John Iduh Blog

Throughout history, humanity has made remarkable strides in science, technology, human rights, and governance. However, progress is never an automatic process. It requires effort, resilience, and a commitment to overcome obstacles. The truth is, while progress is possible, it is not guaranteed. If we do not actively fight for it, stagnation—or even regression—can take its place. The Struggle for Civil Rights A powerful example of this principle can be found in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 20th century. For decades, systemic racism and segregation defined the lives of African Americans. While the U.S. Constitution promised equality, that ideal remained unrealized for millions. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and countless others fought tirelessly for the progress we see today. Their efforts led to landmark achievements such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, even these victories were not the end of th...

People seek to get products and services because there are jobs in their lives to be done. A woman in the kitchen buy salts and other soup ingredients to make soups. According to the late Harvard Business school professor, Clayton Christensen, " a job to be done " is a framework for understanding customer behavior. It emphasizes that people "hire" products or services to fulfill specific jobs or tasks in their lives. The concept helps businesses focus on the functional, emotional, and social needs of customers rather than just product features or market segments. Key aspects of the "job to be done" framework include: 1. Understanding the Context : Customers face problems or opportunities in specific situations that create the need for a solution. The job is rooted in the context. 2. Focus on Progress : Customers seek to make progress in their lives, and the job to be done is the progress they want to achieve with the help of a product or service. 3. Beyon...

According to Jagdish Sheth and Rajendra Sisodia, poor management as a consequence of not knowing what drives consumers is behind the majority of marketing failures. The authors make the case that consumer knowledge is a much more reliable route to success. Their customer-centric marketing management framework emphasizes what they believe are the most important consumer values—acceptability, affordability, accessibility, and awareness—which they dub the four As. Acceptability Acceptability is the extent to which a firm’s total product offering exceeds customer expectations. The authors assert that acceptability is the dominant component in the framework and that design, in turn, is at the root of acceptability. Functional aspects of design can be boosted by, for instance, enhancing the core benefit or increasing reliability of the product; psychological acceptability can be improved with changes to brand image, packaging, design, and positioning. Affordability Affordability is the exten...

Many years ago, McCarthy classified marketing activities into four broad categories, which he referred to as the 4 Ps of Marketing representibg the key elements of a marketing strategy: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. Examples: 1. Product : Apple’s iPhone is designed to meet customer needs with cutting-edge technology and sleek design. 2. Price : McDonald's uses value pricing to attract budget-conscious customers. 3. Place : Amazon ensures fast delivery by strategically locating warehouses globally. 4. Promotion : Coca-Cola uses global advertising campaigns to build brand awareness.

On Saturday  7th December 2024, Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria fell after a swift offensive by Islamist-led rebels, marking the end of his 13-year grip on the country during the Syrian Civil War. The collapse of Assad's government followed weeks of rapid advances by opposition forces, particularly in key cities like Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo. The offensive culminated in rebels seizing the capital, dismantling symbols of Assad's rule, and releasing political prisoners. The regime's collapse was precipitated by diminishing support from key allies, including Russia and Iran, who faced logistical and political challenges due to other geopolitical commitments, such as the war in Ukraine. The Syrian military's retreat and widespread defections further accelerated the regime's downfall. Assad's whereabouts remain unknown, though reports suggest he may have sought asylum in Russia. Global and Regional Implications World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Bide...

The political landscape of the United States is once again poised for a seismic shift as Donald J. Trump positions himself for what could be a historic return to the White House. The prospect of a second Trump administration has captivated supporters, rattled opponents, and reignited debates over the future of American democracy. Here, we explore the factors driving this potential "second wave," the key promises of a renewed Trump presidency, and its implications for both domestic and global politics. A Nation Divided, Again Since his first term ended in 2021, Donald Trump has remained a dominant figure in American politics. Whether through rallying his base, challenging election outcomes, or shaping the Republican Party’s agenda, his influence is undeniable. His 2024 campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again, Again," signals a renewed push to revive the policies and rhetoric that defined his initial presidency. Trump's return is unfolding in a nation deeply po...

