On Our World: Brief Notations

As we bid farewell to May 2014, this was gratifying to observe: [HTML3456]

I salute the people of #Egypt for speaking w/their vote: Sisi loses turnout battle in Egypt's election http://t.co/yqrc0dYTKh via @AlMonitor

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) May 30, 2014

[/HTML] The people of Egypt had the courage to express their sense of dissatisfaction after 2 years of represssion as Sisi engineered his way to the top. He has promised the World, though--and one wonders if he's able to deliver. It was also of interest to assess President Obama's new vision on Foreign Policy that he delivered at West Point. He tried to inject a sense of realism into the new realities while seeking to underscore that the United States will continue to play a preeminent role in World Affairs. This is as he also announced a total drawdown by 2016 and how he underscored the fact that it will be up to the Afghans. It will be curious to see how the new President of Afghanistan will deal with the issues. Karzai, in the meantime, is having a great time making the rounds as he attended Indian Prime Minister Modi's inauguration. Another pivotal player has been Iran--a particular focus here in "Outsiders". Iran is continuing on-going discussions with the P5+1 folks at the technical level and The Foreign Minister continues to be ever so optimistic. It is nice to be optimistic--however the proof will be in the agreement. This is as some facebook users were sentenced to a combined 128 years in Prison. As such, the struggle to transform Iran seems to be as slow as ever. Europe, also, has undergone a profound political Earthquake as the Eurospectics swept the elections. The National Front in France won 24 seats in the European Parliament. The UK Independence Party scored similar victories throughout the UK. [LINK=http://www.france24.com/en/20140529-young-anti-far-right-protesters-urge-france-wake/] It was quite a scene to see an estimated 4,000 French Students as they urged France to "wake up". [/LINK] Hopefully the people of Europe will wake up in realizing that they are better off together than apart as their broken economies are finally beginning to mend after a very tough and challenging five years as exemplified by a recent report on Spain by the IMF. Beyond the Continent, there is the continued insurrection in Ukraine. It was extremely shocking to read accounts of a Ukrainian Helicopter being shot down by Rebels that saw 14 soldiers--including a well-regarded General--killed. The new President-Elect of the country has vowed to crush the "bandits" of the East. The road ahead will be long and hard. It is not easy to be inspired and encouraged as one assesses the World as May 2014 enters the dustbin of history. But, there is little choice but to stay hopeful and inspired:

A final thought 4 the wk ..hope friends enjoy & make it a grt 1: 31 Quotes 2 Inspire U! #happiness http://t.co/oOsevhkz3T via @SlideShare

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) May 26, 2014

Also on "http://www.outsiderviews.com" released 5/2014

Thought 4 the Week: On Being a Rainbow as Maya Angelou Reminds Us All...

A wonderful tribute courtesy of the team @ GiveMore :-)

May the almighty bless us ever more in this--especially as one of the rainbows of our family passed away today who did her utmost to be a rainbow for us all--May the almighty bless you ever more Najmeh Joon....

View of the Week: On the State of the Internet & the Future

When Mary Meeker Speaks, the World Listen!! She spoke @ Re/Code and it is ever so insightful as ever: 

KPCB Internet trends 2014 from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers

Hitting the Ground Running As the New Week Begins w/this "Tweet" 4 the Week :-).

Being Witness to History is always fun as India's 15th Prime Minister was sworn in. The moves the new Indian Prime Minister has made are surprising to say the least. It is also a hopeful day especially as Pope Francis is on his Middle East Trip. This "Tweet" was to underscore a sense of hope on a personal note as the new work week begins--onward!! :-)

On this Memorial day, reflecting upon the 4 agreement winding down May 2014 is about 2 be history..have a fab wk :-) pic.twitter.com/SordO135jL

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) May 26, 2014

On Memorial Day 2014: Yearning for "ONE WORLD"//A Musical Interlude to Enjoy by Rob Tardik

This beautiful song epitomizes the desire of us ordinary folks who yearn for a World of One....May we continue to strive for it as a new week begins :-)
Onward w/the New Week with all its' possibilities...

A "V-Thought 4 the Week" On the Advent of a New Week

As a new week dawns, a perceptive "V-Thought 4 the Week" courtesy of the team @ Simple Truths..Onward w/the New Week w/all its' possiblities:

The Strangest Secret

Watch Now

On India Right Now : Brief Notations As a New Era Dawns

It is a new day in India as there is gavel-to-gavel coverage on as Narendra Modi takes charge in India.  It is quite a day to be witness to history especially as there have been a lot of subtle changes like for instance not giving the children of politicians Ministerial Posts.

