocktail party.
Why should you be excited about this? Because Africa is writing its own narrative on LGBTQ+ issues, and it’s as thrilling as the last season finale of your favorite binge-worthy series. From the decriminalization of homosexuality in Angola to queer film festivals in Kenya, this narrative bursts with unanticipated plot twists. Even in the face of 'anti-gay' laws, LGBTQ+ Africans are painting a vibrant tapestry of resistance and resilience that would make Basquiat take a second look.
Let me weave this blog title into an awe-inspiring narrative for you. Picture Joseph, a young man in Uganda with dreams as large as the African sky. He walks the tightrope of being openly gay in a nation that criminalizes his love. But Joseph isn't just about struggle; he's a triumph. He's co-founded a grassroots organization focused on LGBTQ+ mental health. That organization didn't just plant itself like an afterthought; it’s a sequoia of collective efforts, courage, and an indomitable African spirit that refuses to be defined by struggle alone. His story isn't just a one-off; it's part of the genre-bending anthology of what it means to be LGBTQ+ in Africa.
The Individual's Role in Igniting a Movement: A Personal Journey
There's a fire inside each one of us, smoldering and yearning to burst into an all-consuming flame. How do we ignite that spark into a full-blown movement? How can just one individual wield the power to change the course of history? Buckle up, because this isn't just a conversation; it's a call to action.
Ah, the notion of the lone wolf, the one-man army, the unsung hero—captivating, isn't it? But here's the twist: it's not about being a lone wolf; it's about becoming the alpha in a pack of wolves. It's about igniting that spark within and then passing it on like an Olympic torch until it becomes a wildfire of change. As the saying goes, "Be the change you want to see in the world," but let's add a little spice to that: "Be the change, then set the world ablaze with it."
Now, how do you, as an individual, light that matchstick and aim it just right so it sets the pyre ablaze? Simple. Make a habit of "Daily Ignition." No, it's not the name of a new energy drink or a soul-cleansing yoga pose. It's a routine where you do one action daily that aligns with the change you want to ignite. Want to combat climate change? Plant a seed every day. Want to fight social inequality? Share a powerful story or statistic on LinkedIn that educates others. Just one action a day. It's contagious, and before you know it, you've started a movement, right from your cozy armchair and a LinkedIn post.
I can almost feel your pulse quickening, the adrenaline surging through your veins. There's a sense of awe, perhaps even a touch of intimidation. But that's good. Those high-arousal emotions aren't just for roller coasters and horror movies; they're the fuel to your fire. You're not just reading a blog post; you're standing at the precipice of potentially one of the most exciting journeys of your life—turning that spark inside you into a roaring blaze outside.
Let me tell you about Tim. Tim was an accountant, elbows deep in spreadsheets by day and lost in existential musings by night. Tim wanted to make education accessible to all. He wasn't a policymaker or a millionaire; he was just Tim. So, he started "Tutor Tuesdays," offering free online accounting lessons. It caught fire. People started offering their skills—coding, cooking, carpentry. Now, "Tutor Tuesdays" is a global movement, and Tim? Well, he's still an accountant, but one who ignited a revolution from his laptop. That's the power of the individual in birthing a movement.
User Experience Design: Applying Psychological Principles for Success
Ever wonder why some digital platforms just seem to "get you," making navigation a breeze while others feel like an unsolvable maze? Today, let's delve into the psychology behind user experience design and how it shapes our digital lives. Buckle up for a journey that will resonate with anyone who's ever been a user, which is, well, all of us.
You're navigating a new app for the first time, and something magical happens. You intuitively know where to click, what to do next. No frustration. No confusion. Why does this feel so right? It's not by chance; it's by design. A design founded on psychological principles aimed at creating a seamless, emotionally rewarding user experience. We're not just talking about pretty buttons and catchy taglines. We're talking about the psychology of human behavior, needs, and expectations.