 This first secret has two components: (1) a mind that is open to everything, and (2) a mind that is attached to nothing. Your attachments are the source of all your problems. The need to be right, to possess someone or something, to win at all costs, to be viewed by others as superior—these are all attachments. The open mind resists these attachments and consequently experiences inner peace and success. To release attachments, you have to make a shift in how you view yourself. If your primary identification is with your body and your possessions, your ego is the dominant force in your life.  If you can tame your ego sufficiently, you’ll call upon your spirit to be the guiding force in your life. As a living being, you can observe your body and be a compassionate witness to your existence.  Your invisible aspect sees the folly of attachments because your inner self is an infinite soul. Nothing can make you happy or successful. These are inner constructs that you bring to ...

 Everything means just what it says. No exceptions. When someone suggests something to you that conflicts with your conditioning, rather than responding with, “That’s ridiculous; we all know that’s impossible,” say, “I’ve never considered that before. I’ll think about it.”  Open yourself up to the ideas of all people, and listen with an open mind to crazy schemes and ideas that at first seem to be outrageous. If someone suggests that crystals can cure hemorrhoids, that natural herbs can lower cholesterol, that people will eventually be able to breathe underwater, or that levitation is possible—listen, and be curious.  Let go of your attachments to what you’ve been trained to believe. Open your mind to all possibilities, because whether you believe something is possible or impossible, either way you’ll be right. How can that be true?  Your agreement with reality and all that’s possible determines what you’ll become. If you’re convinced that you can’t become wealthy, f...

 Resist being a pessimist with all your might, because we hardly know anything at all in comparison with what there is to know.  Can you imagine what a pessimist who lived only 200 years ago would think about the world we live in?  Airplanes, electricity, automobiles, television, remote controls, the Internet, fax machines, telephones, cellular phones, and so on.  All because of that spark of open-mindedness that allowed progress, growth, and creativity to flourish.   And what of the future and all of your tomorrows?  Can you picture faxing yourself back to the 14th century, flying without machines, telepathically communicating, demolecularizing yourself and rearranging yourself on another galaxy, or cloning a sheep from a photograph of a sheep?  An open mind allows you to explore and create and grow. A closed mind seals off any such creative explanation.  Remember that progress would be impossible if we always did things the way we always have. T...

The Democratic and Republican parties are the two primary political parties in the United States, and they differ in their ideologies, policy priorities, and views on the role of government. Here’s an overview of their main distinctions: 1. Political Ideology Democrats: Generally align with a liberal or progressive ideology. They tend to support social equality, expanded social programs, and government intervention to address social issues. Republicans: Typically align with conservative values, advocating for limited government intervention, individual responsibility, and traditional social values. 2. Economic Policy Democrats: Support progressive taxation, where higher earners are taxed more, to fund social services and programs like healthcare, education, and welfare. They often back regulations on businesses to protect workers and the environment. Republicans: Favor lower taxes for both individuals and businesses, believing it stimulates economic growth and job creation. They prefer...

The US would be more divided. Injustice would reign like kings. Crisis would increase in the Arab world as Netanyahu of Israel would unleash more anger against against Hezbollah, with Trump assisance.   Africa would suffer higher setbacks economically and booed.  Ukraine amy accept defeat in the war with Russia, as aides from the United States may stop very soon.  Life would be tougher for undocumented immigrants in the United states..  Obamacare act would be abolished. The US seniors and the middle would wail. Tax would be cut for the investment class and the job market would boom in the second quarter of the 2025.  There would be hay days of racism inspired by the Trump-leaning Americans.  Feminist movement would sprout again into the 4th wave, the US Congress would consider to debate new affirmation action against male chauvinism 

The United States is highly diverse in terms of culture, politics, social life, and worldviews, with each state offering unique regional characteristics. Here’s an overview, grouped by broad region for clarity: --- Northeast 1. Maine Culture: Maritime traditions, independent attitudes, and a love for nature. Politics: Often leans Democratic, though independent candidates do well. Social Life: Close-knit communities; outdoor-focused. Worldview: Environmentally conscious and progressive with strong local pride. 2. New Hampshire Culture: Independent and libertarian-minded, focus on personal freedom. Politics: Swing state; "Live Free or Die" ethos resonates. Social Life: Rural, traditional New England lifestyle, close to nature. Worldview: Individualistic and fiscally conservative, socially moderate. 3. Vermont Culture: Small-town, progressive, environmental emphasis. Politics: Strong Democratic and progressive lean, home to Bernie Sanders. Social Life: Active arts community, out...

