A Final Wish On New Years'' Eve #2016

Our team will be "going dark" in honor of New Years 2016.

As we await the dawn of 2016, we wanted to leave you with this simple sentiment that underscores our prayers for the new year;

We look forward to "Cyber See" our Community in 2016.   

“May your light rest in our hearts,
And remind us that you are the eternal star.”

“Let us dream of a world without any more violence –
A world of justice and hope.
Let us each give a hand to our neighbor…
As a symbol of peace and brotherhood.”

“Give us strength.

Fill us with love that we might love and be loved.

Let this be our prayer.” 

~ Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster 

Notations on Our World: Final Thoughts On #2015 (On US, #Iran & Other Thoughts)

KAL reflects Upon the State of Affairs in the United States (Source: http://www.economist.com) 

It has been quite a year in our World.

The most vibrant engagement we've been witness to has been the US Election Scene.   As we were gearing up to go to Press, we received reports here at our Virtual World Headquarters that George Pataki, the former Governor of New York, annouced that he was "Suspending" his Presidential Campaign effectively ending his campaign--then there was 12.

The battle between Donald Trump and the Clintons is statring to heat up.   Trump has said that he would go after Hillary Clinton, "Hard", by focusing on Bill Clinton's indiscretions.  He also just came out and noted that he would be spending 2 Million Dollars per week on Ads on the eve of Iowa and New Hampshire.     This is also as Jeb Bush cancelled Ad Buys and retrenching for trying to save what is clearly a campaign in trouble.   With less than 30 Days to Iowa, Trump dominates as exemplifed by this from the Washington Post's Dave Weigel:

As Trump attacks, conservatives hope to turn women against Clinton

Trump has hit on the growing conservative desire to portray the Democratic front-runner as the sort of person feminists should run screaming from.

By David Weigel  •  Read more »

The best defense is a good offense and Mr Trump is truly the Master at the "Art of the Deal" although there is no concerted effort to truly push back on the substance of his analysis.      The closest thing our team saw was this on Israel's Haaretz available by clicking here. 

It was also of note how the Washington Examiner touted the surge and actions of Senator Cruz as noted in this "snapshot" we received here:

Ted Cruz plans action on multiple fronts in first day as president Surging Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz described what would be the most aggressive first day in office ever for a new president, starting with the elimination of "every single illegal and unconstitutional" executive action taken by President Obama. The Texas senator also said that he would rip up Obama's controversial deal with Iran, open an investigation into Planned Parenthood's "abortion practice," and shift the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. 'ALL OF THAT IS ON DAY ONE'

  

The total lack of regard for the realities in that part of the World is quite concerning especially as his campaign gathers apparent steam in anticipation of an apparent win in Iowa.    It is also of note that this is the standard "stump speech" he makes all the time. This is also as the Examiner noted this with this very interesting image of Hillary Clinton and her Chief Aide, Huma Abedyn:  

Year of outrage: Top 15 scandals in 2015 The past year has not been pretty and the Washington Examiner's Sarah Westwood has been paying attention. Here's a sampling from her list of top 2015 scandals: 1) 100,000 tax-delinquent feds cost taxpayers $1.4 billion; 2) Hillary's email-gate involved multiple falsehoods but failed to thwart her campaign; 3) Clinton Foundation foreign donors also did business with the State Dept. under Hillary Clinton; 4) Obamacare lost track of $2.8 billion in insurance subsidies; 6) VA refused to fire two officials who stole $400,000 from the agency and blocked benefits to thousands of veterans . . . . . . AND IT GETS WORSE . . .

It was also of interest as we recentlly saw a number of columns Professor Jonathan Turley published in his blog about what Obama taught Trump.   Professor Turley's view is interesting in that he's lead Counsel for action against the Obama Adminstration as the former Speaker decided to sue the President on some of the very Executive Actions that was prompted due to House inaction.     We found this depicted on the state of the Campaign by our favorite cartoonist, the Economist' KAL, ever so pivotal and timely.