Picture this: every morning you grab your smartphone, and as you scroll through your apps, you feel a sense of familiarity, of home. Now, that's not an accident. It's the result of a meticulously crafted user experience design rooted in psychological principles. Each icon you tap, each transition effect you marvel at, is engineered to evoke specific emotions and reactions. That's why your morning scroll becomes a daily habit. It's a routine that stays with you, much like your cup of morning coffee.
The awe you feel when you navigate a brilliantly designed platform? That's no fluke. It's high-arousal excitement, an emotion so potent that it compels you to share your experience with others. The colors, the layout, the micro-interactions—each is a psychological nudge pushing you toward a specific action or emotion. You're not just using the platform; you're living an experience, one that you eagerly share on LinkedIn, because, let's face it, we all crave incredible experiences that make our lives easier.
So, why does any of this matter? Let's bring it home with a story. Imagine Sarah, a young entrepreneur who's launching her first digital product. She's well-versed in her industry but knows zilch about design. She partners with a UX designer who understands the psychology behind user behavior. The result? A product that not only meets but exceeds user expectations. Users flock to her platform, share it with their networks, and voila, Sarah's business takes off. This is the power of applying psychological principles in user experience design. It's not just about making things look good; it's about understanding what makes us tick and designing experiences that resonate on a deeply emotional level.
UFOs and Unexplained Mysteries: A CIA Insider's Perspective
In a recent exploration into the labyrinth of intelligence, geopolitics, and ethics, I found myself captivated. The intersections between technology, ethical quandaries, and the global stage were not just fascinating but deeply relevant. With the world at such a crucial pivot point, I felt compelled to share these insights—insights that navigate the nuanced corridors where nations, ethics, and individual narratives intersect.
You've probably heard the stories or seen the documentaries about UFOs—Unidentified Flying Objects—that captivate our imagination and tickle our curiosity. But when you peel back the layers of sensationalism and conspiracy theories, there's an aspect of this phenomenon that few consider: what does the world of intelligence have to say about it? A CIA insider's perspective on UFOs and unexplained mysteries can be a compelling entry point into the intricate web of geopolitics, ethics, and the human quest for knowledge.
Imagine starting your day by logging into a secure server, sifting through the latest satellite imagery and field reports, not for terrorist threats or nuclear activities, but for UFO sightings. This daily habit could be part of an analyst's routine in a specialized unit within the CIA or other intelligence agencies. It's a routine that reflects our collective yearning to explore the unknown, even as it intersects with national security concerns.
The excitement one feels when engaging with the subject of UFOs isn't just about the possibility of extraterrestrial life; it's also about the awe of confronting the unknown and the inexplicable. These high-arousal emotions can serve as a catalyst for us to delve deeper into the mysteries of our world and our place within the universe. They can inspire us to ask daring questions and challenge established norms.
If you're wondering how UFOs fit into the grand tapestry of geopolitics and intelligence, consider this: Any unexplained aerial phenomenon could have implications for national security. It could be a foreign adversary's advanced technology or perhaps a natural occurrence we've yet to understand. The intelligence community doesn't have the luxury of ignoring these phenomena; they have to investigate, analyze, and, if necessary, act.
Moreover, the rise of China as a technological superpower and Russia's renewed interest in space exploration adds another layer of complexity to the subject. As nations invest more in understanding outer space, the number of unexplained aerial phenomena is likely to increase, further intertwining the realms of geopolitics and the unknown.
In summary, a CIA insider's perspective on UFOs and unexplained mysteries offers a unique lens through which we can explore broader themes like geopolitics, ethics, and the human experience. It encourages us to confront our own assumptions about the known and the unknown, urging us to think more deeply about our place in an increasingly complex world.
Christopher Browning’s Cautionary Tales: Ordinary Men and Extremism
On a same-day visit to both the Holocaust Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), my world view shifted dramatically. The urgency of history, coupled with the current political climate and social unrest, compelled me to write. The time for complacency is over; it's time to engage, learn, and act.