Processes and algorithms operate similarly but are not the same.  What is the difference? The difference between process and algorithm can be thought of as follows: 1. Process: A process is a sequence of steps or actions taken to achieve a particular outcome. It is often broader and can involve various resources, inputs, and outputs, and it might not be strictly defined. Processes are common in real-world scenarios where they may involve steps that are not precisely defined, such as human tasks, decision-making, or actions that rely on subjective judgment. 2. Algorithm: An algorithm, in contrast, is a specific, step-by-step set of instructions designed to perform a particular task or solve a defined problem. Algorithms are well-defined, with each step clearly specified to produce a consistent result. Algorithms are commonly associated with computing and mathematics, as they provide a clear, logical sequence that a computer or person can follow to achieve an outcome. Example: Proces...

World War II and the destruction of the old order should have serve all of us as lesson at this time, given the genocide in Gaza and Hezbollah attacks on Israel. Approximately 60 million people lost their lives as a direct result of the war, fully two-thirds of them noncombatants.  The war’s losers, the Axis states of Germany, Japan, and Italy, suffered more than 3 million civilian deaths; their conquerors, the Allies, suffered far more: at least 35 million civilian deaths.  An astonishing 10 to 20% of the total populations of the Soviet Union, Poland, and Yugoslavia perished, between 4 and 6% of the total populations of Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Japan, and China.  If the exact toll of this wrenching global conflagration continues to defy all efforts at statistical precision, the magnitude of the human losses it claimed surely remains as shockingly unfathomable two generations after World War II as it was in the conflict’s immediate aftermath. At war’s end, much o...

 We live in a world filled with objects, many natural, the rest artificial. Every day we encounter thousands of objects, many of them new to us. Many of the new objects are similar to ones we already know, but many are unique, yet we manage quite well.  Learn more at the Ransford Global Insitute  How do we do this? Why is it that when we encounter many unusual natural objects, we know how to interact with them? Why is this true with many of the artificial, human-made objects we encounter? The answer lies with a few basic principles. Some of the most important of these principles come from a consideration of affordances.  The term affordance refers to the relationship between a physical object and a person (or for that matter, any interacting agent, whether animal or human, or even machines and robots). An affordance is a relationship between the properties of an object and the capabilities of the agent that determine just how the object could possibly be used. ...

Attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically reflected in a person's behavior. It encompasses one's beliefs, feelings, and predispositions to act in certain ways towards objects, people, events, or situations.  Learn more at the Ransford Global Insitute    Attitudes can be positive or negative and can significantly influence how individuals interact with their environment and make decisions. Īn the animal world, the lion's attitude of confidence, dominance, and fearlessness is crucial in its role as a top predator. This attitude is reflected in the lion's behavior of hunting and eating animals that are often larger and more powerful than itself.  Lions exhibit boldness and confidence, essential traits for tackling large and potentially dangerous prey. They show resilience by not giving up easily during hunts, which can be strenuous and risky. Lions demonstrate fearlessness, attacking animals that could pose a threat to them. ...

What is Self-control? Self-control is your ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses. It involves exercising restraint and making conscious decisions to act in accordance with yoūr long-term goals rather than immediate desires.  Self-control is essential for maintaining discipline, achieving personal and professional goals, and managing interpersonal relationships effectively. It is often linked to qualities such as willpower, discipline, and emotional regulation.   Learn more at the Ransford Global Insitute  Self-control is highly relevant in various aspects of your life for the following reasons: Achieving Goals Self-control helps you stay focused on long-term objectives, resist short-term temptations, and persist through challenges. Emotional Regulation  It allows you to manage your emotions effectively, reducing impulsive reactions and promoting more thoughtful responses. Health and Well-Being  Self-co...

