#warren legacy foundation

[mightyflamethrower]

In the last 20 years, the Left has boasted that it has gained control of most of America institutions of power and influence—the corporate boardroom, media, Silicon Valley, Wall Street, the administrative state, academia, foundations, social media, entertainment, professional sports, and Hollywood.

With such support, between 2009-17, Barack Obama was empowered to transform the Democratic Party from its middle-class roots and class concerns into the party of the bicoastal rich and subsidized poor—obsessions with big money, race, a new intolerant green religion, and dividing the country into a binary of oppressors and oppressed.

The Obamas entered the presidency spouting the usual leftwing boilerplate (“spread the wealth,” “just downright mean country,” “get in their face,” “first time I’ve been proud of my country”) as upper-middle-class, former community activists, hurt that their genius and talents had not yet been sufficiently monetized.

After getting elected through temporarily pivoting to racial ecumenicalism and pseudo-calls for unity, they reverted to form and governed by dividing the country. And then the two left the White House as soon-to-be mansion living, mega-rich elites, cashing in on the fears they had inculcated over the prior eight years.

To push through the accompanying unpopular agendas of an open border, mandatory wind and solar energy, racial essentialism, and the weaponization of the state, Obama had begun demonizing his opponents and the country in general: America was an unexceptional place. Cops were racist. “Clingers” of the Midwest were hopelessly ignorant and prejudiced. Only fundamental socialist transformation could salvage a historically oppressive, immoral, and racist nation.

The people finally rebelled at such preposterousness. Obama lost his party some 1,400 local and state offices during his tenure, along with both houses of Congress. His presidency was characterized by his own polarizing mediocrity. His one legacy was Obamacare, the veritable destruction of the entire system of a once workable health insurance, of the hallowed doctor-patient relationship, and of former easy access to competent specialists.

Yet Obama’s unfufilled ambitions set the stage for the Biden administration—staffed heavily with Obama veterans—to complete the revolutionary transformation of the Democratic Party and country.

It was ironic that while Obama was acknowledged as young and charismatic, nonetheless a cognitively challenged, past plagiarist, fabulist, and utterly corrupt Joe Biden was far more effective in ramming through a socialist woke agenda and altering the very way Americans vote and conduct their legal system.

Stranger still, Biden accomplished this subversion of traditional America while debilitated and often mentally inert—along with being mired in a bribery and influence-peddling scandal that may ultimately confirm that he easily was the most corrupt president to hold office in U.S. history.

How was all this possible?

Covid had allowed the unwell Biden to run a surrogate campaign from his basement as he outsourced his politicking to a corrupt media.

Senility proved a godsend for Biden. His cognitive disabilities masked his newfound radicalism and long-accustomed incompetence. Unlike his past failed campaigns, the lockdowns allowed Biden to be rarely seen or heard—and thus as much liked in the abstract as he had previously been disliked in the concrete.

His handlers, the Obamas, and the Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren radical Democrats, saw Biden’s half-century pretense as a gladhander—good ole Joe Biden from Scranton—as the perfect delivery system to funnel their own otherwise-unpopular leftwing agendas. In sum, via the listless Biden, they sought to change the very way America used to work.

And what a revolution Biden’s puppeteers have unleashed in less than three years.

They launched a base attack on the American legal system. Supreme Court judges are libeled, their houses swarmed, and their lives threatened with impunity. The Left promised to pack the court or to ignore any decision it resents. The media runs hit pieces on any conservative justice deemed too influential. The prior Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer whipped up a mob outside the court’s doors, and threatened two justices by name. As Schumer presciently put it, they would soon “reap the whirlwind” of what they supposedly had sowed and thus would have no idea what was about to “hit” them.

Under the pretense of Covid fears, balloting went from 70 percent participation on election day in most states to a mere 30 percent. Yet the rates of properly rejected illegal or improper ballots often dived by a magnitude of ten.

Assaults now followed on hallowed processes, laws, customs, and institutions—the Senate filibuster, the 50-state union, the Electoral College, the nine-justice Supreme Court, Election Day, and voter IDs.

Under Biden, the revolution had institutionalized first-term impeachment, the trial of an ex-president while a private citizen, and the indictment of a chief political rival and ex-president on trumped up charges by local and federal prosecutors—all to destroy a political rival and alter the 2024 election cycle.

Biden destroyed the southern border—literally. Eight million entered illegally—no background checks, no green cards, no proof of vaccinations. America will be dealing with the consequences for decades. Mexico was delighted, receiving some $60 million in annual remittances, while the cartels were empowered to ship enough fentanyl to kill 100,000 Americans a year.

“Modern monetary theory,” the Leftist absurdity that printing money ensures prosperity, followed. It has nearly bankrupted the country, unleashed wild inflation, and resulted in the highest interest rates in a quarter-century. Middle-class wages fell further behind as a doddering Biden praised his disastrous “Bidenomics.”

Biden warred on fossil fuels, cancelling federal leases and pipelines, jawboning lending agencies to defund fracking, demonizing state-of-the-art, clean-burning cars, and putting vast areas of oil- and gas-rich federals lands off-limits to drilling.

When gas prices predictably doubled under Biden and the 2022 midterms approached, he tried temporarily to lease out a few new fields, to drain the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and to beg the Saudis, and our enemies, the Iranians, the Venezuelans, and the Russians, to pump more oil and gas that Biden himself would not. All this was a pathetic ruse to temporarily lower gas prices before the mid-term elections.

Biden abandoned Afghanistan, leaving the largest trove of military equipment behind in U.S. military history, along with thousands of loyal Afghans and pro-American contractors.

Biden insulted the parents of the 13 Marines blown up in this worst U.S. military debacle since Pearl Harbor. He lied to the parents of the dead that he too lost a son in the Iraq war, and when among them later impatiently checked his watch as he seemed bored with the commemoration of the fallen—and made no effort to hide his sense that the ceremony was tedious to him.

Vladimir Putin summed up the Afghan debacle—and Biden’s nonchalant remark that he wouldn’t react strongly to a “minor” invasion of Ukraine if it were minor—as a green light to invade Ukraine.

When Biden did awaken, his first reaction was an offer to fly the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy out of the country as soon as possible. What has followed proved the greatest European killing ground since the 1944-45 Battle of the Bulge, albeit one that has now fossilized into a Verdun-like quagmire that is draining American military supply stocks and killing a half-million Ukrainians and Russians.

Suddenly, there are three genders, not two. Women’s sports have been wrecked by biological men competing as women, destroying a half-century of female athletic achievement. Young girls in locker rooms, co-eds in sororities, and women in prison must dress and shower with biological men transitioning to women by assertion.

There is no longer a commitment to free speech. The American Civil Liberties Union is a woke, intolerant group trying to ban free expression under the pretense of fighting “hate” speech and “disinformation.”

The Left has revived McCarthyite loyal oaths straight out of the 1950s, forcing professors, job applicants, and students applying for college to pledge their commitment to “diversity” as a requisite for hiring, admittance, or promotion. Diversity is our era’s version of the Jacobins’ “Cult of Reason.”

Race relations hit a 50-year nadir. Joe Biden has a long history of racist insults and putdowns. And now as apparent penance, he has reinvented himself as a reverse racial provocateur, spouting nonsense about white supremacy, exploiting shootings or hyping racial tensions to ensure that an increasingly disgusted black electorate does not leave the new Democratic Party.

The military has adopted wokeism, oblivious that it has eroded meritocracy in the ranks and slashed military recruitment. It is underfunded, wracked by internal suspicion, loss of morale and ginned up racial and gender animosity. Its supply stocks are drained. Arms productions is snail-like, and generalship is seen as a revolving door to corporate defense contractor board riches.

Big-city Democratic district attorneys subverted the criminal justice system, destroyed law enforcement deterrence, and unleashed a record crime wave. Did they wish to create anarchy as protest against the normal, or were they Jokerist nihilists who delighted in sowing ruin for ruin’s sake?

Radical racial activists, with Democrat endorsement, demand polarizing racial reparations. The louder the demands, the quieter they remain about smash-and-grab looting, carjacking, and the swarming of malls by disproportionally black teens—even as black-on-black urban murders reach record proportions.

In response, Biden tried to exploit the growing tensions by spouting lies that “white supremacy” and “white privilege” fuel such racial unrest—even as his ill-gotten gains, past record of racist demagoguery and resulting lucre and mansions appear the epitome of his own so-called white privilege.

This litany of disasters could be vastly expanded, but more interesting is the why of it all?

What we are witnessing seems to be utter nihilism. The border is not porous but nonexistent. Mass looting and carjackings are not poorly punished, but simply exempt from all and any consequences. Our downtowns are reduced to a Hobbesian “war of all against all,” where the strong dictate to the weak and the latter adjust as they must. The streets of our major cities in just a few years have become precivilizational—there are more human feces on the sidewalks of San Francisco than were in the gutters of Medieval London.

The FBI and DOJ are not simply wayward and weaponized, but corrupt and renegade. Apparently the perquisite now for an FBI director is the ability either to lie while under oath or better to mask such lying by claiming amnesia or ignorance.

