Out & About with Final #RandomThoughts For 2019

The Eagle Has Landed In Dubai!!!

What a year it has been!!

I decided to begin with a beautiful image--an Eagle I captured while visiting the National's Twitter page and the article it had celebrating the return of the Eagle after a round-the-World journey.   The Eagle, to me, is a symbol of strength and beauty and yes, Hope--a hope that sure was tested throughout 2019.  I also, earlier tonight, released an clip from one of the favorites of us at the Daily Outsider, Cold Play, and their Classic the Adventure of a Life Time--and it has truly been one!!!

The development work at the Daily Outsider continued.   I had the pleasure to help with finishing off a final column for the year that will be available throughout the platforms of the Daily Outsider on Christmas Eve 2019 tomorrow.  This is as I was also quite busy as my responsibilities grew at the California State Guard, my Education Work continued and my community service engagements continued.    I decided to retire from Community work with the Scouts and with the City of Laguna Niguel after 10 years of service on Two Commissions with a term as Vice Chair and Chair of the Traffic Commission  and Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee.    It was in the end about making a difference--and I am hopeful that I did.

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Traffic & Transportation Commission

The Traffic & Transportation Commission acts as an advisory capacity to the City Council on all traffic matters such as reviewing traffic complaints, surveying, making recommendations relative to traffic conditions, improving traffic conditions, and administering and enforcing traffic regulations. Their duties also include the study of public transportation, traffic regulations and traffic control devices, parking, and vehicle and pedestrian safety within the public right-of-way.

The Commission consists of five members each serving a two-year term, and two Council Member Liaisons. They meet on the 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. 

Members

• John Kinney, Chair
• Paul Anderson, Vice Chair
• Mike Pouraryan
• Gary Hewitt
• Jeffrey Hoeflich-Nickels

Council Liaisons

• Mayor Pro Tem Fred Minagar
• Council Member Sandy Rains

It This was also a year of heartache and sorrow as I lost my Aunt.   It was quite challenging to be witness to the withering away of a loved one who was a symbol of strength and resilience.    I am grateful that Facebook quickly memorialized my Aunt Mahroo's Facebook wall--this will be the first Christmas she will not be with us.   

My heart is also heavy as I have been quite engaged on Twitter about Iran and all that has gone on as I was deeply engaged in the daily assessment of the developments and seeing all the atrocities done by the Regime--the 300 percent increase in the price of gasoline was a trigger for the mass protests that engulfed Iran and truly shook the Regime to its' core.      Reuters reported about 1500 people--including 400 women--who had been murdered by the regime as the major uprising began.    The suffering is on such a grand scale right now--and the Iranian Interior Minister received an Award as the parents of one of the fallen Martyrs were arrested after they refused repeated demands by authorities to stop their public memorial for their son on the day after Christmas:

I also did what I could for hostages including  Nazanin Zargari-Radcliffe who has been held unjustly in Iran along with all the other hostages--and just found out that an Australian Researcher was also detained and thereafter given a 10-year jail sentence.   

In spite of all the profound challenges at hand--dealing with the startup and all that it entailed-- I was reminded of how much I have to be thankful for especially as I attended the 4th Annual Homeless Memorial Event at Christ Catheral  here in Orange County.   What was shocking was how two infants died and how an Iranian was among the dead.  I captured scenes from this memorial day:

I will be going dark through the first week in January although I will be busy planning for the new year as the Trump Impeachment unfolds, the situation in Iran unfolds along with all the other challenges before us.

Onward to 2020 and the third decade of the 21st Century (wow!!!)

with all its' possibilities:

Out & About Listening to Cold Play on #ChristmasEve2019....

As I was reflecting upon the year, I caught this while helping with the team curating year-end platform-wide thoughts for the Daily Outsider.  It has been an adventure of a lifetime!!!

Onward to 2020!!!

Out & About w/Brief #RandomThoughts.....

It has been quite a month--and quite a year!!

