An "M-Thought" 4 the Week :-)

As the W-end looms, some "food 4 thought" 4 all...



..as I hope we remember these admonitions courtesy of

Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Blessed are they who see beautiful things

in humble places where other people see nothing.

- Camille Pissarro

Talent is God-given; be humble.

Fame is man-given; be thankful.

Conceit is self-given; be careful.

- John Wooden

We come nearest to the great

when we are great in humility.

- Rabindranath Tagore

Real excellence and humility are

not incompatible one with the other,

on the contrary they are twin sisters.

- Jean Baptiste Lacordaire 

..Onward!! :-)

A "Newsflash" 4 the Week: A Very Busy World Before Us...51 Countries Have Elections..and yes they have consequences :-)

Almost 2 Billion People around the World (1/3 of Mother Earth) will speak to determine their future.  It is bound to be a very very very interesting year....and exciting times that we would be talking about here in "Outsiders".

On The Fight For Freedom: Peter Greste's letter from Tora prison - Al Jazeera Blogs

Just like many around the World, I have been following the plight of the Al Jazeera team detained by Egyptian Military Authorities.    Although the current Egyptian authorities want the World to believe that they are a Democracy, the detention of the Al Jazeera Team shows that this is far from the real truth.  This is as 29 people lost their lives in violence in Cairo just now.



I will continue to track this and periodically comment and share thoughts on Twitter as well using the hashtag #freeAJStaff to do my part.   Freedom of Expression is fundamental--there should be no compromise.   No Government should be afraid.



 My thoughts and prayers are with The Al Jazeera Team and their families as they endure this and commend Mr. Greste for the courage he's shown in this letter: A letter from Tora prison - Al Jazeera Blogs

A "Thought 4 the Week-End": 10 Things We May Not Know About the Founder of FedEx :-)

As the W-End is before us in the US, This is a fascinating account of how one man never gave up and truly believed in the Art of the Possible....

Onward: -)

Mike Pouraryan shared with you: 10 Things You Might Not Know About FedEx Billionaire Fred Smith Forbes - Fred Smith’s overnight delivery service was anything but an overnight success. But now he’s worth $2.3 billion, FedEx FedEx ships more than 10.2 million packages daily in 220 countries, and, while UPS left gift givers stranded this Christmas, Smith’s company soared. Available on the App Store.

On An Ever More Challenging World: A Brief "Thought 4 the Week"

As I write this, the World Economic Forum in Davos is in full swing.    The rich and famous are there to reflect upon the World as the gap between the rich and the poor is ever more.  The President of Iran spoke about his hope for the future and invited the World to Iran.    The Prime Minister of Egypt spoke to the BBC about how Democracy has returned to Egypt even as Police Headquarters in Cairo was subject to a car bomb attack in one of the most secure areas of the Capital.     It is two years since Mubarak was ousted.    Thailand continues to be in a state of chaos and Ukraine is up in arms.   Although the new Constitution in Tunisia is one good news after the advent of the Arab Spring that began two years ago.

It is not easy to remain hopeful.   Yet, this from Jonathan Luckwood Huie was ever so timely for us all to remember--although easier said than done, there is no choice: 

Onward to the Week-End:

When you feel worried and depressed,

consciously form a smile on your face and act upbeat

until the happy feeling becomes genuine.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

- Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy

is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet,

alone with the heavens, nature and God.

Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.

- Anne Frank 

A "Thought 4 the Week" As America Remembers Dr. King

Today is Martin Luther King Day. It is a day to remember a many and all that he stood for. For me, it was his constant reminder about love, understanding and overcoming bitterness was ever so important. I had to remind myself of his seminal saying to "Never succumb to the tempation of bitterness". This is as I also saw this from an Old and Dear Friend which is also important for us all to remember & recognize...to as Sir Winston Churchill told us, "...never, never, never give up"...

 Onward w/the new week before us...... :-) 

Nothing to be afraid of

Failure is nothing to be afraid of. Highly successful people experience it all the time, and they do just fine.

What will hold you back is not failure. What will hold you back is doing nothing because you fear failure.

Say what you authentically believe, without worrying about whether or not you’re saying the right thing. Express what you truly feel, without being concerned about what others will think.

And by all means, take action, without fretting or procrastinating or fearing what might or might not happen. Prepare yourself as best you know how, make sensible, well-informed choices, and then get busy doing it.

