Notations From the Grid: On #IranElection2017

President Rouhani of Iran On the Campaign Trail

The elections in Iran are a focus of ours this week as we assess it to present the latest on the eve of the Elections.    What we just picked up during our morning review on the "Grid" is telling in how President Rouhani went after his chief conservative rival, Ebrahim Raissi:

In Hamedan today, #Iran's incumbent Pres Rouhani indirectly attacked rival Raisi: Ppl don't want those who executed & jailed for last 38 yrs pic.twitter.com/roeSmBYxnO

— IranHumanRights.org (@ICHRI) May 8, 2017

Raissi was part of a committee that decided on executions some 25 years that continues to haunt  Iran up to this day.   What must be noted, though, is that Rouhani's own Justice Minster was part of that Committee and was implicated in taped conversations with then-Deputy Supreme Guide of the Revolution, Ayatollah Montazeri who reminded the Committee that they would be forever condemned for what they have done.    The son of Ayatollah Montazeri released the audio of the conversations, was condemned by the special court for the clergy (headed by Raissi), condemned to losing his clergy pedigree and 21 years in Prison--currently suspended.     

On the Eve of a New Week: A Special Edition of the Musical Interlude w/John Legend - Love Me Now

Onward to the New Week as we look forward to releases in our properties later on in the Week.....

Notations On Our World (W-End Edition) : As A New Week Dawns....

As we went to press, our team was on the prowl with two key developments out of France and Iran.   Tthe Presidential Vote in France is continuing and the Presidential Campaign in Iran is continuing with outlandish claims and attacks that were exposed over the past two weeks by of the Farsi Service of the Voice of America.   President Rouhani, though, took time out of the Campaign to visit the site of the Mining Disaster that claimed the lives of 23 miners.     The Iranian Foreign Minister also has just arrived in Afghanistan for Talks as the Afghan Security situation continues to worsen with reports that the Trump Administration is considering an increase in US Forces to deal with the worsening Security Situation that has brought into question the very viability of the Afghan Government.  Our team will prepare some updated notations on both later on in the week.   

As we look to a new week, our team decided to choose this latest courtesy of +Jonathan Huie that captures the essence of what we hope to achieve through our on-going work as we embark upon the curation & development of our properties: 

There are no small acts of kindness.

Every compassionate act makes large the world.

- Mary Anne Radmacher

Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least of these

brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.

- Jesus (Matthew 25:40) 

For it is in giving that we receive.

- St. Francis of Assisi

It's the little things you do

that can make a big difference.

- Bob Proctor

Our opportunity is to visualize a kinder world.

To sing glad songs of tomorrow -

imagining a world of love -

of the whole world filled with love.

To offer our hand... often.

To breathe deeply and honor ourselves.

To pause and contemplate... just because.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

View of the Week (W-End Edition): On The US Budget & Economic Outlook

As the debate over the Obamacare "repeal and replace" enters its' second phase, there is the challenge of the long-term economic outlook as noted by the Congressional Budget Office:

The 2017 Budget and Economic Outlook from Congressional Budget Office

The Weekly Virtual Musical Interlude: Sting Performs Desert Rose.....

On the dawn of the Weekend, please enjoy our artist of the Week, Sting,  as we feature various selections him throughout our network properties:

Notations On Our World: On #Africa Watch re: Jacob Zuma & Robert Mugabe

As we went to press, we just picked up this on a ruling against President Zuma from South Africa. He's under fire as he has so far survived a number of moves against him and as the African National Congress has rallied behind him despite reservations expressed by many senior figures including his own Deputy President as the struggle to replace him begins in earnest.    We found it interesting that he claimed Executive Privilege.

The story courtesy of Polity is noted below:


Zuma must provide reasons behind Cabinet reshuffle, judge rules: Judge Bashir Vally has ruled that President Jacob Zuma must hand over all records explaining the reason why he reshuffled the Cabinet. Sitting in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, and after listening to arguments, Vally said he would give reasons for the ruling next Tuesday.


