" As above, so below. As within, so without." - Hermes Trismegistus (Thoth) There are essentially two histories for the city of Philadelphia two tales if you will. Most are familiar with the more famous history of Philadelphia this is the one that attracts millions of tourist to the city each year on the ridiculous Duck Tours. This well known Philadelphia includes trips to Independence Hall where the Declaration of In

Upon entering room 155 in the European Art section of the Philadelphia Art Museum, you are immediately captivated by a remarkable painting that stands out. This artwork, titled "The Moorish Chief," is truly mesmerizing. The painting's impact comes from its depiction of a powerful black man from the past, dressed in a white cloak and wielding a sword. The background features the renowned Islamic architecture of Spain, the Alhambra. The Moors, in a nearly forgotten era, invaded

Allegory is typically described as a literary device or metaphor that is often symbolic and used to convey a deeper truth or meaning. It can be employed to mask an unpopular message without fear of criticism, retribution, or attack. Two literary works that exemplify the use of allegory are George Orwell's "Animal Farm" and Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," both of which are considered classics. On the surface, "Animal Farm" tells the story of an oppressive farmer overthrown by

Did Africans travel to America before Christopher Columbus? On the face of it most folks might consider that claim to be rubbish, but in the 1970s a young radical Guyanese professor who was educated at the University of London and once taught at Rutgers University and lectured at NASA said not so fast. He published his radical idea in a book appropriately called They Came Before Columbus. His controversial book caused waves throughout the academic world and was attacked by ma