Sometimes, the result won’t be to your liking. But you can deal with that, and you’ll never know what works and what doesn’t until you step forward and act.

The way to succeed at anything is to take action even though failure is a definite possibility. Push yourself constantly forward into action, and make a beautiful, unique difference in life.

— Ralph Marston

View of the Week: On Our World & A Desire to Aspire To...As a New Week is Before US :-)

It was painful to be witness to Our World This Week.  This was a week that saw devastating Fires in Australia and a drought emergency declared in California.   This was also a week that saw War raging onward in South Sudan and the Taliban again taking their fight to the heart of Kabul.

Of all the death and destruction, the one in Kabul was especially daring.   This was done in the heart of the Embassy District that is supposed to be one of the safest in Afghanistan.    A number of foreign nationals--including the head of the IMF Afghanistan office--died.  The Restaurant Owner--a Lebanese--also died as a result of the blast despite all that he had done to be safe and to protect his clients.    What is clear is that no one and nothing is safe in Afghanistan.   After all that the World has done and the price paid,  it is of profound concern as a Post-Invasion Afghanistan is yet to emerge.

Beyond Afghanistan, there is Iraq.     It has been the view of us here in "Outsiders" that Iraq is a country in name only   The uprising in Anbar and the resulting death is as powerful an indicator as any on the dissolution of Iraq.   14,000 People have taken refugee in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.   Kurdistan, in the meantime, has struck an independent deal with Turkey to sell oil.    The Carnage in Syria also rages on with no end in sight as the World again is trying to get another peace conference going, even though one of Assad's key backers--Iran--has not been invited.  

It is not easy to remain optimistic in the face of so much carnage and as the transformation of our World continues onward to a World that is increasingly automated and digitized.    What one can hope for is what St Francis reminded us: 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life 

Onward.....

Also released to http://www.outsiderviews.com

The Yearning For Hope As I Remember Dr. Franklin & Dr. King.....

 I am amazed whenever I reflect upon these two giants.  They were mere mortals, for sure--but they made a difference.    That's all we can ever hope for as Dr. Franklin's Birthday was celebrated today and Dr. King is remembered by all Americans on January 20.

Here are some of  the most notable of thoughts from Dr. Franklin:  

Do not anticipate trouble,

or worry about what may never happen.

Keep in the sunlight.

- Benjamin Franklin

Well done is better than well said.

- Benjamin Franklin 

A good example is the best sermon.

- Benjamin Franklin

Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind, than on outward circumstances.

- Benjamin Franklin

We must all hang together,

or assuredly we shall all hang separately. 

- Benjamin Franklin

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

- Benjamin Franklin

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.

- Benjamin Franklin

There was never a good war or a bad peace.

- Benjamin Franklin

Money has never made man happy, nor will it,

there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness.

The more of it one has the more one wants.

- Benjamin Franklin

As for Dr. King, I have read and re-read all his speeches and revisit his thoughts almost daily. For me, the admonition to replace hate with only love is ever so true.    I also periodically revisit his speech on Vietnam that is ever so true today as the World is witness to an Iraq that is imploding before our very eyes.    Without a doubt, though, it is the speech in Memphis that says it all, though: 

I was also On the "Social Grid" during the "rounds" before I go "dark" for the week-end and saw this:

Believing, loving one another, understanding what's important is the essence of what I envisioned when I embarked upon "Daily Outsiders".    I yearn for a World of Peacemakers , healers and lovers--may it be so.

Onward.....

A "Thought 4 the Week"

A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.

   George Bernard Shaw

 

On Being Happy: The Essence of Life :-)

 It has been a wonderful Week-End of Service & Reflection.    I also found enough courage within me to register as a Bone Marrow Donor earlier today.   This is as I work away and release the "que'd up" write-ups.

I also made the "rounds" of the Social Grid and found this which underscores the simple yet crucial statement that is very much in line with what I envisioned my year to be--To Smile & Be Happy:

One is happy though knowing that one has loved.    Whether that love was not returned does not matter.    I also continue to be so moved by what Gandhi Ji noted when he said, "...He bows to all and despises none...".   It is probably another key to happiness.  With our outlook and view, we can truly change the World.   

 May we all be given the chance to do our part.....

 

On the "Social Grid": Some Brief Thoughts on the Eve of a 2014 W-End

It was a bit of a challenging few days as 2014 is gathering steam.    But, this admonition from Mary Anne Radmacher was worth reviewing so that the petty is forgotten and what is important is remembered:

Live with intention.

