On @POTUS watch w/ @realDonaldTrump Christmas Gift to the Poor: Tax Hikes: The Daily Show

Notations From the Grid (Weekly Edition) : Saudi Arabia Working to Assert Itself....

Our team has been on the prowl as the struggle in the Middle East is continuing and as we witness to to change in Zimbabwe as our World always fascinates as we work to live up to our mantra of Intelligent Engagement. 

The New York Times' Thomas Friedman sat down with Mohammad Bin Salman on Thanksgiving 2017.   Mr. Friedman's Column is available in full by clicking here.   Our team wanted to feature his column with the image it captured above that is quite telling in terms of what he said as he deemed Khameini, Iran's Supreme Leader   the new Hitler of the Middle East.   This is as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt have increased the pressure on Qatar.    What was interesting (and amusing in our team's View) was what someone deemed this: A Press release by #MBS (that he's known for) sent forth through Thomas Friedman.     Mr. Friedman has done some interesting work and we have been a fan of his writings including The World Is Flat & Thank You for Being Late.  However, this praise of what #MBS is doing as Yemen continues to rage on , Freedoms continue to be problematic and of course the cold war between Iran and Saudi Arabia rages on--as Iran called #MBS "Weak-Minded" in response to his comments.   .    One of the victims is Lebanon as the Prime Minister returned to Lebanon and rescinded his resignation.  .   As Saad Hariri tries to figure out a path forward, we have seen reports that his family's construction business built on the largesse of the Saudi Royal Family is collapsing.

Truly interesting times.....

On This #ThanksgivingDay2017......

As we will be "Dark" to reflect, we hope all enjoy these compilation of thoughts from @Jonathan Lockwood Huie and his team: 

The food which we are about to eat
Is Earth, Water, and Sun, compounded
through the alchemy of many plants.
Therefore Earth, Water and Sun will
become part of us.
This food is also the fruit of the labor of
many. We are grateful for it.
May it give us strength, health, joy.
And may it increase our love.
- Unitarian Blessing

In a world where so many are hungry,
may we eat this food with humble hearts;
in a world where so many are lonely,
May we share this friendship with joyful hearts.
- Anonymous

We receive this food in gratitude to all beings

Who have helped to bring it to our table,

And vow to respond in turn to those in need

With wisdom and compassion.

- Buddhist Blessing

For food that stays our hunger,

For rest that brings us ease,

For homes where memories linger,

We give our thanks for these.

- Anonymous