Notations on Our World: Reflecting Upon The Horrific Day in France & Beyond

As the World comes to grips with the aftermath of the tragedy in France, it was welcome news as we saw reports that one of the three wanted men identified by France had turned himself in.  

In the evening "rounds" around the "Grid", this released on Facebook underscored the true reality that must be underscored by the Whole World:

Post by Mike Pouraryan.

This is telling in realizing that there is no distrinction as it was in Israel--when a Druze Policeman fell to an assassin's bullet as he protected a Jewish place of worship.  On this solemn day, the only solace to take comfort in is this as we remember all the victims of terrorism around the World:

We Shall Overcome

Notations on Our World: On Today's Tragedy in France

It has been a tragic day in France today.    We here @ #Outsiders  join the World in underscoring this simple yet profound gesture to remember as thousands across France are demonstrating against the horrific attack earlier  as 10 Journalists and the 2 Police Officers assigned to protect the offices were gunned down:

We reviewed the Clip taken by an amateur photographer as a video clip was captured as these Killers got away.   They were well prepared.    Based on the accounts we reviewed, it was chilling how the killers called out the victims as they did and how totally professional they were in how they did it--including the precision in which they escaped after this attack.    

The fight for freedom of expression continues.  What was also sickening was how they justified their action in the name of faith.     It was ever so gratifying as condemnations across the spectrum have been swift.   This narrative courtesy of a leading Muslim Progressive Organization underscores the ludicrous and despicable nature of their justification for this evil act; 

Post by Muslims for Progressive Values.

Within the past hour, BBC interviewed  +Tariq Ramadan Chaine HD .   He's the grandson of the founder of Muslim Brotherhood and his unequivocal condemnation underscores the sense of revulsion  at what has happened throughout the Muslim World.  He reminded the World that these killers need to be reminded that the very legacy of the Prophet Mohammad is betrayed by this action.  What must also been underscored is that more Muslims have died and suffered at the hand of such merchants of death--including all that have died in Syria (some 200,000 to date), Iraq and Afghanistan.  

President Hollande has declared a National Day of Morning for tomorrow along with a minute of silence for the fallen.    A Truly challenging day in our World.....

      

Notations for The Week-End: On #2014, #2015 & the Challenging Year Ahead

As the first week-end of 2015 is slowly dusting away into history,   our friends @ +TakePart reminded us of what 2014 was like and what to expect in 2015.   We wanted to share excepts of their "newsflash" as we finalize our first Notations for the Week-End for 2015:

 

INTERNATIONAL Our 10 Favorite Success Stories From Around the World in 2014   read more

ENVIRONMENT The Scary Reason Last Month's Epic Storms Won't Help California Farmers   read more

 

ENVIRONMENT Good for You, Good for the Climate: 5 Ways to Cut Your Carbon Footprint in 2015   read more

SOCIAL JUSTICE The Daily Fix: Mourning in Shanghai, a Bold Gamble for Palestinians, a New Trial for Egypt's Jailed Journalists   read more

We here @ #Outsiders have been assessing a number of these key issues and will have commentary on it soon.  We have been privileged in having added our voice, for instance to the injustice done to the three Al Jazeera Journalists who have just spent over 1 year in Prison.     We have also been assessing the moves by Palestine as it works to somehow assert itself and the counter moves by Israel--epitomized by the freeze of over 100 Million Dollars in Tax Receipts as punishment for having signed the Rome Treaty which is the first step in eventual ascention to the International Criminal Court.     

Beyond the possibilities, there is also some key interesting ideas that our friends @  +Fast Company also noted in their recent daily outreach to insure that all have a productive and engaging 2015:

JANUARY 2, 2015 Hope your 2015 is off to an awesome start! It's time to get serious about those New Year's resolutions, so here are some stories to help you be healthier and more productive in the months to come: 2 | 5 Free Tools For Healthier Living In 2015 Is your health on your resolutions list? In this edition of Free App Friday, we put together a collection of at-your-own-pace apps that can help you slim down or perk up in the coming year.  1 | 14 Ways You Can Make 2015 Your Most Productive Year Ever! We asked some of the most productive people we know for advice. Here are some of their best tips! As we remain hopeful, we are also listening to the latest BBC News broadcast on the predicament in Europe as the Euro is under strain on the threat of Greece.    We have also reviewed reports from Nigeria on the latest attacks by Boko Haram which continues to pose a profound challenge to Africa's biggest Economy.   It is bound to be a challenging and tumultuous 2015.