Notations From the Grid: On the Challenging State of Our World Today

This is compelling on the true realities today:

That's our planet, where we live, the planet earth --on this earth, almost 1/2 of the world’s population--more than 3...

Posted by Hamid Dabashi on Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Notations From the Grid: A "Mid-Week" Thought 4 the Week

For this edition of "Notations from the Grid" we here @ #Outsiders hope all enjoy this:

One admonition not forgetting....wishing all a great Wednesday :-)
Posted by Mike Pouraryan on Tuesday, April 7, 2015

 

Notations From the Grid: On a challenging World, the US Political Scene & A "Thought 4 the Week"

As we begin our new week, it is quite a challenging 24 hours in our World.   The situation in Yemen continues to be ever so horrific as Saudi Arabia continues its' bombing campaign.    Foreign Nationals are escaping via land, air and sea.   Pakistan has been asked by Saudi Arabia to contribute to the campaign.   This is as we have seen the latest out of Syria and our founder commented on Twitter to underscore the horror in Syria right now:

Finishing the rounds for the night..adding my humble voice in support of the @UNRWA ...as I see the horrible scenes: https://t.co/Ih1MngoVm9
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) April 6, 2015

 It is also slated to be a very busy week on the US Political Scene as we will be witness to announcements by Rand Paul and Hillary Clinton.    There is also Marco Rubio as well will be announcing his intention soon.    One of the Democrats operatives we here @ #Outsiders keep tabs on is Karen Finney who is a top Democratic  Operative   has worked for Barack Obama and is an expert on Communications.    We view it as one indication of the impending Clinton Announcement especially as office space has already been finalized in Brooklyn.

Congress is also coming back next week as the debate over #IranTalks gathers steam.  What is striking is how opposition to it in the United States and Iran is so striking in similarity.    BBC Farsi spoke to one of the Wall Street Editorial Writers, Sohrab Amari,  that signifies some of the opposition in the United States as Iran's Political Elite and some of the key players in the Region--Including Saudi Arabia-welcome the move.      It was interesting how Mr. Amari laid out an analysis of the political process without underscoring the Presidential Prerogative in this regard.     In many ways, both President Rouhani and President Obama are kindered spirits:

Rouhani + Obama selfie #Iran #Irantalks pic.twitter.com/bLcMG8KFR9
— Eskandar Sadeghi (@EskandarSadeghi) April 2, 2015

  
On a positive note, We hope all enjoy this "Thought 4 the Day" : 

Here are the the most magical things JK Rowling has ever done http://t.co/NYbNc4wK2G pic.twitter.com/gaYYGXAjqU
— The Independent (@Independent) April 6, 2015

Notations From the Grid For the Week-End: On #Irantalks (A lot of What if's) :-)

The US Sunday Public Affairs Shows featured the Israeli Prime Minister rallying against the #IranDeal that we have noted over the course of the ensuing days.     There was some semblance of balance as Senator Feinstein noted how The Israeli Prime Minister needs to "Contain Himself".   Senator Graham, though, called Obama a "Weak Negotiator" .

As The #IranTalks become embroiled in the Presidential Sweepstakes, the World though is taking notice.    The World has generally welcomed the deal--including Saudi Arabia's King Salman.   What was telling was this profound analysis by the Independent's Robert Fiske--The Middle East correspondent for the Independent-- about a lot of "What Ifs":

America's nuclear deal with Iran could trigger a political earthquake, says Robert Fisk http://t.co/zM8PLDLBHW pic.twitter.com/RUy3niw6mE
— Independent Voices (@IndyVoices) April 3, 2015

Robert  Fiske has been reporting from the Middle East for over 30 Years and knows the Middle East better than anyone.  He's the one who exposed the Human Rights abuses by Ariel Sharon, lived through the Lebanon Civil War and documented the horror of the Iran-Iraq War.   The "What ifs" he's noted is every so critical to observe and reflect upon as the debate gathers steam and as Israel musters up its' very considerable influence to scuttle the deal.