Patience is our ability to endure difficult circumstances, delays, or challenges without becoming frustrated or upset. It involves maintaining a calm and composed attitude while waiting for an outcome, managing one's emotions, and exhibiting perseverance.  Patience can be seen as a form of self-control and is often associated with qualities like tolerance, resilience, and understanding. Patience is highly relevant in various aspects of life and work for several reasons: Improved Decision Making Patience allows for more thoughtful and considered decision-making, reducing the likelihood of impulsive and potentially regrettable choices. Better Relationships Patience fosters better interpersonal relationships by enabling individuals to listen, understand, and respond more thoughtfully to others. Stress Reduction Practicing patience can reduce stress and anxiety, as it involves a calm and measured approach to challenges and setbacks. Achievement of Long-Term Goals Many significant achie...

Implicit bias refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that people hold towards specific social groups, such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.  These biases are often formed through exposure to societal stereotypes and are not necessarily aligned with an individual's conscious beliefs or values. Implicit bias can influence behavior, leading to negative stereotypes and prejudices, even if the individual is unaware of their biases. how can implicit bias affect decision-making in the workplace Implicit bias can significantly impact decision-making in the workplace by influencing the way people perceive and evaluate others. Here are some key ways it can affect decision-making: 1. Unverified Assumptions  Implicit bias causes people to rely on unverified assumptions and stereotypes, which can lead to unfair judgments and treatment of colleagues. 2. Confirmation Bias Implicit bias can also manifest as confirmation bias, where individuals seek information th...

A "Dip" according to Seth Godin refers to the challenging period between starting a new endeavor and achieving mastery. It is characterized by a significant increase in difficulty and a decrease in progress, making it tempting to quit.  Godin argues that understanding and embracing the Dip is crucial for achieving success, as it separates the best from the rest. He suggests that people should identify the Dips they are working on, assess whether they have the skills and determination to persevere, and either commit to pushing through the Dip or quit and focus on something else. The key takeaways from this book are: 1. The Dip:  The Dip is the long, hard period between starting something and achieving mastery. It is the point where most people quit, but those who push through it achieve extraordinary results. 2. Quit the Wrong Stuff, Stick with the Right Stuf  It is essential to quit projects that do not align with your long-term goals or do not contribute to your growth. ...

"Free Your Curiosity" could be interpreted in many ways, but it often relates to exploring new interests, learning new skills, and expanding your knowledge. Here I outlined some ideas to help you free your curiosity: Read Widely Explore books, articles, and journals on various subjects. Take Courses Enroll in online courses or local classes on topics you're interested in. Travel Visit new places to experience different cultures and perspectives. Hobbies Start a new hobby or activity that challenges your mind and creativity. Networking  Connect with people from different backgrounds and industries. Experiment  Try new methods or approaches in your work or personal projects.

An amazing friend is someone who is supportive, trustworthy, and genuinely cares about your well-being. They celebrate your successes, stand by you during tough times, and always make time for you. An amazing friend listens without judgment, offers honest advice, and respects your boundaries. They make you feel valued and appreciated, and their presence adds joy and comfort to your life.

The concept of "affordance" plays a crucial role in understanding how humans interact with their environment. Originating from psychology and later adopted in design and human-computer interaction, affordances refer to the potential actions that an environment or object enables for an individual. Understanding affordances helps us appreciate how people perceive and use the world around them, shaping their experiences and behaviors. Defining Affordance An affordance is essentially what an environment or object offers or allows an individual to do. The term was first introduced by psychologist James J. Gibson in the late 1970s, who defined affordances as all "action possibilities" latent in the environment, objectively measurable and independent of an individual's ability to recognize them. However, affordances are often discussed in terms of how they are perceived, as the usability and function of objects depend on whether people can recognize and act upon these ...

Human life is an intricate tapestry woven from countless decisions, experiences, and external influences. A concept that profoundly captures this complexity is "path dependence," originally rooted in economics and sociology, but equally applicable to the human experience. Path dependence suggests that past events, history, cultures we acquire, and decisions we had made significantly influence the present and future, often in ways that are difficult to reverse. How we get to where we are depends upon how we were born and the place we grew up, the people we met, the knowledge and cultures we acquired. Path dependence is the idea that the choices we make today are heavily influenced by the path we have traveled thus far. This concept can explain why certain outcomes persist despite the availability of seemingly better alternatives. In economics, it describes how initial advantages or disadvantages can lock industries into specific technologies or standards, even if superior opti...