As we went to press with this final retrospective, it was of interest that there were discussions on a Post-Assad era that was reported by the National Interest recently with Iran making moves.  It is also of note that Iran is gearing up for a pivotal election for Parliament and the Assembly of Experts.    Some 12,000 candidates had filed to run--but who knows who's approved by the time the Guardian Council is done with them.    All will again be subject to an intense process with one key provision being whether they were part of the Green Movement of 2009.        As this continues, Iran is faced with a profound challenge on the Economic Front with no apparent moves having been made by the Rouhani Adminstration.      We have also been assessing the on-going state of the Environment in the Country as two of the largest cities, Isfahan and Tehran, were on lockdown as schools were ordered closed due to the intense pollution in the City.     Iran has tried to adjust to the "new normal" in Oil Markets by adjusting its' budget based on  $ 35/Barrell as it tries to increase its' Oil Sales despite the profound challenges it faces right now.    All the key countries also faced profound challenges--including Saudi Arabia that is facing a $ 98 Billion Dollar deficit.

Beyond the Americas and the Near East area of  Asia (which we will refer to as the Middle East going forward), there is the Americas.   Brazil is in deep trouble which in our view does not bode well for the "BRICS" organization and some of the iniatitives including the AIIB.    Venezuela is facing profound political headwinds as Maduro's party was handily defeated because the people simply have gotten tired on the mismanagement and the corruption.   There is also one of the members of the proposed "NASSIM" clan , Malaysia, that has its' own share of challenges.      We will be working on all these initaitives as we look to a very busy & engaging 2016.  This is also as the IMF came out with a very pessimistic outlook on the World Economy in 2016.

As we finished off the year throughout #Outsiders, it was also of note that the City of Brussels cancelled year-end celebrations as other cities throuyghout the world have increased security.   It is right now December 31 in Sydney:

Current time in Sydney, Australia ‎(UTC+11)‎ 

2:28 PM

Thursday, December 31, 2015

• 
  

  • 

    Weather in Sydney, Australia

    82 °F, Sunny (Clear)

  
  

The Countdown to the New year has begun as we leave you all with this siimple sentiment to add a bit of "fun" to the celebrations--We look forward to the opportunity to serve in 2016:

    

Notations On Our World: Awaiting #2016.....

It is the dawn of the final week of 2015.     It has been an interesting few days in our World as we look to 2016.    Our team followed with great interest as the Indian Prime Minister made a grueling trip to Russia, stopped by Afghanistan and then paid a Birthday Visit to the Pakistani Prime Minister.   Shortly thereafter, though, we got reports of bomb blasts near Kabul Airport.    Afghanistan remains on the edge of the abyss as we are on the edge of the new year.

Our team was on the prowl throughout Christmas week here in the United States as it worked on its' daily Twitter Curation.   Of all the stories, for us the most heart wrenching was the plight of the Kurdi Family and how the Syrian War had led them all to the four corners of the World to escape the hell that was Syria Today.   We were also shocked at the scenes of the floods in Chennai, India and the UK over the Christmas Holiday.     We will work to continue to assess these as we gear up for the new year.    We found it of interest lessons of leadership that the team +Fast Company shared which are lessons to be learnt by us all.

 We have also been excited about the on-going technology advancements and some of the +Kickstarter projects we backed which we look forward to featuring in our Visions Channel.    We have also been very fortunate to have been witness to the vibrancy and engagement of our Community which we look forward to engaging with as well.   Our team, also, has been a collective fan of Dave Ramsey which we hope to feature some of his lessons learnt in our Education Channel during the new year.  As we read through his top 10 money wasters, we admitted that we at least had two or three we'd done.   

As we eagerly await #2016, we hope we can live up to the admonitions that +Jonathan Huie noted for all in the latest thoughts he sent out to his community which we always take note of: 

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation
with the bricks others have thrown at him.
- David Brinkley

Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.
- Christine Gregoire

It is not the beauty of a building you should look at;
it is the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.
- David Allan Coe









Although our team (at the insistence of our founder) will be dark this final week, we will continue with our  Daily Twitter Curation and the Daily Update (from our Founder) will be published.  As noted, we will share breaking updates as required as we wish all ...