Christopher Browning’s Cautionary Tales: Ordinary Men and Extremism—this title alone sends chills down my spine. You might think it's about a historical event detached from our present, but don't be fooled. It mirrors our daily lives, reminding us that extremism isn't always a distant concept. It's close; sometimes too close for comfort. You could be scrolling through social media one moment, and the next, stumble upon a post that makes you question the very core of your beliefs. That's when it hits you. You're not just a spectator; you're a participant in a drama that has been unfolding for centuries.
So, how can you grapple with this unsettling realization? Make it a routine to examine your opinions critically. Every morning, as you sip your coffee, challenge one belief you hold. Look at it from every angle. Turn it over in your mind as you would a Rubik's Cube. Is it grounded in reason, or is it a product of societal conditioning? This daily habit will not only widen your perspective but also prepare you for the unsettling conversations we should all be having.
The excitement here is not of joy but of discovery—the awe-inspiring, sometimes frightening realization that history isn't just something you read about in textbooks; it's alive, breathing, and shaping our lives every single day. I urge you to harness this excitement, this awe, to share these important conversations.
The United States of America finds itself at an uncanny crossroads, eerily reminiscent of another society that let itself be consumed by extremist ideologies—Nazi Germany. It's like staring at your reflection only to see the ghost of an unsettling past. The polarization, the rise of extremist ideologies, the us-versus-them mentality—it's all there, lurking like a shadow you can't shake off. The lessons are loud and clear: complacency is the enemy of democracy. There's a cost to not paying attention, a price for not being involved.
We're at a critical juncture, not just in American history but in the story of humanity itself. We're the latest chapter in an epic saga that stretches back thousands of years. This is not a drill. It's a call to action, a summons to each one of us to engage with our democracy, protect our rights, and ensure that the land of the free doesn't become a breeding ground for extremist ideologies.
The Unsung Heroes of Retail: Tales from the Checkout Line
In today's fast-paced world, we often overlook the individuals who make our daily lives more manageable. My experiences at the forefront of retail have given me a unique perspective on the unsung heroes who often go unnoticed. Let's dive into the everyday stories that make these roles indispensable in shaping customer experiences.
If you've ever had a moment of revelation while waiting in a checkout line, you're not alone. The checkout line isn't just a place to pay for your groceries; it's a microcosm of human interaction, a place where you can gauge the pulse of society. The people behind these counters don't just scan items and hand out receipts; they are the unsung heroes of retail, the last touchpoint in a consumer's in-store journey.
Imagine starting your day with a smile and an uplifting chat with the cashier as you grab your morning coffee. This small but meaningful interaction sets the tone for the day, making you more optimistic and productive. The habit of engaging with the person behind the counter can transform a routine experience into a source of daily inspiration.
Now, think about the last time you were awe-struck by an employee's ability to manage a crisis. Picture this: it's Black Friday, and the store is swarming with frenzied shoppers. Amidst the chaos, you notice the calm demeanor of the cashier, managing to keep everything running smoothly, even sharing a joke or two. This singular act of grace under pressure can leave you excited to share the tale of this unsung hero with your professional network.
In the grand scheme of things, these tales from the checkout line are stories of resilience, empathy, and exceptional service. They are narratives that exemplify the influence of these everyday heroes in the retail industry. I've had the privilege of working alongside some of these incredible individuals, and their commitment to making even the most mundane tasks memorable never ceases to amaze me.
Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: A Black Immigrant's Perspective
We've all heard about breaking the glass ceiling, but what if the ceiling is made of bamboo? Let's delve into the lesser-known barriers in professional life, particularly as they affect Black immigrants. Intrigued? Stick around.
Feature Article:
From Invisible Barriers to Visible Triumphs
You've probably heard about the glass ceiling, but what about the bamboo ceiling? It's that unspoken, almost invisible barrier that often prevents Black immigrants from climbing the corporate ladder or achieving their full professional potential. The bamboo ceiling is less transparent, often tougher to crack, and, unfortunately, incredibly sturdy. How so? Well, it's not just about race or nationality; it's about the unique intersection of both, sprinkled with cultural nuances and systemic biases.
