Running but?

Iraq seems to be breaking apart, into Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish.

Militants seized Mosul's airport, TV stations and the governor's office. They freed up to 1,000 prisoners.

More than 90,000 Iraqi soldiers deserted rather than confront the militants, according to the official close to Maliki’s office. [Be careful of these reports]. The militants and Sunnis took their place in the city's boulevards and buildings.

This is a habit of Iraqi soldiers once the fight began. In 1992 over 80,000 soldier surrender. They quickly realize that there is a way not to fight.

Now the Iranian are helping the current Shiite government. US are trying to do something but what? Would we have a cooperation with Iran? May be.

The Iraqis are waiting for others to do something.  If no body does, then they will defend the oil field till the end. That is what the Sunnis and Militants are after as well. Time for US Energy Independence, then Iraq would not fight to death for the oil. They may fight for something else.

Just a thought.

Reform...

The wages of most American workers have fallen or stayed flat while their productivity continue increasing. This fundamental problem has held back our economy. When wages are low, consumers don’t have money to buy the products they make and businesses don’t see markets to support additional investment.
This stagnation has resulted in a race downward in labor practices. 

McDonald's figured out that paying its low-wage workers more would actually be a good thing for McDonald's.  Walmart and Subway indicated that they do not oppose an increase to the minimum wage.

Minimum wage of $7.5 pushes the employee into welfare. Someone got to support the employee who is working 40-50 hrs a week just to have food or a place to live. Single mothers would suffer the most in these conditions.

While businesses lobby for reduce taxes, or find a way to reduce it, the welfare system is supplementing large businesses that pay their employees the minimum.

Raising the minimum wage will help businesses after all. Stable employment, more employee spending, and less dependence on welfare for the employees or the business themselves.

Considering the needs of entry level employees would go a long way. It is a welfare reform that the republican always ask for. So give it a push.

Just a thought.

Guns-Pictures.??

Israeli Soldier on the beach-carry weapon, Army recommendation

National brands like Applebee’s, Jack in the Box, Starbucks, Chipotle’s and Wendy’s,  requested that patrons stop bringing automatic weapons into their establishments.

Chili’s and Sonic, literally under the gun, when members of the gun-rights group, walked into Texas-area outlets carrying assault rifles, their version of Pink Floyd’s “The Gunners Dream.” The restaurants ask that patrons “Put Your Guns Down,”

The rationale behind these new policies rests on the premise that weapons can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for others.

On the other side, French chefs are now trying to stop diners from taking snaps of the meals. They claim it ruins the atmosphere and could give away their secrets.

No Cigarette, No assault weapons, No picture taking, what's the world coming to?

Just a thought.

The Exchange...

The Obama administration continues to take heat following the trade of five Guantanamo Bay prisoners [over ten years] for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
The five Taliban, released to Qatar, are subject to strict bans on militant incitement.

The most famous swap, in 2011, involved the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian militants in exchange for one Israeli Sergeant Shalit.
The Militants released include those involved in the 2002 bombing of a Tel Aviv nightclub that killed 21 and the bombing of a hotel in Netanya in 2002 that left 30 dead. 
Nothing is wrong with the exchange. The Taliban could have asked for more than five.

Detainees in Guantanamo have been prisoned for more than 10 years, with no court cases or a date for it.

Releasing these five people is really a punishment as they go back to a different world. They may not have the same social status as once had.

Cuban prisoners in USA rioted when heard that they would be returned to Cuba.

Things are not what it appear. Obama is Ending the War in Afghanistan, not starting it.

Just a thought.

Leg Up...*!,

The makers of Cialis want to sell a version of the popular erectile dysfunction drug over the counter. They expect to launch the OTC version on 2018.

The move is an effort to get a leg up on the competition from other Generic companies  after it loses patent protection in 2017.

A large unmet demand exists for over-the-counter Cialis because many men suffering don’t feel comfortable talking to a doctor about the problem [company's position].

Lilly choose to partner with Sanofi due to their experience in gaining approval for over-the-counter versions of other drugs.

Marketing, selling, promoting, and in the process, blog the competition is just a process of renew the cash collection process.

First is the Brand prescription form and as the patent ending, now a new marketing program to block the generic. All in all, the customer[patient] are taken for a ride.

The system needs repair. If you have ED, that would not be the only thing you have. Your Heart [clinically] may be in the wrong place.