Onward to 2016 with all its' possibilities...

Thought(s) For the Week : On Faith, Religion & Love

On this Christmas 2015 Weekend in the United States,  we wanted to share these series of thoughts from +Jonathan Huie that underscores a sense of faith and hopefulness that is critical for us to succeed:

When the solution is simple, God is answering.
- Albert Einstein

The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask from books,
but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching.
- Joseph Smith, Jr.

Who rises from prayer a better man, his prayer is answered.
- George Meredith

As we reflected upon this, we also were reminded of this from Ibn Arabia:

A garden among the flames

O Marvel, 

a garden among the flames!

My heart can take on 

any form: 

a meadow for gazelles, 

a cloister for monks,

For the idols, sacred ground, 

Ka'ba for the circling pilgrim, 

the tables of the Torah, 

the scrolls of the Qur'án.

I profess the religion of love; 

wherever its caravan turns along the way, 

that is the belief, 

the faith I keep.

Onward to 2016 with all its' possibilities 

A Holiday Wish For all....

As we go "dark" for the Christmas WeekEnd here in the United States, From all of us here @ #Outsiders:

&  leaving you all with a special edition of the Musical Interlude with this beautiful classic from Andy Williams which we look forward to picking up and expanding on in the New Year:

The World in 2015: As Only The Economist's KAL would say it!!!

As we released our "Network Greetings" winding down the year, we have also been assessing our year.   We had to be "on the air" as we have assessed our World and could not help but share this as we look back to 2015 and gear up for 2016.

The Wars continue to rage on throughout our World in Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc. etc.   We're also witness to challenges in our Climate and the on-going debate for the US Presidency which will gather full steam ever more.  As we went to press, we just reviewed reports from +Haaretz הארץ on a new wave of stabbings which underscores the sense of desperation out there in the territories.    It was ironic how the Head of Israeli Military Intelligence noted that desperation and frustration fuels such resentment--yet it is not heeded by the current Israeli Political Leadership. 

The reality of our World was captured by the Economist throughout the year.   We here @ #Outsiders are devotees of KAL at the +The Economist .     We have been privileged enough to feature his commentary throughout the year and all of these underscore the profound challenges we faced in our World--a World that continues to burn even as we celebrate the holidays in the United States.   The Economist released this earlier on the most popular--We think all 50+ are just as important to contribute to the discourse about a World that continues to be challenging ever more.

Onward to 2016--Happy Holidays to all!!!!






 
March 28th

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April 4th

 

January 10th

 
April 18th

 
May 23rd

 
August 1st

 
July 18th

 
November 28th

 
August 8th

Notations On Our World (Special Edition): An #Outsider Newsflash From Washington on the Passage Of the US Budget

Earlier today, the US Congress finalized the passage of a 1.1 Trillion Dollar Spending Package that has been "cleared" for the President's Signature.   We wanted to report on this as Congress finished work for the year and as President Obama held his final news conference for the year before heading for Hawaii for his vacation.      Our team caught excepts of it and the President was in his usual element as he reminded the World that the Republican Party in the United States was the only party in the Industralized World to deny climate change.

As we went to press with this "breaking story", The Congressional Budget Office just released this within  the past hour:

New From CBO H.R. 2029, as Cleared for the President’s Signature on December 18, 2015 (Appropriations, Tax Extenders, and Other Matters) As cleared for the President's signature on December 18, 2015 It is also a year that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, approved Mother Theresa's Second Miracle that will elevate her to Sainthood on his 79th Birthday:  As we gear up for 2016, our team will continue to be on the "Prowl" over Twitter and appreciate that the Daily Update published by +Paper.li for us will be done daily.   Happy Holidays and Best WIshes to all as we leave all with this beautiful sentiments:

As We Bid Farewell To 2015: Reflections & A Holiday Wish...