This is also from Zimbabwe as the crisis in Zimbabwe continues to escalate as we received this here in our Virtual Newroom: 

Mugabe denies Zimbabwe is "fragile" POLITICS
Zimbabwe's 93-year-old president, Robert Mugabe, sat slumped in his chair, wringing his hands, as he told a panel discussion on Thursday in a low murmur that his country was not a "fragile state"....

An #Outsider Newsflash (Special Edition): On the Google Docs Phishing Attack

FYI as our team here was one of the 1 Million Users affected...FYI as we feature this on all our properties:

National Cyber Awareness System:

Google Docs Phishing Campaign

05/04/2017 03:08 PM EDT

Original release date: May 04, 2017US-CERT is aware of a phishing campaign that affected Google Docs users. The campaign used spoofed email addresses to target users with emails purporting to share a document for collaboration. Once the targeted users accepted invitations, they were encouraged to allow the phishing program access to their email accounts. Google has taken action to protect users, including removing the fake Google Docs pages and disabling the offending accounts.
US-CERT reminds users that they play a critical role in protecting their organizations and themselves from cyber threats. Users should:

• Be careful when clicking directly on links in emails, even if the sender appears to be known; attempt to verify web addresses independently (e.g., contact your organization's helpdesk or search the Internet for the main website of the organization or topic mentioned in the email).
• Exercise caution when opening email attachments. Be particularly wary of compressed or ZIP file attachments.
• Immediately report any suspicious emails to your information technology (IT) helpdesk, security office, or email provider.

Users of Google Docs are encouraged to review Google's statement and US-CERT's Tip on Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information. You can report any suspected phishing emails to the anti-phishing group APWG.

Notations From the Grid (Special Thursday Edition): On @POTUS watch, #Iran & Other Thoughts

It has been quite a week.    As we went to press,  we wanted to note some brief late breaking developments:

• President Trump will be traveling to Saudi Arabia and Israel.   Reports indicate that President Trump; will have a follow up meeting with Mahmoud Abbas as a follow up to the  meeting they had in Washington Yesterday.   President Trump expressed optimism about achieving peace--although the founder of Electronic Intifida was quite sceptical on an appearance on Al Jazeera yesterday.     The Israeli Prime Minister said Abbas Lied as his spokesmen dismissed Hamas' Charter Change earlier in the week--and as  how Abbas' Meeting with President Trump was depicted in the Hamas Daily Al-Resalah:

• Iran's Presidential Election is in Full Swing as the candidates are fighting it out.    The Mine Disaster that claimed at least 23 miners overshadowded the campaign.    It is quite interesting how the factions have lined up--as we look forward to reporting on it after the 2nd Presidential debate airs on Iranian State Television Tomorrow.  Candidates also have been on the air throughout the week responding to questions--it has been interesting as President Rouhani has been critical of the State Broadcasters' Stance.  
• Meanwhile, in Washington, the quest to repeal and replace "Obamacare" is continuing as the House of Representatives is set to vote on the measure--it has passed by 217-212 (just by one vote)--and the President is about to celebrate this win in the Rose Garden of tehW hite House.       It faces an uncertain future in the US Senate.   This is as the President continued a flurry of Executive Orders--including the latest on religious liberty which will allow more politics into the pulpit based on initial reading.   There is, though, a Budget thru September 30 even though the President has said that a "good shutdown" is needed.    
• As we went to press, we are on the lookout as France goes to the Polls on Sunday, the UK elections begin in earnest in the aftermath of the formal dissolution of  Parliament by Queen Elizabeth II    All indications are that Mr. Macron will be the next President of France. 
• May 3 Yesterday was World Press Freedom Day.    We here at the Daily Outsider salute all around the World who are on the frontlines and all who have lost their lives in Mexico, languish in the prisons of Egypt, Sudan, Iran and Turkey.    
• It is also an end of an era of sorts as Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has announced he will retire from Royal Duties later on this year.  Our team made it a point of thanking him for his service to the UK as we salute him for serving as a vocal advocate for Conservation and wish him all the best as he retires from Public Life.      

Notations From The Grid (Weekly Edition): A WalkAbout in Our World Courtesy of @GlobalCitizen...

Please enjoy!!