Visual hierarchy is a design principle that arranges elements on a page to guide the viewer's attention in a specific order. This helps to convey the importance of different elements clearly and improve the overall user experience. Here are the key aspects of visual hierarchy: Key Elements of Visual Hierarchy Size Larger elements are perceived as more important and are typically seen first. For example, headings are often larger than body text to signal their significance. Color Bright or contrasting colors can draw attention and create emphasis. Using different colors can also distinguish between different types of content. Contrast High contrast between elements (such as text and background) can make certain items stand out more. Alignment Proper alignment helps to create a sense of order and organization, making the content easier to follow. Proximity Elements that are close to each other are perceived as related, while those that are farther apart are seen as separate. This hel...

Globalisation is an interdependence of nations and social lives. The official World Cup match-ball, represents an impressive example of the glocal dynamics constituting globalization.  Supplied by Adidas, a gigantic TNC headquartered in Germany, the football was given the name‘Jabulani ’ which means ‘ celebrate ’ in the Zulu language.  In spite of their apparent local identity, however, all Jabulani balls were manufactured inChina using a latex bladder made in India and a thermoplastic rubber produced in Taiwan.  These plastics, in turn, were generated from petroleum imported from the Middle East and Norway, and carried on mostly South Korean built-ships. . Moresore, globalization involves both the creation of new social networks and the multiplication of existing connections that cut across traditional political, economic, cultural, and geographical boundaries.  The second quality of globalization is reflected in the expansion and the stretching of social relations...

Intuition is the ability to understand or know something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. It involves accessing knowledge or making decisions based on feelings, experiences, or gut instincts rather than logical analysis.  Intuition can be seen as a form of quick, subconscious information processing that helps individuals make decisions or solve problems rapidly. Intuition helps solve problems by allowing us to quickly draw on our experiences and subconscious knowledge to make decisions without the need for extensive analytical reasoning.  It can guide us to solutions based on patterns we've recognized from past experiences, enabling faster decision-making and creative problem-solving when time or information is limited.  Intuition can be particularly useful in complex or ambiguous situations where logical analysis might not provide clear answers.

We were listening to the radio Watching the TV Browsing the internet  Searching the google Facebooking Twitting Youtubing Instagraming Whatsapping. We are now asking: The AI

DIPLOMA COURSE IN AFRICAN STUDIES AT THE RANSFORD GLOBAL INSTITUTE  African Studies is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the exploration and understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, societies, and politics of the African continent. This academic discipline emerged in response to a growing recognition of the complexity and richness of African civilizations, which have often been misrepresented or neglected in traditional Western scholarship. The study of Africa, through its myriad dimensions, challenges the historical stereotypes and colonial narratives that have long dominated global perceptions of the continent. START A DIPLOMA COURSE IN AFRICAN STUDIES AT THE RANSFORD GLOBAL INSTITUTE  The origins of African Studies can be traced back to the early 20th century, during a time when African countries were largely under colonial rule. The field gained momentum in the post-World War II era, especially during the decolonization period of the 1950s and 1960s. This was...

Link human animals organize in teams as well. Let's consider the. One after the other: 1. A pack of wolves 2. A pride of lions 3. A murder of crows 4. A parliament of owls 5. A pod of dolphins 6. A school of fish 7. A colony of ants 8. A troop of monkeys 9. A gaggle of geese 10. A swarm of bees 11. A herd of elephants 12. A crash of rhinos 13. A bloat of hippos 14. A raft of otters 15. A cast of falcons 16. A cauldron of bats 17. A leap of leopards 18. A prickle of porcupines 19. A romp of otters 20. A mob of kangaroos 21. A skulk of foxes 22. A shoal of fish 23. A clutter of cats 24. A bale of turtles 25. A clowder of cats 26. A drift of pigs 27. A nest of vipers 28. A cete of badgers 29. A conspiracy of lemurs 30. A quiver of cobras 31. A lounge of lizards 32. A parliament of rooks 33. A drove of cattle 34. A charm of finches 35. A horde of hamsters 36. A business of ferrets 37. A family of beavers 38. A rookery of penguins 39. A team of horses 40. A caravan of camels 41. A misch...

