Sunday, April 30, 2017

Random Thoughts: As May is at Hand :) :)

It is the dawn of a new Month and I personally decided to be apolitical.    It was also a bit of a challenging weekend on a number of fronts-.     Over the course of the weekend, I reflected upon it while on Facebook with visits programs at Aliso Niguel High School.

Today is also quite a day--the International Day of Jazz.   I just picked up this embed courtesy of UNESCO which I wanted to note below:


Remaining Hopeful as a new Month dawns......Onward to May with all its' possibilities : 

Just reflecting upon quite a day quite a month quite a year....onward to the new month w all its possibilities 😁💥🙏🏻😎

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Mike Pouraryan ...and quite poignant as this popped up from my April 2014 timeline..."....Mike Pouraryan-April 30, 2014 · Laguna Niguel, CA · 
Catching up w/friends...and not forgetting this wonderful admonition from the fab. Jonathan Lockwood Huie : ".... Stop holdi
ng on to the past. Release your regrets about whatever you may have done or failed to do that turned out poorly. Forgive others for whatever they may have done or failed to do that cause you harm. Declare today to be a new beginning.Let go of the past and move on with creating a joyful new future for yourself." Wishing all a fab week 

Friday, April 28, 2017

Random Thoughts: On a Brief "Virtual Walkabout" Before Being "off" 4 the W-End.....

Being out and about in the Community was enlightening and a joy this week.     I just wanted to do something a "bit different" as I wanted to share two thoughts I released on my Personal Twitter Feed and Facebook Wall about hope, optimism and the need to plow on despite the challenges as I wish all the best of weekends....



Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Random Thoughts: On an Interesting Day

It was another interesting day as I worked away on commitments for the Daily Outsider which I hope all find educational.   Our team congratulated at HuffPost on its' new "Evolution" and wished them well--I found it interesting how they seem to have somehow adopted the Al Jazeera Way in their "look and feel".

It was also a day for a moment of Pause and Reflection as I was on Facebook and shared this on my Personal Wall that My Cousin Goli shared earlier tonight:  



I wanted to take this moment to remember all my loved ones including my Aunt, My Grand Mothers and Grand Fathers who passed away.   I wanted to remember the memory of the Foster Family that took me in and supported me in the Early Years.   I also wanted to also take a moment to be thankful and appreciative of all who are living and all my blessings.   Sometimes, it is not about Money--to paraphrase Oprah Winfrey, if one appreciates what one already has--one ends up having more!!!

Onward.....

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Random Thoughts: As The New Week Dawns....


It was great to see the Community in Action as many came out in support of the Niguel Botanical Preserve here in my hometown of Laguna Niguel.    We planted, spread mulch, spread gravel on pavements, pulled weed and worked under direction of the team of Volunteer supervisors which spend    It has been quite a day though as I have been assessing the French Elections as the first round is done and the split in France mirrors the split in the United States.    Israel's Haaretz said it well:  Front-lines of Western politics redrawn Last Night in France.    The run-off is in Two weeks with the fate of the European Union hanging in the balance.   As I write this, my money is on Macron as he will be the Next President of France--as the Polls in France have been on the money.   The people have turned away from the traditional parties--and it is fascinating to be witness to it all. 

I wanted to begin the new week, though, with a sense of the positive as I captured these while working away on my "Twitter Walkabout".     It captures the essence of the implicit mission at Outsiders--even though Al Jazeera is just reporting of attacks by the Abu Saif Terrorist Group in the Philippines.   There is also the profound tragedy of Venezuela and the enormous Venezuela crisis as they cross into Colombia to buy Food & Diapers.   The need to remain optimistic and upbeat is more important than ever:   









& this last one......


Onward to the new week with all its' possibilities.....

Friday, April 21, 2017

Random Thoughts: On the Eve of #EarthDay2017 :)

It has been quite an unfortunate week in our World with the Terrorist Attack in France that claimed the life of a Police Officer as France gears up to go to the Polls.   This is also as the continued challenges in Iraq and Syria lingers on--and as our team was finishing off its' assessment before going "dark" for Earth Day W-End, we saw a very distressing report out of Afghanistan as some 50 Afghan Soldiers were killed in a suicide attack.    This is also as the Hunger Strike by Palestinian Prisoners continued which disappeared off the headlines.    The Haaretz' Gideon Levy reflected upon the tragedy of Palestine with this column:


Some of the statistics were staggering as noted below:



The team did have fun, though--because we've got to to be able to help live up to our mission to change the conversation about our World.  It was fun to be able to work on helping to curate the network as the latest out of +Global Citizen  was featured on the eve of Earth Day 2017.        My Community of Laguna Niguel is commemorating Earth Day as Community Members and City Leaders will be at the Niguel Botanical Preserve to help preserve a local treasure that is home to some of the rare California Plants.     

