Let' the Party Begin!!

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Happy New Year

All the music you need to close out 2017. Get your party started now! 2017 New Year's Eve Party Rap 2017 R&B 2017 Country 2017 Pop 2017 Reggaeton 2017

Notations From the Grid (Special New Year's Eve Edition): On the First Year of @POTUS

As only depicted by the Economist' Kal!!

Onward to 2018.

Happy New Year to all.....

Notations From the Grid (Special @POTUS Watch Y-End Edition): As we Await #2018....

As the year draws to a close, our team compiled a "snapshot" of the first year since Donald Trump Became President of the United States which we hope all all enjoy:

• The View from China  

  

 

• A Local Perspective on the aftermath of the Tax Cut Bill and its' impact on State and Local Government: 

Dear Taxpayer, Our office has received a number of inquiries from taxpayers asking if they can prepay property taxes due to the new Federal legislation relating to the deductibility of State and Local Taxes (SALT). In the new legislation, the deductibility of state and local taxes for federal income taxes in 2018 is greatly scaled back. Taxpayers can only deduct up to $10,000 of any combination of property, income or sales taxes. As the average secured property tax bill in fiscal year 2017-2018 is approximately $7,100, and California has both an income tax and sales tax, it is likely that many taxpayers would pay more than $10,000 in SALT next year. We are not able to accept any pre-payments for property taxes that have not yet been billed. At this time we can only accept payments for the first or second installment of the FY 2017-18 property taxes or any supplemental property taxes already billed and not for any FY 2018-19 property taxes. We also do not accept partial payments of property tax bills. The second installment of secured property taxes is due on February 1 and delinquent if received or postmarked after April 10, 2018. You can pay any outstanding property tax payments prior January 1, 2018 using one of our convenient options: "Discourse" From the "Social Grid" On the aftermath of the enactment of the Tax Cut Bill:

DECEMBER 21, 2017 Good morning. Republicans celebrated their big tax win yesterday at the White House, with President Trump, Mitch McConnell, and Paul Ryan acting like BFFs. Trump hugged McConnell. Ryan said “something this big, this profound, could not have been done without exquisite presidential leadership.” There were quieter celebrations in corporate offices around the country, where an overhaul of a broken corporate tax system has been sought in vain for years. A few companies, recognizing the danger of voter backlash, had the good sense to promise the tax changes will result in investment and jobs in the U.S., as well as benefits for workers. AT&T, for instance, issued a press release saying that once the bill is passed into law, it will “invest an additional $1 billion in the United States in 2018 and pay a special $1,000 bonus to more than 200,000 AT&T U.S. employees.” Boeing said it will earmark $300 million for “employee-related and charitable investment” as a result of the tax bill. And Fifth Third Bancorp said it would “raise its minimum hourly wage for all employees to $15, and distribute a one-time bonus of $1,000 for more than 13,5000 employees.” While most businesses will benefit from the change, the biggest winners include: Retailers, who pay among the highest average corporate tax rates and need help competing against more lightly taxed Amazon; Health insurers, who could reap an estimated 15% to 20% increase in earnings as a result, according to some analysts; Telecom companies, like AT&T, who earn most of their income in the U.S.; Refiners, who could reap more than $150 billion in tax savings next year; and Pharmaceutical companies and tech companies, who may repatriate some of the trillions of dollars in earnings they have stashed overseas, at reduced rates. You can read a more thorough review of the effects on various industries here. While businesses are the big winners, most individuals will get tax cuts as well. For individuals, tax brackets will change as of January 1, and new guidance about tax withholding should be out by the end of the month, leading to paycheck changes as early as February.