Immigration is akin to the vast unchecked influxes of the late Roman Empire across the Danube and Rhine that helped to finish off a millennium-old civilization that had lost all confidence in its culture and thus had no need for borders.

In other words, the revolution is not so much political as anarchist. Nothing escapes it—not ceiling fans, not natural gas cooktops, not parents at school board meetings, not Christian bakeries, not champion female swimmers, not dutiful policemen, not hard-working oil drillers, not privates and corporals in the armed forces, not teens applying on their merits to college, not anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The operating principle is either to allow or to engineer things to become so atrocious in everyday American life—the inability to afford food and fuel, the inability to walk safely in daylight in our major cities, the inability to afford to drive as one pleases, the inability to obtain or pay back a high interest loan—that the government can absorb the private sector and begin regimenting the masses along elite dictates. The more the people tire of the leftist agenda, the more its architects furiously seek to implement it, hoping that their institutional and cultural control can do what  ballots cannot.

We could variously characterize their efforts as destroying the nation to save it, or burning it down to start over, or fundamentally transforming America into something never envisioned by the Founders.

Will their upheaval  succeed? All the levers of the power and money are on the side of the revolutionaries. The people are not. And they are starting to wake to the notion if they do not stop the madness in their midst they very soon won’t have a country.

A perfect metaphor for what the progressives have done to America.

[ramrodd]

Who Was Melchizedek & Why Does It Matter? | MythVision Documentary

COMMENTARY:

Melchizedek is a Magi and connected with Enoch's social engineering (and literary project) of the 7000 year Epoch and is connected to the Magi who tithe to Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew,   We are currently in year 5784 EE (Enoch Era or Epoch) which begins with the composition of the Book of Job by Eholin the One of Genesis 1:1 in the shared ontology of the OT and NT. Enoch's Epoch is a grid of  ten 700 year weeks that extends throughout the Mediterranean basis and incorporates at tleast 5 literary traditions, including Egyptian, Judism, Virgil, Home and Etrustcan, A purpose of the Epoch is to record the progress of the inerrant epistemology from the Pyramids to Apollo 11. Egypt had sufficient social organization to put a yumanity on the moon bu thieir technology was state-of-the-Art Stone Age, the legacy of the Ziggurat of Babylon,, the prototype for the Tower of Babel. The object of the exercise for the Magi has been to created the metaphysics necessary to produce Apollo 11 and fulfill the destiny of humankind presented in Genesis 15:5 and Song of MYself to sound our barbaric Yawp over the roof of the universe,, Recent scholarship has indicated that the tithe went from Melchizedek to Abram as opposed to the current reading in the published version, The tithe from Abram to Melchizedek is a foundation of the parasitic demands of the Prosperity Gospel of Pro-Life Evangelism of Christian Nationalism, but the Melchizdek to Abram tithe harmonizes with the Parable of the Talents which describes the open-system economics of Jesus, Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes in contrast to the zero-sum, gold based, Free Market economics of Project 2025, Warren Buffet's attitude towards his personal salary, which is $100.000, is that lots of money does him no good unless it gets unto the street .   The point is Melchizdek didn't need the tithe Abram may have offered, even if was his property in the first place. It was far more profitable for Melchizdek to double down on his investment in Abram than to carry all the loot he couldn't use around, It's like when Maude tosses Harold's engagement ring into the sea so they would always know where it was: Bread cast upon water. Melchizedek was a pre-figuring of Jesus or the Messiah, himself, but a social engineer upgrading the calibration on an on-going social and lierary project. Melchizedek was part of the internation guild that has become the modern Masons. Lodge 22 in Alexandria Virginia is a reproduction of the Magi Ziggarut and an important element in his Deism in combination with his Anglican confession free of the "religious enthusiasm" of Calvinism and the legacy of Cromwell and the populism of the Round Heads.

[louiesmixtape]

total’s emergence on the music scene was perfectly timed with the ascent of the influential bad boy records. as the label’s first female group, total became instrumental in shaping the sonic and cultural identity of bad boy.

consisting of keisha, kima and pam, total garnered recognition when they provided vocals on the notorious b.i.g.‘s “juicy,” a track that heralded the arrival of a new era in hip-hop and r&b. their 1996 self-titled debut album brought the trio to the forefront and was met with commercial success, spawning hits like “can’t you see,” “no one else,” featuring da brat, and “kissin’ you.”

total broke the mold with their androgynous style and gender-bending visuals. they challenged prevailing notions of femininity in the music industry. their visual presentation was not just a stylistic choice but a bold statement on gender expression that set them apart from their contemporaries.

in 1998, total released “keisha, kima and pam,” their second and final album to-date. the album showcased a more mature sound featuring production and collaborations with carl thomas, dianne warren, and missy elliot.

“trippin’,” co-written and produced by missy elliot, was released in october 1998 as the album’s lead single. the robotic r&b/pop track was an out of the box hit, quickly ascending to #7 and #3 on billboard’s hot 100 and r&b singles chart, respectively. although the album achieved gold status with sales of 500,000 copies, it was far less successful and impactful than their debut album. total would go on a long hiatus a few years later.

while their time in the spotlight was brief, total contributed to the foundational sounds that would come to define bad boy’s legacy, blending hip-hop’s edge with r&b’s sleekness in a manner that was fresh, innovative, and distinctly ’90s.

[starckre]

Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Company: A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

In the world of real estate, few names carry as much weight and assurance as Berkshire Hathaway. A titan in the industry, Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Company stands as a paragon of excellence, offering unparalleled services to those looking to navigate the often complex terrain of buying, selling, and investing in property. This blog delves into the essence of what makes Berkshire Hathaway a distinguished leader in the real estate sector, exploring its history, services, values, and commitment to innovation and client satisfaction.

The Foundation of Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate

Berkshire Hathaway's journey into real estate is a testament to its broader ethos of stability, growth, and integrity. Though originally not a real estate company, Berkshire Hathaway, under the legendary leadership of Warren Buffett, expanded into the real estate market, bringing with it a legacy of financial acumen and ethical business practices. Today, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is recognized globally for its dedication to providing comprehensive real estate services, marked by professionalism and trust.

Unparalleled Services for a Diverse Clientele

Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Company serves a wide array of clients, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors seeking to expand their portfolios. The company's services encompass residential and commercial real estate sales, property management, mortgage financing, insurance, and even relocation services. What sets Berkshire Hathaway apart is not just the breadth of its services but the depth of its expertise. Each agent and representative is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and a wealth of knowledge to guide clients through every step of their real estate journey.

A Culture of Excellence and Integrity

At the heart of Berkshire Hathaway's success is a culture steeped in excellence and integrity. These core values are more than just words; they are the guiding principles that shape every interaction and transaction. Berkshire Hathaway agents are known for their honesty, transparency, and unwavering commitment to acting in the best interests of their clients. This integrity has earned Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Company not only a formidable reputation but also the trust and loyalty of countless clients around the world.

Commitment to Innovation and Client Satisfaction

In a world where technology and market dynamics evolve rapidly, Berkshire Hathaway stays ahead of the curve through innovation and a relentless focus on client satisfaction. The company invests heavily in technology to streamline the buying and selling process, making it more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. From cutting-edge online platforms to sophisticated data analytics, Berkshire Hathaway leverages technology to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.

Moreover, understanding that real estate decisions are among the most significant and personal ones an individual or family can make, Berkshire Hathaway places client satisfaction at the forefront of its mission. The company’s agents go above and beyond to understand each client's unique needs and aspirations, tailoring their approach to deliver not just a transaction, but a fulfilling experience that aligns with the client’s lifestyle and dreams.

A Global Network with a Local Touch

Berkshire Hathaway's extensive network spans the globe, yet its services are deeply rooted in local markets. This unique combination allows the company to offer its clients the best of both worlds: the resources and reach of a global powerhouse, coupled with the nuanced understanding and personalized service of a local boutique. Whether navigating the complexities of the international real estate market or seeking the perfect family home in a local neighborhood, clients of Berkshire Hathaway benefit from a depth of expertise and a breadth of connections that are unmatched in the industry.

Education and Community Involvement

Beyond its direct services, Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Company is deeply committed to education and community involvement. The company offers extensive training and professional development for its agents, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry standards and practices. Furthermore, Berkshire Hathaway and its agents are actively involved in their communities, supporting local causes, and contributing to the well-being of the neighborhoods they serve. This commitment to community is a cornerstone of the company's philosophy, reinforcing its role as a trusted local partner.

Navigating the Future

As Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Company looks to the future, it does so with an unwavering commitment to its core values and a keen eye on the evolving landscape of the real estate industry. The company is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, adapting to new challenges and opportunities with the same integrity, client focus, and innovation that have been its hallmark.

In a world where trust is paramount, and the personal touch is invaluable, Berkshire Hathaway stands out as a beacon of reliability and excellence in real estate. Whether you are embarking on your first home-buying journey, seeking to sell a cherished property, or exploring investment opportunities, Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Company offers not just services, but a partnership built on trust, expertise, and a deep commitment to your success.

