A Tribute to those Brave Souls From 2009: Yar e Dabestani e man (Series of clips and pictures from the 2009 Irania...

This is a beautiful tribute to all those brave and selfless souls who spoke up after the election of 2009.   Many such selfless souls continue to languish in Iranian Prisons.    It was this movement that began the transformation in the Middle East that is yet to run its' course--and it at least brought all to the negotiating table.    On the eve of thanksgiving in the United States, this is to remember all those brave selfless souls who gave of themselves for a better Iran.  

What A World: The big deal about the Iran nuclear deal - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

The aftermath of the deal w/Iran continues to be debated.    Professor Dabashi lays out the arguments in as ever so an eloquent way--I couldn't agree more that the Iranian People are the winners in this.    There is a lot of work still ahead.    It was interesting how the New York Times reported "reservations" as Saudi Arabia announced its' support of the agreement.  It is clear that Israel is the loser in all this.

The big deal about the Iran nuclear deal - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Reminders About Our Purpose In Life :-)

Gearing up for Thanksgiving Week...and continuing to reflect upon this notion of the "why".  I periodically revisit this "Ted Talk" from Rick Warren that is quite timely in terms of a lot of hard truths for stewardship and our obligations as humans:

 Will we embrace his admonitions?   I pray that we do.     I see no other choice.

Brief Personal Thoughts on The Eve of Thanksgiving :-)

I had the privilege and good fortune to assist in my local Catholic Church's Thanksgiving Project earlier today.   It was also such a joy to have my Son there to assist along with one of my Scouts from my local Troop.  .  A number of other Scouts also joined this morning of service.  

It was also gratifying to see the outpouring of love and affection by parishioners.    All volunteers pitched in over the course of a number of days to get things prepared.      We began the day with a prayer that was led by our Parish Priest, Monsingor Urell,  as we began this day of service. Some 115 families visited the parish to pick up their thanksgiving meals.  It gave me yet again a moment of pause to remember and reflect upon all that we have to be thankful for.   I was reminded of this as I gave a ride to one of the clients who was served.  She took the Bus and had to walk at least two blocks to reach the Parish.  

This Indian Classic from 2001 underscores what to be thankful for, appreciate and cherish our elders and recognize a sense of hopefulness that's out there.   Wishing all the very best on this joyous time...

Happy Thanksgiving !! :-)

Remembering & Being Ever So Thankful :-)

It was 50 years this week that John F. Kennedy fell to an assassin's bullet.      I always wonder what the World would have been like if he had lived.        I saw this on a recent posting on Daily KOS about the speech he did not live to give in Dallas about how truly things have not changed:

This is very true:

But today other voices are heard in the land – voices preaching doctrines wholly unrelated to reality . . . At a time when the national debt is steadily being reduced in terms of its burden on our economy, they see that debt as the single greatest threat to our security. At a time when we are steadily reducing the number of Federal employees serving every thousand citizens, they fear those supposed hordes of civil servants far more than the actual hordes of opposing armies.

We cannot expect that everyone, to use the phrase of a decade ago, will "talk sense to the American people." But we can hope that fewer people will listen to nonsense. And the notion that this Nation is headed for defeat through deficit, or that strength is but a matter of slogans, is nothing but just plain nonsense.

It's truly depressing how little changes.

As I saw this earlier about all those Americans who fell to an assassin's bullet, I could not help but wonder about the cruelty that continues to somehow haunt us ever more:

Has anybody here seen my old friend Abraham?
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
You know, I just looked around and he’s gone.

Anybody here seen my old friend John?
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
I just looked around and he’s gone.

Anybody here seen my old friend Martin?
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
I just looked ’round and he’s gone.

Didn’t you love the things that they stood for?
Didn’t they try to find some good for you and me?
And we’ll be free
Some day soon, and it’s a-gonna be one day …

Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
I thought I saw him walkin’ up over the hill,
With Abraham, Martin and John.
~ Dick Hollar

President Lincoln was also remembered and this retrospective by President Obama was so moving to read:

But, the need to be hopeful and embrace a sense of love and compassion is ever so crucial during Thanksgiving Week.    I see a sense of love and compassion all around as I will be witness to the community coming together as it hands out 170 Turkey dinners this week to families in need and other events throughout thanksgiving week.      We must never lose that sense of  hope and optimism.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

Source: http://karenfosterdesign.com/happy-thanksgiving-collage.html, http://tinyurl.com/l965jkk, retrieved 11/22/2013 

Looking to the New Week...w/this "Thought(s) 4 the Week" :-)

As the new week has begun in earnest (and as America looks to celebrate thanksgiving), remembering some key thoughts:

& Appreciating the  Beautiful reality & majesty that is life itself:

Act not out of judgment, but out of love. Live not from a position of fear, but from a perspective of joy.