US economy faces a painful comedown from its ‘sugar high’ https://t.co/Y3c6Pe9hqP

— Financial Times (@FT) December 10, 2017

Dow in the first 11 months:
- Obama: 29.9%
- Trump: 25.0%

S&P in the first 11 months:
- Obama: 36.9%
- Trump: 18.4% https://t.co/jYMJgIMpTf

— Steven Rattner (@SteveRattner) December 19, 2017

Penn/Wharton model finds that tax bill will increase average annual economic growth by no more than about one-tenth of one percentage point over next decade. For $2 trillion in additional federal debt. https://t.co/tkxuHK1PSY

— Ronald Brownstein (@RonBrownstein) December 19, 2017

Top award for cowardice? Quite competitive, but goes to 12 Republican California House members who voted for tax bill that sought to politically punish their state thru higher taxes, cuts in health & education. If those 12 opposed, bill fails 215-215. Lots to explain in 2018.

— Gene Sperling (@genebsperling) December 19, 2017

So that's the plan, then: massive tax cuts for corporations and the rich, followed by massive cuts to programs for the poor and the elderly. https://t.co/yTYPlfxMV3

— Ezra Klein (@ezraklein) December 19, 2017

To grasp the true scale of betrayal this tax plan represents, it's crucial to remember the *story* Trump told during the campaign.

It was a story about how Trump had engorged himself off politicians who rigged the economy. He knew the scam. He'd end it.https://t.co/ByLxspIpkZ pic.twitter.com/c2udUTLpvk

— Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) December 20, 2017 

I've created new charts that show just what an enormous giveaway to the rich the Trump GOP tax plan really is.

They use Tax Policy Center data.

Here's the key one, showing what happens in 2027:https://t.co/ijnySc7FTt pic.twitter.com/gOzs5JG9iI

— Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) December 19, 2017

The new House Tax Plan seems to give unfair tax breaks to large companies instead of supporting middle- and working-class people, disadvantaged groups like our #homeless community, and efforts to develop #affordablehousing. Check out some of these specifics: pic.twitter.com/sCGcRgooTy

— National Homeless (@Ntl_Homeless) December 14, 2017

Economic inequality and the future of democracy https://t.co/1qaTNB18Lk

— Project Syndicate (@ProSyn) December 17, 2017

We conclude with this as we wish all a #HappyNewYear2018: 

“To announce that there must be
no criticism of the President,
or that we are to stand by the President,
right or wrong,
is not only unpatriotic and servile,
but is morally treasonable to the American public.”~ Theodore Roosevelt  

Notations From the Grid (Special Edition): On #Iran Watch

Our team just captured these images from Social Media  from wide-spread demonstrations throughout Iran over the past 36 hours as the Government has called for major demonstrations in support of the Government in the aftermath of the challenges of the Green Movement.   Ayatollah Khameini noted in the first screen capture on how he wanted the current President and the former President to be held to account--even though his own accountability is not to be questioned for the continued profound challenges the Country Faces.     Clips of Videos continue to be hitting the Social Media Airways throughout the past number of days as Official Government Media continues to stay silent and dismissive of the wide-spread demonstrations.   Cries of "No to Gaza, No to Lebanon..I will lay my life for Iran " especially resonated as the first Vice President, Jahangiri, dismissed is as "an excuse" and underscored that such will not harm the Government.   

As we went to press, we wanted to note one interesting note was by Professor Zibakalam of Tehran University.   He has been one of the leading internal voices of dissent as he underscored how the rising voices of discontent against the current President, Hassan Rouhani, must be held in check.     This is as he released this on what he viewed as the misguided view on how Iran approaches its' Foreign Policy in relations to Israel:

. یکی از دلایل ناکامی فلسطینی‌ها ظرف ۷۰سال گذشته اختلافات کشورهای اسلامی بوده. در ماجرای اخیر به عنوان مثال، ما ایرانیان بیش از آن که به فکر یاری فلسطینی‌ها باشیم، در پی تسویه حساب با سعودی‌ها هستیم. تلاش می‌کنیم نشان دهیم آن‌ها و خط سازش مقصر بوده‌اند و در مقابل، موضعِ رادیکالِ ایرانِ انقلابی، درست و بر حق. #زیباکلام_توییتر #زیباکلام_توئیتر #زیباکلام #صادق_زیباکلام #تولد_اسراییل #تولد_اسرائیل #کتاب_تولد_اسرائیل #کتاب_تولد_اسراییل #فلسطین #اسرائیل #اورشلیم #اسراییل #اسرائیل_باید_نابود_شود #اسرائیل_باید_از_بین_برود

