Monday, April 29, 2019

As a New Week Dawns....

The United States was witness to another tragedy.   A 19-year old attacked a synagogue--and is being held as we went to press as investigations continue to prosecute this as a hate crime.  This is as Sri Lanka continues to be in a state of emergency in the aftermath of the attacks during Easter Sunday.   This past Sunday saw the President and Prime Minister attend a Church Service led by the Archbishop of Columbo as Churches throughout the country remained closed.      On the Iran Front, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif made the rounds of the US Public Affairs Talk Show Circuit including Fox News and CBS' Face The Nation.

Please enjoy this #RandomThought from our archives in line with our mission to help change the conversation about our World:


Saturday, April 27, 2019

Notations From the Grid (W-End Edition): An Unraveling of US Foreign Policy



As part of our quest to bring all perspectives to bear on our World, we hereby present this alternative view as the United States tightens up the sanctions regime on Iran: 

Trump’s Latest Iran Sanctions Show an Unraveling of US Foreign Policy: Col. Lawrence Wilkerson says unilateral sanctions against Iran are illegal, and show the ascendancy of John Bolton; they intensify tension with China and threaten our international position

Friday, April 26, 2019

A Window Into Our World : On the Music Scene in Iran




On the eve of the final week-end throughout our properties, we decided to embrace the World--here we are proud to feature two of the leading Iranian Performers--the lyrics are in Farsi but subtitles can be available--Please Enjoy!!

Notations On Our World (Special Friday Edition): On @POTUS Watch re #Mueller

Reflections On the Mueller Report:  (Source Counterpoint by KAL) 

As the aftermath of the Mueller Report continues to reverberate, President Trump noted that the Administration will not comply with any of the demands by the US House of Representatives.   This is as Trevor Noah shared his perspective of the past 24 hours:










As we went to Press with this edition of "Notations" we understood that Former Vice President Joe Biden was due to announce his candidacy for the Presidency.    This reporting from the Washington Examiner was quite interesting :


The family of the late Sen. John McCain plans to support former Vice President Joe Biden's White House bid, backing the Democrat not only in his party's crowded primary race but also in a general election matchup with President Trump, the Washington Examiner has learned.
In an extraordinary snub to Trump, who derided McCain's Vietnam War service and mocked him even after his death last August at age 81, the McCain family is preparing to break with the Republican Party. McCain represented the party in Congress for 35 years and was chosen as its presidential nominee in 2008, losing to Barack Obama.
Read the full story here. 

& it is now official although Mrs. McCain did put a statement denying the reporting by the Washington Examiner and the President's Supporters went after Joe Biden on Twitter yesterday calling him Low Energy among other things: 


mike --

America is an idea. Based on a founding principle that all men are created equal.

It's an idea that's stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, and more powerful than any dictator.

It gives hope to the most desperate people on Earth. It instills in every single person in this country the belief that no matter where they start in life, there's nothing they can’t achieve if they work at it.

Today, that idea is under attack.

We've got a president who assigns a moral equivalence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to stand against it.

A president who, like most charlatans and demagogues throughout history, seeks only to aggrandize himself, to consolidate his own power -- by blaming the "other."

If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation.

I cannot stand by and watch that happen.

Our core values, our very standing in the world, our democracy, and everything that makes us who we are is at stake.

That's why I'm announcing my candidacy for President of the United States.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

@JoeBiden Jumps on the 2020 Train with a Whole Lot of Baggage | The Dail...

Notations On Our World (Weekly Edition) : On #Iran Watch

Iran Floods:  How a Dog Took Refuge With the Cows

The Trump Administration has announced intentions to stop the waivers for the 8 Countries who have bought Iranian Oil.    Based on reporting we've reviewed, we understand that Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iraq will make up the difference as US Secretary of State has vowed to bring Iranian Oil Sales to Zero which will present even more profound challenges for the Government.

The Iranian Government requested the ultimate authority, the Supreme Leader (Guide) n in the Country to be allowed to spend funds from the National Fund for Flood Repairs--and the Supreme Leader refused stating that other resources must be utilized first--as the Supreme Leader and Foundations under his direct control control an estimated 70 percent of Iran's Economy.   The Tavanah Organization, an Iranian Civil Rights & Education Organization, released this depiction on how the Supreme Leader is condoning drips as Iran continues to deal with floods and the aftermath: 




As Iran dealt with Floods, one of the Friday Prayer Leaders focused on prohibiting women from riding bicycles--Tavanah again depicted this as floods decimated Iran: 



The true nature of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards--declared by the United States to be a terrorist organization--was also depicted as its' key commander, Qasem Suleimani, was the puppet masters of the terrorists in Iraq , Yemen, Syria and Lebanon: 




Khameini replaced the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards last week and made other moves to try and be ready as sanctions tighten.   What we found especially interesting was recent comments by the Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, offering to exchange dual nationals for Iranians being held in various jails.   He claimed he had the authority to do it and had already reached out to the Trump Administration after repeated claims that it was a matter for the Iranian Judiciary as it was indepedent.   In our view, the said claims of an independent judiciary in Iran have no merit.   We here at the Daily Outsider have been urging the release of all dual nationals including Nazanin Zargari-Radcliffe who has been granted diplomatic protection by the UK Government.     We will continue to monitor and assess this over the ensuing days and weeks.


