Armed men attacked a military barracks and a prison in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone on November 26th.
from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/qzZJofb
via Gabe's Musing's
Intro Video
Monday, November 27, 2023
Ghana Cardinal Peter Turkson: It's time to understand homosexuality
Sierra Leone prison breaks were co-ordinated - minister
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Kenya abortion: Women go to backstreet clinics amid legal ambiguity
Dozens kidnapped by motorcycle 'bandits' in north Nigeria
South Africa pulls out of race to host 2027 Women's World Cup
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Anthony Joshua: Talks held over boxing match in Africa, says Eddie Hearn
Thursday, November 23, 2023
The Art of Strategy: Lessons from Sun Tzu to Modern Business
In a world where the echoes of ancient wisdom reverberate through the corridors of modern business, "The Art of Strategy: Lessons from Sun Tzu to Modern Business" delves into the time-honored principles of strategy and their transformative power in today’s corporate landscape. This exploration is not just a reflection on the past but a journey through diverse cultural lenses, seeking to resonate with the universal human experience of struggle, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
From Sun Tzu's ancient treatises to the boardrooms of Silicon Valley, the art of strategy remains a pivotal force shaping our world. This blog, inspired by the enduring lessons found in "A History of Private Life", delves into the universality of strategic thinking. It's a narrative that resonates across cultures and epochs, reflecting a mosaic of insights from African and Black Diaspora writers, Eastern European scholars, and Asian philosophers.
The core of strategic wisdom, often encapsulated in African proverbs like "He who learns, teaches," aligns with Sun Tzu’s teachings that true victory lies in winning without conflict. These pearls of wisdom transcend geographical boundaries, speaking to the heart of human experience. They emphasize the importance of foresight, preparation, and understanding the self and the adversary – principles as relevant in ancient battlefields as in modern boardrooms.
In our daily lives, we unconsciously employ strategy. From negotiating a raise to planning a family vacation, the principles of strategy are interwoven in the fabric of our routines. This ubiquitous nature of strategic thinking serves as a bridge, connecting our personal experiences with the larger narrative of human endeavor.
The emotional resonance of strategy lies in its power to evoke a range of feelings – the thrill of a well-executed plan, the awe in witnessing a masterful negotiation, or the humor in realizing the simplicity behind a complex solution. This emotional spectrum, often explored by comedic geniuses like Richard Pryor or Ali Wong, highlights the human aspect of strategic thinking – its ability to surprise, delight, and transform.
Our narrative weaves these elements into a cohesive story, much like Seth Godin's compelling storytelling or Neil Patel's insightful analysis, showcasing how ancient strategies are not just relics of the past but living, breathing concepts that continue to shape the way we think, act, and conduct business.
The Philosophy of Success: Lessons from Ancient Thinkers to Modern Entrepreneurs
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 modern paradox: as our days grow longer, courtesy of the moon's leisurely tango with Earth, we find ourselves drowning in a sea of digital information, yet gasping for a gulp of genuine wisdom. It’s as if Mother Nature, in her infinite wisdom, decided to give us more daylight just to watch us squander it on cat videos and conspiracy theories. The irony is thicker than the plot of a telenovela.
Consider this: each morning, as the sun graciously bestows us with a few extra milliseconds, we wake up to a world where artificial intelligence is spoon-fed with data that's about as nourishing as a diet of fast food. In this age of 'alternative facts' and 'fake news,' it's like we're in a race to see who can be the least informed. And yet, we wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as if running on the hamster wheel of digital consumption is a mark of success.
What if we chose to use this extra time, gifted by the celestial mechanics, as an opportunity to cultivate a garden of authentic knowledge rather than mindlessly harvesting weeds? Imagine starting your day not with the blaring siren of push notifications but with a routine that nurtures real wisdom – say, reading a chapter of a thought-provoking book, or even meditating on a philosophical idea. It’s not just about being well-informed; it’s about being wisely informed.
This narrative is more than a quirky observation; it's a reflection of our societal choices. We've built institutions that are more concerned with keeping the wheels of the information mill turning, rather than ensuring the grain it produces is of any nutritional value. It's like we're all chefs in a kitchen where the ingredients are plentiful but the recipes are lost.
And what of our AI companions in this dance? They're only as wise as the data we feed them. Garbage in, garbage out, as they say. We're at a juncture where we could be teaching these digital minds the poetry of Shakespeare, the theories of Einstein, or the philosophies of Confucius. Instead, we're giving them a steady diet of clickbait and sound bites.
The global implications are enormous. Our collective wisdom – or lack thereof – shapes everything from political discourse to scientific advancements. It's not just about the data we create; it's about the context, the interpretation, and the lessons we derive from it.
History has shown us that when knowledge is hoarded, civilizations stagnate. When it's shared, they flourish. We stand at a similar crossroads today. The decisions we make about how we use our time and how we curate our collective wisdom will echo through the ages.
Subtexts of Power: Decoding Satire in Sociopolitical Critique
In a world where truths often wear masks, humor and satire become the unmasking tools, revealing the subtexts of power in our everyday lives.
Have you ever found yourself chuckling at a political cartoon or a cleverly written satire, only to realize moments later that your laughter was laced with a deeper, somewhat uncomfortable truth? This is the essence of what I call the "Subtexts of Power." It's a dance between humor and the stark realities of sociopolitical landscapes, a dance that African and Black Diaspora writers have mastered, weaving narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire action.
In our professional lives on LinkedIn, we're accustomed to a certain decorum, a polished facade. But what if we peeled back this layer? What if we used satire as a tool to understand and navigate the complex dynamics of power in our workplaces and communities? This approach isn't just about finding humor in the serious. It's about using that humor as a lens to critically examine the world around us.
