America In Realization [11.15.14]

Business & Economy

• Silicon Valley
• Silicon Valley is turning prisoners into programmers at San Quentin (USA Today)
• Facebook Opens $300 Million Facility in Iowa, Not Far From Google, Microsoft (Wall Street Journal)
• Apple vs. Microsoft: Race is on for #1 (USA Today)

"Microsoft is taking a more open approach. 

In recent weeks, Microsoft has made its Office productivity software, such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint, available on all mobile devices for free, including Apple’s platform. The company also released a smartwatch that works on all platforms, including Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android – months before the Apple Watch. 

Additionally, the company is taking a “customer is right” approach to the creation of its latest Windows operating system. Microsoft developing the latest version of Windows 10 completely in the open — allowing anyone to download the software and provide suggestions, comments and criticisms. 

And this week, Microsoft updated it Visual Studio development software, helping programmers create apps not just for Microsoft platforms but Android and iOS as well. 

Microsoft also engages customers on social networks Facebook and Twitter, unlike Apple."

• November 14: 
• Microsoft leapfrogs Exxon to become second largest firm (BBC)   
• November 6:  
• Microsoft blasts past $400B barrier (USA Today)

International Relations

• Obama Seeks to Reassure Asia Allies on Pivot. President Says Region Plays Big Role in His Foreign Policy (WSJ)
• U.S. Spy Chief Gives Inside Look at North Korea Prisoner Deal (Wall Street Journal)

Islamic Community

• More Mosques Try to Attract Younger Muslims. Family Activities, Wider Roles for Women Mark a Cultural Shift (Wall Street Journal)