Thursday, March 30, 2017

As We Go "Dark" To Prepare for the New Quarter....

Today is a sad day in our World as the number of Syrian Refugees has passed 5 Million registered with the UN.  This is as an estimated 6 Million Refugees have been internally displaced.    
As we finish off a very busy Quarter and gear up for the new Quarter of Engagements here in the Daily Outsider, we wanted to finish the Quarter with two Thoughts from Ahmad Kathrada who passed away and whose words resonate ever more:

Image result for ahmed kathrada quotes
 

We look forward to continue our on-going engagement with the Community during the upcoming Quarter.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

A Tribute to a Giant of South Africa: Motlanthe lets Kathrada speak one last time

Ahmed Kathrada


Our team joins in mourning the passing of one of the leaders of the struggle for Freedom in South Africa as "Uncle Katy" was laid to rest.     This from Polity underscores the deep schism in South Africa as Motlanthe lets Kathrada speak one last time: Former president Kgalema Motlanthe on Wednesday laid bare the friction that pitted the anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada against President Jacob Zuma when he quoted the late stalwart’s letter in which he asked Zuma to resign. Motlanthe was speaking at the funeral of the struggle icon affectionately known as “uncle Kathy”. He died on Tuesday after a short illness following surgery.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Notations On Our World (Special Quarter-End Edition): On #Brexit, #Mosul, @POTUS & Other Thoughts

As we gear up for our Second Quarter, we wanted to share some brief updates on a number of key developments over the last number of days.     Today is a historic day and the front page of the +The Guardian  of London  was telling that  our team released earlier on the #Outsider Twitter Feed as Wednesday Dawns: 



As Article 50 was formally triggered by the British Prime Minister, the Scottish Parliament voted for a second independence referendum that would trigger a section 30 letter to The UK Parliament to begin the process of planning for a second independence refernderum.    As this has been going on, the third component of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, has no Government as negotations continue between the two largest parties to try and form a government to avoid direct rule from London.      

Beyond Europe, there is the continued war in Iraq our team has been keeping tabs on.   The team at Sky News has been with Iraqi Troops as they have fought Daesh (also known as the Islamic State or ISIS in the West) house to  house under threats of Car Bombs, suicide attacks and snipers.   --and as Daesh has taken human shields as they fight to the death.   These images captured by Sky News was telling: 


A boy rides his bike past an oil field set on fire by retreating IS fighters

Children at a refugee camp in Mosul, visited by Sky News Presenter Anna Botting

Meanwhile, in the United States,  President Trump has been busy rolling back Obama-Era Policies epitomized by the signing of the newest Executive Order today on Climate Change--and as it sent forth a document to Congress request 18 Billion Dollars in Cuts to help pay for the Wall with Mexico.  
This is as the President and his team worked to deal with the aftermath of the debacle on Healthcare and the on-going Russia Investigation:




The Daily Show's Trevor Noah had a rather interesting take on it:   







As we look to the 2nd Quarter, we end with this "Thought" as our team hopes to be able to live up t its' mission to help change the Conversation:  


Challenging times as we embark upon the second quarter of 2017 here in the Daily Outsider 

Update:  Since this, we wanted to report on two quick things from Iran.   The Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, has gone to Moscow and it was interesting how The Russian President underscored the dependability of Iran--this is as President Rouhani received an honorary Doctorate from Moscow University.   Daesh also has called on Iranian Sunnis to rise up against the Islamic Republic.   This is as we leave all with this image of Tehran from Space recently released on the Social Web:





Friday, March 24, 2017

As We Go "Dark" For Our Q1 2017 Assessment.....

We wanted to share this "Thought" we picked up from the Great Rumi as we wish all a great W-End and a fabulous Final Week of March 2017--please visit our "Circle" for late-breaking developments in our World as we hope all enjoy our Twitter Feed which will be active.

We look forward to being of service during the 2nd Quarter of 2017.