A "Musical Interlude" For All To Enjoy: Roman Street- Elizabeth

On the eve of a new week here in #Outsiders, a "Musical Interlude" to enjoy: 

On This Easter & Passover Week-End: A "Thought 4 the W-End" :-)

On this Easter Week-End 2015, Sharing this as we go "Dark" on the "Outsider Network"--Happy Easter & Happy Passover!!!

We all know Helen Keller’s inspirational story, but do you know her legacy of effecting positive social change? In honor...
Post by Walden University.

Notations On Our World: On the #IranTalks (The Day After)

As the news of the deal spread around the World, the reactions were quite interesting to observe as noted below:

'#India welcomes the understanding announced in Lausanne on the #IranTalks issue': Ministry of External Affairs (Sent via NDTV app)
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) April 3, 2015

and of course, what has been noted by Israel Below: 

Quite expected ..as conservatives in Tehran r on a rampage 2 as #Israel security cabinet opposed 2 #Iran deal: http://t.co/tD5uwOLRJ0
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) April 3, 2015

The conservatives in Iran have also begun their rampage by calling it a "sell-Out" as epitomized by the comments made by the Editor of Kayhan who has been a long-standing opponent of the Foreign Minister, Dr. Zarif.   Yet, the celebrations in Tehran was telling (this is an extended one that Manoto TV released to Facebook earlier):

ویدیوی فرستاده شده به #گزارشگر Manoto TV از استقبال مردم در #ایران در فرودگاه مهرآباد تهران از جواد #ظریف Javad Zarif و دادن شعارهای سیاسی علیه روزنامه کیهان و درحمایت از جواد ظریف...شما هم گزارش‌های خود را به ما از طریق Gozaresh@Manoto1.com یا از طریق تلگرام به شماره: 00447590899999 ارسال کنید.
Posted by Manoto TV on Friday, April 3, 2015

One of the many cheers was "Minister of Logic...In the legacy of Mossadeq" On this Easter Week-End, one must remember the Bible reminding all that Blessed are the Peacemakers, because they are the Children of God.   The agreement lived up to it.  

Witness to History: On #IranTalks (The reaction in Iran)

This was the scene When the Iranian Foreign Minister returned to Tehran (please click on "Bold"):

همین حالا: ورود جواد ظریف در جمع پرشور استقبال‌کنندگان در فرودگاه مهرآبادهمین حالا: ورود جواد ظریف در جمع پرشور استقبال‌کنندگان در فرودگاه مهرآبادشعارهای استقبال کنندگان:- دکتر ظریف زنده‌ باد، روحانی پاینده باد- وزیر اهل منطق، یادآور مصدق- روز سرافرازیه، ملت ازت راضیه- یاحسین، میرحسین- کیهان، اسراییل،‌ تسلیت، تسلیت
Posted by Mohammadreza Jalaeipour on Thursday, April 2, 2015

They swamped his car with chants of "Great Job Dr. Zarif...Long Live Rouhani".  It was quite a joyful scene as earlier scenes out of Tehran showed people stopping in the middle of street dancing.   It was a joyful day to be witness to and comment on as the World will come to understand the Joint Plan announced and is now available here to be reviewed.   

An #Outsider Newsflash: On the #IranTalks (A Late Breaking Development)

There is a deal!!! 

 The World Powers  have closed a deal on the Iran Nuclear Negotiations based on this noted by President Rouhani on Twitter earlier: 

Solutions on key parameters of Iran #nuclear case reached. Drafting to start immediately, to finish by June 30th. #IranTalks
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) April 2, 2015

The headline on the Islamic Republic News Agency Website affirmed this further--and it is clear that it has the approval of Iran's Supreme Guide, Ayatollah Khameini.  The EU High Representative and the Iranian Foreign Minister just got done with their joint statement--which includes a lifting of sanctions subject to International Atomic Energy Agency verification.      