Climate change is real – just ask the people of coastal Alaska. Global Citizen went to the island of Kivalina to talk to people who are already losing their homes to climate change. Watch here. Good morning, Global Citizens! Wake up with these sunrises from around the world. Watch here. "I don't love when you waste your food". Watch here. The future is here and water bottles are now edible. Watch here.

View of the Week : On Living a Life of Purpose

Welcome to May here at the Daily Outsider!!

Our team chose some "Food 4 thought" 4 the week as a new week dawns--Please enjoy !!! 

“We will discover the nature
of our particular genius
when we stop trying to conform to
our own or other people’s models,
learn to be ourselves,
and allow our natural channel to open.”
~ Shakti Gawain

“We will discover the nature
of our particular genius
when we stop trying to conform to
our own or other people’s models,
learn to be ourselves,
and allow our natural channel to open.”
~ Shakti Gawain

The International Jazz Day Is Here: Please Enjoy This "Live" From Cuba!!!

Notations On Our World: On The US GDP Numbers & Other Thought (w/an update...)

Our team is right now as Business Forward is hosting a conference call on the latest US GDP Numbers.  The GDP Growth was .7 Percent For the Quarter.     One of the key components was lower Auto Sales--epitomized by what Ford reported earlier this week:

The Latest Economic Trends - 1Q2017 GDP Report from businessforward

There is a lot to "decouple" about the numbers as the World awaits the Fed's decision to "normalize" monetary policy.   

As we went to press, Congress passaed a one week spending measure to avoid a Government shutdown as the debate has begun in earnest about the Tax Reform Plan that President Trump's key economic advisors have announced as the President's 100 Days is before us Tomorrow:   

(Update:  Our team just finished off curating other properties within Daily Outsider (including our Visions Channel)  as we hope all enjoy visits )

We wish all a fabulous Week-End.

An #Outsider Newsflash (Friday Special Edition): Tomorrow is National Drug Take Back Day!!!!

This is the latest from the White House....

Dear Friends, Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, when you can drop off your expired, unused, and unneeded prescription drugs at approved collection sites – no questions asked. This year, I’m dropping off some old prescriptions because I don’t need them, and disposing of them prevents these pills from being misused in the future. This can even save lives. Prescription opioid pain medications are an important tool for managing the pain of people who have had surgery or other severe injuries, but the misuse of these medications and the use of heroin have taken a heartbreaking toll on too many Americans and their families while also straining law enforcement and treatment programs. More people now die from drug overdoses than in motor vehicle crashes. You can help prevent opioid abuse by participating in Take Back Day. So tomorrow, head down to your local collection site between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to drop off your expired, unused, and unneeded medications.  And by doing so, you may just save a life. Sincerely, Richard Baum Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy

View of the Week (Special Edition): On Water & Sanitation

For this special edition of "View of the Week" we present this latest we just received courtesy of the team at Global Citizen that captures the profound challenge of Water and Sanitation in our World.  This is a recent article in @Futurism noted how Earth can potentially turn into Mars if we're not careful:

 

Orlando Bloom Has a Challenge for You

With this viral challenge, the actor is teaming up with UNICEF and kids in Africa to bring awareness to climate change and the global water crisis.

 

Read

 

 

This Device Can Pull Water Out of Thin Air

Thanks to the geniuses at MIT, a small device could soon mean big relief for people in arid and drought-ridden regions. Here’s how it works.

 

Read

 

 

The Pope Just Opened a Very Special Laundromat

Pope Francis isn’t becoming a businessman – he’s just making sure every person in Rome has access to basic cleanliness.

 

Read

 

 

How Fruits and Vegetables Could Save India

As population growth squeezes India dry, fruits like melons, oranges and papaya could solve the country’s growing water crisis.

 

Read

 

 

This Blue Drum Is Changing Lives in Africa

Watch how this simple device is making life much easier in sub-Saharan Africa, allowing people to collect 5 times more water than a traditional bucket.

 

Read

 

 

Tell Leaders #ItsBloodyTime to Keep Girls in School

For many girls, getting a period means missing out on an education. Sign our petition telling leaders to prioritize clean water and toilets to keep girls in school.

 

Take Action