Image result for Rumi

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Notations On Our World (Special Thursday Edition): Iran-Inside the Protest (rewind)

A "Blast From the Past" as this very chilling depiction of the aftermath of the 2009 Elections and as the key leaders of that movement continue to be under house arrest--and as the former President, Mohammad Khatami is banned:

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

View of the Week (Special Edition): On Mars

While on the "Grid", picked up this that Wired Magazine reported on that is a stunning view of Mars--our team just realized how fascinated +Elon Musk is with conquering Mars...please enjoy!!!


Notations From the Grid (Special Edition): On @POTUS Watch & Other Brief Developments

As our team worked away on the latest overnight developments worldwide, we continue to monitor reports about shootings outside the British Parliament in London--and that the building is in Lockdown.  This is as a number of key developments loom on the health care law and as the market took a major nose dive yesterday.   Sean Spicer, the White House Press Secretary, was rather dismissive as he said it was a one-day nonevent.       Tory Newmyer captured the essence of it in his latest snapshot: 


MARCH 22, 2017
Mark it: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, the day that investors stopped taking President Trump literally. The market just saw its worst day since last fall. And the tumble resulted in part from a late-breaking recognition on Wall Street that the new administration is going to have more trouble than it’s acknowledged delivering on lofty promises. The Trump agenda faces its first real test tomorrow, with House Republican leaders pushing for a vote on their Obamacare replacement plan. That effort is listing badly, facing what for now appears to be suficient opposition from House Republicans on either end of the ideological spectrum to sink the package. Trump has upped thestakes himself, making clear he needs Congress to finish work on healthcare reform so he can move on to his favored prerogatives — the tax cuts, deregulation, and infrastructure spending whose promise helped unleash the market rally in the first place. The president would like to keep things moving like train cars down the track. But as the health debate snags, and Trump’s poll numbers wilt under the weight of his Twitter tirades and persistent questions about his team’s Russia ties, the whole operation more nearly resembles bumper cars: Competing priorities and outright distractions clumsily jockeying for position in a race to nowhere.
The evidence for a stock market reckoning has been hiding in plain sight for months. Goldman Sachs and plenty of others have been warning a correction is imminent as already-inflated valuations pushed higher on hopes of a pro-growth bonanza out of Washington despite signs the administration’s timetable strained credulity. On Tuesday, for the first time since Trump’s victory, the market dropped the Wile E. Coyote routine, whereby it’s resisted gravity by refusing to acknowledge it’d run off a cliff. The S&P 500 fell about 1.1% and the Dow Jones industrial average shed 1.2% in a selloff led by bank stocks, which lost about 4% in their worst day since the Brexit vote last June. White House spokesman Sean Spicer pooh-poohed the suggestion that the dip was a judgment on the president’s performance: “To look at any one day, is, is, is nothing that we’ve ever — we’ve always cautioned. I think overall, it still continges [sic] to be up tremendously… You can’t look at one indices [sic] and say that that is the benchmark of an entire economy.” And it’s true that a one-day Trump Dump doesn’t necessarily presage a Trump Slump. But for an administration that’s happily touted the rally’s high points, Tuesday’s stock swoon only piles more pressure onto the vote tomorrow in the House.

.
MUST READS
In a personal visit to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the president sought to raise the stakes for the House Republican rank-and-file ahead of a vote with enormous consequences for his domestic agenda.
Financial services lobbyists privately acknowledge their hopes for quick deregulation of the industry are all but dashed as legislation to roll back post-crisis reforms takes its place at the end of a long, slow-moving line.
A proposal to impose a price on carbon, controversial among Republicans, is the latest flashpoint between Gary Cohn, Trump's top economist, and Steve Bannon, his chief strategist.
A decade ago, Trump's onetime campaign manager signed a $10 million contract with a Russian billionaire to do advocacy work that would "greatly benefit the Putin Government."
The Wall Street Journal's pace-setting conservative editorial board laces into the president in an op-ed today, warning that "if he doesn't show more respect for the truth most Americans may conclude he's a fake President."
Keith Olbermann's take is even more devastating: 

As The "Resistance"   60 Day sinto his presidency--Donald Trump is a Loser-----

We conclude by noting this Nowruz greeting from President Trump 





View of the Week: On Water




Water is the most precious resource we have on this Earth.     This infographic underscores why it is critical ever more to make sure we preserve our most precious resource as we celebrated World Water Day:


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Thought For The Week: Earth's Flag

Enough Said...


