One thing that President Obama said about America’s 50-year-plus policy toward Cuba that really rang true for me was “we cannot continue to do the same thing for over 50 years and expect a different result.” Engagement with countries like Vietnam and China, both run by communist governments, is commonplace today, and it was Richard Nixon who visited China in 1972 and met with Chairman Mao. Nixon said of China, “"There is no place on this small planet for a billion of its potentially most able people to live in angry isolation." The very same thing can be said for Cuba, and while Obama said he had no plans to visit Cuba and shake hands with President Castro, opening the door of engagement with Cuba just makes so much sense on a number of levels.
See here Obama’s eloquent speech where he announces the new policy toward Cuba.
http://www.c-span.org/video/?323375-3/president-obama-statement-cuba
It seems we are always looking for a scapegoat to blame for our problems. This has been true throughout modern history. Wars and conflicts across the globe have been instigated on every continent and for every conceivable reason. Obama’s critics are going to have a hard time arguing with him about his new Cuba policy without coming off as belligerent and small-minded. And his detractors on the left who fault Obama for being too cautious and conciliatory, not acting like a leader, are going to be amazed.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Relection on water tanks in Chicago
Water tanks for me are the ultimate expression of a bygone era in the naked city. In Chicago they are peppered throughout the city in the most unlikely places, and the fact that they still exist in the midst of the urban landscape is remarkable. I caught sight of this tank while on the elevated train at the Clinton stop. Thought I would share it.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Fear and courage in building your business
Many people deep down have a fear of success. How will it change them? What will others think about them? They are paralyzed by these thoughts and it prevents them from living the kind of prosperous life that they dream about. People need to admit to their fear of success, or fear of failure, and accept it as a part of the journey. Coming out and acknowledging fear is the first step toward overcoming it, and propelling yourself forward with conviction in building an independent business.
Frank Keefer, an author and independent business owner, likens building independent business to his experience in the combat fields of Vietnam. Yes, in the heat of battle he was terrified of being blown to bits or instantly killed, but he realized that in war (any war) that getting killed was a high probability. Instead of giving in to fear he acknowledged it and then he prepared himself to be a leader, the best kind of soldier he could be. He understood on a very basic level that his life and the lives of others in his platoon were on the line, and by preparing himself to be professional and act with dignity, he could make a difference through his actions and then, in his own words, "fear would just be an inconvenience."
So in business as in life and wars, the process becomes one of controlling fear and bringing forth inner courage. The conflict might not be a traditional battle per se, but the ongoing struggle between living a rich and fulfilling life versus one of mediocrity. At least in your business you can call your own shots and set example for others with daily, weekly, and monthly activities that make your business grow. Helping and mentoring others to do the same - acknowledge their fears and moving on with passion - is the key to real success. Waking people up to the fact that their fears will not stop them, and yes they can make a difference for themselves and others.
I am reminded of the Cowardly Lion in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. The Cowardly Lion made up his mind that he was afraid of everything, especially the dark and unknown forest. He had himself convinced of this - "I do believe in spooks! I do believe in spooks! I do! I do! I do!" he chanted to himself. This prompted him to run away when he had to confront the dark and terrible wizard, Oz the Great and Terrible, which turned out to be just an early use of technology, smoke and mirrors if you will, that were interpreted by others as black magic that would destroy them. Oz himself was afraid of the Wicked Witch of the West and her powers that were unknown to him. But as the story unfolds, the Cowardly Lion did what he had to do even though he may have been shitting in his pants. He helps rescue Dorothy from the Wicked Witch's castle, and plays a prominent role in helping to save Dorothy and the day. It's only when he is acknowledged for his bravery by Oz himself does he realize that he does have his courage already deep down.
And so if people convince themselves of their greatness and make up their minds that they are successful with chants of "I do believe in myself! I do believe in myself! I do! I do! I do!" they will make fear a mere sideshow and go on to accomplish great things. The mindset is everything. The attitude and the application of knowledge in the face of fear and adversity is what will always sustain the independent business owner. It's a decision that is a game changer for many people: -- taking action that becomes a habit that turns into a fearless example of ultimate success and prosperity.
Frank Keefer, an author and independent business owner, likens building independent business to his experience in the combat fields of Vietnam. Yes, in the heat of battle he was terrified of being blown to bits or instantly killed, but he realized that in war (any war) that getting killed was a high probability. Instead of giving in to fear he acknowledged it and then he prepared himself to be a leader, the best kind of soldier he could be. He understood on a very basic level that his life and the lives of others in his platoon were on the line, and by preparing himself to be professional and act with dignity, he could make a difference through his actions and then, in his own words, "fear would just be an inconvenience."
So in business as in life and wars, the process becomes one of controlling fear and bringing forth inner courage. The conflict might not be a traditional battle per se, but the ongoing struggle between living a rich and fulfilling life versus one of mediocrity. At least in your business you can call your own shots and set example for others with daily, weekly, and monthly activities that make your business grow. Helping and mentoring others to do the same - acknowledge their fears and moving on with passion - is the key to real success. Waking people up to the fact that their fears will not stop them, and yes they can make a difference for themselves and others.
I am reminded of the Cowardly Lion in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. The Cowardly Lion made up his mind that he was afraid of everything, especially the dark and unknown forest. He had himself convinced of this - "I do believe in spooks! I do believe in spooks! I do! I do! I do!" he chanted to himself. This prompted him to run away when he had to confront the dark and terrible wizard, Oz the Great and Terrible, which turned out to be just an early use of technology, smoke and mirrors if you will, that were interpreted by others as black magic that would destroy them. Oz himself was afraid of the Wicked Witch of the West and her powers that were unknown to him. But as the story unfolds, the Cowardly Lion did what he had to do even though he may have been shitting in his pants. He helps rescue Dorothy from the Wicked Witch's castle, and plays a prominent role in helping to save Dorothy and the day. It's only when he is acknowledged for his bravery by Oz himself does he realize that he does have his courage already deep down.
And so if people convince themselves of their greatness and make up their minds that they are successful with chants of "I do believe in myself! I do believe in myself! I do! I do! I do!" they will make fear a mere sideshow and go on to accomplish great things. The mindset is everything. The attitude and the application of knowledge in the face of fear and adversity is what will always sustain the independent business owner. It's a decision that is a game changer for many people: -- taking action that becomes a habit that turns into a fearless example of ultimate success and prosperity.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Welcome to 3ibooks Group
The 3ibooks Group is a fast-growing group of like-minded entrepreneurs who are not settling for less.
The three i's stand for: -- In tune, Inspire, and Invoke action. The mission of 3ibooks is to publish, distribute and disseminate books and other products and services that send a vibration of love and healing onto body, mind, and soul.
3ibooks is a product broker, It uncovers books, products, and services that help change lives for the better. It works one-on-one to affect positive change in people's lives, and seeks to help people with whatever they need to live a healthier, more prosperous life.
3ibooks has partnered with Shop.com - Powered by Market America to attain a global outreach. For more information about 3ibooks and it's connection with Shop.com, visit www.shop.com/3ibooks.
Also, for a further explanation of the vision of 3ibooks, visit www.3ibooks.biz
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