Random Thoughts: As August Ends.......

It has been a whirlwind of a month working away on projects and continuing to be supportive of the on-going development of the Daily Outsider as it continues to evolve.     As I was reflecting upon the month, I ran across this courtesy of the team at We Funder that I have the pleasure to have an affiliation with:   





“America, you great unfinished symphony, you sent for me. You let me make a difference. A place where even orphan immigrants can leave their fingerprints and rise up.” - Lin-Manuel Miranda from the musical Hamilton 


As many will realize, this is a scene out of the smash Broadway hit, Hamilton.  It is about the celebration of the American Spirit that was shown in a major way as we were all witness to the devastation brought about by Hurricane Harvey.    I was also very proud of our Community Response as underscored by this as members of our local first responders were dispatched to Texas to assist with the relief efforts: 

Orange County Supervisors Congratulate the Successful Hurricane Harvey Rescue Efforts of California Task Force Team 5 -

08/29/2017 01:59 PM PDT

Supervisors Bartlett and Spitzer, who are also members of the OCFA Board, applaud the successful rescue efforts of members of Orange County Fire Authority and the Anaheim and Orange Fire Departments that make up California Task Force Team 5.

This was also a month that saw Laguna Niguel Community yet again ever so vibrant.  I have had the pleasure to be at the 2017 Relay for Life Event which was held earlier this month and I share some thoughts while on Facebook earlier in the month:


Had the pleasure to the City of Laguna NIguel American Cancer Society Relay For Life today at Niguel Hills Middle School--it was a great pleasure to members of Troop 772 of our OCBSA - El Camino Real District Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America leading the pledge today...and so inspired by the courage of the survivors--a special shoutout to Chick-fil-A in Aliso Viejo for keeping me hydrated as I walked 8 laps to honor the memory of my Aunt Khaleh Pari, my Uncles Sassan & Shahrokh and cousin Sina who've fought this disease along with many wonderful friends who have prevailed...A special shoutout also to the event co-chairs Martha McNicholas & Ross Chunwho spreadheaded this cause...and our City Leaders Mayor Fred Minagar; Laurie Davies; Elaine Gennawey; John Mark Jennings who joined....and all who made a difference...a nice way to end the Summer....a pleasure to share this in support of Donate a Photo  as one of the youth volunteers was nice enough to capture which I spruced up with Prisma.AI....great to be witness to such in our vibrant community....:)

It was also another highlight for me as my Son and I joined one of our Eagle Scout Candidates as we we were at the Shays' Center in San Juan Capistrano as we supported the beautification project  and shared some brief thoughts on the Troop's Facebook wall as well:

Had the pleasure to join a morning of service with one of our Eagle Candidates, Ryan C., as almost 40 of the Trailmasters joined a Beautififcation project at J F Shea Therapeutic Riding Center...making a difference yet again!! Congrats Ryan and a Virtual High Five to all who joined this Day of service :) :) :)

The challenging political landscape was also quite concerning as we await a very September challenging September.   I did take heart in the GDP Report which is a good sign.   But whether that is sustained or not is a big question.       Because I wanted to make sure I maintained a positive and upbeat note as I finished off the month, one highlight for me was this I saw courtesy of Global Citizen that blew me away along with some thoughts-Satti's story especially resonates as it is a story of hope and overcoming odds:    



She is a true ray of hope after the tragic years that Greece has been witness to.   It is about in the end an embrace of the art of the possible.

: 

Never:

Let anyone determine yourself worth.

Speak without listening.

Give up before you’re ready.

Forget to breathe.

Settle for less than you deserve.

Dim your sparkle.

Complicate what you can simplify.

Make promises you can’t keep.

Believe it’s too late to begin.

~ Author Unknown

This is as I also picked up this while doing my final "rounds" in Facebook about the true predicament of us here in Mother Earth that at times seem to be forgotten by all in the midst of Missiles, Guns and the quest for Technological superiority (underscored by what Apple has in store for instance on September 12th) and  the petty that seems not to be of importance :

Onward to September and beyond with all its

 possibilities.....