Coffee and Cultural Nuance
One daily habit that illuminates the topic at hand is the simple act of making coffee. In American workplaces, getting a cup of coffee often involves pushing a button on an automated machine. In contrast, the coffee ceremonies in some African countries are elaborate affairs requiring time and participation. This small divergence magnifies when applied to work culture, team dynamics, and leadership styles. While the American approach values speed and efficiency, the African approach gives weight to community and conversation. The dichotomy creates a daily, lived experience of the bamboo ceiling—a barrier that affects not just career progression but also social interactions.
More Than Just Numbers
Being under the bamboo ceiling doesn't only hamper one's career; it also takes an emotional toll. The emotions oscillate between the excitement of the "American Dream" and the awe of how far one has come, juxtaposed with the stark realization of the many obstacles still ahead. This emotional rollercoaster is not for the faint of heart; it requires resilience, self-assurance, and a robust sense of humor.
A Tale of Two CEOs
Consider the story of Amina, a highly skilled immigrant from Nigeria, and David, a native-born American. Both have similar qualifications and start at the same entry-level position in a tech company. Over the years, David ascends to become a C-level executive, while Amina, equally talented and hardworking, remains stuck in middle management. Amina navigates not just the technical aspects of her job but also the labyrinth of cultural expectations, systemic biases, and unspoken rules that David may not even be aware of.
Quick Tips to Crack the Bamboo Ceiling
- Become a Culture Guru: Understand the dominant culture but also educate others about your own.
- Mentorship Matters: Seek mentors who have broken similar barriers.
- Speak Up, Tactfully: Learn how to articulate your value without being perceived as arrogant or confrontational.
Spotlight: The Quiet Strength of Amina
Amina eventually breaks through by starting her own tech company, focusing on diversity and inclusion. Her firm becomes a case study in how to shatter the bamboo ceiling, inspiring a new generation of Black immigrants to aspire without limitations.
Industry Insights: The Changing Face of Leadership
Recent trends show a slow but steady increase in diversity at the executive level, particularly among technology companies. While it's a step in the right direction, there's still a long way to go to shatter those bamboo ceilings completely.
Reader's Corner: "How Do I Tackle Microaggressions at Work?"
Microaggressions are those subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors that permeate the workplace. Addressing them requires a mix of tact, courage, and education. It's not just about calling out the offender but also about creating an environment where such behavior is not tolerated.
The Role of Big Data in Modern Decision-Making
Ah, Big Data. It's the heartbeat pulsing through modern enterprises, the invisible hand steering our choices, and the wizard behind the curtain of today's world. What can't it do? Well, let's peel back the layers and explore its role in shaping decisions, from the mundane to the monumental.
Feature Article:
Unveiling the Puppeteer: How Big Data Orchestrates Our Choices
It's 6:30 a.m., and your smart speaker nudges you awake. It has predicted—based on Big Data—that you're most productive between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. So, it's only doing its "civic duty" to rouse you for prime productivity time. Ah, Big Data, that ever-watchful sentinel, knows more about our habits than we do.
Let's be honest; Big Data has its tentacles wrapped around every facet of our lives. Your morning coffee preference? A data point. Your erratic online shopping habits during full moons? Another set of data points. It's like the quiet roommate who observes your every move but, instead of being creepy, serves you tailored life advice.
But here’s the twist. We can't just view Big Data as a modern oracle, doling out answers like a vending machine. No, it's more akin to a collaborative artist—molding clay here, adding color there—actively participating in the decision-making process. Consider your daily workout routine. Your smartwatch nudges you to run faster or slow down, not just because it's a fancy gadget, but because it's crunching real-time data on your heart rate, previous performance, and, perhaps, how much you cheated on your diet last night.
As you sip your artisanal, cold-brew, non-dairy, cruelty-free latte, consider this: Big Data is the invisible scriptwriter of our lives, crafting narratives we actively partake in. And as we step into our roles, we aren't just automatons following a preset script; we're co-authors in this grand epic.
