8/26/2014
On the "Social Grid" Today (8/26/2014): Briefly on #Gaza, #Libya , #Syria & #Islamic State
For this edition of "View of the Week", there is somewhat of a good news. There is a new truce in Gaza that has been announced that seems to be holding. This is as the internal political dynamics of Israel continues to be played out as well and as the immense challenge of rebuilding Gaza begins:
A sense of celebration has prevailed in Gaza,though:
Beyond Israel, though, the profound challenge in #Syria and #Iraq continues to be ever so a persistent challenge to the long-term stability of the Middle East. The so-called Islamic State continues its' reign of terror with no apparent end in site. Vijay Prashad's Matter-Of-Fact comments on the true reality today is chilling:
Blowback: Vijay Prashad on How Islamic State Grew Out of U.S Invasion of Iraq, Destruction of Nation | Democracy Now!
He was ever so right when he noted that it is easy to destroy, but hard to build. It took over 100 years for the Iraqi state to be built--and it was destroyed in an afternoon. As Professor Prashad reflected upon the profound challenges the World faces today, he has also been commenting on the situation in Libya. He shared his insights on the reality of Libya and how the various cities declared independence--and as the militias were paid by the Government in Tripoli to keep the peace. As Professor Prashad has noted, it is weird--but it is scary enough to have prompted all North African Ministers to meet in Cairo. It is just so scary that Libya Parliamentarians are planning on meeting on a cruise ship as the security situation is so volatile and the World remains silent.
It is absolutely scary.
A sense of celebration has prevailed in Gaza,though:
Post by Hamid Dabashi.
Beyond Israel, though, the profound challenge in #Syria and #Iraq continues to be ever so a persistent challenge to the long-term stability of the Middle East. The so-called Islamic State continues its' reign of terror with no apparent end in site. Vijay Prashad's Matter-Of-Fact comments on the true reality today is chilling:
Blowback: Vijay Prashad on How Islamic State Grew Out of U.S Invasion of Iraq, Destruction of Nation | Democracy Now!
He was ever so right when he noted that it is easy to destroy, but hard to build. It took over 100 years for the Iraqi state to be built--and it was destroyed in an afternoon. As Professor Prashad reflected upon the profound challenges the World faces today, he has also been commenting on the situation in Libya. He shared his insights on the reality of Libya and how the various cities declared independence--and as the militias were paid by the Government in Tripoli to keep the peace. As Professor Prashad has noted, it is weird--but it is scary enough to have prompted all North African Ministers to meet in Cairo. It is just so scary that Libya Parliamentarians are planning on meeting on a cruise ship as the security situation is so volatile and the World remains silent.
It is absolutely scary.
8/24/2014
As a New Week Dawns: On Lessons On Life & Other Thoughts
The International Space Station just flew over our Town. This is as Northern California suffered its' worst Earthquake in 25 years. Such brings into focus as to what are the priorities and what should be the focus.
As the Space Station moved on checking out the heavens and the Earth, it truly brought things into focus about what's important--and this little clip courtesy of the team @ Simple Truths was ever so timely as a new week dawns here in "Outsiders". The priorities are critical and the need to remember it is ever so...as it is ever so vital to also not forget forgiveness as Jonathan Lockwood Huie reminded us not so long ago:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
...
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
- attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
A wise man will make haste to forgive,
because he knows the true value of time,
and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain.
- Samuel Johnson
Today, I say yes to forgiving.
I commit to being for-giving love and for-giving compassion in all areas of my life.
– Sheri Rosenthal
This is a tough sentiment to adopt especially as one is witness to the horror of Syria & Iraq. But, as Gandhi Ji remidned us, right always prevails over might.
As the great Diane Nyad always reminds us: Onward as we embrace this "lesson in life":
As the great Diane Nyad always reminds us: Onward as we embrace this "lesson in life":
A Lesson on Life |  |
| Sometimes, life can be very stressful. Lots to do, but not enough time. This 3-minute movie will put it all in perspective. It’s all about our priorities and the choices we make...... All the Best, | |
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| Mac Anderson Founder, Simple Truths | |
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| More movies you may enjoy: Top 3 Motivational Videos for a Positive Attitude Top 7 Motivational Quote Videos Top 6 Leadership Videos |
8/23/2014
As the Battle For #Iraq rages on.......