Monday, April 22, 2019

Notations From the Grid (Weekly Edition): Out & About In Our World

In Laguna Niguel, CA @ The Niguel Botanical Preserve:  Trail To Eagle 
In Laguna Niguel, CA @ The Niguel Botanical Preserve:  Trail To Eagle 


Today is Earth Day.    Members of our team joined Earth Day celebrations over the weekend at the Niguel Botanical Preserve here in our hometown of Laguna Niguel.  

As we hope all enjoy visits to our properties throughout the week, please enjoy this courtesy of @Ted on reflecting upon the 25 Top Ted Talks as we look forward to the properties with the weekly edition of Notations along with our Live Broadcast Pod and our Twitter Corner Updates: 


 

The most popular talks of all time

Are schools killing creativity? What makes a great leader? How can I find happiness? These 25 talks are the ones that you and your fellow TED fans just can't stop sharing. Watch »




Sunday, April 21, 2019

#Flashback: Out & About in Our World

Please enjoy these #RandomThoughts on Our World as we wish all a #HappyEaster and a Great Week Ahead: 







Saturday, April 20, 2019

Notations From the Grid (Special W-End Edition): On @POTUS Watch Re #MuellerReport

The Mueller Report is out--and it has been making the headlines.  President Trump has been fundraising off it.   We here present a sampling of all the discourse throughout the day as the report continues to be analyzed & discussed--as the debate may switch to impeachment even though it will not happen due to the total control the Republicans have in the United States Senate:  


 



by jonathanturley




I am doing legal analysis for CBS News and BBC in New York today but, for those who have not read the report, it is linked below.






Donald Trump May Not Be Guilty of Obstruction, but He Is Guilty of Arrogant Stupidity
The president heedlessly created the appearance that he was trying hard, though ineptly, to hide something.
By Jacob Sullum
Trump May Not Have Obstructed the Mueller Investigation, But It Sure Looks Like He Tried
Was the president saved by the swamp he campaigned against?
By Peter Suderman
Bill Barr ‘Disagreed’ with Some of Mueller’s ‘Legal Theories’ on Obstruction
The Mueller report was released to the public shortly after the press conference.
By Joe Setyon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2019
Contact: Emily Phelps | press@indivisible.org
Washington, DC — The Indivisible Project’s national policy director Angel Padilla released the following statement in response to the release of the redacted Mueller report:
The Mueller report is finally out thanks to the efforts from Indivisibles and grassroot activists who were relentless in their demands for transparency. Still, we are disappointed in the heavy redactions placed on the report and the many questions left unanswered. Congress must now press Barr to provide them with the full report and continue to investigate.
It’s clear the White House would prefer to keep the public in the dark, and that Barr was specifically chosen for this reason. We fully support House Democrats utilizing their oversight and investigative powers to continue to get to the truth and to make it clear that no one is above the law.
As we look to 2020 and beyond, one of Indivisible’s main priorities is to protect and expand our democracy by fighting for more transparency, more accountability and a bigger voice in our own government. The Mueller report is just one part of this fight. Nevertheless, we will continue demanding the truth.
# # #
Text MuellerTime to 97779 for more detail.
(Can't text right now? Click here instead.)
- Indivisible Team

President Trump is spending the week-end at his Estate in Florida as the implications continue--he has been lashing out on Twitter at one time attacking folks who took notes--as the White House Counsel Don McGahn noted now Real Lawyers took notes.  A Culture of dishonesty was what the New York Times documented.

As we went to Press, here was the latest out of Congress as the ramifications of the report continue:


The Washington Post
Democracy Dies in Darkness
Politics P.M.
Politics happens fast. Catch up.

