3/29/2014
Gearing Up For the Q2 2014: Brief Thoughts.....
As I write this, I am listening to a CCTV Interview with former President Jimmy Carter. It is a testament to the strength of our World about how things have become so ever close and fascinating ever more.
As a new quarter dawns, I could not help but wonder about the journey that has been in many ways transformational. It has been a very challenging Quarter with Russia and Crimea, the on-going challenges in Africa and Venezuela's Revolt--to name a few. This is as Turkey's struggle for its' political future has taken a turn for the Worst and India is getting ready to elect a new Government that would be quite engaging to watch.
As I have reflected upon the challenges of our World in here and also released it to "Outsider Views", the one that I have a keen interest in is Afghanistan. It was the war in Afghanistan that was one of the driving forces behind the initial launch of this blog that evolved into a "personal portal" that is the opening "blog channel" into the evolving world that continues to develop itself into "Outsiders". Afghanistan is in the midst of a war that seems to have no end in sight. When the offices of the Afghan Election Commision are attacked, there is a major problem. When one of the safest places in Kabul is attacked (a major hotel), there is a problem. Although in all instances the culprits were killed, it underscores the profound sense of insecurity that persists.'
I ran across this admonition from Jonathan Luckwood Huie that underscores how we should view the World which is the underlying philosophy that would drive the ongoing development of all the current "blog channels" and the evolving nature of this project--a key admonition to remember--a lot to be thankful for:
All times are times of crisis. Wars, earthquakes, diseases, floods and murders have been constant companions of humankind from the beginning. 300,000 people die each and every single day. Yet against this backdrop, the magnificence of human accomplishment, human love and compassion, and great human happiness plays out each day. Let us marvel, and have infinite gratitude for, the human spirit that towers above the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
I conclude this w/these thoughts & a clip courtesy of the John Maxwell Team--and wishing all peace and happiness as the new Quarter is before Us:
As a new quarter dawns, I could not help but wonder about the journey that has been in many ways transformational. It has been a very challenging Quarter with Russia and Crimea, the on-going challenges in Africa and Venezuela's Revolt--to name a few. This is as Turkey's struggle for its' political future has taken a turn for the Worst and India is getting ready to elect a new Government that would be quite engaging to watch.
As I have reflected upon the challenges of our World in here and also released it to "Outsider Views", the one that I have a keen interest in is Afghanistan. It was the war in Afghanistan that was one of the driving forces behind the initial launch of this blog that evolved into a "personal portal" that is the opening "blog channel" into the evolving world that continues to develop itself into "Outsiders". Afghanistan is in the midst of a war that seems to have no end in sight. When the offices of the Afghan Election Commision are attacked, there is a major problem. When one of the safest places in Kabul is attacked (a major hotel), there is a problem. Although in all instances the culprits were killed, it underscores the profound sense of insecurity that persists.'
I ran across this admonition from Jonathan Luckwood Huie that underscores how we should view the World which is the underlying philosophy that would drive the ongoing development of all the current "blog channels" and the evolving nature of this project--a key admonition to remember--a lot to be thankful for:
All times are times of crisis. Wars, earthquakes, diseases, floods and murders have been constant companions of humankind from the beginning. 300,000 people die each and every single day. Yet against this backdrop, the magnificence of human accomplishment, human love and compassion, and great human happiness plays out each day. Let us marvel, and have infinite gratitude for, the human spirit that towers above the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
I conclude this w/these thoughts & a clip courtesy of the John Maxwell Team--and wishing all peace and happiness as the new Quarter is before Us:
It is hardly possible to build anything if frustration, bitterness
and a mood of helplessness prevail.
- Lech Walesa
When I look back on all these worries,
I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed
that he had had a lot of trouble in his life,
most of which had never happened.
- Winston Churchill
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,
even if your whole world seems upset.
- Saint Francis de Sales
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3/28/2014
Some Brief "thougths 4 the Week" As the Quarter Ends....
As I work away, I have been listening to the arguments on the Hobby Lobby Case before the Supreme Court. It is a wonderful discourse on the issue of religion and the so-called "compelling interest" and how the Justices on both sides have been tough on both parties.
As the Quarter ends, I ran across this courtesy of the daily thoughts by Jonathan Lockwood Huie. It is a reminder that we're limited by the power of our own imagination:
As the Quarter ends, I ran across this courtesy of the daily thoughts by Jonathan Lockwood Huie. It is a reminder that we're limited by the power of our own imagination:
This world is but a canvas to our imagination.
- Henry David Thoreau
The power of imagination makes us infinite.