Some notations on this day was reflected upon in Outsider Views earlier...excerpts of it are noted below:

India's NDTV24 is providing live gavel to gavel coverage of Prime Minister Designate Modi's big day. I saw him visiting Rajghat, The Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi to pay homage to the Father of India: 

He has been on twitter noting that he is on his way to seek the blessing of Former Prime Minister Vajpayee as he continues gearing up for his day when he gets sworn in at 6:00 PM India Standard Time with his Council of Ministers. The Cabinet has been formed and the key ministers seem to have gotten the nod. There is speculation that Sushma Swaraj is one of the so-called big four as she is slated to be the Foreign Minister. It is interesting that her Twitter handle has been changed. The Prime Minister's Staff has also been finalized as well including the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. There are 23 Cabinet Ministers, with an additional apparent 10 Ministers with independent charge and 11 Ministers of State. It will still be a smaller government than the previous government. 

As developments go on, what is interesting is that the Prime Minister-Designate may retain the Defense portfolio. It is not confirmed yet. This is as Nawaz Sharif has just landed in New Delhi along with the other South Asia leaders. Hamid Karzai has also just landed. It was interesting that he did not have time to see Barack Obama when he was in Afghanistan. 

There is of course the view from the ever eloquent and perceptive write Arundhati Roy as she noted in an interview with Pakistan's Dawn.com that, "..Now, we have a democratically elected totalitarian government....".      

It is quite an event--and fun and ever so exciting to be witness to.....

On A Milestone: Remembering What's Important (A "Thought 4 the Week")

On the occasion of the 1900th Post, I saw this while On the "Grid"  that speaks volumes to what all must embrace.  We have to strive to be better ever more.   May we all be ever so blessed...wishing all a beautiful Week-End:

  

& A desire that started this "virtual journey" :-)

“Nothing happens but first a dream.”

—Carl Sandburg

Onward....:-)

On Our World This Week: Brief Thoughts/Notations

As I commented on this in Outsider Views earlier, the fast moving World never seized to surprise me.   I was gratified to see that Nawaz Sharif is going to India for PM-Designate Modi's Swearing in.   There is great scepticism, though, about the path that India is taking as Modi takes over.     Beyond India, there is Thailand as the Thai Military finally made its' move.   The Veterans Affairs scandal, though, seems to gather further steam as the Conservative Media Circles are truly gearing up to go after Barack Obama even though an estimated 250,000 Veterans are not covered for basic insurance due to decisions by GOP Governos.   

One welcome news is the visit of Pope Francis to Jordan and Palestine.    He would be, according to this release on Professor Cole's Informed Comment, visit Syrian Refugees in Jordan estimated at 600,000 (10% of Jordan's Population)    There is also the European Elections on Sunday which may see the UK Indepdence Party make even more gains and even potentially gain at least one seat in the UK Parliament next year.

There is also a new Media Outlet in our midst:  One America Network.   They have positioned themselves as a "competitor" to Fox News.   Even though the folks at One America seem to "admire" Fox, they want to be truly "Fair and balanced" while again applying the Fox Model by having programs such as The Daily Ledger and other interesting names.   It is interesting how some are able to rise above it while others are not even given the time of day.

Fascinating time as was ever so with the "excerpts' of the column released to Outsider Views earlier this week:


It has been another extremely worrisome 24 hours around the World as we here @ Outsiders continue onward with the research. The Thai Military staged a coup and has suspended the Constitution. This was after we noted that they had decided to declare Martial Law. These moves were not surprising by any means in lieu of the fact that Thailand has been paralyzed for over a year due to the standoff between the two opposing camps. One wonders if the Thai Military and the Monarchy were not there to hold Thailand together--what would become of Thailand.

Beyond Thailand, there is India. Prime Minister-Designate Modi is gearing up to take the oath of office on May 26. The reports as noted by NDTV--India's CNN--note that some 2500 People have been invited. The invites to all leaders of India's neighbours is especially welcome. Hopefully all of India's neighbors will take up the offer to insure a new day that begins May 26. This is as the introspection within the Congress is getting to be quite stark. What is striking is how Modi is gearing up to hit the ground running. Indian Government Bureaucrats have been directed to present 20 Minute Powerpoints on their Departments, their challenges and their roadmap and underscore why they believe they should not be downsized or outright eliminated. There have also been rumors of Ministers. Comments will be forthcoming upon the formal announcements of Ministers.

This week-end is also Memorial Day in the United States whereby all who have served and many who fell are remembered. As this story reflects, the price paid for service can never be repaid. This is as the scandal around how patient data was handled by Veterans Administration Hospitals continues to grow. A White House Deputy Chief of Staff has been designated as a trouble shooter to fix this. This is as the Campaign for the Mid-Terms has begun in earnest. 