Mueller report updates: Nadler subpoenas full findings; White House calls it ‘political grandstanding’
President Trump and his supporters sought to turn a page on his presidency, as Democrats continue to consider their options about how to respond to a special counsel’s report that detailed what they said was “alarming” behavior.
By John Wagner and Colby Itkowitz · Read more
Longtime Manafort associate Konstantin Kilimnik rejects his depiction in Mueller report
The Russian national said he has no ties to intelligence services and did not share internal Trump campaign polling data, which he described as “what one could find on RealClearPolitics.
By Tom Hamburger · Read more
Analysis
How Sean Hannity aided the Trump Tower meeting clean-up effort
According to the Mueller report, Hannity knew about the meeting weeks before the Times did.
By Philip Bump · Read more
Man arrested after allegedly making racist death threats against Omar, Tlaib and Booker
The statements made by the caller added credence to complaints by Omar's supporters that the political fixation on her statements about 9/11 could amount to an incitement of violence.
By Eli Rosenberg · Read more

Washington Examiner
Robert Mueller and Donald Trump are shown.

Late last month, President Trump met with a group of Republican senators on Capitol Hill. He discussed a lot of topics, but his most memorable comment came when he called Trump-Russia special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation "two years of bullshit."
Now, the public has Mueller's 448-page report, and it tends to support the president's assessment.

We wish all a great Easter Weekend.

Friday, April 19, 2019

On This Good Friday.....


We begin by simply saying thank you as we are privileged to serve.    We also chose this uplifting and engaging message from MOAS that we've periodically featured in our properties--as we go dark through Easter Sunday, we wish all a fabulous Easter Week-End:

MOAS Director's Easter Message
This Easter, our Founder, Regina Catrambone, reflects on those who risk their lives in search of peace and safety  
On Easter Day, we want to share a story of hope and solidarity. Earlier this month, MOAS delivered emergency supplies to the Sea-Eye vessel Alan Kurdi, which rescued 64 migrants on Wednesday 3rd of April, and was subsequently denied safe harbour in Europe for over a week. MOAS has stayed in touch with two women who were evacuated from the vessel and transferred to hospital in Malta. 

On Tuesday 9th of April, as we were waiting for the go-ahead to deliver food, water, blankets, clothing and medication to the Alan Kurdi, we heard that a 34-year-old woman, whom we’ll callPatricia, had fallen unconscious and been evacuated to Malta. Knowing those on board were struggling to cope with their confinement at sea, we felt it was more urgent than ever to reach them and show them our solidarity. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, another evacuation took place: a 23-year-old pregnant woman suffering from seizures, whom we’ll call Beatrice, was also taken to hospital in Malta.

Since last Friday, the MOAS team has visited Patricia and Beatrice in hospital several times. It is clear they have appreciated the company, and the love that we have shown them; several hospital staff members have commented on the value of our visits, and the positive effects they have had on both women. On Palm Sunday, MOAS arranged for Patricia and Beatrice to receive holy communion, as they had expressed a strong Christian faith.

Patricia had been travelling with her sister, and Beatrice with her husband; both had also formed close bonds with the other women and the two small children on board. Throughout their time in hospital, they were desperate for news. They were overjoyed when we informed them that the rescued migrants had finally been allowed to disembark in Malta, and excited to be reunited with their families.

It is difficult for anyone to be separated from their loved ones, especially when feeling unwell. Considering the challenges that many have overcome to reach a place of safety, rescued migrants are particularly vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. At MOAS, we believe that a gesture of kindness can go a long way towards letting someone know that they are not alone – that others are thinking of them, and looking out for them.

MOAS co-founder and director Regina Catrambone says: “This Easter, our thoughts are with all the children, women and men who risk their lives to seek peace and security, and particularly those trapped in the hands of merciless traffickers. We also think of all those celebrating Easter around the world – particularly our team in Bangladesh, empowering Rohingya refugees to lead on preparations for the monsoon season, and our partners in Yemen, where we are delivering life-saving medical aid and famine relief.

Our mission at MOAS is to keep hope alive wherever it is needed the most. On Easter Day, we wish for a world where we all try our best to share the gestures of solidarity that can mitigate suffering and bring comfort to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.”

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Notations On Our World (Special Edition): On France & Notre-Dame




The scenes of the Fire at Notre-Dame yesterday were heartbreaking to be witness to.   We commend the valiant fire fighters in Paris on all that they were able to save.    We were so pleased to see the commitment by Salma Hayek and her husband for $ 113 Million and the commitment by President Macron to rebuild the Notre-Dame.     This is as this crossed our news wire on an upcoming international donors conference--We will assist in helping to spread the World on reconstruction in every which way as Notre-Dame is not just part of France, but the World--as we also hope France sees a period of calm and unity as we urge the yellow jackets to stand down:



MARDI 16 AVRIL 2019 - 09:04 (PARIS)

Paris Mayor Hidalgo announces international donors conference to help rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral
 Read more on France24.com