Notations On Our World (Special Tuesday Edition): A Message From the US Secretary of State on the Occasion of Nowruz...

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson looks on during a joint press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (not pictured) at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on March 18, 2017 in Beijing, China. Tillerson is on his first visit to Asia as Secretary of State. 


The US Secretary of State issued a statement on the occasion of Nowruz as March 21 is proclaimed by the UN as the International Day of Nowruz.   As noted by the UN, "...Nowruz, the day of vernal equinox, is celebrated on 21 March as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions. On 23 February 2010, at the initiative of several countries (Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan), the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution entitled “International Day of Nowruz” (A/RES/64/253), which recognizes 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz and encourages States to make efforts to raise awareness about Nowruz and to organize annual events in commemoration of this festivity, as appropriate. Nowruz was also inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity".      The full statement is noted here for reference:   Message on the Occasion of Nowruz.   



In the meantime, there has also been some developments on the diplomatic front as  This is as the US Secretary of State has announced plans to skip his First NATO summit and in turn visit Russia for talks--although as we went to press, Russia has neither confirmed or denied the talks.    The White House is also now "Live" as we are monitoring the Press Secretary is having his daily press briefing on the American Health Care Act and other matters on-going in Washington.  







Monday, March 20, 2017

Notations From the Grid (Weekly Edition): On @POTUS Watch , #Syria, #Europe & Other Thoughts


It has been quite a day in our World today as The FBI Director has underscored that no proof exists to back up President Trump's claim that the Obama Administration (or President Obama personally) bugged Trump Tower.   This is as the FBI Director has also confirmed that investigations are continuing into allegations of Trump Campaign collusion with Russia.   As we went to press, the White House Doubled Down on the wiretap claim as reported by CNN.  

As we noted in our Newsflash earlier today, Iran's New Year Began.   Both the President, Hassan Rouhani, and the Supreme Guide (Leader), Ali Khameini, sent new year greetings.    Our team found it especially interesting how the President spoke in front of a Traditional Haft Sin Table and the dark, dour nature of the surroundings as Ayatollah Khamenei spoke:

Ayatollah Khameini, Iran's Supreme Guide 
  
Hassan Rouhani, Iran's President 


Ayatollah Khamenei's criticism of the Government was striking as Iran prepares for Presidential Elections.    How the top officials fell into line with Khameini's declarations about the "profound burden" was quite striking to see as Rouhani's Deputy and Rouhani himself spoke regarding this.  What is interesting is how the Foundations and Organs under the direct control of the Supreme Guide exempt from taxation and accountability is not part of this criticism.   This is as the Syrian and Iraqi wars continue with no end in site--wars that Iran is deeply involved with at a considerable cost.As we assessed the "Grid",  reporting on a Russian Deal with the Kurds to establish a base is quite remarkable.    This is as   Syria and Israel are at a crossroads and it appears that the Russians have put their foot down that Israel needs to drastically curtail its' foray into Syria with its' recent assaults--the most recent of them having apparently killed a senior Syrian Air Defense Official.

Europe is also at a crossroads.   Brexit will officially begin March 29--our team released what the Guardian of London's take on it was earlier during our daily Twitter Curation.    It is indeed a journey into the unknown especially as Scotland is making noises about independence.    As we also went to press, the French Presidential Debate was also at hand which should be quite a show to watch--Our Team released the link to our Twitter Feed (@ordinaryfaces) earlier.   

Truly interesting times....


Sunday, March 19, 2017

An #Outsider Newsflash (Special Edition): Live From London!!! پخش زنده برنامه‌هاى بى‌بى‌سى فارسى





As we are on the air,  we picked up this live broadcast from London as the BBC Persian Service is broadcasting live as the coundown to the Persian New Year is at hand.    It is fantastic Music!!!!  An estimated 200 Million People celebrate this ancient celebration of the advent of Spring that is about renewal, hope, love and a sense of optimism.


Notations On Our World (Weekly Edition): As The New Week Dawns....