Let go of the need to prove how good you are. Live in such a way that real goodness, joy and generosity flow naturally from all you do.

Instead of seeking to gain more advantage, discover new ways to give more value. Instead of worrying about what might be, live the immense treasure of what already is.

Don’t waste your time looking for happiness in this thing or that. Let happiness always find you right where you are, doing whatever you are doing.

See life not as a contest where some must lose in order for others to win. See it as an opportunity to lift yourself higher by lifting many, many others through your unique gifts.

Let go of the illusion that you must struggle. And let in the beautiful reality of how very good life can be.

— Ralph Marston

Onward :-)

On Our World & Saying No to Resentment :-)

Today was apparently an interesting day on the "Social Media Grid".    I joined the weekly chat in Internet Evolution briefly hosted by the Editor in Chief, Mitch Wagner.   I got word of a an apparent Twitter Chat by JP Morgan Chase that was a total disaster.   I found that amusing in light of the recent challenges it had to deal with while cleaning up the mess after the WAMO and Bear Stearns Purchases that has lingered on after the Financial Meltdown that we are still paying a price for.   This is as the "Social Grid" and of course the so-called "Media Grid" continues to be abuzz of the trials and tribulations of Obamacare.

I love the "Social Grid" because it is also a way to be uplifted by all that is good about us humans.    One of the implicit underlying themes behind this labor of love called "Outsiders" that this site--ordinaryfaces--has been to create that sense of uplift.   The need to find a "Virtual Home" has been the driving home.    As I was "on the grid" to get a "sense of the World" right now and sharing thoughts and ideas, I saw a "Thought" from Dr. Wayne Dyer on his Facebook Page.

As I hope all enjoy this, the opening thought was ever so important--if only those around the World who sow mistrust, hatred and have an inflated sense of self would take such thoughts and recognize the beauty and majesty of life.

Options

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer · 1,266,276 like this

1:09pm (13 minutes ago) · 

• Be Right or Be Kind?
  Sow love to melt away anger.
  
  Saying no to resentment gives us peace.
  
  THE 79TH VERSE of the Tao Te Ching, which has been especially helpful to me personally, can be called “Living Without Resentment.” We’re asked to change the way we hold resentments following a difference of opinion or an outright quarrel. Now what causes annoyance and anger after a dispute? The generic response would be a laundry list that detailed why the other person was wrong and how illogically and unreasonably they behaved, concluding with something like, “I have a right to be upset when my [daughter, mother-in-law, ex-husband, boss, or whomever you’re thinking of] speaks to me that way!” But if you’re interested in living a Tao-filled life, it’s imperative that you reverse this kind of thinking.
  
  Resentments don’t come from the conduct of the other party in an altercation—no, they survive and thrive because you’re unwilling to end that altercation with an offering of kindness, love, and authentic forgiveness. Lao-tzu says, “Someone must risk returning injury with kindness, or hostility will never turn to goodwill.” So when all of the yelling, screaming, and threatening words have been expressed, the time for calm has arrived. Remember that no storm lasts forever, and that hidden within are always seeds of tranquility. There is a time for hostility and a time for peace.
  
  As the storm of a quarrel subsides, you must find a way to disregard your ego’s need to be right. It’s time to extend kindness by letting go of your anger. It’s over, so offer forgiveness to yourself and the other person and encourage resentment to dissipate. Be the one seeking a way to give, rather than the one looking for something to get.
  
  Regardless of what others around you are doing, if you live with “true virtue,” you’ll seek a way to give. This truth completely aligns with the Tao; after all, the creator of life is always giving, never taking. So change the way you think about scarcity and resentment, and begin to truly feel the question How may I serve? The universe will seem to respond, Finally, you got it—you’re acting like me! I’ll keep that flow coming into your life in ways that will astound and delight you. As Lao-tzu says, “To the giver comes the fullness of life; to the taker, just an empty hand.”
  