In a few hours, I will be joining the City of Laguna Niguel's 30th Anniversary Holiday Parade as I will be leading the Scouting Community's Entry as I gear up to retire from my Community Service as a Scout.   It was so gracious of Council member Geneway to have sent forth the commendation for the efforts of the Scouts of Boy Scout 772:

I look forward to sharing further year-end thoughts later on to close out the year as I close out my thoughts with a classic Minuteman statue: 

Out & About With #RandomThoughts

 As I work away, I caught two clips that signifies the current state and the beauty of Iran in the aftermath of the bloody month that has seen over 1000 people murdered and thousands who continue to be under detention.     The lyrics are in Farsi, but the scenes are just beautiful.   There are dark days in Iran--but as HIM Empress Farah noted in her message last month light will overcome darkness.    

I am also seeing reports from the UK seeing how Boris Johnson closed the deal and how the British People have rejected Jeremy Corbyn--I note this here because I have been doing what I can to be supportive of the case of Nazanin Zargari-Radcliffe and how I was quite adamant in condemning Boris Johnson.   I can't help but wonder what will happen now--it is going to be fascinating nonetheless.     

#RandomThoughts

I begin this edition of with a headline I am particularly proud of:  An Eagle Scout Candidate delivering his project to the California State Guard.   It was great to be witness to it over Veterans Day Week-End 2019.   It was part of what was quite a weekend that saw me attend a Veterans Day Event in Costa Mesa, a Veterans Day Ceremony in Laguna Niguel.

It has also been quite a month in our World.    I was simply shocked as I saw this from a mailing from UC Davis: 

The idea that almost 50 percent of College Kids are Food Insecure is simply unacceptable.    Yet, some of the discourse we have been witness to in our World fails to truly address such fundamentals.     I was glad, though, as I saw the totals of the Annual Orange County Scouts Day of Service and what the community was able to be raised:

San Juan Rotary Club - 983 pounds (appx 819 meals)

Council Center - 3,227 pounds (appx. 2,689 meals)

SHFB - 566 pounds (appx. 472 meals)

Fullerton - 310 pounds (appx. 258 meals)

Total: 5,086 pounds (appx. 4,238 meals)

I was also blown away this weekend as I saw the future in action in Orange County as the new Voting Centers were showcased at the OC Fair Grounds and I had a chance to chat with the Registrar of Voter Team.   I captured the following images of it:

As I close out this mid-point #RandomThoughts, I close out with these image on the agony of these Two Mothers as the fires raged on in Australia courtesy China Daily & Financial Times of London:

This is as I was horrified to see how the Founder of the Syrian White Helmets was assassinated in Istanbul.   I also saw how Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian President, celebrated his Birthday on his Presidential Plane as Iranians continued to suffer and suffocate under a dictatorship as I pay homage to all those who are in prison today in Iran including signatory of the 14-Person Manifesto who continue to be held with no charge.   

We have to do better-and we will!!!

I remain hopeful as I close out my #RandomThoughts as I wish all in the United States a Happy Thanksgiving and remain ever so hopeful.

I look forward to my next edition of #RandomThoughts next month in my Virtual Corner Next Month.

#RandomThoughts

It has been quite a challenging month and a challenging year as the Holiday Season is before us that kicks off with #Halloween2019 Today.  

I had the good fortune to celebrate a Birthday as our family mourned the loss of an icon and a matriarch--My Aunt.   .    It was a nice touch as some of the folks I've worked with sent forth some nice birthday greetings: 

Today is National Siamak Day. Happy Birthday to you. A celebration is definitely in order. So, whatever you decide to do, we hope you have a great time. Your friends at Experian

Happy Birthday, SIAMAK!

Birthdays are all about celebrating life, something that as a platelet donor you make possible for so many. Your act of love and generosity means that someone else might be celebrating another birthday too, because of you! We hope you enjoy today with family, friends, and cake, too - knowing that you have helped save lives. And that might be the best gift of all! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!

I took comfort in this from the fab Og Mandino that is featured on my Facebook Wall because it underscores a sense of optimism that is absolutely vital no matter what the calamities are:

This was also a month that Iranian Women were allowed in Stadiums for the first time in 40 years.   Empress Farah of Iran Issued a Statement on it that underscored her sense of joy:  

It was also a distressing month of sorts as I joined the Fish For Life Cruise and one of the catches at hand was a Tennis Shoe--and we all thought it was a big shock: 

@Fish For Life 2019 (copyright Mike Pouraryan) 

@Fish For Life 2019 (Copyright Mike Pouraryan) 

I continue to remain hopeful in spite of the challenges as I wish all a Happy Halloween and say how the Best is yet to come:  

Outsider Dana Point Harbor (Copyright Mike Pouraryan) 

Onward to November with all its' possibilities....