On the "Prowl" For the Day: On the Water Challenge in #California

As we here @ #outsiders were assessing our World and sharing daily insights on the "Grid", we saw this as noted by the Wall Street Journal:

All of us in #California need to step up as Gov Brown Orders Unprecedented Water Cuts😨😱😭 http://t.co/XZqCSKWAAu
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) April 1, 2015

What is clear is that those of us in California (where #outsiders is) have a challenge before us to step up and do what we can to help save Water in lieu of the unprecedented order by Governor Brown.      It was of interest in a major way as Around the Capital's + Scott Lay in his "The Nooner" Update shared this on the Governor's Plans to help further mitigate this life and death challenge as noted in his newsletter received by us here @ #Outsiders within the past 30 minutes: 

 

GOVERNOR PROPOSES SECOND CALIFORNIA AQUEDUCT TO ADDRESS WATER CRISIS

Today, at a press conference at the Phillips Station in the Sierras where the April snowpack measurement was taken, Governor Jerry Brown proposed the largest public works project in California's history, continuing the Brown family legacy. A major component of the legacy of the governor's father, Edmund G. Brown, is the California Aqueduct, which is named in his honor.

The news comes amidst what is expected to be the lowest snowpack water equivalent in history.

The new aqueduct would parallel the existing aqueduct and would have tunnels that connect to Sacramento, extending further north than the existing aqueduct, which originates at the southern end of the Bay-Delta.

The aqueduct would also be unique in another way--it ends in water, but doesn't start that way. The aqueduct seeks to solve Califiornia's water problem through the ultimate recycling--turning urine into safe drinking water. "The technology is safe for our astronauts, why can't it be safe for us?" said an administration source who was not authorized to speak on the record. He continued "This is the Tang of our time." 

The aqueduct would collect urine from the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Central Valley and convey the liquids to a purifying plant just north of the Edmonston Pumping Plant at the base of the Tehachapis. Near the huge pipes viewable from I-5 that currently carry water over the pass to Lake Castaic and other reservoirs, a large plant would be built that would use proven technology to convert the matter into safe drinking water and electricity. After purification, the clean water would be pumped into the existing aqueduct and pumping system. The water would be purified and tested again in the same manner as existing aqueduct water.

According to a fact sheet obtained from the Administration, the average person produces between 800 and 2000 milliliters of urine per day, of which 95% is water in a healthy person. This would result in approximately 13 million liters (3.4 milion gallons) of urine flowing from Northern California into the aqueduct daily, supplemented by the "flushing" water associated with the waste. Federal standards require new toilets to have a maximum of 1.6 gallons/flush.

Not everyone is sold on the plan. "This is Sacramento literally p*ssing on us," said Bob White of Simi Valley-based Californians for Fresh Drinking Water. Peter E. Eckhardt, President of the Jefferson State is more optimistic, saying "This might just keep the Jeffersonian counties in Califiornia. We love the idea of keeping more of our water for our farms and flooding Los Angeles with our waste."

Details are expected to be included in the governor's May Revision of the 2015-16 Budget Act. 

The official name of the project is "Golden Showers for the Golden State."

On the Eve of the New Quarter: Thought(s) 4 the Week

As a new Quarter dawns throughout Outsiders, we wanted to begin by sharing some comments that underscores the guiding thought over this "labor of love"--onward w/all its' possibilities as we express our appreciation to +Jonathan Huie  for all the great work and the team @ +BrainyQuote  that help us immensely as we seek out the daily words of wisdom...Onward!!!! :-) 

Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. - Og Mandino http://t.co/ojRf080Peh pic.twitter.com/K5lSI9vu5g
— BrainyQuote (@BrainyQuote) March 28, 2015

Since you are the one who has to live with your choices,

be sure they are your own.

- Alan Cohen

Be simply yourself and don't compare or compete.

- Lao Tzu

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves.

The process never ends until we die.

And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

On the Latest On #IranTalks: Brief Late Breaking Comments

Over the past number of hours, we have been assessing the state of the deal as Iran along with the P5+1 have continued their work.   As we write this, they all took the night off to get some rest as The French Foreign Minister left for Paris to attend a Cabinet Meeting.   Dr. Zarif, The Iranian Foreign Minister, said that they will begin drafting the agreement later on Wednesday as the White House noted that due to the substantive progress made, they would extend talks by One Day.   The Russian Foreign Mniister was the first to say there was a deal--although a Senior US Official denied it and said there are still gaps remaining.      Trita Parsi of +NIAC also sent this out and released this also to Facebook as well: 

 We have a breakthrough! All the details are not yet known, but I'm told here in Switzerland that there is agreement on the principles, and the negotiators will begin drafting the text ...  I just wanted to tell you myself as quickly as we found out.

