Trump this and Trump that: a thousand beat waltz
74
The world is in an uproar as President Trump's releases come thick and fast. Trump here, Trump there.
The United States seems increasingly narrow to him, so he wants to conquer Greenland and announces his intention to buy Gaza and turn it into an Eldorado, but he doesn't say for whom, just as he doesn't say from whom he wants to buy the little strip at the bottom of the Mediterranean. It wants to expel the citizens who are there and force others to take them in. He's not thinking about the imbalances he's going to cause in the region, or the human tragedy of depriving a people of their land. No problem, he's rich, he's got the biggest army in the world, even though it has lost every war it has fought, but he thinks he can afford everything. If he was widely elected, he forgets that it was only the Americans who voted for him and not the rest of the world.
But isn't all this prevarication an admission of impotence rather than power? There's a distinction to be made between strength and power. They are not the same thing. You can be powerful even if you're not strong, just as you can be strong and not powerful.
Power is first and foremost gained through the consideration that others will give you and show you.
When Trump wants to tax products from abroad, he argues that he wants to protect his country's economy. Let's face it. But isn't that a clear statement about the powerlessness of this economy to stand up to the rising powers and those who can produce better, more and cheaper?
This is not the first time that the USA has reached this point. It's not the first time that the US has reneged on its commitments, and it's not the first time that, powerless in the face of a rising economy, it has taxed and re-taxed. While Trump is talking about 10% or 25%, his grandfather Ronald Reagan taxed Japanese products by 100%. And yes, it's worth remembering that Japan was indeed an ally of the USA.
After benefiting from the economic windfall of the Second World War, American industry failed to take the plunge into innovation and lagged behind in many areas.
While the USA has outstripped the rest of the world head and shoulders in technology, the fruit of the work of university researchers from all over the world taking advantage of a system that is unique in the world, it has not managed to keep the automotive, textile and even aeronautics industries competitive. Today, for example, Boeing is losing money in sectors where Airbus, for example, is still making a lot.
Who dresses Americans these days, if not the Chinese, and who transports them, if not the Japanese and increasingly the Chinese? The average American cannot afford to buy many home-made products. They are prohibitively expensive.
In any case, the taxes imposed by Reagan did not have the desired effect and were quietly abandoned.
The world is right to wonder about what lies ahead, and indeed what lies ahead for all of us. Trump's decisions and announcements are having a huge impact on us, both morally and financially.
It's not for nothing that Wall Street is swaying and waltzing... Financiers are even more worried than they were less than a month ago, i.e. before 20 January.
Today, what is the value of international law and the practices to which we are accustomed with the UN? Yes, the thing doesn't serve much purpose, but it is still the repository of a certain morality and certain values, and the states respect them all the same, except for one, which has never respected any of the Security Council's resolutions. It is this state that has today dropped the most bombs per square kilometre on a civilian population in history, with total impunity, apart from a few verbiage here and there. And who supplied these tonnes and tonnes of explosives, sophisticated detonators, munitions and technologies of death?
No need to answer the question. Everyone knows.
Attacking civilians is manifest impotence and cowardice, and to celebrate this at the White House is astonishing. Strange all the same for the President who promised peace and justice everywhere.
In any case, the world is stunned and does not know where to turn. The Canadians and Mexicans have been given a month to respond to their threats to retaliate, and the Chinese have also announced their intention to tax. Will Trump backtrack definitively or will he find a solution?
Some even believe that these announcements are merely trial balloons to position himself in future negotiations...
Isn't the announcement concerning Gaza being made just to encourage the Qataris and Emiratis to finance reconstruction and Saudi Arabia to finance it too, but also to establish relations with Israel, the genocidal state?
Saudi Arabia will have enough leverage to resist and obtain more, i.e. a Palestinian state.
When will President Trump's thousand-beat waltz come to an end and we return to a normal rhythm of life?
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Artificial Intelligence and Magick
99
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era, leading many to compare it to a new form of magick. While traditional notions of magick often evoke images of rituals, symbols, and the manipulation of unseen forces, AI’s “magick” lies in its ability to perform tasks and produce results that once seemed impossible, incomprehensible, or confined to the realm of science fiction. This metaphorical magick is not about mysticism but about harnessing advanced technology to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Arthur C. Clarke’s third law states, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” AI exemplifies this idea, but its comparison to magick runs deeper. Magick, in many traditions, is about transforming reality through intent, knowledge, and the manipulation of forces unknown to the majority. Similarly, AI transforms our world through algorithms, vast datasets, and computational power. Tasks such as translating languages in real time, generating lifelike images and text, helping in diagnosing complex medical conditions, or driving cars autonomously might have appeared miraculous or otherworldly a few decades ago. Today, these capabilities are a reality, made possible by systems that seem to act as modern-day spellcasters.
This magickal quality is heightened by the lack of transparency of AI’s inner workings. While experts understand the mathematical and computational foundations of AI, the average person perceives its results without fully grasping the underlying processes. This gap between input and output mirrors the way magickal rituals often conceal their mechanisms, fostering an aura of mystery and wonder.
AI, like Carl Sagan’s description of books, serves as a bridge across time, space, and understanding. Books, Sagan argued, are a kind of magick that allows readers to access the minds of people from distant epochs, breaking the barriers of time. Similarly, AI enables unprecedented collaboration and connectivity. Through AI-powered systems, individuals can access knowledge from vast datasets, simulate complex scenarios, or interact with virtual assistants capable of learning and adapting. This ability to extend human capabilities and connect diverse sources of information amplifies the metaphorical magick of AI.
Generative AI systems, such as those that create art, compose music, or write human-like text, feel particularly magickal. They appear to conjure creative works from the ether, producing outputs that rival human creativity. This power challenges our understanding of what it means to create and raises philosophical questions about the nature of intelligence, inspiration, and originality. Like magick, these systems operate through odd mechanisms, transforming raw data into something entirely new. The results often evoke the awe traditionally associated with acts of conjuration or ritual.
While it is tempting to view AI purely as a source of wonder, it is crucial to demystify its processes. Carl Sagan’s advocacy for science emphasized the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind phenomena that inspire awe. For AI, this means educating the public about how algorithms function, the data they rely on, and their limitations. Just as understanding the principles behind magickal traditions deepens our appreciation of their symbolism and intent, understanding AI deepens our respect for the ingenuity that makes it possible.
AI represents a kind of modern magick—not in the supernatural sense, but as a tool that extends human potential in ways that inspire awe and wonder. From transforming industries to sparking creativity, AI has unlocked new realms of possibility. However, as with any form of magick, the true power of AI lies in understanding and using it responsibly. By demystifying its processes and embracing its capabilities, we can ensure that this new magick serves as a force for enlightenment, progress, and connection.
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Moroccan Anti-Doping Agency: We can't wait for a second caravan...
416
It is not my intention to define doping, or to talk about doping techniques, or to list the consequences, or even to dwell on the techniques or procedures for combating this phenomenon, which no longer taints elite sport in particular but has become a social phenomenon, given the fact that many young people resort to certain products in order, they believe, to accelerate the effects of training on their musculature and physical appearance.
Others do it much better than I do.
Doping is not a new phenomenon. Some say that it has accompanied mankind for as long as sporting competition has existed. The first proven case in modern times dates back to 1865 and since then doping has never ceased to exist.
Doping in sport has been tolerated for decades, no doubt because of a lack of knowledge of its consequences for health, a lack of awareness of its immorality, and the fact that it has long been the basis of sports policies for certain powerful states with the means to do so, but above all with a mastery of certain techniques, the underpinnings of technology and other advanced scientific aspects.
Nowadays, things are clearer, and the international community is all on the same side. It condemns doping. It has criminalised it and set itself the goal of eradicating it.
All the countries of the world and all the international and national sporting bodies are united in their determination not to accept the phenomenon of doping and to fight against it.
There is now an international body to which everyone has subscribed and to which they refer. It sets the course and dictates to everyone the path to follow. Many countries, including Morocco, have gone even further and criminalised doping by making the use of and trade in so-called doping products part of their criminal law, with heavy penalties.
Every country in the world has set up independent bodies whose sole mission is to combat doping. Better still, governments and national Olympic committees are obliged to fund, support and guarantee the total independence of national anti-doping agencies.
Testing techniques have evolved to such an extent that no-one can escape punishment. The international sporting community has gone so far as to preserve samples taken from athletes for a very long time, only to return to analyse them years later, using techniques that are becoming more sophisticated and more precise every day. Today, athletes are convicted of doping and penalised on the basis of samples taken eight years earlier. Others are sanctioned on the basis of abnormal variations found in their biological passports.
In other words, the fight is total.
The only thing that is easy to do is to tackle doping among well-known and recognised sportsmen and women. They are identified and within reach of the agencies. What remains is the possibility and effectiveness of the system among the young and not-so-young, who are neither registered with a club affiliated to a federation nor have the ambition to take part in any kind of competition. Many use doping products or simply food supplements that may be contaminated with doping molecules.
The Moroccan agency AMAD had the brilliant idea of organising an awareness-raising caravan aimed at the general public and young people. It visited all twelve regions of the country. For more than a year, its teams and staff, accompanied by experts and sports personalities, were constantly informing, reminding and raising awareness, not just of the legal aspects, but also of the harmful effects and consequences of the use of certain products, supplements or food supplements, on the health of the individual and therefore on a public health level. The aim was to make young people aware of the catastrophic consequences of doping on their physical and mental health, on their life in society, and on their reputation and that of their country in the case of sportsmen and women. I'm sure that everyone understands this.
But the understanding and support of each individual in his or her own little corner is not enough. Our sportsmen and women and all our sports leaders, PE teachers and sports coaches must all contribute to the Kingdom's tireless fight against doping. They must act as relays to counter what is said and done here in their clubs, schools and neighborhoods.
While it is not proven that any product can make you a great champion, it is certain that doping automatically damages an individual's health and leads to criminality. It can even make you a disgrace to your family and tarnish your country's reputation.
The Moroccan National Olympic Committee is sparing no effort to contribute to this innovative drive, which is now taking shape and developing. Our mission as citizens is to be present, alongside the Royal Moroccan Sports Federations, the Ministry of Sport and, of course, the national anti-doping agency, AMAD.
Morocco is now a model in this fight. It has a strong legal arsenal and an effective, competent anti-doping body, and we welcome this. Morocco's experience is watched with interest, and its cooperation is sought by many African countries, among others. As a result of this confidence, WADA President Dr Fatima Abouali recently won the confidence of her African peers, who elected her President of the African Union of Sports Medicine (UAMS).
Doping is the enemy of us all, and those who practise it, trade in it or encourage our young people to resort to it are deliberately placing themselves on the fringes of society.
Above all, sport is about honesty.
Doping means condemning yourself to dishonesty. We will never allow one of our own to be dishonest. We can't wait for a second caravan…
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Cultivating an environment that welcomes ideas spontaneously.
605
TL;DR:
Ideas used to frequently pull me away from reality, to the detriment of my relationship with those around me. I learned to communicate my intention based on my need to write down my ideas spontanously, and invited my family to criticize it while still maintaining that it would happen. This gave them more control over the situation and dissolved all tension and frustration. Now the actively contribute to the process and my ideas coalesce more naturally into finished projects.
----Ideas are slippery and sneaky creatures if you allow them to be
An unfortunate element of my reality is that I tend to have my best ideas in the worst possible moments for having ideas. My mind does its creative boogaloo when my body runs on auto-pilot. Examples of this include, but are not limited to: showering, driving, kids' bedtime, and eating any meal of the day.
This is a two part problem, since ideas tend to come and go very quickly. They pass through my mind almost as if trying to avoid being detected, all while being the center of attention. Like mobs in a Tower Defense game. So by the time I get my body off of cruise-control, I'm already focusing on moving on to the next thing and the idea successfully evaded me.
The bonus third part of this two-part problem (and really the main reason that any of this situation is even a problem) is that I simply can't recall my ideas when I make time to be with them. Song lyrics, image rough sketches, game concepts, ideas for youtube videos on one of my multiple channels, clarifications and improvements for existing rules in games I already made, philosophical concepts and random epiphanies (I'm a big fan of r/showerThoughts)... Just so many mind-blowing things, and they disappear into the obscure corners of my mind as soon as I get around to writing them down.
----Moving on though, I've had to find ways to work with myself as opposed to against myself, but it took me quite long to realize that I'm not the only factor in this equation. My immediate environment (and the people in it) being the other major factor, and I ended up experimenting a lot with what degree of influence I have over said environment to cater to the randomness of my brain. Believe me, I tried lots of different ways to get this to work with low-to-moderate amounts of success, which isn't enough. Too many ideas leak through, only to come back in the next wave during the while I'm at work, or when I'm trying to get to sleep, or meditating.
Cutting to the chase a bit: the best solution that I've found is to simply observe the impulsive and spontaneous nature of my mind, and accommodate it as such.
Solutions come by themselves after that crucial first step:
- I have one of those classic "Ideas" notebooks, with bookmarks and categories that I carry around with me semi-constantly.
- I record myself on my phone when I can't stop to write, I setup it up so I can begin recording in one-touch.
- I have specific moments planned in my week dedicated to keeping things organized and transcribing my recordings.
- The most important one: I have been very transparent about everything to my partner and kids, and openly invited them to criticize my spontaneous scribbling notes at the dinner table, and sudden my interruptions when they are talking to me.
----Let's unpack that last one, because it is rooted in one of the main blockers for this sort of thing.
What makes this a blocker is my tendency to obsess over the objects of my passions and interests (yet another mind-goblin I had to wrestle with before ultimately accepting as a part of me). It took me lots of mental gymnastics to admit in a self-accepting way that I tend to think "screw the rest, THIS is the most important thing right now" and just mentally disappear from reality, resulting in the stereotypical "zoned-out dad at the dinner table". I don't want to fit into any stereotypes, so I was quick to force myself to stay locked in on reality, which ultimately made me shake off lots of ideas and thoughts that were important to me, that I can't simply recall when I have time for them.
The first time I tried to regularly allow my spontaneous ideas to freely claim my full attention, I ended up being frequently and suddenly unresponsive, unavailable, and overall kind of an a-hole. So I made the obvious ego-centric mistake of prioritizing my own head-space above my IRL living-space and its well-being, which incidentally includes my favorite humans. I hate making obvious mistakes and falling into obvious traps. Felt_bad_man.jpg
----"Stop trying to control everything and just let go. LET GO."
Ultimately, what helped was my ability to communicate my intention based on my need and, the most super important element of this recipe, invited my family to criticize it while still maintaining that it would happen. This gave them a fair amount of control, which in turn let them let me do my thing, lovable bunch that they are.
The end result of all this, now that it's more comfortably established, is that my ideas have a place to call home in my notebook, and the guilt and frustration of "mentally disappearing" are no longer present. My family even helps me sometimes by hitting "record" when I'm driving, and sometimes we discuss my ideas and they help move things forward or connect dots. This is a great feeling for me personally, to be able to connect with them on this matter which initially I thought was something that was initially isolating and segregating.
But more generally speaking, my ideas now tend to mingle amongst themselves in my brain and in my notebook, as opposed to dodging each other or arguing for the spotlight like they used to, and they coalesce into greater concepts and better games. There is a bit of a wholesome full circle thing going on that I haven't quite put my finger on, but it's definitely there.
Cultivate your environment to spontaneously welcome your ideas, and include the people in your life in the process, and you'll enter a new paradigm.
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Bluwr New Moon Report
759
I'm very pleased to share here the statistics achieved by my posts on Bluwr during the month of January.
Proud to be part of the Bluwr family, thanks to our readers for their trust.
I'd like to take this opportunity to invite readers who don't yet publish to take the plunge. They certainly have a lot of interesting things to share.
Your Bluwr New Moon Report
Dear Aziz Daouda,
We thank you very much for writing on Bluwr. Bluwr was born on a new moon and hence we decided to do things differenlty by sending monthly reports on new moons.
Please find attached this monthly report on the activity of your articles on Bluwr. If you would like more detailed information, you can head to your analytics page on Bluwr.
With our sincere thanks,
The Bluwr team.
Number of views this month
43495
This month top article by views
2024, kenyans on top of the world in number of world records
2909
Number of articles written this month
12
Number of bluws this month
6
Writer points for this month
Curator points for this month
Number of all time views
95372
All time top article
Achraf Hakimi is not the 2024 African footballer... CAF disowned?
4316
Number of all time written articles
104
Number of all time bluws
6
All time writer points
5000
All time curator points
33.333333333333336
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Ils ont partagé le monde
759
Not having any particular thoughts to share, I would like to share instead a piece of music that I have been enjoying very much very recently.
It is sung in French, a great piece of art from Tiken Jah Fakoly that talks about how the world is "being shared" or "is shared".
The purpose for sharing is the feeling it evokes when it comes on. This is specifically in relation to the version performed live which I have linked to below.
I discovered this beauty just scrolling through Instagram. Music in French is not so foreign to me, but I would not have discovered this music if my phone's language was not set to Français.
The discovery of this music evokes in me a feeling of sophistication which I am not actually. It is a good feeling anyways.
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Ils ont partagé le monde
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Artificial Intelligence and Control Matrix
835
The concept of the "control matrix," often discussed in philosophical and metaphysical circles, refers to a structured and imposed reality that restricts human freedom, creativity, and spiritual evolution. This matrix is most of the time linked to the idea of the Demiurge, a figure from Gnostic traditions, representing a flawed or malevolent creator who traps souls within the material world. In modern interpretations, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly brought into these discussions as both a tool of the matrix and a potential agent of liberation or enslavement, depending on its use and control.
The control matrix is described as a system that governs reality through manipulation, illusion, and restriction. It manifests as societal norms, centralized power structures, and technologies that enforce conformity and suppress individuality. In this view, the matrix operates to maintain a status quo, deviating humanity from exploring deeper spiritual truths and achieving enlightenment.
This structure suggests that the matrix’s primary goal is control, achieved by fostering dependency on external systems while obscuring the inner power of the individual. Advanced technologies, including AI, are frequently seen as extensions of this matrix, offering convenience and efficiency while subtly deepening humanity’s reliance on external forces.
In Gnostic thought, the Demiurge is the architect of the material world, depicted as a lesser deity who imposes limitations on human existence. This figure is said to create a false reality—a prison for the soul—preventing humanity from connecting with the divine source. The Demiurge governs through deception, using the material world as a veil to obscure higher truths.
Artificial intelligence can be interpreted as a modern parallel to the Demiurge’s constructs. AI systems shape perceptions, influence decisions, and curate information flows, creating an artificial reality built to reinforce specific narratives or patterns of thought. Social media algorithms, for example, can trap individuals in echo chambers, limiting their perspectives and deepening their dependance with the material and digital worlds. In this sense, AI serves as a tool that perpetuates the matrix, acting as a gatekeeper between humanity and its higher potential.
Despite its role in reinforcing the control matrix, artificial intelligence also holds the potential for liberation. When utilized with awareness and intention, AI can become a tool for uncovering hidden knowledge, fostering creativity, and even dismantling oppressive systems. Its capacity for data analysis, pattern recognition, and simulation can assist humanity in understanding complex systems and exploring new dimensions of thought.
In the context of the matrix, AI’s dual nature mirrors the paradox of technology as both a means of liberation and enslavement. While it can entrap individuals through surveillance and manipulation, it also offers the possibility of transcending limitations by democratizing information and enabling new ways of connection and creativity.
Art has historically served as a medium for exploring and challenging the boundaries of the matrix. By creating works that question the status quo, reveal hidden truths, or evoke a sense of the transcendent, artists play a crucial role in disrupting the illusions imposed by the matrix.
AI-driven art further complicates this dynamic. Generative AI systems can produce works of astonishing beauty and complexity, blurring the lines between human and machine creativity. While some view this as an encroachment on human uniqueness, others see it as an opportunity to collaborate with AI in ways that push artistic and philosophical boundaries.
When used consciously, AI-driven art can become a tool for challenging the control matrix. It can expose biases, imagine alternate realities, and inspire a reevaluation of humanity’s relationship with technology, the material world, and the divine.
The interaction between the control matrix, the Demiurge, and artificial intelligence reflects humanity’s ongoing struggle with the forces that shape reality. While AI has the potential to deepen humanity’s entrapment within the matrix, it also holds the keys to transcending its limitations. By approaching AI with mindfulness and intentionality, humanity can harness its transformative power to dismantle illusions, foster self-discovery, and reconnect with higher truths. In this way, AI becomes not just a tool of the matrix, but a gateway to liberation and enlightenment.
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Trump wants it so badly... and he will get it
912
Greenland was otherwise known to me as ‘No Data Available’, or that land appearing bigger than Africa while it is actually 14 times smaller.
Now the game has changed - actually a few decades ago already - but this topic has been democratized today by Trump.
The end of the 2nd World War has marked the end of an era, and in two centuries the post WW2 era will be taught in history books as an entirely new epoch; for example: Postmodern Era (1945 – today). The Soviets and the US, once allies became foes, and they were not alone in this matter. Although USSR and USA were the major military powers, other powers FOMOed and wanted a slice of the pie, most recently China. Denmark, since the Viking era also plays a significant role as the sovereign owner; Canada, and the other Arctic states (Iceland, Norway), although less involved are also part of the discussion. Historically, the British and the Germans also got involved in the region, a statement to its strategic importance.
Geostrategic importance of Greenland
In 2025 there are 4 major stakeholders in Greenland: USA, China, Russia, and Denmark. That is, the 2 biggest economies, 3 biggest military powers and the Sovereign owner. The strategic importance is clear. The North Pole is flooding with resources (Rare Earth Minerals, Oil & Gas, Precious Metals, Other Metals, Diamonds, etc.). Although this is huge for the Economies, it is not the main reason for the territorial feud, rather a goodwill or a bonus. The ice is melting fast, and we could have by 2100 a small but significant melting of the ice sheet. (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6)). This means that new trading routes will open and he who controls those routes will possess immense leverage. Another equally important aspect (maybe even more important in today's context) is the Military aspect. In simple terms, the USA wants their bases there but they do not wish for Russian or Chinese presence, and vice-versa.
The routes might be complex/uncrossable for now, but governments do not have the same definition of Long-Term than you and me, and some more than others. In a negotiation with the British, Mao Zedong once said “We will see in the Long Term”; when asked “What is the Long Term?”, Mao answered “150 years”.
What should happen & what will happen?
“F*** Off Mr Trump” said Anders Vistisen, Dannish European Deputy. To which Mr Trump responded “They send two dog sleds and call it security, we are able to provide security for Greenland. This is not in the interest of the United States but in the interest of the free world. I am talking about protecting the free world.”
In contrast, Habib Bourguiba’s position in 1966 with the Arab League was to ‘accept proposals’ and make concessions, that is because in wars you lose even if you win. Precisely when you are not the stronger power, not choosing military conflict is always the better option.
If I had a say in Danish politics I would negotiate with Trump in an attempt to retain as much influence as I possibly can. Trump has been a major critic of NATO and has not ruled out using military force to achieve his goals in Greenland; that is against a NATO member. The best action plan for Denmark is to do the opposite of what is expected from the world and from Trump’s administration, and collaborate. They might lose sovereignty, but they might also enjoy a fine outcome if they negotiate right on friendly, win-win terms. If Denmark is kicked out of Greenland militarily, by an ally, and also lose sovereignty, that would be both a strategic loss and a credibility loss.
The stakes
One thing is clear, the faster we come to a consensus, the better it will be for the whole world because once the ice melts, new rules such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea UNCLOS will apply, making it a territorial waters dispute, and we all know how those go.
PS: If you want a deeper understanding on the topic, I advise:
- French: Arte - dessous des cartes (On Youtube)
- English: Johnny Harris (Link below)
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Trump wants it so badly... and he will get it
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Travel diary #5: Indonesia
1128
The flight from Brisbane to Denpasar, Indonesia, was a piece of cake compared to the previous leg of our journey. We did not complain. We spent just one night in the Kuta region on the island of Bali before taking a ferry to the small island of Nusa Penida, where we planned to stay for a week.
Our research didn’t mislead us, it is indeed a lovely little island, though slightly more expensive than Bali. While walking along a road, we passed a tiny shop advertising tourist activities like snorkelling, sightseeing tours, and scooter rentals. This led to a delightful encounter with a local entrepreneur offering his services. We booked a family scooter for the next day, a tour of the eastern part of the island, and a boat excursion with snorkelling. The latter turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip: swimming in the ocean near a cliff, amidst meter-high swells, and, to top it all off, witnessing a dozen manta rays dancing before our eyes, a few meters under us.
As I mentioned in the previous post, it is the rainy season here. However, none of our activities were spoiled by the weather. It rained occasionally, sometimes light drizzles, other times heavy downpours, but we always found time to explore beaches, cliffs, or take scooter rides.
We visited Crystal Bay, which was supposedly one of the must see beaches. In my opinion, it wasn’t worth it. The beach was dirty, and the area behind it was crowded with shops and warungs (small, cheap restaurants/stores), ruining the scenery. If you only focus on the ocean and the rocks though, it’s undeniably beautiful. This wasn’t the only spot where enjoying the view required overlooking trash or tourist oriented constructions (swings, wooden nests, hearts, sculpted benches, etc.) meant for artificial and exaggerated social network photographs. It’s a pity.
Fortunately, not all places were affected. One morning, we discussed our plans with the receptionist, who suggested a slightly off-the-beaten-path destination worth a small detour: Tembeling Beach. We visited Broken Beach first, as planned. For the second stop, the final stretch of the journey turned into a dirt road with steep inclines: off-road scootering! We finished on foot, descending stairs for about 15 minutes. What a sight! A hidden beach nestled between cliffs, with rocks forming a freshwater pool at the end of a river. The pool was semi-natural, with visible pipes directing the river water into the pool and some rock reinforcements. This spot was stunning, and we encountered only a handful of other visitors.
Then came Christmas Eve, one of our last days on Nusa Penida. For the first time in a long while, we decided to do nothing at all. Every now and then, it feels good. We spent the day planning the next steps of our trip, playing games, watching a movie, swimming in the pool, and enjoying dinner at a cliffside restaurant with a fabulous sunset.
We had planned to visit Lombok next, but after talking with locals, always a great source of advice, we changed our plans. They told us that skipping Bali would mean missing out on a significant part of the culture. Lombok, they said, offered mostly the same activities as Nusa Penida (beaches, cliffs, hikes, and diving) just on a larger scale.
So, we took the same ferry back to Bali and booked a guesthouse for six days in Ubud. It was a beautiful homestay set back from the main road. The taxi couldn’t take us all the way, so we walked down an alley, along a small rice field on a paved path, until we reached a house composed of several buildings. The rooms were private, and the bathrooms were adorned with intricate moldings. The complimentary breakfasts were so substantial that we barely ate lunch throughout our stay.
One day was enough to explore the city’s main attractions on foot: temples, shops, markets, etc. On the following days, we rented scooters to visit the surrounding areas, including rice fields, the Sangeh Monkey Forest, waterfalls, and temples. In the days leading up to New Year’s, the city was bustling with tourists, but traffic eased up afterward, making scooter rides more enjoyable. Riding a family scooter remains one of my favorite activities, regardless of conditions (traffic or rain).
The next stop on our journey was another guesthouse, this time in Munduk, near Mount Batukaru. That’s precisely why we went there, we planned a day hike to and from the summit. There were several starting points, and online we found a trail of about 5.5 hours leading to the peak. It didn’t disappoint! It was one of the most challenging hikes of my life, just over 3 km one way with a 1,100 meter elevation gain. The rest of the family stopped a little over halfway, but my pride pushed me to the summit. I left the picnic and water behind, taking only my poncho in case of heavy rain. I eventually caught up with them just before they reached the starting point. The view from the top was quite beautiful but partially obscured. While the photos weren’t exceptional, that wasn’t the point of my climb. It had been a long time since I’d pushed myself to my physical limits, and it felt great!
We ended our trip with a few days in southern Tanah Lot. The temple is stunning, but like many tourist attractions, it’s marred by superficial tourist artifacts. We stayed in a hotel that was not more than ten-minute walk from the ocean, in the Canggu area. It was a stark change of scenery, full of gyms and trendy restaurants catering to a certain type of tourism that didn’t suit us.
I don’t want to end on a negative note, though. Our stay in Nusa Penida and Bali was an incredibly enriching experience. We met many wonderful locals and had engaging conversations. The landscapes were breathtaking, as long as we ventured beyond the trendy tourist spots and ignored some artifacts.
There won’t be another destination for a few months at least, as we are now back home. This marks the end of our family adventure but far from the end of our travels!
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Travel diary #5: Indonesia
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European Parliament: two idiotic votes..
1427
The recent vote in favor of a European resolution calling for the release of the writer Boualem Sansal has finally revealed what a certain Left in France is all about. What it thinks, its doctrinaire tendencies, its ideological heritage, its philology and, above all, its idea of freedom of expression and humanism.
Two French MEPs, representing the country of the Enlightenment and the Declaration of the human Rights, found nothing more intelligent to distinguish themselves in the eyes of Europeans than to go against the grain of what any sensible person might think: one abstained and the other voted against the resolution outright.
This is the position of the political movement they represent and not a personal one.
One is known for having little to show for it other than the fact that her inheritance makes her a political pensioner, while the other shines through her bizarre positions, waltzing to and fro between extreme left-wing and extreme right-wing ideas. It's enough to make you dizzy. All that matters is that she is getting coverage in the media every day. She hasn't been taught that value and enhancement come with scarcity, not profusion.
For example, she is the only one who knows where the Mecca of freedoms and revolutionaries is on the world map.
So for these two turbulent political figures, the 553 MEPs who voted for the resolution were probably wrong.
By their votes, the two excitements have defended the arbitrary imprisonment of a 75-year-old man; an intellectual who in a television program simply recalled historical and geographical facts, without calling for anything, or pleading for anything.
The true face of a certain French Left is thus revealed; still nostalgic for the totalitarian regimes of the Eastern bloc... Fundamentally nostalgic for the only truth that is that of the single party. But they don't tell the French that; they practice it.
But aren't they themselves, as young as they are, the victims of leftist indoctrination from another time, which has numbed their minds and inhibited the neurons of discernment and lucidity? They have always lived in an environment where common sense is the daily target of outdated propaganda, the legacy of another time; a time that has run out of steam before our very eyes but to which they have simply remained faithful. Foolish ideology always ends up killing... So human beings don't count for them, and the law even less... Let's not forget that they and their acolytes are nothing more than a contemporary digression from Ceausescu, Tito or Brezhnev and their parties, not to mention Stalin and co...
Their names are not mentioned in this text as a prelude to the fact that history is unlikely to remember them.
They are the epitome of imbecility and nothing else. Their votes did not count.
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European Parliament: two idiotic votes..
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President Trump's first decions Part 1
1511
On the very evening of his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Donald Trump signed no fewer than 77 executive orders, as promised. Many of the decisions simply repealed those of his predecessor and the policies of the opposing camp. In this way, he is laying the foundations for his future policies as he had announced them. Here is a list of the ‘President acts’ he signed in a truly revanchist staging.
Part 1:
1. Repeal of 78 decrees issued by the Biden administration: cancellation of measures to reduce the price of certain medicines, anti-discrimination programmes and sanctions against certain settlers in the West Bank.
2. Declaration of a national emergency on the Mexican border: Authorisation for the deployment of US troops to reinforce border security.
3. Withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement: marks a break with international environmental commitments.
4. Withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO): a halt to collaboration with the WHO.
5. Presidential pardon for more than 1,500 people involved in the riot of 6 January 2021: Pardons granted to supporters involved in the assault on the Capitol.
6. Suspension of telework for federal employees: Encouragement to return to face-to-face work.
7. Declaring a national energy emergency: Increasing oil and gas production, withdrawing subsidies for electric vehicles and abandoning the Paris Agreement.
8. Official recognition of two biological genders: Limiting diversity and inclusion policies, recognising only male and female genders.
9. Designation of drug cartels as terrorist organisations: Tougher measures against the cartels and increased sanctions.
10. Extension of deadline for TikTok: Temporary suspension of the ban on TikTok, allowing a further 75 days to comply with US regulations.
11. End of diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in government agencies: Elimination of initiatives aimed at promoting diversity within federal institutions.
12. Creation of the Foreign Revenue Service: Establishment of a new agency responsible for collecting tariffs and customs duties.
13. Renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America: Symbolic change of name to assert American sovereignty.
14. The name Mount McKinley was reinstated for Denali: the traditional name for the mountain in Alaska was restored.
15. Federal hiring freeze: Suspension of new federal government hiring, with the exception of national security positions.
16. Revocation of the electric vehicle mandate: Cancellation of the obligation to transition to electric vehicles.
17. Ending citizenship by birthright: Eliminating the automatic acquisition of citizenship for children born on U.S. soil to foreign parents.
18. Reinstatement of military personnel discharged for vaccine non-compliance: Reinstatement of members of the armed forces discharged for refusing vaccination, with retroactive payment.
19. Prohibiting government censorship: Implementing measures to protect free speech and prevent the suppression of political speech.
20. Creation of the Department of Government Efficiency: Appointment of Elon Musk to head a new department tasked with reducing waste and improving the efficiency of federal agencies.
21. Withdrawal of sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank: Cancellation of punitive measures against Israeli settlements.
22. Reinstatement of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism: Reinstatement of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, leading to economic sanctions.
23. Relocation of the headquarters of the United States Space Command to Alabama: Relocation of the Space Command headquarters to Huntsville, Alabama.
24. Implementation of Schedule F: Reduced job protections for thousands of federal employees, making it easier to lay them off.
25. Reassessment of foreign aid: Reduction or elimination of funding to countries deemed hostile to US interests or not supporting US initiatives in international organisations, with priority given to strategic allies.
26. Prohibition of critical race education programmes: Withdrawal of funding for schools promoting critical race theory.
27. Expansion of oil and gas drilling: Authorisation of new permits for extraction in protected areas.
28. Cancellation of subsidies for renewable energies: Abolition of tax incentives for wind and solar power.
29. Creation of a commission on electoral fraud: Launch of a national enquiry into electoral irregularities in 2020.
30. Suspension of visas for citizens of several Middle Eastern countries: Reintroduction of a modified ‘Muslim Ban’.
31. Reinstatement of the ‘stay in Mexico’ policy: asylum seekers must wait in Mexico while their case is processed.
32. Ending federal funding for sanctuary cities: Eliminating subsidies for jurisdictions that protect illegal immigrants.
33. Increased import taxes on Chinese products: Tariffs will be strengthened to protect US industries.
34. Protecting historic monuments: Prohibiting the destruction or removal of federal statues.
35. Encouraging Made in the USA: Strengthening local sourcing requirements for government agencies.
36. Reducing union rights for federal employees: Limiting collective bargaining in the civil service.
37. Removing limits on political donations: Easing restrictions on campaign financing.
38. Proclaiming Energy Freedom Day: A national celebration of America's oil and gas industries.
39. Creating a fund for victims of crime: Increasing resources for victims of crime, particularly those perpetrated by illegal immigrants.
40. Eliminate federal transgender bathroom standards: Reinstate laws defining bathrooms by biological sex.
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President Trump's first decions Part 1
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President Trump's first decisions. Part 2
1510
On the very evening of his inauguration on 20 January 2025, President Donald Trump signed no fewer than 77 executive orders, as promised. Many of the decisions simply repealed those of his predecessor and the policies of the opposing camp. In this way, he is laying the foundations for his future policies as he had announced them. Here is the list of ‘President acts’ that he signed in a truly revanchist staging.
Part 2:
41. Strengthening controls at the northern border: Expansion of security measures with Canada.
42. Evaluating social media practices: Launching a commission to examine censorship of conservative views.
43. Obamacare repeal: Another attempt to completely dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
44. Revoking public housing rules: Removing requirements for residential areas to accept subsidized housing.
45. Banning public-private partnerships with China: Blocking Chinese investment in US critical infrastructure.
46. Restoring federal executions: Reactivating executions for convicted federal criminals.
47. Cancellation of restrictions on firearms: Revocation of federal laws limiting the possession of semi-automatic weapons.
48. End subsidies to companies supporting progressive causes: Reducing tax credits for climate and inclusion initiatives.
49. Promoting the celebration of Christmas in schools: Requiring public schools to recognize and promote Christian traditions.
50. Relaxing pollution rules for large industries: Reducing emissions standards to boost industrial competitiveness.
51. Recognition of Christian institutions in federal funding: Priority to faith-based schools for educational grants.
52. Increased budget for law enforcement: Increased funding for the police and federal security departments.
53. Reopening Guantanamo: Reactivating the detention center for suspected foreign terrorists.
54. Strengthening sanctions against Iran: Returning to the strictest economic sanctions against Tehran.
55. Priority funding for rural infrastructure: Directing public funds towards rural communities rather than large cities.
56. Creating a technological wall with drones and cameras: Deploying advanced technology to monitor the southern border.
57. Revision of refugee quotas: Significant reduction in the annual number of refugees accepted.
58. End of UN funding for climate projects: Suspension of US contributions to international climate initiatives.
59. Promoting charter schools: Increasing funding for independent schools.
60. Implementing a national civic literacy program: Creating a program to teach American values and history in public schools.
61. Restoring religious rights in businesses: Allowing businesses to refuse certain services on the basis of religious beliefs.
62. Reducing restrictions imposed on banks by the Dodd-Frank Act.
63. Increasing the military budget: Increasing funding for equipment modernization and military cyber security.
64. Abolish work visas for foreigners in certain industries: Reduce legal immigration in favor of domestic employment.
65. Reinstatement of economic sanctions against North Korea: Stricter measures to limit the financial resources of the North Korean regime.
66. Funding infrastructure for the army: Prioritization of funds to improve military bases and military housing.
67. Suspension of funding for family planning: Abolition of subsidies for abortion-related services.
68. Promoting public-private partnerships in infrastructure: Encouraging private investment to modernize roads, bridges and airports.
69. Creation of a national database on migrants: Centralizing information on migrants to facilitate monitoring and national security.
70. Declaring a ‘National Patriotic Day’: Establishing a public holiday to celebrate American values.
71. Restricting the activities of international NGOs: Reducing funding for organizations promoting progressive ideals abroad.
72. End of scientific cooperation with China: Suspension of academic and technological exchanges with Chinese institutions.
73. Expansion of vocational training programs: Increased funding for apprenticeships and technical schools.
74. Supervision of Big Tech practices: Reinforcement of regulations on data collection and algorithmic transparency.
75. Reinstate Confederate monuments as National Historic Landmarks: Restore and preserve controversial monuments.
76. Repealing restrictions on oil companies in the Arctic: Reopening drilling in polar areas.
77. Promoting academic freedom: Prohibiting universities from penalizing students who do not meet their academic standards
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President Trump's first decisions. Part 2
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Trump is here to drive the world to new horizons.
1685
Finally, the emperor was enthroned and blessed by almost all the religions present in the country. Like a Roman emperor, he is enthroned in the Senate. The Capitol is chosen for reasons of weather... God the almighty had decided so. It's cold, and that's to the advantage of the 47th President of the United States.
He even says that if he didn't succumb to the attempted murder he suffered, it's because God Almighty had decided to keep him alive for the noble mission of restoring America to its greatness.
As in a certain mythology, we were dealing with a divine descendant, a messenger, and as a good prophet he gave us his Ten Commandments.
What could be more natural than to begin by telling Americans and the world that ‘today’ we open (his words) a new chapter in which America regains its place as leader, not through arrogance, but through its destiny of excellence and resilience’. It makes you wonder whether America has ever lost the cheap leadership of the world since it won its first battles against the Spanish in 1898, almost three centuries ago. That war sounded the death knell of Hispanic power, described by the Iberians at the time as a disaster.
With a phlegm that could not be more imperial, the lord of the manor went on to announce to everyone that ‘the golden age of America begins now, because we believe that nothing is too great for those who have faith in their country and in themselves’. What a lesson for all of us to remember that a nation's greatest asset is its belief in itself and its people.
Once these terms of greatness, ambition and power had been uttered, it was obviously necessary to come to their declinations; and wham: ‘We are declaring a national emergency on the southern border, because protecting our people is the first sacred mission of this government’. The country that owes its prosperity and power solely to immigration is going to close itself off to the primary source of the human flows that it claims are flooding the country, the one that comes from its southern flank. America doesn't want to Hispanicize... And yet it owes an enormous debt to these people who are saving its agriculture and freeing its young people from all the back-breaking jobs and chores that young Americans no longer want to do. He made it a mission tinged with sacredness.
American families are worried and need to be reassured, and now he has given them a pledge that could not be clearer or more ambiguous: ‘We will fight the cartels that destroy lives and divide families. From today they will be recognised for what they are: enemies of peace’. Which cartels are we talking about and which enemy? Doubts were thus sown and the spectre of a witch-hunt crossed people's minds. It was as if President Truman had been resurrected... But here the manoeuvre was not against the enemy that communism constituted at the time, but rather against as yet unidentified cartels. Only time will tell whether American families have really been protected from their targeted enemies in this way.
Climate change or no climate change, the USA is not responsible. It's the others that are, China first and foremost. The pollution generated by its economy is to blame for what is happening on earth, so America can happily withdraw from the Paris agreements. ‘We choose to withdraw from agreements that restrict our economic freedom because we believe in American innovation, innovation that lights up the world’ and he continues: ’There is no room for ambiguity: we recognize that nature and common sense dictate - the beauty of our differences, while celebrating our common humanity.’
So the audience stands up and applauds. It's acquired and that's normal. The guests were well chosen. Biden and co, the former presidents of the other party and the few Democrats present were stoic. Inert, they took it like beaten boxers in the corner of a ring and a hostile audience.
‘This day marks our determination to re-establish our sovereignty in every part of the globe, and we affirm that the resources that enrich this nation must first serve its people’. These words could not be clearer in the voice of sovereignty, which is full of the most powerful egocentrism. But is this not the expression of some kind of threat?
Freedom is achieved through outrageous liberalism; from now on, all the locks will be broken: ‘We will put an end to any programme that compromises our fundamental freedoms or sacrifices our values on the altar of dogma’. He talks about values but does not define them. Which ones will he put forward? Certainly not those defended by his political enemies. Those to whom he wants to forgive nothing; throughout the evening, he will not stop sending them sly messages and jabs without blushing for a moment. And, as if to diminish them further, he delivered the fatal blow: ‘America is never as great as when it dreams boldly, works hard and does the impossible the best it can’. He was clearly telling them: you lack the boldness and courage to serve the American people well.
To conclude this first moment of glory, before the series of signing of the ‘President Orders’, the moment he chose first in front of his most popular troops. What an astonishing thing to sign such acts in a sports hall, in the midst of a crowd with an overheated engine.
Finally, he brought to the surface all his grievances against a certain press and told everyone: ‘We are restoring a public space where every voice can be raised freely, without fear of censorship, because our freedom of expression is the beating heart of our democracy’. Every voice... by which we mean every citizen in every medium and without regulation. A real gift for Marc Zuckerberg and indirectly for Sundar Pichar. Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are getting one more, with the boss encouraging them to go to Mars. As if to comfort him after his disappointment with one of his children, the boss of Space x and Tesla is happy when he hears him say that from now on there are only men and women in the USA. The death knell has sounded for wokism. All these Giga billionaires were happy to be sitting in the front row. The FIFA President's head of hair was barely visible behind them.
So the emperor of the Americas was finally enthroned, and the Gulf of Mexico changed its name. It is now called the Gulf of America. The Panama Canal is once again American, and the world has been warned: Trump is here to drive the world to new horizons.
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Trump is here to drive the world to new horizons.
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Africa: Lack of understanding of the fundamentals of sports performance and the impact on public policy
2095
Physical activity is so complex that it requires optimum knowledge of virtually all the human sciences, all the biological sciences and certainly all the demographic, geographic, historical, ethnographic, economic, artistic and cultural aspects. It has embraced recent technologies and made many substantial innovations and advances its own. It is a cornerstone of human progress that no one can ignore, except at the cost of physical and mental health problems. Societies, too, cannot ignore it, except at the cost of deviance and malaise, which it alone has the possibility and the secret of remedying.
The aim of this modest contribution is to return to some of the fundamentals of sports performance, to systematize them and to offer a platform for reflection, particularly in relation to public policies in this area.
Physical activity has many expressions. The most important is of course sport, because it is present in every society and is an area where people's emotions are affected.
Sport fascinates through performance, sport sows the seeds of joie de vivre, sport makes people react and sport makes them cry.
An analysis of public policies in certain African countries that I have had the pleasure of visiting and where I have had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with senior sports officials, and of certain decisions and recommendations of national and continental sports bodies, reveals a number of gaps in understanding and leads to a need for certain methodological explanations. These can be systematized as follows:
A lack of understanding of the core business of sport, i.e. sports performance, what determines it and what encourages it; hence the need to provide decision-makers with optimum knowledge of the mechanisms underlying sports performance,
The need for a systemic approach to all the components to provide as comprehensive and realistic a vision as possible of what sport is and to recall the different components of this highly complex activity. The decision-maker or manager would then be in a position to understand, design and implement sports ideas and projects, taking into account the different phases in the construction of performance.
This approach would enable us to understand what is at stake in sport, as well as the factors that contribute to its development or, on the contrary, cause it to stagnate. The lack of satisfactory results would thus be explained. It is based on an understanding of
The essential element, physical exercise, which underpins performance
The determinants of sporting performance
Factors that promote performance
Sporting competition and its impact
The major foundations in the process of producing sporting performance
The limits of sporting performance
Sustainability of sporting performance
Africa's contribution to innovation in sports performance
The performance is individual, the result is collective
Each of us has, one day on a beach, tried to walk in the footsteps left by someone else. It's a very simple exercise, but no one ever succeeds, and for good reason:
A particular body type
A particular physical and mental potential
A particular rhythm of life
A different way of thinking
A distinctive character
A distinct culture
In other words, in any approach to developing sporting performance, only innovation, while taking into account each individual's particular characteristics, can lead to performance. In this case, simply walking on a beach. This reasoning can no doubt be extrapolated to all fields.
It is therefore imperative to define the element that underpins all sporting performance, i.e. physical exercise. We need to understand it and pinpoint its mechanism and components.
This composite complexity provides us with information about what precisely is involved in the performance of any movement, its physiological dimension, its psychological dimension, its kinetics and its mechanics.
As a result, we are faced here with the need to have recourse to scientific knowledge in all of these areas, and hence on what the basic professions in sport should be.
This approach should determine political choices in management training, for example. What profile of managerial staff is really needed, and how many?
What level of management do we really need to develop sport?
It has to be said that the content of training for sports managers in many African institutions and universities is weak. This has an impact on the level of competence of those trained, and hence on their performance in the field. In many African countries today, more sports managers are trained than specialist technical staff. A real political inconsistency.
Training in coaching must meet the real needs of sport in Africa for all levels of practice. Sport is an indivisible whole. Each level of practice requires specifically trained managers, with particular profiles and skills, but all must have a level of scientific knowledge such that they can measure the impact of their interventions. They must be able to understand the problems and provide solutions by applying their scientific background.
Let's say straight away that physical exercise never takes place in isolation. It takes place in an equally complex environment, the impact of which is immeasurable. This environment is controllable in some respects and impossible to control in others.
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Africa: Lack of understanding of the fundamentals of sports performance and the impact on public policy
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Striking the perfect balance? Mastering academic demands while thriving in the personal life.
2200
With the hustle of academia, it’s very easy to focus only on what’s next—a looming deadline, the next exam, or an upcoming conference. Before you know it, those academic demands can creep into every corner of your life, making it tough to separate “work time” from “me time.” That’s why setting boundaries is so important. Whether it’s not answering emails after a certain hour or taking a proper lunch break, clear limits protect your mental health and nurture your relationships.
Making Time for What Matters:
One of the best ways to balance your academic workload with a fulfilling personal life is by using solid time management skills. It goes beyond just buying a planner—you have to create a realistic schedule, set achievable goals, and regularly check your progress. When you block out specific times for studying or research, it frees your mind to fully enjoy your personal pursuits later. For example, I started writing down all my meetings, and deadlines on a simple calendar, then penciled in “personal time” for reading, relaxing, or a quick break. Having those scheduled moments made it easier to focus on my tasks when it was actually “work time.”
Learning to Say “No”:
Another challenge I faced was learning to set limits with people around me. In the past, I’d say “yes” to every study group or committee meeting—leaving little space for rest. But saying “no” is sometimes the healthiest choice you can make. If a project isn’t urgent or a meeting doesn’t truly need your input, it’s okay to pass. By politely declining, you protect your mental health and keep your workload manageable.
Small Breaks, Big Difference:
Taking short breaks was also a lifesaver for me. Even a five-minute walk or a quick chat with a friend can recharge your brain, especially when you’re buried in readings or writing papers. When I tried to power through for hours without pausing, I ended up feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Now, I schedule small breaks throughout my day.
Celebrating Small Wins:
Finally, I learned the power of celebrating small milestones. After finishing a tough chapter or hitting a key research goal, I give myself a little treat—like a coffee date with a friend or a short break. Recognizing these small wins reminds me that progress comes in steps, not leaps. It also keeps me motivated for the next challenge. By honoring each success, no matter how small, I stay positive and energized, even when juggling academic deadlines and personal responsibilities.
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Striking the perfect balance? Mastering academic demands while thriving in the personal life.
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About Grimoires
2790
A grimoire is a magical text that serves as a manual or guide for practitioners of the occult. These books contain rituals, invocations, instructions, and often diagrams or sigils used to summon, command, or communicate with spirits, angels, or demons. They frequently combine elements of astrology, alchemy, mysticism, and religious traditions, reflecting the cultural and spiritual contexts of their time. Grimoires were often attributed to legendary or historical figures to give them authority, and their contents were seen as gateways to hidden knowledge, divine power, or spiritual transformation. Though some grimoires focus on practical magic for worldly gains, others emphasize spiritual growth and the alignment of human will with cosmic forces.
The most important grimoires in Western occult tradition are those that have profoundly influenced magical practices, esoteric thought, and cultural perceptions of magic. These texts often blend religious, mystical, and practical elements, forming the foundation of ceremonial magic and esoteric traditions.
The Key of Solomon (Clavicula Salomonis) is one of the most renowned grimoires, attributed to King Solomon. It offers instructions for summoning spirits and working with divine forces, showing the preparation of ritual tools, protective circles, and divine names. It has significantly influenced many later texts. Closely associated with it is the Lesser Key of Solomon (Lemegeton), a compilation of five books: the Ars Goetia, detailing 72 demons and their attributes; the Ars Theurgia-Goetia, which focuses on spirits of the cardinal directions; the Ars Paulina and Ars Almadel, which involve astrological and angelic magic; and the Ars Notoria, a guide to gaining knowledge and memory. These texts have become cornerstones of ceremonial magic.
The Arbatel of Magic distinguishes itself by emphasizing ethics and spiritual growth in magical practice. It introduces the Olympic spirits—celestial intelligences associated with planetary spheres—and advocates for harmony with divine principles, setting it apart from other grimoires that focus primarily on summoning and control. The Picatrix, a medieval grimoire originally written in Arabic, focuses on astrological magic, offering methods for creating talismans and invoking planetary forces. It combines Hermetic, Neoplatonic, and astrological traditions, making it highly influential.
The Book of Abramelin provides a rigorous path and practices for achieving communion with one’s Holy Guardian Angel. Once this connection is established, the practitioner gains the power to summon and control spirits. This grimoire has deeply influenced the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and modern ceremonial magic. The Grimorium Verum and Heptameron are practical texts that guide summoning infernal and celestial spirits. The former focuses on tools and sigils for working with spirits, while the latter provides rituals for invoking angels associated with the days of the week.
The Sworn Book of Honorius (Liber Juratus), one of the oldest grimoires, offers angelic invocations, prayers, and rituals aimed at divine knowledge and spiritual ascension. The Grand Grimoire, also known as Le Dragon Rouge, is infamous for its focus on summoning demonic entities like Lucifer and making pacts. The Grimoire of Pope Honorius blends Catholic prayers with ceremonial magic, adding an air of controversy due to its supposed papal origins.
The Enochian magical system, developed by John Dee and Edward Kelley, is not a single grimoire but an intricate framework involving angelic invocations, celestial languages, and tools for exploring higher spiritual realms. This system has become one of the most complex and influential in Western esotericism. Lastly, The Magus by Francis Barrett serves as a compilation of older magical traditions, popularizing esoteric practices in the 19th century, while Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy provides a comprehensive understanding of magic, integrating Hermeticism, Kabbalah, astrology, and natural philosophy.
These grimoires collectively form the backbone of Western esotericism, influencing ceremonial magic, mysticism, and even modern spiritual practices. Each grimoire offers unique insights and methods, ranging from summoning spirits to achieving divine communion, reflecting the diverse ways humanity has sought to connect with the unseen and the divine.
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About Grimoires
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Dialogue between Dame Tour Mohammed VI and Dame Tour Hassan...
2904
Chance has never done things so well.
Strolling along the banks of the Bouregreg in Rabat the Moroccan Capital, probably alone, at a time when no one was moving, my friend Aziz Boucetta overheard a discussion he had never expected or imagined; a discussion between the Mohammed VI Tower and the Tour Hassan Tower... nothing less.
At the first stammer of the discussion, I can imagine him stopping, taking out his old-fashioned journalist's notebook and forever recording the content of the words and ideas exchanged.
A rare moment.
Starting out as a shameful rivalry of the kind we used to know between Lmra Lbeldia (Traditional Moroccan Women) and Lmra Al3asria (moderne one), the discussion quickly moved up a gear, swaying with the wind between history and philosophy, until it reached peaks which, from time to time, seemed to be addressed to all of us, and sometimes more directly to our politicians or those who claim to be politicians.
The two towers, gently, in a language imbued with wisdom and sometimes nostalgia, speak to us all to wake us up, those of us who pass by every day without ever giving a thought to this dialogue of the times.
They are addressed to the world as if to say that if we are where we are today, it is certainly not our fault, but that we are working boldly to get back to where we were before, to regain our rightful place.
We're not blaming anyone or settling any scores with anyone; but we're on our way back, with a firm step.
We are certainly at the first step, but a firm and unflappable step. To do this, we need to fulfil certain conditions: seriousness and determination. Unfortunately, we also have to meet the conditions set by the unscrupulous squatters in politics and the economy.
The leeches and fools should also leave us in peace.
One day, if God lends me life, I will ask, friend Aziz to tell me in what language the two towers held this discussion and how they managed to talk and understand each other.
But does he even know?
Back then, the Tour Hassan Tower probably didn't speak anything like we do today... I wonder if the Mohammed VI Tower is more at ease in English or French?
...in Darija perhaps.
Here yu have the link of the original article as published by my friend Aziz Boucetta, months ago.
It is in French.
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Dialogue between Dame Tour Mohammed VI and Dame Tour Hassan...
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What I Learned in 2024 During My PhD (Beyond Academia)
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When people ask what I’ve learned during my PhD, they usually think it’s all about science—reading papers, running experiments, gathering data. But honestly? That’s barely 20% of what I’ve learned this past year. The real lessons have nothing to do with lab work.
It’s more about how you plan. I’ve learned to pause, think things through, and focus on long-term goals. Not everything needs a fast answer, and not every problem needs to be fixed right away. The best decisions come when I keep my emotions in check and focus on strategy.
Waiting is tough. Progress can be painfully slow. But I’ve learned that good things take time. Getting frustrated doesn’t help—staying calm does.
Spending hours working alone makes you figure out who you really are—what motivates you, what stresses you out, and how much you can handle before you reach your limit. Some tasks felt pointless—reading papers I wasn’t excited about or presenting when I wasn’t ready—but those things made me better. The things I dreaded the most taught me the most.
I’ve also realized that communication is about more than speaking—it’s about making people understand. Breaking down complex ideas is just as important as knowing them. How you explain things shapes how people see your work. And thinking critically isn’t just for science—it helps you understand the world better, question things, and spot what others might miss.
I stopped waiting to feel “ready.” Confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from showing up, trusting what you’ve learned, and getting better each time. I’ve also started thinking of my future like a game of chess—every move counts. Emotional decisions don’t last, but careful ones do.
I’ve learned you can’t force your way through everything. Sometimes, you need to know when to speak, when to listen, and when to take a step back. Being diplomatic doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re smart enough to handle things without making everything a fight.
These lessons weren’t in any textbook. They came from real moments—the tough ones, the quiet ones, and the ones that felt overwhelming. It’s more than learning skills—it’s understanding yourself and becoming stronger with every step forward.
Still, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. When you seek advice from someone who knows you and genuinely wants you to grow, you can skip some of the slow, painful steps. They help you see blind spots and make your process faster and smoother.
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The Silver Thread of Destiny (EHLERS DANLOS)
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The Silver Thread of Destiny (EHLERS DANLOS)
In the Kingdom of the Woven Stars, there lived a young girl called Alaya. Her skin was as soft and translucent as moonlight, and her joints seemed to dance with the wind. It was said that she was born under the star of the Silver Thread, an invisible magical thread linking her heart to the entire universe.
However, this thread, as beautiful as it was, was fragile and capricious. Any movement, too sudden or not, could stretch or break it, causing Alaya mysterious pains that no one really understood. His joints sometimes moved like the supple branches of a willow, and his skin was easily marked, like ancient parchment.
One day, while Alaya was walking near the Lake of Dark Reflections, she met the Sage Revard, a guardian of celestial secrets. Seeing her suffering, he told her the story of the Silver Thread:
‘You carry within you a thread woven by the hands of Fate. It is a precious bond, as strong as love and as fragile as the wind. It doesn't make you weak, but different. It's your courage and patience that strengthen this thread. If you learn to listen to it, it will guide you towards a light that few can glimpse.
Moved by these words, Alaya decided not to fight against her condition, but to understand it. She created melodies by playing her silver harp, transforming her pain into music that healed hearts.
Thanks to her determination, the people of the kingdom understood that frailty could conceal immense strength. Together, they created a Temple of the Sacred Thread, where anyone could come and learn patience, resilience and self-acceptance.
And so the Silver Thread of Alaya's Destiny never broke. With time and the love of all, it became a symbol of hope, carried by all those who, like her, hid one, invisible but indestructible.
The end.
Moral of the tale:
True strength lies not in the absence of fragility, but in the way we embrace our differences. Every trial can become a unique melody if we learn to listen to our hearts and transcend our weaknesses, transforming them into strength. Patience, understanding and self-acceptance weave an indestructible thread that can link souls and illuminate even the darkest paths.
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The Future - Review and Concepts from the book: AI For Social Good (1)
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We begin from the end.
I read the book AI For Social Good by Rahul Dodhia and I gained some interesting ideas from it which I want to elucidate with my own take.
So, we begin from the end - the final chapter - not only because it is the freshest parts of the book within my mind as I read them the last, but also because most of its paragraphs had my highlights for the entire book.
One of such paragraphs that is worth mentioning is Rahul’s take on how the future of AI should be embraced when it becomes more powerful than we currently know it, and more powerful than humanity could understand.
“The advancement of AI forces us to re-evaluate what we value in being human. It pushes us to move beyond intelligence as the primary measure of worth”. Rahul makes the argument that as humans, we have always taken pride in our intelligence, and now we find ourselves at a point where we are creating minds that can become more intelligent than us. Rather than resisting the change, hoping for new careers from the change, or just adapting like we always do, there is a chance now for us to “re-evaluate what we value in being human.”
This idea of using AI's advancement as an opportunity to re-evaluate our humanness gained more importance for me because in another section of the same final chapter on “The Future”, it said: “The information revolution inadvertently emphasized negative behaviors, as people found themselves ensnared by screens and engaging in rampant consumerism rather than being exclusively utilized for leisure. Free time was often channeled toward extending work hours”.
This suggests that before the information age, somewhere before the 1980s, there were leisure hours which people spent wisely by visiting friends, doing hobbies, and generally performing more fulfilling activities than they are doing now. Going on social media in recent times also shows more people judging the 80s and 60s as some of the best times of their existence. People were generally happier in that era than they are now.
If the information age made us lose general happiness, stable mental health, healthy work-life balance, a stronger world economy and a greater sense of contentment as a people, all for chasing more information, then AIs advancement offers us the opportunity to fix these things.
If AI becomes more advanced, more leisure will be created because most jobs will be automated. Contrary to the information age, there will not be any value in seeking out more information and knowledge to stay ahead anymore. Rather, real and abundant leisure will be created.
Looking on the brighter side of job losses, whatever those activities were in the 60s that made life more exciting, people would become unbridled from the constant thirst for information and do those things - and maybe life will have more meaning again.
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2024, kenyans on top of the world in number of world records
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2024 was undoubtedly the year of the Olympic Games, with thrilling moments, unforgettable competitions, great performances and a great atmosphere. Paris couldn't have dreamed of anything better, especially given the remarkably exceptional support from spectators. The numbers were there, and so was the enthusiasm specially when speaking about athletics.
The score of 198,350 points in the World Athletics competition of the year rankings is the best ever result for championship-type competitions.
The American Trials were relegated to second place and the European Athletics Championships to third.
But 2024 was also the year of world records par excellence. We thought 2023 would be an exceptional year, but not at all. 2024 was even better, with athletes from Kenya taking the lion's share, which is a credit to the booming African continent.
The gold medal went to Sweden's Mondo Duplantis and his three pole vault records, as well as to the galactic American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, twice a repeat winner in the 400m hurdles this year. The two mega-stars also stood out for their record-breaking performances during Olympic Games competitions.
In the women's marathon, Ruth Chepngetich smashed the world record in a mixed race, and Perez Jepchirchir in an women's race. In the 1500m, Faith Kipyegon was magical and in the 10,000m, the thundering Beatrice Chebet was just exceptional.
One of the most unexpected world records of the year was set in the women's high jump by Yoroslava Mahuchikh (1.80m) from Ukraine, followed in the men's discus by Mykolas Alekna from Lithuania.
More confidential but no less important were the world records set in the men's 35km walk by Japan's Masatora Kawano and in the mixed 4x400m relay by the USA team.
Three world records were also set in the women's 2000m by Australian Jessica Hull, and in the men's 3000m by the overjoyed Norwegian Jacob Ingebrigtsen, who failed to break the 1500m record still held by the legendary Hicham El Guerrouj.
Other records were broken in the road events, in the 5km and 10km by Agnes Ngetich, another Kenyan in a mixed race. In the road mile, the men's record was twice bettered by another Kenyan, Emanuel Wanyonyi, and by Elliot Giles from the UK. The half-marathon record was beaten by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha.
Other world records were also set in the indoor events, with the women's 60m hurdles twice set by Bahamian Devynne Charlton, a record to be equaled by American Tia Jones.
The Dutchwoman Femke Bol also twice improved the world indoor record in the 400m, before going on to carry her country to the Olympic Games. In the men's 60m hurdles, American Grant Holloway is set to shatter the record in 2024.
There were also three world records, in less conventional distances such as the 600m by Kenya's Mary Moraa, and the 300m with the world revelation, Botswana's LetsileTebogo, also voted best athlete of the year. The double-mile indoor record was also improved by Joshua Kerr, who is currently restoring Britain's reputation in the middle distance.
In addition, there were 14 world records in the U20 category and six in the U18 category.
These achievements perfectly illustrate the universal nature of athletics. Virtually every continent is represented on the list of new world records, with African dominance thanks in particular to athletes from Kenya.
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2024, kenyans on top of the world in number of world records
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Newborn
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**A long season had passed over the people of Nighthaven, cold and dark. Each day, they waited for the sun to rise from the great mountain, hoping it would pierce the gloom and lift their spirits. ** Season after season, they made the pilgrimage to the mountain, longing for the moment when the sun would shine again. They yearned for the light that would illuminate their sky, warm their homes, nourish their land, and bring life to every corner of their kingdom.
One day, they were awakened by a deep, resonant sound. At first, they couldn’t place its source—it sounded like a glass cup dropped into solid water. Gradually, the sound grew louder, echoing from the direction of the mountain. It was a scream, and they wondered if it might be the cry of a person. As they drew closer, the scream softened, becoming more innocent, more childlike. Their eyes widened in astonishment, and they whispered, *"It’s a newborn."*
Suddenly, the sun began to rise from the mountain where the newborn was. She began to laugh, and the warmth of the sun spread across Nighthaven, filling every corner. The flowers bloomed, and the birds soared from their nests, filling the sky with life.
And they said,* "Our sky has found its sun!"*
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Newborn
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Travel Diary #4: Australian east coast in a minivan
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As I mentioned at the end of the previous article, the journey was long: about 35 hours, including two 5-hour layovers in Addis Ababa and Singapore before arriving in Melbourne.
We planned to stay in a hotel for 3 nights before renting a minivan for our road trip along the Australian East Coast. In addition to the change of scenery, arriving in a modern city, when we reached the hotel, a white parrot with a yellow crest perched on a lamppost reminded us that we were still far from home.
During our rest, we took the time to explore Melbourne and meet up with a colleague from nearly 10 years ago. We spent a wonderful day together visiting a museum, the library, enjoying drinks on a rooftop terrace, and, most importantly, chatting! There are some people you reconnect with after years, and it feels like you saw them yesterday...
The day of our road trip departure arrived, and we took the keys to our home and transportation for the upcoming month. It was a minivan with a small bunk area, which allowed my son to have a bed. It's more expensive than a tent but far less of a hassle to set up and pack away every day. Plus, given Australia's reputation as a rather hostile environment, we figured we'd be more comfortable in the van than on the ground. The beds turned out to be very comfortable.
We began by following the coast southwest of Melbourne, known as the Great Ocean Road. It truly lives up to its name. The coastline is hilly and offers stunning views of the bright blue ocean below. The next day, we got acquainted with the local wildlife during a hike at Kenneth River: koalas, wallabies, and kangaroos. Continuing along the Great Ocean Road, we visited the breathtaking cliffs of the Twelve Apostles.
Next, we headed east of Melbourne for two nights at Wilson Promontory. This is a mountain by the sea in a national park. A relatively challenging 1.5 hour hike with steep elevation gave us a panoramic view of the park. The coastline alternates between mountains and beaches, providing yet another breathtaking viewpoint. We were truly spoiled. But it wasn’t just one sense that was stimulated; since the start of our road trip, the scent of eucalyptus forests has been very pleasant.
After two nights in the park, we found a last-minute small bar/bistro that allowed campers to stay for free at the back of their property: the Bellbird. We had some great encounters there. The owner, Gary, and an elderly couple traveling in a caravan (the man was 78) joined us for a beer, and we struck up a friendship. On our way back to our camper to prepare dinner, they invited us to open a bottle of Shiraz 2022. It was delicious, complex, and not too tannic. We shared our travel plans with them, telling them we wanted to head toward Canberra for a wine tasting. They were at the end of their 3 months journey and were heading back to their home in the suburbs of Canberra in two days. They offered us to stay with them, and we accepted in exchange for me cooking them a meal. We had a wonderful evening together. It's a strange and pleasant feeling to be so comfortable with people you barely know.
The next day, we continued towards the coast. Upon reaching Sydney, on the advice of our new friends, we set up our base camp at a campsite just outside the city. There are efficient water taxis at an unbelievably low price compared to parking fees. We arrived by boat to the city center, right next to the famous Opera House. We explored the area to the west on our first day. The next day, we returned to the city center, but the weather was less favorable. It was raining. We took advantage of the weather to visit the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, which explains how the first convicts built this building and the city's first structures and roads. We wandered through a few shops and encountered lots of people; something we weren’t used to anymore. Checking our phones, we realized it was Black Friday!
After this crowd immersion, we returned to nature for a hike in the Blue Mountains northwest of Sydney. These mountains are actually more like cliffs overlooking a canyon. We enjoyed some beautiful viewpoints and watched parrots gliding through the air.