What continues to sustain me, though, is the Community here in South Orange County.    I began the day early as I was at our Community's Catholic Parish Food Pantry helping to process the stock we had as we geared up for a new week of service.    As I reflected upon this day and worked to As I write this, I am in downtown San Juan Capistrano right across from Mission San Juan Capistrano.   This is as right up the street, San Juan Hills Elementary School is having a carnival.   San Juan Hills is the oldest School in Orange County.   It is just such a privilege to be witness to it all as I alwaays marvel at the history of this historic district--and as I captured some images of the "faces of California" I released to my Facebook Wall:


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I had the pleasure to drive my son and two of his friends to this Community Commitment as they were supporting this event thanks to their Spanish Teacher who gave them this opportunity to serve . I was blown away by their deep and engaging knowledge of the World.    I only took the liberty to "chime" in to remind them that they are the change they seek--and they can do their part.    I trust it resonated.     I see it as our responsibility and calling to make sure that the young understand that in order to in the end carry on.     

Today was also quite a day as Queen Elizabeth II of the UK celebrated her 91st Birthday.    I picked this up on Twitter while working away which I also released to my Personal Facebook Wall earlier today:


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As I saw this very crucial admonition from Her Majesty, I could not help but wonder about what is currently prevailing in Washington--especially on this Earth Day.    I saw, for instance, that Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to go hunting in Montana on Earth Day.     

I wanted to end this with two admonitions I picked up which underscores how we should continue to be positive about our World and our outlook:



“When one door closes,
another opens;
but we often look so long
and so regretfully
upon the closed door
that we do not see
the one which has opened for us.”

~ Alexander Graham Bell

“Whenever you find yourself
doubting how far you can go,
just remember how far you have come.
Remember everything you have faced,
all the battles you have won,
and all the fears you have overcome.”

~ Author Unknown

Happy Earth Day To All!!



Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Random Thoughts: On a Brief Walk-About.......

I decided to take a bit of a "different tack" for this edition of "Random Thoughts" as mid-week approaches.  As I was working away, I was reminded of how blessed I have been especially as I'm about to tend to a number of Community Commitments including serving as a stand-in for one of the stalwarts of our Community and tend to a few other community commitments over the next day or so.   


 .


All I will note in a response of all who are fighting for justice and freedom:  You are not alone.   This was even more evident as Turkey took a step towards dictatorship as Turks approved the suite of Constitutional Changes by a narrow margin.  I had held out hope that Turkey will show the way for the Middle East--Unfortunately, that is not to be as I saw reports from Fox News that more journalists have been indicted on terrorism charges.   This is as President Trump called the Turkish President to congratulate him on the win despite all that the reservations expressed throughout the World.   I also saw earlier today the latest out of Zimbabwe as to how it has edged closer to the edge of the abyss as Mugabe refuses to quit.     Queen reminded all us of this: 





& as I hope all remain cool & Hopeful.....


...I picked up this courtesy of the scholar and human rights activist Elaheh Amani that she released to her Facebook Wall late last night that she translated from Farsi the  seven admonitions from the Great Rumi: 



1) In generosity and helping others be like the river.
2) In compassion and grace be like the sun
3) In concealing others' faults be like the night.

4) In anger and fury be like the dead.

5) In modesty and humility be like the soil.
6) In tolerance be like the ocean.
7) Either you appear as you are or be as you appear.



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Onward...

Sunday, April 16, 2017

On the Eve of the New Week.......

As the new week looms, helped with some updates for the Daily Outsider as I picked up two very interesting thoughts while "On the Grid" this morning:


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Enough said.....
Onward to the new week!!!!

Enough

Friday, April 14, 2017

Random Thoughts (As The W-End Looms): Out and About in the Community....


 
I spent the evening helping with finalizing curation for the properties of the Daily Outsider as the network goes dark for  Easter Week-End.    This is as I continued to deal with the aftermath of the "near scam" I reflected upon which I wrote about on late Tuesday.    Life goes on.

I had hoped, frankly, that at least somewhat things will be "back to normal" for a while as I worked to catch up on projects and get some semblance of a roadmap for the Quarter.    I swung by a Community Meeting as  I got the shocking word on the suicide of an Eagle Scout earlier tonight which was a total shock.    His Father noted how he had suffered from Depression.   It underscores how Mental Disease must be understood and those who suffer from it must be helped and loved always.    My own challenges this week was simply nothing--it did not matter.

