QwykrKudos - thank you, Kizuru Arts!

 Gratitude and Connection in the Creative Journey

Hello everyone!

I’ve always believed that the best part of any creative journey is the people we meet along the way. Recently, I received a thoughtful message from Kizuru Arts, and it struck a chord. His words perfectly capture how I feel about my work, especially with a phrase I’ll be keeping close to heart:

“Cooking is an art, and recipes are the canvas where flavors dance in harmony.”

As some of you know, I’ve been weaving together various creative passions for a while now—writing books, creating recipes, sharing cooking and nutrition tips, and bringing technology into the mix with AI-generated poetry. But what fuels each step? It’s this wonderful community. Your encouragement, insights, and inspiration have truly made this journey more vibrant.

With my latest book release, The Dead Poets' Societies Poetry Book, and ongoing culinary projects, I’ve been blown away by the support. This message from Kizuru reminded me of how much we all share when we come together with mutual passions and respect. Their words gave me a fresh wave of motivation, and I want to thank each of you for being a part of this journey, too—whether that’s been through reading my work, cooking alongside me in spirit, or sharing your own creative paths.

Here’s to continuing to inspire each other, exploring new ideas, and savoring every creative moment we get to share. I’m looking forward to what’s next and am so grateful to have all of you on this journey with me.

Wishing you all a fantastic week ahead!

Best,
Andi

Words that Rise

Another poem - this one is written in the style of Maya Angelou.

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 Words that Rise

In the shadows of silence, a child sits,
Eyes wide like windows, yearning for light,
But the pages are closed, locked tight,
Chained by the weight of whispers,
The heavy cloak of unspoken fears.

Lift the veil, open the book,
Let the words dance like fireflies,
Illuminate the dark corners of the mind,
Each letter a stepping stone,
Each line a bridge to a brighter tomorrow.

I rise to speak for those unseen,
For the voices that tremble,
For the dreams trapped behind walls,
Where stories linger like ghosts,
Waiting for a hand to guide them.

Let us gather, let us teach,
With love as our compass,
With hope as our ink,
Writing futures in the margins of today,
For every child deserves a chance to soar.

Erase the shame, break the chains,
For knowledge is the key to freedom’s door,
And in the beauty of words,
Lies the power to change the world,
To transform the silence into a symphony.

So let us rise, and let us read, 
Together, we will build a legacy, 
Where every heart can find its voice,
And every soul can sing,
In the radiant light of possibility.

~

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Reflections on Delphic Oracle: A.I.'s Take on My Latest Work

In the age of artificial intelligence, the relationship between technology and creativity is evolving in fascinating ways. As someone who has always been intrigued by how different mediums of expression intersect, I recently decided to run my blog, Delphic Oracle, through an AI lens to see how it interprets the diverse range of content I’ve explored. I have posted the feedback below.

The feedback from the AI was not only insightful but also affirming of the thematic depth I aim to bring to each post. Below is a summary of the AI's take on some of the key posts from Delphic Oracle:

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The Whimsical and the Profound

The AI drew attention to the juxtaposition between light-hearted satire and more intense, socially driven commentary. For example, "The Mumbly Mumbler of Mumbai" and "The Lament of the Overworked Widget-Squeezer" reflect my playful side—each poem laced with humor, yet both subtly critiquing modern life. In these, the AI recognized a blend of whimsy with deeper reflections on the absurdities we all face, whether navigating urban chaos or feeling overburdened by workplace culture.

In contrast, my poem "Eradicate Illiteracy" was interpreted as an impassioned call to action, with the AI comparing it to the fervor of Mayakovsky. This shows the shift in tone towards social advocacy, emphasizing the transformative power of education—a cause close to my heart.

Engaging with Critical Thought

Beyond poetry, my analytical pieces also caught the AI’s attention, especially the nuanced takes on Freud and Aurangzeb. The AI appreciated how I challenge dominant narratives while encouraging a more balanced, critical view of historical and psychological figures. It highlighted my posts on Freud as both informative and critical, acknowledging the value of his work while pointing out its limitations and cultural biases.