Remembering a Icon of My Life....

Out & About with Brief #RandomThoughts

This is my First #RandomThoughts here in my corner as a new Quarter dawns.    It has been quite a challenging time in our World.   It was distressing as I saw Alla Abdel Fattah, one of the heroes of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, was arrested yet again: 

I first heard of him and his family when he was first arrested--and never forget how his Aunt said how lucky they were that he received only a death sentence and was not shot as Egyptians took also to the streets to protest against the brutal rule of Sisi.     

While on responsibilities at the Daily Outsider, I have been assessing the protests in Iraq and continued challenges in Iran--a very small victory as women in Iran were allowed to attend a FIFA-sponsored soccer event which in some measure was brought about as a result of the death of the Blue Girl.   Challenges, though, are profound in Iran which is heartbreaking to be witness to.

Remaining hopeful and upbeat is not easy.   But, I see no choice as I caught this courtesy of the team at foundr:  

As I was in Community, I caught this on the absolute beauty of my hometown, Laguna Niguel as the Moon was out there in the background:

Remaining Hopeful....

Brief #RandomtThoughts As weekend looms....

It was another busy week of engagements and projects--I had the pleasure to be in Laguna Beach earlier this week and captured this beautiful gem of life in Laguna Beach--The Sunset says it all!!!

I look forward to sharing some closing thoughts as I gear up for the 4th Quarter.

#RandomThoughts

It is the eve of 9/11 as I write some #RandomThoughts For the Week.   I captured the thoughts as I did above to think about our World especially as I see now John Bolton has been fired (or resigned) depending on the narratives.    

The two images I noted above to headline my #RandomThoughts was about caring and about making sure that as one simple member of the @ordinaryfaces, I continue to do what I can to give voice and to help to transform--the basic mission behind the Daily Outsider.   This is as I also finished off helping with curation on the eve of 9/11 as our team will go dark through Thursday in honor of 9/11 although our Twitter Feed will be active daily with updates along with the Broadcast POD.

As I close out these Brief #RandomThoughts, I wanted to salute the memory of the #BlueGirl in Iran who died of wounds she suffered after setting herself on Fire in protest at receiving a prison sentence for attending a football (Soccer) Match and also salute the Civic Activists who have received a combined 111 Years Prison Sentence:  

#WeShallOvercome.

#RandomThoughts

The Laguna Niguel Skyline 

It is the eve of Labor Day as I write this.   I took a little time off commitments at the Daily Outsider to reflect and remember while being supportive of My Aunt's Move to her new community.    It has been a odyssey to reflect upon a fabulous life and as she begins a new chapter of an accomplished life of purpose that she has had so far.    Being a symbol of resilience, strength and courage in spite of all the odds has been an inspiration to me, My Sister (a symbol of strength, courage and stoic tenacity in her own right and very much a source of inspiration) , my cousins, our extended family and her vast circle of friends.   As I was reflecting upon such a magnificent life, I caught the image above from my Aunt's  residence late last night as I was taking a break before getting back to work.   

As I am back at my Office, I had a chance to call up a beautiful melody sung by a legend of Iranian Music and Art for almost 60 years--The great Googosh.   She began as a child prodigy, grew up to be one of the most versatile performers with memorable roles in Music and Film.  The revolution derailed her career and she was subject to intimidation and harassment constantly--I believe that she was under arrest on at least a couple of occasions before leaving Iran.     I released this to my Personal Twitter Feed Late Last night to remember:

A late contribution 2 #SundayThoughts on the eve of #LaborDay2019 here in the US as two legends collaborate 2 give voice 2 what the @OrdinaryFaces of #Iran have been thru over the past 40 years--as I note #WeWillReClaimIran #Googoosh Aziz: https://t.co/U7R63GqBKx

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) September 2, 2019

Onward to September with all its' possibilities.... 