Berkshire and Hathaway realtors transcend the traditional boundaries of a real estate company. It is a symbol of trust, a beacon of innovation, and a testament to the enduring value of integrity and client satisfaction. With a storied legacy, a commitment to excellence, and a forward-looking vision, Berkshire Hathaway continues to redefine the real estate experience, making it not just a transaction, but a journey of discovery, achievement, and fulfillment. For anyone navigating the complexities of the real estate market, Berkshire Hathaway is not just a choice; it is a partner for life.

[brushandneedles]

Dave Brubeck: The Man Behind the Piano - A Biographical Portrait

Early Life and Musical Influences:

Born in Concord, California in 1920, David Warren Brubeck was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences from a young age. His mother, Elizabeth Ivey, a classically trained pianist, instilled in him a love for music and a foundation in music theory. He learned piano from her at age four, displaying an early aptitude for improvisation and a natural rhythm. His father, Peter Howard Brubeck, a cattle rancher, exposed him to the rhythms of nature and the inherent musicality found in everyday sounds. This unique upbringing fostered a duality in Brubeck's musical approach, blending classical precision with a natural improvisational spirit that would become a hallmark of his style. Step into timeless jazz sophistication with our Dave Brubeck T-shirts, a harmonious blend of style and musical legacy for enthusiasts of the legendary pianist's enduring influence.

From Ranching to Rhythm: A Blossoming Talent:

While initially interested in veterinary medicine, a chance encounter with a jazz record at age 12 sparked a lifelong passion for music. He began formal piano lessons, demonstrating a keen ear and a growing interest in complex harmonies beyond the classical repertoire. At the College of the Pacific, he studied composition with Darius Milhaud, a renowned French composer. Milhaud's teachings on counterpoint and polytonality – the use of multiple keys simultaneously – had a profound impact on Brubeck's future compositions, equipping him with the tools to challenge the established harmonic conventions of traditional jazz.

World War II and Musical Evolution:

Brubeck's musical journey was interrupted by World War II. While serving in the army under General George Patton, he formed a band to entertain the troops, further refining his skills and experimenting with different musical styles. This period broadened his musical horizons, exposing him to diverse musical traditions that would later influence his compositions.

Post-War Studies and the Birth of a Signature Sound:

After the war, Brubeck enrolled at Mills College, where he studied composition under Darius Milhaud. Milhaud's emphasis on rhythmic and harmonic experimentation, coupled with Brubeck's fascination with counterpoint, laid the foundation for his signature sound. He began incorporating complex time signatures and unusual melodic structures into his compositions, challenging the conventional notions of rhythm and harmony in jazz.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet: A Collaborative Force:

In 1951, Brubeck assembled the Dave Brubeck Quartet, a group that would become synonymous with his innovative sound. The quartet featured Paul Desmond on alto saxophone, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. Each member possessed exceptional technical skills and a deep understanding of Brubeck's musical vision. Their collaborative spirit and shared passion for experimentation fostered a unique musical chemistry that propelled them to the forefront of the jazz scene. Elevate your wardrobe and embrace jazz elegance – shop now to buy  Dave Brubeck T-shirts, a seamless blend of style and homage to the iconic pianist's enduring musical legacy.

West Coast Cool and Beyond the Square: Challenging Traditions:

The Dave Brubeck Quartet emerged as a leading force in the "West Coast Cool" movement, characterized by a relaxed and introspective sound in contrast to the more energetic and complex bebop style prevalent on the East Coast. Brubeck's compositions, such as "Take Five" (written in 5/4 time) and "Blue Rondo a la Turk" (9/8 time), challenged audiences' expectations of rhythm and harmony in jazz. While some critics initially dismissed his use of odd-time signatures as gimmicky, Brubeck remained undeterred, insisting that these unconventional structures allowed him to express his musical ideas more effectively.

Global Recognition and Cultural Ambassador:

The Dave Brubeck Quartet achieved international stardom in the 1950s and 60s. Their innovative sound captivated audiences worldwide, drawing large crowds at prestigious venues and topping the Billboard charts. Their tours across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East exposed them to diverse musical traditions, further enriching their music and fostering a sense of global cultural exchange. Brubeck, ever the curious explorer, incorporated elements of world music into his compositions, such as the use of Eastern European rhythms in "Blue Rondo a la Turk" and Turkish influences in "Desert Sands." This willingness to embrace diverse musical influences added another layer of depth and complexity to his sound.

Beyond the Quartet: A Legacy of Innovation:

While the Dave Brubeck Quartet disbanded in 1967, Brubeck remained a prolific composer and performer throughout his life. He continued to experiment with complex time signatures, famously writing "Unsquare Dance" in 7/4 time and "All the Things You Are" in 12/8 time. He also explored other musical genres, collaborating with classical musicians like Leonard Bernstein and writing oratorios and operas. Brubeck's unwavering dedication to artistic exploration and his commitment to pushing boundaries secured his place as one of the most innovative and influential figures in jazz history.

A Man of Passion and Principle:

Beyond his musical genius, Dave Brubeck was a man of strong convictions. He actively fought against racial segregation in the music industry, refusing to perform at venues that discriminated against people of color. He also spoke out against political injustices, including the Vietnam War, and championed various social causes, using his platform to advocate for positive change. This dedication to social justice further cemented his legacy as a man of integrity and principle.

A Life Celebrated: The Enduring Legacy of Dave Brubeck:

Dave Brubeck passed away in 2012, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. His impact on jazz is undeniable, with his innovative compositions and unconventional time signatures inspiring countless musicians across generations. His influence can be seen in the work of artists like Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, and Brad Mehldau, who have embraced his spirit of experimentation and exploration.

More than just a musical pioneer, Brubeck was a man of principle, using his music as a platform for social commentary and cultural exchange. His life story serves as an inspiration to artists and individuals alike, reminding us of the power of music to challenge conventions, break down barriers, and connect people across cultures. His music continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, serving as a timeless testament to his artistic vision, unwavering passion for music, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.

[thxnews]

Exploring the Visionary Mind of Bill Gates

Introduction

Through a legacy interwoven with philanthropy, creativity, and technological innovation, Bill Gates has indelibly marked the tapestry of our society. Born in Seattle, Washington, on October 28, 1955, Gates co-founded Microsoft, a company that not only revolutionized computer interaction but also reshaped our interaction with the digital world. However, Gates’ influence transcends the confines of technology; he has devoted a significant portion of his life to philanthropy, addressing global issues through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His journey from a Seattle garage, tinkering with code, to leading Microsoft and impacting global health, is a testament to ambition, resilience, and a persistent drive to better the world.  

Bill Gates in the early days of Microsoft. Photo by The Global Panorama. Flickr.  

The Early Years and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Bill Gates’ journey commenced in an archetypal American household, where his early fascination with computers set the stage for his future endeavors. Exhibiting an extraordinary aptitude for programming by age 13, Gates developed his first computer program, signaling the dawn of a remarkable career. His passion and entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Microsoft with Paul Allen on April 4, 1975, igniting a software industry revolution. While at Harvard, Gates and Allen perceived an opportunity in the burgeoning personal computer market, developing the Altair BASIC interpreter. This software was pivotal, marking the inception of Microsoft, a name that symbolized their passion for microcomputers and software.  

Jeff Bell, Don Matrick, Bill Gates, Warren Moon. Photo by Gamer Score Blog. Flickr.  

Microsoft and the Tech Revolution

The 1980s and 1990s saw Microsoft’s meteoric ascent with Gates at the helm. The introduction of Windows, Microsoft’s graphical operating system, fundamentally altered human interaction with technology. Under Gates’ leadership, Microsoft’s dominance in the software market not only cemented his status as a technological visionary but also shaped the digital landscape for generations.   Building an Empire: The Rise of Microsoft and Windows Microsoft’s initial years were characterized by innovation and strategic risks. Gates, a visionary strategist, recognized the potential of personal computers, leading Microsoft to the forefront of the software revolution. The launch of MS-DOS in 1981, followed by Windows in 1985, propelled Microsoft to unprecedented heights. However, Gates’ leadership was not without controversy. His intense focus and competitive drive brought immense success, but also scrutiny and criticism. Antitrust lawsuits and monopolistic practice accusations painted a complex portrait of Gates as both a visionary leader and a ruthless businessman.  

Reflection, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle. Photo by Wonderlane. Flickr.  

Philanthropy and Global Impact

As Gates’ wealth grew, so did his sense of responsibility. In 1994, he and Melinda Gates established the William H. Gates Foundation, later the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This philanthropic endeavor aimed to address global issues like poverty, infectious diseases, and education. Strategic investments and partnerships, including managing the majority of Warren Buffet’s wealth, have enabled the foundation to make significant strides in healthcare, education, and combating challenges like malaria and malnutrition.  

A New Bill Gates. Photo by Steve Jurvetson. Flickr.  

Gates’ Shift from CEO to Full-Time Philanthropist

On June 27, 2008, Bill Gates shifted his focus, stepping down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft to concentrate on philanthropy. He continued as a technical advisor and board member at Berkshire Hathaway until leaving due to an employee scandal in 2014. Today, Gates actively shapes the foundation’s strategies, addressing poverty, health, and education issues. The Gates Foundation, with its focus on critical global challenges, has become a major force in philanthropy.  

Bill Gates in 2023 MSC summit. Photo by UK Government. Wikimedia.  