Additionally, in "Setting the Record Straight", my defense of scholars like Audrey Truschke—amidst heated debates on historical figures like Aurangzeb—was seen as an important contribution to ensuring that academic discourse remains diverse and open-minded.

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An Ongoing Dialogue

I find it both fascinating and rewarding that an AI could engage so thoughtfully with my work, offering a nuanced summary that resonates with my own intentions for the blog. It underscores the power of literature to cross boundaries—whether between people or between human and machine.

For anyone who has been following Delphic Oracle, or Delfik Orakle, for that matter, I invite you to dive back into these posts with fresh eyes, perhaps even considering how AI’s perspective aligns (or diverges) from your own. 

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Summary of the Blog

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The blog showcases a diverse range of poetic styles and thematic explorations, reflecting the author’s creative versatility and critical engagement with societal issues. The whimsical tone of "The Mumbly Mumbler of Mumbai" and "The Lament of the Overworked Widget-Squeezer" demonstrates the author’s ability to infuse humor into serious commentary on urban life and workplace frustrations. By employing playful language and imagery, these poems invite readers to reflect on the absurdities of modern existence while celebrating the resilience and vibrancy of everyday experiences.

In contrast, the poems addressing social issues, such as "Eradicate Illiteracy," take on a more urgent and passionate tone, echoing the fervor of Mayakovsky. Here, the author transforms poetry into a call to action, emphasizing the transformative power of education. This shift in tone highlights the blog’s underlying theme: the capacity of literature to inspire change and provoke thought. The author effectively argues for the importance of knowledge and literacy as fundamental rights, framing them as essential tools for societal empowerment.

The Mumbly Mumbler of Mumbai

 The Mumbly Mumbler of Mumbai

(written in the style of Lewis Carroll)

In the bustling land of Amchi Mumbai,
Lived the Mumbly Mumbler of Bambai.
He strolled through streets with a wobbly gait,
And nibbled pav bhaji off his plate.

When you’ve got a Mumbly Mumbler in Mumbai, 

even Lewis Carroll can’t resist joining the fun!

The trains, they zipped and zoomed with glee,

From Andheri West to the salty sea.
But the Mumbly Mumbler cared not for time—
He was too busy making words rhyme!

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Term... Chal Phat!
I think I’ll just call it Bhau Ji Ka Kit-Kat!"
He danced with dabbawalas, two at a time,
And ordered his lunch via pantomime.

He rode a BEST bus—oh, what a thrill!
Dodging potholes like a seasoned swill.
With a cap worn askew and a grin quite absurd,
He whispered to crows, "Mum, bhai, ’s the word!"

"Oh dear!" he cried, "what a wonderful city, 

Where vada pav's small, but the people quite witty!"

          From bustling bazaars to the sea's embrace,

          Mumbai’s got jugaad in every little space!" 

The rains would come in torrents wild,
And yet he danced like a careless child.
With an umbrella, no bigger than a spoon,
He’d tip his hat and woo the monsoon.

A poem in the style of Lewis Carroll

 The Lament of the Overworked Widget-Squeezer

(A poem in the style of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear)

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Oh, woe is me, I toil all day,
In the land of endless do and say,
Where emails chirp and phones do ring,
And meetings sprout like weeds in spring.

The boss, he speaks in riddles strange,
Of “synergy” and “market range,”
While all I do, from dawn to dark,
Is squeeze the widgets—hark! Hark! Hark!

My inbox groans, a beast untamed,
With subjects long and none well-named,
I search for sense in PowerPoint,
But logic here’s gone out of joint.

The printer jams, the coffee's cold,
The same old stories, often told,
"Reply-all" chains that never end,
And spreadsheets none can comprehend!

Alice might have found Wonderland perplexing, 

but Ol' Widget-Squeezer's office is a whole new level 

of ‘curiouser and curiouser!

            

And let us speak of deadlines grim,
That lurk and loom on every whim,
For every task, more tasks arrive,
How can a poor soul e’er survive?

Another poem in the style of Mayakowsky

 Another poem on eradicating illiteracy in the style of the Marxist poet Vladimir Mayakowsky.