Walk to the edge.

Listen hard.

Practice wellness.

Play with abandon.

Laugh.

Choose with no regret.

Appreciate your friends.

Continue to learn.

Do what you love.

Live as if this is all there is.

- Mary Anne Radmacher

As I reflected upon this, I could not help but remember the plight of the family of Altzaz Hassan, the 15-year Old Pakistani Boy who confronted a suicide bomber and helped saved 1500 lives.   He's a true martyr that truly did the humane and courageous act.    Although, as his father noted, his mother is crying, 1500 mothers are not crying tonight because of him.    I remembered him earlier on Twitter as have many others--how can one repay such courage?   My response is this:  By being courageous enough to do the right thing.

On the Eve of the First Week of 2014 :-)

The first full work week of 2014 is before us.     It was wonderful to see news of marriages and birthdays while on the grid.  It was also a day of sadness at times as I saw friends lose loved ones who continued onward with their journey.   It has also been a World that at times seems be "on fire" as I saw reports on the riots in Bagladesh, the fighting in South Sudan and the continued carnage in Iraq and Syria.   When can the World learn to be young and overcome?

While continuing visits "on the Grid", I saw someone talk about how Dubai was a great City.    It is--but the plight of Dubai and other parts of the World underscore this "tale of two worlds" that continues to haunt us as the human race.     As I was thinking of this, I saw this from J.R.R. Tolkien that underscores how being true to one's beliefs should be ever so:

“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”

..and the need to love--as Mother Theresa reminded us all:

"People who love each other fully and truly are the happiest people in the world. They may have little, they may have nothing, but they are happy people. Everything depends on how we love one another."

Until Next Time :-) 

A "M-Thought" on the First W-End of the New Year: Blue Looks Good On You & Other Thoughts :-)

I have been "on the Grid" for the evening making the on-going rounds as I continue to "get cracking" for what I hope is a "breakthrough year".   Although there are minefields to be navigated through for sure,  the need to remember the simple resolution to "smile and be happy" should overcome any perceived challenge before me. I caught this beauty of a song to underscore the hope for life.  Blue, to me, is about being and staying hopeful.  Although admittedly at times that sense of hope has not been as vibrant as I would have liked, it is so striking how what is before me at times reminds me of the need to serve and be ever so thankful.  I was reminded of it as I drove down to Capistrano Beach to help serve the homeless with the Welcome Inn.   These poor souls had set up camp right in the back of the Church and were getting ready to call it a night as we were shutting down the daily service--and it was heart wrenching.  

As I began my day, I received word from one of my students about she and her spouse were living in a Motel and the Motel had caught fire--and they literally may be homeless.    Such may be minor to some--but it a reminder for us to cherish what we have and be able to do what we can.     Such events--and my morning of service w/my Son at Laguna Niguel City Hall assisting in bringing down a "Canstruction" House--really got to me.   Although I have done my small part to serve, the past 24 hours has reaffirmed it by remembering the "blueness" in our lives and how we ought to remain cheerful and hopeful.    We can't do no less.

Until next time :-)

2014 Has Arrived: Brief Personal Thoughts

The 2nd Day of 2014 is winding down.   I took some "day-cation" time to reflect as I spent the afternoon joining the folks @ the Welcome Inn to assist in serving the homeless.  It was heart wrenching to see all these souls who had set up camp and were so thankful for the Meal that was served by one of the faith-based organizations that is part of the Welcome Inn.   The utter tragedy of it all was absolutely beyond Words.  It was truly the epitome of Dickens "A tale of Two Cities" that the new Mayor of New York talked about in his inaugural address.   I saw that with my eyes in one of the wealthiest parts of the World:  South Orange County, California.

Although the few days of "day-cation" was a luxury I could not afford, it was necessary as I work on the Daily Outsiders 2014 and other initiatives.     I do continue to cherish all the blessings as I read up on the horrific condition of High School Students in China, the bombings in Beirut, the continued carnage in Iraq and the war in South Sudan.     Of all the current flare-ups, the one in Iraq is ever so bothersome as the Al Qaeda Affiliates have taken over Falluja and Ramadi.    Falluja is especially dramatic as it was the scene of a horrific battle that saw that City be destroyed by the US Marines during the occupation of Iraq--and the people of Falluja have suffered ever since.

I made one simple resolution:  To Smile & Be Happy.  It was not easy to be smiling over the past 24 hours.  But Gandhi Ji reminded us to be the change we want to see in the World.   It starts with us.

Onward :-)

Winding Down 2013: Final Thought & Sharing Rob Tardik's Smile

2013 is going to be history soon.       As I finished the rounds of the "Social Grid" and finished final reflections, I remain ever so grateful for all--and very appreciative of all who have been gracious enough to "drop in" as I continue the on-going development of this and other projects.     I have personally resolved to be simply "Smile & be Happy".   This beautiful rendition by Rob Tradik is ever so "right"--I initially shared this one year ago this day w/friends and I think it is ever so critical to remember it.   It is not easy to smile as one is observant to the continued challenges in the World as epitomized by carnage in Syria, the daily carnage in Iraq and the war in South Sudan.   However, there is no other choice but to smile and work to overcome challenges while remembering that all of us are brothers and sisters in ultimately insuring that we leave this blessed Earth a bit better than we've found it.

Onward to 2014--looking forward to "seeing" all on the "other side".

On the Eve of 2014: Brief "Thoughts 4 the W-End"

As I work to wind down 2013, I briefly made the rounds of the "Social Grid" and saw these two courtesy of the Team @ Words to Inspire your Soul on Facebook that underscores a simple wish and I wanted to share this for all as we bid farewell to 2013 and gear up for 2014.  I reflected upon this as I received word of the passing of an old friend of the family from brain cancer.

May we never forget that everyday is a gift that we must embrace--and remember always a sense of love an compassion and understanding--and never forget to smile.

Onward to 2014--Looking forward to the continuing the journey :-)

Happy Holidays to all :-)

A "Brief" Final Thought on the eve of 2014 :-)

As I gear up to be "off the grid", I wanted to wish all the most joyous holiday.   Best wishes to you and your families--and look forward to "seeing you" all on the grid in 2014.

Onward to 2014 w/all its' possibilites :-)

Winding Down 2013: Second in a Series of Thoughts

A Retrospective On Our World...and Gearing Up 4 2014

 

Iran, though, has also had its' share of profound challenges as it deals with the aftermath of the disastrous 8 years of the Presidency of Ahmadinejad. It has profound challenges Economically, Environmentally and Socially that will continue to challenge The Rouhani Adminstration for quite some time. His 100-Day Report that was discussed during a 2-hour live interview with Iran's State Television is quite telling.. The Government of Iran has been quite busy as shuttle diplomacy continued to work to transform Iran beyond the years of Ahmadinejad. It culminated in the historic agreement that was signed. The reaction by Iranians on the street was indicative of the psychological boost given. Unfortunately, though, there are moves in the Congress of the United States to undermine it--despite warnings by the President of The United States and the current Iranian Leadership.

The Israeli-Palestinian negotiations dissipated from public view--and it so happens that nothing came of it again--except resignations and claims by Israelis that they wanted peace. The misery on the ground was further exasperated by the harsh winter that covered the entire Middle East that caused floods and added to the misery being faced by the ordinary man and woman on the street. One bright spot, though, was the rise of the women. Senior appointments by President Rohani in Iran and the rise of Musawah is among the themes that will be pursued in 2014.

Europe has also had its' share of challenges. It was amusing to see how Vladimir Putin played the public relations game as he did as he signed the decree releasing Mikhail Khodorkovsky from prison. The Pussy Riots Group Girls have also been released--as have 20,000 other prisoners as Russia gears up for the Winter Olympics. Putin has one objective in mind: To showcase the fact that Russia is back. This is as he extended Ukraine Twenty Billion Dollars for it to avoid joining Europe. Europe, though, lost its' credit rating in large measure due to the continued challenges being faced on the economic front as individual countries continue to struggle with recovery. Although the economic decline has been halted, the harshness of the policies has been quite stark. Beyond the celebrations in Sochii, though, there are minefields that Europe that it will have to deal with. The independence movements in Scotland and the Catalonia Region of Spain will be assessed as part of the on-going evolution of Europe.

The changes in the Americas is also quite fascinating. Michelle Bachelet got her old job back as Chile's President--in large measure thanks to the dissatisfaction with the outgoing President's policies. I was quite fascinated to see how the leader of the Student Movement that began the transformation has made her way to Chile's Congress. Brazil, though, continues to deal with the aftermath of the challenges being faced as it gears up for hosting the World Cup in 2014. It was fascinating to see that the residents of Rio's slums were offering rooms to folks because hotel space was scarce. This is as Venezuela continued its' slippery slope into the near abyss with the near dictatorial powers granted to Nicholas Maduro.

As for the United States, Obamacare went live. The initial roll out was an absolute disaster at the Federal Level--although the 16 States that decided to launch their own exchanges seemed to fare better. This was overshadowed by the shutdown of the Government. But Congress did end up with a Budget Agreement that everyone seemed to agree with. People need to recognize though that the Budget is the blueprint--it is the appropriation process that would help drive how the "blue print" is spent. It was at least a start. There is one thing that did not occur: An attempt to get some semblance of control on Guns. What was fascinating was how those in the State of Colorado who had spearheaded the moves for Gun Control were defeated. It was also fascinating to see how the US Department of Energy noted in a recent report that Clean Energy could choke the Electrical Grid in the United States--not withstanding the major push by California. The Economic Recovery has continued--which has resulted in the Fed deciding to pare back its' asset purchases as it has reaffirmed its' commitment to near zero interest rates to continue

Asia, though, is the powerhouse of the World--there is no denial. China launched its' Jade Rabbit (which has landed on the Moon). This is as it continues maintaining its' orbital space station. India's Mars Mission is continuing onward. But, these two giants of our planet continue to be besieged by challenges as 2014 is before us. The corruption that continues to eat away at China is enough of a concern that the December 21 edition of the New York Times reported on a Mao-Era strategy being brought back by the current President to conduct self-criticism sessions to cleanse and learn from mistakes. This is as the Communist Party continues to deal with its' long-term viability and role in running China. The 3rd Plenum of the 18th Communist Party Central Committee Meeting ushered in new Market-Oriented policies that underscored the primacy of markets as it tries to figure out how to maintain growth. This is as it has had to deal with profound environmental degradation which resulted in its' commercial capital, Shanghai being shut down due to the pollution. India is also facing an election that Modi, the Candidate of the BJP, has a reasonable chance of winning. It will be simply fascinating to see the elections as 1 Billion of our brothers and sisters in India go to the poles. The shocking arrest and execution of Kim Jung Un's uncle in North Korea was quite a development that will continue to haunt that part of the World for quite some time.

Moving down to the "land down under", Australia's transformation has been quite fascinating to observe as well. Tony Abbott is an interesting character to observe--for now, he's apparently on a path of blaming only as the new budget has been rolled out and about the deficit that labor left. Whether he can transform Australia in his image remains to be seen.

I end this retrospective with a personal note: The plight of Malalai Joya. She's a former member of Parliament in Afghanistan who has been a leading advocate of human rights and woman's in her land. I had the pleasure to attend a talk she gave in the United States during 2013. Her courage and determination to do what she can was inspiring. She's the example of what can be within the realm of the possible--not withstanding the current options on successors to Karzai. He's yet to sign the Security Agreement with the United States. 2014 is the year that Americans are supposed to come back home.

It is not easy to be hopeful with such a challenging World that is before us. But we can retain a sense of hope through the power of a smile:



"Outsiders" will be taking a holiday sabbatical as we gear up for 2014. We wish all the very best during this joyous season as Christmas is celebrated throughout the World, Kwanza is so in Africa and other parts of the World . We look forward to continuing onward with the deliberations of our World as we begin a new session starting on January 15, 2014 here in "Outsider Views".

Happy Holidays

Also released to http://www.outsiderviews.com  12/21/2013

Tracking Santa :-)

Santa is coming..and NORAD is helping the World yet again!! :-)

This is courtesy of USA.GOV

If you and your children would like to track Santa's journey on Christmas Eve, visit NORAD Tracks Santa. In addition to tracking Santa, you can play games, watch videos, listen to music, and learn about holiday traditions from around the world on NORAD Tracks Santa. Find out why and how NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) tracks Santa and get answers to frequently asked questions about Santa.

A "Thought 4 the Week" As We Bid Farewell 2 2013

I was reflecting upon this admonition as the year is winding down.    It is not easy advise for those in South Sudan who are in the midst of fighting, those in the Central African Republic who are the victims of attacks by rival militas and the children of Syria who are being lost to a useless and senseless war that seems to go on for ever.   Yet, humans have endured--and should endure.