Quick Tips or FAQs:
Data Nuggets: Bite-Sized Wisdom for Data-Driven Lives
- Data Hygiene: Frequently clean your data sets to improve their quality and relevance.
- Human Check: Always apply the human touch to data-driven decisions. Data can guide, but not replace, human intuition.
- Privacy Matters: Be aware of the data you’re sharing, especially with free apps and services. You're not the customer; you're the product.
Spotlight:
The Oracle of Finance: A Quick Chat with Ray Dalio
Ray Dalio, the man behind Bridgewater Associates, has always been a fan of data. But not just any data—quality, actionable insights. He's often seen as the Yoda of finance, meditating over spreadsheets and market trends. "Data," he says, "is the canvas upon which we project our theories, our models. But remember, the canvas is static; we bring it to life."
Upcoming Trends or News:
The Data Frontier: What’s Next?
Let's talk ethics in AI—more companies are pushing for transparent algorithms to mitigate biased decision-making. Also, keep an eye on quantum computing; it’s the dark horse that could revolutionize data processing.
Reader's Corner:
From Our Data-Savvy Community
Question: "How reliable is Big Data in predicting market trends?"
Answer: It's as reliable as the quality of data and the algorithms used. Remember, data is a tool, not a prophet. Always apply critical thinking alongside data analysis.
The Private Lives of Russian Nobility Before and After the Bolshevik Revolution
In a world that continually draws its boundaries through politics, economics, and social upheavals, the private lives of individuals can tell us much more than historical events themselves. From the exquisite corridors of Russian nobility to the humble homes in Western Africa, we uncover the delicate fabrics that have sewn together our private lives across different geographies and time periods.
One can't help but wonder how the Russian Revolution, a monumental shift in global history, affected the intimate corners of the Russian nobility's lives. If "The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts," as Marcus Aurelius once said, then the Russian nobility saw their worlds re-painted in the vivid strokes of revolution. The private realm, often thought to be insulated from the chaos of the outside world, found itself torn between tradition and change. In this context, the ancient Yoruba proverb, "He who does not know one thing knows another," rings true—ignorance in one area often brings wisdom in another.
Imagine a day in the life of a Russian noble family before the revolution. An opulent dinner, filled with laughter, traditional Russian cuisine, and endless political discussions. The patriarch might retire to his study to write letters or read, while the matriarch would take her daughters to the music room for an evening of piano and poetry. A picture, so far removed from the daily struggle to survive that their serfs, workers in the cities, and revolutionaries would soon face. The subtle smell of fresh bread, a universal experience that transcends culture and geography, would fill the air from the kitchen. It reminds us that even in lives wrapped in layers of privilege, there are simple joys and routines that make us all fundamentally human.
Fast forward to post-revolution Russia. The Bolsheviks are in power, and a new sense of equality is sweeping the nation. As the mansions crumble and are divided among the proletariat, the laughter and warmth that once filled the air are replaced by stark discussions about communism, class struggle, and reform. It's akin to the moment you've been laughing so hard, and then suddenly, you're hit with an unexpected revelation that takes your breath away—a comedic set-up and punchline rolled into one moment. The humor is there, but so is the awe and realization of a new dawn.
It's a narrative that doesn't just belong to Russia but to all humanity. The intricate layers of change, resistance, acceptance, and transformation are shared by communities worldwide, whether it's the end of Apartheid in South Africa, the Indian independence movement, or the cultural shifts during the American Civil Rights era. It reminds us of the resilience and flexibility of human lives and how the private realm is intricately tied to the larger, more public sphere.
The Quality of Information: Are We Training AI or Tainting It?
In a recent contemplation of our ever-lengthening days and the digital data that nourishes our artificial intelligence, I found myself at a crossroads. The ties between the celestial dance of the moon, the gatekeeping of knowledge by esteemed institutions, and the implications for our AI-driven future were not just intellectually stimulating but also profoundly urgent. With humanity at such a unique intersection, it's time to delve into these entangled narratives.