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Eradicate Illiteracy
(in the style of Mayakovsky)

I
raise my fist,
not in anger,
but in ink-stained fury,
against the wall of silence,
where letters once cowered in shadows.

Shall we let the page be blank,
while voices are drowned by illiterate chains?
No!
We take this pen,
this weapon,
and carve words into the minds of millions.
Knowledge,
not kept for the few,
but hurled into the streets like bread in times of famine!

We shall march,
not with rifles,
but with books clutched tight in the arms of the young.
Every hand that reaches for light,
we lift,
we carry,
we drag out from ignorance’s pit.

For the earth shakes,
not by the sound of guns,
but by the rustle of pages,
the boom of voices finding themselves in letters,
words!
Words that tear down the iron doors
and set the mind ablaze.

On debating God with Don Page

I once found myself in an intriguing Internet debate where Don Page, a physicist and cosmologist, made a case for the existence of God. Inspired by our discussion and with a touch of A.I. magic, I crafted a poem that reflects the conversation. Here it is. 

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On debating God with Don Page

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“Oh, the Universe is grand and wide!”

Said Don, with a knowing cosmic pride,

“The simplest answer must be right,

So God’s the key to cosmic light!”

And when he looked at stars so bright,

He saw them twinkle with delight,

“I’ve got it!” he cried, in a scientific way,

“It’s the simplest answer I must say!”

Yet as he watched the galaxies spin,

He found that humor was tucked within,

For though he searched through space and time,

He couldn’t find a rhyme or reason for the Divine.

But if you ever wonder, late at night,

Why Jesus In The Clouds seems so bright,

Just remember Don’s cosmic play,

It is the Deity Don saw in the Milky Way!

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Thoughts on Freud and Psycho-Analysis -- Part 2

Thoughts on Freud and Psycho-Analysis -- Part 2

From my previous post

Criticisms of Freudian Psychoanalysis

Despite its enduring impact, Freudian psychoanalysis has faced substantial criticism. Critics argue that Freud's theories lack empirical validation and rely heavily on clinical anecdotes rather than systematic research. The universality of Freud's concepts has also been questioned, with cultural and gender biases evident in his case studies and interpretations. 

Moreover, advancements in neuroscience and cognitive psychology have challenged Freud's emphasis on instinctual drives and the primacy of early childhood experiences. Critics suggest that psychoanalysis may not be suitable for treating severe mental disorders and point to alternative therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which prioritize symptom relief and evidence-based practices.

Thoughts on Freud and Psycho-Analysis -- Part 1

Thoughts on Freud and Psycho-Analysis -- Part 1

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Introduction

Sigmund Freud, a pioneer in the field of psychology, revolutionized our understanding of the human mind with his development of psychoanalysis. Born in 1856 in Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic) and later moving to Vienna, Freud initially trained as a neurologist before delving into the depths of the unconscious mind. His theories, while controversial and evolving, laid the foundation for modern psychotherapy and continue to influence cultural and literary studies worldwide.  

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud's journey into psychology began with his exploration of the unconscious mind. Drawing from his clinical experiences and studies in neurology, he proposed that unconscious desires and conflicts profoundly influence human behavior. His theories centered on concepts such as the id, ego, and superego—components of the psyche that govern personality development and mental health.

 

Freud's early work, including "The Interpretation of Dreams" (1900), marked a pivotal moment in psychological thought by exploring dreams as windows into the unconscious. He introduced psychosexual development, positing that childhood experiences shape adult personality through stages like the oral, anal, and phallic phases. Freud's method of free association and dream analysis became integral to psychoanalytic therapy, aiming to uncover repressed thoughts and emotions. But what is Freudian psycho-analysis, really?

QwykrKudos: A Memorable Encounter with Prof. Brian Kobilka and Insights into the Tamil Script

Hello readers,

Today, I’m excited to share a personal highlight from my journey that left a significant mark on my academic path: a memorable encounter with Nobel Prize-winning chemist Prof. Brian Kobilka during my time at Stanford University (2011-2015). Prof. Kobilka's groundbreaking work on G-protein-coupled receptors continues to influence cell signaling research and therapeutic advancements worldwide, and our conversation was a profound learning experience.