- John Muir
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand,
while imagination embraces the entire world,
and all there ever will be to know and understand.
- Albert Einstein-
As the great Diane Nyad always notes, "Onward" .....
View of the Week: On the Federal Budget
As the new Quarter is at hand, I was quite taken by the work done by the National Priorities Project on the subject of taxes. They do some interesting work in understanding the Federal Budget:
 Check out your own personalized tax receipt to see a breakdown of how your money was spent, as well as average taxpayer receipts for the United States and every individual state. And don't miss our Taxes 101 fact sheet with the seven things you need to knowabout taxes. Everyone who pays income taxes should read this! Here's what else happened this week: Federal Spending in Your State Each year, as part of the president's budget request, the White House releases projected spending on grants to the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Find out how much in federal funds your state is projected to get in 2015 for everything from special education to clean drinking water. Our Work, By Issue Area This week we debuted an easy way to find all our online research and tools by issue area. We have new videos, fact sheets, and in-depth reports on: the budget process, education, military, taxes, debt and deficit, health care, earned benefits programs, and government transparency. |
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3/23/2014
Thought 4 the Week
All endeavor calls for the ability
to tramp the last mile,
shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil.
The fight to the finish spirit is the one...
characteristic we must posses
if we are to face the future as finishers.
- Henry David Thoreau
On the Eve of Q2: Brief Thoughts and a Belief in the "Art of the Possible"
Q1 2014 is coming to an end. The first day of spring has begun and with it the possibilities at hand.
We here at "outsider views' decided to break the silence temporarily to briefly reflect upon a very challenging World which has been before us especially over the past few weeks. Whether it was the disappearance of Flight MH370, the Russian takeover of Crimea and the on-going challenges around the World, such events has given leaders around the World sleepless nights. As we continued the planning process, we have continued to assess the situation in Afghanistan. It was with a sense of shock and horror as the attack of the Serena Hotel in Kabul occurred which resulted in the killing a Young Afghan Family. A 40-year reporter for Agence France Press,, his wife and two of his children were shot at point blank range. It is absolutely horrific beyond words which underscores the plight of Afghanistan as it finally says goodbye to the Karzai years.
As we gear up for the new Quarter, we will be assessing the state of the World and assessing ideas & on-going thoughts: the essence of why this project will evolve and continue. We want to take this opportunity to express a continued sense of appreciation to all who visit daily and hope that we will continue to exceed expectations as the evolution of this project evolves. We hope that this very hopeful, uplifting and engaging talk is enjoyed to underscore how hopeful one must be no more what the circumstances may be:
We end this retrospective with the hope that the Worldwide search for MH370 culminates is a sense of closure for the families as Australia and the World continues their search. We hope the almighty grant all the families a sense of solace on their loss a prayer for those lost souls.
Also released by http://www.outsiderviews.com March 2014...All rights reserved under Creative Commons
We here at "outsider views' decided to break the silence temporarily to briefly reflect upon a very challenging World which has been before us especially over the past few weeks. Whether it was the disappearance of Flight MH370, the Russian takeover of Crimea and the on-going challenges around the World, such events has given leaders around the World sleepless nights. As we continued the planning process, we have continued to assess the situation in Afghanistan. It was with a sense of shock and horror as the attack of the Serena Hotel in Kabul occurred which resulted in the killing a Young Afghan Family. A 40-year reporter for Agence France Press,, his wife and two of his children were shot at point blank range. It is absolutely horrific beyond words which underscores the plight of Afghanistan as it finally says goodbye to the Karzai years.
As we gear up for the new Quarter, we will be assessing the state of the World and assessing ideas & on-going thoughts: the essence of why this project will evolve and continue. We want to take this opportunity to express a continued sense of appreciation to all who visit daily and hope that we will continue to exceed expectations as the evolution of this project evolves. We hope that this very hopeful, uplifting and engaging talk is enjoyed to underscore how hopeful one must be no more what the circumstances may be:
We end this retrospective with the hope that the Worldwide search for MH370 culminates is a sense of closure for the families as Australia and the World continues their search. We hope the almighty grant all the families a sense of solace on their loss a prayer for those lost souls.
Also released by http://www.outsiderviews.com March 2014...All rights reserved under Creative Commons
3/17/2014
As Spring is the Air...and on this St. Patrick's Day 2014: A Personal Wish :-)
As a new week is before us, on the eve of Spring and on this St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to begin by sharing these beautiful Irish Blessings with all and wishing all the very best:
May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.
Laughter to you.
Faithful friends near you.
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.
- Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
- Irish Blessing
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
- Irish Blessing
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