But if the work earns you a: Reputation  Goodwill  Lasting relationship  Future opportunities Skills that may earn you another job Fine!  Stay put for this time!

Tension refers to a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from challenging or demanding circumstances. In various contexts, it can manifest as a sense of urgency, conflict, or anticipation that compels individuals or teams to take action or make decisions. In business and programming, tension can be strategically introduced to enhance focus, drive performance, and foster creativity by creating a sense of pressure or competition. Applying the concept of tension to computer programming can help in various aspects such as problem-solving, debugging, and project management.  Here are some strategies for leveraging tension in computer programming: 1. Deadlines and Sprints: Setting tight deadlines or sprint cycles in agile methodologies can create a sense of urgency. This tension can help maintain focus, increase productivity, and ensure timely completion of tasks. 2. Code Reviews and Pair Programming : Introducing regular code reviews or pair programming sessions can create a h...

The primacy effect is a cognitive bias that suggests people are more likely to remember the first pieces of information they receive compared to information presented later. This phenomenon occurs because the initial information has a more significant impact on memory encoding and recall. Application in Presentations and Communication:  In presentations, starting with a strong, compelling introduction is crucial. The first few minutes should clearly state the purpose, grab the audience’s attention, and outline the key points. This ensures that the main messages are remembered. Key Messages:  Placing the most important information at the beginning of a speech or document helps ensure that the audience retains these critical points. This is especially useful in business communications where first impressions matter. Order of Content:  When structuring content, prioritize important and complex information early on. This is particularly effective in training sessions or educa...

Tension is a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from challenging or demanding circumstances. In various contexts, it can manifest as a sense of urgency, conflict, or anticipation that compels individuals or teams to take action or make decisions.  In business and programming, tension can be strategically introduced to enhance focus, drive performance, and foster creativity by creating a sense of pressure or competition. Applying the concept of tension to marketing involves creating a sense of urgency, anticipation, or conflict that compels customers to take action.  Here are several strategies to leverage tension in marketing: 1. Scarcity : Creating a sense of scarcity by limiting the availability of a product or service can generate tension and urgency, prompting customers to act quickly. Examples include limited-time offers, flash sales, and exclusive product releases. 2. Countdowns : Using countdown timers on websites or in marketing emails can create a sense of ...

A brand archetype is a universally recognized character or personality type that brands use to create a consistent and relatable identity, resonating emotionally with their audience. The brand archetype as a Sage embodies the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and wisdom. The Sage archetype is dedicated to helping others understand the world through insights, expertise, and intellectual curiosity.  The Sage archetype, called ‘senex’ (old man in Latin) by Jung, is a seeker of knowledge and wisdom and believes that truth will set you free. They do not look to change the world themselves but prefer to empower others to do so by seeking out valuable information and sharing it. They are often life-long learners and thought leaders and make excellent mentors. Desire : Find the Truth Goal : Understanding Strategy : Seek information and knowledge Brand Message: “The truth will set you free” Traits : Wisdom, Intelligence, Expertise, Information, Influence Fears : Lies, Misinformation, Ignorance, ...

A brand archetype is a universally recognized character or personality type that brands use to create a consistent and relatable identity, resonating emotionally with their audience. A brand archetype as a Creator embodies the qualities of creativity, innovation, and imagination.  The Creator archetype is focused on bringing new ideas to life, making things better, and inspiring others through artistic and imaginative expression. The creator has a vision and a desire to create an enduring product or experience which realises their vision.  They are innovators and non-conformists and are often the first to realise a concept and push the boundaries of creativity and design. They empower others to think creatively and express themselves through the products they produce and the experiences they create. Here are key characteristics and strategies for leveraging the Creator archetype for your brand: Desire : Create the perfect product/service Goal : Innovation Strategy : Use creati...