#RandomThoughts

I have been out & about over the past week with on-going initiatives.    While I've been on my prowl today, I decided to be supportive of the call to action by Second Harvest that I saw earlier over the weekend:

Dear Partners, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a proposed rule that would severely restrict eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If implemented, this rule would result in three million individuals losing SNAP and 500,000 children losing access to free school meals. We are asking you to join Second Harvest Food Bank in opposing this harmful rule by writing comments and sharing how it would increase hunger in your community. Please find below, a template letter for you to use in contacting USDA. The letter can be sent through mail, email, or online link and must be received by September 23, 2019. All comments received by USDA must be read, cataloged and answered in the final rule. As people on the front lines of hunger in our community, we believe it is crucial for USDA to hear your voice. For questions about the proposed rule, please contact Sarah Tolentino or Brana Vlasic at sarah@feedoc.org or brana@feedoc.org. Thank you for your continued support in helping to make sure that we have all the resources we need to help feed the hungry in our community. Sincerely, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County As I was working away on commitments at the Daily Outsider, I noticed a call out from the NRDC which I had the pleasure to sign off on especially in light of the disaster on-going at the Amazon--what was so sad was seeing how the Brazilian President mocked the First Lady of France as the Amazon Burnt: Mike— For nearly a month, the Amazon rainforest — "the Earth's lungs" — has been on fire. This tragedy affects us all, and is yet another terrible reminder about climate change, how fragile the world's forests are, and how much work needs to be done. Today is National Toilet Paper Day, a day to act to protect another of the Earth's critical carbon-storing forests — the boreal forests of northern Canada. These majestic forests store huge amounts of our climate-busting carbon pollution. But the boreal is also being cut at a dizzying rate… much of it to make toilet paper. And right now, too many toilet paper brands use 100% virgin forest fiber that often comes from clear-cut ancient trees and old-growth forests — like the Canadian boreal. But there's something that we can do to help stop the destruction of the old-growth boreal forest — We Wipe Right. By pledging to switch from 100% virgin forest fiber toilet paper to 100% recycled, each wipe can help save trees and reduce greenhouse gas pollution and also let companies know you want them to switch to making products that don't flush our forests down the toilet. Mike, take the pledge to Wipe Right and save our trees — and our climate — by switching to 100% recycled toilet paper. Help us reach our goal of 100,000 pledges, and find out which toilet paper brands are best for the environment. Never underestimate the importance of toilet paper in our fight against climate change: Destroying forests to make toilet paper is a threat not just to our environment and our climate, but to hundreds of Indigenous communities, iconic boreal caribou, billions of songbirds, and other wildlife that call this ancient forest home. Too many toilet paper brands use 100% virgin forest fiber that often comes from clear-cut ancient trees and old-growth forests — including Canada's boreal forest. But, if every person in the U.S. replaced just one roll of toilet paper made from trees with a roll made with 100% recycled materials, we could save 1,083,000 carbon-storing trees. So, what can we do to help stop the destruction of the old-growth boreal forest? We Wipe Right. Take the pledge to Wipe Right and help us reach our goal of 100,000 pledges. By taking the pledge, you'll be on your way to becoming a more conscious consumer of toilet paper and other paper goods. We'll even share more information and resources with you that will give you the rundown on what brands are the most sustainable. So, in honor of National Toilet Paper Day, help us reach 100,000 pledges by taking the pledge to Wipe Right for our environment. Then find out which toilet paper brands are best for the planet. Thanks, and happy National Toilet Paper Day! Shelley Vinyard Boreal Corporate Campaign Manager, NRDC Such Random Thoughts won't be even possible without my reflecting upon Iran.    One the Iranian Legends, Googosh, produced this clip capturing how she (and all Iranians) were witness to the last 40 years--the lyrics are in Farsi but the images are striking and the music is absolutely stunning and beautiful as she collaborated with another Iranian Legend, Siavash Ghomeshi:  I was so proud of this from my second cousin who served as a member of the Production Team for this Movie and the beautiful retrospective she wrote underscoring the profound challenges Iranians face right now and how I understand it has been shortlisted for the Oscars:    As I finish off these Random Thoughts, It is in the end about making a difference.    But what the Guardian's Simon Tisdall wrote in the aftermath of the G7 Truly gave me a moment of pause as he closed out his column today with this: "...It’s time to think again about who rules the world, and how – while there’s still a world left to rule...."   A chilling thought indeed....