  Here are some ways to make the wisdom of the 79th verse your reality:
  
  Picture yourself at the termination of a quarrel or major dispute. Rather than reacting with old patterns of residual anger, revenge, and hurt, visualize offering kindness, love, and forgiveness. Do this right now by sending out these “true virtue” thoughts to any resentments you’re currently carrying. Make this your standard response to any future altercations: I end on love, no matter what!
  In the midst of arguments or disagreements, practice giving rather than taking before you exit the fracas. Offer the Tao treasures or real virtues by presenting kindness rather than a put-down, or a sign of respect instead of proving someone wrong. Giving involves leaving the ego behind. While it wants to win and show its superiority by being contrary and disrespectful, your Tao nature wants to be at peace and live in harmony. You can reduce your quarreling time to almost zero if you practice this procedure.
  Silently recite the following words from the Prayer of Saint Francis: “Where there is injury, [let me bring] pardon.” Be a giver of forgiveness as he teaches: Bring love to hate, light to darkness, and pardon to injury. Read these words daily, for they’ll help you overcome your ego’s demands and know “the fullness of life.”

Just Ran Across This..:-)

On Never Giving Up: Brief Thoughts :-)

I had the good fortune to pass 28,000 Views here today.  I am grateful for all that have visited.  I remember the first "day" it all began--and how, at times, it was such a "grind".    These interesting admonitions are truly a good affirmation to remember that anything can be possible despite the odds:

It's not whether you get knocked down;

it's whether you get back up.

- Vince Lombardi

The harder you fall the higher you bounce.

- Horace 

Most people give up just when

they're about to achieve success.

They quit on the one yard line.

They give up at the last minute of the game,

one foot from a winning touch down.

- Ross Perot

If you stand up and be counted,

from time to time you may get yourself knocked down.

But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again.

A man flattened by conformity stays down for good.

- Thomas J. Watson

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.

- George S. Patton 

A Very Moving Day: Brief Personal Thoughts

Today was Veterans Day in the United States.  It is also known as Armistice Day which was celebrated in the United Kingdom.

I saw coverage of a very moving event at Flanders.  70 Bags were moved from the cemeteries at Flanders that is the final resting place for those who never came back from having marched onward to the Western Front.   In the United States, remembrances were held throughout the country.

I had the privilege today to be privy to the stories from Veterans who served during World War II, Korea, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War.    It was quite moving and just a privilege to shake their hands.   This "snapshot" says it all that I received from the team @ Simple Truth:

"On this Veteran's day, God bless the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives so that we remain free."   - America   I am also heartbroken by the horrific scenes from the Philippines.       There is simply no words.    As the President of the Philippines has declared a National Calamity,  thoughts and prayers continue to be ever so with the Filipino people during their darkest hour.

 

PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

As a new work week dawns....May the almighty grant this wish to all...



Onward :-)

As the W-End Looms in the US, a "Thought 4 the Week" :-)

As the week-end looms, there are some interesting developments from around the World.   I released a brief write-up to the "outsiders" column--part of "Daily Outsiders".   I also shared this that is a solid reminder about being virtoous constantly and consistenly--thanks to the team @ GiveMore who put this wonderful retrospective together:

Enough said :-)

A "slight token" of Appreciation For Friends :-)

I wanted to share this w/all who have been gracious enough to visit  all my project sites as a small token to simply say thanks.   I have downloaded it for my own E-Library and shared it.  I hope all friends enjoy it as a small token of my appreciation.  Let's truly "Awaken the Giant Within"! :-)

This is the original text courtesy of Anthony Robbins' Website which I have noted below:

It's an exciting day! You have been given an extraordinary gift: a free download of Re-Awaken the Giant Within, our gift edition of Anthony Robbins' landmark bestselling book: http://www.tonyrobbins.com/ebook.

Take immediate action toward your ultimate emotional, physical and financial health. Create and grow the relationship of a lifetime. Live a life of fulfillment and passion! No matter how successful you already are, your future can always be taken to a new level.

As the Great Diane Nyad always reminds us, Onward!! :-)

Being Ever So Thankful For all Blessings On This Beautiful Day :-)

Onward :-)

Notations On the November 5, 2013 Elections: Interesting Night

November 5 was election day in the United States.    There were some key elections that may have implications for 2014 and 2016.

In the US State of Virginia, The Democrat Terry McAuliffe beat the Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.  It was interesting that the race was really close that confounded all the polls.  The view from the Republicans, though, was epitomized by the Red State's Eric Erickson:

"...Cuccinelli had all the insiders aligned against him. He was the outsider. The gays hated him, the Chamber of Commerce hated him, the kid killers hated him, the GOP establishment hated him — all the insiders hated Cuccinelli and his campaign made the strategic blunder to try to work their way inside instead of dancing with the folks who got him to the dance. The campaign manager was fired too late and the campaign fell behind by double digits. Compounding that, the Democrats massively outspent him, Governor McDonnell is involved in a scandal, and the GOP voted to raise taxes with Cuccinelli struggling to distance himself from both.