On the Prowl w/ Break Free - Taryn Southern (Official Music Video)

.

Working away winding down the Month and gearing up for September as I ran across this on what Taryn Southern has produced using Artificial Intelligence--blew me away!!!

On the Prowl....

It has been quite a week!!    Although I had hoped for a bit of a "operational pause" for the work at the Daily Outsider, it has continued as updates will be forthcoming which hopefully all will enjoy.   For me, the week began with one highlight as I had the pleasure to the City of Laguna Niguel Relay for Life and had the honor to begin the Lapwalk with survivors as I ended up walking 8 laps in honor of all members of my family and dear friends who had fought the good fight against Cancer.

Later on in the week, I  continued onward with the bi-monthly commitment at St. Timothy's Catholic Parish.   This week, we served 80 families--it was heart breaking as I registered two homeless individuals.   One of the clients I helped with was in near tears of joy as she shared how her grand children were so happy as they went off to School with their new Backpacks.   This week was also "Eclipse2017" week as we here in Laguna Niguel were witness to it all--including yours truly:

As I look forward to publishing my final "Random Thoughts" for the month next week, there is quite a bit to talk about.     I ran across this courtesy of Brainy Quotes that I thought about which I always hope and pray I live up to despite the on-going profound challenges: 




Onward to the weekend....

Random Thoughts: Briefly on Making a Difference.....

It has been a fabulous week to have been witness to Community spirit in action.     It has also been quite a challenging week underscored by the horror in Virginia and Barcelona.    I took heart, though, in this I got from one of the causes I support as I got word that I was able to be supportive in raising some $ 15,000.  

This weekend is my community's Relay For Life at Niguel Hills Middle School here in Laguna Niguel.    As Norman Cousins noted, we have to remain optimistic and stay upbeat--and realize that anything we do makes a profound difference.   For me, that was the lesson this week despite whatever setbacks one may encounter--job losses, rejections and financial Challenges.

Onward.....

Random Thoughts (Mid Week): On An Evening Of Service W/the Scouts & Other Thoughts....

It is mid-week as I work away.   I could not help but have a sense of despair in the aftermath of the President of the United States' News Conference.     As I caught his Press Conference, I saw two of his Cabinet Secretaries just stand there--as the President went off as  he did as he lied.   But, the need to be positive is ever so critical.    I appreciate Governor Kasich's Comments that underscores what many of us believe--whether the Republican leadership has the backbone to call out Donald Trump by name is the challenge: 

Let's get real. pic.twitter.com/vM8gJ8lWrc

— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) August 15, 2017

& of course, this: 

This clip is telling....and tough to listen to......

I wanted to stay hopeful--and being around the Youth was one key area for me to do so.   I had the pleasure to be at Laguna Niguel City Hall as the Boy Scouts of Troop 772 led us all in the Flag Salute--which has been a tradition of our City for over 20 years: 

 

I had expected the Council to deliberate The Residential Parking Permit Program--but that apparently was moved to a future Council Meeting.    It was nice to be witness to Democracy in Action--I was also glad to see a Young Lady who was an Attorney noting how being curious led her to be at the Council Meeting--I wish I had asked her to consider applying for an appointment on a City Commision.

As I finish off these brief Mid-Week Thoughts, I picked this up courtesy of Darren Hardy that is ever so uplifting: 

 

Click to Play

Pissed that you're not living up to your TRUE potential?

GOOD! You should be. Here's why... GO TO POST

I end these Random Thoughts with this from the Persian Poet Saadi (that I have the privilege to have as my Personal Badge On my Google Plus" about one overriding fact:  We are all part of one human family (and it does not matter if we are black, white, brown, red, Yellow):   

Random Thoughts: A Dark Day......

I am almost in tears after having worked away on Twitter Tonight in the aftermath of what happened in Virginia and the President's news conference.   How he justified Neo-Nazis was absolutely uncalled for.