A post shared by صادق زیباکلام (@zibakalamsadegh) on Dec 16, 2017 at 6:36am PST

 He featured three of the defeated and discredited Presidential Candidates and asked:  there is no alternative as he challenged Rouhani to hear the pleas of the ordinary faces on the street.    This is as major cities throughout Iran dealt with environmental hazards that prompted closures of Schools and Institutions as Iran continued to face challenging weather in the aftermath of a very challenging Budget that the President has presented to Parliament which is being deliberated as we went to press.

On the Eve of Christmas Day & As We Await #2018.....

As we go dark for the Rest of the Year and await the arrival of 2018....

Please enjoy this Visual Essay of Prayers we captured from the Holy Father as we wish all a Fabulous Holiday Season and a joyous 2018... !!! 

Notations On Our World (Special Y-End #2017 Edition): As We Prepare To Go "Dark" For #2017.......

Happy Holidays:  Christmas Songs Playlist on Spotify

It is a joyful time as we are again grateful to the team at the Mission for this honoring one of our team's favorite characters;  Peanuts!!!   We are  ever so grateful for all the opportunities we have had over the past year as we hope all continue to embrace our adventure .

It was quite a week as we were witness to the the Noble Peace Prize being awarded to ICAN , President Trump announced the move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem and we were able to be witness to the 24 Hours of Reality.  For us, it was especially poignant as Southern California that we have the privilege to call home, was  encircled by a ring of fire.  California's Governor underscored the fact that such fires prompted by Climate Change will be the New Normal.   This is why what the Climate Reality Project, 350.Org and other organizations do is ever so critical.   This is as the Tax Bill was on its' way to becoming law.   

We had the pleasure to release a Notation on it  and we are pleased to present this snapshot on the Kit which we hope all will embrace for the future of the planet: 

We hope you're enjoying this year's 24 Hours of Reality, broadcasting live across the globe! We know that when our world is in danger, we have to speak up. That’s why we’ve created Be the Voice of Reality: 12 Ways to Make a Difference, an action kit that offers concrete steps you can take today to protect tomorrow. Check it out here.  DOWNLOAD NOW Download the kit now and join a powerful movement of committed climate activists across the world. We’ve seen the climate crisis impact communities from New York to New Delhi and everywhere in between. We know that solutions exist, and that people want a more sustainable world. It’s time to create community, inspire hope, and take action. No one is going to solve the climate crisis for us. If we want a sustainable future for our families and our planet, we’ve got to be the voice of reality. Download our free Be the Voice of Reality: 12 Ways to Make a Difference action kit now. Thank you for all that you do! - Your friends at Climate Reality

BE THE VOICE OF REALITY: 12 WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DOWNLOAD THE ACTION KIT NOW TAKE ACTION

As we "go dark" through the end of the year, our team will continue periodic "curation" of our Twitter Channel as we also hope all enjoy our live Broadcast Pod featuring Al Jazeera.   As we commend ICAN for its' win of the Noble Peace Prize, ,  we view this small clip courtesy of ICAN that underscores a sense of humanity and a sense of purpose as epitomized as the World celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Human Rights:     

There was also this "business Perspective' courtesy of Industry Week which we wanted to feature that we received in our Virtual Newsroom:

About Trump: What Resonated With You As the first President without a background in politics or the military, Donald J. Trump was sure to rely on his business background in his new role as leader of the United States. The results delighted some and disappointed others. Nearly a year into his administration here are some of the most read stories by you. Also check our Trump and Manufacturing Section for our other coverage. Breaking Down the $250 Billion China Deals Trump Got for America For those keeping score, the energy and transportation sectors appear to be winners. Trump Might Be Right About the Trade Deficit With Canada President Donald Trump asserted again that the U.S. runs "a pretty good trade deficit" with Canada. The claim was quickly rebuffed by Canada's ambassador to the U.S., David MacNaughton. So, what is it? A surplus? Or a deficit? Trump Picks Up Baton from Obama in Crushing China Steel Imports If there's one thing Donald Trump and Barack Obama have in common, it's their ability to crush once-soaring Chinese steel imports. Tesla's Future in Trump's World Although Trump said he would rescind "job-destroying" environmental regulations within 100 days of taking office and revive U.S. coal, the impact on the renewable energy revolution may be limited. Trump's Carrier Victory Is the US Economy's Loss: Commentary  Using the power of the presidency to micromanage companies is an awful idea.