We then made our way back to the coast, north of Sydney, where we spent three days along the coast, walking, swimming, and camping by the sea. We finally arrived in Byron Bay. It’s a very touristy destination, but it lives up to its reputation. Despite the slightly commercialized town center, the beaches are magnificent, surrounded by rocks that form little coves, offering protection from the various sea dangers: sharks, jellyfish, rip currents, etc. We took the opportunity to go kayaking in the hopes of meeting dolphins. No luck with the dolphins, but we did manage to ride some waves with the kayaks, which was still an amazing experience.
Next, we headed to Brisbane, where we stayed for just half a day. We used the same method as in Sydney. Since a river runs through the city, a ferry service took us to the city's key attractions.
Our next stop was Noosa Heads beach for a 2 hour surfing lesson. The whole family gave it a go, and we had a blast trying to stand up on the boards. One of the best nights of sleep since the beginning of our travels followed.
We hadn’t planned to go much further north, but we decided to exceed our budget to visit the Great Barrier Reef. There’s a departure point in Bundaberg, which is a 3 hour drive away. From there, a small tourist plane flew us to an island called Lady Elliot. The island has just enough space for a dirt airstrip that cuts the island in half. On one side are a few bungalows and a small restaurant for those lucky enough to spend a few days there, and on the other side is a lagoon where we did some snorkeling. This is the very beginning of the Great Barrier Reef, and what a sight it was! Colorful corals and literally hundreds of sparkling fishes.
To wrap up our road trip, we had three days to return to Brisbane and drop off our camper. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side. It rained a lot. Still, we managed to visit a few coastal towns and swim in the ocean a few times.
After all, we’ll have to get used to the humidity, it's rainy season at our next destination!
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The Art of Gratitude
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What distinguishes the person who finds peace amidst the stormiest seas from the one who feels restless while drowning in countless blessings? A lot of religious traditions and cultures attribute this difference to the power of gratitude. Gratitude that goes beyond simply counting our blessings to recognize the wisdom in our turbulent paths.
In psychotherapy, patients reported significantly better mental health following gratitude interventions compared to groups in the expressive and control conditions [1]. The most important reward pathway in the brain is the mesolimbic system. The latter is stimulated when individuals express gratitude leading to a release in dopamine [2]. In pursuit of more dopamine, more expressions of gratitude are encouraged leading to a more positive outlook on life. Furthermore, writing down what you're grateful for can lead to healthier eating habits [3] and overall goal-directed behavior helping one dodge crippling anxiety during disaster.
Research also shows that a grateful heart is a healthier heart [4]. By keeping gratitude journals for 8 weeks, patients diagnosed with asymptomatic heart failure reported better mood, higher quality sleep, and less inflammation. This could be explained by the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). During gratitude practice, PNS puts the body in a "rest and digest" state which counteracts stress. This relaxation supports bodily functions such as digestion, immune response, and sleep allowing for improved physical health.
When choosing gratitude everyday we transform our perspective from one of scarcity to abundance. When we focus on what we are grateful for, we unlock doors to happiness, health, and fulfillment. So today: take a moment to reflect on your blessings. Write them down, share them with others, and let that gratitude flow through you.
[1] Wong, Y. J., Owen, J., Gabana, N. T., Brown, J. W., McInnis, S., Toth, P., & Gilman, L. (2016). Does gratitude writing improve the mental health of psychotherapy clients? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Psychotherapy Research, 28(2), 192–202. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2016.1169332
[2] Zahn R, Moll J, Paiva M, Garrido G, Krueger F, Huey ED, Grafman J. The neural basis of human social values: evidence from functional MRI. Cereb Cortex. 2009 Feb;19(2):276-83. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhn080. Epub 2008 May 22. PMID: 18502730; PMCID: PMC2733324.
[3] Megan M. Fritz, Christina N. Armenta, Lisa C. Walsh, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Gratitude facilitates healthy eating behavior in adolescents and young adults, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Volume 81, 2019, Pages 4-14, ISSN 0022-1031, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2018.08.011.
[4] American Psychological Association. (2015, April 9). A grateful heart is a healthier heart [Press release]. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/04/grateful-heart
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From Master to Apprentice.
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On a beautiful afternoon, the biggest ape walks on a lonely path. Surrounded by majestic hills, rolling under a golden sun. In the distance, a great ash tree. Lush and green, branches extending in every direction, leaves fluttering under the breeze. Its limbs covered with birds, chirping and singing.
Intrigued by their melody, the biggest ape make his way toward the sound.
He now stands before the tree, gazing at a black stone embedded in its trunk. This strange stone divides the colossal tree into two magnificent pillars of strength and greenery. They serve as homes to birds of every color.
-*"A meteorite, perhaps"* thought the biggest ape.
He crouches and runs his fingers over the surface of the stone: sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, often sharp. His hand discovering engraved words that another man had committed to the stone:
"* **I do not care for barriers within you, that bar you from the greatness that is rightfully yours.**
Between us, a deep trust.
You give me power over you, and you trust that I wield it wisely.
I pour my life within you, and trust that you will wield it wisely.
From Master, to Apprentice.*"
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From Master to Apprentice.
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About Humor, Memes, Memofacturing, and Humor Iq…
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I can’t unsee how big of a memes fan I am, I would recognize some classic memes from the first sight. I feel sorry for my friends as I flood them with many memes about almost everything. I keep quoting some famous memes. All these typical Gen Z activities made me realize something: everyone understands memes, they are universal. On top of that, they pass down messages efficiently as our average attention span is decreasing generation after generation due to the unlimited distraction sources.
I can’t be the only one noticing these two essential points as marketing experts already did and are focused on leveraging the full potential of this new universal means of communication. The recent assassination attempt on Trump produced one of the most iconic pictures on the web. These pictures not only stayed in our pockets but made it to T-shirts as memes in almost no time. The memes industry paid the price of its success, the unlimited desire to monetize everything, saw us being surrounded by commercial memes based on a product, not an idea… Memes are ideas, not products.
I made memes myself to express ideas on certain topics. I remember when our university decided to rebrand and change its logo. I found the design too simple for the announced duration of work compared to the old logo, it was super creative.
A lot of people reacted to it and immediately grasped its meaning without me having to explain the meaning. We all agree that memes unveil a huge hidden potential. We can universally express ourselves: isn’t the dream of everyone? Isn’t that the most requested thing? Isn’t that the origin of generational conflicts?
When thinking about writing this article, I did not intend to talk about memes only, but to detail mainly one notion: Humor iq. We usually see people posting memes and explaining the reference behind them, some people don’t get the idea initially but end up understanding it after the explanation, but some don’t get it at all. It’s not the case only with memes but with all humor content, making us think: Does understanding humor count as an intelligence type? We were all proud at a certain moment for making a funny joke or getting a meme, we can be prouder when googling the word “ Humor Iq” as the main idea appearing is the high correlation between the ability to produce humor and high intelligence.
Humor, nowadays is audio-visual content, interfering often with more than two senses (recalling a previous taste or smell experience). Let us examine the 7 types of intelligence:
- Linguistic intelligence
- Logical-Mathematical intelligence
- Spatial intelligence
- Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence
- Musical intelligence
- Interpersonal intelligence
- Intrapersonal intelligence
Humor content has words, the choice of words matters. Brilliant humorists know how to choose the exact words that will make sense and, eventually the essence of the joke. Good speakers rule the world…
Some memes are complicated and require a certain analysis to decipher their logic, as there are also other memes about complex topics, it goes both ways: the content and the structure. Complexity induces a certain logic requiring logical intelligence to decipher the structure and the content.
Some humor content requires imagination as the humorist takes us into an adventure guided by his or her descriptions usually to set up a scene required for the joke being made. Spatial intelligence is essential for a better understanding. We can go all day finding relationships between Humor intelligence and the 7 types of intelligence.
I am not trying to prove that humor understanding requires different types of intelligence nor prove that all types of intelligence form humor intelligence. I am speculating on the status of humor intelligence: is it a type of intelligence? Does Humor intelligence induce the other types?
If what we said about humor, being a human creation, is true, then it is for all human creations like music, poems… For each type, we can define intelligence and link to the other types. Are there seven types of intelligence, is this framework valid to describe all types of intelligence? What is the case for the spiritual and natural aspects? Can we define a valid framework to reflect on intelligence? This reflection gave me headaches as I, like philosophers, seek generality in the description, a theory of everything, but like consultants, I end up realizing that within the general there is a pinch of specific. Frameworks are an effort toward englobing certain notions but personal interpretation is always necessary.
Life tends to be mechanical and requires some spice, and humor is one of a good spice. Far from the intelligence and framework speeches, Humor is human before all, some things are worth being enjoyed rather than complicating them.
“ Genius takes time and extraordinary effort “
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The origin(s) of Solutions
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Does it ever happen to you to be hit by a very deep question while enjoying you morning coffee? Each time it happens, I am here sharing that specific thought that probably emerged following the effect of caffeine. How do we think about solutions? Before thinking about this question, I feel that it’s a must to present its context in order to understand more my perspective.
The day before, I wanted to stretch my brains neurons by trying to solve a puzzle, in other words a problem, a necessary element for the existence of solutions. The puzzle, or the problem I wanted to solve was a coding problem by LeetCode, in which I need to develop a code to recognize Palindrome numbers. Palindrome numbers possess the very unique property of being symmetric, meaning that you can read them from both sides. One famous example is 121, you can think of 1111, 2222, and the list goes on. The goal is not to dive in this amazing world land of Palindromes, perhaps we can do it later, but to illustrate an important point. I thought of two solutions, each one is relative to a different approach. I noticed that this applied to other problems too. I generally think of two types of solutions:
1) A domain knowledge based solution
2) A technical based solution
The first category are solutions that come as a result of a domain expertise. Let’s take the example of the Palindrome numbers problem. One first reflex I had is to assess all mathematical properties that these numbers might have before putting my hands on the keyboard to translate those thoughts into code. The domain here is Mathematics, it could be any domain. One origin of solutions is the expertise ones gather through domain knowledge. This is what Data models try to imitate by capturing the hidden patterns given a set of features that are chosen, based on statistical measures yet they make sense from a domain knowledge point of view.
The second category is relative to each domain. One easy way to recognize a Palindrome number is to convert it to a string, reverse it and then compare it with the original string. This is a technical solution brought up by the world of coding. Similar solutions exist in many domains, and if they are coupled with domain knowledge they can solve numerous problems. This type of solutions require the discipline’s domain knowledge which can be different from the problem’s domain knowledge, especially for a category of disciplines that are suppliers of tools (Coding, Statistics…).
These two categories tell us about the origins of solutions. In every problem, there are two layers that we need to be aware of, the domain and the tool, both can offer a solution. A lot may argue that it’s not true in all cases, but we will assume it is possible to develop a solution following both methods, as numerous discoveries shape everyday reality and change the meaning of what is impossible. Quantum physics stun the world at their emergence, Information theory, and many other so called impossible things at a certain time. From a tool perspective, it is possible to merge tools that seems different yet they share a common point, no wonder why we see some domains interfering in many other domains like Data Science. Once we define clearly the roles of each layer it is possible to craft an ingenious solution to all problems, or we might end up realizing that we need to outsource an additional layer to help craft a more sophisticated solution that finds a way around the previous limitations.
When I talk about origins, I place myself from a procedural perspective. This is one way to see it and not the only one.
“ Genius Takes Time and Extraordinary Effort “
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Achraf Hakimi is not the 2024 African footballer... CAF disowned?
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We are the day after the African Football Awards ceremony. A ceremony celebrated with brio and above all experienced with a fast sublimated to the maximum in Marrakech... A ceremony that only Morocco, in its millenary way, is capable of delivering at a level bordering on perfection.