I was speechless when I heard the President equate Washington and Jefferson with Traitors.  Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were traitors who took up arms--Ulysses S. Grant got him off.  Lawrence O'Donnell noted a bit of a history lesson on the true character of Robert E. Lee:

 What Anderson Cooper captured after the Editorial in the Washington Post earlier tonight and what Chemi Shalev wrote in Haaretz is horrifying--I could not help but ask who will have the courage to finally say Enough, is Enough--where is our generations Joseph E. Welch when he finally stood up to Joe McCarthy to counter What The Economist of London noted are  the Red Guards of Trumpism (including Fox News; Briebart et. al)?   

Let's see if the Republican Leaders go beyond words this time by telling Donald Trump: You are wrong.    As a simple ordinary face, I will.

Random Thoughts: On Quite a Night in my Hometown of @LagunaNiguelCty

The Beauty of Laguna Niguel @Night 

It was an interesting, busy and challenging few days as I worked to support the on-going curation  at The Daily Outsider Properties.   I had plans to dedicate my own Random Thoughts to thoughts on Iran as I had reviewed reports about corruption and abuse of power at the highest level and reflect upon lessons to be learnt.  .  The best laid plans, though, are always somehow "sidetracked" I was at a special meeting of the Laguna Niguel City Council tonight.

What was before the Council was the Status of the Mayor.    The Mayor of Laguna Niguel abruptly resigned, handed in his resignation  and left the Chamber. (The OC Register just reported on it within the past thirty minutes)   He has been the subject of an investigation due to harassment and bullying of City Staff.   According to the City Attorney, 9 individuals have been identified which will be interviewed by Outsider Counsel in the process of being retained by the City Attorney.    The emotions were quite high as each member of the Council spoke and all of them nearly broke down.   The eloquence of the Council Members who were clearly stunned by this abrupt resignation clearly resonated as they reflected upon tonight and asking for the Community's help.   All speakers were also just as eloquent in expressing their support for the Council.   Mayor Pro Tem Fred Minagar will be formally sworn in at tomorrow's regularly scheduled meeting--I will be attending it as I will be assisting with the opening flag salute as I also will stay to be witness to the Residential Parking Permit Program the Traffic Commission recommended be before the Council.   I have the pleasure to serve as a Commissioner and our Commission worked diligently with the help of the fabulous City Staff to bring it to fruition.

As I was reflecting upon this day, I thought about my own day and how I was witness yet again to the fabulous selfless souls in our Community.    At St. Timothy's Parish, the Pantry was busy with serving the clients--some 60 families were served today.     This is as 90 families received backpacks for their children as school is slated to begin next week.    This is just a small yet so beautiful an example of how the Community of Laguna Niguel comes together on a constant and consistent basis for the benefit of all.   It is a joy and privilege to be witness to it all:

Witness to Community Spirit in @LagunaNiguelCty https://t.co/lVFVirxVt1

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) August 14, 2017

Random Thoughts (Mid-Week): On Pride in @LagunaNiguelCty, Being Blocked, Having Fun & #Love

It has been quite week in my hometown as I had the pleasure to attend the Phase 2 ribbon Cutting of an icon of our City, Crown Valley Park.    I was especially appreciative of the City Staff having left the hand prints of the City Council on it.    I shared some brief thoughts on it on my Personal Facebook Wall as a point of pride--while scrambling to tend to on-going commitments on a number of fronts. .

Today was also quite a day as I began the day joining a morning w/the City's Leadership.    It is great to see that the City Leadership is starting more of an outreach effort--and then it was a day on staff at the St. Timothy's Catholic Parish Pantry.    Our team served almost 35 families today.   But what was so funny while I was "back at work" at The Daily Outsider was when I saw this:

For those who may not know who he is, he's the President's Social Media Director.     He has blocked me from his personal twitter feed--even though he cannot legally block me from his official Twitter Account.   I guess it is nice to be recognized--I made it a point of noting that I am wearing it as a badge of honor because it underscores a profound sense of insecurity that is at the heart of his attacks. 