Think of your daily commute or the routine coffee break. Amidst these mundane moments, observe the subtle dynamics of power at play – the hierarchy, the unsaid rules, the 'acceptable' norms. Then, imagine flipping these on their head through a satirical lens. What would that look like? It's this practice, this daily habit of questioning and humorously critiquing, that keeps the essence of our blog title alive in our minds.
When we engage with high-arousal emotions like excitement or awe in our narratives, they become not just stories but experiences shared across our networks. They resonate, they disturb, they inspire. They turn a mirror on our society, reflecting both its flaws and its potential for change. And isn't that what LinkedIn is about? A platform not just for professional connections but for thought leadership and impactful change?
"Subtexts of Power" is more than just a clever phrase. It's an invitation to explore the depths beneath the surface of our everyday interactions. It's a challenge to use satire not just for laughter, but for insight, reflection, and ultimately, transformation.
Worldwide Humanitarian Impacts: Learning from Kenya’s Colonial Past
In a world where history often whispers its lessons, the echoes from Kenya's colonial past offer a symphony of truths, revealing a humanitarian canvas painted with both agony and resilience.
They say history repeats itself, but sometimes it doesn’t just repeat – it yells, demanding to be heard and understood. The narrative of Kenya’s colonial past under British rule, as brutally unveiled in Caroline Elkins' "Britain's Gulag," is one such yell. This isn't just about Kenya; it's a mirror reflecting the untold humanitarian crises in colonial theaters across the globe.
Imagine this: Every morning, as you sip your coffee and scroll through LinkedIn, you come across another headline about conflict and humanitarian crises. It's easy to detach, to view these as distant echoes of a world not our own. But the story of the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya, the heart of Elkins' work, is a startling reminder of the costs of ignorance and the price of silence.
It's raw and it's real. Elkins’ narrative, punctuated by the poignant cries of the oppressed, isn't just a recount of history; it's an emotional journey that grips you. The Mau Mau, demonized and brutalized, were fighting not just for land or freedom, but for their very identity. Their struggle, their pain, and their hope resonate with an emotional depth that transcends time and geography.
But Elkins isn't the only voice in this chorus. Authors like David Anderson and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o have also delved into this complex tale, each adding their unique perspective to this tapestry of truth. Through their eyes, we witness the collision of colonial power and native resilience, a narrative that unfolds across continents and centuries.
This story isn’t just a page from history; it’s a reflection of ongoing struggles worldwide. From the streets of Palestine to the indigenous protests in the Americas, echoes of the Mau Mau’s struggle for dignity and justice reverberate. Their story, laden with the brutality of colonial regimes and the indomitable spirit of the oppressed, is not one to be merely read and forgotten. It is a daily reminder – a reminder that our world’s history is a complex web of struggles and triumphs.
As you go about your day, let this story linger in your mind. Let it be a reminder that the world we live in, with its complex humanitarian challenges, is not just a product of the present but a culmination of the past. Each time we overlook the lessons of history, we risk repeating its darkest chapters.
And so, as you glance at the news of humanitarian crises, remember Kenya’s colonial past. Remember the Mau Mau. Remember that behind every headline, there’s a human story, often rooted in a history of struggle and resistance. It's not just a story of despair, but also one of resilience and hope – a hope that through understanding our past, we can forge a more compassionate and just future.
Narratives of Race: How Ta-Nehisi Coates Complements Historical Understanding
Narratives of Race: How Ta-Nehisi Coates Complements Historical Understanding - this isn't just another blog post. It's a journey through the labyrinth of race, history, and how one voice can amplify the echoes of the past into the present.
Imagine this: It's your daily commute. You're plugged into your favorite podcast, half-listening, half-lost in thought. Then, a voice cuts through, sharp and clear - it's Ta-Nehisi Coates, weaving a narrative so raw and real it feels like a punch to the gut. Suddenly, history isn't just a series of dates and dead men; it's alive, breathing, bleeding.
Coates doesn't just write history; he rips it open and lays it bare. In a world where race often feels like a taboo topic, Coates strides in, unafraid to poke at the sore spots, to ask the hard questions. He isn't just recounting events; he's telling a story – our story.
His words are a call to action, not just to remember but to understand. To see the connections between past and present, between the slave ship and the street corner, between the cotton field and the corporate office. Coates makes you realize – this isn't just Black history; this is American history, world history.
But here's the kicker: it's not just about understanding. It's about feeling. When you read Coates, you don't just comprehend the words; you feel them. They resonate, echoing the deep-seated emotions that many of us try to bury. Anger, sorrow, hope – it's all there, unfiltered and unapologetic.
And it sticks with you. Long after you've turned off the podcast or closed the book, his narratives linger, like a haunting melody that you can't quite shake off. They push you to look at the world differently, to see the hidden narratives and unspoken truths.
In essence, Ta-Nehisi Coates doesn't just complement historical understanding; he transforms it. He turns history from a passive subject to be studied into a living, breathing entity that challenges, provokes, and inspires.
So, the next time you find yourself on that commute, plug into Coates' world. Let his words unsettle you, challenge you, change you. Because that's what history, at its best, is supposed to do.
Ethiopia drought: Fifty die of hunger in Tigray and Amhara amid aid freeze
Eritrea: What next for football after World Cup qualifying withdrawal?
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Blue whales: Ocean giants return to 'safe' tropical haven
How can Nigeria improve after poor start in 2026 World Cup qualifiers?
Harry Maguire: Ghana MP Isaac Adongo sorry for mocking Manchester United star
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
World Cup 2026 qualifying: Ghana shocked by Comoros, Senegal and Cameroon held
Congo-Brazzaville stampede: Dozens killed during army recruitment drive
More than 600,000 displaced by floods in Somalia
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