It has been an interesting and challenging morning especially in the aftermath of the Federal Reserve's Decision to raise interest rates.    Markets have responded favorably to the end of "cheap money" although profound reservations remain as to whether the Fed's move is a bit rash right now.   A challenging World is also ever so before us with Brazil in Turmoil (As it just got a downgrade), the inferno in Syria and of course the United States Elections.    As we were working away, we also got an update from France that the IMF Chief has been ordered to stand trial over the so-called, "Tapie Affair" in France.    It has also been a year where we've been quite busy supporting a number of interesting Kickstarter Projects and transformations that we look forward to featuring in our Visions Channel in 2016 as our Daily Outsider 2.x will also be a focus.

As we are winding down the year here in #outsiders and gearing up for the new year, we also wanted to join the World in extending Happy Birthday to the Holy Father as he turns 79 Years old today. We also have decided to go "dark" throughout the Properties for the rest of the year as we gear up for 2016. Our team, will be continuing the daily Twitter curation and the Daily Update that is published for our founder featured throughout the #Outsider properties will be available for all daily.

We started on a journey that has been perilous at times.   As we reflected upon our journey, we took comfort in these thoughts thanks again to +Jonathan Huie :

In this world there is always danger
for those who are afraid of it.
- George Bernard Shaw

If we let things terrify us,
life will not be worth living.
- Seneca 

We appreciate all the support and look forward to the opportunity to serve in 2016 as we wish you all....

and our fervent wish for all for all to......

Onward to 2016 with all its' possiblities.....

Notations From the Grid: On #Earth

Our team ran across this recently as the World was witness to the deliberations @ COP21 which we hope all enjoy as we also received reports that Tehran, Iran's Capital, was engulfed in an envelope of Smog which prompted warnings--and Tehran is a City of 14 Million People.   Beijing had a similiar warning last week.     The fierce urgency of now to act in the aftermath of +COP21 is ever so critical:

Notations On Our World: On The US Political Scene w/the #GOPDebate & Other Thoughts

The United States was witness to the Final Debate for the Year for GOP Presidential Candidates in Las Vegas.    Everyone had a chance to have their say on their views.     The pundits have been at it in terms of who won, who lost and who got "forgotten".   One of the top three, Marco Rubio, sent out a fundraising appeal as the debate was going on:

Tonight I was constantly attacked by other Republican candidates on the debate stage. I was attacked because they know I am the biggest threat to their success and they are focused on seeing my campaign defeated. They will stop at nothing to tarnish my name and slander our campaign. All eyes are on our campaign. They are looking to see how we will react totonight's debate and what support we have.  Thanks,   Marco Rubio Republican Candidate for President  The Hillary Clinton Campaign sent out this rebuttal as the debate was going on:  Once again, the Republican candidates need a refresher on Hillary’s record as Secretary of State. Luckily, we’ve got it handy: @HillaryClinton Only one candidate in this election knows how to build coalitions and make the world safer—because she's done it. #GOPdebate @TheBriefing2016 Seems like Carly Fiorina needs a refresher on @HillaryClinton's record of accomplishments. Here are three... (1/4) #GOPDebate @TheBriefing2016 .@HillaryClinton built the toughest Iran sanctions in history, bringing the int'l community to the table. (2/4) http://hrc.io/1M6qFQl @TheBriefing2016 .@HillaryClinton personally negotiated an end to Hamas rockets raining down on Israel in 2012. #GOPDebate (3/4) http://hrc.io/1M6qFQl @TheBriefing2016 .@HillaryClinton made women's rights an international priority, working to end sexual violence and trafficking (4/4) http://hrc.io/1GhoVYu @TheBriefing2016 Okay, actually, here's a few more for good measure. #GOPDebate (5/4) @TheBriefing2016 .@HillaryClinton oversaw negotations of the new START treaty, greatly reducing Russia's nuclear arsenal. (6/4) http://hrc.io/1NthmLV @TheBriefing2016 @HillaryClinton helped build the unprecedented global effort to combat climate change (7/4). http://hrc.io/1YfVM2p @TheBriefing2016 .@HillaryClinton stood up to Russia/China/Iran on internet freedom, fighting for the "freedom to connect." (8/4) http://hrc.io/1YbnZwE It was interesting to note that Donald Trump affired that he will not run as an independent and underscored his total commitment to the @GOP.    As we assessed the debate and the aftermath, @realDonaldTrump again was the main attraction and what the Fox' Howard Kurtz noted as the "embrace" between Cruz and Trump continued.    The line that , "..You can't insult your way to the Presidency" so far has not impacted Trump too much despite having Trump having insulted a significant rainbow of the American Electorate.   The clashes were entertaininting--but whether that translates into votes remains to be seen as the countdown to Iowa and New Hampshire is in full force.   Politico's Tweet reflected who got the "biggest" time: As the Las Vegas Events were going on, the business of Governing continued.    The House Speaker informed his caucus that a deal was reached to keep the Goverment operating through next September to avoid a Government Shutdown.   Part of the deal has called for a lifting of the 40-year old ban on Exports of US Oil--which will continue to be interesting in terms of the impact it will have on Oil Markets.   There was also a rider on it incorporating HR158 on revising the Visa Waiver Program that has created a firestrom epitomized by what the founder of Code.Org Noted in a Twitter call to action: @hadip #STOPHR158 — Yusuf Ameri (@YusufAmeri) December 14, 2015