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Bill Gates’ legacy is multifaceted, encompassing technological innovation, astute business acumen, and unparalleled philanthropy. His life story is an inspiration, demonstrating the power of entrepreneurial success combined with a commitment to philanthropy. As the world navigates the evolving landscapes of technology and global challenges, Bill Gates stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the world. His life and work offer valuable insights, whether one is an aspiring entrepreneur or driven by social causes.   Sources: THX News, Microsoft, Wall Street Journal & Wikipedia. Read the full article

[recentlyheardcom]

Legendary investor Warren Buffett, known for his investment acumen and frugality, has always shown a different perspective on wealth and legacy. Living in the same home for over six decades, he epitomizes the adage that it's not about how much you have but what you do with it.His daughter Susan shared a glimpse of this philosophy on "Good Morning America" in 2006. After requesting a $41,000 loan for a kitchen renovation to fit her daughter's high chair, her father's response was straightforward: "Go to the bank and do it like everyone else." Such anecdotes are emblematic of Buffett's stance on dollar-based legacies.Don’t Miss: In 1977, each of the three Buffett offspring received $90,000. This sum wasn't a gift from their father but rather their inheritance from the sale of their late grandfather’s farm. Aside from Christmas presents, this inheritance stands as the only significant monetary gift Buffett has confirmed giving his children.This mindset does not stem from a lack of generosity. It's actually the exact opposite. Buffett's announcement to donate approximately $37 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was a testament to his commitment to social welfare. While the world was shocked, his children were not. They had known and supported their father's intentions. "It would be insane to leave us that much money," said Susan Buffett, aligning with her father's ethos.Buffett is set to grant a cumulative $1 billion to his children's charitable organizations. From the Susan A. Buffett Foundation, focusing on early education for underprivileged children, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which has extended assistance to 42 nations, to the Novo Foundation helmed by Peter Buffett, the children are set to continue the Buffett legacy in their own way.Story continuesTrending: Jeff Bezos is the focus of a bizarre petition urging him to buy and eat the priceless ‘Mona Lisa’ — it’s not for sale, but he could afford it.Howard Buffett appreciates his father's wisdom. "He's given us the kind of money that we can use to help many in the world."But his children's inheritance isn't just financial. A heartfelt letter from the magnate expressed his pride in their humanitarian endeavors, stating, "I am proud of what you are doing, and your mother would be proud as well."Recollections from their childhood echo this ethos. From a mere 75 cents in allowance to the attic slot machine that ensured Buffett always won it back, the lessons were clear.Forbes reports that Buffett has donated over $51 billion to various causes, aiming to give away 99% of his entire fortune. Rejecting the concept of legacy wealth, Buffett's philosophy resonates with many who admire him.Buffett's latest annual letter to his Berkshire Hathaway Inc. shareholders reinforced this philosophy. The 2023 report highlighted a 3,787,464% growth in the market value of Berkshire Hathaway stock from 1964-2022, dramatically contrasting the 24,708% for the S&P 500. More than investment insights, the emphasis was on approaching savings as the cornerstone of generational wealth.Buffett's financial philosophy is more than frugality and strategic giving. At the heart of it, Buffett teaches the world about the wisdom of long-term investment, a principle he's upheld with business partner Charlie Munger for decades. Rather than being swayed by the capricious nature of stock prices, they've consistently focused on the underlying business value.Buffett's belief is that investing in companies with strong business models and potential will, given enough time, yield solid returns. It's not about quick wins or fleeting market trends but about investing in a business's inherent value.This philosophy can also extend to startups. Today, the next big idea could lie in healthcare innovations, artificial intelligence breakthroughs or the surge of electric vehicles. Investing in these startups doesn't just mean putting money into trendy industries but backing strong business models with longevity and potential to reshape the future.

Anyone can become part of this wave of change by investing in startups through platforms like StartEngine. There's tremendous potential in being part of the next significant innovation. As Buffett emphasizes, it's crucial to look beyond immediate gratification and seek out opportunities with lasting value. Whether it's an established corporation or a fresh startup, the key lies in understanding its true worth, not just its current price tag.Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better.This article Warren Buffett's Daughter Once Asked Him For A Loan To Remodel Her Kitchen To Make Room For Her Baby's High Chair — He Told Her, 'Go To The Bank And Do It Like Everyone Else' originally appeared on Benzinga.com.© 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

[cleanwaterchronicles]

Can a stormwater study help Metro Detroit communities get along?

author: Brian Allnutt

A new study is looking for ways to promote regional stormwater cooperation in southeast Michigan, where floods in 2014 and 2021 caused more than a billion dollars in damage in each instance.

There’s a “clear consensus the stormwater issue is getting worse,” said Carol Miller, director of Wayne State’s Healthy Urban Waters program. According to the 4th National Climate Assessment, extreme rainfall and flooding are likely among the most serious impacts of climate change in the Midwest.

Miller and colleagues from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University are working on the Michigan Center for Freshwater Innovation study. The goal is to see how flooding could be mitigated by pooling resources, especially land, which might be used to sequester stormwater and reduce the pressure on regional sewer systems during heavy rains.

The Great Lakes Water Authority and Detroit Water and Sewerage Department will be helping investigators with surveys and data gathering. Researchers will also be hosting listening sessions and bringing community members into advisory committees to produce a plan for local governments and utilities, which they expect to have completed within the next two years.

This effort could help communities move past the sometimes-bitter infighting that Miller says is “to be expected” for a system as large as the one served by the GLWA. 

In April 2022, several communities in Macomb County threatened to withhold payment to GLWA because of Highland Park’s water debts, which they said were inflating their own costs. And Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said in December 2022 that he was considering building a “dam” or “blockade” at the city’s border to stop sewage discharges from coming down the Red Run Drain from neighboring Oakland County.

Miller says an important part of the Center’s work will be mapping land for future stormwater projects, looking at vegetation, soil type, planned development, existing sewer pipes, and legacy pollution that could be released if the ground is disturbed. 

These maps can then be used to find sites for either green infrastructure, like retention ponds and rain gardens, which slow water movement into sewers to prevent flooding, or gray infrastructure, such as storm sewers or underground reservoirs.

Several recent stormwater catchment projects along the Rouge River are part of an effort to reduce basement and roadway flooding on Detroit’s west side. But Miller says that projects in more “upstream” areas outside of Detroit could do more to keep precipitation out of the system. 

These could help prevent flooding and sewer overflows when combined sewer and stormwater systems like Detroit’s receive too much water and discharge untreated or partially treated sewage into waterways. A 2022 Erb Family Foundation study supports Miller’s conclusion, finding that green infrastructure in metro Detroit may make the most sense in outlying areas.

Upstream solutions could also give the city better choices when dealing with combined sewage and stormwater. For example, Bryan Peckinpaugh, spokesperson for the DWSD, recently told Planet Detroit that the city’s plan for a “relief sewer” on the east side of Detroit would send untreated, combined sewage directly into the Detroit River. This would keep it out of basements, which would pose a serious public health threat, but send it into waterways, where it also presents a serious public health threat.

Yet, it may take a trusted authority to get communities to a point where they can move past their conflicts to work towards solutions that benefit the entire “sewershed” or drainage area that flows into the regional systems.

“I do believe that it’s very important that there is an identified champion… that has the respect of communities involved in these decision-making efforts,” Miller said.

Although the GLWA and Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) perform this function in some ways by mobilizing regional resources and setting rules, Miller suggests that a new agency may be needed to build a consensus for the best path forward on stormwater management.

This entity might resemble the International Joint Commission, where Miller serves on the Science Advisory Board. This quasi-governmental organization has operated since 1909, marshaling resources in the U.S. and Canada to address cross-border issues like Great Lakes water quality and air pollution. Appointed commissioners operate independently of their national governments and traditionally work by consensus.

“I think the IJC has been very successful because of the long-term vision and not steeped in any four-year or two-year political leadership,” Miller said. “People know that they can count on it and not worry about ‘oh, in two more years, we have different political leadership, and it’s going to change again.’”

Source: https://planetdetroit.org/2023/02/can-a-stormwater-study-help-metro-detroit-communities-get-along/

[thesehauntedhills]

There are ridiculous rumors about Annabelle that she escaped her box during some odd cash exchange and she is no longer in the museum. THIS IS NOT TRUE! 🙄 Annabelle has been locked down securely since around 1975. It is occasionally put in a traveling display box for special events. For true stories about Annabelle and the paranormal, check out The Warren Files YouTube channel.

☮︎⊰ #𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆𝑯𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔༄⊰⊹ฺ

[warren-files]

A Nazi demon conjured during World War II and unleashed today, on this special Warren Files!

To learn more about the Warrens and their family’s terrifying experiences, as well as learning about all things paranormal, visit The Warren Files YouTube channel. Please remember to subscribe and share!

[richincolor]

Today is Rich in Color’s eighth anniversary! Can you believe it?

We’ve read so many fantastic books over the years, so our bloggers compiled a list of eight books that we wanted to recommend to our followers. These books are ones that we love and that have stuck with us through the years. How many of them have you read?

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

In an unforgettable new novel from award-winning authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, two teens—one black, one white—grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension.

A bag of chips. That’s all sixteen-year-old Rashad is looking for at the corner bodega. What he finds instead is a fist-happy cop, Paul Galuzzi, who mistakes Rashad for a shoplifter, mistakes Rashad’s pleadings that he’s stolen nothing for belligerence, mistakes Rashad’s resistance to leave the bodega as resisting arrest, mistakes Rashad’s every flinch at every punch the cop throws as further resistance and refusal to STAY STILL as ordered. But how can you stay still when someone is pounding your face into the concrete pavement?

But there were witnesses: Quinn Collins—a varsity basketball player and Rashad’s classmate who has been raised by Paul since his own father died in Afghanistan—and a video camera. Soon the beating is all over the news and Paul is getting threatened with accusations of prejudice and racial brutality. Quinn refuses to believe that the man who has basically been his savior could possibly be guilty. But then Rashad is absent. And absent again. And again. And the basketball team—half of whom are Rashad’s best friends—start to take sides. As does the school. And the town. Simmering tensions threaten to explode as Rashad and Quinn are forced to face decisions and consequences they had never considered before.

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline Dancing Cat Books

In a futuristic world ravaged by global warming, people have lost the ability to dream, and the dreamlessness has led to widespread madness. The only people still able to dream are North America’s Indigenous people, and it is their marrow that holds the cure for the rest of the world. But getting the marrow, and dreams, means death for the unwilling donors. Driven to flight, a fifteen-year-old and his companions struggle for survival, attempt to reunite with loved ones and take refuge from the “recruiters” who seek them out to bring them to the marrow-stealing “factories.”

Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore Feiwel & Friends

Love grows such strange things.

For nearly a century, the Nomeolvides women have tended the grounds of La Pradera, the lush estate gardens that enchant guests from around the world. They’ve also hidden a tragic legacy: if they fall in love too deeply, their lovers vanish. But then, after generations of vanishings, a strange boy appears in the gardens.

The boy is a mystery to Estrella, the Nomeolvides girl who finds him, and to her family, but he’s even more a mystery to himself; he knows nothing more about who he is or where he came from than his first name. As Estrella tries to help Fel piece together his unknown past, La Pradera leads them to secrets as dangerous as they are magical in this stunning exploration of love, loss, and family.

Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert Disney-Hyperion

Danny Cheng has always known his parents have secrets. But when he discovers a taped-up box in his father’s closet filled with old letters and a file on a powerful Silicon Valley family, he realizes there’s much more to his family’s past than he ever imagined.

Danny has been an artist for as long as he can remember and it seems his path is set, with a scholarship to RISD and his family’s blessing to pursue the career he’s always dreamed of. Still, contemplating a future without his best friend, Harry Wong, by his side makes Danny feel a panic he can barely put into words. Harry and Danny’s lives are deeply intertwined and as they approach the one-year anniversary of a tragedy that shook their friend group to its core, Danny can’t stop asking himself if Harry is truly in love with his girlfriend, Regina Chan.

When Danny digs deeper into his parents’ past, he uncovers a secret that disturbs the foundations of his family history and the carefully constructed facade his parents have maintained begins to crumble. With everything he loves in danger of being stripped away, Danny must face the ghosts of the past in order to build a future that belongs to him.

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan Little, Brown Brooks for Young Readers

Leigh Chen Sanders is absolutely certain about one thing: When her mother died by suicide, she turned into a bird.

Leigh, who is half Asian and half white, travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. There, she is determined to find her mother, the bird. In her search, she winds up chasing after ghosts, uncovering family secrets, and forging a new relationship with her grandparents. And as she grieves, she must try to reconcile the fact that on the same day she kissed her best friend and longtime secret crush, Axel, her mother was taking her own life.

Alternating between real and magic, past and present, friendship and romance, hope and despair, The Astonishing Color of After is a novel about finding oneself through family history, art, grief, and love.

Pride by Ibi Zoboi Balzer + Bray

Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable.

When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons, even as her older sister, Janae, starts to fall for the charming Ainsley. She especially can’t stand the judgmental and arrogant Darius. Yet as Zuri and Darius are forced to find common ground, their initial dislike shifts into an unexpected understanding.

But with four wild sisters pulling her in different directions, cute boy Warren vying for her attention, and college applications hovering on the horizon, Zuri fights to find her place in Bushwick’s changing landscape, or lose it all.

The Gilded Wolves (The Gilded Wolves #1) by Roshani Chokshi Wednesday Books

Paris, 1889: The world is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. In this city, no one keeps tabs on secrets better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier, Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. But when the all-powerful society, the Order of Babel, seeks him out for help, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

To find the ancient artifact the Order seeks, Séverin will need help from a band of experts: An engineer with a debt to pay. A historian who can’t yet go home. A dancer with a sinister past. And a brother in all but blood, who might care too much.

Together, they’ll have to use their wits and knowledge to hunt the artifact through the dark and glittering heart of Paris. What they find might change the world, but only if they can stay alive.

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender HarperCollins

From Stonewall and Lambda Award–winning author Kacen Callender comes a revelatory YA novel about a transgender teen grappling with identity and self-discovery while falling in love for the first time.

Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many—Black, queer, and transgender—to ever get his own happily-ever-after.

When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages—after publicly posting Felix’s deadname alongside images of him before he transitioned—Felix comes up with a plan for revenge. What he didn’t count on: his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi–love triangle….

But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself.

[mightyflamethrower]

In the last 20 years, the Left has boasted that it has gained control of most of America institutions of power and influence—the corporate boardroom, media, Silicon Valley, Wall Street, the administrative state, academia, foundations, social media, entertainment, professional sports, and Hollywood.

With such support, between 2009-17, Barack Obama was empowered to transform the Democratic Party from its middle-class roots and class concerns into the party of the bicoastal rich and subsidized poor—obsessions with big money, race, a new intolerant green religion, and dividing the country into a binary of oppressors and oppressed.

The Obamas entered the presidency spouting the usual leftwing boilerplate (“spread the wealth,” “just downright mean country,” “get in their face,” “first time I’ve been proud of my country”) as upper-middle-class, former community activists, hurt that their genius and talents had not yet been sufficiently monetized.

After getting elected through temporarily pivoting to racial ecumenicalism and pseudo-calls for unity, they reverted to form and governed by dividing the country. And then the two left the White House as soon-to-be mansion living, mega-rich elites, cashing in on the fears they had inculcated over the prior eight years.

To push through the accompanying unpopular agendas of an open border, mandatory wind and solar energy, racial essentialism, and the weaponization of the state, Obama had begun demonizing his opponents and the country in general: America was an unexceptional place. Cops were racist. “Clingers” of the Midwest were hopelessly ignorant and prejudiced. Only fundamental socialist transformation could salvage a historically oppressive, immoral, and racist nation.

The people finally rebelled at such preposterousness. Obama lost his party some 1,400 local and state offices during his tenure, along with both houses of Congress. His presidency was characterized by his own polarizing mediocrity. His one legacy was Obamacare, the veritable destruction of the entire system of a once workable health insurance, of the hallowed doctor-patient relationship, and of former easy access to competent specialists.

Yet Obama’s unfufilled ambitions set the stage for the Biden administration—staffed heavily with Obama veterans—to complete the revolutionary transformation of the Democratic Party and country.

It was ironic that while Obama was acknowledged as young and charismatic, nonetheless a cognitively challenged, past plagiarist, fabulist, and utterly corrupt Joe Biden was far more effective in ramming through a socialist woke agenda and altering the very way Americans vote and conduct their legal system.

Stranger still, Biden accomplished this subversion of traditional America while debilitated and often mentally inert—along with being mired in a bribery and influence-peddling scandal that may ultimately confirm that he easily was the most corrupt president to hold office in U.S. history.

How was all this possible?

Covid had allowed the unwell Biden to run a surrogate campaign from his basement as he outsourced his politicking to a corrupt media.

Senility proved a godsend for Biden. His cognitive disabilities masked his newfound radicalism and long-accustomed incompetence. Unlike his past failed campaigns, the lockdowns allowed Biden to be rarely seen or heard—and thus as much liked in the abstract as he had previously been disliked in the concrete.

His handlers, the Obamas, and the Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren radical Democrats, saw Biden’s half-century pretense as a gladhander—good ole Joe Biden from Scranton—as the perfect delivery system to funnel their own otherwise-unpopular leftwing agendas. In sum, via the listless Biden, they sought to change the very way America used to work.

And what a revolution Biden’s puppeteers have unleashed in less than three years.

They launched a base attack on the American legal system. Supreme Court judges are libeled, their houses swarmed, and their lives threatened with impunity. The Left promised to pack the court or to ignore any decision it resents. The media runs hit pieces on any conservative justice deemed too influential. The prior Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer whipped up a mob outside the court’s doors, and threatened two justices by name. As Schumer presciently put it, they would soon “reap the whirlwind” of what they supposedly had sowed and thus would have no idea what was about to “hit” them.

Under the pretense of Covid fears, balloting went from 70 percent participation on election day in most states to a mere 30 percent. Yet the rates of properly rejected illegal or improper ballots often dived by a magnitude of ten.

Assaults now followed on hallowed processes, laws, customs, and institutions—the Senate filibuster, the 50-state union, the Electoral College, the nine-justice Supreme Court, Election Day, and voter IDs.

Under Biden, the revolution had institutionalized first-term impeachment, the trial of an ex-president while a private citizen, and the indictment of a chief political rival and ex-president on trumped up charges by local and federal prosecutors—all to destroy a political rival and alter the 2024 election cycle.

Biden destroyed the southern border—literally. Eight million entered illegally—no background checks, no green cards, no proof of vaccinations. America will be dealing with the consequences for decades. Mexico was delighted, receiving some $60 million in annual remittances, while the cartels were empowered to ship enough fentanyl to kill 100,000 Americans a year.

“Modern monetary theory,” the Leftist absurdity that printing money ensures prosperity, followed. It has nearly bankrupted the country, unleashed wild inflation, and resulted in the highest interest rates in a quarter-century. Middle-class wages fell further behind as a doddering Biden praised his disastrous “Bidenomics.”

Biden warred on fossil fuels, cancelling federal leases and pipelines, jawboning lending agencies to defund fracking, demonizing state-of-the-art, clean-burning cars, and putting vast areas of oil- and gas-rich federals lands off-limits to drilling.

When gas prices predictably doubled under Biden and the 2022 midterms approached, he tried temporarily to lease out a few new fields, to drain the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and to beg the Saudis, and our enemies, the Iranians, the Venezuelans, and the Russians, to pump more oil and gas that Biden himself would not. All this was a pathetic ruse to temporarily lower gas prices before the mid-term elections.

Biden abandoned Afghanistan, leaving the largest trove of military equipment behind in U.S. military history, along with thousands of loyal Afghans and pro-American contractors.

Biden insulted the parents of the 13 Marines blown up in this worst U.S. military debacle since Pearl Harbor. He lied to the parents of the dead that he too lost a son in the Iraq war, and when among them later impatiently checked his watch as he seemed bored with the commemoration of the fallen—and made no effort to hide his sense that the ceremony was tedious to him.

Vladimir Putin summed up the Afghan debacle—and Biden’s nonchalant remark that he wouldn’t react strongly to a “minor” invasion of Ukraine if it were minor—as a green light to invade Ukraine.

When Biden did awaken, his first reaction was an offer to fly the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy out of the country as soon as possible. What has followed proved the greatest European killing ground since the 1944-45 Battle of the Bulge, albeit one that has now fossilized into a Verdun-like quagmire that is draining American military supply stocks and killing a half-million Ukrainians and Russians.

Suddenly, there are three genders, not two. Women’s sports have been wrecked by biological men competing as women, destroying a half-century of female athletic achievement. Young girls in locker rooms, co-eds in sororities, and women in prison must dress and shower with biological men transitioning to women by assertion.

There is no longer a commitment to free speech. The American Civil Liberties Union is a woke, intolerant group trying to ban free expression under the pretense of fighting “hate” speech and “disinformation.”

The Left has revived McCarthyite loyal oaths straight out of the 1950s, forcing professors, job applicants, and students applying for college to pledge their commitment to “diversity” as a requisite for hiring, admittance, or promotion. Diversity is our era’s version of the Jacobins’ “Cult of Reason.”

Race relations hit a 50-year nadir. Joe Biden has a long history of racist insults and putdowns. And now as apparent penance, he has reinvented himself as a reverse racial provocateur, spouting nonsense about white supremacy, exploiting shootings or hyping racial tensions to ensure that an increasingly disgusted black electorate does not leave the new Democratic Party.

The military has adopted wokeism, oblivious that it has eroded meritocracy in the ranks and slashed military recruitment. It is underfunded, wracked by internal suspicion, loss of morale and ginned up racial and gender animosity. Its supply stocks are drained. Arms productions is snail-like, and generalship is seen as a revolving door to corporate defense contractor board riches.

Big-city Democratic district attorneys subverted the criminal justice system, destroyed law enforcement deterrence, and unleashed a record crime wave. Did they wish to create anarchy as protest against the normal, or were they Jokerist nihilists who delighted in sowing ruin for ruin’s sake?

Radical racial activists, with Democrat endorsement, demand polarizing racial reparations. The louder the demands, the quieter they remain about smash-and-grab looting, carjacking, and the swarming of malls by disproportionally black teens—even as black-on-black urban murders reach record proportions.

In response, Biden tried to exploit the growing tensions by spouting lies that “white supremacy” and “white privilege” fuel such racial unrest—even as his ill-gotten gains, past record of racist demagoguery and resulting lucre and mansions appear the epitome of his own so-called white privilege.

This litany of disasters could be vastly expanded, but more interesting is the why of it all?

What we are witnessing seems to be utter nihilism. The border is not porous but nonexistent. Mass looting and carjackings are not poorly punished, but simply exempt from all and any consequences. Our downtowns are reduced to a Hobbesian “war of all against all,” where the strong dictate to the weak and the latter adjust as they must. The streets of our major cities in just a few years have become precivilizational—there are more human feces on the sidewalks of San Francisco than were in the gutters of Medieval London.

The FBI and DOJ are not simply wayward and weaponized, but corrupt and renegade. Apparently the perquisite now for an FBI director is the ability either to lie while under oath or better to mask such lying by claiming amnesia or ignorance.

Immigration is akin to the vast unchecked influxes of the late Roman Empire across the Danube and Rhine that helped to finish off a millennium-old civilization that had lost all confidence in its culture and thus had no need for borders.

In other words, the revolution is not so much political as anarchist. Nothing escapes it—not ceiling fans, not natural gas cooktops, not parents at school board meetings, not Christian bakeries, not champion female swimmers, not dutiful policemen, not hard-working oil drillers, not privates and corporals in the armed forces, not teens applying on their merits to college, not anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The operating principle is either to allow or to engineer things to become so atrocious in everyday American life—the inability to afford food and fuel, the inability to walk safely in daylight in our major cities, the inability to afford to drive as one pleases, the inability to obtain or pay back a high interest loan—that the government can absorb the private sector and begin regimenting the masses along elite dictates. The more the people tire of the leftist agenda, the more its architects furiously seek to implement it, hoping that their institutional and cultural control can do what  ballots cannot.

We could variously characterize their efforts as destroying the nation to save it, or burning it down to start over, or fundamentally transforming America into something never envisioned by the Founders.

Will their upheaval  succeed? All the levers of the power and money are on the side of the revolutionaries. The people are not. And they are starting to wake to the notion if they do not stop the madness in their midst they very soon won’t have a country.

[theultimatefan]

The Costacos Collection Announces Launch of Sports NFT Marketplace Built on the Flow Blockchain

Today, the Costacos Collection announced its second NFT drop in partnership with four legendary NFL quarterbacks: Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Jim McMahon, and Dan Marino. Following the company’s inaugural drop with baseball GOAT Willie Mays, the QB Legends Collectionre-imagines the four quarterbacks’ iconic ‘80s/‘90s Costacos posters in new digital form. In addition, the quarterbacks have worked closely with John Costacos and acclaimed digital artist Mike Campau to create all-new 3D art pieces capturing the defining moments and themes from the players’ legendary careers. A portion of proceeds from the drop will be donated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Assistance Foundation, an organization that assists HOF members and their families.

Collectors can access the drop on the newly-launched CostacosCollection.commarketplace. The Costacos Collection has entered into a strategic technology partnership with GigLabs to build on the Flow blockchain, joining NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and UFC Strike, created by Dapper Labs. The partnership has enabled the Costacos Collection to build a proprietary NFT marketplace on the environmentally-friendly Flow blockchain, joining other GigLabs partners that include CNN, Turner Sports, Athletes Unlimited, Speedway Motorsports, the University of Miami, and others. The Costacos Collection marketplace includes full credit card support and simple wallet signup requiring only an email address.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a more exciting group of legacy athletes with whom to partner for the launch of the Costacos Collection marketplace,” said CEO Justin Moorad. “Troy, Warren, Jim, and Dan, all with their own unique personalities and career paths, represent a generation of NFL culture that was captured in their original Costacos posters. It’s an honor to help bring those iconic images back to life, and a privilege to watch John and the players work together to create all-new digital art that we believe their legions of fans will be passionate about collecting.”

“We loved working with all the athletes, the pitchers, home-run hitters, point guards, linebackers, all of them,” said Costacos. “But there was nothing quite like creating an image with an NFL quarterback because the great ones are the guys with all the firepower that make the offense go. Jim McMahon was the first poster we printed back in 1986. There we were in Chicago, 2,000 miles from home, a couple of kids with an idea but no experience, who somehow convinced the NFL's biggest superstar to dress up like Mad Max and take pictures next to a live bear cub in the middle of a thunderstorm. Jim was larger than life, he’d just led the Chicago Bears to their one and only Super Bowl victory and was at the forefront of sports pop culture. We may not have known how we were going to pull it off but somehow we did and had a ton of fun shooting it, and Jim did too. We got lucky with a break in the weather, the shots ended up working, and we ended up with one of the great posters of all time - and a lifelong friend in Jimmy Mac.”

“Being part of the Costacos Collection was what every athlete from our era dreamed about, it was like being on a Wheaties box but better, because you hung on the wall of every bedroom of fans across the country,” McMahon said. “It’s pretty cool that Mad Mac was the first one and the start of it all. I still have it on my wall. And it’s just as cool to be a part of this new era, I’m having tons of fun working creatively with John again. He’s the most creative guy I know, and when we’re done we always make sure to sit down for a beer or six.”

In addition to the digital re-imagining of the vintage Costacos posters, the company is launching the “HANDS OF THE GODS” series, which captures each quarterback’s unique grip on a football. To create the pieces, John visited each quarterback and painted their hand in ink before they gripped the football the way they have so many times before. John has also worked with the players to create a digital series that represents some of their proudest accomplishments. For Moon, a celebration of his unprecedented five consecutive CFL Grey Cup Championships before going on to a prolific NFL career that would see him become the first Black quarterback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; for Aikman, a celebration of the three Super Bowl Championships he helped bring home to the city of Dallas; for Marino, an ode to his everlasting significance to the city of Miami; and for McMahon, a representation of his iconic visuals that defined the ‘85 Bears and beyond. The players have also worked closely with Mike Campau to create career-defining plaques, drawing inspiration from the style included in the Costacos Collection’s first drop with Willie Mays. Adding a unique physical component to the drop, the company will auction off never-before-seen outtakes from the original poster shoots - in addition to the digital collectible, the auction winner will also receive the original film transparency. Finally, the Collection will sell NFTs of an official Tour Poster celebrating the QB Legends drop, created by the Ames Bros known for their intricately designed concert posters for rock legends like Pearl Jam and Metallica.

“It’s a rare treat to be brought back to such an amazing time from the past,” Aikman said. “Working with John to create my original poster was a fun and unique experience, and ended up with one of my all-time favorite images. It’s great to have John’s creativity back at it, and to spend time with him bringing new work to life in innovative ways.”

“As an entrepreneur and fan of pop culture, I’ve always loved John’s vision and innovative enthusiasm,” added Moon. “The Moonlighting poster is a favorite – I’m thrilled to see it come to life as digital art, and just as excited about the brand new digital art forms we’ve created. With today’s tools, John’s creativity is almost limitless, and I’m really proud to be involved in this unique launch.”

“We’ve all seen the explosion of digital art and collectibles,” Marino said. “Sometimes it’s hard to see what all the buzz is about. However, this is different…it is sports and pop culture at its best, a blend of ‘80’s and ‘90’s creativity with the digital mastery of today, all pulled together by one of the guys who got this all started, John Costacos. I can’t wait to see the reaction, especially as a new generation sees the Zubaz pants.”

The QB Legends Collection follows the Costacos Collection’s inaugural drop with Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays, who donated all proceeds to the Say Hey Foundation’s effort to honor the people who gave him a start in life, by establishing a baseball academy for underprivileged youth where he grew up in Alabama, and to restore the historic baseball facilities at Rickwood Field where Willie started his career with the Negro League Birmingham Black Barons. The drop told the story of Willie’s path to the majors, from Fairfield Industrial High in Birmingham, to the Negro American League, culminating with his move to the New York Giants with whom he would win the Rookie of the Year Award in 1951. The various edition pieces captured the key themes and statistics of those periods, and the 1/1 hero piece added to the story with a number of never-before-seen personal documents and images from Willie’s journey - most notably, a copy of Willie’s high school diploma, in which he was assigned a career in “cleaning, dyeing, and pressing. The piece included a voiceover in which Willie’s powerful story is told by an iconic voice of sports, Bob Costas, who joined Mays in donating to the baseball academy and Rickwood Field restoration project.

[tlatollotl]

A recent publication in The Urban Review journal has come to our attention. The journal presents itself as one that deals with “Issues and Ideas in Education,” so it was surprising to see their publication of the article entitled, “Early Pioneers of the Americas: The Role of the Olmecs in Urban Education and Social Studies Curriculum’’ by Greg Wiggan, Annette Teasdell, Marcia J. Watson‑Vandiver, and Sheikia Talley‑Matthews. In their article, Wiggan et al peddle the long discredited notion that the Olmec were not indigenous Americans, but rather that they were black Africans who traversed the Atlantic Ocean millennia before Christopher Columbus. There are variations on the hypothesis, but the general idea is that Africans established (or helped establish) one of the oldest major civilizations in the Americas, the Olmec, which scholars credit as being a major inspiration for the Mesoamerican Indigenous cultures that followed. What we find surprising is that a publication that purports to be educational would publish an article that advocates the introduction of “Black Olmec” curriculum in schools.

Teaching the baseles and erroneous claim that the Olmec were black Africans is just as colonialist as the Eurocentric model that Afrocentrists rail against. Such claims regarding the Olmec are the result of outdated racial worldviews held by early European writers, many of whom never set foot in the Americas, combined with the Afrocentric ramblings of pseudoscholars such as Ivan Van Sertima and Clyde Winters, none of who are Mesoamerican specialists. The idea of “Black Olmecs” is rooted in pseudohistorical revisionism and is not accepted by legitimate Mesoamerican scholars. It should be made clear that no archaeological, faunal, floral, genetic, or historical evidence exists to support the myth of “Black Olmecs.” In fact, scholars such as Gabriel Haslip-Viera, Warren Barbour, and Bernard Ortiz de Montellano have published extensive research refuting Van Sertima and the myth of “Black Olmecs.”

Proponents of this myth base their conclusions on superficial interpretations of the famous Olmec heads of Veracruz. These statues, they claim, bear physiognomic resemblance to Africans solely based on their broad noses and thick lips. The fact that the statues also resemble Mexico’s Indigenous people (along with the fact that broad noses and thick lips are not solely black African characteristics) is simply ignored. If these assertions were being made in the reverse by white authors about black African culture, those people would rightfully be castigated for their racist interpretations. Somehow, when it comes to Native Americans, especially if they are ancient and mysterious enough, it is okay to make outlandish claims. The long running pseudohistorical television program about ancient aliens and ancient peoples is in this same vein.

Sadly, with this proposition, what the adherents of this unfounded thesis assert is that Indigenous peoples of the Americas received their foundational culture from black Africans, a belief that effectively robs Native Americans of their cultural patrimony. In fact, most of what Wiggan et al state in their piece does not support their claim, which they themselves admit is mostly “suggestive.” That is not how positive claims work; you must have actual facts and not just quotes from secondary sources posing as facts in order to make your case. The entire article is riddled with questionable “sources” that the authors lean on as primary evidence; however, upon closer examination, the cited “evidence” are actually quotes from secondary sources that are misinterpreted, noted as suggestive, or have been revealed to be incorrect.

It would take an article length paper to properly demonstrate the numerous errors made by Wiggan et al but let us explore at least one — the extensive use of secondary sources as primary sources. For example, here the authors quote Van Sertima: “[The] African presence in the Olmec world demonstrated that the African first entered the Western Hemisphere not as chattels, not as property, not as merchandise, not as enslaved people, but as masters in control of their own destinies” (pg 4). They follow that quote with this statement: “In spite of the above evidence, education and curriculum development literature are generally silent on the Olmecs” (pg 5). What evidence are they referring to; that Van Sertima made a claim linking Africans to Olmecs? It seems extremely odd to have to say this about an article published in a (peer-reviewed?) journal, but opinions are not facts and therefore not evidence. Simply quoting the opinions of another author does not make that a supporting fact. You must follow up with actual evidence, and that is a key missing element in this entire piece.

Now let us consider some of their sources. The authors that Wiggan et al chose to rely on are highly questionable. For instance, Ivan Van Sertima (as mentioned above) was soundly refuted in the 1990s by Montellano et al. Sertima’s predecessor, Harold G. Lawrence — who kickstarted the modern iteration of the Black Olmec hypothesis — had no advanced training in archeology or history, and in fact, his influential piece, “African explorers of the New World” (1962, The Crisis) introduces him as belonging to a group from Detroit, Michigan called The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Apparently that is enough to make him a credible source on the prehistory of Native Americans. And finally, they cite Anu M’Bantu, a British-born photo-journalist who also does not have advanced training in Mesoamerican Indigenous societies. M’Bantu has written several self-published books with curious titles, such as The Ancient Black Hebrews and Arabs (2013) and The Black Kings of Europe (2019). Sources can either make or break a thesis, and the ones in question here are the kind that usually get flagged during peer-review.

We certainly agree that the history and legacy of African peoples in the Americas is still not sufficiently taught in schools, but we do children a disservice by advancing opinions as “facts.” Promoting the idea that the Olmec were black is more than simply poor scholarship, it is an erasure of the accomplishments of Indigenous Mexicans. Africa and Mexico are both home to fascinating civilizations, each with their own advancements in technology, linguistics, agriculture, and science. When we embrace the pseudohistory of “Black Olmecs,” we trivialize and marginalize the legacies of both Africans and Indigenous Mexicans.

Thus, in light of this major oversight, we ask that the The Urban Review journal retract the article by Wiggan et al and discontinue its promotion of “Black Olmecs.” As long-time ethnic studies researchers and educators ourselves, we would prefer to see accurate and far more meaningful scholarship that explores better ways of advancing education among urban youth. Certainly, we can recognize the heritage of Africans and African Americans — as well as that of Afro-Mexicans — without promoting a distorted, colonialist, and fanciful version of history. In the words of Van Sertima himself: “You cannot really conceive how insulting it is to Native Americans to be told they were discovered” (pg 21). We agree with Sertima on that point, but we would further add that it is just as equally insulting to be told that someone else gave your ancestors their culture. You cannot counter colonialist thought with colonialist pedagogy.

Sincerely, Kurly Tlapoyawa, Supervisory Archaeologist Ruben A. Arellano (Tlakatekatl), History Ph.D.

The Chimalli Institute of Mesoamerican Arts

[seancerpg-archived]

THE DAME

Name: UTP

Age: 44 - 50

Pronouns: She/her

FC: Anika Noni Rose, Thandie Newton, Viola Davis (please note this character must be portrayed by black fc or biracial fc of black descent)

BIOGRAPHY

tw - weapons, anxiety, war, parental loss

She was born with the world at her feet. The eldest of a family of daughters, with no son to inherit the family riches, the burden of inheritance fell to her. It brought her many privileges in her life, and she had every intention of grasping every opportunity with both hands. She had plans for a future that lit a fire in her belly, dreams of becoming an architect, establishing a legacy of her own apart from her illustrious family name. Her kin had made a name for themselves during the Napoleonic Wars manufacturing weapons. As a child, she never really thought about the source of the family wealth much. It wasn’t until both her parents, and all three of her younger siblings were killed in a freak accident did she really begin to think about it. The more she pondered on what had happened, the more she realised there was only one conclusion: A curse upon the money with which they had built their lives. It made a certain sort of sense. While they profited on the sales of their good, many had perished on the other end of them. It wasn’t right, not by a long shot. Throughout her life, there had been plenty of strange and unusual occurrences, too much bad luck for it to be purely coincidental. Whatever jinx had been put on her name, she grew more terrified by the day, to the point where she was constantly looking over her shoulder, always assessing her surroundings for signs of danger. She couldn’t live like this - she had to act, to do something to put her worrisome mind to rest. She knew she couldn’t hide forever, but neither was she ready to succumb to the curse that followed her. And so, she rolled up her sleeves, retreating into a home she had purchased in the centre of the city, and she began to build. To an outsider, there was no logic to her blueprints. They were a mess, a twisted warren of rooms and corridors, tunnels and doors to nowhere. To her, though, they made perfect sense, everything designed meticulously rather than the random jumble it appeared to be. She’d chosen it this way for one reason alone. The dead could roam her halls for eternity, as the dead are wont to do, but they would never find her. Instead, they would become lost and bewildered, their prize always out of reach. It wasn’t supposed to go on forever, but once the last nail was hammered, the last lick of paint dry, peace didn’t come. And so she carried on. Knocking down, rebuilding, rearranging and redecorating, her work is never done. 

THE GHOST

It stumbles blindly through the maze of her manor, her goal of confusing any spectres looking for her achieved. It seeks her desperately, but despite catching a whiff of her perfume here, a candle still smoking from being hastily snuffed out there, it can never quite catch up to her. She is always one step ahead, and that’s alarming. In retaliation, they bang the walls in frustration, stamping their feet on the floors and making the very foundations of the house they’re trapped in creak and move. She may not want to reveal her presence, but they will certainly do everything in their power to make theirs known to her. Perhaps one day, it will work in their advantage, drawing the fox from it’s den and into their path.

CONNECTIONS

THE THESPIAN: If there is anybody who can take their mind off of their worries, it’s him. It started the very first night she clapped eyes on him upon the stage, his talent moving her to tears. Since then, they’ve become good friends, despite knowing he’d be far safer if she kept him at arms length. She only ever meets him in public places, only ever when the sun is in the sky and daylight is upon them. She dreads to think who else may join their little gatherings if they met under the cover of darkness.

THE BUTLER: He knows what it is to be ostracised. Since she began her project, society has begun to turn its back on her, dismissing her as a strange woman with strange obsessions. She knows that after the nightmare that was his last employer, he struggled to put the pieces of his life back together, and though she doesn’t keep any other household staff anymore, she reluctantly agreed to give him a chance. Since then, they’ve become more like brother and sister than employee and boss. He comes and goes as he pleases, and trusts her completely - and in turn, she trusts him back.

THE HATTER: She doesn’t have time for luxuries anymore, but his work is so utterly exquisite that she cannot help herself. He doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t treat her any differently, like so many in her life do now, and that’s what she likes most about him. He, too, has his secrets, an enigma she cannot unravel, even if she had the time to think about it. For now, she’s happy to keep up an easy acquaintanceship, though perhaps one day, her curiosity will overwhelm her, demanding that she learn more about the mysterious man.

THE THIEF: He’s been hanging around her home a lot lately, despite her attempts to warn him away. He’s too bold, and too charming, for his own good, and clever, too, but what he wants with her, The Dame just cannot fathom. Still, it’s nice to bask in his attentions every now and then, his easy charm reminding her of a time long since lost, long ago when the world was less complicated, and, slowly, she’s beginning to open herself up to him, laying the foundations of a friendship that’s she’s sure is a bad idea.

THE DAME IS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

[thxnews]

Exploring the Visionary Mind of Bill Gates

  Introduction

Through a legacy interwoven with philanthropy, creativity, and technological innovation, Bill Gates has indelibly marked the tapestry of our society. Born in Seattle, Washington, on October 28, 1955, Gates co-founded Microsoft, a company that not only revolutionized computer interaction but also reshaped our interaction with the digital world. However, Gates' influence transcends the confines of technology; he has devoted a significant portion of his life to philanthropy, addressing global issues through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His journey from a Seattle garage, tinkering with code, to leading Microsoft and impacting global health, is a testament to ambition, resilience, and a persistent drive to better the world.  

Bill Gates in the early days of Microsoft. Photo by The Global Panorama. Flickr.  

The Early Years and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Bill Gates' journey commenced in an archetypal American household, where his early fascination with computers set the stage for his future endeavors. Exhibiting an extraordinary aptitude for programming by age 13, Gates developed his first computer program, signaling the dawn of a remarkable career. His passion and entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Microsoft with Paul Allen on April 4, 1975, igniting a software industry revolution. While at Harvard, Gates and Allen perceived an opportunity in the burgeoning personal computer market, developing the Altair BASIC interpreter. This software was pivotal, marking the inception of Microsoft, a name that symbolized their passion for microcomputers and software.  

Jeff Bell, Don Matrick, Bill Gates, Warren Moon. Photo by Gamer Score Blog. Flickr.  

Microsoft and the Tech Revolution

The 1980s and 1990s saw Microsoft’s meteoric ascent with Gates at the helm. The introduction of Windows, Microsoft's graphical operating system, fundamentally altered human interaction with technology. Under Gates' leadership, Microsoft's dominance in the software market not only cemented his status as a technological visionary but also shaped the digital landscape for generations.   Building an Empire: The Rise of Microsoft and Windows Microsoft's initial years were characterized by innovation and strategic risks. Gates, a visionary strategist, recognized the potential of personal computers, leading Microsoft to the forefront of the software revolution. The launch of MS-DOS in 1981, followed by Windows in 1985, propelled Microsoft to unprecedented heights. However, Gates' leadership was not without controversy. His intense focus and competitive drive brought immense success, but also scrutiny and criticism. Antitrust lawsuits and monopolistic practice accusations painted a complex portrait of Gates as both a visionary leader and a ruthless businessman.  

Reflection in the ponds and fountains, grasses, waterscaping, contemporary glass building, cloudy day, usual weather, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle. Photo by Wonderlane. Flickr.  

Philanthropy and Global Impact

As Gates’ wealth grew, so did his sense of responsibility. In 1994, he and Melinda Gates established the William H. Gates Foundation, later the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This philanthropic endeavor aimed to address global issues like poverty, infectious diseases, and education. Strategic investments and partnerships, including managing the majority of Warren Buffet's wealth, have enabled the foundation to make significant strides in healthcare, education, and combating challenges like malaria and malnutrition.  

A New Bill Gates. Photo by Steve Jurvetson. Flickr.  

Gates' Shift from CEO to Full-Time Philanthropist

On June 27, 2008, Bill Gates shifted his focus, stepping down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft to concentrate on philanthropy. He continued as a technical advisor and board member at Berkshire Hathaway until leaving due to an employee scandal in 2014. Today, Gates actively shapes the foundation's strategies, addressing poverty, health, and education issues. The Gates Foundation, with its focus on critical global challenges, has become a major force in philanthropy.  

Bill Gates in 2023 MSC summit. Photo by UK Government. Wikimedia.  

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Bill Gates' legacy is multifaceted, encompassing technological innovation, astute business acumen, and unparalleled philanthropy. His life story is an inspiration, demonstrating the power of entrepreneurial success combined with a commitment to philanthropy. As the world navigates the evolving landscapes of technology and global challenges, Bill Gates stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the world. His life and work offer valuable insights, whether one is an aspiring entrepreneur or driven by social causes.   Sources: THX News, Microsoft, Wall Street Journal & Wikipedia. Read the full article