The Obama Machine took advantage of all of this and went into high gear. They intended to deliver the state for McAuliffe decisively. .."

I found this quite amusing and the fact that somehow the actual issues did not matter.    The fact remains that the Virginia landscape is changing which is a microcosm in the United States and the Republicans have to figure out how to appeal to the majority of the electorate who continue to confound the skeptics.   The super conservatives who campaigned for the Republican nominee were shown to truly out of the mainstream.

The Republicans also lost badly in the City of New York.  A Self-declared progressive  and former radical, Bill DeBlasio, won a decisive victory and will be the next Mayor of New York City.     He has promised a transformational  program to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor that has persisted in New York City for the longest time.   It will be fascinating to see whether he is able to pull this or not.   There is of course, New Jersey.

Chris Christie won big in New Jersey.   He is an interesting phenomenon.   I especially was quite impressed when during the heat of the campaign in 2012, he stepped up and did the right thing by telling folks, "...I have a state to rebuild".   His principled beliefs have also been a source of strength.  Although a recent story in the New York Times about some of the decisions he has made as Governor on Budgetary matters may come back to haunt him as he begins his Presidential Campaign.   What is clear is that he is planning on a Presidential Bid--and he will be a formidable candidate.   This will be quite a campaign to watch.    The challenge for the Republican Party is whether they would embrace the Christie Vision or whether they would continue to stick with the so-called Super Conservatives who have dominated the Party and caused the Republican Party to lose so much.

As Democrats savour these wins, there is still a realization of challenges brewing and the Economist's KAL ever so captured it so eloquently:

It is always fascinating to reflect upon US Politics-- always fascinating and fun.    It is also at times challenging to be witness and reflect upon the dysfunction.     November 5, 2013  was no exception. As I reflected upon that night, I could not help by noting how the mere right to vote is ever so cherished and must be remembered.        

Excerpts also released also to http://www.outsiderviews.com, all rights reserved :-)

The Need To Always Keep the Faith :-)

"Some see things as they are and say "why". 
I dream things that never were, and say "why not?""

 - George Bernard Shaw

A "V-Thought" 4 the Day On The Positive Attitude Need 4 Success :-)

This is another simple, yet crucial reminder from the team @ Simple Truths which I hope is enjoyed!! Onward :-) Sometimes when hard times fall upon us, it seems like there is never any light at the end of the tunnel. One way to help get through a tough situation is by maintaining a positive attitude. The power of a positive attitude is truly inspiring, not to mention, it's also contagious. Today take the time to watch this short 3-minute inspirational movie about the power of attitude.

Watch now

A "Virtual Mad Dash" Around The World :-)

November 2013 has begun in earnest.   It has been a very interesting, challenging and tough month around the World.  

I was amazed as my eyes was fixated on the atmosphere this week as the International Space Station flew over my local town.   There was no cloud in the sky as the small and bright spot on the sky worked its' way over the sky.   This was a simple yet fabulous reminder about how the World could come together for the betterment of all.    It was also gratifying to see the Solar Decathlon that was held in the United States recently that showcased some of the best technologies in sustainable design and sustainable transportation that was out there for all to see and take advantage of.

Such monumental achievements  is constantly overshadowed by all that has gone on around our World.   I have decided to draft this "Mad Dash" by focusing on a "broad brush" of the World based on the Regional Focus of the US State Department:

A) Near East

The tragedy in Syria continues to consume the region.    1/3 of the Syrian Population--7 Million People--are refugees.   An estimated 2 Million People have left Syria.   6,000 people leave Syria every day.    One of the largest refugee camps in the World is in Jordan that is home to 150,000 Syrian Refugees.    It is the 3rd Largest City in Jordan.  This is as the Syrian Opposition continues to bicker as the Country is destroyed.    The rather feeble efforts by the Arab League and the UN to put together another Geneva conference underscores how the international community is paralyzed.  

What is going on in Syria is essentially a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.      There have also been reports I have reviewed that has noted that the Saudis want to increase their aid to the opposition.      There is no unified opposition that could mount a serious challenge to Bashar Al Assad.  

The refugees' lives are simply dreadful.   The shocking story on Israel24, the Israeli News channel that reported on the sale of young Syrian Girls was just one example of what is the unfolding tragedy in Syria Today.  As I saw the report and the cries in the eyes of the 16-year child being sold for 3,000 Dollars sends shivers through my spine as I write this.  The realignment of the Near East is in full swing and the Arab Winter is yet to truly work itself out.   Tunisia is in a state of political uncertainty.    Egypt continues its' precarious march as Morsi and 14 of the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood are about to be put on trial for murder.    More than 1000 people have been killed so far by Security Forces.

Beyond Syria, there is Iraq.    Sectarian Violence in Iraq may be shocking to those outside Iraq.   Inside Iraq, though, it has become part of the norm.   I was especially shocked when one of the Iraqi commentators underscored the simple fact that there is not one Iraqi who either knows someone or knows someone who knows someone who has been killed as a result of the violence.  This is as the Iraqi Prime Minister went to Washington to discuss the situation.  Arms sales will go through.    The challenge is that there are over 1 Million Security Personnel which seem not to be able to somehow impose security.

Iran and the P5+1 team have continued conversations in Geneva.  I have held out hope that some good results will emerge.  This is as Iran continues to deal with some very challenging economic and environmental problems in large measure due to both the sanctions and the mismanagement of the 8 years of the Ahmadi Government.   Inflation is around 45%,unemployment is in the high 30's and people have not been paid in months.    One statistic reported by the Government reflected a debt of 72 Billion Dollars that state institution owe.    In the North of the Country, the Oromieh Lake has been gradually drying out in large measure due to the negligence of policy.   Deforestation has resulted in the Caspian Sea being deprived of fish stock.   In the South of the Country, the Karoun River is in extreme difficulty and there is even talk of rationing of Water in the Capital-Tehran.  

B) Europe

Over the last few weeks, there has been some reasonably decent news coming out of Europe.  There has been some growth in both in the United Kingdom and Spain. Spain has officially ended recession by an estimated .5 percent.   The United Kingdom's growth was also feeble--but the current Government has claimed that the austerity policy it has pursued has worked. However, there are storms ahead beyond the sovereign bonds with what the Economist recently noted as "Zombie Firms" that Europe has to deal with.  The continued economic challenges has given rise and helped sustain the far Right in Europe--as reflected by the continued surge in the National Front in France as it has humiliated the ruling Socialists in a recent French National Assembly by-election.    

Europe has a lot still to celebrate.   It has been 20 years since the treaty that brought Europe ever so closer with now 28 Member states that have their unique culture but yet have somehow managed to represent a very interesting experiment about open borders and open economies.     This is as it has had to deal with an Economic Disaster and the corresponding Social ramifications it has entailed.    One of the largest, the United Kingdom,  will have profound challenges before it as it embraces the new year.   Scotland has an independence vote planned and it will change the landscape of Europe even more so than today.  

Europe, though, has been on a war path over the US NSA spaying scandal.    As I have assessed the NSA spying fiasco, I view as frankly the biggest disaster that has befallen the United States.    The idea that the United States would spy on its' closest allies should not be allowed.    There are news stories out of Germany noting that President Obama personally approved such surveillance on Chancellor Merkel is absolutely mind boggling especially after Mr. Obama awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.    Chancellor Merkel has just had her mandate renewed by the German People.   When Germany speaks, Europe and the World listen--and what the United States has done.     There is also reports coming out right now that the NSA has been monitoring Israel as well as it supposedly continued close collaboration between the NSA and its' Israeli equivalent-H200.  

C) Americas

The Americas was also a hotbed of activity.  Argentina's President fell ill and her party lost substantial ground in mid-term elections.  Brazil continued to be faced with challenging times as it geared up for the World Cup.   Ecuador's Correa went into another tirade--this time against the Economist of London as Maduro of Venezuela continued its' tirades against the United States while the Country dealt with rampant inflation and an ever increasingly high crime rate.    The biggest player of all,the United States, had its' share of challenges as well.  