Wednesday, though, gave me cause for hope.   I began Wednesday on a day of Service at St. Timothy's Catholic Parish as we served almost 40 families in the Parish Pantry.    As I was then continuing efforts to assess where things stood, I continued to stay in touch with @ZipRecruiter--although my comments fell on deaf ears and responses were "standard" and lip service was the order of the day.    The company, Ranker, washed its' hands off the whole thing.    I hope at least one person was helped--all the aggravation and stress of the past week would have been worth it.    The person who tried and scam me actually sent me another Google Chat Text asking me how I was--even though I had tried to block the address AND informed Google.   Unfortunately, Google is yet to get back with me. 

I worked away on a few projects and initiatives before I joined the final home game for the Aliso Niguel High School Swim Team.    It was nice to be amongst friends after what was a rather stressful week as I served as Grillmaster.   It was so gratifying to be witness to the massive turnout by the parents as they cheered on the kids--and I could not help but truly be amazed as the volunteers helped staff the Snack Bar.   Our high school won!!   This is as I then decided to "crash" the Taste of Aliso Niguel Meeting which is another event driven by volunteers to help raise funds for activities at the High School.  It is a fabulous meeting that I look forward to supporting as a "volunteer" later on in the month.    This is as I also then joined the Grad Night Committee--another Aliso Niguel Tradition that Graduates are able to "party the night away" after Graduation.

As I finished off the night, I just was simply blown away by ordinary souls who gave of themselves in such a selfless way.   It is this selfless sense of purpose continues to give me hope about our future notwithstanding the challenges at hand.     

I wish all a joyous Happy Easter!!!

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Random Thoughts: On The "Wild Wild West" On the Web & Other Thoughts....

It has been a stressful few days as I almost fell for a scam.    I went after an opportunity advertised through ZipRecruiter and caught it in enough time to make sure that I was not out any money.   When I met with my local law enforcement, my banks and followed up with both ZipRecruiter and the Company, I found out about the most recent scam out there.   In this case, it turned out that ZipRecruiter had been hacked and the Company and ZipRecruiter were both very apologetic when I reached out to them.   I also filed an FBI report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.      

 An excerpt of the recommendations noted by the ZipRecruiter Team is worth noting--although they did note that anyone using ZipRecruiter does so at their own risk:  

 it is common for fraudulent accounts to be hiring for a specific position and may go under a different alias company name and email address as well to cover their tracks which can make them hard to identify.  We always encourage our job seekers to do their research and use their best judgment when deciding whether or not to move forward with a potential employment opportunity. Please consider the following suggestions:

Please express caution with any hiring manager claiming to be traveling, conducting interviews via Google Hangouts, offering a job without an interview, mailing a check for payment, or asking for personal information via email as these can be indicative of fraudulent activity. You should, therefore, avoid providing sensitive personal information when conducting email interviews solely online. Always be cautious when providing personal information via online such as a Social Security Number, Driver's License, etc. which are typically given after employment is offered as part of an onboarding process.



I will be publishing an article on this incident within the next 30 days.   Despite my own missteps, I was lucky because I had a Guardian Angel.    The moral of the story is simply this:  the need to be aware is ever so evident.     I could not help but wonder why wouldn't anyone live up to the simple creed taught by the ancient Persian Prophet Zartost:


Despite the very stressful few days, I remain hopeful......





Saturday, April 8, 2017

Random Thoughts On this Palm Sunday 2017 W-End: On Peace, #America, #Syria & Other Thoughts...

Although a challenging weekend on the business front, I took some time to reflect as I visited the Autry in Los Angeles and joined the National Language Service Corp LA Chapter at the Griffith Observatory.    One more highlight of the day (after a very stressful morning of business affairs) was joining the effort by Our Fathers' Table to create 100 Easter Baskets for the Homeless and be ready for an Easter Egg Hunt for the Homeless during Easter next week.

I produced a visual essay of this day of reflection:


Earlier tonight while "on the grid" on Facebook, I reflected upon the day as I saw the story of America.      It reminded me of how truly blessed we are--and how we must never forget.

This is also Palm Sunday weekend.   A compilation of thoughts was featured on the Outsider Properties to remind all of the admonitions of Jesus on this day.    I also picked up this very powerful notation from the scholar and activist Elahe  Amani remembering the plight of Syrian Women and how ordinary faces should never be forgotten:



Wishing all a restful Palm Sunday and a fabulous Week.....

Friday, April 7, 2017

Random Thoughts...As the W-End Looms....


It has been quite a week around our World as April began.   As the war in Syria raged on, Iraq raged on, Somalia declared war on Al Shahab, I decided to once again try and be positive as I was on the grid supporting the work of the Daily Outsider.   As I worked on supporting the on-going work of the Daily Outsider, I had this pop on my Facebook wall  and picked this as I wish all the best of w-ends!! :) :) Onward to the W-End :) :) 






Mike Pouraryan shared a memory.