As we went to press, we wanted to begin this edition of "Notations" with a focus on Iran as the Country is about to usher in the New Year of 1396 in a little over 7 Hours.    The Farsi Service of the Voice Of America was busy over the past number of weeks reflecting upon the year as it looked to the new year--including a "viewer-driven" program about the notorious players of the year in Iran today:





One of the most notable persons at hand was the Mayor of Tehran, Ghalibaf, who was deemed the "Liar of the year"--especially in the aftermath of the collapse of the Plasco Building in Tehran earlier in the year.  Iran's Former President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is making noises again to run in the elections--after revelations about the extent of the corruption during his 8 years.    What was also quite interesting was how it was revealed that the former President did not even have a  He is yet to face Justice--even though one of his Vice Presidents has declared his candidacy.    Our team was amused as the former President joined Twitter and noted "...Follow Me" even though Twitter was blocked during the Green Movement.    It must be noted that  Iran will be basically shut down for 2 weeks before things begin anew.    Tragedy also struck Iran as the South part of the Country was faced with a Tsunami.   

Beyond Iran, there is Israel.   Israel in the midst of a political crisis as a result of the dispute over the replacement of the Public Broadcast Authority that may result in snap elections.   The current Prime Minister has a razor-thin majority in Parliament and any fissure will cause the Government to collapse.  This is as Israel has attacked Syria and Syria has retaliated.       The rebels, though, seem to have been emboldened as they attacked Government Forces in Damascus--taking the fight to the heart of the Regime.    Damascus had seen a number of car bombs over the past week as well.  This underscores that the Syrian War will continue onward despite supposed regime gains over the past number of weeks.      

Beyond the Middle East, there is China.   The US Secretary of State has been in China gearing up for a summit with President Trump.   Although Mr. Tillerson met with President Xi for about 7 Minutes, the bulk of the discussions was with the Chinese Foreign Minister--as thorny issues including THAAD and North Korea was discussed.   China Daily (an Official Organ of the Chinse Government), depicted the View from China below: 



This is as India has seen the opening battles being drawn for the 2019 Elections.   Uttar Pradesh--India's Largest State with over 200 Million Residents--has a new Chief Minister.  He is a Hindu Ideologue by the name of Yogi Abijah who believes in a Hindu India.   Although he has committed to be the leader for all the people, it will be interesting to see how things develop.   

Meanwhile, in the United States, there are a number of key things coming up this week.   The Budget Blueprint was one of the central topics of discussion during the US Public Affair Shows.  The Budget Director noted something very interesting during his appearance on CBS News' Face The Nation as he noted that he does not have a business card because he has to pay for it--as the host, John Dickerson, asked about the President's Trips to his Florida Estate.    This is also as The Healthcare law continues to work itself through--Ted Cruz said that the Healthcare law as it stands will not pass. as hearings will be conveyed on the Russia connections that would feature the FBI Director.   The Supreme Court Nominee will also be before the US Senate Judiciary Committee.

It is bound to be an interesting week....




As Spring Is In the Air: A W-End Musical Interlude.......

Our team chose this from Ace of Base which we hope all enjoy...Happy Spring:





Friday, March 17, 2017

On This St. Patrick's Day 2017....

We here at the Daily Outsider wanted to wish all a Happy St. Patricks' Day as we leave you all with this Irish Blessings and as we are ever so grateful to +Jonathan Huie for the series of thoughts: 

   



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

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 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


Thursday, March 16, 2017

Notations On Our World: On @POTUS Watch w/The View From the White House

The White Hosue has just launched "1600 Daily" with its' view on what has been going on.  What our team found interesting was how only the conservative-leaning media was cited in its' reporting.    It was also quite a remarkable press conference as The President's Budget Director used very blunt language in his assessment when he was in the Press Room.   The blunt answer in response to the proposed reduced funding for the UN in light of the famine affecting 20 Million People was especially striking.   It must be noted that the 62-Page Document is just a blueprint.   The Administration is slated to deliver its' budget in May.