During our meeting, I had the chance to share insights from my research paper on modernizing the Tamil script. This project focuses on enhancing the script’s accessibility and adaptability, not only to foster multilingual understanding but also to benefit the hard of hearing and hearing-impaired communities. It was incredibly rewarding to discuss my vision with Prof. Kobilka, and I left inspired to continue advocating for the linguistic inclusivity that this project promotes.

I’ve now shared the paper on Academia.edu for anyone interested in a deeper dive into the proposed changes to the Tamil script. Feedback is always welcome, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this initiative. For those interested in following my updates, you can connect with me on my secondary LinkedIn profile. Besides academic discussions, I also share culinary insights, recipes, and cooking class opportunities. In fact, as part of Qwykr Technologies, we are currently offering free cooking classes for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces—a small token of appreciation for their service.

This post marks another entry in my QwykrKudos journey, capturing moments of encouragement, learning, and collaboration. Thanks for joining me on this path!

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 🌟 Reflecting on a Memorable Encounter with Prof. Brian Kobilka 🌟|

I am thrilled to share a personal highlight from my time at Stanford University (2011-2015), where I had the incredible opportunity to meet Prof. Brian Kobilka, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. Prof. Kobilka's groundbreaking work on G-protein-coupled receptors has had a profound impact on our understanding of cell signaling and therapeutic advancements.

During our meeting, I had the chance to discuss my research paper on modernizing the Tamil script with him. My talk with him was both enlightening and encouraging, and our conversation left a lasting impression. For those interested, I have now shared this paper on Academia.edu. It explores proposed changes to make Tamil more accessible and adaptable, reflecting ongoing efforts to bridge linguistic gaps. The proposed changes to the Tamil script will not only help multilingual efforts but also help individuals in the hard of hearing and hearing impaired communities.

Discussions such as these continue to inspire me, and I invite you to read my paper and share your thoughts. Please note that I am primarily only posting on my other LinkedIn profile (https://lnkd.in/gRpfZwnr). Connect me with there, or follow me for culinary insights and even free recipes. As part of Qwykr Technologies, we are also offering a few free cooking classes to veterans fo the U.S. Armed Forces. This LinkedIn profile has not been created to maximize views or likes, but primarily to offer complement this service from Qwykr.

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Setting the Record Straight: A Balanced Perspective on Recent Work on Aurangzeb

In recent debates surrounding the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, there has been a tendency to launch personal attacks on scholars who offer interpretations that differ from the conventional narratives. One such scholar is Audrey Truschke, whose work on Aurangzeb has become a focal point of criticism. However, I want to clarify that while I have shared some critical facts about Aurangzeb, I refuse to join the bandwagon of attacking Truschke merely because others have.

It’s important to approach academic discourse with fairness and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives. Truschke’s book on Aurangzeb, while it has attracted controversy, is not devoid of merit. Her research provides a nuanced view of the emperor, challenging some established beliefs and offering a more complex picture of his reign.

Yes, the historical facts I have cited about Aurangzeb—his violent ascension to power, his destruction of temples, and his harsh treatment of both Hindus and Muslims—are indeed accurate and critical to understanding his rule. These aspects of his reign are crucial for a comprehensive historical account. However, Truschke’s analysis contributes to our understanding by highlighting different facets of his rule, which should not be dismissed out of hand.

The academic value of Truschke’s work lies in its attempt to explore Aurangzeb’s policies and their impacts from a fresh perspective. It is essential to recognize that history is often subject to interpretation, and scholars like Truschke provide important insights that can enrich our understanding, even if they challenge traditional views.

My concern extends beyond this specific debate and touches on a broader issue: the discrimination faced by South Asians in American academic and professional circles. It’s striking that if a scholar of South Asian ethnicity had conducted research similar to Truschke’s, or even if they had studied more languages and produced equally rigorous scholarship, it’s doubtful that they would have received the same level of attention or respect. This disparity highlights a troubling bias that can undermine the recognition and impact of South Asian scholars, regardless of the quality of their work.