Radio Farda, a Farsi service of Radio Free Europe (part of the Voice of America), has reported that men on motorcycles with Islamic State Flags have been seen in major cities in Iran's Kurdistan Region . This is a region that has been traditionally restless. It is an absolutely horrific development that should hopefully wake up the Iranian Leadership to go beyond what they did when they sent soldiers to Iraqi Kurdistan to beat back the Islamic State. It is also worthwhile to note that the Iranian Foreign Minister is in Baghdad to confer with the Iraqi Leadership:
It is part of the changing dynamic of Iraq that Hosyiar Zabari, the Kurdish Iraqi Foreign Minister has been reappointed and is now back at work--a welcome development.
Part of the predicament goes back to fateful decisions made at the outset of the Syrian Revolution 3 years ago. Mana Neyestani at Iran Wire Captured this beautifully:
It is part of the changing dynamic of Iraq that Hosyiar Zabari, the Kurdish Iraqi Foreign Minister has been reappointed and is now back at work--a welcome development.
Part of the predicament goes back to fateful decisions made at the outset of the Syrian Revolution 3 years ago. Mana Neyestani at Iran Wire Captured this beautifully:
Quite a predicament for the World....
"Thoughts" 4 the Week-End : On Objectives & A Sense of Hope
As "Outsiders" celebrates its' 2,000th Post here in the "first channel", these two thoughts underscore the ultimate sentiment behind the launch of "outsiders" as this journey continues onward!!
May it be so for all!!!
Onward!!
A Blast From the Recent Past: Guarding the Freedom of the Internet (A View For the Week-End)
The need to protect the Internet's Freedom is ever so evident. But that protection, though, has to be balanced with a sense of purpose and responsibility as epitomized by the Foley Tragedy. Yet, the warnings from the founder of the Modern Internet Should not be taken lightly though:
As A "Virtual Milestone" is Celebrate: Brief Thoughts For the Week-End
The World is at war and the need to think different is ever so crucial now for the sake of our Children and Grandchildren. Otherwise, as Dr. Chopra noted in his "Talk to Al Jazeera" interview, humans will face extinction.
"Outsiders", in large measure, grew out of this desire to seek out ways to think different and assist in creating a more humane and engaging path. On the occasion of this "Channel" reaching a milestone-of 2000 Posts, it was fitting to feature the advise that Deepak Chopra released recently to his own website on resolving not just the wars Gaza, but all the other wars that are raging on in our World Today--and to create a sense of a more humane and just World :
Special thanks to @BuddhaBrian for submitting the image for #CosmicCounciousness
- 1Speak with respect, lack of respect will get you nowhere
- 2Recognize that in any conflict there is perceived justice on both sides
- 3Recognize that both sides are operating from fear
- 4Refrain from belligerence
- 5Understand and use the techniques of emotional intelligence
- 6Recognize that your values maybe different than the values of the people who are in conflict with you
- 7Do not make the other person wrong
- 8Refrain from defending your ideology or religion
- 9Be willing to forgive and ask for forgiveness
- 10Strive for wellbeing
A "Outsiders Newsflash " 4 the Week-End : On Iraq In Turmoil
Iraq, yet again, has been rocked by car bombs including bombings in Kirkuk and Irbil. This is as reports of Iranian Troops crossing into Iraq were reported out this morning.
What continues to be amazing is how the so-called Islamic State with its' estimated 15,000 fighters, is able to wreck havoc as it has and as it continues to leave a trail of destruction and suffering that underscores the ever growing tragedy of Iraq: Iraq's north rocked by deadly blasts - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
What continues to be amazing is how the so-called Islamic State with its' estimated 15,000 fighters, is able to wreck havoc as it has and as it continues to leave a trail of destruction and suffering that underscores the ever growing tragedy of Iraq: Iraq's north rocked by deadly blasts - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
8/22/2014
On our World on a Challenging Week: Thoughts for the Week-End
We're faced with a World that is ever so dangerous. As we prepared to go "dark" for the Week-End here in "Outsiders", we received a newsflash from India's NDTV on Pakistan attacking 22 Indian Border Security Forces in Jammu & Kashmir. This is as Pakistan has been in the midst of a political upheaval due to the march on Pakistan's Capital, Islamabad, by the opposition demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.