Stay tuned - we will give you a full update soon.

It is clear that there seems to be a deal.   But opposition continues to build as eptiomized by what Senator Tom Cotton just noted and reported by the Hill: 

"Given the dangerous concessions by the Obama administration over the past week, one can only imagine what further concessions it will make in the next 24 hours to resolve these issues."
Posted by The Hill on Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Notations On Our World: Briefly on the US Political Scene As #POTUS Elections Begin....

On the eve of the new Quarter, we here @ #Outsiders wanted to comment briefly on the US Political Scene as America begins another Presidential Election Season.

US Senator +Ted Cruz was the first candidate to announce.  He spoke at Liberty University and underscored his vision of where he wished to take America.   He reflected upon abolishing the IRS, rejecting Obamacare and unequivocal support for Israel.   His interesting and sophisticated online campaign raised 2 Million Dollars which is a precursor to a very sophisticated Social Media Effort with a psychographic customers targeting 17 different advertising messages and a concerted data analytic s effort.    Based on the reporting and commentary we reviewed, he is aiming to raise about 50 Million Dollars within the next 12 months as the campaign truly begins.   It was quite striking that he said it is up to the People of Israel to decide the fate of a Two State Solution--as the Speaker is about to embark on a trip to Israel, as the new Israeli Parliament has conveyed and as a Senate Delegation just left Israel.    It is striking that the comments by Senator Cruz is similar to what Iran's Supreme Guide, Ayatollah Khameini has noted in this regard.

Other Republicans have not been sitting idly by.   Jeb Bush is in Southern California this week as a private fundraiser in Bel Air.    The price of admission is $ 100,000 per couple.    Marco Rubio of Florida is slated to announce along with Rand Paul as well.     There is also the Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal who has been hard at work.  He latest pronouncements as noted in his "Team Jindal" outreach was quite interesting:

• Governor Jindal Criticized President Obama's Administration For Dismissing Iranian Leaders Who Yell "Death To America," While Refusing To Sit Down With Our Long-Time Ally Israel.Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal released a statement Tuesday blasting President Obama as an "inept commander in chief. Jindal, who may run for the GOP nomination for president, criticized Obama's willingness to dismiss the Iranian supreme leader's "death to America" exhortations as "political rhetoric" while publicly criticizing the campaign rhetoric of Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. "I realize President Obama is accustomed to misleading the voters, but he shouldn't assume Middle Eastern tyrants use words as loosely as he does. He's acting like this is no different than 'if you like your health care plan you can keep it,'" said Jindal in his statement. "At the same time, the President and his minions are becoming more and more hostile to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel. The White House Chief of Staff is now saying they cannot 'simply pretend' that comments the Prime Minister of Israel clarified never happened. Jindal continued: ""How did we get to a point where the White House believes the Iranian Supreme Leader's comments about 'death to America' are just political rhetoric, and we don't take the word of the leader of one of our strongest allies?"

We look forward to sharing their ideas and reflecting upon them over the ensuing weeks and months.   

 The business of Government, though continues  as #Iran Talks go on and we're seeing reports that it may be extended through Wednesday for the Broad Framework as Israel continues its' very public campaign.   Russia's Foreign Minister has gone back to Switzerland .    Ever so Challenging Times....