A sampling of "1600 Daily" is noted below":    



The White House

WHITE HOUSE MEMO:
President Donald J. Trump is committed to delivering relief to Americans struggling under the weight of Obamacare's rising prices and onerous mandates. The President's reforms will bring down costs and increase access to coverage for millions of Americans. It's time to repeal the disaster known as Obamacare and replace it with a system that puts the interests of the people first.

GET INVOLVED
FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP
Retweet

Retweet

OVAL OFFICE HIGHLIGHTS
WHITE HOUSE UPDATES
Photo of the Day: 

President Trump meets D.C Mayor Muriel Bowser, Paul Wiedefeld, General Manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and Tom Bossart, Homeland Security Advisory ahead of winter blizzard warnings.
View Photo
  • President Trump has his first Cabinet meeting
    Read More
  • Cabinet Blog Series: Secretary Perry: Energy Department Employees Can "Change the World"
    Read More
Retweet

PRESS ROOM
  • Watch yesterday's press briefing here.
  • Today's press briefing will take place at 1:00 P.M. EST in the White House Briefing Room with Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Watch it here.
PRESIDENT TRUMP'S SCHEDULE
  • 10:00AM: President Trump meets with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus
  • 12:30PM: President Trump has lunch with the Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
  • 3:00PM: President Trump has a call with CEO of Anthem and the Secretary of Health and Human Services
  • 4:00PM: President Trump has a call with Speaker of the House and House Majority Leader regarding healthcare
NEWS REPORTS
  • Breitbart: "Donald Trump Meets with Victims of Obamacare at the White House"
    Read More
  • Fox News: "Trump: Americans will be able to 'pick the plan they want'"
    Read More
  • Townhall: "Five Ways The White House Plans to Sell Obamacare Repeal and Replace"
    Read More
  • Fox News: "Trump steps up ObamaCare repeal push, meets with law's 'victims'"
    Read More
37% cut in the Department of State
Dismembering Government, One Dollar at a Time
How 120 Generals & Admirals say this is wrong!!!
About the Muslim Ban 2.0

Notations On Our World (Special Edition): On the @POTUS Budget Blueprint For 2017 & Beyond

President Trump's Budget Blueprint has been published.    It is an Outline that has already drawn criticism from the likes of Senator McCain.   It is going to have a profound impact on the States that according to Route Fifty that relies  on the Federal Government for 22 Percent of their budget outlays.    It is also going to impact the Poor in a very significant way.

The +Washington Post   just released this "clip" on it as the  ensuing debate begins:

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Notations On Our World: On #Europe Watch W/the Dutch Elections & @POTUS Watch

The Dutch have re-elected the Prime Minister to a New Term seeing off the Challenge From the Far-Right.    It is a rather complicated structure as underscored by this courtesy of +Al Jazeera English :

dutch netherlands elections explainer infographic

After Brexit and the Election of Donald Trump in the United States, someone noted that Common Sense seems to have prevailed.    The next major test of populism is France as Elections loom there as the Conservative Candidate Francois Fillon has been indicted on Graft Charges related to the Fake Job Scandal.     

Meanwhile, in the United States, President Trump's Travel  Ban was blocked by a Federal District Judge in Hawaii on the eve of its' going into effect.  Professor Jonathan Turley just released an analysis of this which is worth noting.   This is as  5 Republican Judges on the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit noted their approval of the President's authority (available by clicking here...)  
It will be quite interesting to see where this all goes...

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

On the Prowl.....

As debates rage on, elections occur, we here at #Outsiders wanted to take a moment of pause on this week of celebrations (Holi; St. Patrick's Day and Nouroz)  just to share this "Thought For the Week" courtesy of the team at +VALUES.COM : 

You're amazing just the way you are. Bruno Mars

Monday, March 13, 2017

On @POTUS watch w/this Newsflash on the @GOP Plan To replace #Obamacare

The Congressional Budget Office has just come out with its' estimate on the GOP plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare).    This is as the Trump Administration had been working on trying to undermine the work of the CBO--showcased by the most recent daily White House Press Conference by Press Secretary Sean Spicer.   As it garnered headlines on CNN and the Huffington Post, it was buried on the FoxNews website.     Our team has noted the full summary below--the entire report is available by clicking here: