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Global Sumud Flotilla Update / Actualización de la Flotilla Global Sumud
English: From Spain, three ships departed to join the mission. Italy sent 18 vessels from Sicily. Added to the ships that had already staged in Tunisia, the flotilla now counts over 50 ships in total, making this the largest humanitarian flotilla yet attempting to break the Gaza blockade. Some of the earliest boats had moved…
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🖤 No Kings. No Silence. No Turning Back.
What was meant to be a day of symbolism — No Kings Day — has now become a day of mourning. Two respected public servants, Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home. In a separate but clearly coordinated attack, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette…
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When the Curtain Closes: Finding Truth Beyond the Act
There’s a moment—rare, fleeting, almost sacred—when the curtain closes, the lights dim, and the performance ends. It’s then we catch a glimpse of truth: people stop acting and simply become themselves. Much of life feels like a staged performance. We rehearse lines, wear costumes of conformity, and nod on cue. We perform because society expects…
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A Global Crossroads: Learning from History to Shape a Just Future
Intro: When History Starts to Rhyme History has a way of whispering warnings before it shouts. Right now, across the world—from Germany to the U.S., Argentina to Hungary—we’re seeing familiar patterns emerge. Far-right movements are creeping back into power, rewriting history, scapegoating the vulnerable, and treating democracy like a suggestion rather than a foundation. If…
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Blog Story: Kathy’s Journey – A Light in the Shadows
Disclaimer: This is a fictional narrative inspired by real-world challenges to foster empathy and understanding. Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, 1983 Kathy sat in the sterile office of the campus doctor, her hands gripping her husband’s for comfort. Married for a year and glowing with the optimism of young love, they had eagerly begun planning for…
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The T in LGBTQ+: Why Solidarity Matters More Than Ever
Let’s break down the rainbow alphabet soup we all know: L for lesbian, B for bisexual, G for gay, T for transgender, and then the ever-expanding “+” for our beautiful diversity. But today, we’re hitting pause on the roll call to focus on one letter that’s catching an outsized amount of society’s heat: the T.…
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Rising Above the Noise: We Are Not Alone
Hello, dear readers. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt it, too. That rising pressure in the air. The noise that comes not just from the headlines, but from the glances, the muttered words, the silences where there should be kindness. The world feels heavier, louder, sharper than it did before. And for many…
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Finding Common Ground Amidst Global Conflicts
In today’s interconnected world, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed by the actions of powerful nations. Countries like Russia and the United States often dominate headlines with policies and decisions that stir feelings of frustration, anger, and even hopelessness. Yet, amidst this turmoil, it’s essential to remember a fundamental truth: our discontent should be…
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Finding Peace in What Is: Lessons from Unfairness and Living Simply
Hey there, fellow wanderers of life! It’s Oddly Robbie, back to reflect on some things that may have gone sideways in my life, but ultimately led me to a place of peace and fulfillment. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea (or yerba mate if you’re feeling adventurous), and let’s…
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Experiencing the World’s Cultural Diversity: My Journey Through Contrasting Cultures
Hey, OddlyRobbie here! Traveling has given me more than just a bunch of stamps in my passport; it’s provided a front-row seat to the grand theater of global culture. From the disciplined dance of life in Japan to the passionate tango of Argentina, and from the cool, egalitarian vibe of Sweden to the deeply traditional…
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A Personal Reflection on Guns and Safety
A Childhood Memory I remember the time when my little brother discovered a small gun, a Ruger, in our parents’ sock drawer in our small Montana town. He picked it up and showed it to me, and when Dad found out, he was very upset—it was loaded. This incident highlighted the ever-present danger of firearms…
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The Light Within: A Tale of Revelation and Acceptance
In the dim glow of a cozy, intimate room, a young man named Alex sat nervously beside his boyfriend, Max. The soft hum of the city outside created a distant lullaby, but inside, Alex’s heart raced like a drum. Tonight was the night he had chosen to reveal his deepest secret to Max, a truth…
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Revenge: A Flawed Tale
Revenge is often depicted as a path to justice or closure, but in reality, it’s a tale as flawed as asking a cow to perform ballet. Expecting someone devoid of empathy to feel remorse is as futile as expecting that cow to dance gracefully in a tutu. This cycle of retribution is a flawed loop…
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From Heartland to Homeland: Jakob’s Journey and Our Shared Quest for Peace
(Warning: does mention violence.) In the heart of the tumultuous 19th century, my great-grandfather Jakob’s journey from Odessa to North Dakota stands as a beacon of resilience and the universal quest for peace. As a family historian, I’ve always felt deeply connected to my ancestors, particularly those who faced extraordinary challenges. Their stories, passed down…
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Navigating My Journey from Suppression to Self-Expression: A Pride Reflection
As we enter Pride Month, the streets come alive with vibrant floats, flags, and even the quest for biodegradable glitter. Yet, for many of us, Pride is more than a celebration; it’s a testament to resilience, a journey from suppression to self-expression. Early Years: The Weight of Cultural Suppression Growing up, my cultural background imposed…
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Interview with GPT-4o to Dispel AI Fears: Oddly Robbie Style
“Hello, I’m Robbie, also known as Oddly Robbie. Today, we’re having a fun and insightful conversation with GPT-4o to dispel some of the fears and misinformation about AI. Let’s dive right in!” “We’re conducting this interview to help everyone better understand AI and to clear up some misconceptions. And don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun…
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As Oddly Robbie, I carry the worries of my ancestors, but I also have the strength to fight for them and for the future. In these times of conflict, I choose to fight peacefully for peace.
I feel deep sadness for the suffering caused by war, and I firmly believe that talking and understanding can lead to a better world. I speak out not with anger, but with love for humanity and a desire for a peaceful life. May our voices, no matter how small, rise above the noise of conflict…
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When “Normal” Isn’t Working: Rethinking How We View Autism
Hello OddlyRobbie readers, Scrolling through the news, I stumbled upon an article in Newsweek about new research on autism. I didn’t get past the paywall, but the premise was enough to stir my thoughts. It’s disheartening to see so much effort and funding dedicated to making us fit a “normal” that doesn’t even consider our…
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Dehumanization: A Logical Perspective (special edition)
Across various cultures, there’s often an implicit agreement to dehumanize neighboring communities. My aim here is not to justify this behavior or to label it as good or bad but rather to examine it from a logical perspective. Understanding Dehumanization Dehumanization enables us to mentally override our empathy and engage in acts like warfare against…
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Cultural Carousel: My Global Jaunt
Ah, the green Montanan turned Mormon missionary! Who would’ve guessed that jetting off to Japan would throw me onto a relentless cultural treadmill? There, my Japanese companion, a model of military discipline, set a grueling pace. Exhausted yet determined, I had no choice but to dive into the deep end of unfamiliar languages and customs.…
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How having honest history can help us advance as humans, by OddlyRobbie
The Unvarnished Chapters: Rediscovering Our Collective Saga In the intricate mosaic of human history, the tales that resonate loudest are often those penned by victors, leaving a swath of narratives untold, shrouded in the shadows of oversight. Today, I invite you on an expedition—not to unearth a continent anew, as European explorers once claimed, but…
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Oddly Robbie 