Rather than resorting to personal attacks or dismissing differing viewpoints, we should focus on engaging with the evidence and arguments presented. Constructive criticism and open dialogue are the hallmarks of a robust academic debate. It is only through such discussions that we can arrive at a more balanced and informed understanding of historical figures and their legacies. While Truschke attempts to bring some fresh ideas to the historians' perspective on Aurangzeb, she does not seem to have quite come up with a new dataset or new software/code. My Teaching Note and associated historical research is the only source on the Internet that I have found that at least brings up the libertarian position on statist power and uses A.I. to shed light on South Asian history. It is not difficult to bias an A.I. but as far as we can see, the code doesn't have any biases. 

As I said before, the very idea that statist power should be used to simply create a larger empire ought to be challenged by liberals and libertarians alike; however, in the current political milieu, it is only libertarians who remain to challenge the idea that emperors should even be forgiven their abuses of power. The most interesting concept that we need to borrow from the libertarians is their view of the state - the mind-blowingly non-obvious idea that needs to be seriously looked at is, in fact, that individuals left to their own devices are quite capable of justice, progress, innovation and development without the intervention of the state. By not seriously investigating the assumption that a large state such as Aurangzeb is even necessary, Audrey Truschke has simply not done sufficient justice to the topic at hand. By way of contrast, this economic historian (namely, myself - for some reason, historians refer to themselves as "this historian") has done a better job than Audrey Truschke, in the final analysis. 

The definitive guide to understanding Aurangzeb - and a few further comments

 A few comments on Aurangzeb would be proper here. 

In the interest of dispassionate academic discussion, I did not discuss too much Aurangzeb's personality or his proclivities Now, here's the thing about Aurangzeb: no way how you look at it, there is no getting away from the fact that Aurangzeb was a very cruel man, as such fact-based writers as Francois Gautier have observed.

    

Aurangzeb at a Family Gathering - what happens when you accidentally turn your throne into a demolition site and still wonder why the family gatherings are so awkward. #EmpireRenovations #AwkwardFamilyMoments

In the Facebook post below, Gautier argues, in fact, that Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, was a particularly harsh ruler. He notes that Aurangzeb meticulously documented his orders, which are preserved in archives. Gautier criticizes historians who, according to him, have not reviewed these documents. He claims (quite correctly, I might add) that Aurangzeb, unlike what some might think, was not the eldest or favored son of Shah Jahan. To become emperor, Aurangzeb killed his brothers, imprisoned and later killed his father, and had his own son imprisoned.

The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 3

 The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 3

The legacy of the Mugal Empire

Following Aurangzeb's reign, the Mughal Empire experienced a gradual decline marked by weak successors and internal strife. Successive emperors lacked the military prowess and administrative acumen of their predecessors, leading to a fragmentation of central authority. This fragmentation created power vacuums that regional rulers and foreign invaders exploited, contributing to the empire's disintegration.

The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 2

The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 2

What may be said about Aurangzeb as a person? Aurangzeb, as an individual, was deeply religious but it must be said that he also comes across as someone who was quite smart and, at the same time, grounded in reality. Also, a cruel, cruel man. (Yes, he was also an exceedingly cruel person, and that has come down in history as his reputation, but more on that in a later post.) In terms of public policy, it is perhaps accurate to say that he was misunderstood. Aurangzeb's public policy, as evidenced by a nishan sent to Rana Raj Singh of Mewar, emphasized tolerance (in principle - not arguing that it was actually practiced) and condemned intolerance that could lead to conflict and harm to the people. Despite ideological portrayals, the struggle for succession was not about religious orthodoxy versus liberalism but rather a question of political power—who would ascend the Mughal throne, Dara or Aurangzeb?