Ah, the moon is playing hard to get, inching away from us and sprinkling a few extra moments into each day like confectioner's sugar on a stale donut. But what to do with these crumbs of time? Read a reputable article from a media giant, perhaps? Well, here's the kicker. Those guardians of wisdom, from scholarly journals to newsrooms, are putting the kibosh on AI web crawlers from feasting on their digital nectar.
You'd think, "Great, let's protect intellectual property," as if wisdom were a secret family recipe for apple pie. But when these vaults of knowledge lock their doors to AI learning tools, we're not just preserving the sanctity of information. We're also setting the stage for a future where our AI, starved of nutritional data, gets its schooling from the junkyard of the internet. Imagine training your dog by only letting it eat out of the garbage can. Do you expect it to win Best in Show?
So, a daily habit for the savvy LinkedIn crowd: how about dedicating a few minutes each day to evaluate the sources of information we consume and share? A little discernment can go a long way, especially when the digital diet we're on could very well shape the AI that will one day help us make decisions, from healthcare to justice.
Ah, the urgency of it all! We're in an era where we're being handed more time—thanks to our moon's cosmic two-step—but are squandering it by allowing our would-be digital sages to feed on the intellectual equivalent of fast food. Don't you see the delicious irony? It's as if the universe extended a hand offering a book, and we responded by tearing out the pages.
Now, let's place this in the echoing halls of history. There was a time when information was a guarded treasure, accessible only to the privileged few. Think the Library of Alexandria, hoarding scrolls while the public remained largely illiterate. The results? A society where knowledge was power, held by a select few. Sounds eerily familiar, doesn't it?
In a nutshell, it's high time we revisit how we're treating the growing days and the starving minds of our future AI. With every decision to lock away a piece of "intellectual property," we're not just making a statement about the value of information; we're shaping the future of collective wisdom. It's a choice with global ramifications, affecting everything from the AI that might one day cure diseases to the algorithms that could solve climate change.
So, as the days stretch longer and the quality of our collective intelligence hangs in the balance, we're left to ponder: what are we doing?
White Teeth, Black Minds: The Dichotomy of Cultural Assimilation
In a world that increasingly prides itself on diversity and inclusion, we often find ourselves at the intersection of multiple identities. Here, at this juncture, we wrestle with the dichotomy of cultural assimilation, a tug-of-war between the teeth that smile to fit in and the minds that ponder if they should. Buckle up for a teeth-gritting, mind-bending exploration of what it truly means to assimilate without losing yourself.
Let's face it, folks—LinkedIn is the ultimate stage for cultural assimilation. It's where your virtual teeth shine in profile pictures, and your mind tries to articulate your worth in buzzwords. You know the game: a dash of "synergy," a sprinkle of "innovation," and—voila!—you're the ideal modern professional. But deep down, there's a gnawing question: are you displaying your white teeth at the expense of your black mind?
Now, I'm not just talking about literal teeth or literal skin color. No, this is about the facade we put on to fit into societal norms versus the authentic selves we often hide. You ever go through your LinkedIn feed and feel like you're scrolling through a wax museum? Every post so polished, it's like walking on an icy lake; one wrong step, and you're plunged into the freezing depths of irrelevance.
So here's a daily habit to keep this dichotomy lingering in your LinkedIn minds: the 10-5-2 rule. Spend 10 minutes in the morning scrolling through your feed but allocate 5 minutes to interact genuinely—none of that "Great post, [insert name]!" nonsense. Dedicate 2 minutes to share something that resonates with your authentic self. Small? Yes. Impactful? Absolutely. It's a micro-commitment to not just be another set of white teeth in a sea of conformity.
The emotional weight of this habit is no joke. Imagine the excitement of finally posting something that resonates with who you truly are. The awe you'll feel when people respond in kind, revealing layers of themselves they'd also hidden. This is not just LinkedIn; this is human connection at its finest.
So what's the story here? It's about you, the LinkedIn user who's more than a set of skills, more than a smiling profile picture. It's about realizing that your white teeth and your black mind aren't mutually exclusive. You can shine without dimming your inner light. You can assimilate without dissolving into a faceless mass.