Just now
Before running off...picked up this "blast from the past".....wishin' all a fab w-end..and a fab week!! :) :)
 The beauty of life....may we all remember....
"....Far better is it to dare mighty things,to win glorious triumphs,
even though chequered by failure,than to take rank with those poor spirits
who neither enjoy much nor suffer much,because they live in the grey twilight
that knows not victory or defeat.- Theodore Roosevelt"..Make it a grt wk. :-)


Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Random Thoughts On The Eve "Mid-Week"....


As the World was witness yet again to the horrific scenes in Syria in aftermath of the Regime's Chemical attack --and as The Trump Administration blamed the Obama Administration along with the continued partisan challenges in Washington, The Daily Outsider  team decided to take a moment of pause to reflect upon the possible to try and live up to the mantra to "Work to Change the Conversation about our World".    What I found especially interesting was the continued challenges faced by Fox News in the aftermath of Bill O"Reilly troubles--and how Fox was silent about it all--although it continues to thrive.   I was also blown away as to when another retailer was afflicted with what I will begin to call the Amazon Effect: Payless Shoes--that declared bankruptcy and will be shutting down 10% of its' stores.    Amazon seems to be unstoppable.     This is as I picked up Jamie Dimon's latest letter that is about 45 pages long--some of the outlets yesterday (including Bloomberg & Reuters) provided highlights--it is a must read for all just like Warren Buffet's.

As I helped with some mid-week curation of thoughts to be published later on tomorrow throughout the #Outsider Properties, I dug this up from my own archives that is so appropriate which I hope all enjoy and be inspired by....




For me, Rule 2 was especially poignant as the #Outsider journey continues.    


Random Thoughts: On #Egypt, @POTUS, #Freedom & Hope.....

I was mostly on the road yesterday and when I returned to my office, I saw how President Sisi of Egypt was given the red carpet treatment by President Trump as he visited the White House.    One of the first series of Notations I helped edit out for the early editions of The Daily Outsider was this which I "dug up":



I still can't get over how his Aunt reflected upon how lucky they felt that he was not executed and only given a 5-year jail sentence.      The defiance of him and his sister was just striking: 




 It is disheartening to be witness to it all--this is why some interesting developments are taking place including the resistance to the Neil Gorsuch nomination as epitomized by what will be happening over the course of April by the brainchild of a few Kennedy School Graduate Students:  The Resistance School.

 Today also saw a very nice public relations play in the White House.   I was glad to see the President donate his first Quarter salary to the National Park Service--but this gesture does not wash away the draconian cuts that has been proposed in Education, Health, the Arts and Service.    I helped release a Notations on National Service that will be the headline throughout the Daily Outsider Properties.   There was also a lot of coverage I reviewed on the President's Staff and their financials--including the estimated $ 200 Million Income that Ivanka Trump and her husband made.    In my view, they are to be commended for wanting to come into Government and being subject to such scrutiny--such coverage negates the debate on policy that seems to be not be forthcoming unless one consults Vox or maybe even BuzzFeed 

Beyond the shores of the United States, the World continues to be as challenging as ever.   As I am finishing off these thoughts, the horrific scenes out of Russia was a stark reminder of the challenges faced in our World.   .   Despite all the controveries, I am with Tom Friedman as he argued in "Thank You for being Late" that the World must make sure Russia does not become too unstable in spite of Vladimir Putin's very problematic policies.    Reports are that the bomber was from one of the former Soviet Muslim Republics.    Europe's challenges continue with no apparent end in sight as the UK has begun the painful goodbye from the European Union as it deals with its' own Unity Challenges.   Spain is potentially dealing with a breakup as Catalonia, its' richest region, wants independence and as it begins its' assertive stance regarding Gibraltar.   The United States seems to have implicitly embraced Assad as Hezbollah continues to be on the ascendancy as documented in yesterday's Wall Street Journal.    According to the Wall Street Journal, Hezbollah is in a solid position to participate in the estimated $ 180 Billion Dollar    Meanwhile, I just saw a report as I was finishing off these thoughts about Chinese Plans to build a new City that would be three times the size of New York--interesting as the Chinese President is about to meet up President Trump in Florida.

As I was researching away, I ran across this from the "Grid" From Rachel Carson.   Her admonition to us all was about Nature itself--which continues to be under assault in large measure thanks to the measures being taken in Washington.    I would argue that it also holds true about our World Today.   Unfortunately, though, it is small comfort to those who languish in the dungeons of Egypt, Iran, Syria and Turkey today.   It is small comfort to the 65 Million People who have been driven from their homes due to conflicts and Wars.   It is of no comfort to those who have lost loved ones in all the conflicts.    The need to remain hopeful, though, is ever so critical today more than ever: 



Onward to the New Quarter with all its' possibilities....