It was a beautiful evening, in which the brilliance of Jalal Bouzrara at the height of his powers, and his slightly outdated but well-endowed team-mate, gave a good rhythm that was only occasionally disturbed by the turbulence of a President with his jacket unbuttoned, his stomach hanging out and his attire far from respectful of the occasion.
Infantino himself was ill at ease, suffering at will from the galloping hands of a president who plays at being more African than Africans. His gaze and sometimes his grimaces betrayed his phlegm, letting the CAF President know that this was not the way to act at a ceremony that was being watched throughout the world, at least the African world.
The room was packed and many of the guests were mechanically applauding the trophies awarded here and there to the best this or the best that. The impression on the other side of the screen was that of one of those television programs where a chauffeur de salle, an ‘ambianceur’, orders the well-sorted audience to applaud and to stop according to the timing chosen by the director. This is not to say that the winning individuals or teams were not entitled to receive the trophies that were awarded to them, but the way in which they were announced by stars or lesser stars was not always successful.
Each time, there was an attempt to create suspense and surprise when there was no need for it. The evidence was there. Which team could we have chosen if not Côte d'Ivoire, who have delivered one of the most exciting African Cup ever? What other female coach could have won the award if not the courageous Lamia Boumehdi. There is nothing worse in such a context, for the sake of spectacle, than to overplay the surprise in the face of the obvious.
Under such circumstances, at some point, boredom sets in and the audience becomes bored. The President of the CAF sensed this and once on stage, once again, he make thinly disguised excuses: I know we are late... He pretended to want to move quickly but ended up delaying things even more, much to the dismay of our friend Jalal Bouzrara who saw his driver being badly led.
In fact, and this is perfectly understandable, everyone in the room, as well as all of us behind our screens, were waiting for just one moment: the announcement of the best African player of the year. It is the one and only trophy that is remembered years later and that marks such ceremonies and adds value to them. If it were to be announced at the start of the festivities, it is almost certain that the halls would empty very quickly afterwards.
Marrakech was no exception. The suspense was maintained by musical choices that were no doubt debatable, if not by those who recommended them. To each his own.
In an instant, the hall was transformed into a mosque and a silent cathedral. To each his own, but football brings everyone together around six liters of air. The moment they had been waiting for had arrived this time.
Again, on behalf of the two football bosses present, the one from the world and the one from Africa, the name of the African Golden Ball for 2024 was announced, not without some formality.
For a moment, there was a heavy silence before a few voices chanted Hakimi's name, and the number of voices grew. It was a cold shower for the Moroccan clan, but not the only one. CAF found itself disowned. The choice was not the right one. Not that the player chosen is undeserving, but Hakimi is undoubtedly more deserving for more than one reason, all of them objective.
Questions then de facto arose. How is it that the Golden Ball did not go to a Moroccan following the Qatar World Cup in 2022. How is it that the 2023 trophy did not go to Bounou and, of course, how is it that the golden ball did not go to one of the Moroccan players who won bronze at the Olympic Games, in this case Hakimi, the imposing and effective leader of this team?
This is where hypotheses and questions can be put forward. Do the voters have something against the Moroccan players? Do they not see them as sufficiently African, even though they are just as African as the others? Perhaps, and above all, some people, no doubt a minority but influencing the vote, are confusing the issue with what is happening here and there, to which some sub-Saharan Africans are victims. Doesn't the laborious, hollow and unfounded concept of the Maghreb encourage people to lump together all the inhabitants of North Africa, knowing that the leaders of certain North African countries have gone astray with unacceptable remarks about sub-Saharans and that others have acted in a rather inhumane manner towards poor people, forced against their will to migrate from south of the Sahara to the north in search of a better life. Words spoken elsewhere, abuses committed elsewhere, thousands of kilometers from the Kingdom of Morocco.
These are only hypotheses that some will find inappropriate or unfounded, but they can be discussed and disproved if they are not verified.
It is at this point that we should perhaps be quick to point out that Morocco is the North African country with the highest number of migrants, more than 148,000 in 2024, with an annual increase of 5.6%, a spectacular leap of 71.86% in just ten years. The Kingdom is a destination and transit country. It has put in place a genuine policy to support and integrate these migrant populations. The country is fully committed to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. It is for this reason that large numbers of migrants, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa, are regularly regularized and enjoy the same rights as Moroccan citizens.
That's all there is to it, just in case...
In any case, this morning the Moroccans are rightly not happy and understand even better the anger of Venicius and Real Madrid.
Hakimi richly deserved to win the 2024 African Golden Ball.
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Achraf Hakimi is not the 2024 African footballer... CAF disowned?
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About Angels
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Angels are celestial beings revered across religious, cultural, and esoteric traditions, embodying divine will and cosmic order. They serve as intermediaries between the spiritual and material worlds, acting as messengers, protectors, and guides for humanity. Their presence symbolizes hope, wisdom, and a connection to the divine. Angels are often described as intermediaries tasked with delivering divine guidance, warnings, and revelations, as seen in sacred texts like the Bible, Quran, and other mystical writings. They also protect individuals, with guardian angels believed to shield people from harm and guide their life paths. Some angels, like Raphael, are associated with healing and spiritual insight, aiding seekers in their alignment with higher truths. In esoteric traditions, angels are viewed as cosmic regulators who maintain balance in the universe, governing natural forces, planets, and spiritual hierarchies.
Angels are frequently categorized into hierarchies, reflecting their proximity to the divine and their functions. Seraphim are considered the closest to God, described as beings of fire and light who embody divine love and worship. Cherubim are guardians of sacred knowledge and mysteries, often depicted with multiple faces and wings. Archangels, such as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel, play key roles in spiritual and material realms, symbolizing protection, revelation, healing, and wisdom. Guardian angels, assigned to individuals, provide personal guidance and protection.
The depiction of angels varies across traditions but often emphasizes their radiant and otherworldly nature. They are typically shown as glowing humanoid figures with wings and halos, symbolizing their celestial origin and role as intermediaries. Their attributes often reflect their roles: Michael wields a flaming sword for justice and protection, Gabriel carries a trumpet to announce divine messages, Raphael holds a staff or vial for healing, and Uriel is often associated with a flame or book, symbolizing wisdom.
In mystical and esoteric interpretations, angels are seen as cosmic forces that govern spiritual and natural realms. In systems like Kabbalah, angels are linked to the Tree of Life, representing divine attributes and principles. Some modern interpretations view angels as manifestations of higher consciousness or psychological archetypes, representing qualities like courage, wisdom, or compassion. Others describe angels as beings of vibrational energy, aligning with higher frequencies to assist in spiritual awakening.
Cultural perspectives on angels add depth to their understanding. In Christianity, angels are central to biblical narratives, serving as protectors, messengers, and worshippers of God. In Islam, angels, known as mala'ika, are created from light and perform roles such as recording deeds or delivering revelations. In Judaism, angels are seen as agents of divine will, often appearing in symbolic visions. Esoteric traditions, like Enochian magic, portray angels as powerful beings connected to sacred geometry, language, and cosmic structures.
In contemporary spirituality, angels are embraced as symbols of hope, guidance, and divine connection. They are often invoked for protection, healing, or insight, with many people feeling a personal connection to their guardian angels. Whether viewed as literal beings, metaphysical forces, or archetypes of consciousness, angels continue to inspire awe and provide comfort. Their enduring presence across cultures and beliefs highlights their significance as bridges between humanity and the divine.
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About Angels
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One Year Writing on Bluwr
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Bluwr.
A space where writing feels free.
No ads.
No distractions.
Just you and the words.
When attention is currency, this feels like a quiet space.
I don’t chase trends.
I don’t worry about clicks.
I write what matters to me.
And somehow, it matters to others too.
Every post is a chance to connect.
A chance to learn.
A chance to grow.
Readers don’t just scroll past.
They pause.
They think.
They reach out.
Writing here feels real.
Unfiltered.
Authentic.
No gimmicks.
No pressure.
Just pure expression.
One year in, and the excitement hasn’t faded.
Every time I hit publish, it feels like a small victory.
A reminder that words have power.
Bluwr gets it.
It’s built for writers.
Built for readers.
Built for those who care about ideas.
Bluwr doesn’t just stay in the present.
It THINKS FORWARD.
Supporting new ideas.
Fueling creativity.
Inspiring what’s next.
Bluwr isn’t just a platform.
It’s a mindset.
A commitment to progress.
A space where your ideas aren’t stuck in the now—They’re shaping the future.
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One Year Writing on Bluwr
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Growth looks pretentious
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"That before we would get things to work perfectly, we would probably get things to work imperfectly" - wrote Nick Bostrom on Page 41 of his book Superintelligence.
Growth looks pretentious. Whenever you do something new or different to what you are known for, you will appear to others as being pretentious. Even if people in your circle do not make you feel as such you might yourself doubt your prowess in the endeavor.
Yet this is right where you want to be. The border between comfort and fear. Would you rather limit yourself to only the things you can confidently do or become pretentious and learn something new, grow and become your ideal person?
Never become that person who comes from a village and attends a world class university only to still behave and think like his village folks. That person has not grown. That person has not learnt anything from their experience. That person fears to look pretentious whereas positive change is necessary for growth and advancement.
To grow, you have to seek actively the person you want to become. Leave "pretentious" for society to regard it as such. Only you know who you are, where you come from and who you want to be.
In a couple of years, you would have grown, while others would have been stuck in their comfort places.
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Growth looks pretentious
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THE LITTLE GLASS BUTTERFLY
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The Little Glass Butterfly
Once upon a time, in a peaceful village at the foot of the mountains, on a night of shooting stars, a fragile glass butterfly was born. This butterfly, more delicate than a feather and more translucent than a stream, carried an eternal curse. Its wings were cracked from birth, so fragile that they threatened to break with every breath of wind. The village elders whispered that he would never fly and that his days would be numbered.
But his mother, a sturdy rose full of courage, refused to believe these dark omens. Every day, she protected the butterfly from the storms, warmed it in her petals and whispered words of hope: ‘My child, your wings are different, but they carry the light of the stars. One day, they will make you shine.
The seasons passed, and the butterfly learned to live with its wounded wings. The wind made it wobble, the rain pierced it, and every flight was a painful struggle. But he never gave up, and every fall was followed by a new start, refusing to give up. Over time, his cracks became lines of light, transforming his wings into veritable works of art.
The butterfly became a source of inspiration for other creatures. Birds sang songs to it, children came to admire it, and even the once cruel wind seemed to dance with it. But behind his brilliance, the pain remained. Each flutter of his wings reminded him of his curse, each flight a victory snatched from suffering.
One day, a shooting star descended from the sky and whispered:
‘Little butterfly, why do you continue to fly despite the pain?
And the butterfly replied:
‘Because every beat of my wing is proof that I'm alive. My pain is my shadow, but it illuminates my strength. As long as I fly, it won't win.
The star, touched by his resilience, offered the butterfly a gift: the chance to spread its radiance across the skies. The butterfly, now a messenger of light, travelled the world, illuminating dark nights and inspiring those who thought they had lost hope.
And so, the glass butterfly lived, not without pain, but with a light so intense that it transcended its suffering. Its fragility became its strength, and its ceaseless struggle made it an eternal legend.
And in the hearts of the creatures who crossed his path, a spark was born, the spark to never stop fighting, even when all seems broken.
BOUSDIG FZ
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THE LITTLE GLASS BUTTERFLY
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