October was also the month that saw the United States came to the brink of default.    The Grand Canyon that developed between the political leadership in Washington has undermined the United States in a profound way.   No one seems to want to trust the United States anymore.    The Republicans in Congress tried to impose their own views by wanting to defund the Healthcare law passed by the US Congress in 2009.   The roll out of the law itself at the Federal level was a disaster and US Media had a field day to investigate the problems once it stopped being fixated over the Debt ceiling and budget mess that was its' focus for two weeks.    The problems continue to persist.  However, there seems to be a concerted effort by the Obama Administration to fix the technical problems.    One of the most savage cuts is to a cut to what is referred to as the SNAP Program that helps over 22 Million People to avoid going hungry.   The United States will have a profound challenge in a few weeks yet again which will force the World to again be on edge as the nastiness of the US Political scene reared its' ugly head in the person of Ted Cruz and Mike Lee.  Ted Cruz recently lifted a hold on the nomination of the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission until he received an assurance that the new Chair will not push through disclosures on political adverstising.  This is as Senator Lindsey Graham threatened to put confirmations on hold for all Obama nominees until Benghazi survivors were allowed to testify and as Chuck Grasley accused the President of "Court Packing" as President Obama initiated appointments for vacancies on the US District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia--the second most important Court to the US Supreme Court.

There are some interesting elections coming up in November that may be an indication of trends at hand:  The election of the new New York City Mayor and the election of the new Governor in Virginia.   This is as Republicans throughout the States have begun a concerted effort to revamp voting laws that would present a challenge and potentially disenfranchise millions throughout those states.   I saw reports that the Democratic Candidate for Governor of Texas, Wendy Davis, was almost turned away at the polls.  

Jaswant Singh, the former Indian Foreign Minister,noted this profound dilemma being faced today by the United States: "The United States’ era as a hyperpower has ended, leaving its policymakers to confront difficult questions about their country’s global role.".    It is a treacherous route indeed.

D) Africa

Mo Ibrahim did not award his annual 5 Million Prize for Good Governance.   I could not agree with him.    For instance, Uganda's Mouseni is one such leader.  As reported in a recent edition of the Economist, he apparently wishes to farm than to govern.   However, everyone has to travel to his farm outside the capital to receive his ascent on Government Policy.   He apparently has made Uganda into a family business that has his wife, sister, brother and other family members with prominent roles in Government.    There is of course Zimbabwe that Mugabe continues to run ever so further to the ground.    The biggest one of all, South Africa, continues to "limp along" as it saw a very slight dip in unemployment as it deals with the aftermath of the global natural resource commodity slowdown.

E)  Asia

The two biggest countries in the World--India and China--continued to deal with profound challenges of their own.  China is dealing with a nascent Muslim insurgency that reared its' ugly head as suicide bombers crashed their vehicle into Tienanmen Square.   China also had to deal with profound environmental challenges and a fundamental problem:  Water.    Rivers are disappearing in China at an extremely fast rate.

India's foray into Foreign Policy was undermined by continued domestic difficulties.   The opposition BJP's rally was bombed which underscored the level of political instability that continues to besiege the country.  But November 3 was also a day that saw India celebrated Diwali--the dawn of the new year in India.      It was also a day that saw it gearing up for a Mission to Mars that has seen investments in the billions to assert India's rightful place.    I was impressed by the images I saw on NDTV24 of India as the countdown has begun.    Whether it has the ability to transform this new-found confidence into a more concerted action remains to be seen.

Despite the challenging World, I see no choice but being reminded of these admonitions:

Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative.
- Johnny Mercer

Count your blessings - not your troubles.
- Dale Carnegie

Positive thinking will let you do everything
better than negative thinking will.
- Zig Ziglar

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill

Onward!! :-)

Also Released by http://www.outsiderviews.com, all rights reserved under creative commons license....

Some Key Admonitions To Remember: The need to be thankful & brave :-)

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others. I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.

- H.H. the Dalai Lama

   

Criticism

is something you can easily avoid

by saying nothing,

doing nothing,

being nothing.

— Aristotle

Brief Daily Thoughts As November 2013 Dawns :-)

A new month is before us.  It has been a very challenging month as wars rage, politics in the United States have been ever so polarized and the ordinary men and women seem to be "lost in the shuffle".  

I was reflecting upon this as the new month has dawned.  This is the month in which Thanksgiving will be celebrated in the United States.   I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve Marine Families at Camp Pendelton as part of that week of service along with other Community Events.  This is also a month whereby America will celebrate Veterans Day to remember and honor all who have served.

The team @ Simple Truths noted this simple,yet powerful thought from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt because the essence of it was this:  We can only do what can to the best of our ability--and that should be the objective by us all consistently...

Onward to the "New Month" w/all its' possibilities :-)

"Do the best you can do and wait the results in peace."  - Franklin D. Roosevelt