As we're witness to such a challenging, dangerous and angry World, we should remember what Gandhi Ji told us about wanting to be the change we want to see in the World. Part of it entails having a sense of compassion and understanding which begins with the simple admonition that the Persian Prophet Zorostan (Zartoost) told us some 6,000 years ago: To think good thought, to do good deeds and to talk kindly and justly. This little clip (courtesy of the team @ Give More) speaks to this in a profound way:
We should also not forget this and hopefully do what we can to help elevate others:
As we're witness to such a challenging, dangerous and angry World, we should remember what Gandhi Ji told us about wanting to be the change we want to see in the World. Part of it entails having a sense of compassion and understanding which begins with the simple admonition that the Persian Prophet Zorostan (Zartoost) told us some 6,000 years ago: To think good thought, to do good deeds and to talk kindly and justly. This little clip (courtesy of the team @ Give More) speaks to this in a profound way:
We should also not forget this and hopefully do what we can to help elevate others:
“ If America is the pursuit of happiness, the best way to pursue happiness is to help other people.” George Lucas (1944- ) |
May we all be blessed to do what we can in this endeavor.
Onward to the Week-End.....
An "Outsiders" Newsflash: Of Profound Concern on Rights
As the Week-End looms here in "Outsiders", this crossed our desk courtesy of Professor Jonathan Turley that is of profound concern as it appears that the erosion of defendant rights seems to be ever so prevalent:
http://jonathanturley.org/2014/08/22/california-supreme-court-prosecutors-may-use-the-silence-of-a-defendant-as-proof-of-guilt/
http://jonathanturley.org/2014/08/22/california-supreme-court-prosecutors-may-use-the-silence-of-a-defendant-as-proof-of-guilt/
View of the Week: On Syria--The Forgotten War
The horror of Syria is now a cancer that has become a World Wide Problem. The UN says that some 5,000 people are dying every month. But, what the UN does not account is the long-term impact. THis was brought home to me when I was at a meeting yesterday and I was advised of a Syrian Man who had died of a heart attack at the age of 53. He had lost his brother and his father to this war. It is such stories that will continue onward as this war continues and the reality was ever so reflected here:
When will such horror end? UN says Syrian death toll more than 191,000 - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
The number of deaths in #Syria keeps rising but the media coverage has dropped off. #GlobalDev #humanitarian #aid pic.twitter.com/Xrk9PyD3XU
— ODI (@odi_development) August 22, 2014
When will such horror end? UN says Syrian death toll more than 191,000 - Middle East - Al Jazeera English
8/21/2014
Thought 4 the Week: On #WoodBadge & A Continued Commitment To Serve
For this "Thought 4 the Week", A very dear friend and fellow Scouter was good enough to share this on Wood Badge. Wood Badge was one of the highlights of my life--an Opportunity to serve and learn from some of the most selfless souls in the World who have dedicated their lives to serving the leaders of tomorrow.
May all be ever so blessed to serve and strive to make a difference.....
Wood Badge
We who have lived in the woods together,
And have heard the kudu horn,
Have found within our hearts,
A spirit newly born.
We who have lived in the woods together
Beneath God's open sky,
Have found a truer meaning
In helping the other guy.
We who have lived in the woods together
In nature's great expanse,
Have found that nothing good in Scouting
Is ever left to chance.
We who have lived in the woods together
And have shared each other's task,
Have found a few more answers
to the thousand questions a boy can ask.
So as we gather for Scouting
And friendship once again,
We honor these beads you are wearing,
Welcome Wood Badge friend!
8/20/2014
On The Right To Know, Freedom of the Press & Other Thoughts
It has been a terrible week for journalism around the World. The horrific report out of Iraq about the execution of James Foley was the most extreme and horrible example of the challenges Journalists face all around the World. Although I did not know this man personally, from the accounts I read of him and the interviews with his friends, he was shown to be one of those selfless souls who dedicated his life to educate the World on the perils of the war in Libya, Syria and Iraq. May his soul Rest in Peace, grant his courageous family the solace to deal with this tragic loss and may we all see the day that the killers who did this in what they perceive to be their twisted sense of faith be brought to justice.