The Emperor Alamgir on Horseback - The Cleveland Museum of Art

The debate surrounding Aurangzeb's intentions—establishing dar-ul-Islam, rigid adherence to shari’a, or triumphing Muslim theology—remains contested. However, his commitment to territorial expansion and consolidation, evident in the increase in Rajput mansabdars in his administration and the prominence of figures like Raghunath Ray Kayastha, challenges simplistic narratives. The very idea that statist power should be used to simply create a larger empire ought to be challenged by liberals and libertarians alike; however, in the current political milieu, it is only the libertarians who remain to challenge the idea that emperors should even be forgiven their abuses of power. Almost every historian, including Audrey Truschke, has conveniently forgotten that the aim of statist power is to advance the interests of the people, and that such interests can never be protected as long as it is under the control of monarchs. Thus, it is only libertarians who, today, consistently and cogently make the case against the abuses of power of such monarchs as Auangzeb.

Aurangzeb's patronage of Hindu religious institutions, including temples and maths, suggests a nuanced approach to governance. Land grants were renewed, gifts offered, and Madad-i ma’ash grants continued, indicating a policy of religious inclusivity. However, the attack on certain temples, like the Vishwanath temple at Kashi and the Keshav Dev temple at Mathura, raises questions.

These attacks were not mere acts of iconoclasm but responses to rebellion or political misconduct. For instance, the destruction of the Vishwanath temple followed suspicions of aiding Shivaji's escape, while the attack on the Keshav Dev temple in Mathura was linked to a Jat rebellion and the killing of a patron of the local mosque.

The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 1

 The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 1

In examining the complexities of Mughal rule in India, it becomes apparent that the central issue transcends simplistic narratives of Hindu versus Muslim or Aurangzeb versus Dara Shikoh. Rather, at the heart of the matter lies the broader question of the role of government and the consequences of centralized authority. The Mughal Empire, like many other historical empires, grappled with the challenges of governance and the balance of power between the state and its subjects. Since the era was so much before formal political theories were introduced into India, it is not fair to blame either Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh, personally speaking. However, looking objectively, it is hard not to see the overreach of statist power repeatedly and consistently over extended periods of time in the context of the Indian subcontinent under the rule of the Mughals.

At its core, the Mughal Empire was characterized by centralized authority and a strong bureaucratic apparatus. Emperors wielded immense power, both politically and religiously, exerting control over vast territories and diverse populations. This concentration of authority enabled rulers like Aurangzeb to implement policies that reflected their personal beliefs and political ambitions, often at the expense of individual freedoms and religious pluralism. 

However, the problem transcends the religious divide between Hinduism and Islam or the rivalry between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh. Instead, it lies in the inherent dangers of unchecked state power, whether exercised through totalitarianism or religious orthodoxy. When governments possess absolute control over their citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, the potential for abuse and oppression becomes all too real.

Ode to the Unbroken Spirit

Next up - a poem on Covid in the style of Walt Whitman.

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Ode to the Unbroken Spirit

O human spirit, resilient and wide,
Emerging from the shadowed halls,
The great cities, the quiet towns,
Where once the streets lay still, silent as the early dawn—
I sing of you, vast and unyielding, rising like the sun,
Beyond the masks and murmurs, beyond the parted crowds,
In the heart of each, a drumbeat, a song,
A knowing that we are bound together,
Threads of a grand, endless fabric.

O nurses, doctors, healers with weary eyes yet steadfast hands,
I see you, bending not to fear,
But to the call of the bedside and the cry of the needy—
You are the arms that hold the world,
The fierce and gentle guardians of hope,
And I, one of many, salute you,
From my window, my porch, my heart,
O spirit that defies the stillness, the sickness, the night.

Another poem in the style of Mayakowsky

 Another poem on eradicating illiteracy in the style of the Marxist poet Mayakowsky

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Words Like Weapons

Illiteracy!
A prison with invisible bars,
Trapping minds in the dark,
Choking thought before it blooms,
Turning hearts into barren wastelands.
I rage against it!

You, with your gilded speeches,
Do nothing but spit into the wind!
Let your words be action, sharp as a blade—
For every unread page is a bullet unfired,
A war left un-fought!

In the alleys, the fields, the factories,
Our brothers and sisters sit in silence,
Not by choice, but by force—
The force of neglect, of a system that fears
The power that knowledge ignites.