A "Thought 4 the Day" On This Memorial Day Week-End

While on the "Social Grid", reflected upon  a sense of service & purpose on this #MemorialDay Week-End--lest we forget :

Post by Mike Pouraryan.

Thought 4 the Week: People come to the rescue - 2. 2 - Die Leut...

On the eve of Memorial Day Week-End here in the United States , I got this from an Old Friend--the message about compassion and simply being human is ever so critical in a World that seems to forget it in Nigeria, in Mali, etc. etc.    Hope all enjoy--and make it a fabulous Week-End:

View of the Week: On Leadership & Commitment To transform

I received this in my daily review of "Verne's Insight" published weekly by Verne Harnish.   This particular poem by Pat Williams, the Co-founder of the Orlando Magic, particularly stuck me as not just a lesson in leadership, but a lesson in life:   

Seven things one must do To be a leader right and true Have vision that is strong and clear Communicate so they can hear Have people skills based in love And character that's far above The competence to solve and teach And boldness that has fearless reach A serving heart that stands close by To help, assist and edify The poem is so simple--yet the very essence of the message so profound especially for those of us who have the privilege and good fortune to serve as mentors and counselors.

On the Road: Ohio boy pays it forward with found fortune

It is Memorial Day Eve in the United States whereby all will remember those who served..    This is one story I wanted to share that a Scouter Friend sent as I finish editing the Websites for my Troop and my District. I don't mind noting that it drove me to near tears.  



Happy Memorial Day.

A "Mid-Week" Thought 4 the Week While on the "Virtual Run" :-)

 

Onward :-)

"Thought(s) 4 the Week": On Being Appreciative & Remembering.....

As I work away on Outsiders, I ran across these three key "thoughts" while on the "Grid" that underscores how a sense of hope must be maintained and how we have to keep at it no matter what the circumstances may be:

Post by Zig Ziglar.

Onward w/the new work week with all its' possibilities especially as we in the United States will be remembering all who have served during Memorial Day Week-End

Gearing Up For the New Week w/a "Virtual Treat" I hope You All Enjoy :-)

The World is coming together in Brazil in another celebration. I love what they've done to celebrate our World Onward:

Remembering: A "Thought 4 the Week-End"

Onward....

On India: The Day After the Election

Narendra Modi is right now speaking at a Victory Rally in Varanasi as he prepares to take the helm of India. The roadshows, the 3D holograms and the communication process was quite a spectacle. BJP ran quite a campaign--a page out of the two Barack Obama Campaigns with its' slick utilization of technology in major ways. As people have grown to be "Modified" Stock Markets have arisen, people are excited and the anticipation is ever more. His one statement which I retweeted goes to the heart of what I hope he remembers as he begins to form his Government:

In a democracy there are political rivals but no enemies. People's mandate is important & together we have to work for welfare of the people

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2014

His message of bringing everyone aboard is also quite welcome. I tweeted my congratulations to his Twitter Account and underscored that fact that it will be the actions that will determine what will happen. I also saw the farewell speech by the outgoing Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. One analyst said it best: It is a testament to the Democratic resiliency of India that both Dr. Singh and Mr. Modi--both children of less privileged backgrounds--have been able to attain the highest office in the land. Although Congress has been defeated, their death and demise is yet to be realized---although they have to learn some lessons Fascinating times indeed..... Also @ http://www.outsiderviews.com

ON Making A Difference: How One Brave & Beautiful Soul Did it

Post by Mike Pouraryan.

On the "Road": Brief Thoughts on India, Community Service & Hope

The fascination of India and its' election has been breathtaking to observe.   Just like many around the World, I am awaiting as India moves away from the United Progressive Alliance to the National Democratic Alliance .   The so-called "Right of Center" in India will be led by the BJP and Narenda Modi will be the next Prime Minister of India.   It has been fascinating to see the reporting out of NDTV in India as they continue to report on the meetings and moves.

What India proved was the admontions below:

How different our lives are when we

really know what is deeply important to us,

and keeping that picture in mind,

we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.

- Stephen R. Covey 

Don't live your life to please other people.

- Oprah Winfrey

[Be of service, but don't be a doormat.] 

There are choirs singing in your head.

If you listen, you will hear the music.

It is the song of angels.

Pay no attention to the sounds of the world.

They are just noises, and even when

added up all together

they have no value, make no sense.

Strain to hear the song of angels.

Listen to the melody within your soul.

- Neale Donald Walsch

The lessons above can well be applied to what we have before us in our own lives.     The need to do the right thing is ever so critical.  It was such a gratifying scene as I saw the Community step up to support AVMS yet again with the recycling program.      We stopped counting after 10 bags!!!   It is the advent of Democracy in Action and how a Community is able to come together that no matter what the challenges are.  This is as we have to remember this:

I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.

- William Ernest Henley