A Mid-Week "Thought 4 the Week: On Reminders From Og Mandino....

 

Do all things with love.

- Og Mandino

Count your blessings. Once you realize

how valuable you are and how much you have going for you,

the smiles will return, the sun will break out,

the music will play, and you will finally

be able to move forward the life that God intended

for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.

- Og Mandino 

What you plant now, you will harvest later.

- Og Mandino

While on the "Grid": A Final "Thought 4 the Week II" From Buddha

..ran across this on Facebook from Buddha to prepare up for the final Week of 2nd Quarter 2014 and gear up for another challenging Quarter:

Onward w/the New Week :-)

Thought 4 the Week: On Service

Onward to the New Week..and remembering what's important despite all that goes on as I listen to the latest on Iraq--ISIL is making such inroads that is getting to be ever so scary: 

The only way you can serve God is by serving other people.

- Rick Warren

The purpose of human life is to serve,

and to show compassion and the will to help others.

- Albert Schweitzer 

View of the Week: On the Economy On the Eve of Summer 2014

"Green Shots" are continuing to appear around the Economy.   In Orange County, California, the unemployment rate has dropped below 5 percent and help wanted signs seem to be springing up everywhere.   However, the growth seems to uneven at best.   This is as the IMF has cut US Growth Forecasts and the Fed itself has cut its' forecast for the US Economy even though the latest FOMC statement reflects a broad strength.  What has been a bit tragic has been how the US has led the world in the creation of low paying jobs according to reports from the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development that had some major suggestions for the United States to strengthen development.    

Edward Jones Investment Strategiest Kate Warne shared her insights that underscores what is before us as begin the second half of the year: 

* * * * * *

Strong May Job Growth: More Support for Rising StocksThe economy added 217,000 jobs in May, in line with expectations for an increase of 215,000 according to Bloomberg. May was the fourth month in a row with job gains above 200,000 - it's the first time that's happened since January 2000. And over the past four years, the economy has gained 8.8 million jobs, finally recovering all those lost during the Great Recession. After a sharp drop in April, May's unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.3%, near a six-year low. 
Economy Improves after Harsh WinterThe strong job gains in April and May added one more sign that the economy is strengthening, after skidding during the winter's snow and cold. Consumer confidence is at its highest level since 2008, and as consumers feel more comfortable, they've been spending more. Auto sales are at their highest levels since 2007. We expect the economy to grow about 2.5% in 2014, accelerating slightly from its pace over the past five years of recovery. And companies have continued to indicate business is improving, putting them on track for another year of record earnings. 
Stocks Reach New Highs Stock market volatility has remained low this year, and without fanfare, the stock market has made its way higher. The S&P 500 has reached record highs in eight of the past 10 days, for a total of 18 highs this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has reached eight new highs in 2014. In our view, improving economic growth, rising earnings and better investor confidence can provide support for stocks to rise further. 
Set Realistic Expectations Low volatility, rising stocks and an improving economy have created a favorable environment for investors. Consider adding stocks, if appropriate, but make sure your expectations remain realistic. Since everyone knows market conditions can change, sometimes quickly, stay prepared for market ups and downs. That's one reason we think it's important to review your financial situation regularly. A diversified investment portfolio, with a mix of stocks and bonds tailored for your situation and long-term financial goals, can help you benefit from rising stocks and stay invested during the inevitable pullbacks as well.

Summer is Here!!! :-)

June 21 was the longest day as Summer began--and it was a beautiful day here in Southern California.   This was a beautiful sentiment courtesy of the folks @ No Labels--a valiant effort by a number of leading politicos in the US to change the political narrative.  

  May the new season be a beautiful one for all.  

V-Thought 4 the Week: On Hard Choices

As the Situation in Iraq continues to go from bad to worst, this curated series from http://ted.com  was "kind of" timely in that it gives a roadmap about how to make tough choices--potential lessons to be learnt by all: 

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK

7 TED Talks on how we make choices

Inspired by the talk above? Keep exploring, with the selected talks in this playlist. Explore why some choices are so hard to make -- and learn how we can choose to make better ones. (Or are we in control of our own choices at all?) Watch »

Total run time 2:16:47

View of the Week: Reflections on the Middle East

This week has seen the final nail in the coffin of Iraq as we've known it since the end of World War I. The headlines around the World have been dominated with how ISIS has been ever so successful--and continues to be so right now based on all that has been happening on the ground.   Iraq, though, is part of the tragedy that continues to evolve in the Middle East as Syria continues to burn and Israelis and Palestinians are at each others' throats as Israel continues its' hunt for the young kids who were kidnapped on their way home--a profound tragedy for those children and their families.   

This month, though, also saw one very hopeful sign: The joint appearance by Mahmoud Abbas & Shimon Peres with Pope Francis at the Vatican at a Prayer for Peace.   

In assessing some of the deliberations in the US Public Affairs Shows,  what did not get "much traction" in the Worldwide mainstream press that was so much the cheerleader for the Second Iraq War is the views of those who actually get That part of the World. One of them is Vijay Prasad of the University of Beirut who had some compelling things to note in his recent commentary on the Real News Network:  

 The hard truths noted is ever so crucial. The same cheerleaders who wanted war were again calling for another war. Thankfully, voices even on the Conservative Community (including Glenn Beck) are saying enough is enough. There is a bigger challenge, though: What to do now. It was frankly shocking to see the latest BBC dispatch about the fact that the Iraqi Air Force ran out of hellfire Missiles two weeks ago. What about all the Billions that was spent? What is absolutely clear is that no one seems to know the answer. There are reports that Irbil--one of the key cities in the Kurdish Region--is also under threat. As the Shias were mobilizing and parading in Baghdad, there were increasing calls to replace Maliki. What was laughable was reports about who would replace him, though: Ahmad Chalabi or Ilay Alawi. In the meantime, as the bombings and killings continue, the ordinary man and woman is forgotten as refugees continue to flee in their thousands.

Excepts  released to http://www.outsiderviews.com, June 2014