Satya Nadella Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS

Nicely Done..hope #LarryPage & #JeffBezos will take up the challenge :-)

On Success in Business: Creating a Vision of the Possible

On this Weekend of reflection in "Outsiders", this was a true "food for thought' as the CEO of Costco underscored why taking care of people will truly be in line with creating a "Vision of the Possible" to help play a transformational role:

Will other business leaders (and yes the political leaders clamouring against such common sense) take heed?

On the Beauty and Diversity of Iran: Hope All Enjoy :-)

Post by Sara Ka.

A "Thought 4 the Day": Why the Pursuit of the Vision of the Possible is Ever So :-)

“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” ~ Garcia Marquez

On Life: Creating a Vision of the Possible by Being a "Rainbow"//A "View of the Week (II)"

For this "View of the Week", this powerful retrospective from the founder of GiveMore ever so resonates on how anyone can overcome, leave a legacy and create that Vision of the Possible that many of us can only dream of:

For me ... until her passing yesterday ... she was just a poet that had an opportunity to share her words at Bill Clinton's presidential inauguration in 1993. Since then, I've been inspired in so many ways. Her parents divorced when she was 3. She was raped by her mother's boyfriend at age 7. At 17, she was a single mother. In her 20's, she was a shake dancer in a nightclub, a prostitute, a cook, and ran a brothel. Had I met her at that point, I'm guessing I'd have felt sorry for her and maybe a little judgmental at the same time. I'm pretty certain I'd never have bet on her as someone who would go on to have such an incredibly positive influence on so many people during her life ... and following her life. She went on to be a singer, an actor, a civil rights activist (worked with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King), a college professor, a writer, a speaker, and ... a poet. She also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian honor in the United States). Next time I'm feeling judgmental (at work or in life) or a little down about something or feeling some past action (something I've done or something someone else has done) will make it difficult to keep moving forward ... contributing something positive to the world ... making good things happen ... next time ... I've got a new hero. Rest in peace, Maya Angelou. Nice work!            Use this link for a few inspiring videos with Maya Angelou and a link to her obituary in the New York Times.

 

Thought 4 the Week

May it be so for all!!

Onward :-)

View of the Week: Keys to Success

As a new week dawns, I ran across two thoughts that I felt epitomizes the key to success:

“Confront the dark parts of yourself,
and work to banish them
with illumination and forgiveness.
Your willingness to wrestle with your demons
will cause your angels to sing.”
~ August Wilson

And as we take heart in this from August Wilson, this simple yet profound clip from Kathy Davis goes to the heart of what we can do to truly overcome: 



Onward!!

On the "Prowl" 4 the Week-End: A "Tip of the Week" to Share :-)

I first introduced the idea of a "Tip of the Week" in my Virtual Classes a number of sessions ago.    I hope the introduction of this periodic feature within "Outsiders" is of interest.   This was on twitter courtesy of the team @ The Next Web...Enjoy:

You get 25,000 mornings as an adult. Here are 8 ways to not waste them http://t.co/UOiSwTHYHr pic.twitter.com/2O7VfNKnQo
— The Next Web (@TheNextWeb) August 10, 2014

An "Outsiders' Newsflash: On How Vulnerable We Truly Are :-(

The New York Times Reported On the Russia Mafia having been able to gain information on over 1.2 Billion People.  The Fight For Virtual Freedom continues ever more that holds back attempts to create a true "Vision of the possible":