An #Outsider Newsflash (Special Edition): 2015 prison census: 199 journalists jailed worldwide

We just received this as we received an update on the case of the Washington Post' Jason Rezayian who has been held in Tehran for over one year.  It is compelling reading as we continue to monitor his case and others throughout the World:  

2015 prison census: 199 journalists jailed worldwide

Notations On Our World: An #Outsdier Newsflash On #LASchools & #France (With an Update On Status)

It has been a challenging day here in  Southern California as our team began its' daily commitments.    The Los Angeles Unified School District received a terror threat which prompted the Superindentant,Ramon Cortines, to shut down the entire District which impacted some 640,000 Kids who were in the midst of going to school.     Although updates were not made on the LA Unified School District Website, it is very much a developing story as over 900 facilities throughout the sparawling District have been ordered to be searched before all are allowed back.   It has made worldwide headlines. 

Update:  As of 16:00 PST, all clear has been given and all LA School children will be back at school tomorrow.


Beyond the shores of the United States, there is the on-going investigations in France.    Additional arrests have been made as reported earlier by France24.   This is as France just saw off a challenge from the National Front during Regional Elections. 

Notations On Our World: As A New Week Dawns.....

The World has again been besieged with uncertainty.   Although we here at #outsides celebrated the momentous achievement at COP21, this was tempered by the reports we received here @ #Outsiders World Headquarters on the perilous state of our World.

The Yuan is being devalued which is an indication of the continued weakness of the Chinese Economy.   As we went to press, India's currency-the Rupee--has also lost value against the Dollar as Oil Prices continue to skid and as the inferno in the Middle East Burns away.    The passage of HR158 by the US House of Representatives and its consideration in the US Senate is also of concern.   There has been a concerted effort to get the White House to consider changing the provisions.

Two key developments we have also been assessing are the latest out of Venezuela and Brazil.   It was quite a scene as this morning's Wall Street Journal had an image of massive demonstrations calling for the impeachment and removal of President Russoff.   President Maduro of Venezuela suffered a humiliating defeat as the people got tired of corruption and bad government.   We have also been assessing what the Economist deemed "a circus" in South Africa as Jacob Zuma dismissed his Finance Minister and then appointed Minister Govan (who served for 8 years).   This is as South Africa continues its on-going challenges with Unemployment, rampant crime and corruption.  

We have also continued to assess the US Political Scene.   Mr. Trumps seems to continue topping the Polls as Senator Cruz is beginning an ascend at the expense of Dr Carson.   The Polls continue to be volatile we went to press.      There is of course the budget battle in Washington (again) as there is another deadline Congress is grappling with.    It was a nice touch that President Obama gave Federal workers Christmas Eve off.    It will also be quite an event as we in the United States will be witness to the last State of Union by President Obama:

BREAKING NEWS: President Obama's last #SOTU address will take place on January 12th. https://t.co/2oEnZZ4xfk pic.twitter.com/Vo2EP9omV0
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) November 30, 2015 


As Trump continues to live by the Polls,   It was quite remarkable that once again polling was brought into question with what the National Front did in France.    They did not win a single regional seat---although as The French Prime Minister noted, the challenge from the right is far from over as Marie Le Pen will run for President in 2017.