Notations From the Grid: On the #IranTalks

As we here @ #Outsiders await and monitor developments, this analysis courtesy of Al Jazeera America underscores some key "red herrings":

An even keel analysis on #IranTalks as the World awaits & remaining hopeful :3 red herrings via @AJAM http://t.co/x4lQRmF3DB
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 31, 2015

It is also gratifying to see everyone smiling as this was noted by the BBC Farsi's Niki Mahjob:

Another #picture from this morning plenary. #Irantalks pic.twitter.com/VmF6w7sQvw
— Abas Aslani (@abasinfo) March 31, 2015

Notations For the Week-End: On #IranTalks

Over the ensuing days, we here @ #Outsiders have been assessing the progress of the talks.    We have seen reports of "gaps" and then "substantive progress" including a "draft agreement".   This is as the Israeli Prime Minister has continued his public campaign to derail the effort which had been going on for quite some time--including his speech before Congress and the apparent reports of Israeli Spying which has been denied by Israeli Government officials.   The Israeli Prime Minister has just within the past few hours said that the apparent deal is "worst" than he feared.   It appears that Iran has agreed in principle to cut the centrifuges and also to ship out the enriched Uranium.

We have seen reports that the Foreign Minister, Dr. Zarif has a cold and has continued to work through it.   We also have seen reports that the US Secretary of State has cancelled out his plans to hopefully gain the broad framework by March 31.  We also understand that the other princples--the French Foreign Minister, The Russian Foreign Minister, The British Foreign Secretary along with the Chinese Foreign Minister are going to Switzerland (If they have not arrived already as we went to press on this edition of "notations").    It is also of note that it is the Iranian New Year and the entire Iranian Delegation has given up the annual 2-Week Nowrouz (New Year) Celebration.  It may not matter to others around the World--but it should underscore a sense of commitment.   President Rouhani's Brother, Hussein (A Special Assistant to President Rouhani) , is also back in Switzerland after a few days to attend their Mother's Funeral.

Hopeful Signs are before us.   The question is whether they are able to close the deal by March 31.  The broader question is whether the agreement will pass muster with what is surely going to be a very concerted campaign spearheaded by the Israeli Prime Minister and supported by the Republicans in Congress.    The US Senate Majority Leader, Senator McConnell, is in Israel and the House Speaker is about to go as well.

It is bound to be an exciting few weeks.....

Notations From the Grid: The Reality of Geopolitics in the Middle East Right Now.....

It has been a challenging few hours as Saudi Arabia has begun a 10-Nation bombing campaign with new strikes being reported as we're noting in this latest edition of "newsflash".   

As we have been assessing this very dynamic development as eptiomized by Yemen right now, this little nifty diagram we ran across says it all:



Challenging ever more.....

An #Outsider Newsflash: On #Yemen Right Now.....

Sanaa, the Capital of Yemen, has been hit with airstrikes by Saudi Arabia as the Houthis have continued their assault.    As we are writing this newsflash, Al Jazeera is interviewing the Editor of the Yemen Times who is reporting the attacks on military targets that underscores how the entire City of  Sanaa has been shaken by the attacks and bombings are clearly being heard.   It is striking how the Saudi Ambassador to The United States announced it in Washington.

It is truly scary times right now as it will trigger a wider war. 

Thought(s) For the Week: On Change

As we approach mid-week here in #Outsiders, it was quite timely yet again from +Jonathan Huie who yet again reminds us of change and how we must be ever so open to it:

 

I have accepted fear as a part of life -

specifically the fear of change...

I have gone ahead despite the pounding

in the heart that says: turn back.

- Erica Jong

With courage you will dare to take risks,

have the strength to be compassionate,

and the wisdom to be humble.

Courage is the foundation of integrity.

- Keshavan Nair

Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history

to wait for the train of the future to run over him.

- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Notations From the Grid: New York Times' Man in Tehran

One of the most perceptive reporters  that we here @ #Outsiders follow closely was featured this morning in the New York Times which we wanted to share here on today's edition of "Notations From the Grid":

Life in Iran can be a challenge--but still beautiful to be witness to.  Nicely Done +Thomas Erdbrink.  

 

View of the Week: On Iran's Challenges

For this edition of View of the Week, we decided to release this "from the Grid" on Iran.   Although we here @ #Outsiders deal with the on-going public policy and political issues in the "ordinary faces" channel, this released earlier underscores challenges on the Environment:

Read on i24News "As lakes become deserts, drought is #Iran new problem"😨😢😱😭😭😭 http://t.co/FElbCsvVQK http://t.co/FElbCsvVQK
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) March 23, 2015

The challenge of the Environment and lack of Water is of profound concern.