| BREAKING NEWS ALERT NYTimes.com | Unsubscribe

BREAKING NEWS Tuesday, August 5, 2014 4:17 PM EDT

Russian Crime Ring Gains Internet Security Data on 1.2 Billion A Russian crime ring has amassed the largest known collection of stolen Internet credentials, including 1.2 billion username and password combinations and more than 500 million email addresses, security researchers say. The records, discovered by Hold Security, a firm in Milwaukee, include confidential material gathered from 420,000 websites, ranging from household names to small Internet sites. Hold Security has a history of uncovering significant hacks, including the theft last year of tens of millions of records from Adobe Systems. Hold Security would not name the victims, citing nondisclosure agreements and a reluctance to name companies whose sites remained vulnerable. At the request of The New York Times, a security expert not affiliated with Hold Security analyzed the database of stolen credentials and confirmed it was authentic. Another computer crime expert who had reviewed the data, but was not allowed to discuss it publicly, said some big companies were aware that their records were among the stolen information. READ MORE » http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/technology/russian-gang-said-to-amass-more-than-a-billion-stolen-internet-credentials.html?emc=edit_na_20140805

Mid Week Reflections on the Possibilties

This has been a week that has once again underscored how what goes on at the Community is gratifying to see as National Night Out was held and I have been working on a Community Commitment to support Cub Scouts Day Camp.    An update will be released in the South County Blog Channel Soon.  The admonition below, though, underscored the "Vision of the Posible" that was ever so by the Community engagement and the love shown:

“Life is full of beauty.
Notice it.
Notice the bumble bee,
the small child,
and the smiling faces.
Smell the rain, and feel the wind.
Live your life to the fullest potential,
and fight for your dreams.”
~ Ashley Smith

Thought 4 the Week

“ The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” 

Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) 
Dutch painter 

A "Newsflash" On Strategy As We Begin: Reflecting Upon a "Vision of the Possible"

	The Lives and Times of the CEO
	From 1914 to 2040, travel through time and meet the CEOs of the past and future to gain valuable insights into the evolution of the chief executive officer.
	read more on strategy+business >

			Reimagine your enterprise: Make human-centered design the heart of your digital agenda
			Create new value with this bold and disruptive approach that puts digital and the customers who use it at the center of everything you do.
			read more >

			Growing When Your Industry Doesn't
			Create your own virtuous growth cycle to outperform your competitors and your industry.
			read more on strategy+business >

	10 Principles of Leading Change Management
	Tools and techniques to help your company successfully navigate the treacherous — and valuable — shoals of transformation.
	read more on strategy+business >

On Amazon: Can it sustain this Model?

Amazon came out with its' latest earnings.   It is not making money--but it continues to expand into new markets and continues to enjoy high equity valuation.   The question is how long can it sustain such a model?  

Most Of Amazon’s Income Goes Back Into The Company

Amazon reported its earnings Thursday, but while revenues were right in line with Wall Street’s expectations, the company posted a net loss of $126 million. The company says it will lose between $410 million and $810 million in the next quarter, compared to just $25 million in the quarter a year ago.

When you look at Amazon’s revenue and income data, which was charted for us by Statista, Amazon rarely posts big profits, as the company continually re-invests its net income back into the company. It may not be great for the company’s bottom line, which might explain all of the company's fleeing investors, but at least Amazon’s revenue keeps steadily growing each year. Already this year, Amazon has unveiled two new consumer devices, including aTV set-top box and a 3-D smartphone called “Fire,” but breaking into new product categories isn’t cheap.

As August 2014 Begins....How the "Vision of the Possible" is Possible :-)

As the new month begins, I reflected upon these as I shared these thoughts courtesy of
Jonathan Lockwood Huie: 

The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. - Gaylord Nelson What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. - Albert Pike To leave the world a bit better ... to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. - Ralph Waldo Emerson What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other? - George Eliot The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others. - Albert Schweitzer

On the "Grid": Remaining Hopeful on #Gaza

As "outsiders" goes dark thru August 4, There was  ray of hope to see whether a possible "vision of the possible" could be created as the US Secretary of State was pressing for a ceasefire.  The plan by the US Secretary of State was rejected--but a 12 Hour Humanitran Truce was accepted by both sides that starts on Saturday that may hopefully lead to a more permanent solution.