Eradicating Illiteracy

 Eradicating Illiteracy

(In the style of Walt Whitman)

O voices of the earth, rise up!
Each one, untamed, each one free, yet all together—a multitude,
We march, not in battle against flesh,
But in a war against darkness, the silent chains of the mind.
Children of the streets, workers in factories,
Mothers, fathers, the old and the young,
You shall be heard! No longer silenced by the unseen barriers,
No longer left behind by the great river of words that flows,
Let the light of learning sweep the plains, the cities, the hills.

Books for the hands of all! Not just for the chosen few.
The ink of knowledge, vast as the sea, must reach every soul,
No more will ignorance bind us,
No more will blank stares meet the beauty of language,
We build a nation with every letter learned,
With every page turned, with every voice raised in understanding.

The Wacky Wanderer of Sacramento

The Wacky Wanderer of Sacramento

(written in the style of Lewis Carroll)

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In Sacramento, where the skies are clear,

Lived a wacky wanderer, full of cheer.

He biked ‘round town with a quirky twist,

And ordered tacos with a flick of the wrist!

With a wide-brimmed hat and sneakers bright,

He’d ride by the river 'til the fall of night.

Through Old Town streets, he’d wobble and weave,

Waving at folks who just couldn’t believe!

A glimpse into literary history: H. Furniss

corresponds with Lewis Carroll on creative matters, 

August 1886.

"Sutter's Fort?" he'd say, with a laugh and a wink,

"Sounds like a sandwich or a mighty fine drink!"

He danced past the Capitol, hands held high,

And blew a kiss to the bluest sky.

At Tower Bridge, he’d shout with glee,

"This mustard-yellow’s quite snazzy, you see!"

And when the trains rolled through with their mighty roar,

He’d tap-dance a jig by the river’s shore.

"Oh my!" he’d chuckle, "What a grand sight—

Sacramento’s glow in the cool moonlight!"

He'd greet every statue, each tree and each street,

With a joke and a grin for all he would meet.

"The farmers' market," he said with pride,

"Is a place where veggies can’t hide!"

He talked to the melons and whispered to greens,

Sharing his thoughts on edible scenes.

He dined on burritos as big as his head,

And danced through the city 'til time for bed.

From midtown murals to the river’s flow,

The Wacky Wanderer had places to go!

The American River sparkled with charm,

He skipped rocks and waved to a passing farm.

“Ahoy!” he cried, “Such a marvelous show—

A city with humor wherever you go!”

In K Street's bustle or Golden 1's roar,

He waltzed with pigeons, never a bore.

With each step, he’d laugh, and he'd hum a sweet tune,

Under the gaze of a silver balloon.

So if you wander to Sacramento’s heart,

Keep an eye out for a joyful start.

The Wacky Wanderer’s laugh you'll hear,

In the city where the funny never disappears!

Introducing QwykrKudos: A New Way to Track Appreciation at Work

 Introducing QwykrKudos: A New Way to Track Appreciation at Work

Hello everyone!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to QwykrKudos—a tool we've developed to keep track of kudos, positive feedback, and recognition received for your work. Whether it’s a message from a colleague, a post on social media, or a word of encouragement from a client, QwykrKudos helps keep everything organized in one place so you can reflect on your accomplishments and the positive impact you’re making.

Here’s a look at the first QwykrKudos post for some context:

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Kudos Post #1
[PREDATED POST]

This is a repost of a Facebook announcement where I shared some exciting news and received kudos for my work. I’m calling this my very first QwykrKudos post as it holds a lot of significance to me.

The original post began like this:

"Dear friends,
I utilized the time off from Facebook to write a new book.
Announcing my latest book - the Sapir-Whorf-Manikutty Hypothesis."

I shared my thoughts and excitement over a new book I’d authored, one that I hope will spark meaningful conversations in linguistics and thought.

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QwykrKudos is designed to keep moments like these close at hand and to celebrate progress at work. If you’re interested in learning more about QwykrKudos or using it to track kudos in your own office, stay tuned for more updates. Let's make recognition something we cherish and reflect on regularly.

Thanks for reading!

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