We have a lot to go after as we work away on our "Notations" .    We could not help but share this from the former President of Uruguay that underscores how leaders must live: 

“We invented this thing called
representative democracy,
where we say
the majority is who decides.
So it seems to me
that we (heads of state)
should live like the majority
and not like the minority.”
~ Jose Mujica

As we went to press, we were amazed by reports out of Iran that there are deliberations going on to replace Ayatollah Khameini as the Supreme Guide (Supreme Leader).  It is a developing story which our team will be assessing over the ensuing weeks and months.   In addition, we just got word on the fact that A Federal Court has ordered a review of the parole conditions of the convicted Spy Jonathan Pollard who has expressed a desire to emigrate to Israel.

Onward with the new week!!!

 

As We Are "Dark" This W-End....

A member of our team did run across a "Thought" on the "Grid" which we wanted to report on which we have strived to live up to:

“First thing to do every morning
is read or listen to something positive.
Your mind is like a garden.
Whatever you plant grows.
Plant good stuff.”
~ Alwyn Cosgrove

Enough Said...

The Friday Musical Interlude: #WeAreHome

It is Friday here in #Outsiders and once again time for the Friday Musical Interlude. In the midst of the debate over Muslims, we thought this wonderful video by #Raef--our artist of the week-- underscored what America was about--our founder was so excited about this he was sharing it with his immediate network and sharing it as he was on the "Grid" throughout the day. The message is clear and we must all embrace it:

Notations On Our World: On #Syria & the Refugee Challenge and What #Canada is Doing....

Syrian Refugees have begun to arrive in Canada.   This headline was just beautiful and our team wanted to share it to underscore the humanity of Canada:

The Canadian Prime Minister made it a point of welcoming Refugees to Toronto as the first military planes arrived:

As this was going on north of the border in the United States, the US Congress was busy at work finalizing legislation on Visa Waivers.    There has been a massive movement on Social Media--for instance one online actvist organized a group called HR158 on Facebook that has mushroomed to some 36,000 members so far.   Groups like PAAIA and NIAC have mobilibzed their supporters in order to write letters, make phone calls and spread the word on the discriminatory nature of the legislation.   What we have also found extremely disturbing is the efforts in Texas as we note the following from the Texas Governor's Website:

Momentum Continues To Build In Support Of State Refugee Security Act
Following Governor Greg Abbott’s work with Senator Ted Cruz on the State Refugee Security Act, which gives states and governors the tools to reject the resettlement of a refugee in that state unless there is adequate assurance that the refugee does not present a security risk, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX), Chairman of the Terrorism Subcommittee, introduced and filed H.R. 4197, the companion bill to S. 2363 (State Refugee Security Act).

Governor Abbott Issues Statement Supporting Attorney General's Request To Halt Syrian Refugee Resettlement In Texas
Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement in support of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s decision to renew their efforts to seek emergency relief from Syrian refugees coming to Texas.

We will continue to assess this over the ensuing days.

Notations On Our World: On The US Political Scene

As we write this, we're going to be joining a panel of undecided voters in Georgia put together by Erick Erickson which should be interesting to get a sense of the state of the Republican Primary as the countdown to the Primary is before us:



We wanted to also report on this from the Washington Post that was quite interesting on their take on Donald Trump.   Our view is that his path to the Presidency is next to non-existent as he continues to make headlines as reflected below: 

Mic Smith / AP

It’s not chaos. It’s Trump’s campaign strategy.

Behind the Republican front-runner’s string of headline-dominating controversies: discipline and method.

By Paul Schwartzman and Jenna Johnson  •  Read more »

Attacks on Trump just make these voters like him more A focus group of Trump supporters say they trust him — not the media or the GOP. By David Weigel  •  Read more »