As the World has come to grips with the tragic death of Mr. Foley, there is also what has happened to the New York Times' Matthew Rosenberg. I read with great interest his gripping and truthful account of the profound political challenges in Afghanistan. The Afghan Attorney General apparently did not like it--and brought him in for Questioning. One point on Twitter made said it all: his only crime was to expose the truth. The reality on the ground is that the Taliban are ever so emboldened as the Obama Administration reaffirmed its' commitment to the Withdrawal of all forces. It is quite a dilemma especially as Iraq withers away as a Nation as the Islamic State Thugs continue the rampage throughout Iraq and Syria. What is so ironic is how these thugs want to create their "state" and want to impose a per-medieval condition on that part of the World while employing the most sophisticated P/R effort out there today to spread their messages of hate.
Meanwhile, back in the United States, there is also the continued persecution of Journalists and whistle-blowers. Although President Obama came out reaffirming people's peaceful right to protest and for the information to be disseminated, the reality has in fact been different. This is as there is an increased militarization of Police Departments. I remain hopeful that just as Snowden brought the very essence of transparency and accountability to bear with his actions, Ferguson also serves to be a pivotal moment for America so that such is avoided:
Officer appears to threaten cameraman covering chaos in Ferguson. An officer appears to have threatened Mustafa Hussein of Argus Radio, a member of the media livestreaming the chaos in Ferguson last night. "Get the f--- out of here and keep that light off or you're getting shelled with this," video shows -- although the audio is somewhat garbled. Last week, police arrested Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery and Huffington Post reporter Ryan Reilly as they were reporting on the unrest in the St. Louis suburb following the fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown.
I was online commenting and monitoring these live feeds and the scenes were absolutely horrific--and I salute Mustafa and all who put themselves in Harms' Way.
It is also fitting to remember all Journalists who continue to languish on in Prisons. Jason Rezayian of the Washington Post and his wife continue to be detained and I have not received reports of them being released. Al Jazeera Journalists continue to be languishing in Egyptian Dungeons. It has been a pleasure for me to add my voice to call for the Al Jazeera staff to be released because Journalism is not a crime.
The need to fight for transparency and accountability is ever so critical if we insure a more viable future. The challenge is to sustain that sense of courage to do it.
As the World has come to grips with the tragic death of Mr. Foley, there is also what has happened to the New York Times' Matthew Rosenberg. I read with great interest his gripping and truthful account of the profound political challenges in Afghanistan. The Afghan Attorney General apparently did not like it--and brought him in for Questioning. One point on Twitter made said it all: his only crime was to expose the truth. The reality on the ground is that the Taliban are ever so emboldened as the Obama Administration reaffirmed its' commitment to the Withdrawal of all forces. It is quite a dilemma especially as Iraq withers away as a Nation as the Islamic State Thugs continue the rampage throughout Iraq and Syria. What is so ironic is how these thugs want to create their "state" and want to impose a per-medieval condition on that part of the World while employing the most sophisticated P/R effort out there today to spread their messages of hate.
Meanwhile, back in the United States, there is also the continued persecution of Journalists and whistle-blowers. Although President Obama came out reaffirming people's peaceful right to protest and for the information to be disseminated, the reality has in fact been different. This is as there is an increased militarization of Police Departments. I remain hopeful that just as Snowden brought the very essence of transparency and accountability to bear with his actions, Ferguson also serves to be a pivotal moment for America so that such is avoided:
Officer appears to threaten cameraman covering chaos in Ferguson. An officer appears to have threatened Mustafa Hussein of Argus Radio, a member of the media livestreaming the chaos in Ferguson last night. "Get the f--- out of here and keep that light off or you're getting shelled with this," video shows -- although the audio is somewhat garbled. Last week, police arrested Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery and Huffington Post reporter Ryan Reilly as they were reporting on the unrest in the St. Louis suburb following the fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown.
I was online commenting and monitoring these live feeds and the scenes were absolutely horrific--and I salute Mustafa and all who put themselves in Harms' Way.
It is also fitting to remember all Journalists who continue to languish on in Prisons. Jason Rezayian of the Washington Post and his wife continue to be detained and I have not received reports of them being released. Al Jazeera Journalists continue to be languishing in Egyptian Dungeons. It has been a pleasure for me to add my voice to call for the Al Jazeera staff to be released because Journalism is not a crime.