Just a [Hearty] thought.

The Video, No Soldier left behind.

The video provides a fascinating window into what occurred in the field. The Pentagon’s elite descended in a Blackhawk helicopter and met with the sergeant’s captors who dressed up in civilian attire.

Carried a stick like flag marking a ceasefire, willingness to collaborate on the exchange.

Worth noting is the hand shake, the hand on the heart gesture and the continue waving  hands after the exchange.

Hand shake means your close, welcomes, can talk to me, convers, and if we have time, have a cup of tea, or smoke a cigarette and chat.

Hand placed on the heart is the greatest gesture ever in the old country.  It indicates that what you are doing warms my heart, very much appreciated. 

My, then a 3 year old nephew, did that indicating a hug from a distance. I do that.....

As you are leaving, a wave is usually travel safely

So take a second look at the video, the meeting, the greeting, the exchange and the depart. It may give you a better understanding of ...... a Peaceful time.

Just a thought.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2648208/Taliban-releases-video-showing-U-S-deserter-Bowe-Bergdahl-handed-US-forces-armed-guards-holding-white-flags.html

No Soldier left behind.

The principle of leaving no one behind, no matter the cost, is deeply embedded in the U.S. military. Those in uniform, and their families, believe that no stone will be left unturned to get them home if they fall into enemy hands.

The U.S. commando’s attempt to rescue 65 American POWs held at North Vietnam’s notorious Son Tay prison. A 116-plane air armada, flew hundreds of miles over mountainous territory at treetop level to the prison camp.

During the Kosovo war, a 40-aircraft task force, including helicopters loaded with Marines and backed by a flotilla of three warships with 2,000 more Marines, flew deep into enemy territory to bring Captain O’Grady home.

Remains of Captain Michael "Scott" Speicher, lost in 1991 Persian Gulf War have been found in the Anbar province of Iraq after a nearly 20-year search, the U.S. Navy reported.

So it is not about one Bergdahl, its about the US commitment to its forces and their families. It is about peaceful exchange of prisoners with the Taliban.
No one got shot, and no one got killed.

No soldier will be left behind. It is a commitment. Just a thought

Pain Pill...

 Chicago filed a lawsuit against five major producers of  pharmaceuticals accusing the group of concealing the risks associated with certain painkillers.        

The drug maker "should never place its desire for profits above the health and well-being of its customers,".

The city said that the companies knew for years that certain pain-alleviating drugs were addictive and could prove debilitating in the long-term.

       

The drug makers "spent millions of dollars funding, assisting and encouraging doctors and front groups" to promote the drugs and broaden their reach among users afflicted with chronic pain,

Chicago says.  The United States is now awash in opioids," the suit said, citing data showing that more than 250 million prescriptions for the narcotic were filled in 2010.      

The suit contends that the drugs have ramped up addiction.

Pain Medicine helps those with disability, Cancer, Surgery, etc and yet is a subject of abuse. However,  it is a matter of law enforcement actions at the end user and or the provider. No easy result.      Just a [painful] thought. 

Dense...*!

Japanese people enjoy one of the longest average life spans in the world — 86 years for women and 79 for men (80 & 75 respective for Americans)  with far lower rates of obesity and chronic diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease and some types of cancer.

The diet incorporates lower-calorie foods served in controlled portions. They eat around 25 per cent fewer calories than the average western person.

The secret is to replace energy-dense foods, like chocolate, potato chips, and cookies, with less energy-dense, like fruits, vegetables, etc. In a study from Penn. State U., researchers served women meals that were 25% smaller than average and contained 30% fewer calories according to the principles of energy density. They ended up eating an average of 800 calories less per day, without missing the extra food.

The Japanese achieve a lot of physical activity by simple actions such as walking, climbing stairs and using a bicycle to run errands. Try the new method, it may work for you.  Just a thought.

Out-side the Box...

It is very encouraging to see my nephew, as a little boy, grow up to be a productive member of the society.

Maged finished dental school and became a dentist. He also started teaching English in the American University in Cairo. Moved to England and obtained a Master's Degree, with distinction, in Intercultural Communication, from the University of Bedfordshire, UK. 

He started his own Blog in Arabic with various great views of life.   He became a fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK.
Now what is next?
A song that may just explain his career direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg1sT4ILG0w

Just a thought.