This is as the US Burden is ever so which will be a focus of ours during 2018:

Onward to 2018 with all its possibilities :

Notations On Our World (Special Edition): Homeless Persons' Interreligous Memorial Service

210 Of our Fellow Homeless Brothers and Sisters lost their lives during 2017.   Our Community here in Orange County will remember those fallen souls this coming Thursday as we celebrate the Holidays:

Notations From the Grid (Special Weekly Edition): As #2017 Draws to a Close...

Our team picked this up courtesy  of the New York Times' Upshot team on the pending Tax Cut Bill:

How the new tax system will affect people depends on a few key variables. Here's a way to estimate. https://t.co/CVHwENvmLe pic.twitter.com/4MavyELw0D

— The Upshot (@UpshotNYT) December 17, 2017

It was a result of quite a bit of compromise to secure the votes of a number of US Senators including Marco Rubio who was a last minute holdout and the Republicans are confident they will be able to pass it.    We also understood from reports late on Sunday that Senator McCain will miss the vote due to the aftermath of recovery from Chemotherapy.   In our View, the Guidance from the Congressional Budget Office was of special note as  "...According to CBO’s and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation’s (JCT) estimates, enacting H.R. 1 would reduce revenues by about $1,649 billion and decrease outlays by about $194 billion over the period from 2018 to 2027, leading to an increase in the deficit of $1,455 billion over the next 10 years. Those estimates do not incorporate the effects of macroeconomic feedback...."    .  

In addition to the Tax Debate, One of the biggest decisions that came down was the rejection of Net Neutrality by the US Federal Communications Commission despite profound opposition--including we here are the Daily Outsider.    However, what Politico Noted was also very critical:

5 things Trump did this week while you weren't looking https://t.co/lBnJ4FNcFI pic.twitter.com/chv9u0Ik4j

— POLITICO (@politico) December 16, 2017

Our team has also been assessing the moves by Judicial Watch.  One move they made was to file suit against California regarding Voting:

Judicial Watch sent a notice-of-violation letter in August 2017 threatening to sue California and certain of its counties over violations of the National Voter Registration Act. California was one of 12 states to receive such letters from JW. (4/6)https://t.co/35Hs3wHINp

— Judicial Watch 🔎 (@JudicialWatch) December 13, 2017

On the Foreign Policy Front, the War of Words intensified between the United States and Iran in the aftermath of UN Ambassador Nikki Haley's Speech in Washington which prompted a retort from the Iranian Foreign Minister over Twitter this past week:

On the very day US regurgitates Saudi & Emirati propaganda on #Yemen, #CAR report confirms US & Saudi weapons end up in the hands of ISIS. With this U.S. administration, it seems hypocrisy knows no bounds. https://t.co/Gf7kAwieTE

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) December 15, 2017

Beyond the immediate challenges, we are looking to 2018 as We were witness to quite a #2017.   These images below captured the beauty, the majesty and the tragedies of our World during 2017 and we send a Virtual Thanks to the team at Reuters for their Choice and the team at China Daily for having featured it that we're privileged to feature here as we prepare to go dark for the year:   

China : A Salute 

United States: The Great Eclipse 

Europe: The Beauty of Greece 

Iraq:  The Battle For Mosul 

United States:  Muslim Ban Protests in Dallas 

United States:  New York City Marathon 

Europe:  A White Muse On a Stroll in Sweden 

As we went to press, President Trump was speaking on a major shift in US National Security Policy as 2018 Looms.     

It is bound to be a very interesting 2018....