The UN Secretary General said it best:  There are better ways than killing each other.  He's a reserved man--and he was angry.    If only he had sway over the thugs who are running around in Iraq and Syria.

The One reality that has driven the Palestinian Rage is reflected below:



This is the reality.  What was also quite striking was how some of the continued positions by Israel was addressed in a systematic way by a leading Palestinian Scholar.  

As the deadline for the humanitarian ceasefire is at hand, i24news reported that two more  Israeli Defense Force soldiers were  killed--bringing the total to 37.    The Israeli Defense Minister noted that Soldiers must be ready for a significant expansion of the ground operations.   This is the Day of Rage rages on in the West Bank.        Hopefully a sense of sanity will prevail upon all for the sake of the ordinary men, women and children who have born the brunt of the onslaught.

I end this with this that ever so epitomizes the true "Vision of the Possible"--this can be possible if the courage exists:

Onward

View of the Week: Vint Cerf explains...Who runs the Internet's address book?

As simple as it gets.....as the Google "juggernaut" marches on (courtesy fo the Business Insider):  Hope all enjoy as we here @ "outsiders" go dark thru August 4.

Onward :-)

View of the Week: Comments on two Stalwarts of Tech (Microsoft & Apple)

Apple and Microsoft delivered their quarterly earnings report yesterday.    Both are organizations who have been at the forefront of Technological Innovation in a concerted way.    It is fascinating--as these data shows (Source:  the Financial Times & The Business Insider) that Apple continues to be an "iphone" Company as it gears up for Iphone 6.  The growth is slowing though.

As for Microsoft, it has begun a "lean journey" as it announced 18,000 people will be let go.   It was amazing to see the Microsoft Stock at an all time high as it tries to figure out how to continue the transformation it began under Steve Ballmer to compete in the Mobile/CLoud World that we have before us.  

Fascinating times indeed as both these companies continue to be at the forefront of preparing the ultimate "Vision of the Possible"...

• iPhone Sales Are Up, But Its Growth Is Slowing Down
  
  
  Apple on Tuesday reported its earnings for the July quarter. Revenue was largely in line with expectations at about $37.43 billion on $1.28 earnings per share, and so were iPhone sales, at around 35.2 million units sold for the quarter — up about 13% year-over-year.  
  Though iPhone sales are steadily rising on average each year, growth of the device year-over-year actually seems to be slowing down since the end of 2012, around the release of the iPhone 5. Apple last year released two iPhone models for the first time, the iPhone 5S and 5C, but is expected to release at least one larger iPhone model this year with a 4.7-inch screen.
• 
  
This was underscored in this report form the Sydney Morning which could be accessed by clicking ont here.  

 
• 

"We don't want you here": A Plea from Israeli & Palestinians Who have lost loved ones

The War continues and earlier in the "ordinary faces" channel, comments were released. This story and clip though was truly moving. As noted by i24news, "....Israel and Palestinian family members who have lost a loved one in the conflict say directly to the camera. The sentiment is repeated over and over as the camera focuses on faces, young and old, speaking in Arabic and Hebrew - all faces of those bereaved from the death brought about by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict..." Will the World help? Over 500 Palestinians have died and 3,000 have been injured. 25 Israeli Soldiers have lost their lives. Children have been left traumatized on both sides of the conflict.   When will this insanity end? When will the pleas of these families be heard?  Can a "Vision of the possible" be realized thru all embracing each other as Brothers.   For further information on this organization that strives to create a different "vision", please visit them at 

http://www.theparentscircle.com/Content.aspx?ID=2

 Challenging Times...


.

A "Thought 4 the Week" : #PursuitofHappyness

View of the Week: The siege of Gaza - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

As the War in Gaza continues, a compelling analysis by The Emiment Scholar  Avi Shlaim is an Emeritus Professor of International Relations at Oxford University and the author of Israel and Palestine: Reappraisals, Revisions, Refutations  .The siege of Gaza - Opinion - Al Jazeera English