The need to fight for transparency and accountability is ever so critical if we insure a more viable future. The challenge is to sustain that sense of courage to do it.
8/18/2014
View of the Week: On Seizing the Moment....Being Mad and Engaging w/our World......
| For this edition of the "View of the Week", such thoughts that Jonathan Lockwood Huie shared in his outreach is ever so important to underscore a sense of the responsible. It is not an easy thing to embrace such thoughts especially as the War in Gaza rages on, the Islamic State thugs continue their reign of terror in Iraq and Boko Haram continue its' reign of terror in Nigeria. Onward..with a sense of hope..... |
 
Only put off until tomorrow
what you are willing to die having left undone.
- Pablo Picasso
If you wait for the perfect moment when all is safe and assured,
it may never arrive.
Mountains will not be climbed, races won,
or lasting happiness achieved.
- Maurice Chevalier
Today is your day to
smile broadly, sing loudly,
paint your rooms in bold colors,
search every rabbit hole
for a magical white bunny,
have caviar for breakfast
and oatmeal for dinner,
wear a purple coat with a red hat,
and dance lightly with life.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
|
A "Blast From the Past": Top 10 Unknown Gadget Pioneers - Techlicious
This is a periodic new feature forthcoming. This is a beautiful piece courtesy of the Team @ Techlicious that does some fantastic work in educating the World on Technology Today and bringing a commons sense of it all to bear. These leading lights of Technology and what they've done for us have made all the difference for what we very much take for granted today. What a legacy to leave:
On the Eve of a New Week: Daring to Dream...and Daring to Risk....:-)
For the dawn of the new Work Week, I ran across this beauty of a "View of the Week" courtesy of the ever resourceful Jonathan Lockwood Huie that reflects a sense of purpose. As this journey in "Outsiders" continues, it is a reaffirmation of the need to do one's best no matter what:
Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have
the possibility of being great.
- Cher
There's something liberating about not pretending.
Dare to embarrass yourself. Risk.
- Drew Barrymore
People do not wish to appear foolish.
To avoid the appearance of foolishness,
they are willing to remain actually fools.
- Alice Walker
A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance
to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.
- William Arthur Ward
You grow up the day you have your first real laugh - at yourself.
- Ethel Barrymore
8/17/2014
At the Dawn of a New Week: Continuing a sense of Hopefulness :-)
A new week is before us. I shared these while on the "Social Grid" and making the "Virtual Rounds" in Facebook:
Post by Mike Pouraryan.
The Dalai Lama reminded us that, "..Anger cannot be overcome by anger. If person shows anger to you,, and you show anger in return, the result is a disaster. In contrast, if you control your anger and show its' opposite--love, compassion, tolerance, and patience--then not only will you remain in peace, but the anger of others also will gradually diminish".
May we have the courage to live a life of compassion, tolerance & love!!
8/16/2014
Thought 4 the Week: On A Need 4 Joy & Happiness :-)
There is always a need to engage and relax no matter what the challenges are. This latest retrospective reflects it ever more courtesy of the ever insightful #
Jonathan Lockwood Huie:
Life must be lived as play.
- Plato
Grin your smile; giggle your laugh; unfurl your joy;
dash the last trace of your self-consciousness;
and cavort your most uninhibited play.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
& I would add that our work must be also play as well--because if we do not enjoy it--what's the point? My Son reminded me of this fact just as I was working away on this which led me to this I ran across courtesy of Dr. Wayne Dyer while researching the latest on the Social Grid:
Onward!! :-)
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On A Beautiful World & A Beautiful #Life: Thoughts 4 the Weekend
It is the dawn of a Week-End and the midpoint of the Third Quarter of 2014. It has been a challenging year. These two thoughts courtesy of friends on the "Social Grid" brings a sense of purpose that underscores a sense of realism-yet a sense of hope:
History of the World In 2 Minutes by RumbleVideo
As the great Diane Nyad always reminds us all: Onward!! :-)
- This first one is on a true "history" of the World which is spectacular in its' beauty:
History of the World In 2 Minutes by RumbleVideo
- This one minute tribute to #RobinWilliams brings into focus how it is important and crucial to insure that one's life truly remains spectacular--and what a beautiful life he had in making us laugh, making us cry and realizing the essential humanity that we have to live for:
As the great Diane Nyad always reminds us all: Onward!! :-)
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