As I made a number of  I ran across this from my Facebook timeline, though:

The team as @Daily Outsider was also good enough to let me share "We Shall Overcome" Over my own Twitter Feed--and I made sure Dan was tagged on it--hopefully he gets the message as America has always survived Patriots like them.    I also made it a point of commenting to David Frum of the Atlantic and Charlie Pierce of Esquire--I figured they'd appreciate it.     Maybe he thought I'm a "troll" or something--thankfully I'm not!!! 

Running off...and having fun despite profound challenges......

Random Thoughts: Just Remembering......

It is the dawn of a New Week and I wanted to begin the new week on a light note.

It is the beginning of the School Year--and I wanted to be just a little bit "Lively"--This is a picture of of Don Bosco College in Tehran that I had the privilege to attend.   I saw this while catching up "on the grid" on Facebook over the weekend.   This particular image is from the back of the School (circa early 70's I believe), as kids were scaling the wall to escape Chemistry: 




I never had the guts as I did not want to face the wrath of the Priests--and after them, my own parents!!!   It is still fun, though, to be witness to history in such a hilarious way.  It continues to remind of all that I am thankful for as a new week dawns despite all the challenges.

Onward to the new Week with all its' possibilities!!

Random Thoughts: While Out & About in @LagunaNiguelCty & Virtually......

It has been an interesting first week of August--and at times challenging.  I decided to do things a little differently for this "Random Thoughts".

First of, I find it extremely interesting about what I saw on Facebook this week while making my "rounds" with friends.   It has been very interesting as I have seen a proflieration of Writing & Writing related resouces to go and check out.    For instance, I just ran across "Vocal" which is a new platform to help writers/bloggers monetize platform--which is borrowing a page from Medium which I have used and enjoyed contributed.    The Daily Outsider team has also done contributions to Medium from the Properties--which I have helped with.    It underscores how Facebook continues to anticipate--and think.     Most of my Engagement, though, has been to advocate for Community Engagement and awareness--but it is still interesting to say the least.

I also had a chance to reflect upon the last number of months.     The City of Laguna Niguel's New Community Engagement Manager was gracious enough to track down this Video clip prepared from the Earth Day 2017 earlier this year: 




It features the now-embattled Mayor of the City along with others who participated.     The Mayor's fate will be decided during a special City Council meeting on August 7.    One highlight of it was one of our Trailmaster Eagle Scouts who was featured--I made it a point of sharing it with his family.   It was very gratifying to see him featured!!!        It was also quite a week as the City celebrated National Night Out which was great to be witness to.

As I was out and about on business commitments, I had the pleasure also to join the Aliso Niguel High School registration drive.   Some 600 students were registered with the support of ASB student volunteers and PTSA volunteers supporting the School Adminstrators--I reflected on it on my Facebook Wall to pay tribute to all who make a difference.

As the week proceeded and I was on the prowl on business commitments, I picked up on the reporting on a new proposal to change the Immigration Laws to make it more in line with what countries like Canada are doing.    Beyond some of the "hype", the challenge remains that the United States will need a lot more immigrants than not--and it also reminded up of the poignant file by the Great Shahkrukh Khan that showcased the challenges of racism.   I picked up this clip I also shared while on Facebook as well--it speaks for itself: :  





Beyond the challenges domestically, there is also a major event happening in Iran.    Hassan Rouhani, the newly re-elected President, will take his oath after having received his "confirmation" from the Supreme Guide on Thursday (that the Daily Outsider Team noted in a special edition of Notations).     I see reports of some 70 countries having sent delegations.     Although the Team at the Daily Outsider will have some thoughts done on it during the week, I found this published by Islamic Republic Broadcasting was poignant on all the Presidents since the 1979 Islamic Revolution: 

Watch video!


As this working weekend is at hand,  I could not help but feel a bit overwhelmed by some of the challenges at the Daily Outsider and some of the other challenges--and then I saw this: 

My proceeds from PayPal were $180m. I put $100m in SpaceX, $70m in Tesla and $10m in Solar City. I had to borrow money for rent.

—Elon Musk pic.twitter.com/zWWByVt2zO

— Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) August 3, 2017

It is remarkable that whenever I somehow lose focus, something brings me down to Earth.   

Onward to another working weekend......